Thank you, thank you, thank you to the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging. They promote the Stronger Seniors Chair Exercise Program....and an incredible resources for the older adults of Wisconsin! https://wihealthyaging.org/
Hats off to Catholic Charities of Baltimore for using the Stronger Seniors Programs! Catholic Charities is a movement to improve lives. We are a family of more than 2,000 talented and dedicated colleagues, supported by nearly 8,000 selfless volunteers and more than 10,000 generous donors.
Grateful to Oakmont Senior Living - Fair Oaks, CA, happy Stronger Seniors clients. Residents and families have peace of mind knowing Oakmont offers a wellness center and full-time nurse to assist with all of your daily living needs. Services are tailored to each resident’s needs.https://www.oakmontoffairoaks.com/care-services/
Many thanks to Human Good for purchasing the Stronger Seniors Chair Exercise Programs. Human Good is a combination of two nonprofit organizations with rich heritages and a common mission: to help older adults be everything they want to be. https://www.humangood.org/senior-care-planning/
Almost 37% of all Medicare beneficiaries will be enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans in 2019, according to CMS projections.
However, despite all the extra benefits and low premiums, not everything may be as rosy with Medicare Advantage plans as CMS might lead one to believe through their press releases ( such as the one published September 28, 2018 ) and promotions of the plans.
56% of Medicare Advantage Organizations (MAOs) inappropriately denied requests for preauthorization of services and/or payment. This could have been due to making the wrong clinical decisions or not conducting appropriate outreach before making clinical decisions.
In fact, about 75% of denials were overturned by the MAOs themselves during the first level of appeals. After the four levels of the independent review process, that number increases to about 90%.
"High numbers of overturned denials upon appeal, and persistent performance problems identified by CMS audits, raise concerns that some beneficiaries and providers may not be getting services and payment that Medicare Advantage Organizations (MAOs) are required to provide."With the very high rates of enrollment, even seemingly low rates of inappropriate denials can create significant problems for Medicare beneficiaries and their providers said the report.
High denials place a burden on the beneficiary to take steps to appeal claims. In fact, less than 1% of the total number of denials issued each year will be appealed. The end result then is that beneficiaries will go without the requested service or pay for the service out of pocket unnecessarily.
The appeals process for Medicare beneficiaries
With the very high rates of enrollment, even seemingly low rates of inappropriate denials can create significant problems for Medicare beneficiaries and their providers said the report.
High denials place a burden on the beneficiary to take steps to appeal claims. In fact, less than 1% of the total number of denials issued each year will be appealed. The end result then is that beneficiaries will go without the requested service or pay for the service out of pocket unnecessarily.
ARE YOU ENROLLED IN A MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN?
If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and think that you've had an inappropriate claim denial, take steps to appeal the claim.
If you choose to move from a Medicare Advantage plan to Medicare Parts A and B with a Medicare Supplement, please know that you may have to go through medical underwriting before getting a Supplement policy. This means, if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, you may not be able to get this type of coverage.
Medicare provides critical health benefits for millions of seniors. Whether you're new to the program or are already enrolled, the upcoming year has a number of changes in store. Here are five you need to know about.
1. Medicare Part B premiums are going up Though Medicare Part A, which covers hospital visits, is usually free for Medicare enrollees, Part B, which covers doctor visits and diagnostics, charges a premium for coverage. In 2018, the standard monthly premium is $134, but that figure is climbing by $1.50 a month next year to a total of $135.50. That said, if you're a higher earner, you could end up paying significantly more for Medicare Part B.
2. Medicare deductibles are also going up When you utilize healthcare services under Medicare, you're subject to an out-of-pocket deductible that must be met before your coverage kicks in. The annual deductible for Medicare Part B will be $185 in 2019, which represents a $2 increase from 2018. Meanwhile, the Medicare Part A inpatient deductible for hospital admittance will be $1,364 in 2019. That's a $24 increase from the current year.
3. Medicare Advantage is getting a new open enrollment period Seniors who want coverage under Medicare can choose between the original program (which includes Part A, Part B, and a Part D drug plan) or Medicare Advantage. Advantage is an alternative to traditional Medicare that allows enrollees to bundle their healthcare needs (including prescriptions) into a single plan. And since most Advantage plans offer coverage for services like dental, hearing, and vision -- items not covered under regular Medicare -- many seniors ultimately find it far more cost-effective.
