Active Living Profiles Archives - The AARP Medicare Supplement Blog

Get Back to Your Roots with Genealogical Research

Active Living Profiles - January 4, 2021

Explore Your History to Better Understand Your Present Have you ever tried to find someone’s phone number or address using an online directory, only to be stopped in your tracks? You’ll likely have a far different experience when researching a … Continued

Bicycle Safety Tips – There’s More To It Than Just Wearing a Helmet

Active Living Profiles - April 28, 2020

You may never forget how to ride a bike, but remembering traffic rules as you hit the road may be trickier – especially if you aren’t a regular cyclist. Bicycling can offer something for many different fitness levels or needs, … Continued

Tips for Traveling with Mobility Issues – Traveling made more feasible

Active Living Profiles - August 24, 2018

Traveling is a great way to discover different areas, cultures, and cuisines. When it comes to traveling with mobility issues, planning a trip can feel overwhelming; however, it just takes some planning in advance to set your travel concerns at … Continued

Simple Ways to Improve Stability and Prevent Falls

Active Living Profiles - August 27, 2021

Build a Strong Defense Against Falls It’s an unpleasant truth – as we age, we’re more prone to falling and sustaining life-threatening injuries. The death rate from falls has increased over the past decade, from 47 deaths per 100,000 falls … Continued

The Healing Power of Senior Pets

Active Living Profiles - November 2, 2020

With the need to maintain distance from friends and family during COVID, many people have sought to keep loneliness and isolation at bay by bringing a pet into their home. Searches for “puppy adoption” soared to an all-time high in … Continued

The Benefits of Wearables – Do They Make Sense for You?

Active Living Profiles - January 23, 2019

Wearables – A New Name for a Not-So-New Idea It seems that new wearable technology devices like smart watches and fitness trackers go on the market every week, but the idea of wearing something to improve our health or lifestyle … Continued

Use Your Smartphone to Monitor & Maintain Health

Active Living Profiles - December 11, 2021

Use Your Phone to Help Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle Most of us have our phones close at hand throughout the day, allowing us to stay in touch with friends and family. But have you ever considered using your phone to … Continued

Joy of Caregiving
Rewards of a Tough Job

Active Living Profiles - November 3, 2017

Time isn’t an easy thing to give away, but depending on how you spend it, the reward is worth it. Caregivers know this more than anyone. It’s hard work, both physically and emotionally, to take care of the needs of … Continued

Working Out in the Pool – Why and How You Should

Active Living Profiles - June 10, 2022

According to the Centers for Disease Control, swimming ranks as the fourth most popular recreational activity in the United States. If you’ve ever been swimming, you know why: it’s hard not to have a good time when you’re splashing around … Continued

Write Your Memoir and Leave a Heartfelt Legacy for Family

Active Living Profiles - December 9, 2020

Telling Your Story is Good for the Soul There’s something very satisfying about reflecting on your life and putting your story down on paper. The process of thinking back in time and bringing forward important moments to share with others … Continued

Women’s History Month
Lessons from the World’s Most Influential Women

Active Living Profiles - March 2, 2018

It’s Women’s History Month – a time for celebrating the strong, empowered trailblazers who have been kicking open doors of opportunity for generations to come. These women didn’t need an invitation to shake things up, they took it upon themselves … Continued

Choosing the Right Pet for You

Active Living Profiles - June 24, 2020

Having an animal friend at home can make your days so much more fun and fulfilling. Pets provide opportunities for entertainment and physical contact – things many of us have been missing lately. Countless studies have shown that pets can … Continued

Tips to Stay Connected with Your Grandkids

Active Living Profiles - May 29, 2020

Grandparents and grandchildren don’t always live near one another, so being apart and communicating only by phone isn’t necessarily new for all families. But if you typically get to spend lots of time with your grandkids and aren’t able to … Continued

Changing Careers
Joan Spittler decided to change careers at age 50 and hasn’t regretted it for a minute.

Active Living Profiles - May 14, 2014

For around 30 years Joan Spittler worked as a music teacher – first in the classrooms of elementary schools, high schools and colleges, and then in her home studio when she started a family. She loved teaching music and wasn’t … Continued

Fit Over 50
Meet Jim Schmitt, a 61-year-old Triathlete

Active Living Profiles - April 15, 2016

There are few races more extreme than triathlons. One could argue, however, that a 12-hour mountain bike race might fit the bill. Meet Mr. Jim Schmitt, a 61-year-old gentleman who does both. In this blog, Jim shares his views on … Continued

Secrets of a Long Relationship
Richard and Candy Robl share how they’ve kept their relationship strong for more than 48 years.

