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2024-12-26T14:09:00

(BPT) – The new year is a good time to reset. From a fresh start on lifestyle choices, hobbies or pursuits, to the less exciting — but no less important — aspects of life, like memberships, contracts and even health insurance. Health insurance deductibles reset in the new year, so it’s a good idea to keep that in mind as you plan for healthcare expenses. Any changes made to your health insurance plan during open enrollment go into effect as well.

“Even if you spent hours researching your health plan before making a selection, there’s always a possibility for the occasional surprise once coverage kicks in, which is why it’s important to assess your healthcare coverage and address any gaps before January 1,” said Doug Armstrong, Vice President of Health Products and Services at AARP Services, Inc. “AARP members can take advantage of benefits available to them to help find the coverage and savings information they seek.”

1. Examine your vision coverage

Eye health is important to quality of life, both in terms of moving around safely and appreciating your surroundings. Regular eye exams with an ophthalmologist or optometrist can help make sure your vision is sharp while also monitoring for any issues. However, many health insurance plans don’t include vision coverage. If you do see a gap in your coverage, AARP members have access to information on vision insurance options that offer individual and family plans, featuring a large doctor network, savings on frames, lens enhancements, progressives and more.

2. Plan for prescriptions

While several health plans offer coverage for prescription drugs, discounts can vary, especially when it comes to different types of medication. AARP^® Prescription Discounts Provided by Optum RX^® can help with savings. This program offers a free prescription discount card that can be used at over 66,000 pharmacies nationwide for savings on FDA-approved medications. Additional benefits for AARP members include home delivery, deeper discounts on medications, coverage for dependents and more.

3. Confirm your primary care

With a new health insurance plan, you might find that your primary care physician is no longer in-network or that they no longer accept your insurance. Perhaps you have relocated and are in the market for a new doctor. Whatever the case, there’s no time like the present to search for a new primary care physician who meets your needs. If you’re on Medicare, Oak Street Health can be a great resource.

The only primary care provider to carry the AARP name, Oak Street Health provides primary care for adults on Medicare and focuses on prevention with personalized care to help keep you healthy — physically, mentally and socially. Benefits include same-day/next-day appointments where available, convenient locations, a dedicated care team and a 24/7 patient support line. AARP membership is not required to visit an Oak Street Health location.

4. Protect your smile

Optimal dental care includes daily brushing and flossing and a visit to the dentist every six months. During your visit, the dentist can monitor for and treat any issues, such as cavities or gum disease. However, not all plans include dental insurance, which means you might end up paying out of pocket for your cleaning and other procedures. To avoid that, take a look at your coverage. If needed, explore information on dental insurance options that offer individual or family coverage for the most common dental procedures. Dental insurance generally pays for regular check-ups, so many people who purchase protection will benefit from it immediately.

5. Clarify your hearing coverage

Hearing loss is a common age-related ailment. According to the National Institute on Aging, one-third of older adults have hearing loss, and the chance of developing hearing loss increases with age. Hearing aids can be an enormous help, improving socialization, boosting confidence and even helping to increase balance. However, many insurance plans do not include coverage for hearing aids.

AARP^® Hearing Solutions™ provided by UnitedHealthcare^® Hearing provides savings on hearing aids and hearing care. Members can save an average of $2,000 per pair on prescription hearing aids and 15% on accessories — no insurance needed. Plus receive a hearing exam and consultation at no cost and personalized support through a large nationwide network of hearing providers.

6. Consider physical therapy

Often, the only times that people consider whether their health insurance covers physical therapy is if they already participate in it or after the doctor has prescribed it. As we age, though, physical therapy can be a useful tool in improving balance or recovering from an injury or procedure to help you remain active. Fortunately, the question of coverage or finding an in-network location doesn’t have to derail you. AARP^® Physical Therapy At Home™ by Luna accepts most insurances and Medicare and is available to members and non-members alike. Plus, Luna’s experts come to you, so you can receive quality care from the comfort of your home.

