Northwest 50 Plus Metro Edition December 2020 by Northwest50Plus

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Metro December 2020 Your companion for living well in the northwest

Keeping the

holiday spirit

To buy or not to buy â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

alive

right now

during the pandemic

An unexpected

gift

RE A DIC E E M UID G IDE

Holidays with the Grandkids

The Smile! episode

I NS

Visit us northwest50plus.com | Find us on social media @northwest50plus

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Creekside Village

Independent Living for 55+ The right choice for you

VOLUME 24 | NUMBER 12

OREGONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S OLDEST & LARGEST 50+ PUBLICATION

3 Editions serving adults aged 50 and older Portland-Metro-Vancouver, Marion-Polk-Coast, South Valley: Linn-Benton Lane

JENNIFER MCCAMMON

Publisher 971-200-9686 JMcCammon@northwest50plus. com DOREEN HARROLD Office Manager/Sales Assistant DHarrold@northwest50plus.com DEB JONES Sales Executive DJones@northwest50plus.com TAY JUNCKER Lead Designer TJuncker@northwest50plus.com VERONICA MICEK Design Assistant CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Vanessa Salvia, Michele Biggart, Joann Markham, Kristen Dael, Candy Puterbaugh, Mary Owen

P.O. Box 12008, Salem, OR 97309 4923 Indian School Rd. NE, Salem, OR 97305 503-304-1323 | 1-877-357-2430 FAX 503-304-5394 info@northwest50plus.com Northwest50Plus.com Subscriptions $26/year | $49/2 years Printed by Eagle Web Press, Salem, OR

Northwest 50 Plus is published monthly and locally owned and operated by Eagle Newspapers, Inc. The entire contents of this publication are copyrighted by Northwest 50 Plus. Any use of all or any part of this publication is prohibited without written consent of the publisher.

Your apartment at Creekside Village is your home, complete with parking. Your apartment at Creekside is your home is safe. When at home, When traveling you can restVillage assured individual home. You have a parking spot for your car. When you travel, you can feel Truly a gem of our community, dining is a pleasure at Creekside Village. day! being as pleasurable as your favorite restaurant! toroom yourevery experience Working ensureDining everyRoom day feels CreeksidetoVillage Services like a holiday, quarterly are really is truly an amenity at thisbrunches Community. A rotating crew, under the longtime Food Services Director, never misses a beat. Every meal is a pleasure â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ask a Take virtual resident a when you visit. tour! Every day feels like a holiday! Our quarterly brunches are www.creekside-village.com particularly special because they include When the day calls for joining in, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll love family and other guests. Residents enjoy our vibrant community! When you want some alone time, enjoy and in Creeksideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s art studio. Of course the working walking paths in Creeksideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beautiful surroundings. When you want company, drop in on a hopping community card or pool game, visit the library and work in Creeksideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s art studio. Here, you make the paths and surroundings. choice. Creekside is known for its love of the arts and it shows. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;refor proud of our resident Creekside is known its resident artist gallery and its love of the arts, music and dancing. recently a and danceCreekside events are a big installed hit with residents! For those who prefer not to drive, If you no longer wish to drive, you can make an appointment for transportation everyone enjoys. our outstanding, friendly drivers. So many choices. So many good reasons to So many Beavertonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choices, and premiere so many good consider independent reasons to check out Beavertonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premiere, 55+ community! independent, 55+ senior living community. Please www.creekside-village.com for a We arevisit the right move for you. for assistance.

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contents Can you feel it? That magical feeling this time of year feels a little different, right? Everything’s been a little different this year! One thing’s for sure — it has been memorable. This issue offers stories and ideas for fun that we hope will brighten and lighten your season as we continue to social distance and use safe practices. We wish you comfort and joy this holiday season, and hope you’re able to enjoy time with family — by phone, zoom, or at a safe distance. As we close this challenging, often baffling chapter called 2020, we look forward to sharing new beginnings with you. We’re working to bring you fresh ideas, inspiring stories, and compelling content highlighting trends, opportunities and ways to live your best life. Thank you for being part of the 50Plus family. Here’s to holidays filled with love and a happy new year!

Write it on your heart Words of wisdom from Ralph Waldo Emerson

Keeping the Holiday Spirit Alive During the pandemic

5 Tips for Successful Aging Simple and encouraging, these tips are a little philosophical, a lot practical.

Use SMART GOALS to boost your fitness routine Easy tips and suggestions to get started, keep going, and thrive.

To BUY or not to BUY right now Great sales on certain goods are offered during specific months during the year. Check out the best buys — and purchases to hold off on — this month and next.

HOLIDAYS with the GRANDKIDS!

