Savvy Senior

  Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about three-wheeled bicycles? I’m 65 years old and would like to start cycling again but I have some occasional balance problems and don’t trust myself on a two-wheeler. What can you recommend? Ready to Ride Dear Ready, Three-wheeled bikes – also known as adult trikes – are a great cycling option for older adults, especially those who have concerns with their balance or stamina. Here’s what you should know, along with some tips to help you shop for one. Safer Cycling If you’d like … [Read more...] about Trikes for grown-ups

Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about the Supplemental Security Income program and what are the eligibility requirements? My father is very low-income, so I’m wondering if this is something he may qualify for. Searching Daughter     Dear Searching, Supplemental Security Income (or SSI) is a program administered by the Social Security Administration that provides monthly cash benefits to people that are disabled or over 65 based on financial need. Currently, more than 8 million people are receiving SSI benefits. Here’s … [Read more...] about How SSI can help low-income seniors and the disabled

Dear Savvy Senior, I will be retiring in a few months and need to get some health insurance for my wife and me until we can enroll in Medicare. What are my options? About to Retire Dear About, There are several places early retirees can find health insurance coverage before Medicare kicks in, but the best option for you and your wife will depend on your income level and your health care needs. Here’s where to look. Government Marketplace If your yearly income falls below the 400 percent poverty level after you retire, the … [Read more...] about Finding health insurance before Medicare kicks in

Dear Savvy Senior, Is there anything seniors can do to stop perpetual robocalls? It seems like I get five to 10 a day on my home and cell phone, and I’m sick of it! Frustrated Frank Dear Frank, Robocalls make up around 50 percent of all phone calls today, and it’s only getting worse. Americans were hit with 26.3 billion robocalls in 2018, a whopping 46 percent increase from the year before. Fortunately, there are a variety of tools available today that can help you greatly reduce them. Register Your Numbers If you … [Read more...] about How seniors can stop frustrating robocalls

Dear Savvy Senior, I will be enrolling in Medicare in a few months, and would like to know how Medicare covers vision services? I currently have vision insurance through my employer but will lose it when I retire. Looking Ahead Dear Looking, Many people approaching 65 are unclear on what Medicare does and doesn’t cover when it comes to vision services. The good news is that original Medicare covers most medical issues like cataract surgery, treatment of eye diseases and medical emergencies. But unfortunately, routine care … [Read more...] about Does Medicare cover vision services?

Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend some good stair lift companies? I have a difficult time getting up and down the stairs anymore and am interested in purchasing a stair lift for my house but could use some help choosing one. Arthritic Ann Dear Ann, A good home stair lift is an excellent solution for those with mobility challenges who have trouble with steps. A stair lift will carry you up and down the stairs in a safe seated position, providing easy access to the second story or basement level of your home. To help … [Read more...] about How to choose a good home stair lift