Leslie Newlife

5 Insightful Sleep Tips for Older Adults

Getting adequate, quality sleep is critical for your overall health and well-being. This becomes even more critical as we age. Unfortunately, many senior adults experience changes and troubles with their sleeping patterns, and this affects their health in different ways. Some resort to taking drugs to overcome insomnia and related problems. Here, we will briefly discuss a few insightful tips that can help seniors enjoy sufficient sleep every night.

Follow a Regular Sleep Schedule

As you age, it will help to adopt a regular sleep schedule. This implies that you should learn to sleep and wake up at the same time every day. This will take a lot of discipline, but the result will be worth it. You can also set your alarm to help you wake up at the right time. Once your sleep schedule becomes a habit, you will enjoy the full benefit of quality sleep.

Exercise During the Day

The importance of exercise for overall health can never be overemphasized. Regular exercise can help improve your daily life. Even as you become older, it is still very important that you engage in physical actvitiy. You should do this during the day to get your body in the right frame for a quality night rest. You shouldn’t exercise within three hours of bedtime, however.

Have an Early Dinner

Eating late will affect your sleep habit as well as the quality of sleep you get each night you sleep late. The negative consequences will even affect you further when you wake up. Try to eat early so that you will have enough time to rest before going to bed. This will also make the food to digest properly without upsetting your stomach while you are asleep.

Identify Underlying Causes of Sleep Disorders

There are different factors that can cause insomnia and other types of sleep disorders in older adults. Some of the major factors are medical issues that can be treated. If you have any of the problems, you can visit sleep specialists like Dr. Krueger Sleep & Sinus Clinic for proper diagnosis and treatment. Stress is another major factor that can cause sleep deprivation. There are different natural ways to combat stress, anxiety, and other problems that can interfere with sleep.

Sleep disorders can be treated by using oral machines. They’re designed to bring constant airflow through a person’s airways through the use of pressurized air. The constant air flow prevents throat collapse and blocks obstructions, paving the way for a good and long sleep. Be sure to consult a doctor before using these machines.

Watch your Diet

Eating right can also help you sleep better. There are food choices and diet habits that can interfere with your sleep habit. Drinking alcohol before bedtime, for instance, can disrupt sleep. Coffee, tea, soda, and anything that contains caffeine shouldn’t be taken late in the day. Eat healthy meals at all times, but avoid big meals at night. Spicy foods just before bedtime should also be avoided.

Endnote

Many older adults experience changes in sleep patterns. You shouldn’t let this become your reality. As a senior, ensure that you keep to a routine sleep schedule, perform regular exercise, take your dinner early, and treat underlying sleep issues. With these tips, you can enjoy a restorative and deep sleep every night.

3 Productive Things to Do in Retirement

Just like any other period in your life, retirement can present you with lots of emotionally rewarding experiences and beautiful moments. You just need to figure out how to get the most out of it.

Now that you’ve devoted so much of your life to your work and child-rearing, you can take coveted time out and indulge in your favorite activities. Different people have different perspectives on retirement. Some see it as a great opportunity to enjoy a new lease of life, while others may dread it, unable to decide what to do at this stage of life. If you also have some worries concerning your upcoming retirement, here are some effective ways to find fulfilling activities and stay productive.

#1 Travel and Photograph

Though this piece of advice may sound trite and somewhat unoriginal, lots of retirees start living their lives to the fullest exactly when they dive headfirst into traveling.

Working long hours to move up the career ladder, constant turmoil, and a hectic pace of life are not really conducive to traveling. But this is not the case anymore when you’re retired!

Note that retirement isn’t just the withdrawal from your working life. It’s an excellent chance to quench your wanderlust and learn lots of new things about people, cultures, and yourself. And you’ll definitely want to capture all the meaningful moments with your camera. You will find yourself captivated not only by your travels but also photography as a process. Such photo editing tools as Crello will help you enhance your images and immortalize your memories. Photography will help you unleash your creative potential and savor your travel experiences for much longer!