If you’re creating an end-of-year to-do list, consider adding an assessment of your healthcare coverage. After all, the best time to realize you have a gap in coverage is before you need it. To learn more about AARP member benefits, visit aarp.org/benefits.

AARP and its affiliates are not insurers, agents, brokers or producers. AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details.

2024-12-26T16:01:01

(BPT) – Every year, roughly 20-30% of older Americans head to warmer climates for the colder winter months. Snowbirds are often retirees on fixed incomes, though flexible work environments now provide more opportunities for anyone to spend several months escaping the chill. Whether on a fixed income or an empty nester with disposable income, consumers are interested in saving money where they can. With this in mind, snowbirds can look to their AARP membership to take advantage of relevant discounts and offerings as they fluff their feathers and get ready for takeoff.

From savory breakfast options while driving to your seasonal destination, to home and auto protection, and even resources to support mental and physical health, AARP member benefits offer deals and savings that will help snowbirds take flight this winter.

“Spending winters in warmer places has so many benefits that come with being able to be outside more often. Warmth and sunlight not only increase serotonin levels, which can result in more positive moods and a calm, focused mental outlook, but they also stimulate vitamin D production and may even boost immunity,” said Elvira Christiansen, Director of Retail and Loyalty for AARP Services. “An AARP membership makes it even better by offering savings as you plan your trip, as well as at many dining, entertainment and retail locations you will come across in your winter getaway destination, helping you to enjoy it to the fullest.”

1. Order Up

Road trips are often the preferred way to travel to a winter home for the flexibility of having a car once there. Whether your drive will have you behind the wheel for hours or days, you’ll want to make sure you have your meals planned out. Fill up with a tasty breakfast or lunch with a stop at Denny’s, which is easy to spot from most major highways.

AARP members can save when heading to Denny’s. With over 1,500 locations nationwide, members save 15% on everything from diner classics to breakfast items every day; maximum discount not to exceed $10. Restrictions apply.

2. Primary Care from Almost Anywhere

Feeling under the weather can put a damper on your winter travels, so it’s a good idea to make sure you can access quality healthcare even when you’re at your winter destination. If you are on Medicare, you can check whether there is an Oak Street Health primary care clinic near you. Oak Street Health, the only primary care provider to carry the AARP name, provides primary care for adults on Medicare and focuses on prevention with personalized care to help keep you healthy — physically, mentally and socially. Benefits include same-day/next-day appointments where available, convenient locations, a dedicated care team and a 24/7 patient support line. AARP membership is not required to visit an Oak Street Health clinic.

3. Wellness Checklist

Once you check off primary care needs for your winter destination, don’t overlook other priorities like maintaining your prescriptions and protecting your vision. Start by making sure your prescriptions are up to date before you head out of town. If you do need a refill while you’re away, you have access to a free prescription discount card from AARP^® Prescription Discounts provided by Optum Rx^® that can be used at over 66,000 pharmacies nationwide for savings on FDA-approved medications. You do not need to be an AARP member to take advantage of these benefits, though AARP members receive additional perks, including deeper discounts on medications, home delivery, coverage for your dependents and more.

If you’re having trouble with your vision, want to update your sunglass prescription, or simply want to maintain your annual visits to an optometrist or ophthalmologist while away, AARP members have access to information on vision insurance options that offer individual and family plans, featuring a large doctor network, savings on frames, lens enhancements, progressives and more.

4. Home (Safety) Away from Home

One thing that should always be a priority is keeping your home safe while you’re away for the winter. While Neighborhood Watch is always helpful, long periods away from a home require additional security systems. With an AARP membership, homeowners can secure their homes for less.

Members save 5% on monthly home security monitoring with ADT Home Security, which covers smart home security systems including intrusion monitoring, connected smoke and CO detection, and smart automation for video doorbells, security cameras and smart locks.

