New Seniors » Your Health

New Seniors must face the new realities of Medicare

-NewSeniors Editorial — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 13:16:42 +0000

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.

As part of the president’s health care plan that was signed into law, we were told that the half-trillion dollars would be realized by eliminating waste, fraud and abuse within the system. These cuts will include paying less money to doctors and force them, along with hospitals, out of the Medicare system in the future, making it increasingly difficult for older Americans to find health care providers willing to accept Medicare.

The good news is that both the president’s health care law and congressman Ryan’s proposed plan will not affect anyone 55 and over. The bad news is if something is not done to reduce the growth of health care costs the tax burden will double within the next two decades.

Under the current plan, reducing the amount of money the government spends for Medicare will eventually result in fewer benefits. At the same time, taxes will increase to pay for the growing number of people who will qualify for Medicare coverage. Younger Americans will have to shoulder the rising costs from an already out-of-control system. And, they will wait longer to receive whatever benefits that can be squeezed from a shrinking budget allotment for each individual.

The only thing left to do is reform the system so it still exists for those now under 55 when the reach the time for Medicare to kick in. A combination of some form of medical saving account and boosting the age for qualifying will likely produce the best results. Younger adults will complain. Do you remember when the Baby Boomers were faced with moving the age for full Social Security benefits? They may not have liked it, but now it’s simply the way the program works.

Don’t forget, under the president’s law an additional 32 million people will be insured. They were previously uninsured, so the money has to come from somewhere. Some will come from the $500 million being cut from the Medicare budget. Higher taxes, yes. More efficient system operations, doubtful (after all the government is running this). Fortunately, the folks under 55 will have several years to save for what will certainly be increased health care costs when they reach retirement age.

So, today’s New Seniors have little to worry about, right? Wrong! There will be more health care regulations in place, which could adversely affect those 65+. One major concern is the establishment of a government run Independent Payment Advisory Board.
This panel will have the responsibility to approve when to get health care, where to get it and whether to extend care or not. That’s why it is incumbent upon all New Seniors to contact their elected representatives and say, “No death panels.”

Three in four Americans say exercise is important to daily life

a NewSeniors contributor — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:52:11 +0000

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?

A look into the study shows 62% of those18 to 29 claim that exercise is important. This jumps to 77% for those 30 to 39, 79% for the 40 to 49 group, 81% for those 50 to 64 and 77% for those 65+. Only 51% of men under 40 believe in exercise, but for those over 40 the number climbs to 78%. Younger women came in at 75% while 79% of those over 40 thought that exercise was important to daily life.

Fully 35% of the under 30 crowd never exercise compared to an average of 20% of the total sample who do not engage in physical activities. Interestingly, the 65+ group has the lowest number of non-exercisers with just 14%. Is this because New Seniors are more concerned about taking care of themselves as they age or a result of them having more free time? Based on the number of times and the minutes spent exercising, commitment to better health increases with age.

Most age groups exercise 1 to 3 times a week. But 39% of those 40 to 49 break a sweat 4 or more days a week followed by those 65+ at 30%. Time spent per session shows 39% of respondents exercise for 30 minutes or less, but nearly half the men 40 and older spend more time working out and do it more days of the week. So there is a strong indication that as men mature they want to be in top shape in order to compete in business or be prepared to enjoy life in general.

The research did not report the kinds of exercise engaged in by the respondents. However, cardiovascular activities are favorites among all age groups and sexes. Both men and women have their own specialties when it comes to elevating the heart rate and working up a sweat. Team sports are popular among men while exercise classes get the nod from women. Bodybuilding is also more male oriented, although it has a loyal core of female devotees.

Walking, jogging and running are activities that allow people of both sexes and all age groups to participate. It’s easy to get into this kind of exercise. The cost of entry is low, all that’s needed is a good pair of athletic shoes. There’s no need to join a gym or a group, but it is nice to do this with others. This way, exercising becomes a social activity as well as a way of helping those involved to stay involved.

No matter what people do, doctors will confirm that it is important to good health to do something. If the kids can be convinced that the “in thing” is to get away from their computers and enjoy some physical activity Americans will be a healthier and happier now and in the future.

Photo by Photos8.com

How healthy is your city? You might be surprised!

-NewSeniors Editorial — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 03:01:33 +0000

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.

Unhealthiest Big Cities

The 20 largest U.S. metropolitan areas, according to the Census Bureau, ranked from worst-to-best by the percentage of residents who said their health was good or better:

Only 2 of the 177 metropolitan areas on the CDC list had a lower health rating than Los Angeles, and neither was a major city. They were:

Los Angeles residents’ rating their health so low is rather shocking. After all, this is the place where grass roots efforts began and spread across the country to get others to eat better foods, exercise more and improve air quality.