#2 Start a Business

It’s a common misconception that most seniors want to spend their retirement enjoying themselves somewhere in the Caribbean. If you’re not one of those guys whose retirement dreams are confined to growing orchids or reading magazines in their comfy rocking chairs, considering starting your own business. We’re not talking about some grandiose entrepreneurial ventures requiring considerable investments. Employ your imagination and interests to come up with a viable business idea that can eventually transform into a profitable undertaking. You can start a small firm helping people watch their houses or take care of their pets while they are away on vacation or business trips. People also need someone to fix their gadgets, repair and revamp their clothes, and drive their children to school. Perhaps you have always had an idea for a product or service. It’s about time you gave it a shot.

#3 Volunteer

There is nothing more rewarding and spiritually renewing than volunteering. Volunteering allows you to be civically engaged and feel needed. It’s also a great way to contribute to a noble cause and help drive needed changes in our world. You can assist at the hospital, mentor kids in child care facilities, or volunteer at animal sanctuaries. Figure out what’s close to you and reach the organization that might appreciate an extra pair of hands.

These are just some of the ideas that won’t let you get bored. You can explore other options and try other activities that will help you stay young, active, and energized in retirement.

Dental Care and Its Importance for Seniors

Dental health is critical regardless of your age, and this includes people who fall into the category of senior citizens. As we get older, keeping up with oral hygiene can become a bit more challenging due to conditions like arthritis making flossing and brushing difficult, as well as a variety of cognitive issues that can lead to forgetfulness. That being said, it’s critical to make your oral health a priority because as we get older, dental issues can begin to have more of a negative impact on our overall health. Here’s a quick look at a few examples of that.

Shifting Teeth

If you didn’t wear clear braces when you were younger, or you’ve lost a tooth or two and haven’t had them repaired with implants, your jawbone can actually begin to waste away. This can lead to the teeth surrounding open places to shift into those spots. This then leads to a jawbone that’s uneven, and can even cause appearance concerns and bite issues.

Respiratory Disease

It’s important to improve dental health when at all possible because the bacteria that are inherent with gum disease can actually migrate to your lungs and create havoc within the respiratory system. This can cause any pre-existing respiratory issues to get worse or even lead to infections in the lungs and severe pneumonia. This is important because much of the time, these types of issues are more difficult for older people to recover from than for younger people.

Heart Disease

What do you think heart disease has to do with dental care? By the age of 65, millions of people in the US are suffering from gum disease. This happens when the tissues in the gums get infected, typically following a buildup of a substance known as plaque on the teeth and gums. People suffering from gum disease are significantly more likely to have to deal with heart disease, and it can even worsen heart disease already in existence while also increasing the risk of the development of clogged arteries.

Diabetes

Gum disease that’s advanced is known as periodontitis, and this can hamper the ability of the body to use insulin, and this is incredibly perilous for those suffering from diabetes. On top of that, blood sugar levels that are high can lead to infections in the gums, which creates a vicious cycle where gum disease leads to even more gum disease.

Preventative Oral Care

In spite of the serious complications to your health that can be the result of letting your dental hygiene slide, keeping up with your oral hygiene doesn’t necessarily need to be complicated. There are a few basic recommendations that can help. One of the easiest is to simply brush your teeth a minimum of two times each day using toothpaste that contains fluoride and a toothbrush that has soft bristles. If arthritis makes this difficult, try using an electric toothbrush. You should also floss on a daily basis or use one of the interdental brushes on the market to get in between your teeth. A Waterpik flosser is also recommended.

If you have any sort of dentures – full or partial – make sure you remove them each night to clean them. Drink water that’s fluoridated and eat a diet that’s well-balanced. Foods that are high in fiber and dairy products are both good for your teeth and gums. Try to avoid candy and sugary drinks. Quit smoking if you smoke.

Finally, a bit of common sense. Even for those with full dentures, it’s imperative to visit your dentist on a regular basis for both exams and cleanings.

Tips for Long-Distance Caregiving

It’s a day everyone knew was coming but nobody is ever ready for: taking care of aging relatives. On top of that—and depending on the direction life takes you—time and distance may add another challenge to looking after them. So, how do you look after a loved one who lives far away? With some planning and organizing, what seems like an impossible task can become more manageable with these tips for long-distance caregiving.

