Now that you’re retired, you can use your age to your advantage. Count these 14 benefits of growing older:
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Why are older adults flocking to these Chicago neighborhoods?
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Benefits of Getting Older
- At 65, you can collect Social Security. You paid into it for years; now, you can get it back. The average monthly Social Security check for retirees is around $1,300.
- At 65, you qualify for Medicare, probably the most affordable health insurance in the U.S. With a few extra dollars, you can purchase supplements that can cover all your medical costs.
- If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, at age 65, you may qualify for Medicare’s Silver Sneakers program, which offers fitness programs, gym access, and activities.
- If you’re 62 or older, you can buy a National Park Senior Pass that gives you lifetime access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites and national parks. At some sites, the pass may include camping or swimming discounts, too.
- From the age of 50 on up, you may qualify for senior discounts at grocery stores, public transit, drug stores, pharmacies, movie tickets, vehicle repair, retail stores, cruises, airline flights, utility companies, gyms, restaurants and more. Minimum age limits vary, so call ahead.
- Many restaurants offer a senior menu for adults age 55 and older.
- People age 65 and older qualify to audit college classes at public universities for a small fee or free in most states. In some states, the age may be as low as 60.
- Many elders qualify for affordable senior housing because of their income. However, if you have enough money saved, you can enjoy life in the company of other seniors at a senior living community. Many independent living communities offer housing, transportation, activities, and fitness programs. Top-of-the-line communities may feature indoor swimming pools, fitness centers, craft workshops, lectures and more.
- Most states fund senior centers where older people can enjoy activities and meals with peers.
- Older people have been exposed to more viruses over the years, so your immune system may protect you from these diseases up to your 70s or 80s, when immunity drops off.
- Beginning in the 50s and 60s, allergy symptoms appear to improve, because the level of Immunoglobulin E and other antibodies diminish with age.
- The older you get, the more knowledge you’ve gained. The problem, however, lies in retaining that knowledge.
- You may have a more positive attitude. Studies show that older people say they have higher self-esteem, better emotional stability, and a more positive outlook on life than younger people.
- From middle age and older, adults are more able to use both hemispheres of their brain at the same time. This means you can activate the full power of your brain to solve problems.
Getting Older Is Downright Humorous
Ron Gluckman, an American reporter, came up with some humorous ideas about the positive points of getting older:
- You can eat dinner any time you want, because you don’t have to get up early for work.
- You’re finally getting some benefit from your health insurance.
- No one considers you a hypochondriac.
- Your eyes won’t get much worse.
- Things you buy are unlikely to wear out.
- No one expects you to run into a burning building to rescue someone.
- Your joints are more accurate than the National Weather Service.
- No one expects you to wear uncomfortable clothes.
- You don’t care what others think.
- You can ask a young person to carry your luggage or help you find a cab, and, chances are, they will do it.
Revel in the blessings of aging. After all, as Maurice Chevalier said, “Old age isn’t so bad when you consider the alternative.”
Transform the Experience of Aging
Transform the experience of aging at Chicago’s The Admiral at the Lake, where you can retire your worries, not your life. The Admiral offers wellness programs, lifelong learning and the opportunity to make a difference with independent, creative neighbors. Contact us for more information on how we can help you enjoy all your blessings.