Now, if you're already on Medicare Advantage, you might be familiar with its disenrollment period, which has traditionally run from Jan. 1 through Feb. 14 each year. But starting next year, Medicare Advantage will get its own open enrollment period that will begin on Jan. 1 and continue through March 31. If you're enrolled in an Advantage plan, you'll have a chance to switch to a different one, or drop your Advantage plan and sign up for original Medicare instead. Keep in mind that this Advantage open enrollment period is different from regular Medicare's open enrollment, which runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 each year.
4. Medicare Advantage is expanding its scope of coverage If you've been on the fence about Medicare Advantage, here's some news that might sway you to give it a try. Effective next year, Advantage plans will have the option to offer lifestyle support services, including home meal delivery, transportation to and from medical appointments, and home safety fixtures (like handrails and ramps). Seniors who enroll in an Advantage plan and need help with daily living activities might also find that the cost of home health aides is covered.
Finally, there's less pressure to commit to an Advantage plan. Starting next year, you'll have the option to try out an Advantage plan for up to three months and switch to another, or original Medicare, if you're not satisfied with your coverage.
5. Medicare's telemedicine program is growing Many seniors neglect or delay medical care because they struggle with mobility issues. To address this, Medicare has been offering a telehealth program that allows patients and doctors to connect via videoconference. Beginning in 2019, telehealth services will be available to patients who have end-stage renal disease or are in the midst of stroke treatment.
The more you know about Medicare, the better it will serve your needs. Be sure to familiarize yourself with these and other changes that are coming to Medicare next year so you're prepared for what lies ahead.
The $16,728 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook If you're like most Americans, you're a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known "Social Security secrets" could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. For example: one easy trick could pay you as much as $16,728 more... each year!
We are grateful that The Village at Southlake in Lexington, SC is using the Stronger Seniors Chair Exercise Programs. Southlake is part of the Blue Harbor Senior Living family of communities.
All this sounds like a lot of trouble, but it comes down to paying attention to your posture. Be mindful of the position of your spine. Remember what Mom used to say..."Sit up straight!"
Stronger Seniors Chair Exercise DVD Videos for Seniors
Just 10 minutes of light physical activity is enough to boost brain connectivity and help the brain to distinguish between similar memories, a new study suggests.
Scientists at the University of California studying brain activity found connectivity between parts of the brain responsible for memory formation and storage increased after a brief interval of light exercise – such as 10 minutes of slow walking, yoga or tai chi.
The findings could provide a simple and effective means of slowing down or staving off memory loss and cognitive decline in people who are elderly or have low levels of physical ability.
The scientists asked 36 healthy volunteers in their early 20s to do 10 minutes of light exercise – at 30% of their peak oxygen intake – before assessing their memory ability. The memory test was then repeated on the same volunteers without exercising.
The same experiment was repeated on 16 of the volunteers who had either undertaken the same kind of exercise or rested, with researchers scanning their brain to monitor activity. In the brains of those who had exercised they discovered enhanced communication between the hippocampus – a region important in memory storage – and the cortical brain regions, which are involved in vivid recollection of memories.
“The memory task really was quite challenging,” said Michael Yassa, a neuroscientist at the University of California, Irvine, and project co-leader. The participants were first shown pictures of objects from everyday life – ranging from broccoli to picnic baskets – and later tested on how well they remembered the images. “We used very tricky similar items to to see if they would remember whether it was this exact picnic basket versus that picnic basket,” he said.
“An evening stroll is sufficient to get some benefit,” said Yassa, adding that the frequency and exact amount of exercise will depend on the person’s age, level of mobility, potential disability and other lifestyle factors.
The scientists also kept track of the participants’ mood changes. “With exercise you do get an enhanced mood. The question is whether that was explaining the effect we got on the behaviour or the effect we got on the brain and it wasn’t,” said Yassa.