5. Pack Auto Coverage in Your Luggage

Driving south for the winter? Utilize AARP member benefits to save on auto care so you can road trip worry free. AARP members save up to 20% on annual membership fees for Allstate Roadside Assistance plans, which provides access to assistance for towing, jump-starts, tire changes, lockout assistance, fuel delivery and more. Allstate Roadside plan benefits can be used 24/7 in any car you drive, including rented and borrowed ones.

And, if you want to bring any personal items with you but don’t have room to squeeze them in your car, Budget Truck Rental has a variety of trucks for you to choose from. AARP members can save 20% on local or one-way truck rentals on Sunday through Thursday and 10% on Friday and Saturday, plus receive a $10-per-day Physical Damage Waiver.

Regardless of how you’re traveling or spending your winter months, AARP member benefits can help you maximize your budget while you prioritize the things that matter.

To learn more about the benefits and discounts for AARP members to help you prepare for your relaunch, please visit aarp.org/save.

AARP member benefits are provided by third parties. AARP receives a royalty fee for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions.

2024-12-26T01:01:00

(BPT) – From wearables to apps, New Year’s fitness resolutions are getting a tech boost that’s catching on, with T-Mobile customers spending 23% more time on average on fitness-related apps in the last year.

At midnight on New Year’s Eve, many make a familiar pledge: to get fit.

For the nearly half of all U.S. adults who make fitness-related resolutions, technology such as wearable devices and apps can be key to keeping this pledge, said A’Naja Newsome, Ph.D., a Researcher and Assistant Professor at the University of Central Florida who has written about fitness technology. Newsome also hosts a podcast, Strength in the Details, on which she talks about the impact of mental health, nutrition and leadership on strength training.

“Technology has really been adapted and modified to be appealing to a wide genre of exercisers,” Newsome said. “People just really have to prioritize what’s going to be important to them right now and invest in that.”

Your Goals, Your Way

There’s no one-size-fits-all for fitness technology. Start with an assessment of what you value and what your fitness goals are, Newsome says. Whether you’re planning to run an ultramarathon or signing up for your first gym membership, there’s something for everyone to keep their resolutions.

“We have so many of these wearable devices that can track things like heart rate, calories, steps and more,” Newsome said. “And then we have things like mobile apps where people can use paid or free services to track their daily physical activity behaviors.”

Beginners can start with mobile apps that come with quick and simple workouts — and if they value aesthetics, they can invest in wearables that also serve as a fashion piece, she says.

Physical activity tracking devices have historically been geared to sport-specific athletes, particularly in running and cycling. However, “we’re also seeing it expand to outdoor sports like hiking, climbing and swimming, and we’re even starting to see tech for things like flexibility and mobility training and special populations like pre- and postnatal individuals,” Newsome said.

The expansion of these technologies is leading to a shift back to basic fitness practices, she says, with a focus on everyday activities and movements such as time spent standing, daily steps, breathing and meditation rather than specific, structured exercise routines.

“Wearable technology now is telling us what is happening with the rest of our day,” Newsome said. “What is happening with our sleep? What is happening with our steps? What is happening with our sedentary behavior?”

The fitness technology market has grown as more people turn to apps to support their goals. Among T-Mobile customers, the average time spent per month using fitness-related apps — such as running, weight and fitness trackers — increased by 23% between 2023 and 2024.

And on America’s largest, fastest and most awarded 5G network, customers can get uninterrupted streaming for their workout videos and real-time data feeds on their performance.

Newsome said she expects the mobile apps and wearable device markets to continue to grow in 2025. The next frontier is integrating these technologies into healthcare in the future, allowing for more holistic treatment plans and monitoring capabilities, she added.

Make It Personal

Choosing new fitness technology is a personal decision based on individual values and priorities. Now, artificial intelligence is taking personalization even further by creating workout plans tailored to an individual’s unique data, Newsome said.

“AI is generating these customizable workouts for your home gym, for on-the-go, your travel, for those that are short on time,” she said. “That’s going to reach a demographic of people who maybe thought that they didn’t have the time to exercise or for those that just didn’t have the know-how to exercise.”

