By Debbie D.

Before turning 65, you have a few decisions to make regarding what kind of health coverage works best for you. Social Security automatically enrolls you in Original Medicare, which includes Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Original Medicare helps with the cost of healthcare but does not cover all medical expenses or costs related to long-term care. Many recipients choose to purchase supplemental insurance plans to expand their coverage.

Anyone eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A is eligible for Medicare Part B by enrolling and paying a monthly premium. If you are not eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A, you can qualify for Medicare Part B by meeting the following requirements:

• You must be 65 years or older.

• You must be a U.S. citizen, or a permanent legal resident living in the U.S for at least five continuous years.

• You may also qualify for automatic Medicare Part B enrollment if you are under 65 and receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) disability benefits.

• You will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B after 24 months of disability benefits.

• You may also be eligible for Medicare Part B enrollment before 65 if you have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease).

What is Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part B (medical insurance) is part of the Original Medicare plan and covers medically necessary services and supplies to treat your health condition. This can include outpatient care, preventive services, ambulance services, and durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, oxygen, etc.). If prescribed by your doctor, Part B also covers part-time home health and rehabilitative services, such as physical therapy.

Medicare Part B services include a one-time, comprehensive “Welcome to Medicare” visit, that includes flu and hepatitis B shots, cardiovascular screenings, cancer screenings, diabetes screenings, and more.

What Does Medicare Part B Cover?

• Services, tests, or supplies that are needed to diagnose or treat a medical condition

• Ambulance services

• Durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen, etc.)

• Mental health (inpatient and outpatient)

• Clinical Research

• Approved outpatient prescription drugs

• Chemotherapy

• Emergency room visits

• Kidney dialysis

• Laboratory testing

• Occupational therapy

• Imaging tests and echocardiograms

• Physical therapy

• Organ transplants

Medicare Part B also covers certain preventative services like:

• Bone density measurements

• Cancer screenings

• Cardiovascular disease screenings

• Diabetes screenings

• Screenings for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

• Screenings for sexually transmitted infections (STI)

• Vaccinations for flu, hepatitis B, and pneumonia

• Wellness checks

What Home Health Care Services are Covered by Medicare Plan B?

Home health care approved as medically necessary is completely covered and must be provided by a Medicare-certified home healthcare agency. These services may include:

• Part-time skilled nursing care

• Physical therapy

• Speech-language pathology services

• Occupational therapy

• Medical social services

• Limited home health aide services

To be eligible for home health care services, a physician must certify that you are homebound. According to Medicare, you are homebound if you can’t leave home without the aid of another person, specialized transportation, or equipment.

Medicare Part B does not cover 24-hour home care, meals, or housekeeping services that are unrelated to your treatment. It also does not cover personal care services, such as help with bathing and dressing, if this is the only care that you need.

Medicare Part B: Eligibility

You automatically qualify for Medicare Part B once you turn 65 years old although you’ll need to enroll during your seven-month Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) which begins three months before your 65th birthday, includes the month you turn 65, and ends three months later.

If you have a disability and are receiving Social Security payments, you’re eligible to enroll in Medicare Part B, regardless of your age.

According to the Social Security Administration, other covered disabilities may include:

• Sensory disorders

• Cardiovascular and blood disorders

• Digestive system disorders

• Neurological disorders

• Mental disorders

• End-stage renal disease (ESRF) that requires dialysis

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Most people pay the standard Part B premium amount of $148.50.

Medicare Part B: Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

The seven-month Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) for Medicare benefits begins three months before your 65th birthday includes the month you turn 65, and ends three months later. If you do not enroll during your seven-month IEP, you will be required to wait until the next general enrollment period, January 1st to March 31st.

Part B benefits begin the first day of the month you turn 65. If your birthday is on the first day of the month, your benefits will begin the month before you turn 65. Your Medicare card will arrive about three months before your 65th birthday.

If you are disabled, enrollment in Medicare Part B will begin after you have been receiving Social Security disability benefits for 24 months. Your coverage will begin in the 25th month. You will receive your Medicare card about three months before your coverage begins.

If you have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), your Medicare Part B medical insurance will automatically begin the same month that your Social Security disability benefits begin. Your Medicare card will arrive about one month after you sign up for Social Security disability benefits.

If you have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and require dialysis, your Medicare effective date is usually the first day of the fourth month of your dialysis treatments. However, you need to apply for Medicare benefits; you’re not automatically enrolled if you’re younger than 65.

Medicare Part B: General Enrollment Period

If you were late enrolling for Medicare or need to make changes to your coverage, you may enroll during the next available General Enrollment Period (GEP). The GEP occurs each year from January 1 to March 31 and If you sign up during general enrollment, your coverage will begin July 1 of that year. Your Medicare card will arrive about three months before your coverage begins.

Medicare Part B: Special Enrollment Period

You may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you have moved or lost your group health insurance. You have 8 months to sign up for Part A and/or Part B beginning one month after you lose group health plan insurance. You may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you’re a volunteer, serving in a foreign country.

What is a Medicare Advantage Plan?

If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, you would get both your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage through a private health insurance company contracted with Medicare. By law, Medicare Advantage plans must offer at least the same level of coverage as Original Medicare, and some plans include additional coverage not covered by Original Medicare, like routine dental, vision, hearing, and even prescription drug coverage.

When Can You Make Changes to Your Medicare Advantage Plan?

You can make changes to your Medicare Advantage plan at any time during the annual election period, known as open enrollment. This lasts from October 15 through December 7 each year. The changes you make will take effect on January 1 of the following year.

What is a Medical Alert System?

According to the latest data collected by the US Census Bureau, 20% of the American population will be over 65 by 2030. With the youngest of the Baby Boomers approaching retirement age, the need for specialty elder care will continue to increase. Today’s seniors are healthier and more active than they’ve ever been and show no signs of slowing down. They have no plans to leave their homes, preferring to age in place.

According to the CDC, one in four Americans over 65 fall every year, with over 3 million of them require some form of emergency assistance. Vision problems, vascular issues, vitamin deficiencies, muscle weakness, and even medications can increase the risk of falling. Most end in embarrassment, though many falls lead to fractures, severe bleeding, traumatic brain injuries, and permanent disability.

