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Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Today's Voicemail Culture & Etiquette

 



Is voicemail dead? Not quite, but the cultural mores around leaving a voicemail aren't what they used to be. 


Smartphones have changed our lives in myriad ways. As just one example, the etiquette around leaving and responding to voicemail has shifted in recent years. While some are outright declaring that voicemail is dead, it might be more accurate to say it’s evolving. People still use voicemail, but it’s losing popularity as other forms of messaging take precedence. Here’s an update from the field to help you understand how your colleagues, friends, and family are using–or not using–voicemail these days.

Voicemail Today

If you still have an answering machine in your home, let’s just say you’re likely not a millennial or a member of Gen Z. Today, most people receive voicemail via a smartphone in the form of visual voicemail, which refers to the visual interface that allows you to view, play, and delete messages without having to call a number and enter your PIN. Some operating systems or apps will translate your voicemail to text in real time while the caller is leaving the message.

To use visual voicemail on a smartphone, start by opening the Phone app and tapping the voicemail icon—usually found in the bottom corner or under a separate “Voicemail” tab. Once in the voicemail section, you'll see a list of messages, often with the caller’s number, date, and time. Tap on a message to listen.
Even with the convenience of visual voicemail, the culture is moving away from voicemail in favor of other kinds of messaging. According to at least one major newspaper, you shouldn’t be leaving voicemail at all anymore. Instead, per this advice, any information you need to share will be better communicated in a text or email. With the rise of voicemail-to-text, there’s a good chance the recipient isn’t listening to a voicemail if you leave one; they’re reading it instead. Many people, especially those who grew up with smartphones, consider text to be a more convenient way to receive information. As opposed to taking the time and quiet space to listen to a voicemail, glancing at a text message or email saves precious seconds. 


When you’re calling a loved one who just wants to hear your voice, that’s different. Go ahead and leave them a voicemail, the sillier the better. But even between friends and family, the trend is away from voicemail toward voice memos, also called voice texts or voice messages. While a voicemail and a voice message might seem like the same thing in practice, don’t try telling a member of Gen Z that. The difference is that voice messages are exchanged via an app, whereas a voicemail is handled by a carrier. In 2022, WhatsApp reported that users exchange an average of 7 billion voice messages a day.

Considering the cultural shift, next time you need to reach someone, you might choose to send an email or text instead of leaving a voicemail. But if you prefer the personal touch of a voicemail, or if voicemail is more accessible for you, don’t worry too much about the current etiquette–after all, it will keep changing. Whether you’re leaving a voicemail or opting instead to text or email these days, the most important thing is to be clear and courteous. Greet the person you’re trying to reach, identify yourself, and summarize briefly your reason for getting in touch. 

And keep in mind, you can always do both. When communicating with clients, a common practice these days among business owners is to call, leave a voicemail, and then send a courtesy text to alert the person that you left them a voicemail. Sometimes the voicemail alert just doesn’t appear on the person’s phone for whatever reason, so following up with a text message raises the odds of a call back.

Voicemail on a Smartphone: How to Delete Voicemail Messages

Another important piece of voicemail etiquette is to keep your inbox open for new messages. Most smartphones display a notification if your voicemail inbox is full, and some carriers will send you a text alert. You may also notice that new messages stop arriving. You can call your own number from another line to determine whether there’s still space available for new messages.
If you’re delinquent on checking your voicemail, you may have received this feedback in person: “You need to clean out your inbox!” This happens when a peeved friend or family member has tried one too many times to leave you a message and gotten that annoying recording: “The inbox is full and cannot accept any more messages at this time. Good-bye.” (Perhaps this frustrating phenomenon contributed to the decline of voicemail in the first place.)
To avoid reaching the point at which that recording greets your callers, get in the habit of deleting a voicemail right after listening to it. When you know you won’t need the message later, after listening, tap the trash can icon or select “Delete” from the message options. 
If you or a client can use tech support for navigating visual voicemail or learning about today’s more popular options like texting and voice messaging, check out our recent article on senior-friendly personalized IT support.

Additional sources:


Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

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When Is It Time to Hire a Financial Advisor?

 



Financial advisors aren't only for millionaires. 

If you wouldn’t use the term “wealthy” to describe yourself, you’re in good company. Most people don’t need a “wealth manager.” But middle-income families and individuals can benefit greatly from working with a financial advisor. Different financial professionals work with people of different net worths to help them meet personal goals. 


Money expert Clark Howard suggests a rule of thumb: if you have less than $50,000 to invest, or if you’re at least 20 years out from retirement, you don’t need a financial advisor. At that stage, just focus on accumulating and investing your money. 


Consider starting the search for a financial advisor if you’re asking any of these questions, and especially if they’re causing you stress.

  • How close am I to being able to retire? 
  • How much can I commit to paying for my child’s college?
  • I just received an inheritance. What’s the wisest way to invest this money today?
  • I’ve never tried to organize my finances. What don’t I know that I need to know?


Then, consider what support you need. Would you benefit from a birds-eye-view assessment of your entire financial life? Look for certified financial planning services. Are you focused on how to invest your portfolio? You might be able to get by with a robo-advisor, “automated investing platform” that analyzes the market and tells you where to put your money. Do you want help solving the problem of retirement or paying for college? It could be worth hiring a financial advisor. 


How do I choose a financial advisor?