Get Organized

This doesn’t just mean finances, medical records, bills, and other documents—it goes for people as well. Organize a care team. Hold a family meeting with your elderly relatives, siblings (yours and theirs), and other family members—in person or virtually—to discuss a care plan going forward. Assess their needs and financial status. Determine when people can be with and look after them and the possibility of hiring caretakers to handle specific duties. Explore whether any organizations they belong to—social, religious, professional, or the like—offer services or individuals who can periodically check in on them and report on their condition. Develop a schedule everyone can access to know who’s with them and when. If it’s in your budget, consider consulting a credentialed care manager nearby to handle specific points of care and more.

Safety First

Before heading out to visit them, take your safety into consideration as well, especially if you’ll need to transport them. Is your vehicle equipped to handle someone infirm or otherwise disabled? Can they enter and exit the vehicle safely? Be sure your car is properly maintained with updated tires kept at their standard PSI, fluids that are clean, topped off, and have regular checkups. If they’re still driving, do the same for them and bring their vehicle in for an inspection and proper maintenance.

Take Over the Paperwork

One of the key tips for long-distance caregiving is this: even if you can’t be there in person, you can still watch over them. Offer to handle payment of their bills, deal with insurance, and maintain and protect their medical, legal, and other personal records. Stay in touch to ensure everything is updated and accurate, confirming the facts with doctors, caregivers, and other service providers.

Visits Are Vital

When you are able to visit them, every moment is precious. Precious, obviously, on an emotional level, but also in ways to assess and ensure they’re receiving the proper care. Use the time to observe their living conditions, speak with any caregivers about their mood and the quality of care, and acquaint yourself with any visitors they might have who you’ve yet to meet. Check on their finances and inspect the place where they live for any necessary repairs. Keep an eye out for signs of depression and abuse, missing funds, and potential scammers. Check if they need anything replaced, such as clothing, toiletries, and so forth. Above all, enjoy your time with them and spend more time listening than talking.

Home is Where the Heart Is: 6 Benefits of In-Home Care for Seniors

Caring for an aging loved one requires making tough decisions, resulting in many sending seniors to live in an assisted living or nursing facility. But rather than placing your senior in the care of strangers, consider the benefits of aging in place. Roughly 90 percent of aging adults prefer to remain within the comfort of their own home, allowing them to live out their golden years with independence and familiarity. By making a few simple adjustments to your lifestyle, you can give your elderly loved one the best experience possible.

Not sure how to care for an aging senior? Here are six benefits of in-home care.

What you need to know about senior home care

Accommodating an aging adult in your home may require some alterations. Between widening narrow hallways for wheelchair access and installing a stairlift system, there are numerous accessibility features to consider. Consider everyday tasks that might become difficult for your senior, like showering or using the stairs, and find creative solutions to ease the process.

Additionally, it’s crucial to consider the financial aspect of home care costs. Determine the expense of medications and health care and take care to factor in your source of income as well as your senior’s.

Encourages socialization

Seniors relegated to the confines of nursing homes often become isolated and depressed. Alternatively, elderly adults who are cared for by family members can maintain a healthy social life. Living in the same space with their family allows them to interact with others regularly, especially if you hire an in-home caregiver. An in-home caregiver will safely administer medications and become another friendly face in your seniors’ life.

Maintains independence

Like anyone, seniors wish to stay as independent as possible for as long as they can. While an in-home caregiver ensures their wellbeing, your elderly loved one can still make everyday decisions themselves in the comfort of their home.

Personalized care

Institutionalized care facilities employ a one-size-fits-all care strategy for the average senior, causing staff to overlook individual needs. Elders who age in place get access to personalized one-on-one care from family members or skilled caregivers. Overall, seniors who receive treatments within their own homes obtain a higher quality of care than those living in long-term facilities.

Promotes mental health

All too often, seniors living in nursing homes become anxious and depressed. Being separated from their family and home takes a mental toll, which causes long-term complications. Those who age in place, however, are more likely to maintain a positive mindset. Surrounded by familiar settings and a caring family, your senior can fully enjoy the blissful aspects of aging.

