District 7 Community Advisory Board (CAB) is inviting members and their guests to enjoy a free informational event and lunch (provided by Western Sizzlin) at the Wayne County Public Library. We’ll have speakers covering a wide array of topics including community, estate and will planning, safety, and medical.
And of course we can’t have an event in Wayne County without hearing from Mt. Olive Pickle. They’ll be speaking about their positive impact on the economy and pickles are included! We hope to see you at District 7’s first in-person event for good company and good food.
Wayne County Public Library | Gertrude Weil Auditorium 1001 E. Ash Street | Goldsboro, NC 27530
Want to know the secret to living a longer and healthier life? Eating well, exercising regularly, getting plenty of sleep, and avoiding bad habits remain essential to living and staying active longer. However, researchers have also uncovered exciting new clues about the science of aging well. AMBA’s got the tips to help you increase your life expectancy.
The current life expectancy for someone in the U.S. is more than 76 years. A century ago, the average life expectancy was closer to 54!
Your Lifestyle is More Important Than Your Genetics
For many decades, the conventional wisdom was that family history was the single most important factor in health. Genetics do play a major role in one’s risk factors for health issues like diabetes, heart health, obesity, and certain cancers. However, many factors are in your control.
Eating habits and exercise may be the most critical factors associated with living longer and healthier. Ensure your diet includes plenty of high-fiber foods, lean proteins, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables. It’s also important to avoid the foods that cause the most harm, such as ultra-processed foods, excessive red meat, and added sugars. It’s also recommended to avoid tobacco products and limit alcohol consumption.
Physical activity is also essential. It’s common for people to experience a gradual loss of muscle, reduced energy, and achy joints as they age. It’s crucial to remain motivated and active. But doing that can raise your risk for disease, disability, and even death. It’s important to work with a doctor to find the types of physical activity that can help you maintain your health and mobility.
Even frail older adults can benefit from regular physical activity. One study included over 600 adults, ages 70 to 89, who were at risk for disability. The individuals were randomly placed in either a moderate exercise program that included brisk walking, strength and balance training, and flexibility exercise or a comparison group without structured exercise. After two years, not only did the exercise group gradually work up to an impressive 150 minutes of weekly activity, but the researchers also found that if individuals in the exercise group suffered an injury, they recovered faster than those in the comparison group!
The combination of different types of exercise—aerobic, strength and balance training, and flexibility—is vital to healthy aging. However, an active lifestyle is more than just getting your daily steps in.
Stay Social
It’s long been known that strong relationships and regular social interaction improve the quality of life. However, new studies reveal that meaningful relationships and a sense of purpose can also increase one’s chances of living longer and that societies with the most long-lived populations enjoy a high level of social engagement with roles for older individuals.
Engaging in social and productive activities you enjoy, such as taking an art class, joining a hiking club, or volunteering in your community, may help maintain people’s sense of well-being and independence as they age.
The key to healthy aging is to engage fully in life—mentally, physically, and socially. Enjoying peace of mind and a sense of security for your loved ones can also play an important role. The Whole Life policy from AMBA and NCRGEA can help. This plan can give you the peace of mind of protecting your family from the high cost of final expenses. Advantages include pre-approved acceptance for applicants 45-85, reasonable rates that never increase, and assurance that you will never be canceled as long as premiums are paid. Learn more at www.AMBAlifeinsurance.com/NCRGEA or call 800-956-1228.
When the leaves turn into beautiful shades of gold, staying stylish takes its own fall turn. One of the most essential fashion statements you make is with your eyewear. Want to stay one step ahead of what will be hot in glasses trends this autumn and enjoy healthier vision? AMBA is here to provide the insights you need!
Warm Hues and Earthy Tones
Autumn fashions are driven by color schemes that reflect the autumn scenery. These shades can include rusticated reds, brassy reddish browns, and rich yellow-gold hues. These colors look great on frames. Different shades of tortoiseshells and animal prints blend into brown and black outfits for a look perfect for people who love statement-making eyewear.
Current trends are leaning towards red as the color of fall eyewear. Red frames—ranging from bright cherry to deep oxblood—constitute one of the ultimate fashion accessories. Red frames not only match well with bold and colorful clothing, but they also make a bold statement with a neutral outfit.
Elevated Classics
Classic frame silhouettes retain their timeless charm, but new materials and accents provide updated, modern allure. Embellishments like layered colors (such as champagne gold) and textured finishes add depth and visually exciting embellishments.
Translucent Frames
Understated transparent frames make an impression since they help your eyes be visible through light or slightly tinted frames. When paired with sparkling pieces or gradient-tinted effects, transparent frames add a touch of bold subtlety and glamour.
Vintage Revival
Everything old is new again! Retro glasses have become fashionable again. With their throwback shapes and current updates, such as bold colors or sparkles, retro glasses provide vintage shapes borrowed from the past.
Look for circular and oval lenses like those of the 1960s—1970s. Shapes like cat eyes or browlines are continuing to make a comeback.
Bold and Chunky Frames
Thick frames are perfect for people who want their eyewear to make a bold statement. These chunky lenses are based on styles popular during the new wave movement of the 1980s. The look is being modernized with statement brow lines and transparency effects.
