Page 19 - Healthcare News 2025 Senior Planning Guide

Joy
Continued from page 26
adventure? Plan a trip, near or far. Try an improv
class or attend a live theater performance. Explore
new hiking trails or attend a local sports game.
•
Foodie at heart? Take a cooking class or try a
new cuisine. Visit a winery, brewery, or food festival.
Or host a themed dinner night with friends.
Your Community Is a Playground
Many towns offer vibrant programs for older
adults through senior centers, libraries, and parks
and recreation departments. These hubs of activity
are goldmines for connection, learning, and fun.
Group travel for older adults is also on the rise,
perfect for those who want to explore with like-
minded adventurers.
A Silver Spoon Reminder
Years ago, a dear friend gave me a sterling silver
ice cream scoop engraved with the words: “Life is
short; eat dessert first.” It’s a sweet reminder that
joy isn’t something to save for later. It’s something
to savor now.
So yes, keep managing your health, finances, and
responsibilities. But don’t forget to laugh, play, and
explore. Fun isn’t a distraction from healthy aging
it’s a cornerstone of it. And we are fortunate to live
in a region that is rich with options.
Who knows? Maybe you’ll be the one to start a
laughter yoga class right here in Western Mass. If
you do, count me in! n
—
Kathy Martin is president and CEO of
Glenmeadow, a life plan retirement community in
Longmeadow.
Plans
Continued from page 29
plan offers additional healthy benefits such as gym
memberships, coverage for acupuncture, activity
trackers, and weight management programs.
How Do I Learn More?
Health New England’s Medicare Advantage plans
are a popular option for people age 65 and older
who are looking to tailor their healthcare coverage
to their personal needs. Health New England has
many high-quality providers in our network across
Western Mass., and we have plans that cover you
anywhere you travel in the U.S.
To learn more about choosing the right Medicare or
Medicare Advantage plan, you can attend Health New
England’s live information sessions, which you can find
“Make a list of your preferred
healthcare providers and see if
they are considered in network or
out of network for each plan you
are considering. Some plans do
not cover out-of-network services
at all, while some cover them
partially.”
and register for at healthnewengland.org/medicare/
sessions, or visit healthnewengland.org/medicare for
details about all we offer. You can also call Health New
England at (877) 443-3314 (TTY: 711).
Other resources include SHINE, Massachusetts’ free
Medicare advice service; visit online at mass.gov/
health-insurance-counseling or call (800) 243-4636.
Meawhile, the Medicare website is medicare.gov. n
Sarah Fernandes is the Medicare sales manager
at Health New England and been with Health
New England for more than 25 years. She and her
team spend countless hours educating Medicare
beneficiaries in Western Mass. on their Medicare
options.
Business W est
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