Saves money

Nursing homes are notoriously expensive and can put your family under severe financial strain. For an affordable solution to your senior’s medical needs, you can hire in-home caregivers for a few hours each week. Even for elders who require more extensive care, skilled caregivers present a cost-efficient substitute to long-term facilities.

Home is where the heart is 

When cared for within their own homes, seniors receive high-quality treatments that ultimately save you money. In-home care also promotes independence and mental health. Within the warm embrace of their friends and family, your elderly loved one will spend their final chapter in comfort.

Fluid on the Brain: Diagnosis and Life Insurance Implications

As adults, we can generally tell when something is off when it comes to our bodies. So why don’t we just go to a doctor?

It’s a genuine question that only gets met with defense and emotionally charged answers. Often going to the doctor doesn’t seem worth the hassle, and between the possible hospital fees and rise of insurance premiums, it can be easier to blame old age.

However, if you’re over 60 years of age and haven’t been feeling like yourself, there could be significant reasons why going without treatment could be life-threatening.

Life insurance tip: Don’t let fees scare you into not going to the doctor. Even if you receive a diagnosis, life insurance companies will likely issue an APS underwriting for life insurance request that makes any payouts difficult to dispute.

Signs There is Fluid on the Brain

You may have heard not to freak out after telling someone the worst-case scenarios you’ve found online; listen to that.

Make time to take a deep breath because when you don’t know what’s going on with your health, you can’t help but worry, making symptoms worse. Ease your mind by starting with the basics. Knowing what signs to be aware of can help you better document how relevant a doctor’s visit may be. 

Fluid on the brain isn’t as easy as spotting a bruise or broken bone, so journal what symptoms you experience when you experience them. Some symptoms of fluid on the brain for adults may include:

  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Sleepiness
  • Irritability
  • Loss of appetite
  • Muscle soreness
  • Loss of bladder controls
  • Feeling the frequent need to urinate
  • Memory loss
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness or trouble walking
  • Declined coordination
  • Vertigo or imbalance that results in falling
  • Seizures

What to Know About Hydrocephalus 

Hydrocephalus is a neurological disorder caused by excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricles of the brain. Usually, the bodily fluid produced to cushion your brain is created and absorbed each day. 

In hydrocephalic patients, the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord is being produced excessively or experiencing a blockage. This results in poor drainage and extreme pressure on the brain, sometimes causing the head to swell.

Causes of Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus can be congenital, brought on by physical trauma, or due to many reasons from aging. Getting a hydrocephalus diagnosis may be difficult since the symptoms related to fluid on the brain coincide with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other neurological disorders.

A few forms of hydrocephalus are:

  • Hydrocephalus ex-vacuo: If you’ve ever had to squeeze into an elevator before, that’s kind of what’s happening in your brain. This is when a degenerative disease, like Alzheimer’s, brain tumors, meningitis, stroke, or a traumatic injury causes damage to the brain. These causes trigger the brain to shrink, making CSF fill the space and resulting in a hydrocephalus diagnosis.
  • Non-communication (obstructive) hydrocephalus: This is similar to someone trying to communicate with a poor connection. When CSF drainage is blocked from any of the ventricles, the patient experiences increased pressure within the skull.
  • Communicating hydrocephalus: This cause is like being stuck in traffic. Things are moving, but there’s a backup somewhere causing trouble throughout multiple passageways. Communicating hydrocephalus is when CSF is flowing past the ventricles but becomes blocked after leaving.

How Hydrocephalus Is Diagnosed

For some, getting the right diagnosis is a long journey. My grandmother was told by multiple doctors that she had various degenerative disorders before seeking out a neurologist.

To determine if your symptoms are due to fluid on the brain, a neurologist will order one or more of these tests:

  • Physical examination
  • Ultrasound
  • Intracranial pressure monitoring (ICP)
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Computed tomography scan (CT / CAT scan)
  • Spinal tap / Lumbar puncture 
  • Isotope cisternography

Life and health insurance tip: Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, you cannot be dropped from your health insurance coverage due to a pre-existing condition being diagnosed, and the same goes for life insurance.

If you are already a policyholder, it is illegal for your insurance providers to decline your account after a medical diagnosis.

