A Senior's Guide to Planning for the New Year

About Laura Gooch

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From the joy of the holidays to the excitement of the new year, sometimes life planning takes a backseat to make time for celebrations. And that’s okay! As things start to settle down and life goes back to normal, now is the perfect time to look ahead and prepare for the year to come.

Here is a list of important appointments you may want to consider scheduling and deadlines to mark on your calendar to help set you up for a financially health and well-balanced year.

Schedule Health & Wellness Appointments

1. Annual Wellness Visit

Whether you’re in good health or have any concerns you want to discuss, an annual wellness visit sets the foundation for you and your doctor to create a plan designed to meet your goals and keep you feeling your best. An annual wellness visit is key to helping keep you in good health. Regular preventive care visits are important because they can help your primary care provider (PCP) identify and treat any health issues before they progress. For those with Medicare Part B benefits, you may qualify for a free annual wellness visit. Be sure to consult with your insurance to confirm your specific coverage and book your appointment soon before schedules start to fill up!

2. Eye Exam

Vision changes are a natural part of aging, but they don’t have to diminish your quality of life. Conditions ranging from presbyopia to glaucoma can seemingly appear out of nowhere, especially since many eye diseases have few or no noticeable symptoms until they become advanced. That’s why regular eye exams are critical for preserving your vision. By detecting issues early, an eye doctor can help you understand your treatment options and work to find the right one for you. It is recommended that all adults over the age of 65 have an eye exam every one to two years. Speak with your ophthalmologist to see how often you should come in.

3. Dental Check-up

Good dental hygiene isn’t just about having a beautiful smile; it’s actually a very important part of maintaining your overall health. Research has shown that gingivitis can raise your risk of developing lung disease, heart disease, a blood vessel blockage or a stroke. Tooth loss from gum disease has also been linked to an increased risk of dementia. It’s recommended that seniors visit the dentist at least twice a year, around every six months, though frequency may differ depending on your individual needs.

Remember to Get Your Vaccines & Booster Shots

As we enter the new year, it’s a great time to schedule any vaccines you may not have gotten last year. Since peak cold and flu season typically runs from December to February, now is the time to consider getting your flu and COVID-19 vaccines. You should also think about getting the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, as older adults can face a higher risk of severe illness if they get RSV. Non-seasonal vaccines you may want to consider include the shingles, pneumococcal and Tdap vaccines or the Td booster shot. Want to know more about your options? Read our guide, Vaccines Every Senior Should Consider, or talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your options.

Do a Medication & Prescription Review

Medications are a great tool for managing many health conditions. But when you’re seeing multiple doctors, it’s easy to forget to share which medications you’re taking with each provider. This is where a medication and prescription review comes in. Start with your annual wellness visit, where you can review all the medications you take, including dosages, why you take them and who prescribed them. This is also a good time to ask any questions you may have about your different medications, their side effects and how they interact. Throughout the year, make sure to review your full medication list at every appointment, even if that provider didn’t prescribe the medication. Keeping each of your doctors informed can allow for safer, more coordinated care.

Keep Track of Medicare Enrollment Deadlines

1. Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (age dependent)

While this won’t apply to everyone as we enter the new year, it’s helpful for anyone approaching 65. If you’re hitting that milestone birthday this year, you’re eligible to enroll in a Medicare plan. Your enrollment window lasts seven months, starting three months before the month you turn 65 and ending three months after. This gives you time to explore your options and find the coverage that’s right for you.

2. Medicare General Enrollment Period: January 1 - March 31 annually

This enrollment period is made for those who didn’t sign up for Medicare during their initial enrollment period and are not eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. During this time, you can sign up for Medicare Part A and/or B.

3. Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: January 1 - March 31 annually (for those already on a Medicare plan)

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment is for those who are already on a Medicare Advantage plan. From January 1 through March 31, you can make a one-time election to either switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare Parts A and B.

4. Medicare Annual Enrollment Period: October 15 - December 7 annually

If you are looking to enroll in a plan or make changes to your existing coverage, you can do so during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period. Changes you can make during this time include:

Switching from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare
Switching to a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage or to one without drug coverage
Joining or dropping a Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D)
Changing to a different plan offered by your current insurer or moving to a new insurer

For more information about enrollment periods and Medicare eligibility, please visit the Medicare website or contact your insurer.

Don’t Forget to File Your Taxes

The primary tax filing deadline falls on April 15 every year. This means early spring is an important time for seniors to gather the necessary paperwork and prepare their returns. Whether you file independently or work with a tax professional, getting organized ahead of time can help you avoid stress and ensure you can take advantage of any deductions or benefits.

It may seem early to think about these appointments and deadlines, but taking a proactive approach and tackling these tasks sooner can help make them and the months ahead feel that much easier! Now is the best time to get started so you can enjoy the wonderful days to come.

_{The above content is shared for educational and informational purposes only. You must consult your doctor before beginning any diet, exercise, or fitness program, taking any additional or discontinuing any existing medications, or acting on any content on this website, especially if you have a medical condition. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on our site.}