Want some basic computer information? Alan Haber of PC Basix explains what some important issues, including upgrading to Windows 10, what malware and viruses do to your computer - and possibly your personal information - why to use a credit card instead of debit card when making online purchases, and much more. He also shares a number of great websites, podcasts and YouTube resources to keep up to date with keeping your computer running smoothly and keeping your information safe.

Aging Answers Show

Computer Basics for Keeping You Safe and Up to Date

Most people don't enjoy paying bills and keeping track of expenses and information needed for tax time. Joel Kamil of Checks & Balances Plus discusses the services they offer so seniors are confident that their bills are always paid on time. Some of those services include opening, scanning and paying bills monthly, tracking monthly statements and providing a Summary Report to help in year-end income tax preparation. They also stay on top of scams that threaten seniors.

Bill-Paying Made Simple for Seniors

Complete an Advance Directive? Isn’t that only for older people? I’m healthy. It isn’t important until I get sick. After all, I am sure my family will know what I want. I hope they do! None of us are promised tomorrow, things happen…just like that….why not give your loved ones and family a gift and express your care preferences, clarify your values and let them know what matters to you. Join the conversation with Carla Baum of Meaningful Life and learn about Advance Care Planning, Advance Directives and how to prepare and share your end-of-life wishes. It is a brave step to take, providing your loved ones with peace of mind and the opportunity to honor and respect your wishes. Join the movement to Have the Conversation!

Let’s Have the Conversation – What Is and Why is Advance Care Planning Critical to All of Us?

Downsizing, de-cluttering, and moving can be very stressful, especially for older adults who may still be living in a home that they’ve been in for many years. It’s also tough if they are experiencing health issues, making such a task extremely taxing. Making decisions about years’ worth of belongings can be very difficult - how do you downsize and organize without getting overwhelmed? Kristen Lund, owner of Home Sweet Home, discusses how a professional "move manager" can help with the process.

Take the Stress out of Moving

It's difficult being in the hospital, but having to worry about Medicare covering it can make it worse. Abby Mahon of Certified Care Management, discusses what you need to know ahead of time. Some of the issues include knowing the difference in "observation" and "in-patient" status, the Medicare benefit period, what does re-admission mean in Medicare terms and what to know if you have to move to skilled nursing. Great information!

Advocacy in the Hospital

Did you ever want to write a story about your life to share with your kids or grandkids? We all have a story in us, according the Kathy M. Evans, of Write For You Life Stories. She says it starts by just jotting down special times and things you want to recall, as you remember them. Then you can begin to create a timeline to place these memories in some kind of sequence. Kathy shares how, Write For You Life Stories works with you to bring your story to life and the time a project can take. 

The Joy of Capturing Your Life Story

The KonMari method of tidying up, created by Marie Kondo is known the world over, but does it work? Lisa Dickmann, founder of Tidy Upgrade and currently the only certified KonMari professional in Missouri, says YES and shares her expertise on why. She discusses the way to start the process, which is knowing your vision and then walks us through the tidying up process. You will want to go home and organize your drawers!

Tidying Up the KonMari Way

Writing your life story is a gift to your family, because it gives them their own history, according to Kathy Evans, personal historian and founder of Write for You Life Stories. She says it shows them the river they are a part of, the ribbon that ties their past to their own future. When descendants see what their ancestors have faced and overcome, it gives them strength, courage, inspiration. Since 2001, Write for You has been helping clients tell the stories of their lives and legacies.

Capturing Your Life on Paper

What happens when you pair older homeowners with college students who can't afford housing? John Levis, business owner and co-founder of Odd Couples Housing, and Dr. Brian Carpenter, Professor of Psychological & Brain Sciences at Washington University, discuss how it can be a perfect match. Odd Couples Housing brings together healthy, active adults with compatible and responsible younger adults to share housing. Living and learning together, the two generations find mutual support, share expenses and household responsibilities, and discover a range of social and educational benefits.

Odd Couples Housing - Pairing Seniors with Students

Even the youngest of the baby boomers will turn 65 in 2029, that is only nine years from now.  Nalini Mahadeven, Elder Law and Estate Planning attorney discusses the concerns shared with her by "Boomers" each day.  Most say that they have the assets and the income, and are now worried that they can't leave a legacy for their kids or be able to afford to go into a nursing home.  Nalini says that a majority of persons considering Medicaid are “over-income” or “over-asset” or both, yet still cannot afford their cost of care. Hear her discussion on how to be proactive in preparing for what is to come!

Taking Control of Your Healthcare Future

Drawing upon his 23 years of auto sales expertise, Jay Grosman is the founder of iautoagent, a whole new safe and painless way to buy or sell your car. Jay discusses how they become the "realtor" for the car buying/selling process, with you never leaving your home, meeting strangers, taking one phone call or handling any paperwork. Jay also serves as a consumer advocate on Fox2 News as well as CBS News. 

Car Buying and Selling in a Safe and Painless Way

Holidays can be stressful, for all of us! The change in routine, noises from large groups or general chaos can be anxiety provoking for anyone, but especially individuals with Dementia who may become overwhelmed by extra stimulus. Nicole Huffman of ACM Care provides tips for helping ease the tension for your loved one dealing with this disease, including adjusting your own expectations for traditional holiday routines. 

Helping Those with Dementia Handle the Holidays

Laughter is not only fun, it is healthy! Annemarie Deutschmann of LMAO discusses the benefits of this intentional exercise, especially for those who may need it most, seniors who face a variety of health issues as they continue to age. She provides tips for keeping your mind active and encourages elderly to engage in social interactions to keep mentally fit. 

Health Benefits of Laughter

Sometimes, just a little assistance around the house can make all the difference in a senior being able to remain independent. Janet Wood-Turner, owner of A Nu Norm specializes in assisting clients with instrumental Activities of Daily Living (managing money, managing medications, cooking, housekeeping, using appliances, shopping & extracurricular) so that they can continue to age in place for as long as possible. Another important service they provide is scheduling "well checks" and intermittent visits to monitor the quality of care your loved one is receiving in assisted living or long-term care facilities. Going with the senior to doctor visits and keeping notes of information given by the medical staff is another service that can offer seniors' families peace of mind.

Personal Assistance for Seniors Helps Keep Them in Their Homes

The Shepherd's Center is volunteer-driven organization helping seniors in the community. Betsy Solomon and Karen Zelle discuss the programs available including fitness/exercise, guest speakers, book and film groups and studio art and more. They also provide services for the elderly including transportation to medical appointments, simple home repair, seasonal yard clean-up and provides a senior resource center. They both emphasize the ongoing need for volunteers.

Shepherd's Center Serves the Elderly

The Aging Answers Show, produced by The Mary Culver Home for Visually Impaired Women, located in St. Louis, MO, offers tips, trends and topics for the 65+ crowd. The host, Gina March, conducts lively discussions with professionals ranging from Medicare and eldercare issues, volunteering and laughter yoga – and everything in between.

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Aging Answers Show

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