Find us on social media @Northwest 50 Plus

The Smile! episode. Fun, easy photo projects to encourage fun and storytelling while creating treasured keepsakes.

An Unexpected Gift MEDICARE GUIDE INSIDE

All In One Mobility Sales - Installations - Service

Write it on your heart

that every day is the best day in the year. He is rich who owns the day, and no one owns the day who allows it to be invaded with fret and anxiety. Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities, no doubt crept in. Forget them as soon as you can, tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely, with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense. This new day is too dear, with its hopes and invitations, to waste a moment on the yesterdays.

©Ralph Waldo Emerson, Collected Poems and Translations

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Keeping the

Holiday Spirit Alive During the Pandemic

by Vanessa Salvia

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Tis the season for celebration and adventure. For many folks, the annual Thanksgiving gathering or cozy Christmas eve dinner may not be on the table this year given the unknowns due to the pandemic. Still, there are ways to include loved ones this year and even host that gathering â&#x20AC;&#x201D; given a little thought toward simple precautions. Becky Hart, owner of Event Crush in Eugene, says many of her clients are suspending events, but those who aren't are taking planning to the next level. "When planning winter weddings and other events, things we've done to avoid a lot of mingling include things like food service," Hart says. "Instead of everyone going to the buffet, touching the same tongs and serving spoons, we're doing plated dinners and serving the appetizers. We're keeping people at their tables for the majority of the evening."

NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | METRO December 2020

Nikole Garcia's family in Eugene is accustomed to distanced holidays as her children have grandparents in Massachusetts. For them, opening gifts on Christmas morning over FaceTime is typical. "The kids get their boxes, and everyone sits down for the call," says Garcia. FaceTime allows users to make video calls from an Apple device such as iPhone or iPad. Android devices offer similar apps, such as Duo. Garcia’s kids’ other grandparents live just around the corner, and they’ve enjoyed socially distanced backyard gatherings this summer. "We're not sure what we're going to do when the rain hits," she says. "Everyone's playing things by ear because you can't really plan anything right now." For those not tech savvy. Garcia, a technology professional in Eugene, says tablets are often easiest to use, as touchscreens make them "point and click." Last year Facebook introduced Facebook Portal, a tablet-like

device designed for video calling, with Alexa built in. Users can video chat with Facebook friends via a smart camera that follows them around, so they can do things hands-free. When not used for calls, Portal can act as a digital picture frame. Garcia says devices like these make great gifts and can be set up by the giver ahead for less tech-savvy recipients. "Once set up, all you have to do is click on someone's name to call them." Hart says video calls could be the key to virtual holiday experiences. She suggests shipping gifts ahead so they can be opened together. Games like Pictionary or charades are a great way for families to play together. Or share a recipe and cook a meal together. "Even though you may be in separate states you can still get together, feel connected and have fun." Hart does advise those planning gatherings this year to be clear about expectations, such as whether masks will be required. "Everyone has different comfort levels and opinions, so if you’re hosting, communicate as clearly as possible what guests can expect and what you would like them to do. The more up front you can be, the more hiccups can be avoided. Acknowledge that this isn't a 'normal' Thanksgiving or 'normal' Christmas.” But that doesn’t mean it won’t be fun, and certainly memorable.

m e r i t e R e v i t c r A Cente

FEEL YOU

with Excu N G A G A I N! rs Entertainm ions ◆ Exercise ent And a who ◆ Art Classes le lot of FU N! Photo by nestandlove.com. model Sheena Transue

Another safe option is having beverages served at the table rather than people congregating at a bar. When planning seats, consider each table as a family unit and group those already in contact. Have handwashing stations and plentiful hand sanitizer on hand. Place disinfecting wipes in bathrooms and ask guests to wipe down surfaces after use.

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5 Tips for successful aging by Michele Biggart

When Jo Ann Jenkins, AARP CEO and author of Disrupt Aging, received "over the hill" cards and sentiments on her 50th birthday, she realized she wanted to challenge outdated beliefs about aging and encourage others to celebrate aging well. Jenkins’ book explores living fully at every life stage, and encourages retirees and soon to be retirees to embrace the following ideas supporting living well as an “Active Adult.”

Self Actualization. Active Adults are independent people who seek connection, engagement, wellness and liked-minded peers.

Knowledge is Power. Thinking of downsizing? Learn the difference between communities and campuses for people 55+. What do they offer for mental and physical wellbeing, now and in the future?

Have the Conversation. Consider friends,

family and children who will have influence in your future. Proximity to them as well as their physical and emotional support will contribute to your health and happiness.