Living With Hydrocephalus

Unfortunately, there is no cure for hydrocephalus, but treatment options and lifestyle changes can help ease the strain. The first thing you should do is senior safety-proof your home in ways that relate to your most prominent symptoms. 

Lifestyle Changes

The last thing you probably want to think about is more change, but with no medical cure available, making your treatment plan a lifestyle will help you combat your symptoms. 

What we put in is what we get out when it comes to our diet. A list of foods that help increase brain and CSF function is:

  • Honey 
  • Grapes
  • Pineapple
  • Lemon
  • Avocados 
  • Spinach 
  • Kale 
  • Broccoli 
  • Seeds
  • Nuts
  • Beans 
  • Lentils 
  • Brown rice
  • Granola 
  • Oats
  • Salmon
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic 
  • Ginseng 
  • Tea 

What to avoid:

  • Candy
  • Processed foods
  • Chile
  • Coffee
  • Chocolate (raw cacao is fine)
  • Dairy
  • Meat
  • Refined flour
  • Vinegar

Most of all, staying hydrated is key. Water aids both brain function and blood flow, which will help your CSF levels and moderate your symptoms. 

Adjusting your lifestyle to incorporate more of these foods, regulated forms of safe exercise, and meditation will help support the treatment plan you and your doctor choose.

Surgery Options for Hydrocephalus

The word surgery is scary, but without it, fluid on the brain can cause severe complications for both your mental and physical well-being. 

Treating hydrocephalus patients will require surgery, but modern technologies are making brain surgery seem as breezy as getting a root canal. (My grandmother’s words).

The list of medical treatment options is:

  • Shunt – This less intrusive option is what my grandmother chose. It may be available depending on the severity of your case. A shunt is a thin tube with a valve placed in the brain to divert the excess fluid away. Normally the shunt will connect to the abdomen but can be put in other places as well.

For adults, this procedure could be the last major medical step needed to live a healthy everyday life, but the shunt may need adjusting, requiring additional visits.

 

  • Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) – Neurosurgeons will use a camera to drill a small hole under the third ventricle of a patient’s skull, allowing the excess CSF to drain away from the brain.

 

Trust the treatment plan that your doctor suggests, and know that being diagnosed with hydrocephalus isn’t the end to life as you knew it. You can still do the things you enjoy but allow your body time to adjust and recover.

Watching a loved one live with hydrocephalus and go through treatment, I know the storm of emotions you and your family are likely experiencing. I am thankful that my grandmother got a shunt because she is coming back to herself every day.

Fluid on the brain doesn’t have to hold you underwater. Seek out a proper diagnosis right away if you think your symptoms are being caused by hydrocephalus.

Danielle Beck-Hunter writes and researches for the life insurance site, EffortlessInsurance.com. She researched hydrocephalus when hearing of her grandmother’s condition. Knowing that medical reports can be intimidating and confusing, she hopes that this article helps anyone with a loved one diagnosed or who is struggling themselves with hydrocephalus.

Tips for Moving Your Dog to an Assisted Living Facility

You don’t need to give up your canine companion when you move into an assisted living facility. Keep your dog by your side as you care for your own health by moving out of your home and into an assisted living option that allows you to maintain your independence. While you’ll still need to take the same precautions with your pup that you would moving anywhere else, there are also some extra tips for moving your dog to an assisted living facility.

Before You Choose an Option: Check If It’s Pet Friendly

Sadly, not every assisted living option for seniors will be a pet-friendly one. Before you begin finalizing your big move, check to make sure that it’s a pet-friendly assisted living facility. Whether you’re living in a large building with other seniors or a quaint home, the care services may have rules against pets or restrictions on certain kinds of pets.

Read the fine print of their rules before deciding to live there. Call the facility if you have any concerns or questions about your dog’s residency.

Have Someone Care for the Dog During the Move

Dogs tend to stress out when they notice a big change is on the way. Stressed dogs may bolt out the door while you and your family move boxes and furniture out of the home. Avoid the chaos of a chase by finding somewhere for your dog to stay during the busiest parts of the move.

Your family may normally take care of the dog for you, but if they’re helping you move, then they may not be an option. Consider researching local boarding services and giving your pup a vacation at the local doggy hotel.

