Page 2 - Healthcare News 2025 Senior Planning Guide

Inside Senior Planning Guide 2025
When BusinessWest and the Healthcare News first started publishing an
annual Senior Planning Guide, the idea wasn’t to create a roadmap to
the end of life, though it could, in some sense, be described as such.
Along with information about financial planning, care options, and family con-
versations, the idea was also to express that the retirement years should be a
rich, rewarding, and robust time.
It’s a topic of interest for an increasing number of individuals and families.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of Americans age 65 and
older
—
which was 35 million in 2000, just 12% of the population
—
will reach
74 million by 2030, or 21% of U.S. residents. That’s a lot of people. And a lot of
planning. And a lot of living left to enjoy.
In this year’s guide, we bring you perspectives on everything from Medicare
plans, food insecurity, and important health issues, like stroke, to local options
for in-home care, adult day programs, and more, as well as why it’s so imortant
to stay active and have fun well into the retirement years. In short, stories about
the questions families are grappling with every day.
After all, these years should be an enjoyable time, highlighted by special
moments with family and friends, the freedom to engage in a range of activities,
maybe even a chance to develop new interests and hobbies. Hopefully, the 2025
Senior Planning Guide will be a helpful resource in that process.
The Serious Business of Joy
Why Having Fun Is Essential to Healthy
Aging..................................................26
A Shared Responsibility
Let’s Work Together to Address Senior
Food Insecurity. .................................27
Decisions, Decisions
What to Look for in Medicare,
Medicare Advantage Plans...............29
Having the Talk
Ten Tips on How to Approach a Difficult
Topic. ..................................................30
Opening Hearts and Homes
Adult Family Care Offers Numerous
Benefits. .............................................31
Benefits of In-home Care
How It Supports Independence for
Older Adults. ......................................33
Keeping the Pace
Mercy LIFE Aims to Improve Seniors’
Overall Wellness. ...............................34
All About Stroke
The Medical Emergency That Doesn’t
Discriminate. ......................................36
The Basics of IRMAA
How Does This Surcharge Impact Your
Medicare?. .........................................37
Senior Resources
These Nonprofits Can Help Families
with Care Planning............................39
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