Wearable tech, mobile apps and AI can be even more supercharged with human input, Newsome said. She advised people to consult with an exercise professional or their medical provider before embarking on a new fitness regimen or making significant changes based on their wearable technology data.

Social support is the key factor in helping people change their behavior, she said, so supplement the benefits from wearable devices and mobile apps by seeking out peers and professionals. She also advises to not rely on technology so much that it creates a barrier to reaching your goals, like skipping a workout because your smart watch ran out of battery.

With all the innovations that promise to up performance and get people moving, there’s never been a better time to conquer your fitness goals. So as the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, remember: Fitness technology can give you a push, but the most important piece of equipment is your willpower, and all it takes is the first step. You’ve got this!

2024-12-23T08:01:01

(BPT) – For those living with paralysis and their loved ones, receiving sufficient support, meaningful connection and useful information are all crucial elements in order to thrive. Thanks to the leadership and vision of Dana Reeve, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation‘s National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) opened its doors in 2002, and continues today to serve as a free, comprehensive, international source of informational support for people living with paralysis and their caregivers.

The NPRC’s mission is to foster community involvement, promote health and improve quality of life for everyone who needs it — with a breadth and depth of knowledge and connections spanning multiple languages, especially Spanish. To access everything from information about what to expect in rehab and the best equipment exchange programs to the latest in spinal cord research for Spanish speakers, you can visit Vivir con parálisis.

Support through Spanish-language materials and staff

Through the NPRC, the Reeve Foundation provides a variety of vital services, programs and resources that are offered through Spanish-language materials, and are staffed by Spanish speakers, including:

Information Specialists are trained to help anyone — from newly paralyzed individuals and their family members to persons who have lived with disabilities for decades — by providing individualized support and information in Spanish.

Peer & Family Support Program fosters peer-to-peer support via trained and certified Spanish-speaking mentors living with paralysis who best understand the day-to-day realities and long-term challenges individuals living with paralysis face.

Quality of Life Grants Program has awarded over 3,800 grants totaling more than $44 million in financial support to fellow nonprofit organizations for programs or projects that foster community engagement while promoting health and wellness for individuals living with paralysis throughout the United States.

The Military & Veterans Program (MVP) supports the specific needs of service members and their families, regardless of their time served or the cause of their paralysis.

Advocacy & Policy Program helps individuals advocate for themselves and advance important issues for the greater community of individuals living with paralysis.

Outreach and Community Education Program seeks to improve diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility initiatives so underserved communities are aware of and have access to critical NPRC services. This program provides educational opportunities, community connection and cultural awareness, which are vital to ensuring that the needs of all are met.

Free downloads for information and resources

NPRC also provides a variety of free, downloadable resources in Spanish that are designed to help people living with paralysis and those who care for them navigate a variety of challenges.

Paralysis Resource Guide: This free comprehensive guide is an essential tool for everyone living with or affected by paralysis. You can download a copy to your phone, tablet, e-reader or computer. The fifth edition of the Paralysis Resource Guide, available in Spanish, has a new section for the Hispanic community.

Wallet Cards enable people living with autonomic dysreflexia (AD), deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and sepsis to carry critical information on their person. These handy cards provide the life-saving information that staff at EMT units, emergency rooms and other health centers need to best treat you. The AD card is available in both adult and pediatric versions.

Educational Booklets provide an in-depth study on topics of interest in paralysis. You can find the latest resources and information on skin, bladder and bowel management, pain, spasticity, emergency prep, sexual health and more. Booklets are available for download in PDF format. Contact an Information Specialist to request a free printed copy.

A-Z Fact Sheets are available free to download and save, including fact sheets for disability resources in each state and several countries, plus topical fact sheets related to paralysis.

To further assist people living with paralysis and their caregivers, NPRC houses many informational resources available in Spanish. For additional information, visit the NPRC Spanish webpage, Paralisis.org.

