All Posts in "The Senior Scene"

‘Thank you for your service’ has added meaning for mental health of veterans

COMMENTARY

By Darin Davis 

As an Army National Guard veteran, I see Veterans Day as a day of reflection as well as a day of action.

There are 18.4 million veterans alive today who deserve our gratitude for their commitment to selflessly serve our nation. In turn, they also deserve the commitment of leaders, businesses, organizations and communities to support them in their time of need. This Veterans Day—Nov. 11–is an opportunity to remind our nation’s citizens about the challenges veterans may face both during and after their time in service. 

The primary enemy many veterans face after service is not war-related trauma, but loneliness, according to a study from Yale University and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It may be difficult for some veterans to connect to the civilian world – they often feel misunderstood by those who haven’t experienced what they have. This can translate into social isolation, feelings of loneliness and disconnection, which can contribute to higher suicide risk among veterans. 

The veteran suicide rate currently is 57 percent higher than the national average. We know there is not a simple solution to this very complex challenge, which means we must all work together to face it. 

Health-related social needs play a huge role in mental and physical health and can contribute to a higher suicide risk. In my role at Humana, I see firsthand the impact social challenges can have on our aging veterans, in particular. In a 2022 survey of Humana Medicare members who are veterans or veteran spouses, many indicated struggles with financial strain, loneliness, food insecurity, transportation barriers, or housing insecurity. These factors are associated with anxiety, depression and PTSD – all risk factors for suicide. 

Helping veterans address these struggles may alleviate the negative impacts on health and wellness. We can do this by ensuring they have access to medical care, to include behavioral and clinical health, and by connecting them to community resources that can help with social needs. 

First, understanding inpatient and outpatient care that is available in the area and covered – whether it’s through the VA, employer insurance, or Medicare – is crucial. Outpatient care may include talk therapy, medication to support mental health, and care managers to provide guidance on the best type of care. 

Second, we must look beyond doctors and hospitals to address social needs through community support. Helping veterans remove barriers to healthy living and connecting to the right organizations can help lift them out of isolation and into community. Tools like the Humana Community Navigator, a free resource available to anyone, can help make the connection to local support services. 

To initiate change and make a real impact, we must work together as a community and as a nation to combat social risk factors to veteran suicide. If you want to say “Thank you for your service” this Veterans Day, find some small way to give back to the veterans in your community and be part of the solution.

Darin Davis is the regional veteran executive for Washington Humana.       

The Senior Scene by — November 9, 2023 in Spotlight

How do younger adults feel about suggestions of raising certain age limits for Social Security benefits? To find out, ResumeBuilder.com surveyed more than 700 Gen Z individuals (born between 1997 and 2012, with the oldest now 24) and Millennials (between 25 and 40 years old). The results:

  • 51 percent of the two age groups want a lower full-retirement age; and 60 percent want it changed to 60 or lower. Reason: Giving more employment opportunities to younger workers.
  • 16 percent say the retirement age should be raised, and 34 percent say it should stay where it is now (66 and two months for people born in 1955, 67 for those born in 1960 or later).
  • Two-thirds are counting on Social Security money when they qualify, yet almost half believe there won’t be any.
  • 75 percent believe wealthy Americans shouldn’t qualify for Social Security.

Currently, 62 is the earliest age at which benefits can be claimed. Full benefits can be received starting at 66.

Resumebuilder.com, an online service for designing resumes and career resources, conducted the survey in response to support from Nikki Haley, a Republican candidate for president, for raising the retirement age as way to prevent Social Security funds from running out. Such a proposal, including one by a bipartisan group of U.S. senators to make 70 the new age for full-benefits eligibility, is a subject of political and societal debate. Opposition exists within Congress, the general public, and seniors’ advocacy groups.

The federal government has said 2033 is the year when there could be insufficient funds to fulfill Social Security payouts.

Raising the age for full benefits reportedly wouldn’t affect people already receiving benefits. The impact would be highest for younger adults, who might have to work longer.

The Senior Scene by — November 9, 2023 in Personal Finance/Consumers
$3.76 for a cup of coffee? That’s Washington

If you’re a coffee lover, then it’s safe to say the day doesn’t really start until you’ve had that first sip from your morning cup.

Needless to say, countless people of all nationalities look to the bean for their daily dose of caffeine, and this is only going up. In fact, the $11 billion coffee industry is set to grow at an annual rate of 3 percent by 2028.

With that in mind, is it easy to find a cheap cup of Joe? Betkentucky.com had its analysts compare the average price across the U.S. to see which state’s coffee drinkers pay the most for their morning java. It may be no surprise to Washingtonians who frequent coffee shops that they’re paying the third-highest average price–$3.09 per coffee beverage. The only states higher are Hawaii ($3.76) and California ($3.35).

Data for the comparisons was gathered from Menuwithprice.com, by extracting and analyzing menus from over 5,000 coffee shops across all 50 states. The results are the average cost of coffee (including multiple sizes) but exclude coffee beverages with alcohol in them.

While plenty of coffee drinkers appreciate the pure simplicity of a basic morning brew, what about those who enjoy something with a little bit more of a kick? A cappuccino, for instance. As it turns out, people in Seattle suffer the most when it comes to cappuccino prices, paying nerve-jangling $6.21 per cup—the highest national average among cities. Honolulu is right behind at $5.96, followed by Reno, Nev., Tucson, Ariz., and San Antonio, Texas at $5.66, $5.63, and $5.60, respectively.

Source: betkentucky.com

The Senior Scene by — November 9, 2023 in Food, People
Pet owners can get community-level vet services

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, veterinary care is out of reach for the pets of one of every four dog or cat owners.

 A dog named Cowboy was among pets that received an exam during a pet Wellness Clinic at Southeast Seattle Senior Center. The Seattle Humane team that conducted the clinic included  Dr. Jessica Reed (right), vice president of veterinary services.

To counter that shortcoming, Seattle Humane’s Community Medicine program provides affordable and accessible wellness care, vaccinations, and microchips. Wellness Clinic appointments are offered at the agency’s Bellevue campus and pop-up sites. Examples of the latter include Southeast Seattle Senior Center, where pets and their owners received some attention from the Community Medicine team Exams for pets can be scheduled at 425-649-7560 or vets@seattlehumane.org.

The Senior Scene by — November 9, 2023 in Everything Else