Looking Forward – August 2019
January 14, 2019
Looking Forward – October 2019
January 14, 2019
Looking Forward
I hope you’re enjoying some early fall weather and have time to relax. This issue of your newsletter talks about how some seniors are cutting costs and how they, like their younger friends and relatives, need the power of Vitamin D. Remember, Medicare Open Enrollment (Annual Selection Period) starts on October 15. We at Cornerstone urge you to request a Free Coverage Review before you make your annual health care decisions.
An Answer to High Housing Costs and Companionship: Senior Roommates
For some seniors living alone can be tough on their budget. It might create loneliness, too.
So it’s become a trend for some to take in roommates to share costs and provide needed companionship. (1) (The concept has been around for a while. Remember “The Golden Girls” on TV?”)
It’s been noted that having a “roomie” can help can help save on rent, groceries, utilities, transportation, and general living expenses.
Safety can also be a factor - having someone around in case you fall down or become suddenly ill is a good thing. (A great find: a roommate with a car!)
It’s now easier than ever to find roommates. There are agencies to help find and screen people who might be great roommates for you.
1. Seniorly Editor, Seniorly, Seniorly.com (updated August 19, 2019) (July 15, 2019)
Not Just for Kids: Vitamin D Deficiency
While some see it as mainly as a “childhood” issue, Vitamin D deficiency is getting more attention as a problem for seniors. 2
It’s been found that Vitamin D Deficiency can contribute to osteoporosis, muscle weakness, hip fractures, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, arthritis and poor general health in seniors.
Vitamin D is needed to help you absorb calcium for stronger bones and fight off certain diseases.
Sources of Vitamin D include: cod liver oil, fish, milk, other Vitamin D fortified foods, and sunlight. (Sunlight can be the most important source for Vitamin D for many.)
As you age, you may lose some ability to synthesize Vitamin D from sunlight. So you might want to talk to your doctor about a diet strong in Vitamin D or taking supplements. IMPORTANT: Medicare may cover Vitamin D testing for you if your doctor orders it.
2. Vitamin D Deficiency: A Common Risk Factor for Seniors,” Parentgiving, Parentgiving.com (July 15, 2019)
Remember, Medicare’s Open Enrollment (Annual Election Period) Starts Next Month. Ask us About a Free Coverage Review!
Recipe for good health
Roasted Pork with Apples
The crisp seasonal taste of apples and apple cider make this pork dish something to savor.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp chopped fresh sage or 1/2 teaspoon dried and crushed
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp coarsely ground pepper
- 1 (1 lb) pork tenderloin
- 1 tbsp canola oil
- 1 medium red onion — cut into thin wedges
Directions:
Combine sage, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub on all sides of tenderloin. Brown tenderloin in oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Turn so it will brown all sides.
Transfer pork to a shallow roasting pan. Add onion to the pan around the pork. Roast, uncovered, at 425°F for 10 minutes. Stir in apples. Roast for 10-15 minutes more or until the pork's internal temperature registers 155°F on a thermometer and juices run clear.
Transfer the pork and apple mixture to a serving platter. Cover with foil. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing (the temperature of the meat will rise somewhat while it stands).
Bring apple cider to a boil in a small saucepan. Simmer gently, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes or until reduced to ¼ - ⅓ cup. Drizzle over the meat and apple mixture. If desired, garnish with additional sage sprigs. Just 239 calories per serving.
Source: Eating Well
Life Insurance Awareness Month – Looking at Kinds of Permanent Life insurance
It’s Life Insurance Awareness Month, a time to share and explore information about protection that can mean increased peace of mind for you and those you care about.
Frequently asked — and relevant — questions for this special month are what is Permanent Life Insurance and what kinds of Permanent Life Insurance are there?
Simply put, Permanent Life insurance provides coverage that does not end during your lifetime (as long as you pay your premiums). It’ll always be there to protect your loved ones.
Probably the most well- known type of permanent life insurance is Whole Life Insurance. You get a death benefit and a savings account. Your premium stays the same from beginning to end.
Universal Life Insurance features flexibility. You may be able to increase your death benefit and earn market rates of on your cash value. Further, you may be able to change your premium payments as your situation changes.
Special Month: September is Cholesterol Education Month
Taking a Fall Getaway? Here’s What to do Before You Leave
Fall can be a great time for vacation. Quiet locations and smaller crowds can only enhance your experience.
Before you take off, here are some things to do:
Get all your medications ready to go.
Make sure you carry your insurance cards with you.
Gather up documentation of any medical issues you have.
Not sure where you want to go? Some suggested destinations within the U.S. include Cape May, NJ and San Antonio, TX. Others are Lancaster, PA and New England (foliage!). 3
3. “Twenty Relaxing Fall Getaways,” The Travel Channel, Cheapism.com (accessed August 20, 2019)
Can Social Security Numbers be ‘Suspended’?
A current “scam” going around involves seniors getting calls claiming that their Social Security numbers have been “suspended” (with a probable goal of getting personal information).
While it may sound scary, such suspensions simply do not happen (The Seniors Center).
Social Security does not suspend Social Security numbers for any reason whatsoever. (Just like it does not reuse Social Security numbers.)
If you get such a contact, don’t worry. But report it to your Social Security office.
Puzzle
Visit Our Always Up-to-Date Website
At Cornerstone, we understand that the worlds of insurance and retirement are always changing. That’s why our website is always changing too. We work to help you keep current so you can ask the right questions and get the answers you need to maintain your security and peace of mind.
