Colorado - Denver Metro

Navigating Medicare can feel overwhelming, especially for older adults trying to understand coverage options, plan changes, and enrollment deadlines. Fortunately, seniors in Denver, Colorado have access to a variety of helpful resources, professionals, and organizations dedicated to making Medicare more accessible and understandable.In this blog, well break down the essentials of Medicare, local support services, and where to turn for trusted Medicare help for seniors in Denver. What Is Medicare and Why It Matters for Seniors?Medicare is a federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as some younger individuals with disabilities. It plays a critical role in providing access to medical care, prescription drugs, and preventive services.Medicare is divided into four parts:Part A: Hospital insurancePart B: Medical insurancePart C: Medicare Advantage PlansPart D: Prescription drug coverageWith many plan options and changes that occur annually, understanding whats covered, how to enroll, and when to make changes is key to avoiding penalties and ensuring proper healthcare coverage. Common Questions Seniors Have About MedicareMany older adults and their families in Denver ask the same questions when exploring Medicare:When do I need to enroll?What is the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?How much will I pay each month?Are my prescriptions covered?Can I change plans if my health needs change?Thankfully, there is Medicare help for seniors in Denver available through trusted, neutral sources ready to guide you through every step. Where to Find Medicare Help in Denver, ColoradoDenver offers a variety of resources and experts to help seniors make informed decisions about their Medicare coverage. Some of the best sources for Medicare help include:1. State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)SHIP provides free, unbiased counseling about Medicare. Trained volunteers offer one-on-one guidance to help seniors compare plans, understand benefits, and avoid scams.2. Local Senior Centers and Community OrganizationsMany senior centers in the Denver area host educational workshops, Medicare enrollment events, and access to caseworkers who specialize in senior health insurance.3. Online Directories for Senior ResourcesThe Seniors Blue Book directory for Denver is a reliable place to start your search. It offers a variety of local service providers and Medicare-related support.Explore more options specifically in the Medicare Help category here: Denver Medicare Assistance Listings How to Prepare for Medicare EnrollmentWhether youre new to Medicare or looking to change plans during open enrollment, here are a few tips to help you prepare:Review your current coverage and note any changes in your health or medications.Check deadlines to avoid late enrollment penalties.Compare plans to ensure your doctors, hospitals, and prescriptions are covered.Seek expert guidanceespecially from neutral sources who prioritize your needs over selling a plan. Why Medicare Help Is Especially Important in DenverWith its growing senior population, Denver is home to a wide range of healthcare providers, wellness programs, and insurance experts. But with so many options, its easy to feel confused. Thats why having access to trusted, neutral Medicare support is so importantseniors deserve to feel confident about their healthcare coverage.By utilizing local resources and tools like Seniors Blue Book, older adults in Denver can make well-informed choices that support their health and financial well-being. Final Thoughts Understanding Medicare doesnt have to be a stressful experience. With the right resources, you or your loved one can confidently explore coverage options, manage costs, and access the care you deserve.