No one wants to give up their independence, so how do you get help if you live alone and are suddenly incapacitated? What if you can’t reach the phone? A medical alert system can provide life-saving assistance to at-risk elderly and patients living with chronic illnesses.

A medical alert system device is an alarm system designed to contact 911 and family members in a medical emergency. These systems are also referred to as medical alarms or Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS).

PERS are usually call-button style devices that patients wear as a pendant around the neck or wrist. When pressed, they signal a home base station that alerts a monitoring service to contact the necessary medical assistance. 

Does Medicare Cover Medical Alert Systems?

Original Medicare, Parts A, and B don’t cover the cost of these systems, though some Medicare Advantage Plans do. Some insurance providers may offer coverage up to $500 a year for medical alert systems like Life Alert, depending on your selected plan.  

What is Life Alert?

If you watch television, the chances are that you’ve seen the classic commercial for Life Alert that features an elderly woman calling, “Help, I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up!”. With its trademarked slogan, the commercial is often mentioned in advertising articles as being one of the most memorable of all time.

Life Alert is a medical alert system specifically designed to protect seniors and other vulnerable family members in a home health emergency. Services provided by Life Alert can help seniors remain independent and in their own homes longer by sending help quickly even if the patient can’t make it to the phone. Living alone doesn’t have to feel like being alone.

No matter how careful you are, accidents and medical mishaps happen. Did you know falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in people over 65? Getting help quickly can markedly increase your chances of survival. With a simple press of a button, you’ll be speaking to a dispatcher within seconds. Even if you lose consciousness, the dispatcher will be able to hear what’s going on at the other end of the line. 

For less than the cost of a latte a day, you can rest a little easier knowing you’re covered. Thanks to the commercial running since the ’80s, most of us think of Life Alert as the place to call if you have a nasty fall. In the unthinkable event that someone is breaking in, a dispatcher can often scare the intruder away with a loud voice over the system while monitoring the audio and alerting the police. The dispatcher stays on the line with you until help arrives.

Life Alert is a Personal Emergency Response and Home Medical Alert System company that makes it their mission to save lives and prevent catastrophic outcomes. Using innovative technology to provide superior home audio monitoring protection, Life Alert saves, on average, one life from certain catastrophe every 11 minutes. 

How much Does Life Alert Cost?

Life Alert’s basic system consists of a base station and a pendant with a call button. Buttons are designed to be worn around the neck or on the wrist. Press the call button, connect; then the base station acts as an extra-sensitive two-way speakerphone that hooks you right away to a professional Life Alert dispatcher. If you need assistance, the dispatcher will contact a friend, neighbor, or family member you have designated. In an emergency, or if you don’t reply, the dispatcher calls 911 to alert local emergency responders. Life Alert offers additional services that include a waterproof help button for the bathroom or kitchen and a GPS tracking unit if you need more than the basics. 

You’ll pay $49.95 a month for the base unit and a pendant, with a one-time activation fee of $95. Adding a device, either the help button or the GPS unit, raises the monthly fee to $69.90 per month, with an activation fee of $198. For $89.85 a month, you will receive all of the above with a $198 activation fee.

Life Alert Pros:

• Industry pioneer
• Over two decades of experience
• Fast, free shipping
• Use a landline or cell number 
• Installed in four easy steps 
• Unlimited use with no extra fees 
• Insured equipment 
• No need to change batteries 
• Waterproof help button
• Dispatchers are hired and trained by Life Alert (not outsourced)
• GPS tracking unit
• Reliable network provider (AT&T)

Does AARP Cover Life Alert?

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) provides its 38 million members with the information and resources they need to stay healthy, safe, and independent for as long as possible. AARP membership dues don’t cover the cost of Life Alert though they do highly recommend seniors consider using medical alert devices. Companies often provide AARP members with discounts on goods and services. In other words, it’s worth mentioning your membership when you speak with a Life Alert sales representative.

What Customers are Saying

LifeAlerts.com prominently displays a counter on their home page, counting the number of enthusiastic testimonials throughout each day. The hourly updates include praise from patients, family members, caregivers, and first responders. Check them out here. 

An ACNielsen study once determined that 87% of Life Alert members believe Life Alert’s protection is one of the main reasons they’ve been able to remain confident and secure in their own homes. 

By Debbie D.

Medicare was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson in 1965 and covers health insurance for people age 65 or older. Certain younger people can qualify for Medicare too, including those with disabilities, like end-stage renal disease (ESRD), or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease). You must be either a United States citizen or have been a legal, permanent resident for at least five continuous years.

What is Medicare Part A?

Medicare Part A primarily covers inpatient care, including care received while in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, inpatient rehabilitation facility, and, in limited circumstances, at home. As a patient using Medicare Part A, you will receive coverage for hospital expenses that are critical to your inpatient care, such as a semi-private room, meals, nursing services, medications, services, and supplies required for your inpatient treatment. 

Medicare Part A is free if you or your spouse have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least ten years (40 quarters.) If you do not have enough working quarters, you will have to pay a premium. 

Medicare Part A: Home Health Care Benefits

Home health care services deemed medically necessary are completely covered and must be provided by a Medicare-certified home healthcare agency. These services may include:

• Part-time skilled nursing care
• Physical therapy
• Speech-language pathology services
• Occupational therapy
• Medical social services
• Limited home health aide services

To qualify for home health care services, a physician must certify that you are homebound. According to Medicare, you are homebound if you can’t leave home without the aid of another person, specialized transportation, or equipment.

Medicare Part A: Skilled Nursing Facility Coverage

Skilled nursing facility (SNF) stays are covered under Medicare Part A after qualifying hospital inpatient stays related to an illness or injury and must be for a minimum of three days. Follow-up visits as an outpatient do not count towards a qualifying stay. SNF care must be provided by a Medicare-certified facility and may include:

• Semi-private room
• Meals
• Skilled nursing services
• Rehabilitation services 
• Medical social services
• Medications 
• Medical supplies and equipment 
• Ambulance transportation to a nearby provider for services not provided at the SNF
• Dietary counseling

Medicare Part A: Hospice Coverage

You may be eligible for hospice care if your doctor has certified that you have a terminal illness with an estimated six months or less to live. Hospice caregivers focus on providing pain control and comfort at the end of a patient’s life. To qualify for Medicare-covered hospice care, you must meet all of the following conditions:

• You must be enrolled in Medicare Part A.
• Your healthcare provider must certify that you are terminally ill.
• You must agree to give up curative treatments for your terminal illness
• Though hospice care is usually received at home, the care must be provided by a Medicare-approved hospice facility.

