Falls are one of the most significant health risks for older Americans. According to reports, more than one out of four adults over 65 suffered at least one fall in the past year. One of the most significant factors for fall risk is quality of vision. Studies have found that impaired eyesight more than doubles the danger.

Falls can lead to injury, loss of independence, and worse. Many of these injuries are avoidable. From updating your home to making sure your eyesight is in good health, there are simple ways to protect yourself from the risks of a fall.

[INFOGRAPHIC]
Did You Know?
Each year, more than 25% of older Americans suffer a fall. Impaired vision more than DOUBLES the danger.
* www.cdc.gov/falls/data-research/facts-stats/index.html

How To Prevent Falls in Your Home: 

1. Lighting – Make sure all rooms – especially stairs – are well-lit. Put night lights and light switches near your bed. Keep a flashlight by your bed in case the power goes out.

2. Stairs – Install handrails on both sides of all stairs inside and outside your home.

3. Floors and Rugs – Fix uneven floors and repair loose floorboards and carpeting. You can also put non-slip strips on tile and wooden floors. Be careful to avoid walking on slippery, recently washed floors.

Keep your floors clutter-free, including cords, papers, shoes, books, boxes, newspapers, and electrical cables.

If you have small rugs on your floors, consider removing them. Otherwise, to help make them safer and more stable, use double-sided tape, tacks, or slip-resistant backing. 

4. Grab Bars – Grab bars can help anyone stay safer in the bathroom. Install grab bars to help you climb into the tub or stand in the shower. They will steady you while you reach for the hand-held shower. They will help you get on and off the toilet. They can even keep you from slipping on wet tiles.

Use non-slip mats in the bathtub or shower. You can also use a bath seat to sit on while showering.

5. Make Sure Your Eyes Are Healthy – Poor vision can increase the risk of falls. Not only can poor vision prevent you from seeing obstacles in your path, but being able to see well is vital for your overall ability to balance. Remember to:

• Use prescribed glasses and avoid wearing sunglasses indoors.
• Bifocals can blur your vision when navigating steps, curbs, or edges. When stepping over curbs and on stairs, look through the distance portion of your glasses, which can provide a clearer view.
• Add nightlights in the bedroom, bathroom, and hallway to help you navigate in the dark. Don’t forget to give your eyes time to adjust when moving from well-lit to poorly-lit areas.
• Get annual eye exams to update your glasses prescription and catch early warnings of issues like glaucoma and cataracts.

Remember: everything you do to prevent a fall is an investment in your health…and your vision! AMBA and NCRGEA have a comprehensive Vision Plan at affordable rates. Advantages include annual WellVision checkups, 100% coverage for most lenses (even progressives!), and thousands of nationwide in-network providers. Sign up today – acceptance is GUARANTEED! – at AMBAdentalvision.com/NCRGEA or call or call 800-956-1228 Mon.-Fri. 8am-6pm ET.  

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/fall-prevention/art-20047358

https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data-research/facts-stats/index.html

https://www.cdc.gov/vision-health/prevention/older-adult-falls.html

Having Poor Vision Can Raise Risk for Falls Among Older Adults

The overwhelming majority of Americans prefer to enjoy retirement “aging in place,” continuing to live independently in their homes and communities. In fact, 80% of Americans aged 50 and older say they want to remain in their own homes.

Aging in place has many advantages, but understanding and preparing for risks is also important.

Three Advantages of Aging in Place

1. Independence and Empowerment

Nothing beats maintaining control over your schedule. You can come and go as you please, have guests (and privacy) when you want, and enjoy autonomy and freedom. Aging in place is an excellent option for people who wish to maintain a sense of independence and control over their lives. It can also let you enjoy maintaining the same home and community where you raised your family and built many memories.

[INFOGRAPHIC] Did You Know?
A recent study concluded that the rate of cognitive decline for older Americans was 70% less in people with frequent social contact than those with low social activity.

2. Physical Health Benefits

Aging in place gives superior access to the physical fitness activities you most enjoy, including gyms and exercise classes, golf courses, or local yoga or Pilates studios. The more access to the physical fitness routines you most enjoy –going to the gym, walking outside with friends, or taking classes at local yoga or Pilates studios – the more likely you’ll stick to them and reap their benefits.

3. Mental Health Benefits

Aging in place also has advantages for mental health. Access to familiar and beloved existing social networks and activities, community organizations and clubs, favorite restaurants and hang-out spots, and entertainment like theater or movies is critical for someone to remain engaged and enthusiastic about their daily activities. A recent study concluded that removing an older person from their home and introducing them to new environments and social settings means stripping them of foundational long-term memory stimuli, which can result in confusion, stress, and depression.

