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An Important Update Regarding Your Medicare

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When the New Year comes around, it’s a great opportunity for programs and services to hit the reset button and establish new guidelines. And when it comes to the 2022 calendar year, Medicare is one of those programs that will establish its own updated terms.

Medicare enrollees with higher incomes can expect to pay 14.5% more for their coverage once January rolls around.

This article is going to detail the changes that 2022 will bring to your Medicare Parts A & B premiums and deductibles, as well as Medicare Part D’s income-related monthly adjustment amounts. Those who will be most affected will be those of mid-to-higher incomes. These changes have been announced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a federal agency that administers Medicare programs. We strongly encourage you to check out the detailed fact sheet here, as much of the information in this article will come directly from the CMS announcement.

Medicare Part B

Let’s start with what will affect the majority of seniors in 2022 — Medicare Part B. Medicare Part B covers doctors’ visits and are covered by monthly premiums. Although everyone’s Part B premiums will differ, the current standard premium for Part B is $148.50 per month. In 2022, that amount will increase by $21.60, making the new premium $170.10 per month. The current annual deductible for Part B beneficiaries is currently $203 per month, but that amount will increase by $30 in 2022, making the new annual deductible $233.

CMS outlined three reasons as to why these increases are occurring in its fact sheet. Aside from health care’s increasing demand, a large reason why premiums and deductibles are increasing is because Medicare is preparing to potentially take on a high-cost drug called Aduhelm, which is designed to treat those with Alzheimer’s disease. It must be clear that, though Medicare is including this as a contributing factor for the increase in premiums and deductibles, the National Coverage Determination analysis that began in July is still active, and coverage determination is still unknown.

Seven percent of Medicare recipients can expect to pay income-related charges. For seniors with high incomes and with Medicare Part B income-related monthly adjustment amounts, refer to the table below to understand what your premium will be. The table directly reflects CMS’ fact sheet.

Beneficiaries who file individual tax returns with modified adjusted gross income: Beneficiaries who file joint tax returns with modified adjusted gross income: Income-related monthly adjustment amount: Total monthly premium amount:
Less than or equal to $91,000 Less than or equal to $182,000 $0.00 $170.10
Greater than $91,000 and less than or equal to $114,000 Greater than $182,000 and less than or equal to $228,000 $68.00 $238.10
Greater than $114,000 and less than or equal to $142,000 Greater than $228,000 and less than or equal to $284,000 $170.10 $340.20
Greater than $142,000 and less than or equal to $170,000 Greater than $284,000 and less than or equal to $340,000 $272.20 $442.30
Greater than $170,000 and less than $500,000 Greater than $340,000 and less than $750,000 $374.20 $544.30
Greater than or equal to $500,000 Greater than or equal to $750,000 $408.20 $578.30

For high income beneficiaries who are married and live with their spouse during the taxable year, but wish to file a separate return, refer to the table below, as taken directly from CMS:

Married and wish to file separate tax returns from spouse, with modified adjusted gross income: Income-related monthly adjustment amount: Total monthly premium amount:
Less than or equal to $91,000 $0.00 $170.10
Greater than $91,000 and less than $409,000 $374.20 $544.30
Greater than or equal to $409,000 $408.20 $578.30

Medicare Part A

Now that we’ve covered the changes to Medicare Part B, it’s important to also touch on what will be happening with Medicare Part A, which covers hospital costs. Most recipients of Part A do not have to pay a premium because they have acquired at least 40 quarters of “Medicare-covered” employment. This will continue to remain true as 2022 begins, meaning that if you have at least 40 quarters, you should not expect to pay an additional premium cost for Part A.

 

However, Medicare enrollees who do not have the full 40 quarters of Medicare-covered employment can expect an increase in their premiums. Those who have earned at least 30 quarters of coverage, or are married to someone who has acquired it, will see a $15 increase from $259 per month. Their new premium amount will total $274 per month. Those who have earned less than 30 quarters can expect to see a $28 increase in their premium, meaning their new monthly cost will total at $499 per month.

 

Now that you have a better understanding on how your premiums can potentially be impacted, it’s time to understand your deductible. According to CMS, the Medicare Part A inpatient hospital deductible will cover a “beneficiaries’ share of costs for the first 60 days or Medicare-covered inpatient hospital care in a benefit period.” Once 2022 rolls around, beneficiaries will have to pay $389 per day for the 61st through 90th day of their hospital stay. This is an $18 increase from 2021, where the amount is $371.

In 2021, the Part A inpatient hospital deductible that beneficiaries faced cost $1,484. In 2022, this amount will increase by $72, making the new deductible out to be $1,556.

 

Refer to the table below to get a clearer idea of the Part A Deductible and Coinsurance differences between 2021 and 2022.

2021 2022
Inpatient hospital deductible $1,484 $1,556
Daily coinsurance for 61st – 90th day $371/day $389/day
Daily coinsurance for lifetime reserve days $742/day $778/day
Skilled nursing facility coinsurance for 21st – 100th day $185.50 $194.50

Medicare Part D

 

Unfortunately, Medicare Parts A and B aren’t the only parts that are going to be increasing. That’s right, in 2022, beneficiaries and enrollees with Medicare Part D can expect to see prices rise, too. Much like how Medicare Part B’s income-related monthly adjustment amounts affect 7% of its users, Part D’s income-related monthly adjustment amounts affect 8% of its users. In addition, Part D premiums will vary between recipients and their plans.

Refer to the table below to understand the 2022 Part D income-related adjustment amounts for beneficiaries with high incomes as outlined by CMS. These monthly adjustment amounts are deducted from beneficiaries’ Social Security checks.

Beneficiaries who fil individual tax returns with modified gross income: Beneficiaries who file joint tax returns with modified adjusted gross income: Income-related monthly adjustment amount:
Less than or equal to $91,000 Less than or equal to $182,000 $0.00
Greater than $91,000 and less than or equal to $114,000 Greater than $182,000 and less than or equal to $228,000 $12.40
Greater than $114,000 and less than or equal to $142,000 Greater than $228,000 and less than or equal to $284,000 $32.10
Greater than $142,000 and less than or equal to $170,000 Greater than $284,000 and less than or equal to $340,000 $51.70
Greater than $170,000 and less than $500,000 Greater than $340,000 and less than $750,000 $71.30
Greater than or equal to $500,000 Greater than or equal to $750,000 $77.90

Refer to the table below for a clearer understanding of the premiums for beneficiaries with high incomes and are married/living with their spouse during the taxable year, but wish to file a separate return, as outlined by CMS:

Married and wish to file separate tax returns from spouse, with modified adjusted gross income: Income-related monthly adjustment amount
Less than or equal to $91,000 $0.00
Greater than $91,000 and less than $409,000 $71.30
Greater than or equal to $409,000 $77.90

What does this mean for you and/or your loved ones?

Simply put, this mass increase in premium, coinsurance and deductible prices means that you can expect to pay more toward your Medicare coverage. Totaled out, you should prepare to spend around $14 thousand toward Medicare this year — at the very least. You can still expect to receive the same services you’ve been getting, or that you’ve signed up for. The only thing that will be changing is how much these services will add up to.

However, it’s completely understandable and justified to feel shaken as a result of this announcement. And at The Best Senior Services, we want to assure you that any questions you have will be answered. We provide trusted information to educate you and other seniors on Medicare and other financial services. Our resources are free, easily accessible, and available 24/7.

If you have any questions that remain unanswered, feel free to contact us so that we can connect you with a local agent in your area who can answer any questions or concerns that you have. You can get started with us today by visiting our website or by calling us at 855-979-8277.