Slowly Introduce Your Dog to Their New Environment

Adjusting to life in assisted care is a slow process, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. Introduce your dog to your new caretakers with treats. Your new assistants may enjoy meeting your dog and providing treats whenever they visit you.

Keep a reminder of your old home out for your dog—if they had a favorite bed or if they liked their kennel, keep it somewhere so they can have a safe space. The right tips for moving your dog to an assisted living facility are different for every dog. Some dogs adjust instantly to their new home with new people to meet, while others may feel anxious. Be patient with them and provide them with plenty of love, walks, and treats.

Tips for Seniors to Stay Safe Behind the Wheel (and Save Money!)


Today’s seniors are living longer and fuller lives than previous generations. They’re more active and independent than ever before, delaying retirement, traveling the world, and enjoying their grandchildren. They’re basically doing what they want when they want. 

And nothing says independence more than being able to drive.

But there are a lot of factors to consider for elders who want to stay behind the wheel, including safety and costs.

We’ll share tips on how you can continue to drive safely, what discounts you can get — such as AAA car insurance discounts — and what car insurance companies are best for seniors.

How can seniors drive safer?

Despite the stereotypes about older drivers, the statistics actually look pretty good.

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), older people now keep their licenses longer and make up a larger proportion of the population than in past decades. Between 1997 and 2018, the number of licensed drivers 70 and older jumped 65 percent. And the proportion of that population with licenses increased from 73 percent to 83 percent.

Despite these growing numbers, fewer older drivers died in crashes and fewer were involved as drivers in fatal collisions during 1997-2018 than in previous decades.

Specifically, 4,973 people 70 and older died in car crashes in 2018. This is 15 percent fewer than in 1997, when deaths peaked, even though the population of people 70 and older rose. The rate of fatalities per capita among older people has decreased 46 percent since 1975.

Here are helpers for staying on the right side of those statistics.

Evaluate Your Driving Skills

A good starting point to work on delaying “driver retirement” is to have your driving reviewed. 

Don’t rely on the Department of Motor Vehicles to do that. Only two states (Illinois and New Hampshire) require a road test for seniors (at age 75). Beyond that, 22 states have a shortened renewal cycle, and 18 states require a vision test as well as set age limits on mail or online renewal.

Contact your county or city office on aging, the Veterans Administration and other rehabilitation facilities, occupational therapy driver rehabilitation specialist, or even your local hospital. There are several community resources available to conduct a formal driving assessment. This is a comprehensive driving evaluation by a trained professional, which can take two to three hours.

If you’re showing problems, don’t despair. An assessment can include flexibility exercises to keep you in good driving shape. You’ll also learn about assistive equipment that can help you drive longer, such as a pedal extender, panoramic rear-view and side-view mirrors, a seat lift, spinner knobs, and a seat belt extender.

Depending on the extent of any impairments, you may be able to continue driving but with restrictions, such as only driving during the day, driving within a certain distance of your home, or banning freeway driving.

But be aware of the signs to stop driving for older adults, including if you’ve noticed slower reflexes, deteriorating eyesight, chronic pain, getting lost, mixing up the pedals, and difficulty understanding traffic signals. You certainly don’t want to endanger yourself or others.

Hopefully, these problems haven’t impacted your driving abilities yet. But it’s still important to assess your capabilities and brush up on safety tips often.