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Make a Plan. It’s important to have a plan before the potential for a crisis arises. Aging can bring different challenges, and no one has a crystal ball. Planners tend to have more positive outcomes as they are mindful of future needs for comfort, care and health.

Be Not Afraid. Change is hard! After retirement, routines, surroundings and support can change. This needn’t be troublesome, but it is a new normal. Today, older adults are better equipped than ever to navigate the challenges and excitement to come. If you have reached this stage and consider yourself an Active Adult, congratulations! The best is yet to come, and the possibilities are endless. You are not simply “over the hill.” You are exploring and securing what can be the best years of your life.

Medicare Guide

Portland Metro December 2020

2021

Open Enrollment Through Dec 7, 2020

PHP_AEP-2021_NW50Plus_7.5x1.75_FindPlan_091620

INSIDE

▶ Compare plans from major health insurance carriers ▶ Find a local health insurance agent to help you through the process

Discover True Health

Join a community of care dedicated to your well-being. Find a Medicare Advantage plan that’s right for you at MyTruePlans.com/print Providence Medicare Advantage Plans is an HMO, HMO-POS and HMO SNP with Medicare and Oregon Health Plan contracts. Enrollment in Providence Medicare Advantage Plans depends on contract renewal. Providence Health Plan and Providence Health Assurance comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. H9047_2021PHA46_M 9/16/20

INSIGHTS AND TIPS from the experts by Mary Owen

CHOOSING A MEDICARE PLAN CAN BE confusing, especially with all the new changes, but many are a boon to subscribers, and help is available. “This is a very competitive market and plans are including more bells and whistles than I’ve ever seen." says agent Michael Bredimus of Salem. "Everyone should take this opportunity to review new plan offerings to not miss out on new added benefits.” New benefits include $0 premium Preferred Provider Organization plans. “Dental is included in some plans

Open Enrollment is Here!

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Beth Nelson

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(503) 804-6237 Beth.Nelson@HealthMarkets.com

Call to Schedule Your Appointment Now! se habla español (503) 263-8200 | 1433 SE 1st Ave, Suite 103 | Canby, OR 97013 HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc. is licensed as an insurance agency in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Not all agents are licensed to sell all products. Service and product availability varies by state. No cost or obligation to enroll. 46369-HM-1020

2 NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | MEDICARE GUIDE Metro

at no extra cost,” Bredimus says. “Several plans have included an over-the-counter benefit with as much as a $200 allowance to spend on healthrelated items. Some new plans offer a $29 to $50 monthly credit toward Part B premium.” Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) counselor Bruce Bayley says Medicare Part B now covers opioid use disorder treatment services. Other new benefits include: coverage for acupuncture and methadone treatment, ability to pay online and flexible ambulance care. Also a “Senior Savings Model” prescription plan with low-cost insulin, Medicare Advantage plan services for chronically ill patients and expanded telehealth options. Bredimus lists key factors in choosing a plan as deductibles, premiums, anticipated costs of routine care and hospital services, restrictions on doctors, hospitals and pharmacies; cost for regularly used prescription drugs; and maximum out-of-pocket costs. In choosing or modifying a plan, Bredimus says, “It’s important to work with someone local who is educated on local networks and how that relates to access to care.” He encourages working with an agent that contracts with multiple companies. “For example, in our area, many people will pay more for a plan if it grants them access to OHSU. If a senior were working with a 1-800 agent, they might not be aware of this.” Medigap plans are categorized by letter — A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M and N — and plans of the same letter offer the same benefits. “However,

(cont. on p. 4) } } }

Go with the Medicare health plan that can help you

LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE EVERY DAY Enroll in a Kaiser Permanente Medicare health plan and enjoy a $0 monthly premium,1 plus: • $5 doctor office copays • No-cost fitness benefits with Silver&Fit® on all plans2 • Easy telehealth options3 • Online prescription refills4

Talk to a Kaiser Permanente Medicare specialist at 1-855-867-9667 (TTY 711). RSVP to a Live Neighborhood Webinar at kp.org/webinarsnw.

1For our Value Plan. 2Silver&Fit® is a federally registered trademark of American Specialty Health, Inc. 3These features are available when you get care at Kaiser Permanente. Some services are only available in facilities. 4When receiving care at a Kaiser Permanente facility. Kaiser Permanente is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Kaiser Permanente depends on contract renewal. You must reside in the Kaiser Permanente Medicare health plan service area in which you enroll. For accommodations of persons with special needs at meetings, call 1-855-867-9667 (TTY 711).