One Significant Challenge to Living Independently

For all the advantages of living independently, thinking ahead to possible challenges is crucial. Perhaps the most significant thing is being prepared if you have an accident or medical emergency at or near home and can’t drive yourself to the hospital or if a friend or loved one is unavailable. What if you fall and break your leg? What if you recognize the signs of a heart attack?

An ambulance ride to the emergency room might be necessary in these emergencies. However, most insurance – including Medicare – does not cover the cost of medical emergency transportation. That’s why you need a Medical Air Services Association (MASA) plan from AMBA and NCRGEA. Services are paid in full, with no deductibles, co-pays, or dollar limits. MASA covers your ambulance or airlift, regardless of age or medical condition. Learn more at www.AMBAmedtransport.com/NCRGEA or call AMBA at 800-956-1228 M-F 8am-6pm ET.

Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7205644/

https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_social_connections_keep_seniors_healthy

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9495472/#:~:text=For%20some%2C%20aging%20in%20place,prefer%20to%20age%20in%20place

What if there was a miracle drug that could help reduce stress, enhance memory, improve sleep, provide community, and supply information and entertainment all the while? And what if it wasn’t a drug at all?

Everyone, especially older people, can enjoy the incredible benefits of reading. Reading is more than a leisurely activity. For book lovers and news hounds alike, AMBA is here to reveal how reading can positively impact health and well-being.

The Many Benefits of Reading for Older Adults

Muscle Up Your Memory

Want to be a true muscle-head? Research proves that reading strengthens your brain. Studies have proven that people who engage in mentally stimulating activities such as reading have slower rates of memory decline than those who do not.

Reading exercises your memory, which is critical to the short-term recall of everyday events. Regular mental workouts such as reading can strengthen the brain’s neural network, helping your mind become more receptive to learning and memory retention.

Data shows that engaging in frequent cognitive activity later in life can reduce the rate of decline by 32%.

Getting Lost in A Book Can Help You Find Peace of Mind

The mental benefits of reading can improve your quality of life. Research shows that reading beats listening to music, having tea, or going for a walk. Studies found that once participants dove into a book, their heart rate and muscle tension relaxed in a mere six minutes.

Frequent readers are also less prone to anxiety and acting impulsively. Reading improves analytic skills, making readers more likely to think before reacting and better equipped to process information, prepare for life’s uncertainties, and reduce their anxiety.

Want to Count Sheep? Read a Book.

Creating and maintaining a bedtime ritual, such as reading, signals the body that it’s time for sleep. For the body’s sleep cycle, reading is healthier and more effective than falling asleep watching TV or taking out the phone and reading social media posts. In fact, the blue screens of these devices are proven to disrupt sleep cycles and keep people awake longer.

Reading Can Protect Against Dementia and Depression

One of the most promising benefits of reading for older adults is that it can help preserve brain structures important to cognition later in life and reduce the speed of cognitive decline.

Research suggests that adults in their 70s who engaged in mentally intense hobbies, such as reading, from ages 20-60 build a reserve of neuronal connections and are less likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Reading Can Be a Great Way to Stay Social!

Joining a book club is a great way to boost your reading habits, meet new friends, and enjoy social discussions. Book clubs can offer stimulating conversations where you and others can share insights, socialize, and have fun together.

If you’re not already a book lover, don’t fret! There are many ways to get inspired to pick up a book:

• Audiobooks—If reading from a book isn’t your thing, try audiobooks. They’re a great option because you can listen in the car, at home, or on a walk!
• Large–print books. Many publishers now offer large-print books, typically printed in 16- to 18-point font (compared to regular print, which is between 10 and 12 points).
• E–readers—E-readers, such as Kindles or Nooks, are lightweight electronic alternatives to printed books. The advantages of E-readers include choosing the font most comfortable for you, adjusting its size, and storing a large quantity of books on your device. E-readers can also access magazines, newspapers, and other publications.

Whether it’s history, sports, gardening, romance, or all of the above, you can find a book that interests you. Given the proven health benefits of reading, even adding a small daily dose to your routine could be just what the doctor ordered!

Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6245064/

https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/wnl.0b013e31829c5e8a

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/5070874/Reading-can-help-reduce-stress.html

Have you ever looked in the mirror and discovered that your gums, seemingly suddenly, have black spots on them? The good news is that several things may cause this, and most aren’t harmful. Gums are usually pink, but sometimes they can develop black or dark brown spots. However, black spots on your gums can be a warning sign of more serious conditions. AMBA is here to help explain the causes of dark spots in your mouth and what they mean.

What Causes Black Spots on the Gums?