Medicare Part A hospice care may include:

• Physician services
• Nursing care
• Pain relief medications
• Social services
• Durable medical equipment
• Medical supplies
• Hospice aide services
• Homemaker services such as cleaning or preparing meals
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Dietary counseling
• Short-term inpatient care (to manage pain or ongoing symptoms)
• Short-term respite care 
• Spiritual and grief counseling

You have the right to discontinue Medicare hospice care coverage at any time if you want to resume curative treatments. Of course, this is a decision you should discuss with your physician.

Medicare Part A: Eligibility

Most Medicare Part A beneficiaries do not pay a premium for coverage if they have worked at least 10 years and have paid Medicare taxes during that time. Individuals who aren’t eligible for premium-free coverage can still enroll in Medicare Part A and pay a premium. You are eligible for Medicare Part A if:

• You are age 65 or older. 
• You are a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident for at least five consecutive years.
• You are already receiving retirement benefits.
• You are disabled and receiving Social Security disability benefits.
• You have end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
• You have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Most people don’t pay a Part A premium if they paid Medicare taxes for 10 years or more. If you don’t qualify for premium-free Part A, you may pay up to $471 each month.

Medicare Part A: Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) 

The seven-month Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) for Medicare benefits begins three months before your 65th birthday includes your birthday month, and ends three months later. If you don’t enroll during your IEP, you will have to wait until the next general enrollment period, January 1 to March 31.

Part A benefits begin the first day of the month you turn 65. If your birthday is on the first day of the month, your benefits will begin the month before you turn 65. Your Medicare card will arrive about three months before your 65th birthday.

If you are disabled, enrollment in Medicare Part A will begin after you have been receiving Social Security disability benefits for 24 months. Your coverage will begin in the 25th month. You will receive your Medicare card about three months before your coverage begins.

If you have ALS, your Medicare Part A hospital insurance (and Medicare Part B medical insurance) will automatically begin the same month that your Social Security disability benefits begin. Your Medicare card will arrive about one month after you sign up for Social Security disability benefits.

If you have ESRD and require dialysis, your Medicare effective date is usually the first day of the fourth month of your dialysis treatments. However, you need to apply for Medicare benefits if you’re younger than 65.

Medicare Part A: General Enrollment Period

If you delayed enrolling for Medicare or need to make changes to your coverage, you may enroll during the next available General Enrollment Period (GEP), unless you are eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). The GEP occurs each year from January 1 to March 31. If you sign up during general enrollment, your coverage will begin July 1 of that year. Your Medicare card will arrive about three months before your coverage begins.

Medicare Part A: Special Enrollment Period

Everyone experiences unexpected events in their life so you can make changes to your Medicare Part A plan during what is referred to as a Special Enrollment Period (SEP.) For example, you have 8 months to sign up for Part A if you lose your employer-provided health insurance, or if you’re a volunteer, serving in another country.

What is a Medicare Advantage Plan?

Medicare Advantage Plans offer a bundled alternative to Original Medicare. They are offered by private companies approved by Medicare and most often include a combination of Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B and, Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage.)

When Can You Make Changes to Your Medicare Advantage Plan?

You can make changes to your Medicare Advantage plan at any time during open enrollment, October 15 through December 7. The changes you make will take effect on January 1 of the following year.

When it comes to choosing health benefits, our focus naturally turns to hospital and routine outpatient care services. The former is essential when serious health issues arise, while the latter will hopefully help us maintain our good health and address minor issues before they become major ones. But there is an additional area that is especially important for seniors, and it’s home health care. 

Let’s look at the types of coverages this benefit may include, as well as the critical role it plays in maintaining seniors’ overall independence and happiness long-term. But first, here’s a quick overview of why it should be top-of-mind as you plan your health coverage going forward.

When Home Health Care Is Needed

Seniors may find they require in-home care because of a sudden injury or illness, or as a result of gradual health changes over time.

For example, after a hip replacement surgery, physical therapy will be required to ensure a full and successful recovery. Or, after hospitalization for an illness, the patient may return home but still needs part-time skilled nursing care. To recover at home is not only better psychologically, but it’s also less expensive than an extended hospital stay.

For some, in-home assistance is needed to help with day-to-day tasks they can no longer manage on their own. This could range from bathing and grooming to managing medications and transportation to medical appointments. 

The reasons for needing in-home care can vary widely. However, the overall mission is to use professional service providers to enable seniors to remain safely in their preferred, familiar living spaces.

Different Levels of Home Health Care

So now that we know why in-home care becomes necessary, let’s examine some of the types of care provided.

• Medicare-Certified Home Health Care – The services provided under this category include occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, intermittent (part-time) skilled nursing care, medical social services, and part-time care from home health aides.
  
  Typically these services are provided on a short-term basis to seniors who are recuperating from an injury, a sickness, or a recent stay in the hospital. This type of care must be declared medically necessary by your physician, and he or she will also need to certify that you are homebound. 

• Private Home Nursing Care – While the previous category addresses short-term needs, this type of care is provided to those with chronic or long-term conditions. These may range from diseases like ALS or MS to patients who have spinal cord or traumatic brain injuries.
  
  Examples of some of the services nurses provide include ventilator, feeding tube, tracheostomy, and catheter care, along with the monitoring and administration of other key health measures.
  
  This type of care must be prescribed by a physician. 

• Daily Living Assistance Care – For those seniors who live on their own and prefer to keep it that way, sometimes a different kind of care is needed. The kind that’s non-medical in nature and a caregiver can provide.
  
  Some services seniors may receive with this coverage include assistance with personal care, such as bathing and dressing. In addition, aides can help with healthy meal planning, medication management, and transportation to doctors’ appointments.
  
  This type of assistance doesn’t require a prescription, but needs to be deemed medically appropriate by a licensed healthcare professional.

The ABCs of In-Home Care
So now that you know the types of home health care available, how do you make sure you’re covered for the services you’ll eventually want or need? The answer is to know what the Medicare coverage options are so you can select the best plan available. 

Original Medicare includes Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). It will cover the Medicare-certified Home Health Care services if you meet the eligibility requirements.

