Brand New Day is encouraging the public — especially seniors — to get in the habit of making New Year’s resolutions, especially ones that involve learning new things and increasing socialization as they are two to four times less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.
Experts from Brand New Day, a California Medicare Advantage plan that serves a mostly senior population, are encouraging its members to get back into the habit of making New Year’s resolutions. According to experts, 59% of young adults between 18-34 make their annual declarations but that number tempers quite significantly the older one becomes.
According to James Pratty, M.D., Brand New Day’s medical director of behavioral health, there are myriad reasons why seniors should make their New Year’s resolutions, primarily because setting and achieving goals give them purpose. He points to a Rush University study that shows people who view life with a sense of purpose are two to four times less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and that maintaining self-discipline and staying highly organized also helps stave off the disease.
“Regularly challenging your brain is one of the best ways to stay mentally sharp as you age so we always encourage our members to play word games, solve crossword puzzles, play instruments and read,” says Pratty, who explains that such activities help improve memory and cognitive function. “So an excellent New Year’s resolution might be to commit yourself to engage in any such activity for a certain amount of time per day.”
Pratty also recommends committing to some of the more typical resolutions like losing weight, exercising, cutting down or completely eliminating smoking and/or drinking alcohol and avoiding excess spending.
“There are other options that aren’t so obvious but hold great benefits including volunteering, which has been known to reduce stress and depression risk,” he adds. “Also, make it a point to stay connected with your friends and family and reach out to make new acquaintances. Social engagement, after all, is linked to better cognitive function and reduces depression.”
Among Brand New Day’s benefit plans that are available to those with Medicare Part A and B or with Medicare and Medi-Cal:
· Classic Plan — basic plan for its Medicare-only, Medicare and Medi-Cal members
· Embrace Plan — serving those with heart disease and/or diabetes
· Bridges Plan — serving those with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
· Select Plan — serving those residing in assisted living communities or long-term care (nursing homes) facilities
Brand New Day works with independent brokers throughout the state and can arrange for an in-person appointment for those wanting to review the plans in their area.
Brand New Day is a subsidiary of Bright HealthCare and Bright Health Group.
For more information about the Brand New Day Medicare Advantage plans, call (866) 255-4795 and visit www.BNDHMO.com.
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