5 Reasons TBSS Can Help You

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There are a lot of resources, both online and off, that are designed to help seniors prepare for retirement. Many of those resources are great because they prioritize those who utilize their products and services. Like these resources, The Best Senior Services (TBSS) is an online information hub that helps and prioritizes those who visit us.

Recently, The TBSS team came together to discuss important values and worries that seniors hold in retirement. After compiling a list of 50 values and worries, we’ve narrowed it down to four reasons as to how TBSS can help you during your retirement. Important things that seniors think about when preparing for retirement include the fear of being taken advantage of or scammed, understanding Medicare, wanting to find financial agents or help that they can trust, the desire to be respected and heard with kindness and financial security.

When addressing these values and fears, we came up with five reasons as to how we help you. These have quickly become core values of ours that are designed to help you.

In this article, we’re going to go over our five core values, mission statement and vision statement. We’re also going to discuss how they work to your advantage, so that you and your loved ones can better understand just how TBSS can help you.

Our core values

Our core values capture the idea of our beliefs and principles. We hold these values in high regard because, without them, we would not be able to operate honestly or efficiently.

Let’s jump right in and discuss what The Best Senior Services’ (TBSS) core values are, and what they mean for you and/or your loved ones.

  1. TBSS only publishes truthful information. We will never advertise or endorse any message that is false or fraudulent.

    The internet is a vast place that’s full of useful information, but it’s also a place full of useless This always leaves people feeling overwhelmed because they’re not sure what can be trusted. But when it comes to TBSS, you can rest easy knowing that all of the information that is being shown to you is accurate and truthful. This is because all of the information we get comes from trusted sources, such as official websites created by the United States federal government or university institutions. We also work closely with licensed agents who provide us reliable and truthful information that can be relayed to you. We ensure the information we publish is accurate so that you are able to maximize your visit with us and be prepared for retirement.

  2. TBSS wants to give back to those who have helped raise us. This is why we give seniors the respect they deserve, so they know their questions and concerns are being taken seriously.

Whether you’re preparing for retirement or have already made the transition, you and your loved ones work hard to reach this stage in life, and that’s a large accomplishment that deserves praise. That’s why TBSS ensures that everyone who visits our website is treated with the utmost respect. Every visit to our website, or conversation with a representative, should be pleasant. If that’s not the case, we will quickly resolve the situation so that you’re satisfied. We’re grateful that you’re taking the time to visit with us, and we want you to know that!

  1. TBSS aims to provide useful information that is applicable to all who come across it. We want seniors to realize how they can reclaim their financial status or continue to be successful in retirement so they can focus on the things that really matter to them.

Just like our information is truthful, it’s equally as useful. We want seniors to utilize what they learn on our website so that they can act on their financial status and retirement in ways that allow them to continue to be successful throughout their retirement years. You know that information is useful if it is accurate, but you also know that it’s useful if it’s current, understandable and full of detailed coverage. Making our information useful means making sure our information is filled with honest suggestions and topical plans of action so that you and your loved ones know where to go and what to do for further assistance.

  1. TBSS will not sell or share any of the information disclosed to us with anyone else, outside of the agent we connect you with. Your information will always remain safe and protected.

    Many fear that sharing their information online will result in it being sold to third parties, resulting in unwanted advertisements or, worse, scams. Let TBSS be the first to assure you that your information is not being shared with anyone outside of the direct, licensed agent you will be speaking with. Your information is also safe from being distributed to other businesses or companies, meaning you can safely visit our website and fill out a form knowing that your information will not be shared.

  2. TBSS aims to educate seniors so they can go to a single, simple resource for help on Medicare and other financial services. We make our interface easy so seniors have a better understanding of their retirement.

    There are many senior resources out there that are designed to help seniors throughout their retirement and more. We are constantly evaluating our website so that it is easy, understandable and well-designed, so that we become the dominant information-hub for seniors who are looking to learn more about Medicare, financial services and more. If you have any suggestions on how we can improve, don’t hesitate to reach out by calling us at 855-979-8277.

 

Our mission statement

The Best Senior Services (TBSS) informs and educates seniors about Medicare and other financial services while connecting them with local licensed agents, so they can spend less time worrying about retirement and more time enjoying it.

We firmly believe that mission statements reveal the values of a business, which is why we want to be open and honest about ours. We make our intentions and services clear so that no one is confused about how we can help by revealing our mission statement. We want to give back to seniors by helping them with their retirement in any way that we can, and we are happy to be able to do so.

Our vision statement

The Best Senior Services’ (TBSS) vision is to be the nation’s leading senior resource center. We strive to inspire and empower seniors to act on their retirement goals by utilizing our resources.

We are excited about the hard work we’ve put into this company, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t room for improvement and hope toward the future. We believe that vision statements help a planning process, and we have plans to reach every senior in the United States. We are just as honest about our vision statement as we are about our mission statement because we are thrilled to see how we will develop and excel in the future, and we want you to be along for the ride.

We at The Best Senior Services are excited by the thought of helping you reach your retirement goals, whether that be through providing you blogs to read or reaching out to you directly with one of the local, licensed agents we work with. You’ve earned your retirement by working hard and caring for your business and/or career. Now, it’s our turn to care for you throughout your retirement so that you can spend time focusing on the people, things and experiences that are important to you.

To learn more about TBSS, visit our website. You can get started with one of our agents today by filling out our form or calling us at 855-979-8277.

 

Halloween Activities to do With Your Grandchildren

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Halloween is coming up, and you know what that means: scary movies, pumpkins, trick-or-treating and more. Halloween is one of the most popular holidays celebrated in the United States, and for good reason — it is a fun way in which you can spend time with your family, especially your grandchildren. And if you’re close to your grandchildren, there are plenty of activities that they’ll want to do with you.

This article is going to cover all of the Halloween activities you can do with your grandchildren, whether you live near them or hours away.

In-person activities

If you live within a close proximity to your grandkids, there are multiple activities you can do to celebrate Halloween with them.

