I’ve heard the saying “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” my whole life, and I really don’t know if it’s true. I haven’t tried to teach an old dog any new tricks, but I assume it references the belief that as a dog gets old, it gets set in its ways and resists change or learning new things. I certainly don’t want to suggest that we are old dogs, but it is very evident to me that as I get older, I want things to remain constant, and it is difficult to learn all the new gizmos that are now available.

Every year since 2007, a year after Part D was implemented, the Healthcare Leadership Council has surveyed the people this program serves, Medicare beneficiaries, primarily those Americans who are 65 and older.

A couple of weeks ago the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the prices for the 10 drugs selected under the powers of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). President Biden and newly selected Democrat presidential nominee and current Vice President Kamala Harris held a press conference to announce the results of the price “negotiations” between CMS and the manufacturers of the 10 drugs.

We now have two duly nominated candidates for President of the United States. The first candidate, a forgone conclusion for the Republicans, and the second candidate, a surprise from anyone’s point-of-view but a surprisingly powerful candidate for the Democrats.

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.

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.

It’s Stress Awareness Month, and I, for one, think there is an abundance of stress in the world. The world is beginning to doubt their doctors, not trusting the news outlets, losing faith in science and big institutions.