First, understand the different pay structures. Some advisors (including robo-advisors) take a percentage of the assets they help you invest. That’s the Assets Under Management, or AUM, model. Other advisors are fee-based fiduciaries, meaning they charge a flat fee. Fee-based fiduciaries appeal to smaller investors, and many experts recommend only ever opting for this service model. The fees might be based on an annual retainer, a stand-alone financial plan, or an hourly consultation rate (usually $200 to $400). One sign of a good advisor is a transparent pricing plan that includes dollar amounts, payment schedules, and a clear explanation of the services rendered at each level. 


Next, ask around for referrals. A trusted source’s recommendation to a local advisor will be invaluable. A Google search for “fee-only fiduciaries near me” is another place to start, as is the Garrett Planning Network, where you can plug in your zip code for a list of local advisors. You can also search the website of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, or NAPFA, using their online tool. All of the advisors listed on NAPFA are fee-based, but they may have minimum requirements for the size of your assets. Another resource is the Alliance of Comprehensive Planners (ACP), which also allows you to search fee-based advisors.


Here are some green flags to look for during your financial advisor search. 

  • They’re a CFP. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) has specialized training, passed a rigorous exam, and follows an ethics code for comprehensive financial planning. 
  • They pass a background check on BrokerCheck https://brokercheck.finra.org/. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) runs this website to offer consumers a check on financial advisors’ work history and any “disclosure events,” or complaints made against them.
  • You feel comfortable with them. After an initial meeting, you should be feeling encouraged and enlightened, not baffled or worried. 
  • They’re free of conflicts of interest. Some advisors may earn a commission on financial products and therefore have an interest in selling them to you. Ask about whether the advisor stands to gain from any financial advice they give you. Another way to ask this question is to inquire as to whether they have a fiduciary interest to you as their client, meaning they’re professionally bound to put your interests ahead of yours. All CFPs are fiduciaries. 


A visit to a fee-based financial advisor is like a visit to the doctor. You can get a holistic check-up of your financial health, or you can ask specific questions like, “How will the health of my portfolio be affected if I make this contribution to my kid’s college fund?” Investing a little time and money into that visit will likely help you to feel less queasy about your financial health, and could place you in a much better position for the future. 




This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional financial advice from a qualified financial advisor.


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Sunday, July 6, 2025

Five Myths About Hospice Care

 



Hospice care is all about living well during the time families have together. 


When the topic of hospice arises, misconceptions and strong emotions abound. It makes sense: hospice care is end-of-life care and difficult for many families to discuss. However, we as CSAs know, talking about end-of-life desires and plans in advance can bring families meaning and calm when the time comes. To that end, let’s bust some myths about hospice.

Myth #1: Hospice is about killing off the patient.

It sounds extreme, but one common misconception, even among some providers hesitant to recommend hospice, is that hospice is meant to hasten a person’s decline and passing. But in practice, hospice is about making a person as comfortable and connected as possible during what may be the last days of their lives. 

“Dying isn’t really the focus of hospice care,” Angela Novas, chief medical officer for the Hospice Foundation of America, told AARP. “The focus of hospice is to live well for the remainder of your time, however long that is.” To support people in maintaining that focus, hospice care is palliative care that emphasizes pain and symptom management.  

Myth #2: Hospice is a place.

Hospice is a service, not a place. Hospice could even be said to be a team of people, including home health aides, social workers, doctors, nurses, clergy, and sometimes even death doulas. Hospice care also includes caregiver support in the form of counseling and respite care. 

How to Choose an Excellent Hospice Provider: Questions to Ask

  • What is expected of family caregiver(s)? Will the hospice provide training if needed?
  • How often will a hospice team member visit? How long do most visits last?
  • When the hospice orders medication, is it delivered? If not, where can it be picked up?
  • What is the typical response time if caregivers need to reach the hospice team after normal business hours, on weekends, or on holidays?
  • Will the hospice send a registered nurse, nurse practitioner, or physician to the home if the patient’s symptoms are not being managed? How long will it take the nurse/doctor to arrive?
  • If the need for inpatient hospice care arises, how will the hospice respond? Where will inpatient care be provided?
  • Are there any services, medications, or equipment that the hospice doesn’t provide? 
  • Can the hospice provide respite care to give family caregivers a break? How does the hospice arrange respite care?  Where will the patient go during respite care — a hospice inpatient unit? A local nursing home?
  • If a hospice team member is not present at the time of death, how will the hospice provide guidance and support for the family?
  • If the patient or family is unhappy with some aspect of care, who should we contact at the hospice organization? How do we reach that person?
    Because hospice refers to a service rather than a location, families must remember that the person receiving hospice will need a place to live. Whether that’s in their own home, a family’s home, or in a skilled nursing facility or other care community, will depend on the person’s wishes and the family’s situation. For most people, being able to spend that time at home in a familiar environment is the great benefit of hospice care.

    Myth #3: No one ever leaves hospice care. 

    Hospice care is for people with a terminal illness and a life expectancy of six months or less as determined by a physician. However, the health of someone who enters hospice may improve to the point that they choose to restart curative treatments. (Also, what we think of as curative treatments may be prescribed in hospice under certain conditions; for example, a doctor might prescribe chemotherapy during hospice for pain management.) Hospice also includes different levels of care, including crisis care. It’s important for families to talk with their loved one’s primary doctor and the hospice service provider to understand who will decide when and whether to move a patient between different levels of care, and where any additional clinical care will take place.

    In general, when a person enters hospice, their family and care partners will need to be prepared to call hospice before calling 911 during a moment of crisis. For many, this is difficult, and should be discussed among families and between families and hospice providers.

    Myth #4: Hospice is prohibitively expensive.