H9003_NWROP1020_M

All plans offered and underwritten by Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Northwest. 500 NE Multnomah St., Suite 100, Portland, OR 97232. ©2020 Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Northwest 554879729_ADV_09-20

4 NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | MEDICARE GUIDE Metro

(cont. from p. 2)

insurance companies can offer plans at different prices,” Bredimus cautions. “So, you may have different outof-pocket costs even if the standardized plan benefits are the same. These plans do not provide prescription drug coverage. This means you would have to enroll in a stand-alone Medicare Prescription Drug Plan for medication coverage.” Prescription Drug Plan

Skilled Nursing Care

Ambulance

Choice of Hospitals

Hospitalization

Emergency Care, USA/Foreign

Routine Physical Exams

Per Doctor Visit

Choice of Doctors

Maximum Out-ofpocket (MOOP)

Monthly premium

Integrated Part D drug benefit

$0 per day for days 1 through 100

$150 per one-way trip

Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Westside Medical Center, Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center

$200 per day for days 1 through 6; No charge for the remainder of your stay

$120 copay worldwide coverage

$5 Primary/$25 Specialist

Over 3,000 network providers

$3,000

$127

Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage (HMO) Enhanced Plan

Integrated Part D drug benefit

$0 per day for days 1 through 20 $50 per day for days 21 through 100

$200 per one-way trip

Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Westside Medical Center, Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center

$265 per day for days 1 through 6 No charge for the remainder of your stay

$90 copay worldwide coverage

$5 Primary/$35 Specialist

Over 3,000 network providers

$4,900

$44

Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage (HMO) Standard Plan

Integrated Part D drug benefit

$0 per day for days 1 through 20 $150 per day for days 21 through 100

$250 per one-way trip

Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Westside Medical Center, Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center

$335 per day for days 1 through 6 No charge for the remainder of your stay

$90 copay worldwide coverage

$5 Primary/$45 Specialist

Over 3,000 network providers

$5,600

Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage (HMO) Value Plan

Included

Days 1-20 $0, 21100 $184/day

$250 one way

Providence, Tuality, Salem, Silverton, Willamette Valley, PeaceHealth SW Medical Center and others

Inpatient hospital care: $450 days 1-4 $0 days 5+

Emergency $90 copay

Primary Care $0, Specialist $40

Providers in network: 10,000+

$5,900

Prime + Rx (HMO)

Included

Days 1-20 $0, 21-100 $160/day In-Network/30% Out-of-Network

$250 one way

Providence, Tuality, Salem, Silverton, Willamette Valley, PeaceHealth SW Medical Center and others

Inpatient hospital care: $325 days 1-6 / $0 days 7+ / 30% Out-of-Network

Emergency $90 copay

Annual physical exam: $0 In-Network / 30% Out-of-Network

Primary Care: $0 In-Network / $25 Out-of-Network Specialist Visit: $35 In-Network / $50 Out-of-Network

Providers in network: 10,000+

$4,900 InNetwork/$10,000 Out-of-Network

$35

Bridge 1 + Rx (HMO-POS) $35

Offerings from some major providers for the 2021 Open Enrollment Period (OEP) Oct 15-Dec 7, 2020

Here’s what some major providers have to offer

Medicare Plans

MEDICARE GUIDE 2021

Medigap plans help with deductibles and other expenses not paid by Original Medicare, but don’t cover services such as long-term care, dental or eye glasses, according to Bredimus. Both options, he adds, “limit the amount a senior would pay in the event of a major surgery or hospitalization.”

Seniors may opt for a PPO, a type of managed care health insurance plan that provides maximum

benefits for visits to an in-network provider. A PPO, such as Providence, still provides some coverage for out-of-network providers.

Seniors may also choose a health maintenance organization, or HMO, such as Kaiser Permanente. Jody Meyer, manager in Medicare sales for Kaiser Permanente, says seniors should consider what is most important to them when considering Website & Other Phone Numbers

Service Areas

Other Details

Members

Mental Health Therapy

Hearing Exams & Hearing Aids

Vision

Prescription Drug Copay/Deductible

www.kp.org/medicare Members: 1-877-2218221 Non-Members: 1-877-408-3496 (TTY: 711)

Oregon counties: Benton*, Linn*, Clackamas, Columbia, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington, Yamhill. Washington counties: Wahkiakum*, Clark, Cowlitz * partial county

Silver & Fit® fitness program which includes no-cost membership to participating local health clubs and virtual classes. Advantage Plus - Dental, eyewear and hearing aid package for $44 per month. Telehealth services through secure video visits, phone appointments, e-visits, and email.

