Part D Open Enrollment

Photo by StockMonkeys.com. 

Fall is just around the corner. That means that it's almost time for the annual open enrollment period for Medicare Part D, Prescription Plans.  Between October 15th and December 7th of each year, Medicare beneficiaries can compare plans. As a result, they can switch or continue with their current plan.

For more information on Open Enrollment dates and other the important events between September and January regarding Part D, see this brochure created by CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services).

Are you asking, "What is Plan D?" Here is a brief explanation. 

The above video defining Part D was produced by a private insurance company, United Healthcare. By linking to their video, I am not endorsing this insurance company or any other insurance company.  I just like their short, clear introduction to Part D. See a SHIP counselor  for free, unbiased Medicare counseling.  

From year to year, the insurance companies that administer Medicare Part D plans can change prices and policies. For example:

Weird Things on My Skin

Photo by Tamboko the Jaguar. 

It happened. I broke a promise to myself.

When I was in my twenties, I vowed that to accept the forthcoming changes to my skin as little badges of honor, symbolizing all the wisdom accrued over time.

I planned to embrace multiplying wrinkles, sagging skin, and multiplying spots of all shapes and sizes as markers of my improving moral character.

What Theory Do You Use to Describe Aging?

Photo by Martin LaBar.

The photo above shows a couple celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Behind them is a second photo of them on their wedding day--decades prior.

I look at them and wonder, "How are they adapting to the aging process?" They have a lot of choices in how they behave, think and feel about aging.  And we have a lot of choices in how we perceive them.  Also, their unique life experiences might make some theories fit better than others.

Gerontologists in particular have a lot of theories for explaining the aging process.  Some of these theories are quite complex and/or are supported with data that only other experts can understand. Nevertheless, don't let the word "theory" send you running for the hills.

The average person employs a theory (a set of assumptions and concepts) for explaining aging--even if he or she isn't aware of it. Unless people make an effort to examine the complexities of aging and the diverse ways in which people age, it's easy to use stereotypes.

Music Triggers Memories

Photo by twm1340. 

We're approaching the end of summer.  My kids just registered for school, and we purchased school supplies. The first day of school is less than a week away.

In this liminal space, summer shimmers like a mirage, moving between being an experience and a memory.

As Labor Day nears, I wonder which fragments of this summer will I shore up?

Will I remember --

* Walking along a bridge spanning a rain-swollen river with cousins visiting from North Carolina?

* Making prize-winning pavlova with my daughter?

* Laughing and crying while watching Silver Linings Playbook with my son? OR

* Singing songs from Spam-a-lot with my husband and our kids at home after they returned from seeing that musical?

I will probably best remember the singing since I recognize how music connects with memories I hold from my own youth.

~*~*~

This post is part of a Blog Hop with the dynamic midlife women bloggers.

The thumbnails below will evaporate in a few weeks, so I'm saving a few links for future reference:

"S'more Summer Songs Not to Be Missed" by Phoebe aka @inmomopause

"Summer Songs and Afternoon Delight" by @Rodalena 

"Music can make you happy and healthy -- or not" by Kathy aka  @gottgreen  

"Do You Believe in Magic" by Risa aka @MsBarstool 

~*~*~

Variety Is the Spice of Fitness

Photo by EarthOwned.

Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Boomer Voices program and have been provided with a wireless device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.

I get bored easily, so I task switch a lot. Maybe too much at times. I do this in several areas of my life ranging from house cleaning to researching to cooking.

I'm not a personal trainer, but WebMD and others focused on healthy living suggest changing your workout. Doing so challenges the body and the mind.

Doing the same workout all of the time can result in the body adapting too much, so the muscles, the mind and the heart are not getting such a vigorous work out.