Mixed Materials
Combining various textures and materials to frames gives dimension to fall eyewear trends. For example, the fusion can include wooden top rims, transparent lower frames, or metal accents on acetates.
Metallic Accents
A new trend that continues to gain popularity is frames adorned with metallic accents to add glitter and shine. Lustrous silver, golden, and rose gold temples, hinges, and lenses complete the glamorous look.
Fall 2024 boasts many exciting eyewear trends, so you are bound to get the perfect frames to match your style. One thing that always looks good: significant savings on your next pair of glasses. NCRGEA and AMBA have a Vision Plan that can help you get the eyeglasses and the prescription that’s just right for you at great discounted rates. This plan includes annual WellVision checkups and coverage on a large selection of designer eyewear. Best of all, you’re pre-approved! Sign up now at www.AMBAdentalvision.com/NCRGEA or call 800-956-1228.
We’re diving into the details of your dental plan benefits
Insurance plans are complex. Small differences in plans can save you thousands, depending on what services you need in a given year. As we age, we often have more needs for care, and with fixed incomes, it’s important to understand the details of your dental plan choices.
We want to help you compare the dental plans that the State offers with those that NCRGEA provides, to help you make informed decisions.
Important notes about plans provided by NCRGEA:
» Vision plans are also available to NCRGEA members and are similar to the state’s plan. Enroll any time! See details at ambadentalvision.com/ncrgea
» NCRGEA offers a special rate category: Member + Associate, for a dues-paying spouse of an active NCRGEA member.
» Hearing Benefits are provided FREE to all NCRGEA Members!
» NCRGEA Members get great discounts on Identify Theft Protection.
Dental Plan Comparisons
The State provides a dental plan through UnitedHealthcare. NCRGEA provides two plan options through Ameritas, an A-rated insurance provider endorsed by more than 70 retiree organizations across the country and one of the strongest networks available in North Carolina. Most NCRGEA members choose the Freedom Plan from Ameritas.
With the soaring heat, it may not feel like fall is just around the corner. But before you know it, summer will be over, and it’ll be time to bring back the autumn wardrobe, make sure loved ones have all the latest equipment to succeed at school, and – of course – get out in that crisp autumn air and enjoy some fall hikes! AMBA Discounts has the savings you need to be ready and make the most of your NCRGEA membership!
Fashion
There’s no better way to be fashion-forward than to be ahead of the trends. AMBA Discounts makes updating your wardrobe easy. Whether you’re a fan of luxury, athleisure, or anything in between, AMBA Discounts is your passport to turning heads and looking your very best! AMBA Discounts can provide significant savings on big brand names like Kohl’s, Quince, and Skechers for stylish and sporty fashions and clothes for men, women, and loved ones!
AMBA Discounts Fashion Savings Include:
Shop at Kohl’s: Take 15% off your $100 or more order online.
Shop at Quince: Get 15% off your entire order, with a minimum spend of $40.
Shop at Skechers: 30% off select Skechers Men’s & Women’s Work, Corporate Casual and Performance styles. Purchases can be made online or at any Skechers retail stores nationwide.
Electronics
Technology is constantly improving for essential devices, from televisions to laptops and more. AMBA Discounts’ partnerships with Apple, Samsung, and Logitech ensure you have cutting-edge technology at cut-rate prices! Enjoy big savings on Apple gear, including Air Tags and iPads; Samsung electronics, including TVs and Galaxy phones; and Logitech products, including ergonomic keyboards and mice, webcams, and Bluetooth speakers.
AMBA Discounts Electronics Savings Include:
Shop at Apple: AMBA Discounts members enjoy Apple’s Employee Purchase Program, which means you can enjoy the same discounts as Apple’s employees!
Shop at Samsung: Save up to 25% and more on televisions, tablets, PCs, digital imaging, and audio/video products.
Shop at Logitech: Save 25% on select Logitech products*, plus free shipping on orders over $29.00.
*New release products first 3 months excluded; the discount won’t apply.
Outdoor Gear
Who doesn’t love an autumnal walk in the woods? Taking in the change of seasons and nature’s views is one of the season’s great pleasures. AMBA Discounts “goes the extra mile” for your fall adventures with great savings on Adidas clothes and gear, Garmin durable devices and apps that let you go farther and track your precise location along the way, and the latest Oakley sunglasses, designed with industry-leading levels of impact and UV protection.
Shop at Adidas: Take 20% off full-price items online.
Garmin: Get 20% off select Garmin wearables and accessories.
Oakley: Receive 15% off all orders.
There are many more savings to explore with AMBA Discounts, like dining, entertainment, hotels, and car rentals. Best of all, your membership is absolutely FREE. Register for your AMBA Discounts secret activation code now. Already have an account? Start browsing by visiting www.passportcorporate.com.Members, if you don’t have your activation code, please call our office at 919-834-4652 or 800-356-1190
From visiting loved ones, checking out historic destinations, or taking advantage of fun tourist attractions, there’s nothing like hitting the road and enjoying an adventure.
Just because you’re firing up the grill doesn’t mean you’re stuck with high-calorie, high-fat choices. Follow these steps to make it easy to eat heart-smart choices you’ll love.
NCRGEA is working with the General Assembly, the North Carolina Coalition on Aging, and other organizations to help make North Carolina the best place to live and age.
