Health and Wellness Benefits for Older Adults: A Path to a Vibrant Life

Health and Wellness Benefits for Older Adults: A Path to a Vibrant Life
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Maintaining health and wellness becomes crucial for a vibrant and fulfilling life as we age. Understanding the benefits available through health plans and community programs can make a significant difference for Medicare-eligible older adults. Jennifer, a 63-year-old retiree from Wyoming, shares her journey of discovering and utilizing these resources to enhance her life thanks to the Wyoming Department of Health’s partnership with GetSetUp to offer these free classes to its older residents.

“I didn’t know anything about Medicare until I took my first class on GetSetUp. At 63, I realized I needed to learn more about my options before I became eligible,” Jennifer explains. 

GetSetUp offers a series of classes specifically designed to educate older adults on Medicare. These classes cover everything from the basics of signing up to understanding what benefits are available and how to use them effectively. Jennifer branched out to other classes after gaining confidence in her Medicare knowledge.

“I took a few classes about keeping safe online and some technical classes to help my computer run faster,” she says. “The whole area of cybersecurity is new to me. There are things that I have been able to use and share with my husband, and those classes have been very useful. I feel that it's important to know ways to be more secure online.”

Keeping Up With Digital Literacy and Fall Prevention

GetSetUp provides a wide range of classes, including digital literacy and technical skills, essential for safely navigating today’s digital world. Jennifer’s journey didn’t stop at technical skills. She has embraced health and wellness classes, including exercise and balance improvement programs. 

“I signed up for a month-long challenge to improve my balance and be more active. It was motivating and fun,” she shares. 

Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining physical health, and GetSetUp’s fitness programs offer accessible options for all levels. She also enjoyed taking classes to learn more about cooking. 

“I have gone to a couple of cooking classes and other classes where the Guides have recommended shopping lists and sweeteners. It was useful to learn the pros and cons of different artificial sweeteners.” 

Jennifer also explored classes in Spanish, combining language learning with exercise, adding an extra layer of engagement and fun. 

“Learning Spanish through exercise classes was an enjoyable experience,” she notes.

Exploring New Hobbies In Retirement

Retirement offers the opportunity to explore new hobbies and interests. Jennifer took full advantage of this by joining classes on jewelry making, history, and even makeup and clothing options for older women. 

“I’ve had so much fun with these classes, and I’ve learned a lot of new skills, from how to improve my makeup to how to improve my technology use,” she says. 

Engaging in creative activities keeps the mind active and fosters a sense of accomplishment and joy. Jennifer also values the flexibility of GetSetUp’s classes, which accommodate her travel schedule and time with her grandchildren. 

“If I miss a class, I can still get the notes, which is helpful,” she adds. “Since I'm a younger retiree I still feel like my life is so busy I thought I’d have more time. I love the 20-minute classes because sometimes they are easier to fit into my day.” 

Medicare Advantage plans, offered by organizations like Humana and CVS Health, provide a range of non-medical supplemental benefits that support health and wellness. These benefits include services like transportation for non-medical needs, social needs benefits, addressing various aspects of daily living, and pest control, to name a few.

“When I go in to look at the classes, there are hundreds, and it is amazing, and everything I could ever want to learn is there,” she said. 

Jennifer’s experience highlights the impact of understanding and utilizing available health and wellness resources. Whether it’s through educational classes on GetSetUp or leveraging benefits from Medicare Advantage plans, older adults can enjoy a more active, engaged, and fulfilling life.

For more information and to join programs that fit your interests and needs, visit GetSetUp.