The National Paralysis Resource Center website is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $10,000,000 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

2024-12-22T23:01:00

(BPT) – By Rob Williams, Managing Director, Financial Planning, Retirement Income and Wealth Management, Schwab Center for Financial Research

There are a lot of cautionary tales in the news these days about how unprepared people are for retirement, painting a rather bleak picture of widespread financial insecurity. But the reality is quite different.

We recently surveyed more than 1,000 Americans and found they actually feel pretty optimistic about their retirement plans. Six in 10 people say they are not concerned about having enough money to live off of in retirement, and most also feel financially prepared. The numbers are even better for people who are already retired or semi-retired. Over 90% say they’ve saved enough to live comfortably and are confident about their overall financial situation.

None of this means people aren’t worried at all. What we found is that most retirement anxiety centers around things beyond people’s control, like inflation, market fluctuations, rising health care costs and potential changes in government policy. If you fall into that category, here are five practical strategies to help ease those concerns and provide greater peace of mind.

1. Make sure your portfolio reflects your current risk capacity

While “risk tolerance” refers to the amount of market volatility you can stomach, “risk capacity” is about determining how much money you’ll definitely need over the next one to four years. Think of it as the financial buffer required to cover your short-term expenses without being affected by market and economic swings. Once you know your risk capacity, set aside the appropriate cash and split it into two types of cushions:

• Money you know you’ll need in the next year – Consider putting this into high-yield checking or savings accounts, money market funds, or CDs with maturities under 12 months.
• Money you’ll need in the next two to four years – Consider putting this into high-quality short-term bonds, bond funds, or CDs with maturities between two to four years.

2. Stay Invested and Diversified

A diversified portfolio could potentially help navigate the ups and downs of the economy. And spreading your investments across various asset classes — like stocks, bonds and real estate — may create a cushion against market volatility. Stocks, in particular, have historically outpaced inflation over the long term, helping to preserve your purchasing power. Overall, staying invested through market cycles rather than reacting to short-term fluctuations can be one of the best strategies for maintaining your wealth in retirement.

3. Revisit Your Emergency Fund

An emergency fund is crucial at any stage of life, but it becomes especially vital in retirement when income is often more fixed. In addition to your cash cushions, aim to keep enough in your emergency fund to cover about a year’s worth of expenses, minus any guaranteed income from sources like Social Security or pensions. A high-yield checking or money market account can be a great place to store these funds, allowing for easy access in an emergency without penalties or delays.

4. Plan for Long-Term Care Costs

One of retirees’ biggest worries is the potential cost of health care, especially long-term care. To prepare, start by answering three fundamental questions:

• Who will provide care if needed?
• Where do you want that care to be provided?
• How will you pay for it?

From there, consider consulting with a financial planner to explore options that align with your needs. This might include long-term care insurance or other strategies to ensure your assets are protected. Addressing these concerns proactively can reduce stress about unexpected health costs in the future.

5. Keep Perspective on Changes in Washington

Political shifts, such as a new administration or changes in Congress, can create anxiety about taxes, Medicare, Social Security and the markets. However, it’s important to remember that market movements are more often driven by corporate earnings, economic data and central bank policies than by political changes.

Additionally, there’s usually a significant gap between campaign promises and actual policy changes. Legislative processes are slow and often result in watered-down versions of initial proposals, so avoid jumping to conclusions based on political rhetoric.

Stick to your long-term investing plan and avoid making emotional decisions based on the latest headlines.

Retirement is a major life change, and even if you’re generally confident about your retirement savings, it is normal to be anxious about factors outside of your control. If you’re feeling that, you’re not alone. And although you can’t control inflation or the markets, health care costs, or the economy in general, there are steps you can take to regain a sense of control.

For more information, visit Schwab.com/retirement for a wide range of resources and help.

Disclosures

The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, consult with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner or investment manager.

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Diversification strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets.

© 2024 Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. All rights reserved. Member SIPC.