• Bruises

Like any other part of your body, your gums can be injured. Bruises on the gums are usually dark red, purple, or black. Minor bleeding and pain may also accompany the bruise. Walking into a wall, falling and hitting your face, eating something with sharp edges, and even brushing or flossing your teeth too aggressively can cause your gums to bruise.

Bruises frequently heal on their own without medical treatment. If you start developing more bruises or discover your gums are bleeding, you may have thrombocytopenia or hemophilia, two conditions that make it difficult for your blood to clot. If this happens, be sure to inform your doctor so they can help you find the right treatment.

• Blue Nevus

A blue nevus is a harmless mole. It appears round and either flat or lightly raised. Blue nevi can be black or blue and usually resemble a freckle on the gums.

Your doctor can usually diagnose a blue nevus simply by looking at it. Although these moles typically don’t require any treatment, if their shape, color, or size starts to change, your doctor may do a biopsy, which involves removing a piece of the nevus to test it for cancer.

• Amalgam Tattoos

It’s not unusual for a deposit of amalgam to remain on your gums after you’ve had a cavity filled, creating a dark spot. Amalgam is the particle used for dental fillings. Amalgam can sometimes lodge in the area around the filling, causing a stain in the soft tissue. Your dentist can usually diagnose an amalgam spot just by looking at it.

Although amalgam tattoos aren’t removable, they’re harmless and don’t require treatment. To prevent the risk of an amalgam tattoo, ask your dentist to use a rubber dam when you need a filling. This can help separate your teeth from your gums and prevent particles from getting into the surrounding tissue during the procedure.

• Spots That Look Like Freckles

Melanotic macules are harmless spots that resemble freckles. Some people are born with them, and others develop them later in life. They can appear on different parts of the body, including the gums. Melanotic macules are usually between 1 and 8 millimeters in diameter and

Although doctors aren’t sure about the exact causes of melanotic macules, they don’t cause any other symptoms and don’t require treatment. If the spot’s shape, color, or size starts to change, your doctor may perform a biopsy to test for cancer.

• Oral Cancer

Black gums can also be a symptom of oral cancer. Additional symptoms associated with oral cancer include open sores, unusual bleeding, and swelling in the mouth. You may also have a chronic sore throat or notice a change in your voice. The most significant risk factors for developing oral cancer are drinking large amounts of alcohol and chewing tobacco or smoking cigarettes. Drink in moderation and avoid tobacco use to help prevent oral cancer.

While black spots on your gums can be harmless, they can also result from an underlying disease. If you notice black spots on your gums, especially if the spots are painful or change in size, shape, or color, schedule an appointment with your dentist. Many oral conditions, including oral cancers, are treatable when caught early. However, if left untreated, they can lead to severe complications, including reconstructive facial surgery and death.

Visit Your Dentist

Catching early signs of a potential problem can be as simple as going for routine check-ups with your dentist. As part of a routine dental examination, your dentist will usually inspect your entire mouth for abnormal areas that may indicate oral cancer or precancerous changes. A high-quality Dental Plan through NCRGEA and AMBA can help you keep up with your regular dental check-ups. The plan features checkups, access to any dentist you want with bigger savings by visiting one of the thousands of in-network providers, and significant savings on fillings, X-rays, and many other procedures. Learn more at www.AMBAdentalvision.com/NCRGEA or call 800-956-1228.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/oral-cancer

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mouth-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20350997

https://www.health.com/black-gums-8559892

5 Surprising Advantages of Taking Part in Community Activities

Community service and volunteering are meaningful and important ways to give back to society. But helping others is also an effective means to unlock a wealth of benefits for yourself. AMBA explores the numerous unexpected advantages that enrich both you and your community. Hopefully, these can inspire you to engage in these fulfilling activities!

1. Health Advantages

When we’re doing good, we feel good. Research has found that volunteering is good for physical and mental health among adults aged 60 and over. Research also shows that volunteering leads to lower rates of depression and anxiety, especially for people 65 and older.

Serving others can give volunteers a sense of purpose and belonging, which can positively impact their mental health and overall well-being. Feeling appreciated can also contribute to reduced stress levels.

Likewise, volunteering has been linked to the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood enhancer. This is why volunteering has been known to provide a “Helper’s High.”

2. Social Advantages

Social interactions are at the core of volunteering, so by assisting others, you’re simultaneously helping yourself to meet new people. Volunteering can be an incredibly effective way to create a network of meaningful connections and supportive relationships.

3. Community Improvement

Performing community service helps people become more aware of their community’s needs and learn how to work together as a team to address issues and create positive change.