However, Original Medicare doesn’t cover Daily Living Assistance Care if this is the only type of care you require. That’s where Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage comes in.

Medicare Advantage plans are supplied through private insurance companies that Medicare must approve. Medicare Advantage plans are required to offer the same hospital and medical insurance coverages that Original Medicare does. (This includes home health care services.) Additionally, Medicare Advantage plans can offer extra benefits ranging from vision and dental to non-skilled in-home care and more. These additional benefits could mean the difference between staying comfortably in your house and having to move somewhere new.

The At-Home Advantage

So what types of in-home services could this Medicare Advantage coverage include? We touched on a few previously, including:

• Daily personal care (bathing, grooming, getting dressed)
• Medication management
• Transportation to doctors’ appointments. 

Home health aides may also show seniors how to prepare healthy meals and assist them with eating. For seniors who have asthma or related conditions, selected house cleaning services may be included. 

In addition, Medicare Advantage benefits may cover the purchase and installation of certain safety equipment, such as raised toilet seats, shower stools, grab bars, and wheelchair ramps. 

In-Home Caregivers and Respite Care

Since several of the in-home services may be performed by a non-medical professional, many Medicare Advantage plans allow seniors to turn to either a professional caregiver or a relative of their choice. 

In both cases, there will be times when the main caregiver will need time away. Medicare Advantage providers understand this and offer respite care as part of their coverage. Here’s a brief look at the three types of respite care provided.

1. Short-Term Stay at Nursing Home or Assisted Living Facility – This option is especially helpful when a senior is convalescing and their condition makes returning home too soon impossible. Senior living facilities typically have short-term rooms available for this type of use. 
2. In-Home Respite Care – When a trusted caregiver is away, some plans enable seniors to stay at home and bring in a professional to address their needs for an allotted time. 
3. Adult Day Care – This form of respite care nurtures the emotional needs of seniors, as well as the physical. By interacting with others and socializing, it helps them to form new connections in a safe and supervised environment.

As you plan your future health care needs, think about your home and how much you value living there. From the independence and security it provides, to the joy of being near the neighbors and friends. The choices you make now could enable you to have many more years of happiness there.

Taking care of your health is a top priority. This means regular trips to see medical professionals for ongoing, non-emergency care. Whether it’s doctor visits, trips to the pharmacy, physical therapy, or other healthcare facilities, you need a reliable way to get there. 

While some seniors can drive themselves or have a spouse or child who can pitch in, others are reliant on friends and neighbors. And as you well know, things can and often do come up. 

Whether it’s your physician who has an emergency and must move the appointment a few hours or days, or a grandchild who unexpectedly needs to be picked up from school. Suddenly your best-laid plans have changed and there’s no one to drive you. Your appointment has to be postponed or canceled, and your good health is put on hold. Thankfully, there are resources, like Medicare Advantage, that can help.

Before we dive deeper, it’s important to note that these services are for non-emergency health matters. If someone’s life is at risk, it’s essential that you dial 911 to get immediate care.

Medicare Appointment Transportation: Special Circumstances

While Medicare (Part A and B) can cover certain non-emergency medical transportation needs, these are primarily reserved for those whose health conditions require specialized care. For example, non-emergency ambulatory services for seniors who can’t risk exposure to other forms of transportation. Such circumstances must be specified by your physician in writing, confirming that your medical condition necessitates it.

Some seniors will qualify for PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) or Medicaid. These programs have their own transportation guidelines and services for those enrolled. 

To qualify for PACE, you must:

• Be age 55 years or older
• Live within a PACE organization’s service area
• Be certified by the state where you live as requiring a nursing home level of care
• Be able to safely live in your community with PACE’s assistance

To learn more, visit www.pace4you.org 

For those enrolled in Medicaid, non-emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided if you meet the eligibility requirements of your state. These might include not having a driver’s license, not owning a working vehicle, having a disability (mental or physical), or being incapable of taking transportation alone. Visit medicaid.gov to learn more.

Non Emergency Medical Transportation for Seniors

What if you’re a senior who doesn’t fall into any of the groups mentioned above? You still need help getting access to the ongoing health services you require. As of 2020, many Medicare Advantage plans have begun offering new benefits to assist with this urgent need. And, depending upon the specifics of your plan, you may be able to take trips to not only physician visits, but also pharmacies, physical therapy appointments, and more.

As with any provider, it’s important to know what options are available so you can choose the one that will best suit your circumstances. Here are a few of the key features to examine, which vary according to each plan:

• Is this transportation service included free, as a part of the Medicare Advantage plan, or is there an added fee?
  Some plans will include this ride benefit at no additional charge. 

• Which types of non-emergency medical services are approved for Medicare transportation?
  These may include physician appointments, lab tests, pharmacies, physical therapy appointments, visits to health club facilities, etc. Each plan will have a specified list of approved provider types.
• How many one-way trips are covered?
  Is there a maximum number allowed within a specified timeframe? Some offer unlimited trips, while others have a cap. Take into consideration whether you will have physical therapy or other ongoing treatment needs. Perhaps you have made arrangements to be regularly dropped off by someone but will need transportation back home. In this case, it would count as one trip, rather than two.

• • What is the maximum number of miles allowed per trip? 
    Will this plan enable you to regularly visit the facilities you wish to access? While some plans place no limits on mileage, others set a maximum mileage per trip. For example, a maximum of 25 miles or even 60 miles each way. The good news is that with all Medicare Advantage providers, if your destination falls outside the transportation mileage limit, some special exceptions can be made.
  • Which transportation services are authorized to serve in your area?
    Some partner with ride-sharing services while others work with taxi or van services.

• What hours/days will the service be available?
  Ensure that it will enable you to reach your destination(s) and return home as needed.

Non-Medicare Transportation Options

If you would like to learn about potential non-Medicare resources in your area that can assist with locating medical transportation for seniors, you may wish to contact your local Area Agency on Aging. You can search for contacts in your region using the Eldercare Locator. 

Make Your Plan Today

Regardless of which program you choose, be sure you have a transportation plan in place. Ensuring you have the health care you need has never been more important. And transportation should not stand in the way of receiving it. 

