Senior Life

News & information for the seniors in our community

Material in this section is published as is from various external sources.


Medical identity theft rising: Steps to protect yourself

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[October 04, 2012]  (ARA) -- Two million Americans fall victim to medical identity theft each year, according to a study by the Ponemon Institute, commissioned by Experian's ProtectMyID. While medical identity theft costs victims an average of $22,346, the potential impact can be far greater -- medical identity theft could cost some victims their health, or even their lives.  (Click here for the rest of the story.)


Medicare fines over hospitals' readmitted patients

WASHINGTON (AP) -- If you or an elderly relative have been hospitalized recently and noticed extra attention when the time came to be discharged, there's more to it than good customer service.  (Click here for the rest of the story.)


WHY IT MATTERS:

Social Security

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The issue:  Unless Congress acts, the trust funds that support Social Security will run out of money in 2033, according to the trustees who oversee the retirement and disability program. At that point, Social Security would collect only enough tax revenue each year to pay about 75 percent of benefits. That benefit cut wouldn't sit well with the millions of older Americans who rely on Social Security for most of their income.  (Click here for the rest of the story.)


Your money has a lifespan, too

(ARA) -- Ever tried to calculate how long you might live? How much you'll need to save for retirement? If you retire at age 65, are you financially prepared to live 30 more years? Or, will you outlive your money?   (Click here for the rest of the story.)


Local caretakers learn how to prevent falls in the home

The Oasis Senior Center in Lincoln was the location for a "Lunch and Learn" seminar over the noon hour on Tuesday. The program was entitled "Minimizing the Risk of Falls in the Home by Implementing Simple Changes."   (Click here for the rest of the story.)


The lottery scam:
Think you've won the lottery? Think again

(ARA) -- You've probably dreamed about what you'd do if you won the lottery -- quit your job, build your dream home or even donate a large sum of money to your favorite charity. The allure of a huge amount of money falling into your lap cannot be denied. Scammers know these dreams and feelings well, and prey on them, making lottery and sweepstakes scams one of the most prevalent types of scams out there, according to the Better Business Bureau.  (Click here for the rest of the story.)


State recognizes September as Healthy Aging Month, urges seniors to get flu shots

Getting a vaccination this month will protect through the entire flu season

SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois Department on Aging Director John K. Holton, Ph.D., reminds the public that September is Healthy Aging Month, an annual health observance that focuses attention on the positive aspects of growing older. The observance proves to be a good time for older adults to assess how they are doing and take preventive measures regarding their health. (Click here for the rest of the story.)


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Archived articles



Expert Q&A: 'Wear and tear' or osteoarthritis of the knee

(ARA) -- More than 10 million Americans begin their day with their usual routine, only to discover the spring in their step has been replaced by a creak in their knees. "Wear and tear" disease or osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is the most common form of arthritis and can be life-changing. The associated pain and stiffness decreases an individual's ability to carry out routine day-to-day activities, such as climbing stairs or standing for a long period of time. It is estimated that women older than 50 years of age are more likely to develop OA of the knee than men.  (Click here for the rest of the story.)


'Lunch and Learn' Sept. 25 at Oasis Senior Center

The Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland, in cooperation with Senior Citizens of Logan County, has scheduled a "Lunch and Learn" program for informal caregivers of older adults and for grandparents and other relatives raising children. It will be at noon Sept. 25 at the Oasis Senior Center, 501 Pulaski St. in Lincoln.  (Click here for the rest of the story.)


Trouble remembering to take your medications?
Text message reminders may help

(ARA) -- Americans are busy people, and with everything that goes on in our daily lives, remembering to take a prescribed medication can be a challenge. But studies show that forgetting your medications has consequences, including creating a more serious and even dangerous health issue. According to The New England Journal of Medicine, nearly 70 percent of medication-related hospital admissions in the United States are the result of not taking a prescription medication as directed by a doctor.  (Click here for the rest of the story.)


Foot care tips to keep boomers moving

(ARA) -- Just a few decades ago, the phrase "granny shoes" implied a tragic lack of coolness, and that the wearer had allowed comfort to trump style in their slow shuffle toward getting old. Those days are definitely gone.  (Click here for the rest of the story.)


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