36,000+

$5 indivdual session copay

Routine hearing exam: $25. Hearing aids not covered. See “Other Detials”

Routine eye exam: $25. See “Other Detials”

No deductible $5 preferred generic (Tier 1) $10 generic (Tier 2) $45 preferred brand-name (Tier 3) $90 nonpreferred brand-name (Tier 4) 33% specialty (Tier 5) $0 injectable Part D vaccines (Tier 6)

www.kp.org/medicare Members: 1-877-2218221 Non-Members: 1-877-408-3496 (TTY: 711)

Oregon counties: Benton*, Linn*, Clackamas, Columbia, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington, Yamhill. Washington counties: Wahkiakum*, Clark, Cowlitz * partial county

32,000+

$5 indivdual session copay

Routine hearing exam: $35. Hearing aids not covered. See “Other Detials”

Routine eye exam: $35. See “Other Detials”

No deductible $5 preferred generic (Tier 1) $10 generic (Tier 2) $45 preferred brand-name (Tier 3) $90 nonpreferred brand-name (Tier 4) 33% specialty (Tier 5) $0 injectable Part D vaccines (Tier 6)

www.kp.org/medicare Members: 1-877-2218221 Non-Members: 1-877-408-3496 (TTY: 711)

Oregon counties: Benton*, Linn*, Clackamas, Columbia, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington, Yamhill. Washington counties: Wahkiakum*, Clark, Cowlitz * partial county

New plan for 2021

$5 indivdual session copay

Routine hearing exam: $45. Hearing aids not covered. See “Other Detials”

Routine eye exam: $45. See “Other Detials”

No deductible $5 preferred generic (Tier 1) $10 generic (Tier 2) $45 preferred brand-name (Tier 3) $90 nonpreferred brand-name (Tier 4) 33% specialty (Tier 5) $0 injectable Part D vaccines (Tier 6)

Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Yamhill counties

Available with a reduced premium for qualifying low income individuals $0 Express Care Virtual visits from the safety of your home Worldwide emergency coverage ($50,000 limit) Silver & Fit gym membership included at no cost Coverage for chiropractic and acupuncture services Preventive dental included with optional, additional coverage starting at $29.40

930+

Individual or group session: $35 in-network 30% out-of-network

Routine exam 1/year: $0 in-network Hearing aids: $399/$699 in-network

Routine exam 1/year: $75 allowance Glasses & contacts: $150 allowance/year

Deductible: $100 Preferred generics: $0 Generics: $10 Preferred brand: $47 Non-referred drug: $100 Specialty drugs: 30% coinsurance

ProvidenceHealthAssurance.com ProvidenceHealthAssurance.com

503-574-5551; 800-457-6064; 503-574-5551; 800-457-6064; TTY: 711; Oct. 1 through TTY: 711; Oct. 1 through Dec. 7, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 Dec. 7, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week (Pacific Time) days a week (Pacific Time)

Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Yamhill counties

10,400+

Individual or group session: $40

Routine exam 1/year: $0 Hearing aids: $499/$799

Routine exam 1/year: $75 allowance Glasses & contacts: $100 allowance/year

Deductible: $150 Preferred generics: $0 Generics: $10 Preferred brand: $47 Non-referred drug: $100 Specialty drugs: 30% coinsurance

MEDICARE GUIDE 2021

their options, such as:

• The ability to choose your doctor, and whether your preferred providers accept Medicare patients.

• Predictable and easy to understand out-of-pocket costs, including deductibles and copays.

• Extra coverage for fitness, dental, vision and hearing.

(cont. on p. 6) } } }

NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | MEDICARE GUIDE Metro 5

(cont. from p. 5) • How coordinated and convenient is the care you receive? Are many services under one roof, lowering costs and increasing convenience? • Convenient care options via phone, video and email. “There are many Medicare Advantage plans in the market and premium ranges vary,” Meyer says. “There are also considerations regarding prescription coverage. An easy way to review the number of plans and compare premiums is to visit the Medicare.gov plan finder.” Meyer says Medicare Advantage plans, health care options that are approved by and contracted with Medicare, must provide benefits that are as good as or better than Original Medicare. “Medicare Advantage plans must cover all the services Medicare covers, including emergency and urgent care,” Meyer says. “Originally Medicare was not designed to pay for all medical services and has no maximum out-of-pocket protection. Medicare Advantage plans generally offer enhanced, more predictable coverage with out-of-pocket protection.” Meyer says Kaiser Permanente offers Medicare Advantage plans that “focus on quality care, including choice of physicians, preventive care and coordination of team-based care through one organization. You can often see your doctor, visit a lab, and pick up prescriptions all in one trip.”