    Medicaid and Medicare cover hospice care for people who qualify. Under Medicare, qualifications include: 
    • The insured person has been given a life expectancy of six months or less by a physician.
    • The care the person is receiving is comfort care only.
    • The person has Part A in place.
    • The person is enrolled in a Medicare-approved program.
    There’s no limit to how long you can receive hospice services, but after two initial 90-day periods, the qualifications have to be confirmed every 60 days. Most private-pay insurance companies also cover hospice care.

    Because Medicare has ongoing hospice coverage, hospice fraud is unfortunately common. Criminals sign up a Medicare recipient for hospice without their knowledge and begin receiving payments for “services.” When the insured person goes to file a non-hospice claim, they’re on record as being in hospice care, and their claim is denied. Report any suspected fraud to Medicare.

    Myth #5: A small hospice provider is always better than a large one.

    It really depends. A large, corporate hospice provider may have robust safety systems in place, be able to offer competitive rates, and be present in underserved areas. On the other hand, they may not be able to offer the same level of flexibility and personalized communication with family members as compared to smaller providers. 

    What matters the most is that the family vet hospice options, together with their loved one if possible, and ask for referrals from trusted sources. Asking the right questions (see sidebar) can help ensure that the family finds a best-fit hospice provider.


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    Friday, July 4, 2025

    The 'Boommates' Trend: More Boomer Women are Sharing a Home

     



    As part of Senior Spirit's Lifestyle series on Solo Aging, we're taking a look at women aging solo, together. 


    The “Golden Girls lifestyle” is officially trending: more older women are sharing a home, on purpose. In 2018, Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies called it “a small but growing trend.” Since then, the rising cost of housing has encouraged more older women to move in together. You know it’s a trend when it earns its own word: boommates, roommates of the baby boomer generation.

    “Home sharing is a way for older adults to maintain their independence” and age in place, Jenn Jones, vice president of financial security and livable communities at AARP, told the Washington Post.  Especially for older women, who reach retirement with fewer financial resources, on average, than men, sharing a home can be a smart or even necessary choice.

    It’s also about companionship. Aware of the mental and physical health risks of social isolation, many boomers aren’t interested in living alone as they age. “Being single, I knew I had to set myself up with more built-in support, like couples do,” said Sue Ronnenkamp, who found her housemate via an online search in Denver. They eat meals together a few times a week, and Ronnenkamp shares her housemate’s family holidays like Thanksgiving. As two solo agers, the women find that by living together, they’re able to provide each other with the emotional and financial support that would be missing if they lived alone.

    Ronnenkamp and her boommate rent an apartment together. In other cases, homeowners decide that they’d like a housemate. Some people simply want help paying the mortgage, and others are also interested in sharing life with the right person or people. There are risks inherent in inviting a roommate to live with you in the home you own, and it’s wise to do a background check on prospective renters. By connecting with a home share service online, homeowners and renters benefit from a centralized vetting process, and these services strive to match housemates who will be a good fit for each other. 

    According to home share sites, most of the older people looking to be matched up as housemates are women. About 22% of men over 65 live alone, while a full third (33%) of women do. This may be because women in the U.S. live an average of six years longer than men; plus, the divorce rate among people over 65 tripled between 1990 and 2021. More women may be willing to try cohabitation since, as compared to men, women have more cultural touchstones–The Golden Girls and Gracie and Frankie being the most-often mentioned–to show that living with friends in later life isn’t a defeat. In fact, it can be fun.

    Looking for a Boommate?

    A number of online platforms strive to link you up with a compatible person who’s looking for the same kind of home life. 
    • HomeShare Online, formerly Silvernest, links homeowners with renters of all ages. According to their website, homeowners earn an average of $850/month, and renters save an average of $750/month as compared to a one-bedroom apartment.
    • Home Match, from the nonprofit Front Porch, links older homeowners with people of any age seeking affordable housing and a flexible living arrangement. They say: “Home Match benefits everyone. It decreases isolation, provides housing security, and above all, builds community.”
    • The National Shared Housing Resource Center is a network of home sharing organizations. They can connect you to local nonprofits that fill a niche in communities across the country. HomeShare Vermont, for example, has 40 years of experience linking up homeowners with potential renters, the Shared Housing Center has been serving Dallas since 1984.
    • Also consider reaching out to your local Area Agency on Aging and/or local government. Some municipalities have ways to match people looking for housing with those offering it. 

    A word of caution: open forums like Next Door and Craigslist are popular ways for people of all ages to find local housing and housemates. A major benefit of a service like Homeshare Online is that your information stays private and the people you’re being matched with have been vetted, at least somewhat. When posting in open forums, be sure not to disclose personal information like your address, phone number, or the fact that you live alone. 

    Also consider asking for housemate recommendations from friends who know your personality and quirks. Plenty of older folks balk at the idea of sharing their home with another person–the image of a sink full of dirty dishes may spring to mind. But for solo agers who find the right fit in each other, the benefits of having a boommate can far outweigh any inconveniences. 


    Additional sources:


    Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

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    Wednesday, July 2, 2025

    Luxury Summer Travel by Train and Bus

     




    Cars and planes are the default summer travel modes within the U.S., but train and bus options are attracting travelers with luxury amenities. 


    The road trip is a beloved American tradition, but it sure has its downsides. To name a few: rising gas prices, exhausting hours behind the wheel, wear and tear on your vehicle, unpredictable weather, tolls, traffic, and road rage. Of the common modes of travel in the U.S., only motorcycles are more dangerous than cars. Traveling by plane is much safer, but it doesn’t always feel like it these days. Consistent news of air traffic failures, equipment breakdowns, and the lengthening lines at airport terminals are discouraging fliers. 

