Medical Alarm Resources | LifeFone

Lifefone’s services are not just for those who live alone, are retired, or even the elderly. Your children’s safety at home is also important to us. Continue reading →

For generations, memory loss and senility were considered part of the normal aging process. Forgetting names, dates and addresses were all seen as part of ‘growing old’. We are now aware that memory loss and confusion can be signs of Alzheimer’s disease. At LifeFone, we understand how important it is to your loved one to age in place, however, we want to make you aware of some of the signs and symptoms, so you can get a clearer understanding of Alzheimer’s. Continue reading →

Spring is here, the flowers are beginning to show themselves, trees are budding, and the grass is getting greener. Along with all of the nice things you love about Spring, it also produces some powerful storms. LifeFone believes in keeping you safe in and away from your home and we want to ensure that your medical go-bag is ready. Continue reading →

There’s nothing quite as life-changing for most people than the thought of having to leave your own home as you age. LifeFone offers some helpful suggestions on how technology can help you age in place. Continue reading →

It is likely that driving is a key aspect of maintaining your independence as you age. It’s normal that your driving abilities change as you get older. By reducing risk factors and incorporating safe driving practices, you may find you are able to stay behind the wheel for many years to come. LifeFone offers three safety tips for older drivers. Continue reading →

Are you aware of how your ‘daily clock’ i.e., the things you do every day, at certain times of the day, are affected by your body clock, or that you could plan your day more effectively when you listen to your body clock.  At LifeFone, we have some secrets that can help you take advantage of your own body’s clock. Continue reading →

At LifeFone, we recognize that a happy and fulfilling retirement means different things to different people. It could be transitioning from a full-time career into meaningful part-time work. Or, perhaps you are looking forward to spending more time with your family, starting a garden, volunteering, or making regular trips to the golf course. Once you determine what will give you peace of mind in retirement, it’s important to know how you will get there financially.  We want to help you get started with four steps to prepare for retirement. Continue reading →

You may not want to ask for senior discounts, especially if you are a “young” senior, but once you see some of the deals that are available, you are likely to reconsider. Many major brands and stores offer great incentives to adults as young as 50. To help get you started, LifeFone researched some of the best senior discounts available. Continue reading →

A new generation of interactive companions may help combat isolation. The wellness benefits of having a pet are well-documented, but older adults are often forced to give up pets they can no longer care for or that are unwelcome at extended-care facilities.  LifeFone explores the concept of robotic pets for older adults. Continue reading →

Aging has its rewards.  Your children have moved out and have families of their own. You can spend time with your grandchildren, and enjoy a quiet cup of coffee.  If you are still working, you are looking forward to retirement, with plans to travel or maybe downsize to a smaller home.

At LifeFone, we want you to be independent, and be able to do all the things you love in retirement.  Here’s four post-retirement mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Succumbing to the post-retirement spending spike - This may come as a surprise, but the spend more; not less in the first few years of retirement can sneak up on you. The feeling of ‘whee! I’m free’ can take over, and you spend more than you should on everything from new golf clubs to home upgrades. The simplest way to avoid that is to make a budget based on long-term planning and stick to it. Anticipate home repairs, travel, and new golf clubs and build it into your budget.
2. Keeping extra vehicles – Perhaps there’s a reason to hold onto the ‘second’ car. If you, or your spouse, is still working, then by all means, hold onto it. If not, you should consider selling it. There may be a specific reason you’re keeping it, but maybe you can switch things like a luggage/bike rack to one car. By selling the car you’ll save in gas, insurance and maintenance. If that second vehicle is an RV or other type of luxury item, consider leasing it out.
3. Moving at the wrong time - Retirement is here, and you’ve decided to downsize. The thought of not having to mow the yard or shoveling snow is appealing, so you purchase in a spot that those amenities are provided. Maybe you choose a location where the real estate costs are lower. All are great reasons to consider a move.  However, there can have hidden costs.  Simple things like, higher property taxes; shopping and doctors are further; HOA fees; these hidden expenses can add up to you spending more. Before moving, look at all the items that could cost you money in the long run.
4. Underestimating medical expenses – “It won’t happen to me”. Perhaps not, but, it could. When you and your spouse are healthy, you don’t consider medical expenses that could come up. Unfortunately, odds are, one of you will encounter medical expenses that were unforeseen. Even with Medicare, the hidden costs of co-pays and deductibles can add up. Do the math and make sure you estimate for retirement savings to include money to supplement your Medicare, and consider purchasing supplemental health insurance to fill in the gaps.

At LifeFone, we know retirement can be fun and exciting. By being aware of these four post-retirement mistakes, you’ll have more time and money to do the things you planned on doing.