Michelle Voss, a neuroscientist at the University of Iowa, described the findings as “intriguing”. “The brain regions involved here are also the regions that are thought to play a big role in the deterioration of memory with ageing. […] It would be really exciting to see this type of experiment in older adults,” she said.
Most Americans turn toMedicareafter their 65th birthdays to give them the assistance they need to cover their healthcare expenses. With estimates of total lifetime medical costs for retired couplessoaring toward the $300,000 mark, you can't afford not to make the most of the Medicare benefits to which you're entitled.
Every year, Medicare gives its participants the chance to make key changes to their coverage during the annual open enrollment period. With a start date of Oct. 15, it's smart to take the time now to prepare yourself for the choices you'll have once open enrollment begins. That way, you'll be in the best position possible to use open enrollment to get more value out of your Medicare coverage.
Here's some basic information about how Medicare open enrollment works, along with some tips to help you figure out the best way to navigate it.
What Medicare open enrollment's for
The general way that open enrollment works is similar to what those who've had private employer-based health insurance coverage during their careers are used to seeing. Each year, you're given the opportunity to adjust the way that you're covered under Medicare. The available changes include the following:
If you're covered under traditional Medicare this year, then you can move to aMedicare Advantage planfor next year.
If you're covered under a Medicare Advantage plan this year, you can either change to a different Medicare Advantage plan, or you can move back to traditional Medicare coverage.
You can make changes to your prescription drug coverage, either by choosing a Medicare Advantage plan that incorporates prescription drug benefits into its overall package or by selecting a separately offeredPart D prescription drug plan. You can also drop your existing drug coverage or add new coverage.
How long Medicare open enrollment lasts
Medicare open enrollment gives participants about a seven-week window to make changes, with the period beginning Oct. 15 and ending Dec. 7. Changes to your coverage that you make during this year's open enrollment will take effect on Jan. 1, 2019.
The annual open enrollment period is the primary method most Medicare participants have to make changes to their coverage, but it's not the only one. Other special periods apply when certain life events happen, such as if you move to a new area where your current plan doesn't offer coverage or if you become eligible for other benefits such as Medicaid.
Your biggest goal during Medicare open enrollment
Ideally, open enrollment lets you tailor your Medicare coverage to minimize your total out-of-pocket healthcare costs. Many participants make the mistake of focusing only on paying the lowestpremiumsfor their Medicare coverage, but that's only part of the equation. Part B premiums are generally fixed, while various Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans can offer very different monthly premiums.
Yet although a lower-premium plan can look like a good deal, the less comprehensive coverage it offers can end up making you pay more in total costs. If the copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts that you have to pay under a plan offset the lower premiums, then what looks like the "cheaper" plan from the premium standpoint can end up actually being more costly. Conversely, more comprehensive plans might cost more in monthly premiums but end up with lower total costs.
The challenge in achieving this goal is that you have to not only assess your current health but also predict how the coming year is likely to go. The perfect plan for a relatively healthy person can be wholly inadequate for someone with a chronic condition. With prescription drug coverage, you can go from needing no medications at all to having a large set of prescriptions if you suffer an illness during the course of a year. That's why changing from year to year can make sense, and failing to do so can be a huge mistake.
Don't miss your chance
Looking at all the options you have for Medicare coverage is a great way to prepare for open enrollment. If you use your time now wisely, then by the time mid-October comes, you'll be more than ready to make the best available choice to take maximum advantage of Medicare for 2019.
Dr Duchowny added: “Having hand grip strength [as] an integral part of routine care would allow for earlier interventions, which could lead to increased longevity and independence for individuals.”
Your nutritional needs have changed as you have become older. Your calorie needs decrease as you get older, but you may need more of certain food groups.
Calories: The amount of calories you need is dependent on how active you are physically. The government defines inactive lifestyles as those in which you only achieve daily living activities. If you exercise for a half an hour or more per day you are considered active. Your level of activity will determine whether you need more or fewer calories than what's recommended if you have been unable to maintain a healthy weight.
Men- an inactive older man needs around 2000 calories per day; if you are active shoot for 2400 calories per day.
Women- Consume 1600 calories daily if you are inactive, 2000 calories if you are an active female older adult.
Now here are some key nutrients you should pay attention to.
