All Posts in "The Senior Scene"

Embrace digital to stay connected

(Pictured: For some seniors, phones with large buttons are virtually essential.)

By Onita Mihaly

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, staying connected is more important than ever, especially for seniors. Maintaining social relationships, accessing essential services, and ensuring safety becomes increasingly important. The right communication tools play a pivotal role in empowering seniors to live independently, confidently, and with a sense of belonging.

Accessibility is a key consideration when selecting phones and other communication devices for seniors. As vision and fine motor skills may decline with age, it’s essential to choose phones with features that accommodate these changes, including:

  • Large, programmable buttons. For easy navigation and visibility.
  • Adjustable ringer and speaker volume. To ensure clear conversations.
  • Emergency buttons. For quick access to help, including 9-1-1.
  • Multiple cordless or corded phones. Place throughout the house for easy access, especially helpful in emergencies. Unlike mobile phones, one always knows where they are.

Safety and scam protection are paramount for seniors, and communication tools play a vital role in ensuring their well-being. Look for phone services offering:

  • Robust scam call blocking, including option to only allow calls from pre-approved numbers to go through.
  • Caller ID verification.
  • Scam alerts helping seniors recognize and avoid potential threats.
  • Automatic notifications to loved ones in emergencies.
  • Address-based 9-1-1 for faster response times, especially if one’s unable to speak. This is particularly important for those living in apartment buildings or senior communities.

Internet-based phone service can also be a reliable backup option in case of mobile carrier outages or if cell coverage is spotty inside the home.

Many seniors face the challenge of traditional landline service being phased out. A reliable and cost-effective alternative is Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which uses the internet to make and receive calls. VoIP providers often offer free nationwide calling with only applicable taxes and fees, making it an attractive option for seniors on a budget; and the ability to keep existing phone numbers.

Family Communication: Bridging the Digital Divide

Other tips to help loved ones navigate the digital divide include:

  • Start slow, offer support. Gradually introduce new technology and provide hands-on assistance.
  • Involve seniors in decision-making. Respect their preferences and needs and consider their comfort level with technology.

By equipping seniors with the right communication tools, families can help them stay connected, safe, and independent. With the right guidance and support, seniors can embrace modern technology and enhance their quality of life.

Remember, staying connected is an ongoing process. As technology continues to evolve, it’s important to stay informed and adapt. By providing ongoing support and encouragement, families can help seniors embrace the digital world and enjoy all the benefits it has to offer.

Onita Mihaly is a brand-marketing expert for Ooma, a provider of communication solutions (https://www.ooma.com/home-phone-serviceseniors/)

The Senior Scene by — December 23, 2024 in Lifestyle, Home, Adventures
AI impersonates voices in slick scams

(Pictured: Scammers imitate voices in phone calls by manipulating voice clips.)

Amid technology advances enabling scammers to commit fraud, elders and their loved ones need to stay informed.

Typically, elder scams involve the transfer of money to a stranger or imposter for a promised benefit or good. In 2023, banks reported more than $27 billion in suspicious activity related to elder scams, according to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, and reports filed by the public to the Federal Bureau of Investigation indicated an average loss of more than $33,000 per case. And these numbers may be conservative, as cases may be underreported.

One technology behind these staggering figures is artificial intelligence (AI). Advanced methods of masking one’s identity using AI make it difficult to detect fakes. Voice print – or voice clone – scamming is becoming more of an issue when it comes to impersonation fraud. Using voice clips from social media or by calling and having a brief conversation with someone, criminals can generate an imitation to be used as part of their ruse.

“Older adults are often easier prey for these types of fakes, because a recognized voice when applied to certain scam strategies is often enough to elicit action,” said Mark Kwapiszeski, head of enterprise fraud at PNC Bank.

Most scams generally follow one or two main strategies: Elicit strong feelings and apply a sense of urgency to get someone to act quickly before thinking, and/or entice someone with an offer that seems too good to be true, yet too alluring to pass up. Here are some of the more common types of elder scams:

• Tech support. A caller claims they need to remotely access the victim’s computer to fix a software problem, then use that access to steal personal or financial information.

• Government imposter. The fraudster may say a victim owes a debt that must be paid immediately or face arrest, asset seizure, or termination of benefits.

• Grandparent. An elaborate story is given by phone, claiming a loved one is in trouble and needs money to be protected.

• Investment. The scammer makes claims of a high-return investment to trick the victim into giving them money, often asking to be paid in an unconventional way, like cryptocurrency, where there’s little to no chance of recovering the funds.

• Romance. The scammer develops a fake identity and creates the illusion of a romantic relationship to manipulate or steal from the victim.

• Lottery/sweepstakes. Scammers by phone or mail tell the victim they’ve won the lottery or a sweepstakes but must remit a processing fee before they can get their prize.

The most effective way of preventing fraud is to pause when being rushed and verify the legitimacy of both the person making contact and their claims. To reduce the odds of your voice being cloned, experts suggest exercising caution when speaking on the phone with strangers. If someone unfamiliar contacts you, hang up the phone, get a number for the purported company, government agency or family member from a trusted source (such as a company’s official website) and use that to call back and verify.

