Medicare Open Enrollment Starts October 15

If you still have questions a good source to begin looking for answers is the Senior Linkage Line.  The Hours are Monday – Thursday 8am to 6pm.  The Friday hours are 8am to 4:30pm.  You will be connected with Medicare experts at the Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging.  For information call the Senior Linkage Line at 1-800-333-2433 or go to www.medicare.gov

Prepare Your Home for now for Future Living

According to AARP’s “Home and Community Preferences Survey,” 77% of the people surveyed say they would like to remain in their home and community for as long as possible.  If you would like to stay in your home as you age, do a survey of the modification that you can make now to insure your home safe and accessible as you age. The areas in your home that may need modification are bathrooms, home entrances, non-slip floors and having all living needs, including the bedroom on one level.

The Flu Is Nothing To Sneeze At

It takes about two weeks for an influenza immunization to build up enough strength to protect you from contracting the flu.  Flu shots are available at many locations in Rochester. Additionally, there is an enhanced flu shot for older people.  (If you have questions you should check with your doctor.)  The flu shot is not a guarantee that you will not get sick but it is probably the best thing that you can do to avoid being ill. More than 12,000 people ages 65 years and older died from the disease during the last flu season, which started October 1, 2017.  (CDC statistics for the nation).  That is more than double the death toll death toll of 2016-17 and 6 times the number of the 2015-2016 season.  In addition, according to the Center for Disease Control, the number of flu-related hospitalizations of those 65 years of age and older was higher than in any previous year.