Protein- Healthy older men should try to consume 56 grams of protein per day from meat, fish, legumes and dairy. If you are an older female, try for 46 grams of protein daily.
Fiber- A variety of whole grains fruits and vegetables should help you get to the 28 G of daily fiber for an older adult male per day women, strive for 22 grams of fiber per day.
Vitamins and minerals- You are micronutrient requirements increase as you get older eat a variety of whole foods each day to help you meet your vitamin and mineral needs. Try to stay away from processed meals.
Aim for 800 units of vitamin D from fish, egg yolks, fortified foods and supplements everyday.
Production of stomach acid decreases as you age or take certain medications. If this is the case, you may be vitamin B12 deficient, possibly causing depression and fatigue. Supplements and fortified foods, i.e. orange juice, milk and yogurt are usually absorb B12 well.. You also need more vitamin B6 as an older adult. The recommendation is 1.7 mg daily if you are a man and 1.5 mg if you are a woman. Chicken, fish, potatoes and fruit will help you meet your vitamin B6 needs.
For a chart that will help you keep track of your nutritional intake, Click here. USDA Nutrition Chart
If eating food from a box- read the box and watch your sodium intake!
Most people are aware of the link between exercise and better health. So, why are over half of the population not sufficiently active and suffering from preventable health problems such as overweight and obesity?
The answer can be explained by many variables including individual, environmental, and cultural factors to name a few. However, have you ever considered the importance of a persons self-confidence in first, participating in exercise, and second, sustaining it over a period of time to reap the benefits?
Research shows that this factor is essential to successful physical activity behavior change. Self-confidence is a person's belief in their ability to successfully perform a certain task or establish a positive habit to bring about a desired outcome. Importantly, a person's confidence level in regard to performing exercise has been shown to have a significant impact on a persons success in changing exercise habits. A persons confidence level towards successfully performing exercise behaviors can easily be measured by having the person rate their confidence on a 10 point scale, with 1 being the lowest (not confident) and 10 being the highest (very confident).
Why a persons confidence level may be too low to exercise regularly? Example...one may lack the knowledge about what type of exercise could improve their health condition. This may contribute to the individual not feeling confident about exercise participation as they may have reservations about the safety of exercise not being able to participate properly due to their condition.
Some practical ways that seniors can improve their confidence regarding exercise may include:
Asking their doctor for information, training, guidance or referring to an Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Find an exercise class to see how other people, similar to them, have achieved successful results through exercise for example, patients with chronic conditions. An explanation of the small steps that the older adult can take may also help.
Seek to improve your physical or emotional state before attempting exercise. For example, find help to overcome any anxiety you may have about exercise participation.
Next time you intend to participate in a new health behavior, such as exercise, consider the power of self-confidence in assisting you to achieve successful outcomes.
References:
Bandura, A., (2004). Health Promotion by Social Cognitive means.Health education and behavior,31(2), 143-164
Anne Pringle Burnell created and developed the Stronger Seniors™Chair Exercise DVD Video Programs for older adults and people with disabilities, injuries, or chronic conditions. Anne is a national presenter at conferences including IAFC, ATRI, and the National Council on Aging. She authored several articles and created the Peyow Aqua Pilates and Stronger Seniors programs. She holds certifications including ATRIC, CAFS, AI Chi, and is an education provider for AEA, AF, ATRI, ACE, AFAA/NASM, AquaStretch, and an Instructor Trainer for Stott Pilates, Merrithew Health & Fitness. She teaches in Chicago at Galter Life Center, Swedish Covenant Hospital, Peninsula Hotel Chicago, University of Illinois Chicago and private clients at her Pilates studio.
These preventive checkups help you maintain control of your health care
People who have had Medicare Part B for longer than 12 months are eligible for a free wellness exam.
The phrase “there is no free lunch” certainly applies to Medicare. While the federal program pays the lion’s share of medical costs, beneficiaries can still spend thousands of dollars each year on premiums, deductibles, copays and other out-of-pocket expenses.
But the Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded access to free preventive care, and that included some important Medicare services. Here’s a list of some examinations and screenings Medicare recipients now get for free.