  • Pumpkin patch. Everyone loves pumpkin patches, and the great thing about that is because of their popularity, it’s easy to find one near you. Pumpkin patches offer a lot of different activities, from corn mazes to truck rides, and many of them sell food and beverages throughout the patch. And the best part? You get to pick out a couple of your favorite pumpkins to take home!
  • Bake Halloween treats. Baking is one of the best things that a senior can do with his or her grandchildren, and that’s because everyone has a chance to be involved with something, whether it be cracking the eggs or even just licking the batter off the spoon. Holiday treats include cookies, cake, brownies, caramel apples, candy corn cobs, monster truffles and more. There are multiple recipes that are circulating the internet that are tailored to any dietary restrictions you and/or your grandchildren may have, as well as fun designs that are easy to accomplish. Here is a list of some of the great Halloween treats that you can make with your loved ones.
  • Watch Halloween-themed movies. It’s likely that your grandchildren will not want to watch horror movies, like Halloween, and will opt for some family-friendly movies, instead. There are multiple family-friendly movies that are on streaming services like Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime and more. Take a look at their selections to see what your grandchildren would like to watch!
  • Carve and/or paint pumpkins. For all of the pumpkin lovers, there are multiple activities that you can do with them that are both fun and exciting. The most popular activity is carving the pumpkins. This may not be an activity you’ll want to do with your grandchildren if they’re young, as they can hurt themselves or lose steam fairly quickly. But if they’re older and show interest in this activity with you, then it’s a great way for them to let their creativity flow and make something unique. For a bonus treat, you can bake the pumpkin seeds that you scoop out. And for those who aren’t big into the carving game, you can also paint pumpkins. The great part about pumpkins is the fact that special paints aren’t needed to make a great, easy-to-see design. Inexpensive acrylic paint is a great tool that you can use for painting your pumpkins. And, as a bonus tip, we recommend leaving your pumpkin full and intact, rather than hollowed out. That way, it stays fresh for a lot longer and does not rot quickly.
  • Decorate. One of the best ways that you can prepare for Halloween is to decorate your home, and it’s more fun when you’re doing so with your grandchildren, for so many reasons. One reason is because it brings a sense of nostalgia. Down the lines, when your grandchildren are older, they’ll remember how much fun they had decorating with you. Another reason is because it’s a great opportunity for you to bond with your grandchildren. If your grandkids are younger, and you want to have them help out, give them soft decorations to put around your home, whether it be pillows, blankets or paper decorations.
  • Go trick-or-treating. If your grandchildren are younger, and you’re able to, this is one of the best activities that you can do with them. Halloween night is something that children look forward to all year, and this is a night in which they will be the most excited about the holiday. They may also need some extra help carrying their candy buckets or pillow cases!
  • Halloween crafts. Crafts are great ways for your grandchildren to show their creative side with no limitations. Here is a list of Halloween crafts that are easy, and fun, for your grandchildren to do. A great benefit for Halloween crafts is the fact that you can then turn these crafts into decoration that you can use for years to come. They’ll also serve as reminders for your grandchildren in future years about the things that you did together, which will leave them feeling as nostalgic as they would about when you decorated together.
  • Dress up. Dressing up is one of the best parts about Halloween, and it’s a great way to spend time with your grandchildren. Go online or to a local store to see what costumes are available for both you and your grandkids to dress up in. And the best part about this activity? There are other Halloween activities you can do on top of dressing up, like visiting the pumpkin patch, decorating or carving pumpkins.
  • Go to haunted houses. You’ll have to do some research on the haunted houses in your area so that you can find one that’s right for you and your family. If your grandchildren are younger, you’ll want to find a “mild” haunted house that is designed for families to explore. If your grandchildren are older, and want to visit a haunted house that’s a little more intense, then you’ll want to find a haunted house that fits those expectations. However, there are some houses that are a lot more intense than others, so it’s important to look into the reviews so that you understand what you’re into. And if the house has any warnings in regard to health, make sure to follow those rules so that you can prioritize your health, too.

Online and/or video chat activities

Halloween activities are a lot of fun to do, especially with your grandchildren, but that doesn’t mean that it requires seeing each other in-person. If you live in a different state from your grandchildren, or are taking social distancing precautions, there are online and/or video chat activities that you can still do with your grandchildren.

  • Read Halloween books. If you have access to FaceTime, Zoom or Skype, you can hop online with your grandkids and read to them as many Halloween books as you’d like. The great part about doing this virtually is the fact that you can do this with all of your grandkids, if you’d like, no matter where they are. So if your grandchildren are dispersed all throughout the country, then you’ll be able to speak with all of them at once, thanks to the power of technology. Now, the only hard part is, choosing books that they’ll all agree with!
  • Host a virtual pumpkin carving competition. You can do this in two ways. The first is to play an online game with your grandchildren in which you carve virtual pumpkins. You can also hop on a video chat with your grandchildren in which you all carve pumpkins of your own, and judge which you consider to be the best.
  • Play Halloween-themed games online. Although some are single-player games, there are quite a few Halloween-themed games that are meant to be played amongst multiple players. And it’s very likely that your grandchildren enjoy playing online games, so this is a great way to spend time with them and ensure they’re entertained. There are multiple websites that have Halloween games that are family-friendly and easy-to-play, but to get started, here is a website that has a few of those games.
  • Halloween crafts. Halloween crafts are one of the things that you can do both in-person, and while you’re apart. Video chatting with your grandchildren and bonding with them while you both prepare Halloween crafts is a great way to spend the holiday, especially because they will remember the fact that you’ve taken the time to spend time with them, even if you couldn’t be there in-person.
  • Virtual drinks. If your grandchildren are at least 21 years old, but you’re unable to meet up, having drinks together on Skype, FaceTime or Zoom is a great way to catch up and talk about the holiday. And the greatest part about it? There are multiple Halloween-themed cocktails and drinks that you can make together. Here is a list of Halloween drink recipes that you and your grandchildren can try out.

Spending time with your grandchildren is an enriching experience. No matter what activities you do, there are lots of ways in which you can enjoy the Halloween season with your loved ones.

For more holiday or retirement tips, make sure to visit The Best Senior Services (TBSS). Our mission at TBSS is to inform and educate seniors about Medicare and other financial services while connecting them with local licensed agents, so they can spend less time worrying about retirement and more time enjoying it. You can get started with us today by visiting our website or calling us at 855-979-8277.

 

Health Supplements You’ll Need

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Throughout life, we’ve all been advised of health-related lifestyles to look into, whether it be trying new diets, exercises or healing methods. And when we’re younger, we’re able to do things as we see fit. But now that we’re getting older, it’s probably a good idea to start listening to some of the things that we can take to boost our health, like supplements.

There are thousands of supplements out there that are designed to boost different areas of your body. But, overall, supplements are designed to give you the nutrients that you otherwise would not receive as a normal part of your diet and daily routine.

This article is designed to fill you in on the supplements you may want to consider, what their benefits are and how you can find them. Before we begin, however, we recommend confirming each suggested supplement with your doctor to ensure it will provide you desired results in a safe manner. Let’s get started.

The basics

Let’s start out with the baseline supplements that many seniors should consider. These are going to be your vitamins (specifically Vitamin D) and calcium. These two supplements are extremely important to have, despite being your baseline needs. This is because they help strengthen your bones and, as a result, reduce bone loss. The best way in which you can consume calcium is by drinking your preferred type of milk (2%, oat milk, coconut milk, etc.). It is important to know, though, that different types of milk will have varying levels of calcium in them. And as for Vitamin D, you can purchase it at affordable prices at your local grocery store or pharmaceutical.

Another basic supplement that you should consider is fish oil. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids. Its primary function is to help soothe inflammation throughout your body, as well as help treat those with Rheumatoid Arthritis or high blood pressure. Although fish oil has some great benefits for your body, it’s important to discuss this supplement with your doctor, as there are also some downsides to this product. Most notably, taking too much fish oil — or taking it too frequently — will hinder your blood’s abilities to form clots and could cause gastrointestinal bleeding.

You want to consider basic supplements because they provide baseline strength and health to your body, which is an essential thing to have as you age. This is because you will remain active for the things that matter the most, whether it be exercising or simply spending time with your family and friends.

Nutritious supplements

There are some dietary supplements that are nutritious for seniors and meant to boost health and/or lower risk of health problems. These supplements can come in many different forms, varying between pills, powders, tablets, liquids and more.

Both of the basic supplements we’ve mentioned are nutritious supplements, but there are others that focus on your health as well, including Vitamin B12, antioxidants (like Vitamins C and E) and herbal (meaning plant-based) supplements.

Vitamin B12 can be found naturally in some foods and is available as a dietary supplement. Its main purpose is to provide healthy growth to one’s central nervous system. But according to the National Institute of Health, it doesn’t stop there. It’s also important for the formation of healthy red blood cells and DNA synthesis, which is the creation of your DNA’s molecules. Another perk to taking Vitamin B12 is the fact that, no matter how much you take, you should generally be safe. This is because your body will soak in what dose of it is needed and do away with the rest. However, this does not mean that you should take copious amounts of this. The recommended amount for those everyone over the age of 19 is 2.4 mcg.

