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Guest Blog: Auto Safety Tech Innovations That Will Excite Boomer Drivers

 

As automotive technology has improved, increasingly more consumers are seeking out that technology during the car shopping process. Every year, the rate at which technology changes personal transportation accelerates. As a matter of fact, NY speeding violations lawyer http://www.zevgoldsteinlaw.com/ quotes General Motors CEO Mary Barra; “We’re going to see more change in the next five to ten years than we’ve seen in the last 50.”

 

For baby boomers, who are hoping to stay on the road for as long as possible, this is more important than ever. The question many consumers find themselves asking, however, is what technologies will make their way into the mainstream market and which ones will remain in the realm of science fiction. In the very near future, there are 25 advanced car technologies that we expect to see making their way into showrooms.

  1. Intelligent Brake Lights are being developed that indicate whether a driver is stopping quickly or simply decreasing acceleration.
  2. Smart Windshields will use augmented reality to help display key information about what’s happening on the road.
  3. Night Vision Enhancements make it easier for seniors and others with night vision troubles to see when they’re out on the road at night, removing obstacles that might create an earlier curfew for seniors.
  4. Automated Parking Systems make parking easy. Simply put the car into parking mode and it will slide itself into the parking space—perfect for those who have started to see their motor skills deteriorating.
  5. Lane Departure Warning Systems don’t just help distracted drivers who might have wandered out of their designated lane. They’re also designed to help elderly drivers who may struggle to keep their car inside the lane when they’re driving.
  6. Crash Notification and Avoidance Technologies recognize the conditions that can lead to an accident, from someone running into the road to a car slamming on its brakes ahead. Some of them are designed to notify drivers so that they can react. Others may even slam on the brakes or have another reaction to help avoid the collision.
  7. Blind Spot Detection and Back-Over Prevention Systems note any time there’s something behind the car or in a blind spot, making it easier to avoid accidents.
  8. Fatigue Warning Systems analyze driver behavior and notify them when they are becoming fatigued, letting drivers know when it’s time to pull over for a while.
  9. Forward Collision Warning with Auto Brake notices when accidents are going to happen and puts on the brakes to avoid them.
  10. Self-Driving Cars were the technology of the future just a few short years ago. Now, however, they’re becoming a very real possibility, removing the responsibility of driving the car from the senior’s shoulders.
  11. Driver Override Systems recognize when drivers are accelerating faster than the driver intended, such as when the gas pedal is slammed instead of the brake. The unsafe response is then overridden.
  12. Biometric Vehicle Access offers an even greater level of safety and protection, pulling together the safety systems needed by an individual driver based on biometric scans.
  13. Comprehensive Vehicle Tracking lets you know where your car is at any moment. It’s a fantastic resource for children who might worry about their elderly parents wandering off.
  14. Active Window Displays bring GPS and other apps straight to the windshield, removing the need to look away in order to effectively use those apps.
  15. Remote Vehicle Shutdown allows a car to be shut down from a distance—especially effective in conjunction with the GPS tracking that will let adult children know if their parents are out of the geographic area where they should be traveling. This feature is one of 10 advanced car technologies predicted by Forbes contributor Karl Brauer by 2020.
  16. Active Health Monitoring is something nearly everyone is now familiar with. Active health monitoring in a vehicle allows drivers to know when their health isn’t adequate to safe driving.
  17. Reconfigurable Body Panels change the shape of the car, making it possible to use a single vehicle for many purposes.
  18. Tablet Transforming Steering Wheels use gesture control, similar to what’s used on a tablet screen, to make cars easier to maneuver—even for those with joint problems.
  19. High-Tech Car Seats with Stress Gauges help drivers stay calm behind the wheel, shifting responses to help create a safer driving experience.
  20. Dashboard Safety Integration provides safety information on the dashboard, where it’s easy to view while driving.
  21. Augmented Reality provides warning messages and other key information on the windshield, making it easier to see obstacles and other concerns.
  22. Hydrogen-Powered Fuel Cell Cars combine hydrogen and oxygen to produce the power for fuel cells that run the car—truly the car of the future.
  23. Rotating Motorized Lounge Chairs provide an increased level of comfort for drivers who might otherwise have trouble in the car.
  24. Eye-Tracking Holographic Dashboard technology uses gestures and eye movements to allow apps to be accessed without needing to touch the screen.
  25. Autopilot systems, like self-driving car technology, provide drivers with the safe travel they need without reducing their independence.

