Tag: savvy senior
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Savvy Senior: Do I need to file a tax return this year?
By Jim MillerSpecial to The Gazette Dear Savvy Senior, What are the IRS income tax filing requirements for retirees this tax season? I didn’t file a tax return last year because my income was below the filing threshold, but I got a part-time job in 2025, so I’m wondering if I need to file this…
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Savvy Senior: What Medicare won’t pay for in 2026
By Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior, To avoid any future health care surprises, can you tell me what original Medicare doesn’t cover in 2026? — New Beneficiary Dear Beneficiary, It a great question. While original Medicare (Part A and B) covers a wide array of health care services after you turn 65, it doesn’t cover…
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Savvy Senior: How to turn down the volume on tinnitus
By Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior, What treatments are recommended to help with tinnitus? I started noticing a subtle ringing in my ears about 10 years ago, but it’s gotten much more bothersome since I turned 60. — Ringing Ronnie Dear Ronnie, Tinnitus is actually one of the most common health conditions in the country.…
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Savvy Senior: What you should know about prepaid funeral plans
By Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior, I have been thinking about planning my funeral in advance so my kids won’t have to later but would like to inquire about prepaying. Is it a good idea to prepay for a funeral that you might not need for a while? — Aging Annie Dear Annie, Planning your…
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Savvy Senior: When do most Americans take Social Security benefits?
Dear Savvy Senior, What are the most popular ages that people start taking their Social Security retirement benefits? I’m turning 62 later this year and trying to decide when to start taking my benefits. — Born in 64 Dear 64, You can sign up to begin your Social Security retirement benefits any time after age…
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Savvy Senior: How to find a quality nursing home for your loved one
Dear Savvy Senior, Can you give me some tips on picking a good nursing home for my father? Since his stroke, I’ve been taking care of him at home, but he’s gotten to the point where it’s too much for me to handle. — Exhausted Daughter Dear Exhausted, Choosing a nursing home for a loved…
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Chair yoga: safe, simple and beneficial for older adults
Dear Savvy Senior, I’ve been hearing a lot about chair yoga lately. My New Year’s resolution is to improve my health and get moving again, but I have trouble getting down on the floor. What can you tell me about this type of yoga? — Arthritic Abby Dear Abby, If you’re looking for a safe…
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How to appeal a Medicare coverage denial
Dear Savvy Senior, What steps do I need to take to appeal a denied Medicare claim? — Frustrated Retiree Dear Frustrated, If you disagree with a coverage or payment decision made by Medicare, you can appeal, and you’ll be happy to know that many appeals are successful, so it’s definitely worth your time. But before…
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Tips and tools for adapting to vision loss
Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend some good resources or products that can help seniors with severe vision loss? My wife has diabetic retinopathy, and it’s gotten worse over the past year. — Need Help Dear Need, I’m very sorry about your wife’s vision loss, but you’ll be pleased to know that there are many…
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Savvy Senior: How to locate an age-friendly doctor
Dear Savvy Senior, My husband and I are relocating to a nearby state to be closer to our daughter and will need to find a new primary care physician when we arrive. We are both in our late 70s and are interested in getting a geriatrician to oversee our health care going forward. Any suggestions…