If you’re driving yourself or relying on one or two close relatives or friends to assist you, keep in mind that circumstances can change over time. When it’s time to hang up your keys for good, or your driver moves away, you won’t want to be left wanting. Give yourself the peace of mind of knowing you have your bases covered. You’ll be so glad you did!

Whether it’s a quick trip to the grocery or to pick up a prescription refill, having the freedom to drive is something we all take for granted. But what happens when we get older, and those spontaneous trips begin to pose risks we haven’t considered? 

Suddenly a rainy night becomes much more treacherous, and a quick trip could result in an accident with injuries requiring months of recovery. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to ensure this won’t happen to you or those you love. 

What Every Senior Needs to Know About Driving

Despite having decades of experience, there are some things seniors may not know when it comes to driving. Specifically, health issues can arise over time, making driving more difficult for many of a certain age. 

Eyes on the Road

Being able to see clearly is essential. But changes in one’s vision or the emergence of an eye disease can have a serious impact, sometimes before you even realize it. 

Many seniors develop cataracts, where the clear lenses of the eyes cloud over. Others may experience macular degeneration, where the central part of their field of vision deteriorates while the areas around the edges remain intact. Glaucoma, where increased eye pressure impacts the optic nerve, can lead to eye damage and eventual blindness. What’s more, the most common form of glaucoma may have few or even no noticeable symptoms.

The good news is there are established treatments that can help with these conditions. Early detection is key to ensuring the best possible outcome. 

Seniors should schedule regular eye exams with their ophthalmologist or optometrist to have their eye health checked. For those who wear glasses or contacts, this is also a perfect opportunity to make sure they are the proper prescription.

Can You Hear Me Now?

You may not think there’s much to listen to while driving, other than the radio or a fellow passenger. However, whether it’s sirens from emergency vehicles, honking horns to warn of potential trouble, or the sound of your tire thumping because it’s going flat, these are all important noises you won’t want to miss. 

Also, hearing issues are much more prevalent than many realize. According to the National Institute on Aging, nearly one-third of U.S. seniors aged 65 to 74 have hearing loss, and almost half of those over 75 have hearing trouble. 

That’s why having your hearing tested regularly is so important. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, this should be done at least every three years once you turn fifty. And, if hearing aids are necessary, then be sure to use them while driving and keep other noises to a minimum.

Motor Skills & Mobility

If you’ve ever woken up with a stiff neck and then driven, you know how uncomfortable it is to look over your shoulder to check for other cars. What if you had a more chronic condition that restricted your movements? Many elderly drivers experience a variety of health issues that impact their mobility.

Seniors also tend to lose strength and the ability to respond quickly to external events, both of which are needed while operating a vehicle. One of the best ways to counter this is by being physically active. Not only will it help to maintain muscle mass, but it will also help with mental fitness.

Another painful truth of aging is that we lose height over time. Thankfully, modern vehicles make it very easy to adjust our seat positions in order to still see clearly and have access to the controls we need.

Monitor Medications

While seniors may read the warning labels on new medications, there’s a vital area they will not cover. And that’s how the new medication(s) may interact with any existing prescriptions or over-the-counter drugs the senior is taking. It’s essential to consult with a physician or pharmacist regarding how these medications could affect each other and any potential side effects they may have. 

Seniors should watch out for dizziness, fainting, fatigue, or anything else that could impair their ability to focus or maintain control behind the wheel. If a prescription is causing troubling side effects, alert your doctor and ask if a different medication is available.

Tips for Seniors for Safe Driving

For seniors who are up-to-date on their checkups and want tips on driving safety, here are some pointers to keep in mind:

• Plan your outings during the day – Try to schedule appointments, get-togethers, and errands during daylight hours. Avoid driving at dusk and at night, when headlights can disrupt your vision. Keep in mind when daylight savings time begins and ends so you can adjust your schedule accordingly. 
• Don’t drive in inclement weather – Seniors have reduced response times in the best of conditions. Don’t put your abilities to the test. If you have to go out before the weather clears, arrange for alternate transportation instead.  
• Avoid Distractions – Do not try to eat, drink, text, or answer your cell phone while driving. If you need to do any of these things, find a safe place and pull over first.  
• Avoid Alcohol – It may be tempting to have a single drink, but its impact could be devastating. The way your body metabolizes alcohol changes as you grow older. Let someone else drive or wait and partake after you return home.  
• Select the Best Routes – When possible, use routes that avoid highway on-ramps. Also, rather than turning left on busy city streets, go up a block and make three right turns instead. 

Ride Service for Seniors

There are times when seniors will not want to drive. For example, after having blood work done, seniors may feel frightened about getting behind the wheel. That’s why having alternative transportation options available is so important.

Thankfully, many Medicare Advantage plans offer transportation benefits as part of their coverage. Depending upon the plan, you could receive anywhere from a dozen to an unlimited number of rides each year. And these may include trips to physician appointments, pharmacies, lab tests, physical therapy appointments, even health club facilities, and more! 

ITNAmerica is another growing resource, currently helping those 60 and over across ten states. It‘s a non-profit, community-based program where drivers for senior citizens may be scheduled 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Rates vary by location, and many of the drivers are community volunteers who can assist seniors door-to-door.

Public transportation and services like Uber and Lyft are also options for seniors in need of rides. Since every community is different, a great place to begin is with the local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) to see which options are available.

Whether you want transportation assistance now, or down the road, take a little time to figure out what will work best for you. This way it will be ready for you when you need it.

What is Medicare Supplement?

Also known as Medigap insurance, Medicare Supplement insurance helps pay for costs that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) doesn’t cover. For example, Original Medicare may not cover certain deductibles or copays; or pay for routine dental, vision, and hearing checks. If you need eyeglasses or hearing aids, those are considered out-of-pocket expenses. If you need prescription medication coverage, then you’ll need to enroll in Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan.

There are ten Medigap insurance plans available in most states, and each plan type is designated by one of the following letters: C, D, F, F (High deductible), G, G (High deductible), K L, M, or N. The kind of coverage is standardized across each plan letter, so no matter which private insurance company you select, you will be getting the same basic benefits for Medicare Supplement coverage within the same letter. However, even if standardized benefits are the same across plans of the same letter category, premium costs may vary by the insurance company and/or location. If you live in Massachusetts, Minnesota, or Wisconsin, your Medicare Supplement plans may look different due to state-specific standards.