Written by: Jim Kok, Executive Director of Chaplain Services at Holly CreekIn my over three decades of involvement with long-term care/senior living, and the last 27 years as Chaplain, it has been a joy to participate in a culture change that has brought greater focus on services and care for the whole person. Especially important, I believe, has been the emphasis on the importance of spirituality as a component of successful aging and successful living.What are the advantages of including spirituality and spiritual services in our communities? Its more than weekly worship services or regular programming, as important as those may be. It is also about believing that we all have a continuing need to find purpose and deeper meaning in our lives. The Chaplains in our communities are skilled in listening for those needs and providing encouragement and support to residents, their families and care partners as they walk through the many changes, transitions and crises that are part of being a human being.Because we have a strong faith heritage and a Christian mission, in our communities you will find Christian worship on Sundays and programs such as Bible Studies and Chapels during the week. You'll also find spiritual programming that encourages people to engage with the world around them, from educational sessions to conversation groups exploring the deeper meaning behind the daily news. You'll find small groups meeting together for prayer or meditation, and service projects that give opportunities to share and to give back to the greater community by building toy cars, packing shoeboxes for Christmas or knitting blankets, baby clothes and prayer shawls. All of these are ways that we encourage each person's quest for meaning and purpose.Over the years, visitors and prospective residents have asked if moving into a Christian Living community means that they need to profess a Christian faith or a certain brand of Christianity. And often they wonder if they dont profess or believe certain things, will there be pressure to change? Once they experience our communities, they quickly realize that we take seriously our mission to reflect Christian love, respect and compassion to everyone, to each individual, regardless of where they come from or what they believe. What they find is a caring and supportive community that understands we all have something to give and contribute to the world around us.One of my favorite quotes comes from Penelope Wilcock, we call ourselves human beings, but we could also maybe think of ourselves as human becoming's, a will be as much as an is. Our strong focus on spirituality is fundamental to this process of continued growth, of believing that we are indeed human becoming's, people of value who can make a difference every day of our lives.

It is a sad commentary on our current cultural worldview that sunlight is widely perceived to be harmful, a cancer-causing threat. But what does the research actually say? And does this research affect older adults differently than other people?Spectrum: For starters, we should understand that sunlight is a complex combination of photons, with different wavelengths and properties. The sun is the original full-spectrum illumination, while both incandescent and LED lights emit, as one might expect, mostly visible-spectrum light.Intensity: The other important variable is the intensity of light, measured in LUX units (a foot away from one candle): direct sun comes in at 100,000; a cloudy day at 1,000; a kitchen or office measures 500; and a living room only 50. Thats why you need to get outside.UV: At one extreme is ultraviolet light (UV), whose wavelength is slightly shorter than visible violet. With regard to our health, UV is a mixed bag.It does cause sunburns, damages DNA, and triggers the aging of skin. It is also statistically associated with malignant melanoma, although, curiously, not with increased deaths from melanoma (because these cancers are mostly treatable).On the other hand, there are numerous health benefits: UV lowers the risk of hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), blood inflammation, and COVID infections. UV also stimulates Vitamin D synthesis in the skin. A large-scale study of 500,000 Brits, with a 12-year follow-up, found that frequent UV exposure lowered all-cause mortality by 14%, with cardiovascular deaths down 21% and total cancer mortality decreased by 13%. It gives one pause to reconsider the vast sums spent on sunscreen lotions. Just wearing light summer clothing blocks 80% of UV.IR: UV radiation represents only about 3% of the sunlight that strikes the surface of the earth, while about 50% is infrared (IR), whose lightwaves are just beyond (longer) than visible reds. IR radiation is more predominant at the beginning and end of days, while UV is strongest when the sun is overhead. A thick cloud cover reduces IR significantly more than UV. In a recent superb Huberman Lab podcast, Dr. Roger Seheult touted the many benefits of IR radiation. Most severe and chronic diseases also involve mitochondrial dysfunction (mitochondria are the small organelles within a cell that produce the energy-generating chemical ATP). One aspect of aging is that we lose 70% of our mitochondrial functioning after age 40. Unlike UV, IR radiation passes through light clothing and the surface of the skin to penetrate deep into body