Good Morning Readers! We are right in the middle of summer and we’re loving it. Get this- you know that lifelong narcissist neighbor that keeps letting her trees overgrow into your backyard? Well, there might just be a glimmer of hope that she'll finally join team nice. Read more on what happens to narcissists as they age!
-The Editors

🏥Medicare Insights:

Medicare Flex Cards: A Mixed Blessing

Pam O’Neill, 73, had her knee replacement surgery largely covered by her Medicare Advantage plan. But one benefit left her puzzled.

“I get $250 per quarter to spend on a flex card," says O'Neill from Wayland, Massachusetts. "That’s a lot of money, but I can’t use it for many things.”

She hoped to use the funds, which expire each quarter, to buy a walker for her recovery. Instead, her plan's flex spending card only covers basic health care products like bandages, Tylenol, Q-tips, and bunion pads.

Medicare flex cards can be an attractive benefit for some, but others, like O'Neill, find them limited. Here’s what you need to know about these cards.

What Are Flex Cards for Seniors?

Medicare flex cards, a recent addition to Medicare benefits, cover certain health-related services and products. These cards are offered by some insurance companies through Medicare Advantage plans, not by the federal government.

“These cards are made available to enrollees by some insurance companies sponsoring Medicare Advantage plans,” says Bob Rees, chief sales officer with eHealth Inc.

These plastic cards, separate from your Medicare Advantage health insurance card, are not offered by all plans and may have different names.

How Medicare Flex Cards Work

Flex cards are prepaid debit cards with a specific annual dollar amount. For example, O'Neill gets $1,000 per year, distributed quarterly.

What Can a Medicare Flex Card Be Used For?

Generally, flex cards cover health and wellness items such as:

• Over-the-counter drugs

• Glasses

• Hearing aids

• Gym memberships

• Some non-medical transportation

• Insurance copayments

Some plans might also cover groceries, cell phone bills, and service dog support, but specifics vary.

O'Neill finds the list of covered items “complicated to use” since many expected items, like walkers, aren’t included.

Is a Medicare Flex Card Right for You?

While some seniors find flex cards valuable, don't’ let this perk dictate your choice of a health insurance plan. Consider your health needs and budget comprehensively.

Medicare Advantage plans often require prior authorization for treatments and may have high deductibles. Suzanne Dods, a medical billing professional, notes that although these plans offer lower premiums and perks like flex cards, the out-of-pocket costs for treatments can be significant.

Ultimately, while Medicare flex cards offer benefits, they should not be the sole factor in your decision. Consider all aspects of your healthcare needs and financial situation to make the best choice.

📚Interesting Study:

Aging Gracefully: How Time Turns Narcissists into Nicer People 

From 'Me, Me, Me' to 'We, We, We. Remember that one clubmate who always acted like they were better than everyone else? New research indicates that as people age, they tend to shed some of their narcissistic behavior. However, those who were notably narcissistic as children often continue to exhibit narcissistic traits into seniorhood (yes, we invented that word).

A study led by Ulrich Orth of the University of Bern in Switzerland has shown that narcissism generally declines with age. Orth explains, "One theory suggests that the social roles we take on in adulthood, for example as a partner, a parent, an employee, and so on, lead to the development of more mature personality characteristics, including lower levels of narcissism."

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a mental health condition characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. According to the Mayo Clinic, individuals with NPD often appear extremely confident, but behind this facade, they are insecure and sensitive to criticism.

Orth and his team analyzed data from 51 studies conducted in the United States, Canada, Western Europe, China, and New Zealand to understand how narcissism changes over time. The comprehensive study included data from over 37,200 individuals ranging in age from 8 to 77 years. Some participants were followed for several decades, providing a long-term perspective on narcissistic traits.

The research focused on three types of narcissism:

1. Agentic Narcissism: Characterized by a sense of superiority and a strong need for admiration.

2. Antagonistic Narcissism: Marked by arrogance, callousness, entitlement, and a lack of empathy.

3. Neurotic Narcissism: Defined by hypersensitivity and difficulty in controlling emotions.

The study found that all three types of narcissism tend to decline with age. However, individuals who exhibited higher levels of narcissism as children were likely to remain more narcissistic than their peers into adulthood. Orth noted, "This was true even across very long periods of time, which suggests that narcissism is a stable personality trait."

The findings of this research were published on July 11 in the journal Psychological Bulletin. Orth emphasized the importance of these findings, noting, "High levels of narcissism influence people's lives in many ways -- both the lives of the narcissistic individuals themselves, and, maybe even more, the lives of their families and friends."

Orth also pointed out that most of the data came from the United States and Western Europe, suggesting the need for future research to include a broader range of countries and cultures. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of understanding why narcissism declines with age.

This research offers valuable insights into the evolution of narcissistic traits over a lifetime. While narcissism tends to decrease as people age, the traits can remain relatively stable, especially for those who exhibited high levels of narcissism in their youth. Understanding these patterns can help in developing strategies to manage and mitigate the negative impacts of narcissistic behavior on individuals and their relationships.

More on the study:
https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/bul-bul0000436.pdf

🤝Community Corner:
Q: I've been struggling with decluttering my home. Every time I start, I feel overwhelmed by the amount of stuff I have and find it hard to decide what to keep and what to let go of. Do you have any practical tips or strategies to make the process easier and more manageable?
Sharon, Age 69, New London Connecticut

Over 64: Thanks for writing in! I understand the challenges you're facing with decluttering—it's a task that can seem overwhelming at first. However, with the right approach, it can become much more manageable and even rewarding. Here are some practical tips to guide you through the process effectively:

1. Set Clear Goals: Before diving in, define what you hope to achieve through decluttering. Whether it's creating a more spacious living area, reducing daily stress, or simply achieving better organization, having clear objectives will keep you focused and motivated.

2. Start Small: Begin with a specific area that you feel comfortable tackling first. This could be a closet, a desk, or even just a single room corner. Breaking down the task into smaller, more achievable segments will make the process less daunting.

3. Sort and Categorize: As you go through your belongings, categorize items into groups such as keep, donate, recycle, or discard. This systematic approach will help streamline decision-making and ensure that each item finds its rightful place.

4. Be Patient and Persistent: Remember, decluttering is a process that takes time. Be patient with yourself as you work through each area methodically, and don't hesitate to revisit and refine your organizational system as needed.

5. Seek Support: If you find yourself struggling or feeling overwhelmed, consider enlisting the help of a friend or family member. Having someone to offer encouragement and provide a fresh perspective can make the task more enjoyable and less daunting.

By approaching decluttering with a clear plan and these practical tips, you'll not only create a more organized living space but also experience the benefits of reduced stress and enhanced productivity in your daily life. Oh, and read this article we wrote a few weeks ago on decluttering.

Best wishes on your decluttering journey. We believe in you!

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