New Seniors

Based on the current rhetoric, Medicare has become “Mediscare,” but neither political party seems to let the truth get in the way of their agendas. Those of us 65+ have a vested interest in the effects of health care reform, as do citizens of all ages. The problem is Medicare has already been targeted cuts of $500 billion, which few talk about.

A significant majority of all age groups believe that exercise is very or somewhat important, according to a recent Rasmussen poll. Younger people are less likely to agree with this statement. This age group, therefore, has nearly twice the number of non-exercisers than any other group. Is it because younger Americans are generally healthier, too busy or don’t care?

Living in a metropolitan area has many rewards as well as risks. Rate your health as excellent, very good, good, poor or fair, as done in a survey released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which was reported in a CNS article in early February. You might be surprised to see which major metro areas are worst.

After swim practice, I took my grandson for a bite to eat before taking him home. As usual, he got to pick where we would eat. I was not surprised when he chose McDonald’s, since we had not eaten there for several months. When viewing the menu board, I noticed calorie counts are now posted by each ordering selection. There were also “healthier” options being offered.

A vote to repeal in the House passes with some Democrat support. A federal judge declares the legislation unconstitutional. A vote to repeal the bill in the Senate goes along party lines and fails. What does this mean to the average American?

A majority (53%) of respondents in a recent Rasmussen survey favored repealing the health care reform bill. The House of Representatives voted to strike down the law. And the administration seems willing to make changes but urges voters to not kill the bill. A look inside the numbers reveals that Americas opinions on this subject vary by age.

Over the recent holiday season, I attended many parties and had a number of dinners with friends. Although I turned 65 several years ago, this was the first time I was aware that the conversations with my peers had moved on to a new list of topics.

Don’t laugh or say “yuck.” A colonoscopy is a lifesaver for people over 50, because early detection is the key to beating cancer and other diseases, especially for those 65+. I had this procedure long before I became a New Senior. Polyps were discovered during my first routine examination, which may be why I’m around to write this article today.

The other day I walked into my study. After a few moments, I left because I could not remember why I went there in the first place. Then I recalled why I was there, I couldn’t find my keys and thought they might be on my desk. Has this ever happened to you? If you’re over 65, chances are it will happen to you more frequently in the years ahead.

Many New Seniors signed up for long-term care insurance as part of their retirement plan. The idea was to provide a hedge against the cost of extended health care needs beyond those covered by Medicare and supplemental insurance. Most policies pay for assisted-living facilities or home care, with premiums waived once benefits go into effect. Now policy holders are experiencing premium hikes that may make these policies unaffordable for some retirees.