tissues, where it significantly stimulates mitochondrial ATP synthesis.Effects: The effects of improved mitochondrial functioning are pervasive, correlated empirically with sun exposure. Dr. Seheult cited statistics demonstrating that the greatest number of all-cause mortality comes soon after the shortest day of the year, and the lowest number of deaths occurs close to the longest days.People who live far north or south of the equator where days are particularly short in winter have higher overall mortality rates, particularly in mid-winter. In a study of almost 30,000 Swedish women, avoidance of sun exposure carried the same risk of premature death, as did smoking.There is well-replicated rigorous research that moderate IR exposure lowers the risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and it reduces blood lipids and chronic inflammation. IR increases immune system response to infections, such as influenza, COVID and pre-cancerous cells.On a sunny day, just 15 minutes outside can make a big difference. If youre in a green space with lots of grasses, leaves, bushes, and trees, you can receive two to three times the IR dose because plants reflect much of the IR that strikes them (notice that most leaves dont get hot in the sun because of these reflective properties).Red Light Therapy: There are many red-light therapy devices now available if you are considering them, be sure to carefully research IR wavelengths, dosage, safety, and therapeutic benefit. One study, utilizing an IR desk unit shining only on face, neck, and hands, proved to be quite therapeutic.Forest Bathing? Dr. Seheult delighted in reminding us of the wisdom of the ancient beliefs that sunlight and fresh air promote convalescence. Forest bathing has become a thing the air around trees is infused with phytoncides that defend plants from bacteria, fungi, and insects. When inhaled by humans, they up- regulate immune functioning and lower stress levels, and reduce stress hormones. The beauty and serenity of such an environment further enhances these benefits, some of which are detectable by lab tests a month later. Furthermore, getting up with the sun (and out from behind the filtering effects of plate glass windows) helps to set your circadian rhythm, which can improve sleep patterns. Take home message: forests, parks and even golf courses soothe the soul, and the body. And early morning and late afternoon may be particularly beneficial.Sweat Benefits: Dr. Seheult is a pulmonologist who treats many respiratory infections he also reminded us about how previous generations treated patients with hot baths and hot packs, as if to sweat out infections. Its been recently discovered that body temperatures a little over 100 degrees Fahrenheit actually accelerate the production of interferon, a powerful anti-viral protein. Maybe weve been a little too quick to reduce our fevers with aspirin, Tylenol, and Advil. And maybe the saunas so favored by Scandinavians and Russians are more therapeutic than weve realized.Conclusion: As spring has sprung, we encourage everyone to get away from your screens, go outside and enjoy the benefits of the sunshine that so amply surrounds us. Residents at Kavod Senior Life have a myriad of ways to get outside, whether it be on the sunlit patio areas, in the resident gardens, on the nearby walking paths in Cherry Creek or on the many benches and sitting areas surrounding the campus. Come for a visit and see for yourself!Ben and Scott  https://theagingwiselyproject.com/

How Pet Ownership or Animal Therapy Can Lead to a Better, Happier LifeAnyone who owns a pet knows how rewarding it can be. From the wet nose kiss of a cat to the head-to-toe wag of a dog, to cuddles at bedtime, the unconditional love and companionship of a pet can't be beat. Whether engaging in pet therapy or having a pet of your own, the benefits of engaging with pets are proven.Studies have been conducted to research how pets improve the quality of life of their owners, and there is medical evidence that shows there are numerous physical and mental benefits to engaging with animals. Thats especially true for seniors. Here are five great reasons that prove engaging with pets leads to a happier life.1. Pets help lower your heart rate and blood pressure.Petting, playing with, and watching animals have been shown to lower your heart rate and blood pressure, and reduce the occurrences of chronic conditions. The American Heart Association confirmed that owning a pet can lower cholesterol, lessen your response to stress or reduce obesity. It also confirmed dog ownership could lengthen the lives of those with cardiovascular disease. For Seniors dealing with chronic conditions, reducing these risk factors can lead to better quality of life.The physical action of petting an animal releases serotonin, which soothes the person doing the petting. Interacting with a pet (even a fish or guinea pig) can decrease cortisol, a stress-related hormone. For those who can't own a pet themselves, pet therapy can provide this soothing stress-reduction. And we all know most interacting with animals smile and laugh more, which is always good for the heart.2. Pet ownership leads to increased exercise.A dog that needs to be walked outside for bathroom breaks and play time is a great motivation for people to get outside for some fresh air and exercise, to go for walks or throw a