Tips for Safe Driving

  • Know your limitations: This will help you retain your driving independence for many years.
  • Avoid driving during peak hours: Spare yourself the anxiety of driving during the morning and evening rush.
  • Avoid driving at dark: Nighttime driving gets harder even in middle age, with the lights seeming bigger and brighter. Nighttime also diminishes the distance you can see. 
  • Avoid driving in bad weather: Precipitation can not only obscure your view, but ice, snow, and sleet can make roads slicker and your car harder to control.
  • Stick to familiar roads: Driving on the roads you know will certainly lessen your chances of being surprised by and having to react to blind spots, bumps, and bends. 
  • Note any changes in medication before driving: The side effects of individual prescription medications as well as interactions between medicines might impair driving. Talk to your doctor about this. AAA also offers Roadwise RX, in which you can record your medications and get feedback on how they, as well as your over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, interact with each other and can affect safe driving.
  • Avoid talking on the phone while driving: It’s a good rule of thumb for all drivers to restrict cellphone use. Distracted driving is a problem for all ages, but older drivers are more likely to be distracted while driving. 
  • Keep your gas tank full: In addition to keeping your fuel pump and your fuel line in good working order, running out of fuel at highway speeds can be hazardous as brakes and power steering can be lost.
  • Pack an emergency kit: You never know how long it may take help to get to you if you’re in an accident or break down.
  • Maintain your car: Consult your owner’s manual on appropriate times for checkups, including oil changes, filter replacements, tire rotations, radiator check, and brake pad inspection. This will lessen problems from developing unexpectedly and from being severe, which can mean the difference between an inconvenience and a catastrophic accident or fire. Keeping your car in good condition will also save you money on repairs.
  • Wear your seatbelt: While older drivers are more likely to wear seatbelts, make sure it’s the proper fit. Get help determining that from CarFit, a program that promotes safe driving and mobility among older drivers by focusing on safety, comfort, and fit. It was created in collaboration with AAA, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Go online to see how you can take part in a checkup.

How do seniors rate with car insurance?

The irony of being a senior driver is that although you have extensive driving experience, at a certain age insurance rates often start to go up.

Insurance companies justify higher rates for seniors because they pose a greater risk of being critically injured or killed during a crash. Poor sight and hearing as well as cognitive problems may impair driving capabilities, and the possibility of prescription medication can alter a driver’s perception.

How to Lower Senior Car Insurance

In addition to continuing to benefit from the variety of car insurance discounts available to most drivers, including multi-policy discounts, seniors should also keep an eye on low-mileage and age discounts, as well as discounts for certain memberships such as AAA and AARP.

When you retire or semi-retire, let your insurance company know. As you’re no longer commuting or commuting less, the reduced time behind the wheel can mean a lower rate.

Also, some states have a law that mandates an automobile insurance discount for anyone completing an approved driver improvement course.

The Best Car Insurance Companies for Seniors

Fortunately, seniors have some great choices when it comes to car insurance companies, thanks to a few that have decided to reward years of safe driving.

Your best bet is to compare rates among these companies. Even though each insurance company uses the same basic factors to determine rates, price points can vary as well as the number of discounts and the percentage of each discount. 

Here are a few options for the best auto insurance companies for seniors.

The Hartford/AARP: AARP’s partnership with The Hartford has created one of the best insurance programs available to seniors. Its 50+ AARP-branded insurance program has a 12-month locked-in rate, a guarantee that you won’t be dropped as long as you pay your premium, and a vanishing deductible, in which your deductible decreases every year you remain accident-free.

The program also offers discounts for passing a defensive driving course. It even has a benefit called RecoverCare, providing home assistance after an accident. The company also has additional insurance policies for boats, golf carts, and classic cars.

Geico: Known for low rates overall, this company is very senior-friendly. It also offers a guaranteed renewal program to drivers over 50 called Prime Time. They have a good range of discounts that include defensive driving course completion and special discounts for retired government employees and veterans.

USAA: If you’re a veteran, USAA provides some of the best-value senior’s car insurance in the country. In addition to low premiums, strong coverage, and excellent customer service, if you’ve been insured by USAA for 40 years, you’re eligible for a special senior bonus payment that goes toward your insurance premiums.

Allstate: Pricing and the large number of discounts help make Allstate a great deal for seniors. Discounts include a senior’s discount if you’re 55 or over with a safe driving record, and for safety features and security features. 

 

Karen Condor writes and researches for the car insurance comparison site, CarInsuranceComparison.com. She is an insurance expert who has worked with seniors to help them find the best coverage for their needs.

Important Topics To Discuss With Aging Loved Ones

It can be tough to address certain topics with your aging loved ones. If the conversation involves a parent, it can get intense as you discuss the things that are monitored as a child—autonomy and independence. If it’s a spouse, challenging discussions can bring up a lot of sad emotions. Still, there are important topics to discuss with aging loved ones regardless of your relation.

