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February 7, 2020 by Kirk Brechbiel

7 Ways to Help Senior Adults Stay Mentally Sharp

As we age, our brain’s volume gradually shrinks causing some of the nerve cells to shrink or lose connections with other nerve cells. Blood flow also slows somewhat as we age. These age-related changes are thought to be behind the differences in cognitive function that many people notice as they age.

In most instances, this is a normal part of the aging process. But taking certain actions early on can also help to slow down this process and delay the undesired effects it can have on our mental function and quality of life. Promising research indicates that taking the following steps can help keep your mind sharp as you age. Let’s learn what they are!

  1. Monitor your cholesterol and blood pressure.

High cholesterol and blood pressure have both been closely linked with an increased chance of heart attack or stroke, which are thought to contribute to developing certain forms of dementia. Be sure to see your doctor regularly who can help you monitor your cardiovascular health and recommend actions you can take to further improve it.

  1. Maintain a healthy, balanced diet.

Proper nutrition is critically important at every stage in life; and it remains equally important as you brain ages. Researchers have found strong evidence that vitamin E, B vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids could help prevent dementia, along with avoiding saturated fat. Focus on incorporating these nutrients into your diet, or supplementing with vitamins.

  1. Limit nicotine and alcohol consumption.

Both drinking and smoking regularly and excessively have been linked to dementia as you age. The lifestyle choices you make now, and kicking out the bad habits as soon as possible, put you in the best potion to reap the rewards of better mental health as you age.

  1. Stimulate your brain daily.

Who doesn’t love a good puzzle or word search? Whatever you preference is for “brain teasers” make a conscious effort to incorporate such activities into each and every day. This can be as simple as spending 20 minutes each morning solving the paper’s Sudoku puzzle while you enjoy a cup of coffee.

  1. Schedule meaningful socialization.

Making new friends or spending time with the ones you have might be good for your brain. A 2018 study published in Scientific Reports found that participants with consistently high or increased social engagement had a lower risk of dementia than those with consistently low social engagement. Especially for those who live alone, be sure to reach out to family and friends to schedule regular visits that will help you get the socialization you need to thrive.

  1. Have a plan for getting regular exercise.

As you age, getting enough exercise can be a challenge. Maybe you have physical limitations. Or maybe it is not easy to get out to a community exercise class. There are still many other options to help you stay active, which in turn helps increase blood flow and brain function. Consider an exercise DVD you can do from home. Or find a neighbor who can be your walking partner. Just 20 minutes of elevated heart rate every day yields huge long-term health benefits.

  1. Surround yourself with memories.

Not only are memories beautiful, they are also beneficial. Looking back through old photo albums, watching home videos, and even walking by photos of family and friends you have framed on your walls daily will all help to reinforce these memories and stimulate brain function.

If you or someone you know is entering their senior years, it is never too early to be thinking about how you plan to maintain your mental health. Try to incorporate even just a few of these tips into your weekly routine and set yourself up for improved mental health now and into the future!

Filed Under: Advice, Blog Tagged With: agency, aging, aging adult, camp hill, care, caregiver, cumberland, dauphin, ella home care, harrisburg, home care, in home care, in-home caregiver, lemoyne, mechanicsburg, pennsylvania, professional caregiver, senior adult

February 3, 2020 by Kirk Brechbiel

What are the Benefits of Long-Term Care Insurance?

Long-term care (LTC) insurance is designed to cover many of the costs of a nursing home, assisted living or in-home care, which are expenses that aren’t covered by Medicare. Consider this statistic. By the time you reach age 65, chances are about 50/50 that you’ll require paid long-term care (LTC) someday. If you pay out of pocket, you’ll spend $140,000 on average. Yet, if you’re like most, you probably haven’t planned for that financial risk, nor has your family.

LTC insurance comes into the picture to help provide a safety net so that when you or a loved one needs LTC that is not covered by Medicare, you are not stuck paying completely out of pocket. Here’s a breakdown of the core benefits that LTC insurance aims to provide.

  1. You will have financial security amidst unpredictable situations.

LTC insurance will give you the peace of mind and financial security net that, should you or a loved one need LTC care, you can afford the best care for the situation without the added stress of mounting bills or having to choose a less desirable option. While the cost of LTC insurance can seem steep in comparison to other types of insurances, you should consider your full financial situation in which it just might make sense to pay into having this security available to you.

  1. You have options.

There are traditional LTC insurance policies, and also hybrid LTC insurance policies – each with unique advantages and disadvantages. Hybrid policies will return money to your heirs even if you don’t end up needing long-term care. You don’t run traditional policies’ risk of a rate hike, because you lock in your premium upfront. However, hybrid policies are usually two to three times more expensive than traditional insurance for the same long-term care benefits. It’s smart to examine all your options and select what best fits your need.

  1. Buying into LTC insurance early can help you save.

If you are considering the possibility of LTC insurance, start looking in your 50s or early 60s, before premiums rise sharply or worsening health rules out robust coverage. Simply put, every year that you delay, the cost will increase. Initial premiums at age 65, for example, are 8 to 10 percent higher than those for new customers who are 64. To help guide you through the “shopping” process, seek out an independent agent who sells policies from multiple companies rather than a single insurer.

  1. It may not be for everyone, and that’s okay.

LTC insurance may not be the right fit for you or your loved one. Many variables can impact this, and ultimately only you know what is right for you and your family. In some instances, the cost of this type of insurance may be prohibitive. Or maybe you have enough money saved in case of emergency, that LTC costs are not as dire of a concern. The most important takeaway is that even if you don’t choose to have LTC insurance, you still need to have some sort of plan in place to offer you protection should you find yourself needing LTC at any point in your life.

If you have any questions about options for LTC insurance for you or a loved one, it’s best to speak to a trusted insurance agent who is licensed to sell this type of insurance. They can help you understand the limitations of what this covers as well as an estimated cost for the insurance you need.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: agency, aging, aging adult, camp hill, care, caregiver, cumberland, dauphin, ella home care, harrisburg, home care, in home care, in-home caregiver, lemoyne, mechanicsburg, pennsylvania, professional caregiver, senior adult

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