Medicare Enrollment is upon us!

Easy-to-Use Technology for Seniors
Aids to Maintain Their Well-Being

By Katybeth Dee katybeth@selfexam.org (Edited by Michael R. Honig, ThinkwingRadio@msn.com)

• Upgrade your Medicare plan for greater coverage

The Medicare open enrollment period from October 15 to December 7 is the perfect time to review your coverage. To figure out if you need to make changes, check any notifications you’ve received regarding amendments to coverage in the past year—for instance, whether certain prescriptions are no longer being covered. In such a case, a Medicare Advantage plan might be worth the investment.

Medicare Advantage plans like those offered by Aetna bundle together those services usually found under Medicare Part A and B, but you can also get expanded prescription coverage, as well as dental and vision. If you feel that you can benefit from one of these plans, go online using your smartphone or computer to research the available options in your area.

These guidelines are designed to help you harness the power of technology to improve your well-being. Follow these practical pointers to make self-care easier and more enjoyable. With the help of such cutting-edge tools, aging is easier than ever.

According to the PEW Research Center, technology use among seniors is on the rise. Four out of 10 people aged 65 and over now own a smartphone, while nearly 70% are regular internet users. This is great news given the many ways that today’s cutting-edge technology can help older adults maintain their well-being. Discover how you can take advantage of modern tools to foster your own health and happiness.

• Get a smartphone to stay connected

A smartphone has many useful purposes. For one thing, you can use it to easily connect with friends and family — via phone, chat, or video calls. This can go a long way toward combating the isolation and resulting depression some seniors report feeling. This is especially true for those who live alone and have mobility issues.

If you’re looking for a new smartphone, consider pairing this purchase with a senior-friendly phone plan. You might be able to get a discount on the latest or second-latest device when you sign up for a long-term plan. Go online and look for a list of providers that offer such plans.

When choosing your phone, there are many Android brands available. The Samsung Galaxy S10 is one popular option, offering, tough Gorilla Glass on the front and back, and a fast processor. If you prefer Apple products, consider the iPhone 11, which has a long battery life and improved video capability.

• Use mobile apps to track fitness and health

With your new smartphone in hand, you can make use of the latest mobile apps to stay on top of your health. To keep track of your activity, download a fitness app like MapMyFitness (free to download). You can use it to track steps and record your favorite routes when you take a walk, for example. To make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need and track your food intake, use MyNetDiary (free to download).

There are also apps specifically for medical needs. Pillboxie ($1.99 at Apple app store,or there are similar apps at the Android store).These apps help you to keep track of your meds. Blood Pressure Monitor – Family Lite does what the name suggests: track your blood pressure. There are even apps to help people with chronic conditions like diabetes: AgaMatrix Diabetes Manager is one that can track your blood glucose and insulin.

Finally, you can even use smartphone apps to connect you directly with healthcare professionals. AmWell connects you with registered physicians, with whom you can video chat from the comfort of your own home. Meanwhile, MDLive lets you consult with specialists in addition to doctors, such as dermatologists and counselors.

No financial connections exist between or among Katybeth Dee or Michael R Honig and any of the resources linked in this article.