Kim Johanson, contributing writer www.SedonaEye.com Senior Issues and Health Care
Senior citizens are enjoying longer lives, better health and better economic security, but the cost of health care for the elderly has risen dramatically, according to Older Americans 2010: Key Indicators of Well-Being, which was released in June by the Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics:
- According to most recent surveys, after adjustment for inflation, annual health care costs increased significantly among older Americans from $9,224 in 1992 to $15,081 in 2006.
- From 1977 to 2006, the percentage of household income people age 65 and older allocated to out-of-pocket spending for health care services increased from 12 percent to 28 percent.
- The number of Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Part D prescription drug plans increased from 18.2 million (51 percent of beneficiaries) in June 2006 to 22.2 million (57 percent of beneficiaries) in December 2009.
The best way to keep health care costs under control is to do all you can to stay healthy, which includes following a nutritious diet and exercising. Sadly, there was no significant change in the percentage of people age 65 and older reporting physical activity between 1997 and 2008.
Growing research shows adopting healthy habits can significantly alter the course of aging, even if a person doesn’t start until middle-age or older. According to a recent study, sedentary individuals who start exercising at age 60, for example, eventually realize many of the same benefits as people who have been active all their lives.
As more people live into their 80s, 90s and beyond, researchers are increasingly studying what it takes to not only survive, but to thrive in later years. An article in the Journal of Gerontology reported that making lifestyle choices such as being active, not smoking, drinking alcohol in moderation, and having a positive outlook contribute to less stress and healthier aging.
Despite best efforts, life-changing events such as loss of a loved one, relocation and/or medical issues can cause older adults to begin a downward spiral into poor health and the need for assistance. The local office of the Home Instead Senior Care® network hires CAREGivers to go into the homes and care communities of seniors to help them with companionship and a variety of personal services.
CAREGivers are screened, trained, bonded and insured. Many of these CAREGivers are older adults themselves who share common interests with other seniors. Adequate help, including companionship, can assist older adults in maintaining the best possible quality of life.
For more information, please contact your local Home Instead office at 928.649.3316 or log on to www.homeinstead.com/318.
Article written by Kim Johanson, Contributing Writer www.SedonaEye.com Senior Issues and Healthcare. Kim is the Community Service Representative for Home Instead Senior Care. Forward this article to seniors and caregivers using the social networking tools below.
