Page 14 - Healthcare News July/August 2022

Inside Senior Planning Guide 2022
When people think about strategizing for their senior years, they often see it as a downbeat task, one marked by growing incapacity, financial stress, and, well, dying.
That’s not what this guide is about, although it definitely contains plenty of information about what to do before that day comes. But the goal isn’t planning to die; it’s making sure you get all your plans in order — from where you or your loved ones will live to how finances will be distributed — so you don’t have to worry about it. You can, instead, enjoy life.
And that planning is an increasingly important task. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of Americans age 65 and older rose from 35 million in 2000 — 12% of the population — to 56.1 million, or 17%. By 2030, the bureau estimates, more than 21% of U.S. residents, about 73.1 million, will have passed their 65th birthdays.
That’s a lot of people. And a lot of planning. And a lot of living left to enjoy.
Achieving your goals — and your desires for your loved ones — requires careful thought, and that’s where our annual Senior Planning Guide comes in. So let’s sort through some of the confusion and get those conversations — and the rest of your life — started.
Pack a Parachute Before You Jump
Consider These Four Tips as You Prepare for Retirement ......................... 31
Your Assets and Your Estate Plan
Understand the Complexities to Avoid Family Conflicts............................ 32
Philanthropy and Estate Planning
Ten Smart Ways to Include a Charitable Gift in Your Plan ......................... 33
Long-term Care Insurance
Choose the Right Option for Your Needs and Circumstances ................... 34
When Life Changes
When Should You Review and Update Your Will? ..................................... 35
Caregivers & Adult Children
Tough Love for Parents
When It’s Time to Talk About Assisted Living............................................. 36
Better Days
How Can Home Care Help Seniors with Chronic Pain? ............................. 37
Reading the Room
How Would You Know If Your Parents Need Help? ................................... 38
Relieving the Burden
Caring for Family Caregivers Is More Important Than Ever....................... 39
All About Hospice
It’s Not About Dying, but Finding Peace and Meaning.............................. 41
Straight Talk About Dementia
Recognizing the Early Signs and Where to Find Help ................................ 42
Senior Resources ..................................44 14 AUGUST 2022 SENIOR PLANNING GUIDE
Health & Wellness
It’s Never Too Late
You Can Start Exercising for Life at Any Age ............................................... 16
Something to Chew On
Living Well Starts with Eating Smart — Here’s How .................................. 17
Dose of Caution
Nine Tips for Medication Management for Seniors................................... 19
Aging Gracefully
When It’s Time to Leave Home
Choose a Living Option That Suits Your Family’s Needs ............................ 21
Team Approach
What to Look for in a Short-term Rehab Program..................................... 22
Listening with Our Brains
Hearing Loss Is a Key Concern as We Get Older ........................................ 24
Car Talk
Are You Worried About a Loved One Getting Behind the Wheel? ........... 25
Estate & Financial Planning
Paying for Care
Many Options Are Available for Seniors and Their Families...................... 27
Alphabet Soup: A Medicare Primer
How to Make Sense of All the Options Available Today ............................ 28
A Taxing Situation
Massachusetts Poses High Estate-tax Burden............................................ 30
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