Medicare Supplement insurance plans do not provide stand-alone coverage, so patients will still have to be enrolled in Original Medicare, Part A, and Part B, for hospital and medical coverage.

Let’s Take a Closer Look at Medicare Supplement Choices:

Medigap Plan C

Premiums range from $158-$596, depending on your age, sex, health status, and when you buy. (Doesn’t include $148.50 Standard Part B premium.)

Plan Benefits include:

Skilled nursing facility 

Part A deductible 

Part B deductible 

Foreign travel emergency 

Medigap Plan D

Premiums range from $124-$492, depending on your age, sex, health status, and when you buy. (Doesn’t include $148.50 Standard Part B premium.)

Plan Benefits include:

Skilled nursing facility 

Part A deductible 

Foreign travel emergency

Medigap Plan F

Premiums range from $146-$1,148 depending on your age, sex, health status, and when you buy. (Doesn’t include $148.50 Standard Part B premium.)

Plan Benefits include:

Skilled nursing facility 

Part A deductible

Part B deductible 

Part B excess charges

Foreign travel emergency

Medigap Plan F (High Deductible)

Premiums range from $40-$168 depending on your age, sex, health status, and when you buy. (Doesn’t include $148.50 Standard Part B premium.)

Plan Benefits include:

Skilled nursing facility 

Part A deductible

Part B deductible 

Part B excess charges

Foreign travel emergency

Medigap Plan G

Premiums range from $116-$1,038 depending on your age, sex, health status, and when you buy. (Doesn’t include $148.50 Standard Part B premium.)

Plan Benefits include:

Skilled nursing facility 

Part A deductible

Part B excess charges

Foreign travel emergency

Medigap Plan G (High Deductible)

Premiums range from $30-$174 depending on your age, sex, health status, and when you buy. (Doesn’t include $148.50 Standard Part B premium.)

Plan Benefits include:

Skilled nursing facility 

Part A deductible

Part B excess charges

Foreign travel emergency

Medigap Plan K

Premiums range from $45-$242 depending on your age, sex, health status, and when you buy. (Doesn’t include $148.50 Standard Part B premium.)

Plan Benefits include:

Skilled nursing facility 

Part A deductible

Medigap Plan L

Premiums range from $81-$353 depending on your age, sex, health status, and when you buy. (Doesn’t include $148.50 Standard Part B premium.)

Plan Benefits include:

Skilled nursing facility 

Part A deductible

Medigap Plan M

Premiums range from $149-$432 depending on your age, sex, health status, and when you buy. (Doesn’t include $148.50 Standard Part B premium.)

Plan Benefits include:

Skilled nursing facility 

Part A deductible

Foreign travel emergency

Medigap Plan N

Premiums range from $93-$807 depending on your age, sex, health status, and when you buy. (Doesn’t include $148.50 Standard Part B premium.)

Plan Benefits include:

Skilled nursing facility 

Part A deductible

Foreign travel emergency

For details on copays, coinsurance, deductibles and more accurate premium details in your state click here.

What is Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Part C, are offered by private insurance companies that are Medicare-certified. These private insurers may offer different options within their Medicare Advantage plans, so you’ll need to carefully review each plan to ensure you are getting the coverage that you need. Subtle differences can bring unexpected out-of-pocket costs and making any changes in your coverage will have to wait until the next open enrollment period.

Many Medicare Advantage Plans include Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. Also known as Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans, these options give you the convenience of having all of your Medicare benefits administered through a single plan. With your low, or no-cost plan premium you may be required to pay a small co-pay or co-insurance when receiving certain health care services.

All Medicare Advantage Plans are required, by the federal government, to cover everything that Original Medicare covers, and some plans cover exams and extras that Original Medicare does not; including eyeglasses, hearing aids, wheelchair ramps, no-slip shower grips, meal delivery services, and transportation to and from doctors’ appointments. In some cases, Medicare Advantage even offers wellness plans to keep seniors active, healthy, and independent. Here are some of the best according to a 2021 U.S. News & World Report:

https://health.usnews.com/health-news/best-medicare-plans/best-insurance-companies-for-medicare-advantage-plans

Medical Supplement Insurance vs Medicare Advantage Plans: How Do I Choose?

Both Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans and Medicare Advantage Plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare, so how do you know which plan is right for you? Let’s look at a few differences that may help:

• Medicare Supplement Plans are accepted by any medical provider or hospital that accepts Medicare, while Medicare Advantage Plans require that you select in-network providers. 
• With Medicare Supplement Plans, seeing a specialist does not require a referral. With Medicare Advantage coverage, you may be required to get a referral to see an in-network specialist.
• With Medicare Advantage Plans you may encounter network restrictions while traveling, while Medicare Supplement coverage allows you to travel worry-free.
• Enrollment in Medicare Supplement Plans can happen any time after turning 65. With Medicare Advantage Plans, enrollment is restricted to two open enrollment periods per year.
• With Medicare Advantage, prescription drug coverage is included. With Medicare Supplement you will need to purchase separate coverage. (Medicare Part D.)

Start Early and do Your Research!

Choosing the right healthcare coverage is very personal as we all have unique health, wellness, and financial needs. It’s important to take time to consider both your Medicare Supplement insurance and Medicare Advantage plan options, to find the coverage that works best for you.

The Annual Open Enrollment Period (AEP) for Medicare starts on October 15th and runs through December 7th each year. During this window, you can evaluate your current Medicare insurance and add, drop, or make changes to your coverage if necessary. If you can plan ahead for open enrollment by reviewing your current healthcare needs and making a few lists, then the process of making changes should be a breeze.

 During open enrollment you can:

• Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage or vice versa
• Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to a different Medicare Advantage plan available in your area
• Enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
• Switch from one Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to another
• Drop Medicare Part D coverage

It’s important to note that according to annual enrollment guidelines, the AEP does not apply to Medicare supplemental policies. This means that changes to Medigap are not allowed during this window.

Prior to the annual Medicare AEP, it’s important to review your healthcare and medical needs to determine if you need to make changes to your existing coverage. The following is an annual Medicare checklist to ensure that you are prepared for any changes that may be required during the annual open enrollment period. 

Evaluate Health and Lifestyle Changes

The first thing you should do is evaluate how your health has changed over the last year. Start by answering these questions:

• Have you been seeing your primary care physician more regularly for a particular health concern?  
• Have you started seeing a specialist?
• Are you taking any new medications? 