For those who want to ensure that they are getting a healthy dose of Vitamin B12, it can mainly be found in pill or tablet form and can be purchased at any grocery store or pharmacy.

As a senior, your health is paramount. That’s why it’s also important for you to consider taking antioxidants, too. Some benefits of antioxidants include the enhancement of your cognitive health as well as your immune system, which, in turn, can slow the aging process for some. Other benefits include preserving eyesight and protection from eye diseases, like cataracts. They’re also known to lower the stress levels of those who regularly consume them.

Many common foods are rich with antioxidants, like blueberries, pomegranates, green and black tea, citrus fruits, dark chocolate, vegetables and more. But those who are interested in taking it in pill-form or gummy-form can do so through their grocery store or pharmacy. However, it is recommended that those who do so should take low doses, as there can be some risks to taking the pills, especially for those who are otherwise healthy. These risks include lower exercise benefits as well as the increased risk of some cancers. Speak with your doctor before acquiring them to discuss what benefits and risks are specific to you.

Other nutritious supplements include herbal supplements. Herbal supplements are supplements that are plant-based and designed to protect those from illnesses or healing infections and wounds and are often considered as optional. They’re also great aids for those who are looking to break any fevers they have developed. Herbal supplements can range anywhere from flaxseed and ginkgo to chamomile and even garlic. The list of what qualifies as herbal supplements is endless, really. And because the list is long, benefits can range.

Let’s take the aforementioned chamomile and garlic for an example. Chamomile aids in sleep quality as well as anxiety reduction. Garlic, on the other hand, can help those with high blood pressure reduce oxidative stress. If there is a specific herbal supplement that interests you, make sure to research its provided benefits and risks.

Although many love using herbal supplements, others are skeptical. It’s important to know that these supplements are regulated by the United States’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but according to the Mayo Clinic, a nonprofit American academic medical center, they aren’t as heavily regulated as prescription drugs or those that are found over-the-counter. Just like with any supplements, there are potential risks of consuming too much or too little. However, understanding these risks shouldn’t diminish the benefits that they do have. For those who are weary of using herbal supplements, speak with your doctor and see what he or she recommends.

Fiber supplements

One key thing that our bodies need is fiber. And, believe it or not, matching your body’s need for fiber is a lot harder than you would think. Fiber is needed throughout the body so that you can fight against high blood pressure, inflammation or high amounts of lipids, or fats, throughout your body, too. Not to mention, fiber is essential for providing your body with enough insulin. In the event that there isn’t enough insulin in your body, glucose is unable to reach your cells and will remain in your bloodstream, which brings us back to the original problem of high blood pressure.

The best way to ensure that you’re getting enough fiber is to eat fiber-rich foods, like vegetables, popcorn, fruit or chia seeds. You can also take fiber supplements that can be found in any grocery store or pharmacy.

There is one important thing to note when considering taking fiber supplements: although fiber is an important supplement that seniors need, the same cannot be guaranteed with iron supplements. In fact, iron supplements may not be the best supplement for seniors to take at all. Taking in too much iron will damage your liver, heart and pancreas. If you are worried that neglecting iron will develop into anemia, speak with your doctor about a recommended plan of action.

Supplements are crucial to leading a healthy life and fighting off signs of aging. That’s why it’s equally as important to consider taking some. Remember, though, that you must take these supplements in healthy quantities and doses so that you are not ingesting too much or too little. Doing so will bring forth more risks than benefits.

For any other retirement-related questions, let The Best Senior Services (TBSS) help. Our mission is to inform and educate seniors about Medicare and other financial services while connecting them with local licensed agents, so they can spend less time worrying about retirement and more time enjoying it. We aim to be the nation’s leading senior resource center and strive to inspire and empower seniors to act on their retirement goals by utilizing our resources.

To read more articles, visit our blog page. Or to get started with us, visit our website or call us at 855-979-8277.

 

Where is Your Local Senior Center?

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Senior centers are all across the United States, and they’re gaining in popularity. Hundreds of thousands of seniors have memberships to their local senior centers, where they’re able to relax (or even challenge themselves!) in the company of their friends and family.

But there is still so much unknown about senior centers, especially for those who are unfamiliar with them and just getting to know what they are. In this article, we’re going to explain what senior centers are, how to locate your closest one, what the typical membership requirements are and what the benefits to becoming a member are.

Let’s dive right in by further explaining what senior centers are, as well as what their purpose is.

What are senior centers?

The great thing about senior centers is the fact that they’re exactly what they sound like: centers for seniors. However, a more detailed explanation of what they are will tell you that they are community centers for seniors to network, exercise, participate in games and activities, and more. Each senior center’s purpose is to help seniors maintain their independence in a safe environment with the support of staff and other members.

You may find that your senior center will offer some — or all — of the typical services that most offer. These services can include:

  • Meals,
  • Games, classes and activities (like bingo, arts and crafts, educational activities, etc.),
  • Exercise and fitness activities/equipment,
  • Volunteer opportunities,
  • Employment aid and more.

How can I locate the one closest to me?

There are a lot of ways in which you can locate your closest senior center, but the easiest way is to type in a quick search online. This will outline all of the senior centers in your area, how far away they are, their hours of operation, as well as directions as to how to drive to them. Doing so will also pull up a list of the senior centers’ websites so that you can look around to see which is the best center that is fit for you.

You can also locate your local senior center by looking at your city’s directory and seeing where it is located.

What are their membership requirements?

Each senior center will have a different set of requirements that an individual must meet in order to become a member, which is why it’s important to check with your local center to see what its specific requirements are. This is done to make sure that the centers do not become overcrowded and, as a correlation result, understaffed. However, the most common requirement is, of course, the age limit. Although some senior centers allow members to be as young as 50, others will have older age requirements, like 55, 60 or even 65.

It’s also common to find that most senior centers will have annual (or even monthly) dues that must be paid to the organization in order to maintain your membership status. In addition to the dues, some centers may have zoning requirements. This means that if you live in Town A, and the senior center you wish to join is in Town B, you may not meet the requirements, or you will have to pay an additional fee for living outside of Town B’s zone. This may make it difficult for those who are in need of transportation, as transportation may only be available within the city the senior center is located, so it’s important to inquire about that as you research senior centers to join.

Benefits of getting a membership

It will be no surprise to know that there are a lot of benefits to getting a membership at a senior center. That’s because they’re designed to be loaded with advantages for seniors. The benefits can range, so let’s waste no time in understanding what they are.

First and foremost, you’re surrounded by people who are close to your age, which is a great feature. Think about it. Many people enjoyed their time at college because they were surrounded by individuals who were similar to them in age and interests, and senior centers are no different because many seniors who join are doing so to remain active and involved. And when you are in a safe environment like a senior center, it becomes a lot easier to make great friends who you can spend time with.

Another benefit to senior center memberships is the fact that you’re able to get healthier and stay active, in both the physical and mental sense. There are multiple activities and exercises available that are designed to keep you and other seniors healthy, as well as a lot of educational programs and classes that you can take if you’re interested in learning a new skill or lesson.

Not to mention, a lot of these activities give you an opportunity to get involved in your community. That’s because a lot of the ventures or projects you can work on are volunteering opportunities that directly benefit your local community, whether it be gardening or reading programs. You can find out more about these activities by taking a look at the classes your center has scheduled and determining which is the best fit for you.