    Have you considered train or bus travel for your next cross-country trip? Many Americans don’t expect regional rail or bus to be comfortable, affordable, or convenient enough to merit consideration for interstate travel. But new and legacy carriers are introducing fresh life into these modes of transportation. Luxury amenities and new train and bus routes in different parts of the country could make your next vacation not only safer, but also more relaxing, eco-friendly, and fun. 

    Regional Rail

    In Florida, Brightline is “the only privately owned and operated intercity railroad in the United States.” Founded in 2017, it aims to provide a comfortable, pleasant travel experience for Floridians and tourists traveling distances that are a little too long to drive, but not long enough to fly. Their seven stations are bright and modern (think more airport than subway), designed with accessibility in mind. Brightline offers both business and first-class seating; first class comes with snacks, beverages, and access to a lounge at the station. Since their stations connect to other transit options at the destination, you really don’t need a car to get to many popular Florida destinations.  

    Since 1990, Rocky Mountaineer has offered luxury train travel for tourists through the American Southwest and the Canadian Rockies. Their trains only travel in daylight, since the purpose is to enjoy the marvelous scenery. With names like “Journey Through the Clouds” and “Rockies to the Red Rocks,” the routes link cities in the rural West. The experience is decidedly upscale, with packages including meals and stays at hotels (since the travel is daytime only). Sort of like an overland cruise, a Rocky Mountaineer trip will never be the cheapest way to get from point A to point B, but it could be a dream car-free vacation. 

    Luxury Bus Travel

    Several bus lines are reinventing the intercity bus experience. If it’s been years since you braved a Greyhound, you might be pleasantly surprised by these upgrades.
    • Red Coach operates in and between Florida, Texas, and Georgia. Their goal is to set the new standard of comfort in bus travel. Most noticeably, that includes the option to upgrade to First Class for the ability to recline 140 degrees with extra legroom–and those extra degrees could mean the difference between a night of rest and the night of discomfort you more often associate with long bus trips. A one-way ticket from Miami to Orlando starts at $24.99.
    • Vamoose opened in 2004 to fill a gap in the market: a clean and comfortable bus experience where you could call a real person to book on the phone. Today, they operate daily service between New York City and three suburbs of Washington, D.C. A one-way ticket from Lorton, Virginia to New York City starts around $35.
    • Tufesa started in Mexico and now offers service in California, Utah, Arizona, and several other Western states. Fully reclining seats are almost nonexistent on U.S. bus carriers, but they’re common in other parts of the world. Tufesa is bringing that level of luxury here: for an extra fee, you can buy a ticket that lets you take a bus from Los Angeles to Sacramento while basically sleeping in a bed. Be aware that, unlike most U.S. coach buses today, some Tufesa buses don’t offer WiFi. A trip from L.A. to Las Vegas costs in the range of $54.

    The Auto Train

    Since 1971, Amtrak’s Auto Train has been transporting snowbirds and their vehicles from Virginia to Florida and back again. The 16 to 18 hour train ride saves travelers the nearly 900-mile drive. A single train can carry up to about 650 passengers and 330 vehicles. 

    Rates for individuals start at $95 for a one-way coach seat ticket, and around $285 for a standard vehicle, one-way. For a more comfortable and novel experience, travelers should consider booking a roomette or a bedroom in the sleeper car. These private accommodations allow for fully reclining and include meals in the price of the ticket. Passengers with a coach seat can purchase meals in the cafe car. 

    John and Bev Martin of the blog Retirement Travelers recently reviewed their Auto Train journey. Among the positive elements of the trip, they listed the comfort of the sleeper car, the relaxed atmosphere of the journey, the eco-friendliness, and the scenic views. Among the cons: there’s only the one route, the train is subject to delays, and the 16 to 18-hour trip is not the best option for people in a hurry (a flight between D.C. and Orlando takes about two hours). 

    As car and plane travel holds less appeal than ever, it’s encouraging to see train and bus companies stepping up their services. They’re not the fastest way to travel. But when you’re on vacation, being able to sit back and enjoy the ride without having to go through security? Now that’s luxury.

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    Tuesday, July 1, 2025

    Famous & 65

     

    Look who's turning 65 this month

    Find out which celebrities are turning 65 this month!

    July 14

    This Emmy Award-winning actor, comedian, and singer is best known for her portrayal of the tough, tracksuit-wearing cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester on the hit TV series Glee. With her razor-sharp wit and commanding presence, she brought both hilarity and heart to the role. Before Glee, she had already made a name for herself in Christopher Guest’s mockumentaries like Best in Show and A Mighty Wind. She’s also hosted Hollywood Game Night, voiced characters in animated hits such as Wreck-It Ralph, and appeared on Broadway in Annie. A champion of LGBTQ+ rights and an openly gay performer, she continues to be a trailblazer in Hollywood. Her 2011 autobiography, Happy Accidents, started as a letter to her younger self. Answer: Who is…. (click here to reveal)?



    July 22

    Born in Colombia and raised in New York City, this actor and comedian is known for infusing his work with cultural commentary and humor. He broke through with performances in films like Carlito’s Way and Romeo + Juliet. In 1995, he earned a Golden Globe nomination for portraying the drag queen Chi Chi Rodriguez in the movie To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar. He’s also known for bringing Sid the Sloth to life in the Ice Age franchise. On stage, his one-man shows—such as Freak, Ghetto Klown, and Latin History for Morons—blend autobiographical storytelling with social critique and have earned him multiple awards. An advocate for Latinx representation in media, he’s served on the board of the National Museum of the American Latino since 2022. Answer: Who is…. (click here to reveal)?