(1224-C0VP)

2024-12-20T13:01:00

(BPT) – The “silver tsunami” of people 65 and older combined with the uptick in surgeries during the winter months is creating the perfect storm for a sometimes-overlooked issue — postoperative delirium. More common in older people, postoperative delirium can cause symptoms such as confusion, memory problems or agitation that are usually temporary, but can lead to longer hospital stays and is associated with postoperative cognitive decline. However, if you or a loved one are 65 or older and having surgery, there are ways to reduce the risk, starting with talking to your anesthesiologist before the procedure.

Various factors can increase the risk of postoperative delirium, including the body’s response to surgery, frailty and underlying medical conditions. This condition is a growing problem, considering the aging population and older adults account for more than 40% of surgeries. It affects anywhere from 5% to 52% of older adults, depending on the type of surgery and the patient’s age, and the rate increases steadily with age, nearly doubling every 15 years.

“Anesthesiologists play a key role in bringing awareness to postoperative delirium and discovering ways to reduce it,” said Donald E. Arnold, M.D., FACHE, FASA, president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). “Partnering with your anesthesiologist to let them know if you have health issues or other concerns is an important first step to reducing your risk.”

ASA is dedicated to safeguarding patients from delirium after procedures requiring anesthesia, through its Perioperative Brain Health Initiative and by providing evidence-based strategies for health professionals and recommendations for patients.

Anesthesiologists Lead the Way in the Prevention of Postoperative Delirium

As the physician leaders in your care before, during and after surgery, anesthesiologists play a crucial role in preventing postoperative delirium. Launched by ASA in 2015, the Perioperative Brain Health Initiative focuses on improving care for older adults with memory or thinking problems by supporting better brain recovery after surgery. It offers best practices, guidelines, a frailty toolkit for care teams, and patient education on postoperative delirium, including suggestions for talking to your anesthesiologist and advice for preparing for surgery.

Additionally, ASA’s journal, Anesthesiology, recently published new evidence-based recommendations for strategies that health care professionals may consider, including:

• Expanding preoperative evaluation. Older adults scheduled for inpatient surgery may benefit from preoperative evaluation to assess for frailty or cognitive impairment. At-risk patients can receive care in advance of the surgery from a multidisciplinary care team, visits from a geriatric doctor or nurse and education on postoperative delirium.
• Choosing the type of anesthesia. Anesthesiologists and patients should work together to determine the most appropriate type of anesthesia for that patient based on the surgery they’re having.
• Prescribing medication to reduce risk. Anesthesiologists may consider prescribing the sedative dexmedetomidine to older patients having inpatient procedures, because it’s less likely to cause postoperative delirium than other commonly used sedatives.
• Minimizing the use of other medications. Anesthesiologists should evaluate the risks and benefits of medications for anxiety, mental health issues and pain that may cause central nervous system effects in older adults, since they may increase the likelihood of postoperative delirium.

Patients Can Help Reduce Their Risk Too

While anesthesiologists are factoring in those strategies, you can reduce the risk that you (or your loved one) will have postoperative delirium by:

• Partnering with your anesthesiologist. When meeting with your anesthesiologist before surgery, be sure to discuss the following, which will help them create the best care plan for you:
  • Any health problems or pre-existing conditions should be communicated to the anesthesia care team.
  • The medications you are taking, including vitamins, herbal supplements or those for anxiety, seizures, muscle spasms or sleep, which can affect your nervous system.
  • If you have cognitive issues such as memory or thinking problems, including if you have ever experienced these issues after anesthesia.
• Undergoing a pre-surgery cognitive test. Ask the doctor to conduct a pre-surgery cognitive test, which can be used to determine your risks for developing ongoing cognitive problems after surgery.
• Having a recovery pal. A family member or friend should stay with you during recovery to help orient you and report any signs of postoperative delirium to your doctor right away.
• Making the recovery environment as familiar as possible. Ask that your hearing aids or glasses be given to you as soon as you are in recovery. If you are staying overnight in the hospital, bring a family photo or favorite item to help you feel more connected as you recover.

Learn more about how age can affect surgery and anesthesia, and how you can reduce your risk.