In addition to evaluating any changes to your health, it’s also important to reflect on physical or lifestyle changes over the last year. Maybe you have recently joined a local hiking club or started taking tai-chi classes in the park. Be sure to document any significant health or lifestyle modifications that have occurred in the last year. 

Next, make two lists. The first list should be of the doctors and specialists that provide your care. Be sure to indicate the co-pay or coinsurance for each visit. The second list should be of medications that you take. Next to each medication, you should note the monthly out-of-pocket cost. Remember to include any over-the-counter medications that you purchase regularly.

Finally, jot down the name of your local hospital and any other medical service centers or urgent care facilities you might need to visit. 

Review Change Notices for your Current Medicare Policy

Every year your policy provider will notify you in writing of any changes to your current policy. This could include:

• Changes to which service providers are covered
• Changes to in-network or out-of-network coverage levels
• Changes to your policy’s prescription plan formulary
• Changes to annual coverage caps for extras like dental or vision
• Any other benefits that are being added to or removed from your plan

Review your change notices and highlight anything that might negatively impact your current healthcare or any changes that could result in an increase in your out-of-pocket expenses. 

For instance, if a specialist that you see regularly is no longer covered by your current plan, you would have to start paying for that specialist out-of-pocket. Alternately, you may need to find someone to replace that specialist within the network of your current plan. 

Another example would be if a prescribed medication has been removed from your current Medicare policy’s formulary. A formulary is the list of medication brands and generic medicines that are included with each specific policy. 

Either of these types of changes could result in the need to switch to a Medicare plan that better suits your existing health concerns. 

Assess Finances and Current Medical Expenses

Now that you have documented your healthcare needs as well as health and lifestyle changes, and you’ve gathered updates to your current policy terms – it’s time to turn to your finances. 

Have your finances changed in the last year? Review your annual or monthly budget to determine if there has been an increase or decrease in the amount of funds you have available for medical expenses. When reviewing your finances – answer these questions:

• Does your current budget still allow you to comfortably pay your Medicare plan premiums? 
• How has your budget been affected by your current policy’s deductibles, co-pays, and any coinsurance? 

Make note of any out-of-pocket medical expenses that have gone up significantly. Pay particular attention to healthcare expenses that could be reduced or eliminated by changing plans. 

Finally – Evaluate your Results

Now that you have a clear picture of your current medical needs and healthcare expenses, it’s time to review how well your current policy holds up. Your Medicare policy may be meeting all of your needs within your budget. However, any changes in your health, your finances, or your habits could mean that you can find better coverage for your current healthcare needs.

For instance, have you experienced an uptick in dental visits over the past year to replace old crowns or fillings? If you switch from an Original Medicare plan to a local Medicare Advantage plan with dental benefits, your dental bills could decrease substantially. Medicare Advantage plans also include vision coverage which reduces your annual cost for glasses or contact lenses.  

Alternately, have you started taking a prescription medication that has a steep co-pay, or no generic option? Then maybe it’s time to find a better drug plan. 

If you need some help in finding the best plan, you have some options.

Attend an Information Seminar or Consult with an Expert

With the myriad of Medicare policy types and coverages available in today’s marketplace, finding the best type of policy for your needs can be confusing. It may help to attend an information seminar to understand more about the benefits of each policy type. You can also reach out to an expert to explain Medicare policy options and differences. 

Once you’ve decided to make a change to your Medicare coverage, don’t forget that the deadline to make a change during Open Enrollment is December 7th. 

Whether you’re new to Medicare or have been enrolled for years, it’s always good to make sure you’re getting the most out of your benefits. Not only will your health care needs change over time, but some of your coverages and costs may as well.

Medicare understands this and has rules in place regarding when updates to your coverage can be made. Discover what they are, the deadlines you should be aware of, and which changes are allowed to help you maximize your health benefits.

Medicare AEP at a Glance

There are different enrollment periods for the various Medicare plans offered. If you’re interested in signing up for or making changes to a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Prescription plan, then the Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP) is the perfect time to do so.

• Key Dates: The Medicare AEP takes place October 15th thru December 7th.
• Who It’s for:
  • Those who want to make changes to their existing Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
  • Those who signed up for Original Medicare (Parts A and B) during their initial enrollment period and wish to change to a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C).
  • Those who want to enter or exit a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
  • Those who want to exit their Medicare Advantage plan and enroll in Original Medicare.

• Why You Should Take Advantage:

• • Review your current and projected health care needs. Are they being met by your current Medicare plan? Could additional or different benefits be helpful, such as prescription coverage?
  • Has your Medicare Advantage plan changed its costs or coverages? Is it still the best one for you, or is there a more suitable one?

Let’s take a closer look at the specifics of Medicare coverage and how you can make the most of the upcoming Medicare Annual Election Period.

Medicare’s Main Parts

Here’s a brief overview of the types of coverages Medicare offers:

• Medicare Part A – This is hospital insurance. It provides coverage for inpatient care at hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and hospice care.

• Medicare Part B – This is medical insurance. It provides coverage for selected doctors’ treatments, outpatient services, medical supplies, and preventative care.

• Medicare Part C – Also known as Medicare Advantage, this type of plan bundles together Medicare Part A and Part B, and often Part D. In addition, most plans offer bonus benefits that Original Medicare (comprised of Parts A and B) will not. These may include dental, hearing, vision, and more. These plans are provided by private organizations with Medicare’s approval, ensuring that they meet Medicare’s coverage requirements.

• Medicare Part D – This is prescription drug coverage. Not only does it assist with costly medications, but it can also help with vaccines and shots. You can choose to obtain it with Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans.

Changing Your Medicare Coverage

Now that you know the main types of coverage available, let’s examine when you’re eligible to make changes to the Medicare plan you have. 

Typically, you’ll want to take advantage of the Annual Election Period (AEP). This happens during the same time each year. Sometimes, however, special circumstances arise and a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is needed. We’ll look at each of these options in turn.

What is AEP

October 15th through December 7th is the Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP). During this time, you may make the following changes to your plan:

• Exit Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and join a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C).
• Exit your Medicare Advantage Plan and sign up for Original Medicare.
• Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another Medicare Advantage Plan
  (Potentially adding or removing a prescription drug benefit in the process)
• Add a Medicare Part D plan to your Original Medicare coverage.
• Remove your Medicare Part D coverage.