    July 30

    This acclaimed American filmmaker is known for his philosophical storytelling and innovative approaches to character. He first gained attention with the 1991 indie hit Slacker, which captured the spirit of Gen X through a series of loosely connected vignettes. His Dazed and Confused, a nostalgic portrait of 1970s high school life, became a cult classic. He’s perhaps most famous for his Before trilogy (Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, Before Midnight), which explores love and aging over nearly two decades with the same actors. His groundbreaking film Boyhood, shot over 12 years with the same cast, earned major acclaim for its emotional depth and experimental form. Born in Houston, he lives in Austin, Texas. Answer: Who is…. (click here to reveal)?




    Source:

    Wikipedia




    Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors
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    Thursday, June 12, 2025

    How to Recycle a Phone or Computer with Care

      



    When it’s time to say goodbye to a phone or computer, take steps to protect both your data and the environment. 


    We hold our devices close. On average, we spend more than half our days on screens. According to one report by Nielsen, Americans ages 50-64 actually spend more time on screens than younger folks. It can feel like our devices are part of our bodies.

    But at a certain point, those devices brick that is, due to hardware or software failures, they inevitably reach the end of their lifespan and become as useful as a brick. At that point, how do we bid farewell to these beloved objects in a way that protects both our privacy and the Earth? It takes a bit more care than just chucking them in the trash.

    Protect Your Data
    Before recycling your phone, tablet, or computer, it's crucial to take a few steps to ensure your personal data stays safe. You can either perform this process yourself or find a local service to do it for you.

    If you’re lucky and your device hasn’t bricked–if it still has some life left in it–start by backing up any data you want to keep. This includes photos, contacts, documents, and other important files, which you can store in cloud services like Google Drive, iCloud, or OneDrive, or transfer to an external hard drive or USB stick. Once your data is safely backed up, make sure to sign out of all accounts associated with the device: your email, social media accounts, cloud services, and any apps that are synced to your identity. 

    Next, perform a factory reset of the device. On smartphones, this process is typically found under system settings, and it will erase all user data, apps, and personal settings. Computers require a similar process. If you’re extra concerned about security, and especially if you can’t get the device to turn on, you can even physically destroy the drive by drilling holes or smashing it. 

    Finally, remove any physical components that might store data, such as SIM cards or SD cards. These contain contacts, messages, or other personal information and should either be destroyed or reused securely. You can still remove these when the phone has completely failed and you’re unable to log in to perform any of the steps above. If you were using a newer eSIM, a digital version of a SIM card, be sure to contact your carrier to have them lock the eSIM and eventually transfer it to your new device.

    Protect the Planet

    Once your device is cleaned of all your data, it’s time to either recycle, donate, or sell it. By doing so, you’re keeping toxic substances like mercury and cadmium out of landfills, along with the reusable materials in the device like metal, plastic, and glass. Plus, 25 states have passed laws related to e-waste. 

    • Manufacturer Take Back Programs. All major manufacturers have take back or buy back programs (partly because they’re required to by those state laws). Apple, for example, will recycle your device for you for free. Of course, first check if you’re eligible for a trade-in instead. With most companies, you can either mail in your device or take it to your local store.
    • The Arc. A national charity with local branches in most states, The Arc supports people with developmental disabilities and their families. Some locations, including The Arc of Alachua County, Florida, accept unwanted devices for free or a small fee. They’ll even wipe and destroy your hard drive for you. Check your local organization’s drop-off policies and fees.
    • Best Buy. The retailer supports customers in wiping and recycling old devices of all kinds. They also offer a Trade-In Calculator to help you understand if your device has any trade-in value.
    • Donate. If your device isn’t bricked, consider donating it to a charity that will refurbish it and get it into the hands of people who need it. Check for local organizations, or go international with a group like World Computer Exchange, who will accept all devices newer than seven years old via mail, clean them, and send them to schools in need around the world.
    • Recycle locally. If mailing in your device seems like a hassle, there’s surely a recycling center near you that accepts drop-offs of e-waste. Check out Call2Recycle, where you can plug in your zip code and find local centers that will accept as many devices as you can bring them.

    Our devices provided us with many hours of entertainment in their working days; it seems only right that we take a little care with them when it’s time to say goodbye. And with e-waste the fastest-growing waste stream, expected to hit 82 million metric tons per year worldwide by 2030, recycling those devices only grows more important for the planet every year.



    Additional sources:


    Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

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    Wednesday, June 11, 2025

    Observation vs. Admittance: It's Not Covered Unless...

      






    Medicare coverage varies widely depending on whether you were admitted to the hospital or just there under observation.  

    If you’re staying overnight in the hospital, you’re an inpatient. If you’re at the hospital receiving care for the day, you’re an outpatient. Right? 

    Wrong. Those common-sense definitions aren’t the ones Medicare uses. Knowing what Medicare actually considers inpatient vs. outpatient could save you thousands of dollars. 

    The difference for Medicare hinges on whether a patient is admitted to the hospital or simply there for observation. According to Medicare.gov, “You're an inpatient starting when you're formally admitted to the hospital with a doctor's order.” You’re an outpatient if you’re receiving services in the hospital–including ER care, observation services, outpatient surgery, lab tests, and any other care–when “the doctor hasn't written an order to admit you to a hospital as an inpatient. In these cases, you're an outpatient even if you spend the night in the hospital.” 

