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  • ❓ 55 & UpSides #0008: Why volunteer? | Medicare mess | Fresh hearing aids

❓ 55 & UpSides #0008: Why volunteer? | Medicare mess | Fresh hearing aids

Author

Ronnie Mac James
November 20th, 2024

First time reading? Get your free subscription here. This newsletter’s goal is the extinction of information overload for folks like me who are aged 55 & up. Easily unsubscribe below if you got here by some freak interwebs mishap.
 
Morning 55&UpSiders,

Here’s what I’m covering for you today in a blink…
  • Quick visual breakdown on the benefits of volunteering
  • Curated topics affecting us & Good News stories
  • Feature Story: Navigating Medicare Open Enrollment
  • Today’s Poll
  • Face The Facts (& do something about ’em)
  • Hidden alternative solutions for our 55+ crowd
  • Reply to this email with “yes” for chance to win Dunkin’ Gift Code
 
 

Why Volunteer?

 

The key is to find something you're passionate about. Other keys below.

 
Finding Fulfilling Volunteer Opportunities
 
See the #1 reason that holds people back from volunteering. And if you like telling the Grim Reaper to take a “raincheck”... please make time to volunteer.
 
 

Curated Countdown

 
🕙  Renting Vs. Buying A Home These Days (Audio)

🕘  Watch Financial Advisor Crush Shoddy TikTok Tax Advice

🕗  New Study: Slowing Cancer With Caterpillar Fungus

🕖  Love On Demand. Will Hearts Get Door-Dashed?

🕕  Woman’s Final Life & Work Advice As She Quits WSJ (Audio)

🕔  How This City Became The Best Place To Retire In The South

🕓  Trend Hops From Jeeps To Cruise Ships

🕒  Bear Breaks No-Bears Rule At Wine Shop (Video)

🕑  Caregiver Plays Long-Game To Scam Senior Lady

🕐  See When Thanksgiving Traffic Will Spike
 
 

Feature Story

 

Hot Mess: Medicare Open Enrollment

 
Medicare's annual enrollment period is worse than getting lost in a corn maze. Lots of options & decisions. Let’s dig in.
 

The problem is...

  • Many seniors don't review their coverage annually
  • Plan changes can affect out-of-pocket costs
  • New health conditions may require different coverage
  • Prescription drug needs often change year to year
 
 

How you can get involved to help

  • Volunteer with SHIP to assist other seniors
  • Attend local Medicare workshops & share learnings
  • Help tech-challenged seniors navigate online comparison tools
 

Roadblocks

  • Limited time to make decisions (Oct 15 - Dec 7)
  • High-pressure sales tactics from some crooked insurance agents
  • Understanding how changes will affect care
 

Upsides & ways to beat roadblocks

  • Medicare Plan Finder tool helps compare options
  • You can switch back to Original Medicare if unhappy with Medicare Advantage plan
  • Many plans offer extra benefits like dental or vision coverage
 

5 takeaways

  • Review your Annual Notice of Change carefully
  • Consider health needs for the coming year
  • Compare drug formularies if you take prescriptions
  • Look at total costs, not just premiums
  • Don't assume your current plan is still the best option
 

Have you volunteered this year?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

 

Face The Facts (then punch ’em in the nose)

Know the facts so you can overcome or take advantage of them.

 
5)  Gardening can reduce the risk of dementia by 36% (AJC)

4)  Share of Americans ages 75 & over with mortgage debt rose from 5% in 1995 to 25% in 2022

3)  Only 13% of Americans aged 60+ meet the recommended protein intake

2)  The average 401(k) balance for Americans 65 & older is $255,151 (CNBC)

1)  75% of seniors are chronically dehydrated

👊Let’s punch protein deficiency in the nose.

How to get your needed protein (always consult your doctor):
  • Choose easily digestible protein sources (whey protein, lean meats)
  • Spread protein intake evenly across breakfast, lunch, & dinner
  • Aim for 1.0 to 1.3 g of protein per kilogram of body weight daily
  • Eat protein-rich foods after workouts to support muscle repair
  • Do strength training
 
 

Alternative Solutions You May’ve Never Heard Of

 
Hearing aids cost more than a good used car (before 2020 anyway🙂). Hearing aids often aren’t covered by insurance. New options are making waves, though. Check ’em out below.
Hearing Aid Price Comparison
 
Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids
  • Available without a prescription
  • Can be way cheaper than prescription aids
  • Good for mild to moderate hearing loss
  • Some allow self-adjustment via smartphone apps
 
Personal Sound Amplification Products
  • Not regulated as medical devices
  • Amplify sound in specific situations (e.g., watching TV)
  • Often more affordable than hearing aids
  • Good starting point for folks hesitant about hearing aids

BTW, I love AirPods, but earphones that go inside our ears are not good for us. Unless you’re trying to drown out honey-do list instructions 😉.
 
 
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The upside’s always worth looking for,
Ronnie Mac James
Ronnie Mac James

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