www.seniorgames.org
Central Village Brings Communities Together
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entral Village will be Phoenix’s exciting new choice that will enhance lives as we move through the many stages over 50! Central Village is not a place, but a way of life where members enjoy and support each other through sharing their abilities, talents and experiences by actively exchanging those gifts in cultural and social activities, and practical daily living support (rides, yard work, grocery shopping, etc.) The Central Village’s target area is Indian School Road to Glendale Avenue, Central Avenue to 19th Avenue and will be coming to this area in late January. The village is based on two successful models called Villages and Time Exchange (or Banks). There are villages and time banks all over the country, but there are none in Phoenix. Villages are membershipbased organizations that provide services as people age in their homes. A Time
Exchange is a cycle of reciprocity that values all time as equal. Time Exchange is the idea that everyone has something of value to contribute. When we share our time and talents we invest in relationships and respect each others’ ability to be both givers and receivers, which enriches the community. The Time Exchange is a way of bringing the community together, allowing us to recognize our interdependence. It’s a way to meet your neighbors and give back to other by doing something you enjoy! If you live in this area and would like to be a part of developing this exciting new village, contact (602) 279-5539 or plucking@allsaints.org.
Getting the Maximum Benefit From Your Medicare Advantage Plan Take advantage of everything your plan offers to achieve optimum health and well-being
By Dr. Mark Kiffer, Medical Officer for Humana’s Desert Pacific Region f you’re one of the 14 million plans place a strong emphasis on Americans enrolled in a Medicare preventive health care services Advantage plan, you already know that help keep you healthy, detect that your plan covers hospital stays, diseases at an early stage, and avoid doctor visits and other major medical preventable illnesses. That’s why we needs. But are you aware of the encourage you to schedule regular additional benefits and features that health screenings fully covered by your plan offers? your Medicare Advantage plans, Being familiar with your Medicare as well as an annual medical exam. Advantage plan will not only help you These screenings can help your maximize the value you are receiving doctor catch things early when in benefits, but, in many cases, it will they’re easier to treat. also help you achieve better health and well-being. • Care Management: If you are living Here are five important ways with a chronic condition, such you can take “advantage” of your as diabetes or heart disease, Medicare Advantage plan. what educational programs and support does your plan offer? • Preventive Care: Medicare Advantage
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page 58 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : October 2013
ASO Hosts ‘Make a Difference Day’ Challenge
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o you believe that exercise is good? Do you feel like being active has made your older years better? Do you understand that older seniors have a harder time as they age? If you believe any of these things about being active in your older years, we hope you will take part in our Arizona Senior Olympics’ “Make a Difference Day” Challenge. Arizona Senior Olympics is challenging every Senior Olympian to share the gift of an active lifestyle with someone they know who is not active. Here are some ideas: • Invite someone to play a round of golf. • Teach someone to play pickleball. • Ask someone to go bowling. • Take someone for a walk. • Ask someone to play table tennis or badminton with you. • Do what you love to do as a Senior Olympian and get a sedentary senior to do it with you! After your outing, encourage your ex-couch potato friend to continue to Some Medicare Advantage plans offer personalized, telephonic care management, health coaching, education and support provided by registered nurses and other health professionals. These plans also offer a toll-free help line where you can speak with a registered nurse about your health concerns anytime.
• Wellness Programs: Many Medicare Advantage programs offer fitness programs at no extra cost and, in some cases, even include a fitness center membership. Through your health plan you may also be eligible to participate in exercise classes specially designed for older adults. • Immunizations: Flu and pneumonia shots are another important part of your covered preventive care, since people 65 and older are at greater risk of serious side-effects of these common illnesses. Because
join you regularly in an active sport that will get them off the couch and into fitness. Between Oct. 27 and Nov. 8, Arizona Senior Olympics will be accepting stories about your experience in getting someone started on an active lifestyle. Write about it and send in pictures if you like! Send your story (no more than 600 words please) to: Arizona Lifelong Fitness Foundation P.O. Box 33278 Phoenix, AZ 85067-3278 The winner will receive a T-shirt with “I Made a Difference” embroidered on the front, and both the winner and the ex-couch potato will receive a free registration in the 2014 Arizona Senior Olympic Games. this year’s flu season was one of the worst in recent years, make sure you are up to speed on your shots.
• Community and Financial Resources: If you have limited financial resources, you should be aware that there are plans available that provide extra services and lower plan costs for low-income beneficiaries, along with additional choices and benefits. If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid you may also be eligible for significant support and assistance from the government. If you’re not sure, visit medicare.gov, or call 1-800-MEDICARE. These are just some of the benefits and features that can help you maximize your Medicare Advantage coverage and improve your health and well-being. Be sure to take a look at your health plan today to make sure you’re getting the most from your plan.
www.lovinlifeafter50.com