The good health advocates lobbied government to back the clean air effort, ban smoking in restaurants (some communities don’t allow it on the streets) and take high calorie drinks out of schools. Yet, for all their finger pointing, boycotting and hyperbole, the average Los Angelino ranks his or her self less healthy than those in any other American city.

Could it be that the pressures of being environmentally, food and politically correct causes more stress than one can handle? Maybe everyone should relax and use common sense when it comes to living their lives instead of everyone else’s. That way, we all may feel better about our health and everything else.

Nutritional information at restaurants is helpful but should not restrict freedom of choice

Don Potter: Editor-in-Chief — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 06:29:49 +0000

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.

This visit was an eye-opener for me. I knew that most fast food fare is high in calories, fat and carbohydrates — with lots of the calories coming from fat. But seeing it on the illuminated board below a mouth-watering, full-color photograph of a Big Mac with fries and a drink drove home the point that good tasting food is not always good for you.

I made a resolution this year to watch what I eat and get back into an exercise regimen. So far the food thing has been moderately successful, but I have been faithfully adhering to a walking/jogging schedule. Overall, I’m making progress. Looking at how many calories the various McDonald’s meals contained caused me to ask, “Is it worth it?”

Doing a few slow miles around the track does not burn anywhere near the number of calories in a Big Mac. Add French Fries, and my little fast food indulgence equaled a couple of days worth of exercise. At least the Coke was diet, so no calories there. This prompted me to re-think my choice and order something that was more calorie-friendly. My grandson plays several sports and burns through calories, so he eat what he wanted. However, his mom sees to it that he normally eats a nutritional diet.

This experience demonstrates that nutritional information provides the knowledge adults need to make smart food decisions. Much in the same way the data on packaged foods does. And if we teach this to the children, at home and in school, they will know what’s good for them and what is not. The concerns we should have is not with the information but in the ways that government tries to force us into better choices.

San Francisco is banning the toys in Happy Meals. New York City wants to ban salt in cooking and on the table in all restaurants. And, the federal government hopes to get kids to eat vegetables by eliminating tastier choices from school lunch programs. Washington is also pressuring food manufacturers to change their offerings from what people like to something that’s better for them.

Kids, as well as adults, need good food and exercise. How they get it is not the role of government. But a good place to start is for parents to let kids play outside and start packing lunches for them rather than letting them buy it at school.

Parents must have dinner with them at night, so you know what they are eating. And, when you go out, a little treat is okay just don’t super-size the fries. Common sense goes a long way, especially now that we have the nutritional information right in front of us.

Health care reform: the next step

-NewSeniors Editorial — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 02:18:01 +0000

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?

Clearly this political football will takes many strange bounces before the 2012 elections. And the outcome of the election may well determine how much if any of the health care bill is actually implemented. Of course, the part of the equation that could have a dramatic effect on the situation is what happens in the courts.

With more than half the states engaged in law suits against the federal government, there will be more legal decisions coming forth in the weeks and months ahead that could further damage the administrations efforts to save this controversial legislation and possibly derail it altogether.

As time goes on, the exceptions could overcome the rule. For instance, the companies requested waivers from participating has exploded from a handful at first to what could be a thousand or more. Unions have sought exemptions as well. Individuals have not been afforded this same opportunity. In fact, many private policyholders will suffer because some Medicare Advantage insurers have been forced out of business.

Health insurance rates continue to rise as insurance companies anticipation higher costs resulting from the plans implementation. In addition, 32 million previously uninsured people will soon be covered and benefits must be paid on their behalf. Some 50% of the newly insured will be covered by Medicaid, which means individual states pick up about half these costs. This in turn hurts financially strapped states and could raise taxes.

While there is a shortage of doctors in the United States, the medical profession is being asked to absorb more patients into the system. Yet, they are being asked to accept funding cuts in Medicare and Medicaid, which could lead to significant restrictions in the number of these patients being seen and the care that is offered.

Fewer doctors are willing to accept Medicare and Medicaid patients. Those individuals wanting to keep their regular health care provider may be forced to pay for service out of their own pockets or switch doctors. And, there will be longer waiting periods to see specialists or to have tests performed. This may well be the first step in rationing.

The best that those receiving Medicare and Medicaid benefits can hope for is that the politicians fast-track the health care case to the Supreme Court and a decision regarding constitutionality bill is rendered. Politicians may want to do this in hopes that health care won’t be headline news going into the next election. For the average citizen such a ruling may clarify the coverage situation. But, there will still be many unanswered questions, particularly how is this entitlement program going to be paid for and by whom.

What do you think about the current health care situation?

-NewSeniors Editorial — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 06:03:31 +0000

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.

When asked if the health care plan was good or bad for the country 40% of all respondents said good and 48% viewed it as bad. Only 31% of those 65+ thought it was good and 56% said it was bad.

