“Dying Before Their Time is a call to action for our region,” said Ronald S. Taylor, president and CEO of the Detroit Area Agency on Aging, “and the research confirms that something startling is happening to our older neighbors.” The agency’s signature research report, it finds that in metro Detroit the death rate for adults ages 60-74 is 48% higher than the rest of Michigan and that adults ages 50-59 are dying at a rate 122% higher than the rest of the state. Commissioned by

Make the Most of Medicare Open Enrollment This Year. You have from October 15 until December 7 to choose or change your Part D or Medicare plan for the 2021 calendar year. Even though many people retain existing coverage, keeping it on autopilot, it's important to check out your options every year. New plans enter and leave the market, or plans may boost premiums and change the copayments for your medications. Medicare Advantage plans can also change costs, coverage and provi

Neighborhood Legal Services Michigan-Elder Law & Advocacy Center is geared up to assist families with estate planning for themselves and their elder loved ones, especially if there is a second wave of COVID-19. “Estate planning documents record your wishes regarding health care, finances, and after- life preferences,” says ELAC Managing Attorney Erma Thomas. She says that, in the event of death, it may help families avoid probate court - and more importantly, avoid family con

For many older LGBTQ adults who don’t have close relatives or next of kin, their “chosen families” provide the emotional and physical support that protects them from isolation. These friendships become the care networks that form community. However, budget cuts ushered in by the pandemic have threatened the agencies that support these networks, leaving an already vulnerable population in an even riskier position. To respond to the growing and urgent health-related needs of ol

If you are a Michigan resident, 65 or over, you may be wondering about the auto insurance reform that took effect on July 2, and if changes to your policy might be right for you. You are not alone. Consider approaching Michigan’s new auto insurance law as if you were buying a new set of tires. So, let’s kick those tires and check your options. Tire 1: Understand the Law For many years, Michigan has maintained the best no-fault coverage in the nation. This included unlimited l

It is important to identify your care support team - the people in your life who would be willing and able to help you if you have a planned or unexpected surgery or illness. We refer to those people as your caregivers. Some are family members, some are very good friends, and some are neighbors. Caregivers come in all forms, but it’s important for you to identify them in advance and make your wishes known. • Make a list of the duties and errands you’ll need help with. • Next,