Community service fosters a sense of civic responsibility and belonging, encouraging citizens to be more active in their communities. Plus, by helping others, you recognize your contribution can help others in your community!

4. Skill Development

Volunteer work can help you enhance or acquire valuable skills. These can include improved problem-solving, adaptability, and creativity, making it a brain-boosting activity.

Volunteers also learn to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and needs. This can help them develop resilience, cope with stressful or challenging situations, and adjust to new environments or changes swiftly and efficiently.

5. Cultural Sensitivity

Community service offers a platform for interacting with diverse groups, promoting cultural sensitivity and mutual understanding. This can help develop crucial emotional intelligence abilities and how to treat everyone with sensitivity and care.

Ultimately, volunteering can boost overall happiness, give people a sense of purpose, and enhance life satisfaction.

Your association provides many opportunities to rub elbows with peers – from association meetings to volunteering opportunities to group travel. There’s no reason to go it alone. Join the group! Visit your association’s website to learn about memberships and opportunities to volunteer.

Sources:

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-mental-health-benefits-of-volunteering-5248549

https://tmhdc.org/2023/05/02/building-a-stronger-community-the-social-impact-of-volunteering

https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/3-health-benefits-of-volunteering

Jane Austen once wrote, “There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.” That sentiment is especially true regarding recovery after a surgery or health development. Not everyone is comfortable laying in a medical bed, away from their own home and loved ones. If a patient doesn’t require extensive therapy or constant medical surveillance, recovering at home can not only decrease costs and length of hospital stays, but it – even more importantly – can improve a patient’s mood and outcome.

Here are five reasons why a Home Health Care plan, sometimes called Short-Term Care, could be the better choice for your family.

1. Recovery Can Be Faster with a Home Health Care Plan

With Home Health Care, the services and therapies come to the individual. This provides a familiar and comfortable recovery environment, which can improve the healing process and result in a faster recovery.

When patients receive care in their homes, they are more comfortable and more likely to follow the treatments and exercises their skilled nursing specialist recommends.

2. Home Health Care Services Are More Beneficial for Chronic Conditions

Serious medical conditions require constant medical care. People with chronic conditions like cancer, heart disease, COPD, and strokes can all benefit from Home Health Care.

Unless an individual invests in home health services, they will have to find long-term care in a hospital setting, where they’ll often spend more money on the same level of quality healthcare and a less personalized experience.

3. In-Home Health Care Provides More Freedoms

Home Health Care eliminates the rigidity and strict schedule of a hospital setting. Instead, it gives individuals more freedom and a greater sense of normalcy. This can make it easier to live your day-to-day life with minimal medical interruptions.

4. Reduced Exposure to Further Illness

Hospitals can provide excellent healthcare, but they are also filled with sick people who are in close contact with each other. For patients with weakened immune systems or who are dealing with chronic illnesses, increased exposure to others with diseases can be a considerable health risk.

Home Health Care allows people to have more control over the cleanliness and people in their environment. This helps minimize a substantial number of health risks.

5. Home Health Care Can Reduce Costs by as Much as 52%

A hospital visit – even just for a few hours – can cost thousands of dollars. When that hospital stay extends to days and weeks, the financial toll of the accumulating medical bills can be staggering.

With in-home care, patients can save substantial money while receiving high-quality medical care. Studies have shown Home Health Care is frequently the more affordable option.

Be Prepared for the Future

The sooner you plan, the better your chances of avoiding financial challenges later. Protect yourself now by getting the Home Health Care plan from AMBA and your association. This plan’s coverage will be paid directly to you or a medical provider that you designate. Plus, your benefits are provided in addition to any other healthcare coverage you may have! You deserve to have access to the help you need. Call AMBA at 866-615-4063 or request a free Benefits Review with a knowledgeable AMBA agent.

Sources:

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11606-018-4307-z

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4120108

AMBA’s Strategies for Older Americans

People who have worked and saved up for decades can feel that reaching retirement age means it’s time to enjoy the fruits of their labor. The risk is that people can go overboard and spend it all in a few years.

Retirement planning can be challenging at any age, even if you think you’re financially secure. There are also factors like inflation, savings programs that might not have produced projected returns, and emergency expenses to consider. AMBA can provide the tips to help you enjoy a successful retirement.  

How to Keep Your Money Working for You After Retirement

1. Budget your expenses

A budget becomes even more critical when you’re no longer working. Most likely, your income will come from your pension, savings, and Social Security.

As you create your budget, include any new costs you plan to incur. For instance, extra travel or other pursuits. This will help you realistically determine how easily you can afford some of your ideas.

Having a clear picture of these things, you can now take tactical steps to create a realistic spending plan.

