Kendal at Home Blog

On July 31, 2018, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) shared that the average basic premium for Medicare Part D—the prescription drug plan—is expected to decline for the second year in a row. The basic premiums should drop from $33.59 monthly in 2018 to $32.50 in 2019.

Cold and flu season can be an especially dangerous time for older adults. That’s because, as we age, our immune systems lose effectiveness, making a bout with a cold or flu virus more serious—or even deadly. 

Research has shown a case of the flu can increase your risk of developing pneumonia and even heart attack or stroke.

There are several things you can do to prevent exposure to cold and flu viruses and protect yourself if you’ve been exposed.

The vast majority of influenza(flu)-related deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), occur in people over the age of 65, so experts recognized a need for a stronger vaccination for this demographic. 

In response, a high-dose vaccine was created and first became available in the United States in 2009. A study, published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases in 2017, shows that the high-dose version of the vaccine may in fact be more effective, at least in seasons with dominant H3N2 strains of influenza.

As you age, you may notice your energy levels aren’t as high as they once were and you may even need an afternoon nap. But are these changes part and parcel of the aging process? How exactly does the aging process affect fatigue?

Whether you’re contemplating switching your Medicare plan or simply considering making the switch from private insurance, you have until December 7th to make any changes. For you, it’s a time to weigh your options and make changes, but for scammers it’s open season.

Here are some common Medicare scams to watch for during open enrollment.

Lightheadedness—that reeling, woozy feeling that can make you actually feel faint—is a common complaint of older adults and can occur for numerous reasons. Many causes aren’t serious and come with simple solutions, but youshouldn’t ever ignore the feeling because its consequences—such as a fall—can be dangerous all by themselves. If the feeling persists, seek medical attention. 

According to a poll conducted by the University of Michigan and the AARP, 18 percent of people aged 50 and up have not seen an optometrist or ophthalmologist in at least three years or were not sure when they’d had their last eye exam. 

When looking at that population of older adults, more than 40 percent said they hadn’t gone to an eye doctor because they weren’t experiencing any vision problems. Other reasons stated included the cost of the exam—or because they just hadn’t gotten around to making the appointment.

But, is skipping eye exams really a good idea?

Open enrollment for Medicare for 2019 runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, and whether you’re wondering about the changes in store for 2019 or have questions on what the best option is for you, this blog post will provide the resources you need.

Keeping your brain healthy is crucial throughout your lifetime, with research showing multiple ways to maintain quality brain health. They include:

• Well-balanced diet
• Regular exercise
• Quality sleep

But, what about brain health supplements? What role, if any, do they play in maintaining cognitive function?

November is just around the corner, and with it comes the 2018 midterm elections. Nearly three quarters of adults over age 50 are worried about how divided the country—and its citizens—has become, according to an AARP poll. Not only that, it seems older adults disapprove of the jobs our elected officials are doing, regardless of political party.