These new technologies have helped make traveling by car safer than it ever has been before. This is particularly true for older drivers who may need additional assistance behind the wheel. This offers a significant improvement in quality of life for aging baby boomers who may no longer feel safe behind the wheel. New technology, however, prepares the way for them to drive longer.

 

 

 

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By |2022-07-30T11:44:53-05:00August 21st, 2022|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off on Guest Blog: Auto Safety Tech Innovations That Will Excite Boomer Drivers

Guest Blog: Should We Be Saving for Our Care in Old Age?

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‘Carpe diem’ is a phrase that you’ve no doubt heard before. Your grandchildren might be announcing instead that ‘YOLO – you only live once’. The message is simple – live each day as though it’s your last, you never know what’s around the corner. According to those phrases, saving for old age might be a waste of money. We never know if we’ll make it to retirement, or how far into our retirement years we’ll get. Aren’t there more important things to be spending our money on than our old age care? Should we be saving at all?

What are your future prospects?

As much as you might convince yourself that you never know what lies ahead, the reality is that you can assume that you’ll live to see old age. Thanks to medical advances, more and more people are living full and healthy lives past an age that would previously have been considered to be ‘old’. After those healthy years, in many cases, come the not-so-healthy years when medical costs and care costs increase.

If you’re trying to convince yourself that saving isn’t worthwhile because you might not ever be ‘old’, bear in mind that by 2030 it is expected that 1 person out of 5 in the U.S. will be 65 or over.

Should you save for old age?

Your future is unknown. A majority of people pay a small fortune in costs for their care when they reach old age. The amount of support available could increase by the time you’re there, or it could dramatically decrease. It is far better to assume the latter and be prepared for every eventuality than to assume that you’ll have financial support and then discover later on that you don’t.

As you age, you may become less able to earn money and may be less capable of making your own decisions. If you don’t prepare in advance, then the eventual burden of your old age care will fall to your loved ones. By saving for old age, you are able to ensure that you get the best place to live, the best support and the best medical treatment, without impacting on the finances and livelihoods of younger family members.

Ecuva is an online health and wellness store where customers can purchase daily living aids, disability aids and items that can make old age easier, more comfortable and more independent.

By |2022-07-30T11:43:41-05:00August 15th, 2022|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off on Guest Blog: Should We Be Saving for Our Care in Old Age?

Sonya Grace: 7 Health Tracking Devices Perfect for Seniors

 

Advancements in technology have changed how people of all ages monitor their health. While the latest gadgets are generally seen as a trend aimed at younger generations, senior citizens have also reaped the benefits of health tracking devices. Here are seven health tracking devices perfect for seniors:

Fitness Trackers

Best for Seniors explain that fitness trackers show health related metrics like sleep quality, heart rate, and steps taken. In some cases, they even help the user reach a specific health goal.

Personal Emergency Response

This wearable gives the wearer an easy, quick, and convenient way to call for help in case something is amiss with their health. If they feel a shortness of breath all they need to do is press a button to call for attention.

Senior Safety Systems

These wearables track the activities of seniors to establish their activity patterns. They can then identify any abnormalities that will alert the doctor to irregularities.

Home Fall Detection System

Falls are a big concern for people in their old age, and this is where detection systems come in. These small wearable sensors detect falls and will instantly send out an alert that will bring help.

Medication Alerts

Medicines are a big part of life for those already in their golden years. These devices send out notices that make sure that the medicine is not forgotten and taken at the right time.

GPS Trackers

Seniors suffering from degenerative conditions need to be constantly monitored as they might wander aimlessly and get lost. GPS trackers help in this regard as they can let family members or carers keep track of them all the time.

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality is helping many different industries break new ground.Coral’s article on technology’s impact on sports details how VR is now changing how professional teams train. For instance, NFL quarterbacks are now using the technology to practice additional repetitions. This very same tech is also being used to improve and track the health of seniors. VR Fitness Insider reports that virtual reality helps seniors be more active without the need to leave their home. All they need to do is put on a headset and enjoy! They will also get a digital record of the exercise session.