    “The distinction between observation and admission has clinical and ethical implications for patients and practices,” according to Dr. Laura Haselden and Dr. Sabrina Rahman in a 2023 article in the AMA Journal of Ethics called “Cheating the Rules of Admission with ‘Observation.’” For physicians, there’s often no meaningful difference between a patient who needs care for at least two midnights, and one who likely needs care for more than two midnights. The former should be admitted, while the latter can remain under simple observation. And yet when doctors make that key call, they’re initiating potentially major financial consequences for the patient. 

    While patient advocates fight to make this process more transparent for everyone, protect your own finances by understanding the difference between admittance and observation.


    What Medicare Does and Doesn’t Cover

    Even when the actual services rendered look exactly the same, Medicare coverage differs greatly based on whether the patient has been admitted as an inpatient or is being observed as an outpatient. Medicare Part A pays for inpatient services, but not for outpatient services. Part B will usually cover outpatient care, but the patient will pay more than they would for an inpatient stay covered under Part A. And for those who don’t have Part B coverage, the observation (outpatient) services will likely have to come out of pocket. 

    Importantly, Medicare will only cover care at a skilled nursing facility (SNF) if the patient was admitted to a hospital (i.e., as an inpatient) for at least three days and then discharged to the SNF.

    Unfortunately, there’s incentive for hospitals to lean toward observation rather than admittance. Under the Medicare Fee for Service Recovery Audit Program, hospitals might lose their reimbursement if Medicare finds that they admitted someone who didn’t medically need to be admitted. As a result, hospitals tend to err on the side of observing patients if there’s initial doubt that they need to be admitted. 

    According to Medicare, “The decision for inpatient hospital admission is a complex medical decision based on your doctor’s judgment and your need for medically necessary hospital care.” However, Dr. Haselden and Dr. Rahman counter, “Although observation status is intended as a clinical decision-making tool, it has become more of an all-purpose loophole to artificially improve hospital metrics and pose barriers to inpatient care.” 


    New Policies Up Patient Protection

    The thing is, patients don’t always know when they’ve been admitted versus when they’re just being observed. Even worse, a hospital can change a patient’s status without notifying the patient–even retroactively, after they’ve left the hospital.

    Thankfully, in recent years, advocates have won protections for patients that make the question of admittance versus observation more transparent. As of 2017, hospitals must use a form called a MOON (Medicare Outpatient Observation Notice) to notify all patients who are under observation for more than 24 hours what that status means and what Medicare will and will not cover. Staff must provide written and oral notice within 36 hours of the patient entering care. However, since that notice period might be longer than the observation period itself, a patient could still go home after an overnight hospital stay thinking their stay was covered when it wasn’t.

    Late last year, the Center for Medicare Advocacy won additional rights for patients in a case against Medicare. The new policies  require hospitals to inform patients when their status changes from admittance to observation. Even better, the new rules allow patients to appeal changes of status that caused their stay at an SNF not to be covered by Medicare. The ability to appeal applies retroactively to patients who were affected by a change of status since 2009. Looking ahead, the Medicare Rights Center and others are fighting to eliminate the three-day inpatient stay requirement for SNF care coverage. 

    For now, as an individual, stay aware that an outpatient stay can look just like an inpatient stay, with a very different price tag. Ask hospital staff about the status of yourself or loved one, and request a copy of their policies on changes in admission status. 




    This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional financial advice from a qualified financial advisor.


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    In Sickness and in Health: Aging Together with Different Needs

       



    Couples are looking for ways to live together at every level of care. 


    Just like a career or a marriage, how we enter older age is personal: no two experiences of aging are the same. For couples, differing care needs can spark hard choices about how to age together in the same place. Continuing care retirement communities are thinking with residents and families about how to make these choices easier.

    Many couples with different care needs live in the same communities but in separate buildings or apartments. For example, one spouse lives in memory care, and another has their own home in independent living. While this kind of arrangement still works well for many couples, the pandemic has led others to rethink the risks. A video of one British couple went viral in 2021 when, after a months-long isolation during which the husband needed medical care, the two were finally reunited at the wife’s assisted living community when he moved in. In different continuing care communities worldwide during COVID, many married couples experienced this kind of separation from each other when units were shut down to visitors.

    Even during normal times, the more independent spouse often wants to be more than a visitor, while also not becoming a full-time caregiver. Becoming a care partner for a spouse with Alzheimer’s disease or other conditions can be both rewarding and incredibly difficult. “These are fundamentally individual choices that people need to make,” Dr. Vincent Mor of Brown University’s Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research told AARP. “If the well spouse is able to and wants to continue to take care of their loved one, that should be their decision.” Communities are starting to offer more ways for the more independent spouse to continue to support their partner, with support.  

    Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), also called Life Plan communities, offer a continuum of care, usually described as: 
    • Independent living: People 55 and up live in their own homes or apartments, independently or as a couple, with minimal or no assistance. Amenities might include shared meals, activities, common spaces, and transportation.
    • Assisted living: Individuals or couples live on their own with some support with activities of daily living in the home.
    • Memory care: In a residential setting, people with Alzheimer’s disease or other memory loss have access to the latest therapies and specially trained staff.
    • Skilled nursing care: 24/7 care for all medical needs. 
    Individuals may transition into and out of these different levels of care. For couples, that may mean that one partner may have a stint in skilled nursing while the other remains in assisted or independent living, and then the spouse moves back in after a recovery. This flexibility makes them a good choice for couples looking to maximize their time together.

