Stay Safe and Healthy in California as an Older Adult

There’s so much to love about California – beautiful beaches, warm weather, and a laid-back atmosphere. Many older adults choose to retire to California to take advantage of everything the Golden State has to offer. However, California comes with some of its own unique health challenges, especially for older adults. Here’s how you can make the most of your later years and stay healthy while living in California.

Find an exercise routine you love. 

Many Californians, especially those in Southern California, spend a large portion of their day sitting in traffic. Sitting in the car for prolonged periods of time can be very hard on your joints. A good way to combat this additional stress on your body is to exercise regularly. Luckily, Californians really value exercise, and there are plenty of fun workouts to take advantage of here. Whether you’re hiking in the mountains or surfing on the beach, there are many different ways to get active.

Make sunscreen a part of your daily routine. 

One of the things that many people love about California is the sunshine. In fact, there are many cities in California that have sunny days more than ⅔ of the year. Redding is the city in California that gets the most sunshine, with an 88% chance of sun throughout the year. But with so much exposure to sun comes the potential for skin cancer and other skin abnormalities. Putting on sunscreen before you leave the house every day is the best way to protect your skin. If you can, use natural sunscreens like zinc oxide, which are better for the environment.

Avoid outdoor activity when air quality is low. 

The Los Angeles area is known for its smog and pollution, and although air quality has improved in recent decades, it can still be hard on the lungs. This poor air quality can be compounded by wildfires, which are common in California during the summer. Check air quality reports regularly and stay inside when you need to protect your respiratory system.

Make sure you have Medicare coverage. 

Medicare is available to adults over the age of 65 in California, as well as disabled California residents. Original Medicare consists of Part A and B – Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, while Part B covers outpatient doctors’ appointments. You can also choose to supplement your California Medicare coverage with a Part D plan, which covers prescription drugs, or a Medicare Advantage plan, which provides additional coverage beyond what Original Medicare offers.

There’s so much to love about California – make sure you’re taking care of your health so you can enjoy it for years to come. If you’re interested in learning more about your Medicare options, contact Time for 65’s licensed partnered agents today. Fill out this form or give us a call to see how we can help.