“We have convenient online services to help you manage your health, and we offer phone, video or in-person appointments,” she adds. “We also have convenient urgent care locations, coverage when traveling, and the option to add dental, vision and hearing benefits.” Because of eligibility rules and the contract with Medicare, all beneficiaries on these plans must have Part A and Part B Medicare and continue to pay their Part B premium to remain on the Medicare Advantage plan they choose, says Meyer. Bayley says for most people, enrolling in Medicare involves only a few steps and a handful of choices. “If you feel overwhelmed or that there are special circumstances that make your situation more complicated, SHIBA counselors are here to explain things and are knowledgeable about all the details within Medicare. They can let you know about any special rules that apply to you, and they won’t let you get tripped up!” says Bayley.

Medicare can be confusing SHIBA is here to help here to help... Publicly-funded resource here to help... 7 objective information

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6 NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | MEDICARE GUIDE Metro

Medicare

Life

Long Term Care

360.771.1155

Use SMART goals

to boost your exercise routine

by Joann Markham WHEN IT COMES TO EXERCISE, knowing you need to get out and move is easier said than done. It’s hard to stay motivated this time of year! But identifying a goal can help. Be realistic about what is attainable. Setting a realistic goal will go a long way in helping you stay motivated. Write it down. Instead of setting a random goal and keeping it in mind, commit it to paper. Unpacking the what, why, where, when and how of your goal can help ensure it is manageable and sustainable. Make it SMART: This outline can help ensure your goal is specific, measurable, action-oriented, realistic and time-bound. • SPECIFIC Whether your general goal is to exercise more or get healthy, getting specific can help figure out how to get there. Frame a goal in terms of what, when and why. “I want to walk a mile three days a week so I can play with my grandkids without becoming breathless” is specific. So is, “I want to improve my 5k time to 45 minutes.”

• TIME-BOUND Give yourself a deadline to meet your goal. Make it close enough to keep you motivated. If your goal is large, you may need to break it down into stages. It’s okay to have help. Whether you use a workout buddy, a personal trainer or just text a friend when you start your walk, someone knowing your goal and sharing the journey can make a big difference. Reward Yourself. Once you’ve met your goal, celebrate! Send a selfie of you meeting your goal to a friend, or post it on social media and watch the “Likes” roll in. Or treat yourself to a new pair of shoes or a new workout outfit. Rewarding yourself for a job well done is part of the fun!

• MEASURABLE How many days you go to yoga, how much weight you lift or how far you walk are all measurable. A fitness tracker or checklist can help you track your daily goals. • ACTION-ORIENTED Examine your goal to determine the steps to make it happen. Do you need to buy comfortable shoes? Join a gym? Find a workout buddy? How will you complete these things to meet your goal? • REALISTIC It’s important to be excited about your goal. Losing 50 pounds or completing a triathlon are tall orders for most. You know your body and limits, and what you enjoy. Keep that in mind and set yourself up for success with realistic goals.

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To Buy or NOT to Buy — RIGHT NOW

Year end is just the beginning for discounts in some product categories. Look for sale prices on these items in December: TVs. Black Friday/ late November deals spill into December, and retailers normally t discount TVs and home-theater essentials just before the Super Bowl.

TOOLS. While Black Friday has the best t deals, December sales are especially good for wrench, screwdriver and drill sets.

TOYS. Watch for big toy sales early t to mid-month.

KITCHEN ITEMS. Look for great deals on kitchen t appliances and utensils. If not for you, for your favorite “Betty Crocker.”

CARS. Dealerships are ready to cut prices at year end, and many offer exceptional prices on New Year’s Eve.

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS. Deep discounts begin Dec t 26 — often upward of 50% — on decorations, wrapping, ornaments, artificial trees and seasonal items.

WAIT ‘til January: BEDDING & LINENS. Department stores t hold “white sales” in January with deep discounts on sheets and towels. JEWELRY. Because watches and jewelry are popular holiday gifts, retailers hold t off on big discounts until January.

NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | METRO December 2020

FITNESS EQUIPMENT. Exercise is front of mind, t and retailers know it. Fitness equipment and apparel sales abound at sporting goods stores.

FURNITURE. Retailers begin clearing their t showrooms in January for new product releases in February.

HolidaysC a with the

Grandkids! by Kristen Dael

The holidays are here, and we’re all looking for ways to celebrate the spirit with fun, memorable activities we can safely enjoy together.

Smile!

Most of us have a stash of printed photos we’ve been meaning to sort, frame or give away. These are perfect for a truly magical activity. You and the grandkids can put together multi-photo frames, scrapbook pages, or collages on heavy paper. Choosing, cropping and framing or pasting up the photos is fun for everyone, and the images naturally invite conversation about colorful family characters and shared history and memories. Better still, the resulting creations can be given as gifts or saved as lifelong treasures.