    Most CCRCs have a three-type pay structure: 
    • Life Care (Type A): Higher upfront fee, but predictable costs even as care needs increase. Sometimes called a lifecare contract.
    • Modified (Type B): Some services included, but others cost extra
    • Fee-for-Service (Type C): Lower entry cost, but you pay market rates as care needs increase. Sometimes called a fee-for-service contract.

    For couples, according to senior living specialist Brad Breeder, there are pros and cons to each choice. If a couple moves into the CCRC together and chooses a Type C contract when they’re both in independent living, then if one spouse needs to move to memory care, for example, the couple will start to pay both a single occupancy rate and for memory care. If they chose Plan A, they’d still be paying the double occupancy rate, but the memory care would be included. 

    Other fees, of course, may apply–it’s important to read and talk through the contract before committing to one type of payment. Placement specialists can assist with assessing your and your partner’s needs, budget, and preferences to recommend communities and payment options that could be a good fit for both of you. 

    Questions to Ask

    If living together is a priority, when considering different communities, make sure to talk about that priority with staff. Here are some questions to ask.
    • Can both partners stay in the same unit with care services brought in for one of them?
    • Is there flexibility in meal plans, care staffing, and daily routines to support one partner needing more assistance?
    • How does the community and staff support the partner who’s acting as a caregiver for the other?
    • Are there additional costs for higher levels of care? How does the pricing structure work?
    • What happens if one spouse eventually needs memory care and the other doesn't? How do staff support residents and their families during that transition?
    • If one partner dies or moves to a different level of care, can the healthy partner stay in their current unit? 

    If the couple decide they will live in separate areas of the community but want to maintain as close a connection as possible, ask:
    • Are there shared activities both can attend, regardless of ability?
    • How often and easily can they visit each other?
    • Are there structured programs or staff support to keep them connected, including couples’ counseling or support groups?
    • What are your policies for visitors and overnight stays?





    Additional sources:

    Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors


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    Tuesday, June 10, 2025

    Are New Weight Loss Drugs Safe for Older Adults?

     




    Drugs like Wegovy promise dramatic weight loss--but muscle and bone are part of that weight lost. 


    In 2017, semaglutide–brand name Ozempic–debuted as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes. When semaglutide hit the weight loss market in 2021 as Wegovy, it was hailed as a miracle drug. Both semaglutide and tirzepatide (Zepbound) have the effect of making people feel more full with less food, and also tend to make fatty foods less appealing. 

    In the past several years, these drugs have changed the landscape of weight loss for doctors, patients, and drug makers. For some people who have long struggled with weight loss, it’s been life-changing. Kimberly DelRosso, 57 and just over 5 feet tall, told AARP that she lost 50 pounds on Wegovy. “Plus, I no longer have sleep apnea, my A1c and blood pressure are normal, and my arthritis has improved. My intense cravings are gone. After 27 years of yo-yo dieting, this medication has finally helped me lose weight and get healthy.” 

    At first glance, Ozempic and similar drugs present major potential health benefits for older Americans. About 39% of Americans over 60 fall into the medical category of “obese,” and about 29% of people over 65 have diabetes. And last March, semaglutide was approved as a preventive drug for people at risk of heart attack, after studies showed that it lowers some people’s risk of a cardiovascular event by up to 20%. 

    As more and more people over 60 are prescribed these drugs or seek them out, researchers are still working to understand the risks and benefits for older adults. 

    Special Considerations for Older People

    Providers can prescribe Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound to adults of any age. Older people will want to talk to their doctor about special concerns including muscle loss and adequate nutrition. Perhaps the biggest concern among doctors when prescribing these weight loss drugs to older adults is that muscle loss and fat loss go hand-in-hand. 

    When we lose weight, a portion of every pound we lose is muscle and bone–so everyone taking these drugs, but especially those at risk of osteoporosis, must incorporate strength training into their routine. Older people are already more susceptible to muscle loss, and a sudden drop in muscle strength could translate into a higher risk of falls. 

    Older adults also should be especially aware of taking in adequate nutrients while on these medications. Eating less will easily translate into taking in fewer vitamins and minerals, which could lead to nutrient deficiencies–to which older adults are also more susceptible than younger folks. It’s also important for all adults to increase protein intake while taking the drug. 

    A sudden loss of weight could also set up an older person with fewer reserves to weather a long-term illness. 

    All these considerations are in addition to the regular side effects of the drugs, which may include nausea, diarrhea, gastrointestinal discomfort, and vomiting. Unfortunately, these side effects appear to occur more severely in older adults. Gastrointestinal issues increase the importance of carefully monitoring nutrition. Some patients have also reported increased depression and suicidal ideation as side effects.

    The Cost

    A single injection of Ozempic or Wegovy costs upwards of $1,000 out of pocket. Since it must be taken weekly, that price tag puts the drug way out of reach for most Americans. Medicare Part D will cover the cost if the drug is prescribed for Type 2 diabetes or heart disease, but not to treat obesity alone. (In April, the CDC rejected a proposed change that would have allowed Medicare to cover these drugs solely for weight loss.) For those who take the drug for Type 2 diabetes or to prevent the risk of cardiovascular events, a Medicare copay will range from $0 to over $300 per dose until the deductible is met. 

    Just in the past few months, generic versions of semaglutide and tirzepatide have become less available. After a period of scarcity, the FDA determined that supplies of the drugs are stabilizing and ordered compounding pharmacies to stop making them. The decision is controversial: while some advocates say that many patients won’t be able to access the drugs under the new rules, the FDA and others contest that the ban is necessary to protect consumers from substandard products. 