A third benefit to a membership is that it expands your ability to go out for the day. Some seniors are quick to get tired of being in the same environment on a constant basis, especially if they spend all of their time at home. Senior centers are great places to get away for the day so that you can busy yourself with other things to do, no matter how relaxing or stimulating it may be. Not to mention, if you find your home to be a comfortable space for you, your local senior center is a short distance away, meaning you don’t have to go far away from your home to enjoy your day. And, similar to a gym membership, it’s up to you how frequently you wish to go — you do not have to commit to visiting it every day.

Finally, one of the best benefits to senior centers is the added transportation. Although you will have to contact your local center to confirm whether they offer transportation, it’s likely that they are able to provide that accommodation. This is great for any senior who does not want to drive him or herself but would otherwise have trouble finding a reliable ride.

Senior centers are great ways in which you can stay active and involved within your community while being in a safe environment. Like we mentioned before, their overall purpose is to help seniors maintain their independence in a healthy way. The greatest benefits to having a membership you’re your local center are:

  • Being surrounded by those close to you in age and interests,
  • Staying healthy and active within your community,
  • Having a place to go to get away for the day and
  • Having reliable transportation.

Check with your local senior center if you have any questions regarding specifics, like membership requirements, transportation, membership fees and more. This will help you better understand whether it’s a center you’ll want to join, or if you should look into others first. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did!

For any further other questions pertaining to your retirement, don’t hesitate to reach out to The Best Senior Services (TBSS). We at TBSS strive to educate seniors about Medicare and other financial services so that you can spend less time worrying about your retirement and more time enjoying it. You can get started with us today by visiting our website or calling us at 855-979-8277.

 

How to be Financially Stable

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We’ve all heard the saying that money doesn’t grow on trees, right? It could never be more true than when you’re financially independent. As you get older and approach retirement age, you realize just how much it remains true throughout your adult life. Financial stability is one of the most important things that you keep in your life because you’re at an immediate disadvantage without it.

It’s hard to pinpoint an exact meaning of what financial security is because everyone’s situation – and their idea of it – is different. However, in a nutshell, to be financially stable is to have enough money to cover the bills, with extra to go into savings or specialized funds.

At The Best Senior Services, we want to help you achieve financial stability because your success doesn’t just help you — it helps your family, too. This article will continue to help you understand why your financial stability is important, what it doesn’t represent, and how you can achieve it, so that you can help yourself and those you love.

Let’s begin with why you should be mindful of your money and income.

Reasons to be financially secure

It’s easy to tell someone to do something, but he or she won’t do it without a reasonable explanation. You need to prioritize your financial stability for multiple reasons. The first reason is because it holds you accountable. Accountability is what pays the bills and creates a happy home life.

A separate — but equally as important — reason for why you need to be mindful about your finances is that it also reduces your stress. Many seniors are dealing with separate health issues, and the added stress of having your finances at risk could be crippling. Be mindful of what you’re spending your money on, and where.

Another reason to consider is how being financially stable is the way in which you can pay off any outstanding debts you may have. The sooner you are debt-free, the more in control you are of your expenses.

Let’s get into what financial stability doesn’t look like.

What it isn’t

Being financially stable doesn’t mean you have a lot of money in the bank. Think of the common case of the musician or actor, who typically makes a couple of million dollars a year, filing for bankruptcy. These are examples of people who aren’t mindful of what they’re spending and, as a result, are digging themselves into a hole they can’t get out of.

Anyone who spends more money than he or she makes is, unfortunately, not financially stable.

Now that you have a better understanding of what financial stabilities is not, it’s time to learn just how you can achieve it.

Achieving financial stability

First and foremost, don’t share your information with anyone. You work hard for what you’ve earned, so you don’t want to lose it all in an instant by giving someone access to it. Most of the time, strangers will cold-call you or approach you online seeking “help.” This is an attempt to steal your financial information for their gain, so it’s important not to fall for it.

Other ways to secure your finances include:

  • Budget. No one is too old, young, rich, or poor to budget. In fact, a little budgeting can go a long way. The overall reason for having a budget is so that you have a better understanding of where your money is going. Determine what you’re spending the bulk of your income on, and figure how much of your check you want to spend on it. Budgeting will help you slow down the amount you’re spending so that you’re not pulling strings to get yourself through a sudden emergency.
  • Save for emergencies. Speaking of emergencies, well… they happen, regardless of how much we hope for otherwise. Emergencies can come in multiple forms: medical, family, natural disasters, workplace and more, so it’s important you’re ready when the next emergency hits. Prepare for this by having a fund that you can tap into the next time disaster strikes and you need to stay at a hotel, or you have to make a sudden flight across country to be with your family. This fund will stop putting stress on your other accounts and helps ease any scrambling on your part to reallocate your funds.
  • Live below your means. This is something many of us might have heard all throughout our lives, but it’s true, and it feeds into helping with your emergency fund. If you’re unfamiliar with the phrase “to live below your means,” it’s essentially another way to say spend your money only on necessities. When you live “below your means,” you’re prepared for when something unexpectedly happens and you need to tend to it immediately. It may not necessarily mean it’s an emergency, but if your air conditioning goes out during the summer, and you happen to live in Arizona, you’re going to want to get that fixed. If you live above your means, then you are constantly going to be catching up to pay for everything. If you live at your means, then you won’t have the money to pay for an emergency.
  • Don’t save your payment information online. Sometimes, when you buy something online, the website will offer to keep your card on file so that you won’t have to re-fill the information whenever you make your next purchase. Try to avoid doing this, as this will make it easier for hackers to steal your information. It also stops you from mindlessly purchasing something that you may not need, which will save you money in the long run.
  • Make a habit out of using cash. Cash is a fast way to realize how much you’re spending. When you pay with a credit card or a debit card, you don’t realize how quickly your money goes because you don’t really have to look at the balance you have remaining. When you use cash, you’re doing a better job of limiting how much you’re spending because you have to try to make it through with what you have.
  • Talk with your loved ones. Speaking to the loved ones you trust about your current financial status will allow them to give you advice and support about how you can further your financial stability. Getting encouragement from those you love is something The Best Senior Services will always recommend, because we want you to do what is best for you.

Achieving financial stability is definitely easier said than done. However, it’s much simpler than you might think. Once you nail down how to budget and why you need to stop spending so much money on fluff things, becoming more stable with your finances can become like second nature. That doesn’t mean you only need to put in a minimal amount of effort, though. It takes years of hard work and accountability on your end. But as you’re working toward it, it’s rewarding to see your mounting success and how your efforts are paying off.

If you need any assistance with getting your financial stability back on track, we want to help. You can visit our website or call us today to get started.

Medicare vs. Medicaid: Do You Qualify for BOTH?

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Just when you think that Medicare itself cannot get any more confusing, it does. But, for some Americans, it becomes more confusing in a positive way. For many Americans who are close to retirement and qualify for Medicaid health assistance, the question about whether they will also qualify for Medicare health insurance is one they’re likely to consider, especially if they don’t have the answer. And if it’s still a question you have, you can rest easy knowing that it will be answered by the end of this article.

This article is intended to answer your question about whether you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, what each is, how you can qualify for the two services and what their overall differences are.

Let’s get into it by first understanding what the two programs are.

What is Medicare?

If you’re familiar with The Best Senior Services’ website and blogs, then you’re probably familiar with the available Medicare plans out there. But for those who are new here and wanting to learn more about the program, Medicare is a health insurance program that covers Americans who are at least 65 years old.