Active Living Profiles - September 25, 2015

Happily married for more than 48 years, Richard and Candace Robl have learned a thing or two about communication, affection and support. The couple met at the University of Texas and dated for about a year and a half before … Continued

Fit Over 50
Playmaker: Ira Lustman

Active Living Profiles - February 12, 2016

There are few sports as physical as ice hockey. Players move constantly while maintaining their balance on thin blades. They must constantly observe and control the puck, and absorb/distribute a few friendly bumps with other players. It’s a one of … Continued

Choosing Part-Time Work
Ray Wilkerson shares how he finds a good work-life balance in partial retirement

Active Living Profiles - October 23, 2015

When Ray Wilkerson, a licensed clinical social worker, retired three years ago at age 65, he wasn’t ready to stop working completely. “When I decided to retire, I wasn’t ready to sit back and not do anything. I wanted something … Continued

Singing a New Tune
Nancy Perrin’s career took many exciting turns before bringing her back to her musical roots.

Active Living Profiles - July 23, 2014

You don’t always know where life will take you. You just know you’re in for an adventure! It was just such an adventure that led Nancy Perrin to Tomorrowland and then back to her musical beginnings. Career Adventures “I’ve always … Continued

A Grandpa’s Story
Single Grandfather Donald Schartz Makes it a Priority to Spend Time With His Granddaughters.

Active Living Profiles - March 11, 2013

Think all-day babysitting and picnics with the grandchildren are the territory of grandmothers? “No way,” says single grandpa Donald Schartz. Divorced since his two girls were school-age, his oldest daughter Nikki now has two daughters – Julianna, age 11, and … Continued

Military Family Month
Meet the Myers family, whose service roots go all the way back to the American Revolution.

Active Living Profiles - November 13, 2015

Every year, the President of the United States signs a proclamation declaring November Military Family Month. This annual proclamation marks the beginning of a month-long celebration of the Military Family, honoring the commitment and sacrifices made by the families of the … Continued

Volunteering With Animals
Volunteer Ann Smalley shares her story of volunteering with a dog rescue.

Active Living Profiles - January 21, 2015

Ann Smalley works full-time, has three dogs, is a wife, and a mother of two. But to her, volunteering isn’t just one more thing to do; it’s an important and fulfilling part of her daily life. For the past seven … Continued

Don’t Call Me That
See What a Group of 55 to 84 Year Old Adults Say About Common Terms for ‘Older’ People

Active Living Profiles - October 24, 2012

When does someone become a “senior”? Is it ever OK to call someone “elderly”? If those in a particular age group could decide, what would they want to be called? Here, six people, ages 55 to 84, weigh in on … Continued

Retired and Inspired! Ideas for a Gratifying Retirement

Active Living Profiles - September 2, 2020

Retirement can be the Most Fulfilling Time of your Life In the not too distant past, many workers looked forward to retirement as an opportunity to leave the daily grind behind and do absolutely nothing except relax. Today, the vast … Continued

Everyday Heroes
In honor of Women’s History Month, meet three everyday heroes working hard to improve their community.

Active Living Profiles - February 24, 2015

March is Women’s History Month, a month often focused on famous women and their contributions to society. However, each and every day, “ordinary heroes” are among us, working hard to make their communities better. Adrienne Valencia – Sharing the Music … Continued

Maybe She’s Born With It
Maybelline heiress Sharrie Williams writes her family story

Active Living Profiles - February 6, 2012

“At 5-years-old, my grandmother put complete makeup on my eyes: mascara, eye shadow, eyebrow pencil, lipstick, rouge,” remembers Sharrie Williams. “She paraded me into the living room so that my great uncle could see. He said, ‘There’s nothing more beautiful … Continued

How to Write Your Life Story
Bestselling Author Jean Hastings Ardell Offers Tips for Writing your Autobiography

Active Living Profiles - March 26, 2012

Everyone has a story. Whether you want to write yours to share with children and grandchildren, in hopes of getting published or just for yourself, author Jean Hastings Ardell offers tips for getting started. Ardell has taught memoir writing for … Continued

On Stage
Veteran Theater Teacher Marylou Gombar Shares the Benefits of Collaboration in Creating a Great Production.

Active Living Profiles - May 23, 2013

After earning her Master of Arts degree in history and criticism of cinematography, as well as her Master of Fine Arts degree in theater, Marylou Gombar taught high school for a few years before finding her niche as a community … Continued

Community Spirit
Find your passion to make a rewarding difference in your community.