A “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit. Thisis available only in the first 12 months you are on Part B. It includes a review of your medical history, certain screenings and shots, measurements of vital signs, a simple vision test, review of potential risk for depression, an offer to discuss advance directives and a written plan outlining which screenings, shots and other preventive services you need. This visit is covered one time.
Annual wellness visit. You’re eligible for this free exam if you’ve had Medicare Part B for longer than 12 months. The physician will review your medical history; update your list of providers and medications; measure your height, weight, blood pressure and other vital signs; and provide you with personalized health advice and treatment options.
Stronger Seniors Chair Exercise DVD Videos
Note:While this visit is free, the doctor may order other tests or procedures for which you might have a deductible or copay.
Mammogram. An annual screening mammogram is free. If you require a diagnostic mammogram, you’ll pay a 20 percent copay and the Part B deductible will apply.
Colonoscopy. A screening colonoscopy once every 24 months is free if you're at high risk for colorectal cancer. If you aren't at high risk, Medicare covers this test once every 10 years.
Diabetes screening. You’re eligible for two free screenings each year if you have a history of high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, are obese or have a history of high blood sugar levels. The screenings will also be free if two or more of these issues apply to you: You are over 65, are overweight or have a family history of diabetes, or you had diabetes when you were pregnant.
Prostate cancer screening. An annual PSA test is free. A digital rectal exam will cost you 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount plus the doctor’s services related to the exam. The Part B deductible also applies.
Vaccines. Annual flu shots, vaccines to prevent pneumococcal infections such as pneumonia, and shots for hepatitis B (for those at high or medium risk) are covered free of charge.
Note: The shingles vaccine is not covered by Part A or Part B, but it may be covered by your Medicare Advantage (MA) plan or your Part D prescription drug plan.
Cardiovascular disease (behavioral therapy). As a Medicare recipient, you also get a free yearly visit with your primary care provider to help you lower your risk for cardiovascular disease.
Lung cancer screening. An annual test with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is free if you are between 55 and 77, don’t have any signs of lung cancer, are a smoker or have quit in the past 15 years, and you have a tobacco smoking history of at least 30 “pack years” (meaning you smoked an average of one pack a day for 30 years).
Depression screening. A yearly screening is free if conducted in a primary care center where follow-up and referrals are available. Copays may apply for follow-up care.
Scientists have shown how lack of exercise takes a much bigger toll on the elderly - in particular, reducing the power of the muscles in their legs. That power is essential for movements such as climbing the stairs - increasing their risk of lack of independence, and isolation, a major cause of premature death.
Eating healthy is a lifestyle choice shaped by many elements, including our stage of life, situations, preferences, availability of food, culture, traditions, and the personal decisions we make over time. All your food and beverage choices count. MyPlate offers ideas and tips to help you create a healthier eating style that meets your individual needs and improves your health. For a colorful visual of MyPlate and the 5 food groups, downloadWhat's MyPlate All About?. There's also a link for Physical Activity.
Resistance band training builds strong muscles and bones while improving seniors' ability to perform daily activities. According to National Institute of Health, regular weight training fights age-related loss of muscle and bone mass. The a government CDC report that resistance training improves balance and reduces symptoms of chronic disease, including arthritis and Parkinson's. Resistance bands are inexpensive, safe, transportable and provide seniors with external resistance during weight training.
The Stronger Seniors® Core Strength Chair Exercise Program is designed by Stott Pilates Instructor Trainer and Faculty Provider Anne Burnell to help seniors develop the core foundation of the body-The muscles of the Abdominals, the Lower Back, and the Pelvic Floor support the spine and internal organs, essential to the overall fitness of the body.
The Core Strength program is based on the teachings of Joseph Pilates, modified for the chair to make Pilates routines easy for Seniors and the mobility challenged.
Resistance Band included with DVD.
Click on the box below to see a preview of 'Core Strength'
Obesity is a significant health problem in the United States, affecting close to one-third of all adults. Although genetics can play a role in the likelihood that a person will become obese, the condition occurs when the amount of calories consumed exceeds the amount of calories expended over a long period of time. Excess calories are stored as fat in the body, and with long-term caloric excess, an individual eventually becomes obese. Exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet are ways in which to combat obesity.