Whether It’s Still Safe for Them To Drive

You may be concerned over your loved one’s driving ability due to the daunting statistics about aging and driving. It can be tough to express your concerns over whether your loved one should be driving, especially if they’re the same person that taught you how to drive several years back.

If your loved one’s sight or mobility has become severely hindered with age, you’ll need to bring your worries forward. Tread the conversation lightly so as not to offend your loved one. Remember that it will likely be just as tough for your aged loved one to talk about as it is for you.

Whether They Have Any Pre-Arrangements

Death can be a harrowing subject, but it’s a natural part of life—making it an important topic to discuss with aging loved ones. Determining whether there are any pre-arrangements is a critical step when making final arrangements for a loved one and can make the process a whole lot easier for those overseeing plans while grieving a loss.

When talking about your loved one’s final wishes, it may be appropriate to bring up whether they have a completed will or trust. Without a will or trust, your loved one’s assets are put through probate. Often, a large portion of their estate’s value is lost in taxes and court fees.

Whether They Need Long-Term Care

Many aging adults have a difficult time admitting they can no longer care for themselves. It’s a hard realization to come to, which is why you might become responsible in initiating a conversation about long-term care.

Together, you and your loved one can peruse through nursing homes and senior care facilities online. Ask your loved one about any requirements they have for their future location, as you want to optimize their quality of life however possible.

Whether Their Health Issues Are Being Taken Care Of

Some people are more defiant than others when it comes to being proactive about their health. If your loved one does not seek routine medical checkups for their existing conditions, it may be necessary to start a dialogue on the importance of monitoring their own health. Criticizing their inattention to their health won’t be helpful—provide your loved one with guidance and referrals to medical facilities or professionals they can go to.

If your loved one has a degenerative disease, such as dementia or Parkinson’s, you should educate yourself on the condition as much as possible. Speaking with medical professionals and reviewing medical blogs can provide a better idea of what to expect and how to prolong symptoms when possible.

How to Live Your Best Life as a Senior Citizen

Just because you are entering your golden years doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying life. In fact, nowadays, there are more ways than ever to live your best life even after becoming a senior citizen. Here are some great ways to remain financially healthy during this time of your life.

Use Discounts to Your Advantage

Once you’re officially a senior citizen, there are all sorts of discounts offered to you. Whether they are a percentage discount at the local grocery or free coffee at a restaurant meal, don’t be shy about taking advantage of them. Individually, they may be small savings but they add up to quickly to a much larger amount.

Have a Plan for Outstanding Debt

You have made it this far and have probably been responsible for your financial matters. Why have multiple loans and other payment obligations hanging over your head? Now is the time to get a personal loan that you can use to pay off all of those other debts and combine everything into one monthly payment that is easy to manage. Remember, don’t just take the first loan offered, save time by searching offers online. You can save money by looking at all of your options as well as they will all vary in interest rates.

Don’t Spend Your Retirement All at Once

It may be quite tempting to spend your retirement funds however you wish, whenever you want. However, this is also a sure way to end up broke. When drawing from your retirement fund, set it up so it withdraws on a regular schedule just as if it were a regular paycheck. Think of it as your retirement paycheck. This ensures that you have spendable money coming in, but that you also do not leave yourself in financial duress.

Be Honest with Yourself

As we age, there will almost certainly come times when we need help. If you are finding that you need help around the house or that your home is getting to be a bit too much to live in anymore, be honest with yourself about it and look for viable solutions. Perhaps buying a condo in a structured living community would best suit your needs. If health is becoming a concern, a live-in caretaker may be what you desire the most.

Stay Up on Healthy Habits

Retirement is not a time when you should become a couch potato. While it’s fun to have lazy days every now and then, you should also be sure to get in healthy activity as much as you can. Whether it be structured exercise classes or simply walking to your favorite places, staying active not only means you may feel better, but you may end up with fewer doctor’s bills as well.

Take Vacations

Even though you are retired doesn’t mean you’ll always be on vacation. That’s why it’s important to actually get one in once or twice a year. Of course, every vacation doesn’t have to be a trip to the Bahamas. It could be something as simple as visiting family or even getting away to a neighboring state for a few days. Whatever makes you happy is the name of the vacation game.