Active Living Profiles - August 28, 2015

Every day, baby boomers are making a difference across the United States, whether it’s as part of their job or as a volunteer. Retirement or partial retirement also offers new opportunities to give back. “Find out what your passion is,” … Continued

Farming through the Generations
Meet Joe Schartz, a third-generation American farmer

Active Living Profiles - May 11, 2012

Joseph Schartz was born in 1939 in Great Bend, KS., the fourth of seven children. His father and grandfather were Midwestern farmers, and he was soon to follow in their footsteps. Today, he farms 5,000 acres of corn, alfalfa and … Continued

A Whole New World
A baby boomer shares the biggest changes he’s seen since growing up in the 1950s.

Active Living Profiles - May 15, 2015

When Pat Wolfinbarger was born in Denver, Colo., in 1956, he had no idea his future career would largely revolve around computers – a foreign concept at the time. “Back in the day, no one saw a use for a … Continued

Trending Health Tips for Women

Active Living Profiles - September 25, 2019

Take Good Care of Yourself – Top Health Tips for Women Did you know that women are at greater risk than men for developing chronic health conditions as they age? Not only are more women more likely to develop arthritis, … Continued

Pursuing A Passion
In Retirement Sandy Giedeman becomes a published poet.

Active Living Profiles - September 13, 2012

Sandy Giedeman spent much of her career focused on the words of others. For many years she was a magazine editor. “I loved the fast pace of the magazine world, the travel, the rolling deadlines, and the collaborative aspect of … Continued

Walk This Way
Celebrity trainer Ashley Borden offers tips for getting the most out of your exercise walk

Active Living Profiles - May 10, 2012

Walking is a great form of exercise which can help reduce isolation and improve mood: it’s low impact, free, accessible and a great activity to do with friends or family. If walking is your main form of exercise, you’ll want … Continued

Take It Outside! Spend Some Quality Time with Mother Nature

Active Living Profiles - August 5, 2019

We Spend Too Much Time Inside, Online Many baby boomers spent years working inside – in an office building, in a retail store, on a manufacturing floor, or perhaps in our homes. Unless you spent your career as a farmer, … Continued

Riding Tall
It’s Never too Late to Pursue Your Passion

Active Living Profiles - July 3, 2012

Ever dreamt of learning to ride a horse, play a musical instrument, golf 18 holes well or another pursuit? “Push yourself. Make time for it,” advises 65-year-old Kathy Browning. Kathy’s dream was to learn to ride horses – a dream … Continued

Creating a Learning Garden
Laura Mitchell Opens Her Land to Create a Community Educational Garden

Active Living Profiles - October 18, 2012

Laura Mitchell has always been a teacher – first preschool, then elementary. Now, after earning her Ph.D., she trains other Therapists. So when the chance came along to turn her seven acres into organic demonstration gardens that would help others … Continued

Enjoying Partial Retirement
John Sands left retirement to work part-time and shares why he finds this arrangement to be an ideal balance.

Active Living Profiles - October 17, 2013

John Sands enjoyed a long and successful career and in 1996, at age 66, he decided to give retirement a try. That lasted about six months. “I tried to retire but almost went crazy,” he says of the brief stint. … Continued

Put Both Sides of Your Brain to Work

Active Living Profiles - May 27, 2021

Most of us have heard of right- or left-brain thinking, but it’s not as simple as assigning a separate set of strengths to one side of the brain or the other. In fact, being right-brained or left-brained is more descriptive … Continued

Stay Safe and Warm at Home this Winter

Active Living Profiles - January 1, 2022

Lowering your thermostat setting may help lower your home heating costs. But are you cutting corners on your safety? When it’s cold out, experts say you should set your thermostat no lower than 68 to 70 degrees while you’re at … Continued

Black Female Pioneers of American Medicine

Active Living Profiles - February 4, 2021

During Black History Month, as we reflect on the monumental achievements and contributions of Black Americans and consider the strides made by women of color in the past year, it seems fitting to look back at some extraordinary Black women … Continued

How to Bounce Back from Life’s Challenges

Active Living Profiles - April 15, 2022

We all go through rough patches in our lives. The ability to bounce back from these challenges and even come through the other side stronger is what experts call resilience. You can increase your resilience to help manage tough times … Continued

Here’s to Heart-healthy Travels

Active Living Profiles - May 23, 2022

If you love to travel, then summer is your season. No matter where you drive or fly to this summer, it’s important to keep your health and safety in mind. That’s particularly vital when it comes to your heart. Pack … Continued

Have a Loved One with Dementia?

Active Living Profiles - November 4, 2022

How to plan activities with them in mind Time spent with a loved one who has dementia is often gratifying and important — for both of you. That connection may help the two of you better cope with the disease. … Continued

Get Fit with A Little Help from Your Friends

Active Living Profiles - November 24, 2022

A workout partner can help you stick to healthy habits Do you sometimes struggle to stick to your fitness routine? That can happen to anyone. Here’s an idea that may help keep you motivated and make exercising more fun: Find … Continued

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