ball. Playtime also becomes an opportunity to socialize, as well as petting or talking to someone else's pet. Cats require regular litter box maintenance, which means getting up and getting moving. In contrast, people without a pet are less likely to self-motivate toward physical activity.And for many relying on pet therapy for their animal fix, animals are better motivators than people when it comes to encouraging them to move. Seniors with mobility limitations in particular benefit physically when they find themselves engaging with a pet. Doctors have even found that having a pet can lead to a reduction in pain medication for patients who are undergoing pain management therapy. Pain management experts also cite the power of movement in reducing pain. So, get walking little Augustus or cleaning Alfie's litter box to help you stay pain free!3. Owning a pet instills a sense of purpose.Seniors who participated in studies about the benefits of pets for humans often described feeling a sense of purpose when caring for their pet. The routine of feeding, cleaning, brushing and all the activities around caring for a pet who depends on them become reasons to get up in the morning, and incentives for owners to stay healthy. They feel needed, valued, and rewarded for the care they give with the cuddles and undivided attention they receive from their pets.As humans, were also wired to seek attachment whether thats to other humans or to our furry friends. An animal's unconditional love feeds that need for attachment both with our own pets and with therapy animals. Staring into the eyes of our pets can release oxytocin, the chemical that makes us feel happy and connected, in our brains. And even better, it stimulates oxytocin in our pets, too.4. Pets reduce stress.Having a furry or feathered friend by your side can also reduce the risk of depression and loneliness. Watching fish swim in a tank or birds hop from swing to branch has a similar effect, in addition to stimulating the mind as the watcher follows the animals around their environment. Seniors also say that their pet becomes a confidante, someone to talk to and share secrets that they won't tell anyone else.Pet therapy is also shown to help people struggling with Alzheimer's Disease or dementia to reduce stress and agitation. Studies have shown that just5 to 20 minutes of interacting with an animal can reduce fear and anxiety. And animals can provide emotional stability in times of stress.5. Pets give us comfort and sense what we need.It is well-documented that animals have an ability to sense the emotions of humans. A dog sensing sadness might lay its head in your lap or bring you a ball and nudge your hand with its nose, asking to play. A cat might curl up beside you, with a paw on your hand, or a nudge looking for affection. An animal's sensitivity to a person's mental state can be an especially dear blessing for someone with limited speaking or ambulatory ability, by providing them comfort those other humans can't sense.Dogs especially are known for sensing medical needs. Some help those with epilepsy avoid seizures. Others know when their owners are sick and push them to take care of themselves (sometimes by literally pushing them to bed until a fever has broken). Some doctors even report better memory recall in Seniors when engaging in pet therapy.Considerations for Pets and SeniorsThough there are many benefits to having a pet, there are also some things to keep in mind when considering a pet companion for a senior.A dog requires physical activity and care, being taken outside for bathroom breaks. A larger or more active breed of dog might need outdoor space, like a backyard, to roam in, or a higher level of activity that a senior could not keep up with and would not be suited to the living arrangements in a senior living community.Cats are more independent and require less physical investment from its owner; except for keeping your lap clear for frequent naps.Younger dogs, cats and birds can be very energetic and quick, and are more prone to getting into mischief. A fish tank or bird cage will need to be kept clean.All pets require a financial commitment for food and supplies and veterinary care, and senior animals tend to require more frequent veterinary care.If it's not possible to have a pet of your own, consider pet therapy as an option to reap all the benefits of interacting with animals.Pets Welcomed at Cadence LivingCadence Living communities are pet friendly. We welcome newcomers to our communities and encourage them to bring their pets along. We also encourage residents to consider adopting a pet when it makes sense for them to do so. We are proud to participate in much loved and welcomed pet therapy programs for our residents who are unable to care for an animal on their own. There's a pet policy and rules to follow for the benefit of all residents, but most dogs, cats, birds and fish are welcome to become pet residents alongside their favorite human.Though we've limited our list to five reasons animal friends make our lives better, we know from experience they bring even greater enrichment to our lives than we've listed here. To find out more about how pets and pet therapy have been integrated into your Cadence Living communities, contact your local community director. And whatever animal friend you choose, we wish you good health and joyful living!