Tips for Upcoming Medicare Open Enrollment:

For 2024 coverage, Open Enrollment will run from October 15 through December 7,2023. Open Enrollment is the time of year when you can make certain changes to your Medicare coverage. The last change you make will take effect on January 1, 2024. Take action during Open Enrollment to make sure your coverage will meet your needs in 2024.

During Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period you may receive some soliciting phone calls. Some may be legitimate calls from your plan. However, scammers may take advantage of the Open Enrollment Period to try to steal your personal and/or medical identity information. Here are some tips about the upcoming open enrollment for 2024:

·    Medicare will not contact you to say that there has been suspicious activity on your card. Instead, find the organization’s contact information on your own (don’t use caller ID) and call or email them directly.

 ·    Be aware of texts from unknown numbers and avoid clicking on links.

·    Be aware of calls from unknown numbers and calls that are automated or sound robotic.

·    Look out for scammers who use social engineering. They may already have personal information when they call you and use that information to confirm this information, to obtain more, or to gain your trust.

·    Never enroll in a plan with a company that calls you out of the blue. Always call and speak to a company or organization you trust, before enrolling in a plan. 

It is very important to compare the plans offered during the Open Enrollment. Illinois SHIP counselors are an unbiased third party, who can help you by putting you in a plan that works for you! If you need help during annual enrollment and live in Illinois, you can find your local SHIP by calling (800)252-8966.

Using assistive technology to empower independence and confidence in cooking; it’s IATP’s recipe for success! 

The IATP Tech Kitchen Program offers free in-person training for Illinois residents with any disability. Trainings are designed to increase independence and help you find kitchen tools, cooking skills, and strategies that can make cooking at home safer, easier, and less overwhelming.  

The Tech Kitchen Provides:  

• Onsight Accessible Kitchen Classroom  
• Customized Cooking Classes  
• Assistive Technology (AT) Kitchen Tool Recommendations  
• Professional Chef and licensed Occupational Therapy Staff  
• Community Resources  

Tech Kitchen staff are also available for cooking and assistive technology demonstrations for individuals and groups. Contact us to schedule a tour or demonstration of kitchen devices.  

Come Cook With Us!

701 North Walnut Street,

Springfield, Il 62702

(217) 522-7985 (office)

www.iltech.org (web)

iatp@iltech.org (email)

The 21st Annual Caregiver Conference was a TREMENDOUS SUCCESS!! "Celebrating the Caregiver". We had an Amazing turnout. Thanks to all our Sponsors, speakers, and attendees. Save the date for next year's conference June 22nd.

Our Wonderful Speakers Picture L to R: Lori Schlosser, Loretta Veney, Rebecca Keck (AgeLinc COO) and Monica Adams.

SPONSORS:

Why Exercise Matters for Seniors:

Exercise is important for older adults (age 65+) because being physically active makes it easier to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), including eating, bathing, toileting, dressing, getting into or out of a bed or chair and moving around the house or a neighborhood, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Physically active older adults are also less likely to fall, which can lead to serious injuries.

Exercise improves muscle strength and bone density as well, which is especially important for women since they lose bone density at a faster rate after menopause than men. Meanwhile, the benefits of exercise for the heart and lungs help promote overall health and offset some risks for chronic illnesses and disease.

Best Aerobic Exercises for Seniors:

Older adults should do at least 2.5 to 5 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week, ideally spread out over several days. Moderate-intensity aerobic activity includes brisk walking, cycling, swimming, dancing and nature walks.



• Walking: Walking is one of the best forms of cardio for older adults and can be modified to match the pace, distance or time that feels right for the individual. It requires good balance, but can be effective if a person uses a cane or walker.

• Cycling: Whether using an outdoor bicycle or a stationary bike, cycling requires the use of larger muscles, including the quadriceps and hamstrings, leading to increased blood flow and demand on the heart and lungs. Like with other forms of cardio, when this demand is repeated, the body adapts by increasing its capacity to tolerate the added load, making the exercise beneficial for the heart and the lungs. Cycling is also a non-impact activity, which can be beneficial for anyone who needs to reduce ground reaction forces during exercise to help with joint or muscle pain or dysfunction.

• Dancing: Whether you’re into Zumba, line dancing or tango, moving your body (including your hips) with continuous dancing definitely counts as cardio. Dancing not only elevates the heart rate, but also improves balance, strengthens multiple large muscle groups and lifts your spirits. Pair it with a partner or group, and you’ve got yourself a social and physical workout.

• Nature walks: Whether along a creek, at the beach or on a mountain, walking in nature can challenge the body’s proprioception, or awareness of itself in space. Walking on various terrain can improve strength, agility and balance for safer movement overall. Spending time outside may also lead to positive psychological effects, such as reduced anxiety and improved mood.