Benefits of Regular Exercise Regular exercise (and proper nutrition) can help reduce body fat as well as protect against chronic diseases associated with obesity. If you are looking for a reason to start an exercise program, listed below are five of the many benefits of regular physical activity.
Exercise lowers risk for chronic diseases Concerned about heart disease? Regular exercise is a proven way to decrease risk for these and other chronic diseases. It will help to prevent or manage high blood pressure. It also raises high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, known as the “good” cholesterol, and lowers low density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol. This combination will decrease the amount of harmful plaques that can buildup on your artery walls and keep blood flowing smoothly. Regular exercise can also help prevent type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and certain cancers.
Exercise improves your mood Feeling a little edgy? A quick workout will help calm you down! Exercise stimulates chemicals in your brain that make you feel happy and relaxed. It also makes you feel better about yourself and helps reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.
Exercise helps manage weight It’s a no-brainer. Exercise burns calories. The more you exercise, the easier it is to keep your weight under control. But remember that exercise is not a free pass to eat everything in sight! To burn 100 calories, most people need to walk or run about one mile. And one little chocolate M&M candy contains the amount of calories it would take to run or walk the length of a football field! So be sure not to overestimate the amount of calories you’re burning.
Exercise promotes better sleep Having a hard time falling and staying asleep? A good night’s sleep can improve your concentration and productivity throughout the day, and exercise might be the key to getting better sleep. It can help you fall asleep faster and sleep deeper.
Exercise can be FUN Tired of spending your Saturday afternoons watching TV or doing laundry? Looking for an activity that the whole family can enjoy? Get moving! Exercise doesn’t have to be grueling. Take a dancing class, push your kids on the swing, or try something new. Find an activity you enjoy, and have fun with it!
Starting an Exercise Program For obese persons, the focus of the exercise program should be based on low-intensity aerobic activity with progressively increasing duration. Aerobic exercise provides overall health benefits, including fat loss, an increase in daily energy levels, and reduced risk of health problems. At the beginning of the program, the frequency and duration of the activity is more important than the intensity. Aim for exercising four or five days a week for 30 to 60 minutes. If you were previously sedentary, these sessions can be broken up into three 10-minute sessions, with gradual increases in duration.
In addition to aerobic activity, resistance or weight training can also provide some benefits to overall health. Not only does weight training make you stronger, but it also raises your muscle-to-fat ratio, which increases the amount of calories you burn at rest.
Despite all your inclinations to monitor your weight on the bathroom scale, try to resist focusing on weight loss. The body has a tendency to gain muscle or lean weight initially, so although your body is benefiting from the exercise, the pounds might not drop off right away. Focus on the quality and quantity of the exercise instead.
Engage in activity that puts minimal stress on the joints, such as walking, swimming or water exercises, and cycling.
Ease into your workout. Start slowly for the first five minutes to give your body time to adjust to the activity.
Work at a comfortable pace that allows you to talk without too much difficulty.
Focus on increasing duration first, then increasing intensity.
Slow down for the last five minutes to allow your body to ease back into its resting state
Finish with stretching exercises.
Precautions
It is important to gradually increase the duration and intensity of the exercises, while understanding that you will have to build up to longer and more strenuous workouts.
Jogging can cause stress on the knees and joints and is generally not recommended for the obese because of risk for injury. Instead, stick to lower impact aerobic activities until you are in better shape.
Obese people should be especially careful about heat exhaustion given that they are less able to adapt to temperature changes. Wearing light clothing will allow for better heat exchange while exercising.
Hydration is very important for the obese, since they are susceptible to dehydration. Be sure to drink fluids frequently before, during, and after exercise.
Slow down or stop if you experience chest pains, shortness of breath, palpitations, nausea, pain in the neck or jaw, or major muscle or joint pain.
Integrate physical activity into daily activity:
Take the stairs.
Park farther from the door.
Take a short walk at lunch.
Turn off the TV.
Take walk breaks from work.
Wear a pedometer for monitoring your activity.
People don’t just have time to exercise…they MAKE time to exercise. Be in control of your life. Make exercise a part of your day, everyday!
