Welcome to the Holidays, 2022 |
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I don't know if its just me or if the world is really spinning faster, but it seems the holidays are coming very early this year! As we all start to shop, plan, cook, eat and gather with family and friends, not to mention all the end of the year work deadlines, let's take a moment to consider how this time of year impacts older adults.
First, we are in the middle of Medicare open-enrollment. This is an important time for people to consider their health care needs for next year. It can be very confusing, especially with constant ads on tv, not to mention scammers. For reliable information on choosing a Medicare plan, please see the section below with lots of resources to share with your networks.
The holidays also can have an emotional toll on older adults. Constant images of happy, shopping and partying people can be hard for people who have experienced loss and are missing loved ones. Let's not forget that COVID is still disrupting lives and preventing some families from seeing each other in person. And shorter days/longer nights have a clinical impact on mental well-being, especially for dementia patients experiencing "sundowning." See our most recent Aging Insights episode on Multi-Dimensional Wellness below.
And not to be all doom and gloom - the holidays are a time to celebrate another year gone by and all that is to come. If you need gift ideas for the older people in your life, see last year's Aging Insights on gift ideas. I will update my gift suggestion - try "Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk" by Kathleen Rooney.
Let the holidays begin!
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Protect Yourself from Scams During Open Enrollment |
SMPNJ Director and frequent NJAAW guest Charles Clarkson explains that while Medicare Open Enrollment provides opportunities to beneficiaries to make plan changes, it also comes with scammers trying to take advantage. View Charles' message here: video message
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Help Spread the Word on
Medicare Open Enrollment Options
Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 - December 7, 2022. During this time, people eligible for Medicare can compare 2023 coverage options on Medicare.gov . This website provides clear, easy-to-use information as well as an updated Medicare Plan Finder to allow people to compare options for health and drug coverage, which may change from year to year. Phone help is available 24/7 by calling 1-800-MEDICARE to provide help in English and Spanish as well as language support in over 200 languages. People who want to keep their current Medicare coverage do not need to re-enroll.
For information on the new Medicare payments for insulin, enrollees should call 1-800-MEDICARE or contact their State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (www.shiphelp.org ) or 1-800-792-8820. for help comparing plans and costs.
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Guard Your Card
Unknown callers may try to contact older adults during Medicare Open Enrollment. Don’t fall for promises of free offers or gifts, and NEVER give out your Medicare Number over the phone unless you initiated the call. Learn more ways to guard your card at medicare.gov/fraud
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Medicare & You 2023
CMS has released "Medicare & You 2023." This publication offers a summary of Medicare benefits, coverage decisions, rights and protections, and answers to the most frequently asked questions about Medicare. The 2023 version is available in several languages, braille and audio versions. To order or download, click here: Medicare.gov
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Aging Insights 2023 - We Want to Hear from You!
NJAAW’s award-winning Aging Insights strives to cover timely issues for NJ residents. Over the past 11 years, we have had expert guests and covered topics on a wide range of interests - arts, health, COVID, prescription drugs, physical therapy, hoarding, assistive technology to name a few. Help us plan for 2023 by letting us know what topics and guests you would like us to include. Send your suggestions to office@njaaw.org with "Aging Insights" in the subject line.
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Episode 133:
Multi-Dimensional Wellness
Over the past 2 years, we have witnessed the importance of mental health and emotional well-being. The generation that is now retired - the “great generation” or "boomers" - is often not used to or comfortable talking about mental health. But as we are living longer than ever before, more attention needs to be focused on wellness, resilience and emotional health.
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For some people that may come naturally, but others need to be intentional about it. Dr. Michelle R. Zechner, Assistant Professor at the Rutgers School of Health Professions, Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions joins us in this enlightening episode on wellness and flourishing with age. |
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Spotify & other podcast apps.
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November is National Family Caregivers Month and
National Alzheimer's Awareness Month!
Join the Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter for these timely and insightful programs:
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ALZ Talks: Alzheimer's, Dementia and the Holidays (virtual)
Thursday, November 17 | 1pm EST Register
The holidays can be challenging for families facing dementia. Hear about things to consider when planning visits and traditions. You'll also learn about signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's and the resources that are available. Featuring local DVC volunteer, Michael Williams. Register: here
Understanding & Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors (virtual)
In partnership with Artis Senior Living Huntingdon Valley
Thursday, December 1 | 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Register: here
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Free Virtual Tour of Christmas Paris!
December 14, 10-11 a.m. ET
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As virtual events have grown in the past 2 years, the possibilities for activities and engagement have really opened up for older adults. Join us to learn about virtual travel with a special online trip, "Christmas Paris." This virtual tour, designed by JoinPro for New Jersey Advocates for Aging Well, will explore Paris with a designated local tour guide. Learn about the virtual travel options JoinPro can plan for your senior center or residence. Join our magic trip to Christmas Paris when the city of lights is lit even brighter by thousands of twinkling bulbs.
Space is limited. Reserve your tickets by December 5 by clicking here:
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Parker Life Offers In-Person Events |
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November 29:
Everything You Wanted to Kow About Medicare
For flyer, click here:
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November 30:
Lunch & Learn - Are You Concerned About Hearing Loss?
For flyer, click here:
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OLLI-RU WINTER 2023 CATALOG NOW AVAILABLE
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Registration starts Thursday, Nov. 17,
Winter session runs Jan. 6 through Feb. 10.
Winter classes will be online with a return to in-person again in the spring.
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Together at the Table: Supporting the Nutrition, Health, and Well-Being of Grandfamilies |
The 2022 State of Grandfamilies Report – Together at the Table: Supporting the Nutrition, Health, and Well-Being of Grandfamilies includes the latest findings on grandfamilies facing high rates of hunger and food insecurity, as well as policy recommendations to help feed grandfamilies. Read the report to explore the data and learn why we need to change current policies to ensure access to adequate nutritious food for grandparents.
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Property Tax Programs for Seniors
View AARP’s "Property Tax Relief for NJ Homeowners and Renters"
Featuring:
- Elizabeth Muoio, State Treasurer for New Jersey
- Katie York, Associate State Director of Advocacy, AARP New Jersey
- Marita Sciarrotta, Deputy Director, NJ Department of the Treasury
The hosts discussed eligibility requirements for ANCHOR applicants, the application process, and differences between ANCHOR and the Homestead Rebate Program.
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Simplified Medicare Enrollment and Revised Effective Dates of Coverage
On October 28, 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule to implement sections of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA) that will simplify Medicare enrollment rules and extend coverage of immunosuppressive drugs for certain beneficiaries. This makes changes to Traditional Medicare by revising the effective dates of coverage and giving the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services the authority to establish new special enrollment periods for individuals who meet certain conditions. For the full press release from CMS, click here: Press release
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