    The Big Picture

    There are many reasons to celebrate the advent of semaglutide: for those with Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk, the benefits may easily outweigh the risks. And some older adults who have long struggled with health issues related to obesity are finally finding relief. 

    Just keep in mind that there’s no “miracle” here–during and after taking Wegovy for weight loss, nutrition and exercise will be as important as ever. According to one study, people who stopped using the drug regained two-thirds of the weight they lost in just one year. For older adults in particular, a careful nutrition plan and strength-training routine are absolutely essential to mitigating the side effects of anti-obesity drugs. As always, talk to your provider about the trade-offs when considering starting any medication for weight loss. 



    Additional sources:


    Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

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    Volunteering in the Arts

      



    Give back to your community and get your culture fix at the same time. 


    If you like to click on headlines about health and self-improvement, you’ve probably heard the news: volunteering is good for you. Helping others in your community gets you moving, boosts your mood, and can even lower your blood pressure. What if you could combine the benefits of volunteering with the lift you get from music, art, and culture? All it takes is a little inspiration and local research.

    Here are a few volunteer roles that seniors are taking on to support the arts in their communities. 

    Usher at a Local Theater

    Community theater is alive and well across the country, thanks in part to the volunteers you meet when you arrive at the door. Small local theaters rely on volunteer ushers to greet ticket holders, hand them playbills, and direct them to their seats. Thevolunteers  schedule can involve both evening shows and matinees, and ushers generally get to watch the shows for free. 

    “It’s such a joy to be able to help people enjoy live theatre. What a pleasure to work in a historical theatre with all the people that are here!” says Betsey Cooley, a volunteer usher at the Hippodrome Theater in Baltimore. Most theaters with volunteer usher programs have dedicated volunteer coordinators and training requirements, so you’re likely to feel well-prepared before starting your first shift. If your heart has always lifted when the lights go down, becoming an usher could be an exciting and rewarding way to continue to support local show business. 

    Museum Docent

    For those who are a tad more extroverted, volunteering as a museum docent is a way to learn and share your knowledge. Different museums require differing levels of volunteer training, but in general, you need not have any background in the subject before you start as a volunteer. At The Modern museum of art in Dallas, docents enroll in a class to learn about the museum’s collections and how docents interact with the public. At the Tampa Museum of Art, https://tampamuseum.org/about/volunteer/ Gallery Educator volunteers lead tours for school groups and help visitors connect with exhibits. Some museums may also be looking for (more introverted) volunteers who prefer to wander the galleries keeping an eye on the exhibits and offering directions to visitors. If you have a favorite local museum, consider starting there and asking if they have a volunteer program.

    Community Artist

    Whether or not you think of yourself as an artist, consider that your community might need more art. The nonprofit Art with a Heart accepts volunteers as individuals and groups to support in manifesting large-scale art projects commissioned by Maryland non-profits. Volunteers can work for an hour or a day at the Art with a Heart studio, contributing to mosaics or paintings that local artists have designed. 

    Historic Fife and Drum Corps Member

    Yes, this one’s here to make the point that, no matter what your artistic or musical interest is, there’s a volunteer opportunity out there for you! The Minnesota Historical Society lists many open volunteer opportunities, among them Garden Associate, Field Trip Greeter, History Day Judge, and member of the Historic Fort Snelling Fifes and Drums. The intergenerational corps performs at historic sites and community events across Minnesota from May to October and welcomes volunteers with basic musical knowledge. The Minnesota Historical Society brings history to life through music–and they need volunteers to do it. 

    Ask and Google around to find your perfect artistic volunteer role. You might end up sharing your expertise, and you’ll most likely learn something completely new in the process. And that’s good for your health and your community.


    Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors



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    Monday, June 9, 2025

    Famous & 65

     

    Look who's turning 65 this month

    Find out which celebrities are turning 65 this month!

    June 11 

    This Turkish-American cardiothoracic surgeon rose to fame as a frequent guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show, where his engaging explanations of medical topics earned him the nickname “America’s Doctor.” In 2009, he launched his own daytime talk show where he blended health advice and celebrity interviews into a popular, and sometimes controversial, format. Known for promoting alternative health remedies alongside mainstream medical information, he sparked debates within the scientific and medical communities. In 2022, he shifted from television to politics, running as the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania. He ultimately lost the election to John Fetterman. Earlier this year, he was appointed by President Trump as the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Answer: Who is…. (click here to reveal)?



    June 17

    This Texas-born actor began his career in the early 1990s with a breakout role as the dim-witted but lovable Lowell Mather on the sitcom Wings. He later transitioned into film: early on, he appeared as the villain Lyle van de Groot in George of the Jungle (1997). Not long after, he earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as Jack, a charming but troubled groom-to-be, in the 2004 indie hit Sideways. Known for his rugged voice and understated delivery, he’s often cast as a villain–he played Flint Marko, a.k.a. Sandman, in Spider-Man 3 (2007) and Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021). Beyond acting, he’s also worked behind the camera as a director and writer and spends much of his time on his ranch in Texas. Answer: Who is…. (click here to reveal)?



    June 22

    Despite a lack of any formal legal training, this environmental activist became a national figure in the 1990s after helping build a groundbreaking case against Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) for contaminating the water supply in Hinkley, California. Working as a legal assistant, she uncovered documents and rallied residents, ultimately leading to a historic $333 million settlement, the largest of its kind at the time. Her story inspired a 2000 film starring Julia Roberts, who won an Academy Award for portraying her. Since then, she’s continued to speak out on environmental and public health issues across the U.S. Answer: Who is…. (click here to reveal)?





    Source:

    Wikipedia




    Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors
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