Respondents with health insurance overwhelmingly were pleased with their coverage; 77% claimed it was good to excellent. Among those 65+, the approval rating climbed to whopping 89%.

Most of those sampled (53%) believe it is not likely they will have to change insurance companies under the new law. New Seniors are slightly less optimistic with 50% answering that it is not very likely or not at all likely they will need to find new health insurance coverage.

However, 61% of respondents expect the cost of health care will increase, as do 63% of those 65+. Under the new plan 53% expect quality of care will be worse, with 51% of New Seniors agreeing. As to whether the plan will affect the nation’s deficit, 57% of the total sample as well as those 65+ plus said yes.

Now, think about how you would answer these questions. Do you fall in with the majority of Americans and other New Seniors? If so what are you going to do about it? Just because the elections took place in November of last year is no reason to conclude that you’re finished with this matter. There’s lots of work to be done.

Remember, the plan calls for reducing Medicare spending by $500 billion. Reducing waste, fraud and abuse will hardly make a dent in this number. And with more and more Americans reaching 65, look for numbers of doctors accepting Medicare as well as the quality of care to suffer. And, rationing is certain to be part of any future cost-cutting discussions.

The battle will continue in Washington. Whether the health bill is repealed (this is unlikely for at least the next two years) or amended, changes will be made. It’s up to every New Senior to contact their representatives and let them know what each of you likes and dislikes. This requires some reading and a commitment to be heard.

By doing nothing, you have no one to blame for bad legislation but yourself. Get informed. Talk with peers. Then let the politicians know what you’re thinking. That’s the way our representative government works best for health care and most other issues.

Casual conversations have changed for New Seniors

Don Potter: Editor-in-Chief — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 01:54:13 +0000

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.

Just ten years ago, at the turn of the millennium, we talked about our jobs first and retirement plans to a lesser degree. Mentions about the accomplishments of our adult children and grandkids were also sprinkled throughout the conversation.

Now, once the obligatory review of the nation’s financial condition is completed, the subject quickly turns to health issues. This applies to most of those 65+ whether they are working or retired. Other once popular subjects take a back seat to this all-important issue.

Individual health situations, quality of health care and health insurance (both coverage and cost) gain greater concern as New Seniors continue along life’s path. Until the health care reform bill became a political football, many of those 65+ took the subject for granted. We came to expect the notion that Medicare would take care of 80% of the costs and a supplemental plan would cover the rest.

The new legislation included a $500 billion cut in Medicare spending supposedly to reduce waste, fraud and abuse. In addition, medical equipment reimbursement and payments to participating doctors and hospitals were due to be cut. The prescription drug plan is to be revamped, too. However, some insurance providers raised premiums for this coverage 20% at the beginning of last year and another 20% for 2011.

While cut backs and changes are working their way through Washington, the fact that health care is still up in the air is unsettling to New Seniors. Some politicians tell us not to worry and others warn the 65+ citizens that trouble looms ahead. What matters is this state of flux can contribute to stress, which in turn can be manifested in a wide range of physical conditions. Maybe that’s why so many New Seniors I talk to are not feeling good about how their health care situation is being kicked around the halls of Congress.

If we raise the banner of “platinum power” as we did in the recent elections, where New Seniors cast one out of every three votes, the politicians must listen. They are already working on fund raising efforts for the 2012 elections. So the preliminary campaigning is not far off. This is the ideal time to contact your representatives and let them know how vital health care is to your wellbeing, your peace of mind as well as your physical health. They must not take any part of our coverage away. This is a promise the government must keep, because we are not in a position to more money to pay for rising rates.

Maybe, if we get New Senior health care under control, we won’t worry about our health and that will have a positive effect on how we feel. So the next time I’m talking to a group of New Seniors, we can talk about positive things such as our grandchildren.

Had a good colonoscopy lately?

Don Potter: Editor-in-Chief — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 03:05:42 +0000

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.

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death among both men and women. Some 150,000 Americans are diagnosed each year with the disease and more than 50,000 will succumb to it annually, about one every ten minutes. However, early detection is responsible for a five year survival rate of more than 64%.

The 65+ segment accounts for 66.5% of colon cancer diagnoses and 75% of the deaths. The average age of those diagnosed with this disease is 71, which indicates that people are waiting until well into their fifties or older before starting the screening the screening process. Human nature being what it is people just don’t think the statics apply to them.

But, as New Seniors have learned by experience, the numbers do matter. When we were younger, it seemed as if everyone smoked. In fact, nearly half of US adults smoked in 1954 when usage peaked. By contrast, today less than 10 % of those 65+ smoke. In spite of the percentage of smokers being cut in half, lung cancer is still a big killer. However, the good news about colorectal cancer is you don’t have to stop something; all that’s required in most instances is to start getting regular checkups.