Any updates you make to your coverage during this period will become official on January 1st.

Why Make Changes during the Medicare AEP?

Your health evolves from year to year, and your coverage should, too. Invest a little time now to see what Medicare plans are best suited to your needs. 

Are you requiring more prescriptions or health visits than before? Or perhaps the reverse is true and you don’t need all of the benefits you currently have.

Is there a more cost-effective plan available in your area that offers the coverage you need?  Are there new benefits being offered in a different plan that would be helpful to you?

The time you invest in examining your coverage now could yield major benefits in the year ahead.

Additional Enrollment Periods

While the Annual Election Period happens during the same timeframe each year, Medicare recognizes that additional enrollment periods are required. Here’s a brief look at the different types available:

• Special Enrollment Period – This is for people whose individual circumstances have changed. Specifically, you may have moved to a location outside of your current plan’s jurisdiction, or into or out of an extended-care facility. Perhaps Medicare terminated its contract with your provider. These are just a few examples.
• Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) – As the name suggests, this is for newly eligible Medicare enrollees. It begins three months before your 65th birthday month and concludes three months after it, spanning a total of seven months.
• General Enrollment Period (GEP) – This begins January 1st and ends March 31st. It may be used by those who did not sign up during their IEP and do not meet the criteria for a SEP.  
     
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period – This begins January 1st and ends March 31st. During this period, you may change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, and prescription drug coverage changes are allowed. You may also switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Note that your new coverage will become effective on the first day of the month following the receipt of your request by your new provider. NOTE: This enrollment period does not allow you to switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan. So if you’re looking to do so, be sure you change your coverage during the Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP), from October 15th through December 7th.

No matter what your age, it’s vital to your health to stay busy and active. Many older adults who are nearing retirement start to consider what they’ll do with spare time on their hands. Volunteering in your free time is a great option that can be both fun and rewarding. Depending on the type of volunteer activity you choose – it can also keep you both physically and mentally fit. 

Retirees frequently find it difficult to transition out of the workplace. You can lose your sense of purpose with such a sudden change to your lifestyle and your routine. Volunteering in retirement can benefit you as much as it does the world around you. Seniors who volunteer stay connected to their community, and adults over 65 make up 25% of the total volunteer population. Locating volunteer opportunities for retirees can help to ease the transition and combat depression.

To find the right volunteer opportunity for older adults – you may want to answer some of these questions:

• What do you like to do for fun?
• What skills do you have that you would like to share?
• How much time do you have to give?
• Would you like to work indoors or outdoors?
• Do you work better in a team or one-on-one?
• Do you prefer working with animals, or helping children or adults?
• Are there any charities that are important to you?

There are many different choices for volunteering once you’ve narrowed down your preferences and goals. The following are some options based on the type of volunteer opportunities you may be looking for.

Volunteering for Fun

On the Golf Course

Did you know that you can volunteer to usher at a local golf course either for a charity event or on the weekends? If you’re a fan of the sport – you can use your volunteer time as a way to attend a big golf tournament or to simply enjoy a round or two on the weekend. Many golf courses reward seniors who volunteer with free rounds of golf. You can also volunteer as a golf coach to help teach young people how to play.

Live Theatre

If you are a theatre buff, there are many opportunities to volunteer at your local theatre. Theatre volunteers hand out playbills or sell snacks in exchange for tickets to popular shows. Additionally, if the show that you are working has a low turnout, a volunteer can usually just plop down in an empty seat to watch along with the other patrons until the curtain comes down and the lights come up.

Working with Animals

If your passion involves our furry friends, you’ll find many opportunities to play with pups or kittens, or even walk dogs at your local shelter. Shelters really benefit from volunteers who can cover these responsibilities – especially on holidays, so that employees can take a break to be at home with loved ones.

Volunteering to Help Those in Need

Feeding the Hungry

Not surprisingly, a large percentage of volunteers work in the areas of food service. This includes serving meals to the homeless and lending a hand at the local food bank. Some food service volunteers are also drivers for Meals on Wheels or help to organize local food drives.

Mentoring and Tutoring

Many retirees have knowledge and experience that they can share with others. You can choose to volunteer as a mentor or tutor at a local community center or a group home for displaced youth. This positive engagement can help steer someone in the right direction – especially if they’ve been left on their own.

You’ll find it extremely fulfilling sharing your knowledge to help people succeed both personally and academically.

Become a Foster Grandparent

The foster grandparent program that’s offered through Americorps.gov allows folks over the age of 55 to be paired with a child-in-need in a local community or online. Building a connection with a child who needs guidance and support can be a gratifying way to spend your spare time. 

Environmental Opportunities

National Parks Service

The National Parks Service relies on a network of volunteers to help manage their 418 park sites. Volunteers hand out brochures, give directions or can help with park clean up. The great thing about volunteering with the National Parks Service is that they will work with you to find an opportunity that matches your skill set. If you put in enough hours, you can even earn a free annual park pass. 

Beach Clean Up

The Surfrider Foundation has partnered with the Better Beach Alliance to develop a national beach cleanup program that includes Hawaii and Puerto Rico. They currently have a volunteer network of over 140,000 people of all ages. Their efforts have resulted in the removal of over 960,000 pounds of trash from beaches and coastal areas. 

By volunteering for a beach cleanup, you can support your community and make new friends while spending a few hours on the beach. 

Volunteering for Travel

Join the Peace Corps

The Peace Corps recognizes the value of older volunteers who have skills and experience that they can share with the global community. Through their 50-Plus initiative, the Peace Corps is now actively recruiting older adults for both long-term (2 years) or short-term (3 months) commitments. Volunteers are trained and placed in one of many global communities in need of support. The Peace Corps will provide you with both a housing and a living stipend, and they cover all your medical expenses while you are on assignment.

The Takeaway

Volunteering provides connection and a sense of purpose for seniors and recent retirees. You can make new friends and learn new skills while staying connected to others. Working as a volunteer can combat depression and loneliness, especially if you are an older person who is single or lives alone.  

If you are interested in volunteering, there are hundreds of organizations and websites that are dedicated to helping seniors and retirees get involved locally, nationally, or internationally.