The first time a user accesses the MPF, the user is required to create a MyMedicare.gov account. The account which has a list of your prescription drugs, a personalized Part D and C plan analysis, and can be completed in a timely fashion annually.

The previous MPF has been discontinued, along with drug lists saved under the random ID and date password. Although it will take time for people to adjust, Sourcewise Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) can help Medicare beneficiaries with the transition.

Start by creating a “MyMedicare.gov” account at www.medicare.gov and try it out. Once you are logged in, and after answering some questions, you will see a list of your recent prescriptions. You may select which drugs to include in your analysis to compare drug plans or Medicare Advantage plans for 2020. Later on, you can go back and edit your selection by logging in to your MyMedicare.gov account.

Medicare recipients who decide to not create an account may continue to use the MPF, but the analysis will not be saved or retrievable. This may be fine for those who only have a few prescriptions, but if you have multiple prescriptions you should consider creating an account. Either way, the updated MPF could show you the yearly premium and drug cost combined for Part C and D plans, making it easier to compare plans.

Tech- savvy Medicare beneficiaries will adapt, but Medicare advocates express concern for Medicare beneficiaries who may not be computer literate or those who lack access. HICAP can provide assistance to all Medicare beneficiaries.

Contact HICAP for a free, unbiased, one-on-one counseling session: (408) 350-3200, option 2.

This year, Sourcewise awarded three host training agencies and two host training agency supervisors with appreciation certificates for their valuable contributions to both SCSEP and ultimately the senior participants.

Tammy Aguilera, Senior Operations Director of San Jose American’s Job Center of California accepted the award on behalf of Eckerd Connects. Glenda Cresap, Executive Director of Heart of the Valley Services for Seniors accepted the award for the agency. For over 20 years, Glenda has connected volunteers with seniors throughout Santa Clara County who were looking for assistance with daily activities. Sophia Juarez, Finance Director of Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, accepted the third host training agency award. Second Harvest recognized for providing on-the-job training, participant guidance, and offering several SCSEP participants with unsubsidized full-time positions for many years.

The agency supervisors awarded were chosen based on the recommendation of the SCSEP participants. Both supervisors from Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, Tina Andrews and Ozzy Maldonado, were nominated and ultimately awarded in appreciation for their exceptional and helpful guidance. The participants noted these supervisors were instrumental in learning new and contemporary job skills that ultimately improved their confidence while searching for and finding unsubsidized employment.

Since 1973, SCSEP has assisted workers age 55 or older by providing on-the-job training to get back into the workforce. The goal of SCSEP is to teach participants quality and contemporary job skills, boost their confidence, and ultimately qualify them for unsubsidized employment opportunities.

To learn more about the Sourcewise Senior Employment Services, call: (408) 350-3200, option 5.

According to the Family Caregiver Alliance,

“Family caregivers spend an average of 24.4 hours per week providing care. Nearly 1 in 4 caregivers spend 41 hours or more per week providing care.”

It is imperative that caregivers also make time for their individual needs and a supportive network to continue to provide care. Some may find it challenging to make time for self-care and researching supportive options in their community.

In Santa Clara County, there are a variety of supportive services available for family caregivers. Whether you are able to meet in-person or cannot; there are options available to your unique situation. Sourcewise offers the Family Caregiver Support Program to provide a period of respite services to family caregivers who need to make time for their needs. Respite services focus on providing support to the family caregiver to ensure that their loved one receives the assistance needed while their caregiver is not available.

There are educational opportunities for caregivers of loved ones with a specific diagnosis and offers the opportunity to connect with others with similar situations. Remote support groups, in-person support groups, respite care, information & assistance, and caregiver training are available for caregivers. There are many options that one can choose in order to fit the family caregiver’s social, physical, and mental health needs.

For more information about caregiver support groups and respite care options, contact a Community Resource Specialist: (408) 350-3200, option 1.

According to Allison Aubrey, author of 10,000 Steps a Day? How Many You Really Need to Boost Longevity states,

“While walking can benefit one’s health, there really is nothing special when it comes to the number 10,000.”

While the number has no significant meaning, this does not mean we should not set a daily steps goal for ourselves. Setting a step goal for yourself would boost your overall morale. In a recent study, I-Min Lee of Brigham and Women’s Hospital discovered that the benefits of walking max out at 7,500 steps for those over the age of 72.

If 10,000 steps have been feeling out of reach for you, Aubrey says,

“It may be time to rethink your step goal. Instead, try to hit at least 4,400 a day, along with daily activities that you enjoy. And stick to it.”

Walking may be the best form of physical exercise for seniors. It can be performed at low or moderate intensity and it is easy on the joints.

Make walking part of your daily routine with these tips:

• Start with light walking for short distances
• Build walking into a different activity, like trips to a nearby park for fresh air
• Take walks indoor at the local mall when the weather is too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter

Contact a Sourcewise Community Resource Specialist for more information about self-care resources: (408) 350-3200, option 1.

Many people spend a majority of their lives interacting with others – at school, in the workplace, at home with family, or in their communities. As people age, they may experience life events that can affect how often the opportunities for socialization happens. This might include children moving out of the house, friends moving far away, or adults retiring from work.

If you are looking for a casual setting and the ability to interact with people who have similar interests, there are a wide range of possibilities you can find through the programs for active adults. These activities are affiliated with the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services with the City of San Jose. According to the California Commission on Aging (www.ccoa.ca.gov), there are over 30 senior centers accessible in Santa Clara County that offers an array of activities. You can learn how to play new card games or learn new dance skills while enjoying the company of those around you.

In a 2016 study published in Psychology and Aging, they noted,

“Our results indicate that living a socially active life and prioritizing social goals are associated with higher late-life satisfaction and less severe declines toward the end of life.”

For many older adults, continued socialization does not happen on its own. If transportation is a barrier to get to a senior center, there are options available to help get you to your destination. The best ways to create a healthy social life depends on you and your unique situation.

Find classes, programs, and events near you. Contact a Community Resource Specialist of Sourcewise: (408) 350-3200, option 1.