Here are five things seniors can do to protect their health and prepare for a long, healthy retirement.
1. It’s never too late to get healthy
It’s easier to prevent an illness or injury than to recover from it. Protect your health by eating right, exercising regularly, controlling stress, limiting alcohol intake and not smoking. Experts agree: No matter what age you are when you start exercising and quit bad habits, your health will improve significantly. The National Institute of Health provides resources and guidelines for senior fitness and smoking cessation. And be sure to check out our Healthy Living Programs–there’s one for senior health and for quitting smoking, too.
2. Establish care with a primary care physician before you turn 65
Look for an internal medicine or family practice physicians with a geriatric specialty. Many doctors won’t take new patients with Medicare insurance. If you’re already an established patient before Medicare kicks in, you have a better chance of remaining in their care.
When looking for a new provider, use our Provider Search tool, visit the Medicare site, ask for referrals from friends, and call state medical associations and local hospitals.
3. Start early and prepare for long-term
While that’s an unrealistic goal for many, long-term care insurance, especially if purchased during your early 50′s, might be a good investment.
Long-term care insurance helps pay for these services. A policy also ensures you can make your own choices about what long-term care services you receive and where you receive them.” What’s covered? Policies vary, but you can expect:
- Help in your home with daily activities like bathing, dressing, eating and cleaning
- Community programs, such as adult day care
- Assisted living services–e.g., meals, health monitoring, and help with daily activities–provided in a special residential setting other than your own home
- Visiting nurses
- Care in a nursing home
Encourage government representatives to support legislation that improves senior healthcare.
5. Negotiate for services
If your doctor no longer accepts Medicare, it may be possible to find a price for services that you’ll both be happy with. Some doctors may be willing to tailor prices to what patients can afford, especially for a patient of long standing who doesn’t require insurance claims.
It’ll take time to work out all the details on how to care for our aging population. But a proactive approach can help you prepare for your golden years. And remember, seniors with immediate medical needs can find care at urgent care facilities and emergency rooms–most accept Medicare.
Source: http://fox13now.com
No comments:
Post a Comment