Be leery of anyone asking for nontraditional payment forms, and when logic may be clouded by romantic feelings, confide in someone you trust for an objective opinion.

If you believe you or someone else is a victim of fraud, contact the U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime’s National Elder Fraud Hotline website or call 1-833-FRAUD11.

Source: StatePoint Media

The Senior Scene by — December 18, 2024 in Personal Finance/Consumers
Owners do anything for their pets

(Pictured: Matti Rinehart and her dog, Benji, have received food from Meals on Wheels during her battle with cancer. Photo credit: Jake Lyell)

Like humans, four-legged family members need love and care. However, the relationship is not one-sided. In addition to joy and unconditional love, pets can help their owners – particularly seniors – live longer, happier, healthier lives, according to the Human Animal Bond Research Institutes (HABRI). Caring for pets may reduce anxiety, decrease loneliness, encourage physical activity and more.

Benefits of owning a pet and the important role a furry friend can play in healthy aging is noted by Meals on Wheels America. The national non-profit supports a network of more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country addressing senior hunger and isolation, and they serve furry clients, too. Hundreds of local programs provide pet food and supplies, plus services such as veterinary care access, grooming, emergency boarding, and dog walking. This helps seniors care for their animal companions and increases the chances they will stay together.

The organization’s pet programming success hinges on community investments, including national support from PetSmart Charities, as well as donations from local pet supply stores, veterinary clinics and other community-based businesses.

Since the program launched five years ago, the people behind it noticed a number of key benefits of pet ownership:

Improving mental health.

Pets typically waste little time in coming to their owners’ aid when they sense feelings of sadness or other negative emotions. Physical interactions, such as petting, can cause the release of endorphins, which are natural mood boosters, promoting happiness and well-being.

Companionship.

Pets serve as a source of comfort and emotional support during difficult times and reduce feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Nearly 98 percent of Meals on Wheels’ clients with pets said their animals make them happier and less lonely. Many seniors often find solace in talking to their pets, their closest companions and often one of their only sources of consistent comfort.

Physical activity.

Pets help keep older adults active with the opportunity to play and go on walks. Even if mobility is limited, pets can spark physical activity in day-to-day life. Dog owners reported more minutes per week of physical activity compared with non-dog owners, according to HABRI. Regular physical activity has been shown to help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Known for providing nourishing meals and companionship to homebound seniors across the country, Meals on Wheels also serves furry clients. This extra layer of support allows seniors to continue living independently with their floppy-eared hounds and whiskered felines, including David, who lives alone with Rebel, his 7-year-old blue heeler.

In May, volunteers from a local program delivered the 13-millionth pet meal, which just so happened to go to David and Rebel’s doorstep. This is one of several services offered by many programs across the country, which often provide veterinary care access, cat litter, leashes, treats and toys, grooming, emergency boarding and dog walking.

Before connecting with the charity, David resorted to paying only half his electric bill – just enough to keep the lights on – so he could afford food for his pup.

“I was barely making it,” David said.

Many homebound seniors make sacrifices like this to care for their pets. More than 1 in 5 Meals on Wheels clients with pets forgo meals themselves to feed their companion animals. About 30 percent skimp on other necessities, like medical care and utilities, to provide for their pets.

Despite these challenges, pets are a powerful force in the fight against senior isolation. That includes David, who relies on Rebel, a registered service animal, to help manage his anxiety and depression.

“Rebel the Wonder Dog – that’s what I call him,” David said. “I wonder how he’s still here and how he takes care of me so much. I talk to him all day like a human because I got no family. He helps me more than people will ever know.”

More information about pet assistance programs is at mealsonwheelsamerica.org/pets.

Source: Family Features

The Senior Scene by — December 18, 2024 in Lifestyle, Home, Adventures
Medicare takes the sting out of pain treatments

Living with pain can be challenging. No matter the cause, it’s important to manage it safely and effectively. Medicare covers pain management and treatment services that can help, including care plans and medication management.

Sometimes, a doctor may prescribe pain medications covered under Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) to help manage pain. Many different types can be effective at treating certain types of pain, and some carry certain risks and side-effects. Some people may also want to take advantage of other supportive services available under Medicare, such as counseling and behavioral health services. 

Finding a way to manage pain is often easier if it’s addressed early. The first step is talking with your doctor about all your options and working together to determine what is right for you.

Services that Medicare Part B (medical insurance) covers for pain and related issues include:acupuncture for lower-back pain, chiropractors, alcohol misuse and counseling, behavioral health and depression services, and occupational and physical therapy.

Medicare drug coverage (Part D) may cover:medication therapy management or complex health needs, and opiod prescriptions.

For most pain management services, Medicare enrollees pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for visits to doctor or other healthcare providers. The Part B deductible applies.to services in a hospital outpatient clinic or hospital outpatient department, you may have to pay an additional..

Source: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The Senior Scene by — December 18, 2024 in Health & Fitness