There are four parts to Medicare: Parts A, B, C and D:

  • Medicare Part A covers hospital insurance. This means that your in-patient hospital stays will receive some coverage from Medicare. For many enrollees, Part A is provided at no additional cost.
  • Medicare Part B covers medical insurance. This means that your out-patient medical visits to doctor’s offices will receive some coverage from Medicare. Part B is paid for through monthly premiums that enrollees will receive. The premium costs will vary based on your income.
  • Medicare Part C is a Medicare Advantage plan. A Medicare Advantage plan is an alternative plan to the Original Government Medicare (OGM) plan. It is sold through private insurance companies that have been verified through Medicare, and is known for providing more coverage than the OGM plan.
  • Medicare Part D covers drug prescriptions. This is optional coverage, designed to help Medicare recipients pay for prescription drug costs. Part D is offered for both the OGM plan and the Medicare Advantage plan.

What is Medicaid?

Medicaid has been around since 1965, the same year Medicare was implemented. It is a federal program that helps with healthcare costs for millions of Americans, like children, pregnant women, seniors, Americans with disabilities and more. There are a few ways in which Medicaid is similar to Medicare, including how its spending is focused on helping those who are disabled and aging, as well as its coverage. Coverage that is similar to Medicare can include hospital visits, in-home care, doctor’s visits, wellness screenings, medical transportation and more. Additional benefits can include hospice, speech therapy, physical and occupational therapy, prescription drug coverage, personal care and more.

Medicaid is a joint program, meaning it’s funded both by the federal government and by your state’s government. Medicaid’s joint program status means that there isn’t a limit to the amount of people who can be enrolled in Medicaid, which is a major benefit to many. And like many other programs across the nation, Medicaid is constantly evolving. As time has progressed, the eligibility margins have grown and coverage milestones have been met. Perhaps the biggest milestone it has passed is being known as one of the nation’s largest health insurers available.

Those who are enrolled with Medicaid have the option to receive their coverage through private care plans that are verified through their states. And even if you’re already enrolled in a separate, private insurance plan, that doesn’t hinder your eligibility for Medicaid. In most cases, you should still be able to qualify for the Medicaid program.

Speaking of qualifications, let’s get a better understanding of how you can qualify for both of these programs.

How do I qualify for Medicare and Medicaid programs?

Luckily for many, the qualifications outlined by Medicare and Medicaid are cut-and-dry, meaning you’ll have a great understanding of whether you’re eligible before you begin the application process. Those who are eligible for Medicare’s services typically tend to be at least 65 years old. However, you may also qualify for Medicare before the age of 65 if you have been receiving Social Security disability for 24 months, have Lou Gehrig’s disease (formally known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) or end-stage renal disease.

Those who have already been receiving Social Security benefits are automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B upon the month they turn 65. Additional coverage options will then be made available for those who are interested. Those who need to manually enroll themselves into a Medicare program can do so through the Social Security Administration (SSA). They can enroll through the SSA website, calling 1-800-772-1213 (or 1-800-325-0778 for TTY users) or by visiting their local Social Security office.

After becoming a part of the Medicare program, enrollees can expect to receive welcome packages with their new Medicare card, also known as the Red, White & Blue Card, included. It’s important to keep this card close so that you can protect yourself from Medicare fraud, as well as those who could scam you, as many seniors fall victim to scams as it relates to Medicare.

The qualifications for Medicaid are slightly different from Medicare’s qualifications. According to Medicaid.gov, those who will be able to qualify for “mandatory eligibility groups” are low-income families as well as “qualified pregnant women and children, and individuals receiving Suppliemental Security Income (SSI).”  However, unlike Medicare, there isn’t really a way to be automatically enrolled into a Medicaid program, unless you meet certain criteria by the SSI, as outlined by the SSA. Otherwise, those who are interested in applying for Medicaid coverage can do so by visiting their state’s Medicaid agency.

Now that we understand how you can qualify and apply for both of these programs, let’s get to the really important question — are you eligible to be enrolled into both of these programs concurrently?

Can I qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid?

The short answer is: yes! If you’re qualified for Medicaid, you can qualify for Medicare, too, and vice versa. When you qualify for both programs, it’s known as having ”Dual Eligibility.” And for those with Dual Eligibility, there is a possibility that all of your healthcare costs will be covered. This means that Medicare copays and coinsurance could be handled, as well as any charges that would not be taken care of by your primary insurance carrier.

However, it’s still important to note that there are some differences between the two that you’ll need to know. The most important difference is that Medicare is an insurance program, while Medicaid is an assistance program. As a result, the qualification requirements for the two services are different, which is why we highlighted them earlier in the article. Other differences include the fact that, though Medicaid is a joint federal-state program, Medicare is solely run by the federal government. Finally, Medicare enrollees determine the amount of coverage they receive, while those covered under Medicaid’s services are covered by what their respective states provide.

Regardless of differences, though, both programs are great and intended to make sure that its members are as protected as possible.

Medicare and Medicaid are two great programs that protect everyone who is enrolled within them. And when these two programs come together, they make sure that those who are dually eligible receive great coverage. If you’re interested in learning more about Medicare, Medicaid or other financial services during your retirement, then look no further than The Best Senior Services (TBSS). We inform seniors about important topics related to their retirement and connect them with local licensed agents, so that they can spend more time enjoying their retirement instead of worrying about it.

Visit our website or call us at 855-979-8277 to get started with us today.

How Do You Stay Mentally Fit?

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As we age, staying fit is something that becomes less of a hobby and more of a necessity. When you’re fit, it means that you’re on top of your game both physically and mentally. We’ve already discussed the ways in which you can stay physically fit (article link), but what about staying mentally sharp?

There are a lot of ways in which you can stay on your A-Game when it comes to training your brain. These can include:

  • Picking up hobbies.
  • Download apps that will stimulate your brain.
  • Spending more time reading and writing.
  • Learning new things.

Pick up hobbies

Whether it be birdwatching, art or chess, there are multiple hobbies that are both fun and mentally stimulating for seniors. In fact, there are so many hobbies out there, it’s hard not to get involved with one, mainly because they come with so many benefits. There are multiple benefits to having hobbies, and perhaps the greatest perk is the fact that they are a stress reliever. Whenever people work on their hobbies, they do it as a way of getting their mind off of any stress they’re holding, whether it be work or family related. Another great benefit is the fact that it’s a chance to get better at something you enjoy doing, which is an exciting feeling altogether, because if it’s something you can excel in, it’s something you could make an income out of. Take art for an example. Let’s also think about the popular saying, practice makes perfect. When you are working on your art in a consistent manner, you will begin to get noticeably better, which can result in you being able to sell your artwork for a source of side income.

Other benefits to hobbies include the prevention of getting bored, they can be helpful in boosting your self-esteem, they allow you to take some time to enjoy your own company and they can help your overall health, especially if the hobbies that you pick up are more physically demanding.

Download apps that will stimulate your brain

There are hundreds of thousands — if not millions — of apps circulating that specialize in brain stimulation, meaning there are just too many to name! These types of apps can range from word puzzles to riddles and pattern games. Not to mention, most of these games are designed to have hundreds of levels that continue to get harder.

The great thing about these apps is that they help you stay mentally fit in a way that’s fun. And, depending on the app that you download, you will even continue to learn things, whether they be words, terms or strategies.

Apps that are perfect for training your brain include WordBubbles, Lumosity, Rosetta Stone’s Fit Brains and more.

But it doesn’t have to be limited to apps on your phone, tablet or computer. There are other stimulating games that you can find outside of technology. These include word searches, crossword puzzles or games of sudoku that you can print off from your computer or find in your local newspaper.

