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Welcome to Seniors Speak Out
A Resource for Seniors, Caregivers, and Advocates
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Medicare turned 59 on July 30th. That’s a long time, especially for a government program that now serves a quarter of our population. I’ll reveal my age in telling you that I was 17 when Medicare was signed into law by President Johnson.
Do you remember recess, that great time in elementary school when you got released from that stuffy classroom and could run and play outside with your friends? Well, the congressional recess is probably a lot like that, for many of our lawmakers.
July 22nd is World Brain Day, and it’s probably one of those health days that we don’t need to be reminded about. It seems as you grow older, your brain (or simply your cognitive health) is always on your mind.
I had the honor of attending the annual USAging conference in Tampa, Florida, last week. It was hot, but the trip was worthwhile. It helped expand my understanding of one of the most important programs that supports older Americans: the local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA).
When Medicare was first passed into law in 1965, it seemed fairly simple . . . you pay a small portion of your income into the program when you’re working. Then when you retire, or at least turn 65, the government will provide a safety net of healthcare.
In a prior blog, I encouraged you to watch the debates, ignoring the rhetoric and focusing on the candidates’ statements concerning relevant healthcare issues. I didn’t think I sent you on a fool’s errand, but I certainly felt like a fool as I listened for 90 minutes and couldn’t identify one statement that shed any light on where either candidate stood on any healthcare issue.
When I talk to people about voting, the only reason I hear someone isn’t planning on voting is the excuse, “My vote doesn’t matter.” My comeback to them is while your one vote may not determine an election, the fact that you are a voter puts you in a powerful position. Let me explain.
I’ve talked a lot about the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the fact that it granted the government the power to fix the prices on a selected number of prescription drugs. Here’s just one blog where I’ve talked about the negative impact this law will have on innovation.
Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the 2024 BIO International Conference. This conference is hosted by the BIO Innovation Organization, the world’s largest advocacy association representing biotechnology companies, academic and research institutions, state biotechnology centers, and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations.
I’ve always marveled at the emphasis that our country puts on women’s health – and it’s for a good reason. The diseases that are unique to, or have an increased effect on, women have been historically downplayed or even ignored.
May 29th is National Senior Health and Fitness Day which is a part of Older Americans Month. The goal of this fitness day is to, “promote the importance of regular physical activity, and to show what local organizations are doing to improve the health of older adults in their communities”.
Most of the caregivers in our country are our spouses, our children, other relatives, or really good friends. They do this out of love and obligation, but these tireless caregivers almost always offer care that rivals any available in our healthcare system and are most appreciated by those they care for.
The COVID pandemic was an experience that we all hope we never have to go through again. It killed millions of people, caused financial hardships, and separated us from our loved ones.
This month is Older American’s Month, and the theme this year is “Powered by Connections”. I started to cogitate (I used that word in honor of older American’s month) about how much our lives are powered by connections.
Together, we can accomplish great things.
As we age, we are increasingly vulnerable to chronic conditions. Medicare Part D helps us get the medicines we need, and it is our priority to ensure that we continue to have access to high quality health care.
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Seniors Speak Out was established by Medicare Today, a program under the Healthcare Leadership Council, to serve as a valuable platform for older Americans, caregivers, and advocates. Its aim is to support seniors in accessing top-notch health care services.
Here, you’ll be introduced to community voices and we hope you’ll also share your thoughts!
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This week marks the second anniversary of signing the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). It’s an ominous anniversary because, in a few weeks, the government will release the dictated prices that the government will pay for the ten drugs they have selected in this first year.