Quick Tip

Keep the focus on fun. Have everyone participate in preparations and cleanup as appropriate, and don’t stress if something’s done a little differently or less “tidily” than you normally would do it. That’s a true recipe for shared pleasure.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: F Photos — your own, and from your adult children if available

F Multi-photo frames of desired; available at dollar, craft, retail and thrift stores

F Scrapbook pages or large, heavy-weight pages (dollar-type stores carry large white “poster boards” that can be cut for multiple pages) F Age-appropriate scissors, rulers F Glue, glue sticks, tape

F Space at the kitchen table or in a room with low tables

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Video Biography • Family Celebrations • Anniversaries • Bar and Bat Mitzvah NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | METRO December 2020

An Unexpected Gift by Candy Puterbaugh

Flying to Louisville for Christmas last year didn’t begin with the usual seasonal sparkle. I was reminded that a seatmate can make or break a flight. The first leg was the breaker when the man next to me offered his elbow but no words or eye contact. The maker came during the final leg — a front-row aisle seat with extra leg room... and Tyler. Young and fresh-faced, he sported cropped hair, smudged glasses, and legs that needed the extra room. A bit fidgety, he gazed briefly out the window, then at me, then back out the window. At last he said, “This is my first time home in four months, ma’am.” We were still talking as we landed two hours later. Tyler was 22, a Marine, and was surprising his half-sister on her 19th birthday and his mother for Christmas. He grew up in small towns. He said Greenville and Campbellsville were good places to grow up, but now he wanted to learn new things.

NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | METRO December 2020

and loves it. He gets himself up at 4 am.

He had no father and his 40-yearold mother had health problems, including epilepsy. “She’s the strongest person I know, ma’am,” he said. “I admire her a lot.” He’s tracked down other half siblings, vowing to stay connected. In a note his mom saved that Tyler wrote as a first grader, he said he had to do what he could with what he had and work hard to be a success in life. He was a weirdo in high school, he said. Everyone had big trucks with huge tires except him. “You see, ma’am, I was very shy and didn’t fit in. Even up until a year ago, I couldn’t carry on a conversation like this.” After attending college briefly, he decided he’d learn more in the military and that it would be good for him. He’s been at the Marine Corps base in Twentynine Palms, California for months now,

Holiday Gift Ideas

“No one wakes you up, ma’am,” he said. “You need to be somewhere by a certain time. I’m learning a lot and I like the guys and the officers.” Tyler shared that he likes fixing things and studied electronics. He plays guitar, does triathlons and martial arts, is an avid reader and loves languages. He’s already traveled extensively, including mission trips with his church. In Africa, his group couldn’t communicate with the natives. Tyler studied their language four hours a day and said the locals were shocked when he spoke to them. Home for three weeks, he’ll work to recruit new Marines while there. “I’m so excited to see my mom and sister!” he said. “I’ll wait in

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the back room, and when my sister gets home from work at the DQ , step out.” She had texted when he was en route to the airport and he’d told her he was out enjoying the California sunshine. “She’s going to be mad at me!” he laughed. He wants kids of his own someday, he said. “I hope I’m a better dad than my dad was. I’ve been lucky. I love my mom and sister so much. I can’t wait to see them. I guess their gift from me this year is... me! I’m hoping this will be our best Christmas ever.” Stretching those long legs as we landed, he stood, offered a polite, “Good day, ma’am,” and moved away with long, confident strides — into his family’s arms and what I knew would surely be a bright future.

Call us @ 971-304-7464 Visit us @ 155 'E' Street, Independence Visit us online @ www.MAO-NW.com Give the purrrfect gift and support a great cause! Wall calendar features photos of rescue kitties. Order now at catadoptionteam.org/calendar

Retirement Life Creekside Village Retirement Residence A “Family Felt” Environment 5450 SW Erickson Ave. Beaverton, OR 97005 503-643-9735 www.creekside-village.com

IHTUP Beaverton Lodge 12900 SW 9th St. Beaverton, OR 97005 503-646-0635 www.beavertonlodge.com

IHTUP Courtyard Village at Raleigh Hills 4875 SW 78th Ave. Portland, OR 97225 503-297-5500 Joanie Ceballos joaniec@courtyardvillage.com web:courtyardvillage.com

IHTUP Avamere at Bethany Retirement, Assisted Living & Memory Care 16360 NW Avamere Court Portland, OR 97229 503-690-2402

IAHTUPM Knights of Pythias Retirement Center 3409 Main Street Vancouver, WA 98663 360-696-4375 Call Lori Fiorillo to schedule your personal tour with complimentary lunch.