Spend more time reading and writing

Take some time every day to read something that you enjoy, as well as write about something. Challenge yourself to devote an hour of your day to reading. Whether you read in 15 or 30-minute intervals, reading has a lot of positives. There are millions of books throughout the United States alone, and reading is an activity that never grows old. Many seniors are religious, and a great way to stay in-tune with their spiritual beliefs is to read scriptures from the Bible, Torah, Quran and more. This is a great way to keep their brain active because scriptures and passages are meant to be thought-provoking. Other seniors enjoy reading thrillers or mystery novels that always keep them on their toes. This is also a great way to keep their brain active because they are actively working to solve clues. No matter what genre or style of book you read, it’s sure to keep your mind on its A-game.

And, not to mention, writing is just as valuable as reading. Try to write for at least 10 to 15 minutes a day if you’re able to — whether it be in a journal or on a device. You can write about anything, and “anything” can range from what your plans for the day are, what you dreamt about the previous night, a story you’re writing for your grandchildren.

Learn new things

No matter how old we are, and how wise we get, there is always something new that we can learn. You can learn new skills, instruments, languages and more to keep you mentally sharp and at the top of your game.

  • Skills. The best part about skills is the fact that you don’t necessarily need to go back to school in order to learn a new skill. These could be artistic practices, social practices like mahjong, pinochle, gin and more, or they could be more cooking practices, like adopting new cooking styles or trying your hand at baking. All of these, and more, will allow you to become better at something new and discover just how much is out there that you can pick up on. Additionally, learning new skills doesn’t just keep you at the top of your game, but it also gives you the opportunity to bond with your family and friends. When you begin to practice and develop a skill, you’re able to share what you know with your loved ones, and teaching them is a great opportunity to be able to spend more time together. Whether it be teaching your grandchildren a new recipe you’ve learned, or your friends a new painting technique, learning and teaching a new skill is a great way to stay mentally fit and close to those you love.
  • Instruments. The top instruments for seniors to learn include the guitar, harmonica and piano. Instruments are great tools to learn, and one of the main reasons why goes back to the fact that they relieve stress. It’s also worth noting the beneficial feeling you get when you notice yourself getting better. Depending on where you live, there are music centers that specialize in helping beginners learn a new instrument. You can also hire a professional to visit you at your home to teach you, look up YouTube videos to learn a song or two, or have a friend share what he or she knows. Trust us when we say that learning a new instrument is a great way to stay sharp!
  • Languages. There are hundreds upon hundreds of languages throughout the world. This means that there is an endless amount of languages that you can pick up. Many seniors enjoy travelling during their retirement, and learning some new phrases and words is a great way to show off what you know. Depending on where you’re living, there could be language learning centers near you that will offer classes in many available languages. Or, if you prefer to learn on your own time, there are websites like Rosetta Stone or apps like Duolingo that will teach you any language you desire.

Staying mentally fit is something that everyone can benefit from, not just seniors. There are multiple ways in which you can do this, including picking up hobbies, downloading apps that will stimulate your brain, spending more time reading and writing, and learning new things. Each has its own individual advantages, but the collective advantage about them all is that they keep your mind sharp in the long run.

For more tips and tricks on how you can stay sharp, visit more of The Best Senior Services’ (TBSS) blogs. Our mission is to inform and educate seniors about Medicare, financial services and more while connecting them with licensed insurance agents, so they can spend less time worrying about retirement and more time enjoying it. Visit our website or call us at 855-979-8277 to get started with us today.

How Should You Stay Healthy?

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If you’re independent, it’s hard to admit that you need help every once in a while. And unfortunately, as you get older, it gradually gets harder to remain completely self-sufficient. But that doesn’t mean you don’t want to continue to be able to do things for yourself. Surely there has to be a way to slow down the aging process, right? Absolutely! A way to ensure you can still be active and take care of yourself is to adopt a healthier lifestyle, which is something that everyone at every age should be doing. Aside from independence, benefits of living a healthy and active lifestyle for seniors include:

 

  • More energy
  • A social lifestyle
  • Mental sharpness
  • Disease prevention
  • Decreased risk of falls/injuries

 

So, what exactly is a healthy lifestyle? When you think about it, the term itself seems vague and unpromising. And usually, when something is vague, we associate it as a negative thing. However, this can be a good thing. If there is a broad term with no clear meaning, then it becomes your chance to define it and apply it to your life. In other words, a “healthy lifestyle” can be translated into an improved lifestyle that molds into your life.

 

That may sound great, but what are some examples of how to lead a healthier lifestyle? How can you start if you don’t even know which way to turn? Well, examples of a this includes:

  • A healthier diet
  • Exercise
  • Brain training
  • Adopting new hobbies
  • Dropping bad habits

 

And most of these are a lot easier than you might initially think. So let’s get into how you can incorporate each of these into your everyday routine.

 

A healthier diet

Take a moment to write out what you typically eat in a week. What do you eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner? Do you snack between meals, or replace meals with snacks? Do you eat dessert? What do you typically drink throughout the week, and how often?

 

Addressing these questions is important because it forces you to look at the bigger picture of your typical diet. Maybe you eat a lot of meat, or not enough. Maybe you only get around to drinking a bottle’s worth of water every day, or there are days where you skip water altogether and favor iced tea or soda.

 

Once you write out what your diet tends to look like, it’s time to figure out what you’re wanting to improve. Is your goal to lose weight, reduce your sodium intake or increase your energy? Identify a goal before you can start creating a list of strategies and tactics.

 

Now comes the fun part: planning your meals. Compare what you’re eating with healthier options. If you enjoy red meat, like beef or pork, try switching to white meats, like chicken or turkey. If you’re not already, try incorporating fish into a meal, like Atlantic salmon. Ensure you’re getting a healthy balance of grains, greens and starches on the side, too.

 

Examples of these include:

  • Grain:
    • Rice
    • Oatmeal
    • Pasta
  • Greens:
    • Broccoli
    • Kale
    • Lettuce
  • Starches:
    • Potatoes
    • Corn
    • Bread

 

Eating a healthier diet will help you retain energy and promotes healthy aging, which is something you definitely don’t want to pass up.

 

Exercise

 

Many seniors believe they are well past their years of exercising. However, for a majority of seniors, this is not true. There are plenty of low-impact exercise routines that seniors can do at a great benefit. These exercises include walks, swimming, cycling and Pickleball.

 

Here are the benefits that each of these workouts give to seniors:

  • Walks. Walking may be the best form of exercise among seniors because there are a lot of advantages for seniors to go on walks. First and foremost, it does wonders for your health. Walking not only improves your heart health, but it also lowers your blood sugar. High blood sugar could leave to dizziness, trouble breathing, extreme thirst and more, which makes it all the more important to do what you can to lower it.Other benefits to walking include its ease on joints and low risk for injury. The tissue around your joints gets thicker as you age, which makes it harder for your joints’ ability to move in varying ranges, and your cartilage begins to thin out. That’s why it’s important to find an exercise that has low impact on your joints, like walking.
  • Swimming. Speaking of low-impact exercises, swimming is a perfect example of one. The water in the pool, lake or ocean that you swim in makes for the impact on your joints to be low. It also means that you don’t realize how hard you’re working out because you don’t feel it.Swimming is also great for helping you strengthen stability and lower your risk of falling. This is because you are helping establish yourself against any waves or currents, which is harder to do in the water than it is when you are on land.
  • Cycling. Seniors who regularly participate in cycling exercises are stronger overall, whether it be in other physical activities or in everyday life. Cycling is also a great relaxation sport that builds your stamina, especially among seniors who cycle on both flat land and bumpy terrains. This is because cycling requires your entire body to work, not just your legs.Additionally, cycling promotes a better mental health, too, which will leave you in overall better moods.
  • Pickleball. Pickleball is a sport that mixes in elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis. It’s an increasingly popular sport, especially among seniors. In fact, there is a restaurant in some states that allows guests to play pickleball while they are eating.

