The New York Times recently reported that almost 26 million people 50 or older currently live by themselves. That's up from 15 million in the year 2000.
"Baby boomers" are among those most likely to live alone, the newspaper says. But living alone can be more than a lifestyle.
Being alone has been found to contribute to health issues, including blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, weakened immune systems, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease, and even death. (National Institute on Aging).
Ways to combat senior isolation and loneliness can include joining the local senior center, taking classes at a local college or university. And spending more "in person" time with friends.
Seniors are more likely to live alone in the U.S. than in other countries.
(Pew Research)
There's a change in Medicare Part B premiums this year, a welcome one.
Standard Medicare premiums for Part B beneficiaries are $164.90 a month in 2023, That's down $5.20 from the $170.10 monthly charge in 2022. (The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services)
The annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries is $226 in 2023, a decrease of $7.
January is National Staying Healthy Month (National Today).
After the festivities in December, this month encourages people to focus on health, wellbeing and self-care.
The goal of National Staying Healthy Month is to help people create healthy habits that last. (The Children's Home Society of California).
January is also Glaucoma Awareness Month
Here's a healthy and delicious stir fry. It's easy to make.
INGREDIENTS:
DIRECTIONS: Add ground beef to a nonstick pan with one garlic clove and some oil. After a minute, stir, breaking the pieces apart. Let the beef sauté for about 5-6 minutes at med-high heat. Chop your vegetables — cabbage, carrots, peppers, and the parsley (or cilantro) and scallions.
Stir in the chopped cabbage, crushed pepper, carrot, another minced clove of garlic and scallions. Cover for about 2-3 minutes to allow vegetables to cook.
Stir in the chopped pepper, the last clove of garlic, and the tamari sauce. Add a little bit of oil if needed and stir for 2-3 minutes. Turn the heat off and stir in the chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve immediately.
Do you spend too much time going to the pharmacy to pick up prescriptions?
If you are like many of us, you do.
But Medicare Part D has a solution: mail-order pharmacy.
You can order up to three months of your prescription drugs at a time ant they'll be delivered right to your house!
As a Medicare beneficiary, you can utilize this service if your Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage prescription drug plan contracts with a mail-order prescription provider.
The easy way to get mail-order drugs is to order them online or over the phone. Feel free to contact me if you have questions about Medicares mail-order pharmacy program.
Unstated interest paid is the amount of money the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) assumes was paid to the seller of an item that has been sold on an installment basis.
An unsolicited bid is an offer made by someone to purchase a company that is not actively seeking a buyer.
An unusual item is a non-recurring or one-time gain or loss that is not considered part of normal business operations.
An unlawful loan is a loan that fails to comply with any provision of lending laws.
Famous Birthdays: Bradley Cooper (January 5), Mary Jane Blige (11), Regina King (15), John Hancock (23)
"Every time you tear a leaf off a calendar, you present a new place for new ideas and progress."
- Charles Kettering
Let me help you take the next step for a more financially secure future.
Call or Text: (412) 897-0760
Email: brian.goldman@successfs.com