2. Withdrawals at the right time can add money to your balance

If financing your retirement requires you to use income from your savings, take steps to minimize taxes and maximize what you get to keep. Everyone’s financial profile is different, so you should research how to determine the most suitable time to use certain types of income.

For instance, making withdrawals from tax-deferred accounts such as employer-sponsored plans or traditional IRAs should generally occur during the years when your tax rate is lower to help minimize the amount of income tax you owe.

3. Downsizing your home can upgrade your lifestyle

Moving to a smaller home that’s less costly to maintain or an area where the cost of living is lower can improve your cost of living in many ways. Factors like reducing the expense of your property taxes or costs of maintenance can go a long way. Changing residences could provide some extra money to add to your retirement nest egg.

4. Rebalance your investment portfolio

The right mix of stocks, bonds, and cash for you will depend on your risk tolerance, time horizon, and financial goals. Typically, it’s advised to invest in a more conservative, lower-risk investment mix as we age to avoid subjecting savings to market volatility and a potential downturn.

Continue to monitor and reassess your plan. Revisiting your retirement plan at least annually can be a smart way to ensure that your fiscal health remains on track.”

5. Consider an Annuity from AMBA

Or you might want to safeguard your money from the market’s ups and downs and enjoy guaranteed income with the Tax-Deferred Asset Protection from AMBA and your association to help protect your retirement. This annuity is an intelligent and safe way to diversify your savings and can earn much more interest than CDs or savings accounts. Your association and AMBA’s Tax-Deferred Asset Protection Plan features a tax-deferred accumulation of interest, a guaranteed competitive interest rate, multiple payout options, and a nursing home waiver.

Get more information at myAMBAbenefits.info or speak with a knowledgeable AMBA Call Center representative at 1-866-610-4558, M-F, 8am-5pm CT.

Sources:

https://www.truist.com/money-mindset/principles/investing-in-your-values/retirement-planning-tips

https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/EBSA/about-ebsa/our-activities/resource-center/publications/top-10-ways-to-prepare-for-retirement.pdf

With the temperatures dropping and the autumn harvest approaching, September is the perfect time for a hearty, healthy harvest bowl. This recipe shared by AMBA features a base of wild rice blend cooked in a flavorful broth, tender chicken, colorful veggies, hearty grains, and savory cheese. It’s layer upon layer of texture and flavor! 

Best of all, this recipe is easy to swap for your favorite substitutions. For example, you can use white rice, farro, quinoa, or couscous instead of wild rice. Switch out the baby kale for spinach or spring greens. Or use butternut squash and broccoli in place of the sweet potato and Brussels sprouts.  There are so many ways to make this recipe new every time you make it!

How to Make AMBA’s Chicken and Wild Rice Harvest Bowl

Ingredients:

For the Bowl:

• 1 2 lb. rotisserie chicken
• 1½ cups wild rice blend
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 2 cup fresh baby kale
• 1 Honeycrisp apple, cored and cubed
• ½ cup crumbled goat cheese
• ¼ cup roasted, salted almonds, coarsely chopped
• 1½ tsp. kosher salt
• 1 lb. Brussels sprouts, trimmed and cut in half
• 2 small sweet potatoes, cut into ½ inch cubes
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 tsp. ground black pepper
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. paprika
• ¼ tsp. cayenne

For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:

• 3 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
• 2 tsp. honey
• 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, grated 
• ¼ tsp. kosher salt
• ¼ tsp. ground black pepper
• ¼ cup olive oil

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450°F.
2. Place the rice blend in a fine mesh sieve. Rinse the rice under water, using your hand to move it around for approximately 1 minute. Place the rice in a medium saucepan with the broth, butter, and ½ teaspoon salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the rice is tender, 45 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and cover the rice for 15 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork.
3. Meanwhile, line a large baking sheet with foil. Add the Brussels sprouts and sweet potato. Drizzle the vegetables with the olive oil, tossing to coat. Sprinkle with the remaining teaspoon of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne, tossing to coat. Roast until the vegetables are tender and browned, about 25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
4. For the balsamic vinaigrette, add the balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper to a mason jar. Place the lid on the jar and shake vigorously until the ingredients are well combined, about 15 seconds. Add the olive oil and shake the closed jar again until the dressing is well emulsified. Store in the refrigerator and shake well before using.
5. Remove the skin and bones from the chicken. Shred or cut the meat into cubes, as desired.

To serve: Divide the baby kale among four bowls. Spoon on the wild rice and divide the Brussels sprouts, sweet potato, chicken, apple, goat cheese, and almonds. Drizzle with the balsamic vinaigrette.

Do you have a recipe you’d like to share?