Speaking of checkups, have you had a physical this year? Since Medicare and Medicaid coverage has not yet been changed as a result the new health care legislation, this is a good time to do something good for yourself. A thorough medical exam, with blood work and all, will detect many potential problems before they get out of hand. I schedule mine to coincide with my birthday, sorta like an annual gift of health to myself.

Going to the doctors is only part of the formula for better health and higher quality of life. The other two legs of the triangle are a healthy diet and regular exercise. I must admit adherence to these regimens has fallen off over the years to the point of not being part of my lifestyle. But like other kinds of improvement, it’s never too late to start. Again.

What are you doing about diet and exercise? Other New Seniors would like to know your secrets. Things like the concept behind what you eat. How do you exercise? Do you follow a specific program? Are you concerned about weight? What physical problems must you overcome? Plus anything else you believe will be helpful in making our lives better, like yours.

If you share this information with NewSeniors.com, we’ll pass it along; because we all have a lot of living to do. And we want to be healthy enough to enjoy life to the fullest.

My memory is great, but I do forget things

Don Potter: Editor-in-Chief — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 01:56:26 +0000

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.

“New Seniors” like me, born between 1930 and 1945, look younger, feel younger and act younger than any group of people who are 65+ in the history of this planet. And next year, the boomers start turning 65 at the rate of one every ten second until 2030. This is not to suggest that the aging process has stopped or even slowed down, although many of us wish it would. Rather, it means we are thought of as being in better overall condition then previous generations.

However, many who preceded us were in better physical shape because their jobs were physical in nature. But they did not have the advantages of modern medicine; and if they made it to 65, most of them retired instead of staying busy as we do. So it’s difficult to compare those folks to today’s aging population.

Something we all have in common is being forgetful. This applies to all ages. However, those 65 and over are attributed with being the ones with poor memories. No matter what age people are, if they have a simple memory lapse there is a standard excuse, “I had a senior moment.”

This line alone is reason enough for anyone within 15 years of having reached the 65 year milestone to refer to themselves as a New Senior. No one is going to say that you just had a New Senior moment. And if they accuse you of having a senior moment, all you need say is, “Please don’t call me a senior, I am a New Senior.” The conversation will end right there.

Of course, this will not end those occasional moments of forgetfulness. The best thing I’ve found is to make notes. Sometimes my pockets are filled with them, but it works as long as I don’t forget to transcribe them to a master list or get them into my computer for future reference.

I used to be a wiz at remembering phone numbers, but the age of the cell phone has replaced the need for that mental capability. Another area where I once took pride was being able to remember names. This is no longer the case. Now, I’m just happy to see them whether I know the person’s name or not. Funny, but I have no problem recalling places. Wonder why that is?

The only time I ever admit to forgetting is when I overlook doing things around the house or don’t pick up items at the store like I was asked. Not remembering birthdays and other dates are usually forgiven after reaching 65. So it’s not all bad. Now where did I put those keys?

Long-term care insurance premiums are on the rise

a NewSeniors contributor — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 02:24:41 +0000

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.

Several insurance companies have applied to states for rate increases of up to 40%. At the same time some insurers are no longer accepting applications for employer programs and becoming more particular in writing individual policies. Insurers argue that as people live longer the claims increase over time, resulting in higher costs for the companies. Additionally, low interest rates are not helping the problem, because the insurers’ investment portfolios are producing moderate returns at best. Therefore, the only way they can continue to cover policyholders is by raising premiums.

Over the past 10 years long-term insurance premiums have remained relatively stable. That was before the firms reworked the numbers and reevaluated the costs for servicing policies in light of the baby boomers turning 65 starting next year. As they become New Seniors at the rate of one every ten seconds through 2030, the insurance companies will have more people than the current 8 million holding long-term care insurance. And these folks are expected to live longer than existing policyholders.

Those on fixed budgets are already concerned about the increasing costs for maintaining coverage. As more people retire, fully or partially, escalating premium costs could lead to some canceling their insurance. However, dropping coverage amounts to throwing money away, since the policyholder gets nothing back from payments already made. Putting off buying a policy only leads to higher premium costs. So, it’s best to review an existing policy or shop around before committing to a new one.

Although it may not appeal to everyone, having the grown children pay for the premiums, or at least the increases, is a sound solution; because it is the heirs who may be faced with picking up the cost of assisted-living or nursing care if there is no insurance. Short of that, longer waiting periods before benefits start, higher deductibles or reduced daily/monthly coverage can be renegotiated with the insurance carriers. Reduction in the number of years covered is also something to be considered. Paying higher premiums earlier, when income is still being generated; or signing up for a combination policy that offers both an annuity and long-term care are also possibilities.

The peace of mind that comes from the financial security of having long-term care insurance is important in these troubled times. Even greater is the quality care this will provide you or a loved one as you continue to live and enjoy the life of a New Senior.