Sure, the aforementioned health trackers may be perfect for seniors, but nothing will ever beat the attention and love that you, as a relative, can provide.

 

By |2022-07-30T11:43:00-05:00August 11th, 2022|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off on Sonya Grace: 7 Health Tracking Devices Perfect for Seniors

Guest Blog: How to Help Your Elderly Loved One Find the Best Medicare Plan

The best plan is of significant concern if you want to sign up an older relative for Medicare. Although many different Medicare plan alternatives are available, your ideal plan will depend on your loved one’s financial and medical status.

Fortunately, you can compare the benefits and drawbacks of each Medicare plan to determine which one is best.

Medicare Part A

Part A deals with hospital services, such as hospice care, brief stays in skilled nursing facilities, restricted home healthcare visits, and inpatient hospital treatment.

Medicare Part B

Part B offers general medical care, including illness prevention, detection, and treatment services. Additionally, it covers the costs of emergency hospital visits and medical transportation.

Medicare Part C

Private insurance providers provide Medicare Advantage, commonly referred to as Part C. Prescription medications, Part A and Part B, and extra medical services like dentistry and eye care may also be covered.

Medicare Part D

Prescription medication expenditures are partially covered under Part D. Private insurance services provide these plans as an upgrade to basic Medicare.

Medigap

Medigap, or Medicare supplemental insurance, is a supplement to original Medicare that assists in defraying out-of-pocket medical expenses.

Compare the Alternatives for Medicare

Selecting a plan that satisfies your medical and finances can find the best Medicare plan for you. Consider Medicare with several medicare quotes to provide people and families that are worried about their insurance needs peace of mind.

Original Medicare

Medicare sections A and B make up Original Medicare. This pays for the majority of required medical bills for many Americans. However, prescription medicines, vision, dentistry, and other treatments are not covered under original Medicare.

●     Original Medicare Benefits

Cost-effective. The Medicare Part A monthly payment is free for the majority of Americans, and in 2022, the Medicare Part B monthly cost will start at just $148.50. Your monthly Medicare expenses may be removed from your Social Security benefits automatically.

National coverage. In the United States, Original Medicare is known everywhere. Those that travel regularly may find this to be extremely useful.

●    The Shortcomings of Original Medicare

Absence of further protection. Original Medicare covers only hospital and health services. Coverage gaps for treatments like vision, dentistry, and other types of care may result from this.

Medicare Advantage

About trustworthy Sources, 31% of persons with Medicare coverage have a Medicare Advantage plan. While most Advantage plans might cost more initially, they can also result in long-term cost savings.

●     Medicare Advantage’s Benefits

Cost-effective. Medicare Advantage may enable you to save money. According to ResearchTrusted Source, Advantage plan members can save more money on specific medical treatments. Additionally, there is an out-of-pocket cap for all Part C plans.

Plan diversity. Advantage plan structures come in five varieties: HMO, PPO, PFFS, SNP, and MSA.

●    The Shortcomings of Medicare Advantage

Additional front-end fees. Unlike original Medicare, an Advantage plan has a deductible, co-payments, and coinsurance for prescription drugs, in-network services, out-of-network services, and other services.

Medicare Part D

Part D provides supplementary coverage for prescription drugs not covered by basic Medicare. You can replace part D with a Medicare Advantage plan. Part D is a fantastic substitute for Medicare Advantage if you don’t want it.

●     Medicare Part D’s Benefits

Consistent coverage. Each Part D plan you participate in must provide the minimum coverage mandated by Medicare.

●     The Shortcomings of Medicare Part D

Varied formulas: Medicare Part D’s prescription medications differ by plan. It would be best if you thus located a plan that expressly covers your prescription drugs. You might need to make concessions in some circumstances.

Medigap

A private supplementary insurance option called Medigap can assist in covering Medicare expenses, including deductibles, co-payments, and coinsurance.

●    Medigap’s Benefits

Financial support. Anyone who needs more insurance to pay medical costs should consider Medigap. After Medicare has paid its portion, Medigap takes over to cover any remaining expenses.