IHTUP

There’s “No Place Like Home.” That’s why Creekside Village is where you’ll want to hang your hat. Beautiful grounds w/paths, Serve 3 fantastic home cooked meals a day by our seasoned chef. Just blocks from the Elsie Sturh Senior Center, Beaverton Library, & Beaverton Farmers Market. No Buy-In, 120 Apts., 568 sf, 1BR/1 BA + Lg storage closet, 801 sf, 2 BR/1 BA + Lg storage closet, 808 sf, 2 BR/2 BA + XL closet & pantry. Some of the largest retirement apartments in the area. Pet-friendly, non-smoking community. Two sets of onsite managers, indoor spa, mineral/saline pool, senior water aerobic classes, scheduled transportation, weekly shopping trips & excursions. Beautiful walking paths & raised bed gardens, Comcast TV & much more. No Buy-In 121 apartments, Large Studio, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments with storage rooms 24-hour staffing. Optional meals, two lovely courtyards, full kitchens in each apartment. Conveniently located next to Fred Meyer. Scheduled transportation and weekly housekeeping included. Please call for a tour and complimentary lunch. Embrace the beauty of retirement. No Buy-In, 180 Units Studio: 530 sf, 1 BR/1 BA: 750 sf, 2 BR/2 BA: 960 sf Did you know that Avamere at Bethany offers dementia care in our Arbor Community? Our staff is proud to provide a high quality of care to each resident, recognizing the uniqueness of each individual. We also offer assisted living apartments where residents can start out independent and as their needs grow we grow with them. Bethany has 8 condo cottages that are independent living with all the perks of living inside the community. Call today to schedule your tour! No Buy-In, call for pricing details. Our non-profit organization offers very affordable housing. Amenities include meal program, housekeeping, laundry service, beauty shop, fitness center, art room, library, and a secured courtyard, 24-hr. security, secured entrance, emergency pull cords in each apartment. There are planned activities & weekly shopping trips at no cost. Stop by for a tour and lunch any time! No Buy-In, Subsidized Studios & One Bedroom Apts. 166 Units, private pay rates starting at $820.

Classifieds HELP WANTED

FRIENDSHIP ADS

ASPIRING AUTHOR SEEKS TYPIST. Part time hourly rate. SE Portland or Milwaukie preferred. Contact Ray G. PO Box 82781, Portland 97282.

ACTIVE SWM, 80'ish 5'7", 165 lbs. ISO female who enjoys traveling, RVing, camping and snowbirding. Also enjoys antiques, cars and spending quaility time together. Eager to hear about your interest. #5755

WANTED DIABETIC TEST STRIPS WANTED. Paying top dollar! Free local pickup. Call Sharon, 503-679-3605. BASEBALL & SPORTS MEMORABILIA wanted. Buying old cards, pennants, autographs, photographs, tickets, programs, Pacific Coast League, etc. Alan, 503-481-0719. PRE 1980 SPORT & non-sport cards, vintage model kits, .10¢/.12¢ comics;pre 1960’s pulp magazines. Call Gordon 503-313-7538. CASH FOR GOOD CONDITION reloading equipment & supplies. 541-905-5453.

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To submit your ad, email to classifieds@Northwest50Plus.com or call 1-877-357-2430.

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

All real estate advertising in this magazine is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This magazine will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this magazine are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800-669-9777. Toll-free for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

HEALTHY, FIT & FUN, 70 YR OLD, extroverted DWM. Enjoys the Oregon coast, fishing, golfing, cooking and dancing. I'm well mannered and groomed. ISO attractive female with common interest for LTR. N/S. #5757

FRIENDSHIP AD ABBREVIATIONS M = Male F = Female S = Single D = Divorced W = White A = Asian B = Black H = Hispanic J = Jewish C = Christian N/S = Non-smoker N/D = Non-drinker ISO = In Search Of

LTR = Long Term Relationship WW = Widowed White WB = Widowed Black WA = Widowed Asian WH = Widowed Hispanic LGBT= Lesbian/Gay/ Bisexual/Transgender

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Write the number of the ad you are responding to on the OUTSIDE of the envelope and mail to: Northwest50Plus, PO Box 12008, Salem, OR 97309.

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Coming up in January 2021 • The joy of hearing

February 2021 Pick up your copy at Bi-Mart!

Just 26/year

ADVENTUROUS, KIND, LOVING, AFFECTIONATE, nonmaterialistic, N/S, fun, fit, DWM, 59, seeks CF 50-70 for beach walks and talks. What's your initial meet idea? #5756

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The Love edition

March 2021

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In Every Issue

Trends, Tips, Resources and Inspiration for your best life!

To advertise, contact Jennifer at jmccammon@northwest50plus or 971.200.9686 NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | METRO December 2020

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