Pickleball is a great way to quickly burn calories and strengthen your agility. It’s also a great sport for anyone who is recovering from an injury to get some cardio. NPR released a report that anyone who plays pickleball is burning 40% more calories than they would just by walking.

 

There is a Pickleball website available for anyone who is interested in getting started with the sport. It provides an in-depth lesson of how to play the sport and tells you where in your local area you can play the game. Luckily, it’s easy for everyone to pickup and offers a lot of fun.

 

Be more active

 

There are things you can do that promote healthy living outside of eating habits and exercise, including being more active. If you’re able to, opt for taking the stairs over the elevator. Or try the traditional form of shopping by visiting stores as opposed to shopping online. These are the little things that you can do to ensure you age in a healthy fashion.

 

You can also be more active by tapping into your creative side. Get more into art or cooking if these are somethings that you enjoy doing.

 

Prioritize mental health

 

One of the most important things for your overall health is to focus on your emotional and mental wellbeing. There are multiple ways in which you can strengthen your mental health by investing more time with your loved ones and your hobbies, as well as trying new things, like visiting your local senior center.

 

Another thing you can do is get a pet. Pets are great ways to relieve stress and let your fun side out. Different pets have different strengths, whether it be cats, dogs or fish. For example, dogs are great companions to help you deal with a crisis. Cats are great companions for those who are looking for a pet that is low maintenance. Make sure to do your research so that you know what kind of pet is best for you, as well as manageable. Analyze the pros and cons of each type of pet and see how you it would mesh into your family. One way you can do this is ease into it by fostering shelter animals for a few days at a time. This helps you understand what your strengths and weaknesses as a pet owner are, and what pet is best for you.

 

It’s also necessary to talk to your friends and family about how you are feeling and, if applicable, talk to a professional. Always prioritize your mental health so that in most situations you’re in, you’re still feeling your best.

 

Everyone needs to be healthy, regardless of age. There are a lot of hobbies, foods and exercises that are out there. Do what you can to be healthy and at the top of your game. Visit The Best Senior Services (TBSS) for more information about ways you can be at your best during your retirement years. TBSS specializes in education seniors about Medicare and other financial services so that you can spend less time worrying about retirement and more time enjoying it. You can get started by visiting our website or calling us at 855-979-8277 today.

 

Medicare vs. Social Security: What YOU Need to Know

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By now, you’re probably familiar with both the social Security and Medicare programs that you may be offered as you reach your retirement. These are both great financial aids for you and your older years. As you look at your options pertaining to the two of them, you may begin asking yourself what the large difference between the two is and whether having one will affect your chances of gaining the other. There are a lot of questions you have to address with insurance and financial programs, but it all starts with discovering the basics.

 

So, what is the difference between Social Security and Medicare?

 

In this article, we’re going to cover:

  • What they do for you
  • Similarities
  • How one may affect the other
  • Things to keep in mind

 

What they do

Medicare is a health insurance plan that is offered to seniors or those who qualify through their disability. It’s broken up into four parts that tailor to the recipient’s needs: Parts A, B, C and D. Generally, a recipient is 65 years old and has a specified period of time in which he or she can enroll in Medicare.

 

Social Security is a benefit program that is run by the federal government. Generally, the earliest a recipient is able to start collecting his or her Social Security benefits is at 62 years old, assuming he or she meets the other specified qualifications.

 

To be eligible for Social Security, you must be working and paying the Social Security taxes. Although you do not have to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for Social Security, you must work in order to earn the benefits. This is translated into having 40 credits, which you can gather as you pay the Social Security tax on your earnings. You can earn up to four credits per year, equating to 10 years’ worth of work.

 

To be eligible for Medicare, you must have been working long enough to be able to receive Social Security benefits. You must also be a citizen of the United States. The final qualification for Medicare doesn’t apply to everyone, but it may apply to you. You may also be eligible for Medicare if you or your spouse is a government employee who hasn’t paid into Social Security but has been paying payroll taxes for Medicare.

 

You may have already known about the basic functions that the two offers, but you may still be wondering about what makes the two similar. Let’s dive into that.

 

The similarities between Social Security and Medicare

The first similarity is one we briefly touched on earlier, and that is that the two are federally funded. It’s also important to note that the two aren’t exclusive to those who are approaching retirement age. The two programs also provide benefits to those who have disabilities.

According to the federal government, you can qualify for Medicare below the age of 65 if you:

 

  • Have been entitled to Social Security benefits for at least 24 months. These months do not have to be consecutive.
  • You receive a disability pension from the Railroad Retirement Board and meet certain conditions.
  • You have Lou Gehrig’s disease. This is formally known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
  • You have permanent kidney failure.

 

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), you can qualify for Social Security benefits as a child if you are unmarried and:

 

  • Younger than 18.
  • 18-19 years old and a full-time student (no higher than grade 12).
  • 18 or older that began before the age of 22.

 

In special cases, benefits can also be awarded to stepchildren, grandchildren, step-grandchildren or adopted children if they:

 

  • Have at least one parent who is disabled or retired and eligible for Social Security benefits.
  • Have a parent who has passed away after working long enough to earn enough credits at a job where he or she has paid Social Security taxes.

 

The final core similarity between the two is the enrollment. Believe it or not, you must enroll for both programs through the Social Security Administration. On the SSA’s website, you can apply for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits, as well as check the status your applications or appeals.

 

How one may affect the other

Although the two programs offer different things to recipients, there are a couple of ways in which the two programs work in tandem. Here are some examples:

 

  • If you’re already receiving Social Security, you will have automatic enrollment into Medicare Part B. You can receive Social Security benefit as early as 62, but you cannot enroll in Medicare until three months prior to your 65th birthday. So, if you began collecting your Social Security early, you will be enrolled into Medicare Part B when you are first eligible.
  • Medicare premiums can be deducted from your Social Security benefits. Part A of Medicare is free for most people, but you are expected to pay premiums for Part B, your medical coverage. However, you can deduct your Part B premium from your Social Security payment. Let’s say you receive $1,800 a month from Social Security, and your Medicare Part B premium is $200 a month. That means you will receive $1,600 as your payment.

 

Things to keep in mind

Many people confuse Medicare with Social Security, and it’s easy to do so. Noting the similarities and differences between the two is important to know because that core understanding will help you maximize your plans to your benefit. But there are also a few other things you need to keep in mind while you consider the relationship between the two.

 

First, you can begin your Social Security benefits anytime between 62 and 70. And, unlike Medicare, it’s encouraged – if you are healthy and able – that you receive your payments as close to 70 as you can, because that way, you will earn a higher paycheck. With Medicare, however, it is important to enroll during that initial enrollment period, which begins three months before you turn 65 and lasts until three months after you turn 65. Otherwise, you face permanent penalties.

 

You also want to keep in mind the fact that you do not have to be receiving Social Security benefits to enroll in Medicare, nor do you need to be enrolled in Medicare to receive Social Security benefits.

 

If you are not enrolled in Medicare, then it is important to determine what the important enrollment dates are. You are first eligible for Medicare when you are just about to turn 65. If you do not enroll during your initial enrollment period, then there is still time. You can enroll during the Annual enrollment Period, which is held annually from October 15 through December 7.

If you have any remaining confusion about how Social Security and Medicare share a relationship, let us help you. At The Best Senior Services, we specialize in educating seniors about programs that apply to them and their loved ones and connecting them to a local licensed agent who will help seniors get what they need at their best interest. Don’t delay any longer. Call us at 855.979.8277, or visit our website today.