International coverage. You get coverage for international medical services if you supplement your Medicare plan with a Medigap policy. For someone who enjoys visiting other countries, this is advantageous.

●    The Shortcomings of Medigap

Solitary coverage. Your spouse won’t be covered because Medigap is a single-user policy. You must sign up for different Medigap policies if you and your spouse need additional insurance.

Bottom Line

The most excellent Medicare plan addresses your essential financial and medical requirements. Each Medicare plan choice has benefits and drawbacks, ranging from cost effectiveness to provider restrictions.

The best Medicare plan for you will depend on whether you select Medicare Advantage or original Medicare with add-ons.

 

 

 

 

By |2022-08-04T09:15:14-05:00August 4th, 2022|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off on Guest Blog: How to Help Your Elderly Loved One Find the Best Medicare Plan

Dental Care Tips for the Elderly People of Age 55+

 

1. Introduction to Oral Health

An increase in education about oral health, as well as better access to toothbrushes, fluoride toothpaste and floss, have led to more older adults retaining their original teeth. However, as you age, your teeth and gums require a little extra attention. Read on to learn about how to care for your teeth after 55.

2. Oral Health Challenges in Aged People

– Dry mouth
Hormonal changes and many medications contribute to reduced saliva production resulting in dry mouth. Dry mouth can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease by allowing bacteria to breed more easily and can also lead to difficulty speaking and eating, fungal infections and problems wearing dentures.

– Attrition
Attrition refers to general wear and tear on teeth that occurs as you age. Years of chewing and grinding wears down tooth enamel increasing the risk of cavities.

– Diseases
Older adults over the age of 55 years old have an increased risk of developing thrush, a fungal infection of the mouth, as well as oral cancers.

– Root Decay
Gums can recede as you age exposing the base of the tooth to bacteria which can decay your teeth from the roots.

3. Common Conditions Found in Aged of 55+

Even with a good oral care routine, adults over the age of 55 years old have an increased risk of developing some problems with their teeth and gums. Some common conditions include:

• Darkened teeth which is often due to enamel erosion and changes in the dentine inside the teeth, but can also be caused by regular consumption of dark foods and beverages.
• A reduced sense of taste which may be due to the side effects of some medications but can also be caused by dentures.
• Gum disease which is most often caused by plaque build-up but can also be caused by cancer, anaemia and diabetes.
• Misaligned jawbone as a result of tooth extraction or loss without replacing the missing teeth which lets remaining teeth drift.

4. What Can You Do to Maintain Your Oral Health?

To keep your natural teeth strong and bright for many years to come, there are several ways you can protect your teeth and gums.

– Increase Fluoride
Fluoride is present in most drinking water and in dental products like toothpaste and mouthwash. Increasing your use of fluoride can help to protect your teeth from cavities by helping to remineralise your teeth after acid wear.

– Eliminate Tobacco Chewing
Tobacco chewing has been linked with several negative oral health issues including cavities and discolouration. But quitting tobacco can be a challenge. Talk to your doctor about resources to help you quit and make an appointment with your dentist in Southend for a tooth whitening treatment for a brighter smile.

– Increase Oral Hydration
Staying hydrated is a great way to combat dry mouth as a result of medication. Keep a water bottle close by and sip throughout the day. You can also improve your oral hydration by chewing sugarless gum and limiting your intake of alcohol.

– Antibacterial Wash
Improve your oral health by reducing the build-up of plaque with antibacterial wash. Swish a small amount of alcohol-free mouthwash in your mouth after brushing at night.

5. Conclusion

With proper oral care your teeth and gums will last your lifetime but take extra care of your teeth after the age of 55. If you interested in learning more about how your oral health changes as you age, call your local dentist for an appointment.

Author bio:
Located on the Southchurch Road, Parmar Dental is a multi-award winning
Southend Orthodontics offering high standard and quality dental treatments that
patients always expect. Parmar Dental provides dental care in a very relaxed and
tranquil environment, where each visit would be a unique experience for their
patients.

By |2022-07-30T11:41:41-05:00August 3rd, 2022|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off on Dental Care Tips for the Elderly People of Age 55+
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