Hearing is about more than just understanding what's happening around you, it has a direct impact on quality of life, cognitive health and self esteem.

It shouldn't take much convincing to say that you should do as much as you can to look after your hearing.

But it may seem a little intimidating, overwhelming or even embarrassing to talk to someone about it.

My good friend Dr. Susan Waltzman is here today to break down the stigma and misinformation, and point us in the right direction to getting the help we need.

We talk about hearing aids, both over-the-counter ones that are a few hundred dollars, and the much more substantial Cochlear implants, which can be an absolute life-changer.

And here's the amazing thing: Cochlear in particular can be almost completely covered by Medicaid!

So get your hearing tested, that's the first step. Visit an Otolaryngologist or an Audiologist to get the ball rolling.

Addressing hearing loss can prevent social isolation and cognitive decline. So if you're struggling with hearing loss, take charge and rescue your hearing! There is help, and lots of it.

As per the subject, this one is audio-only: we want you to really concentrate on what's being said!

Find Dr. Suzie and some very useful resources here:

• ⁠Susan Waltzman, NYU Langone Health
  https://med.nyu.edu/faculty/susan-b-waltzman
• A Faster, Clearer Way to Program Cochlear Implants:
  https://nyulangone.org/news/faster-clearer-way-program-cochlear-implants
• Cochlear Implant most effective way to correct hearing impairments
  https://www.informa.com/media/press-releases-news/latest-news/cochlear-implant-most-effective-way-to-correct-hearing-impairment-in-arab-populations/

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Reach out to the show by visiting our website,

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and send me your thoughts and suggestions at weareoldpodcast@gmail.com.

So, you have a tattoo.

Maybe you're thinking, "I'd like to get rid of that thing."

Maybe you've even been telling yourself that for oh, a few decades now.

The good news: the technology is available now to zap that tattoo away, so that there's scarcely any trace of it. It takes a while to do, and it's not cheap, but it is doable.

So if it's important to you to get it done: there is a way.

Lisa Giamarino is here to discuss laser tattoo removal, something she does on an increasingly regular basis at her clinic, Naples Laser & Skin Aesthetics.

We chat about the types of people who come into her clinic, reasons they have for removing tattoos, and the difference between laser removal and the other ways.

You don't want to try the other ways.

It is quite interesting though to learn how these lasers actually work on your skin. It may sound like James Bond but don't worry, they expect you to talk. So you can tell others how it works!

But in all seriousness, finding a qualified, certified professional to do this service is paramount. It has to be safe, clean and hygienic, and a clinic like Lisa's covers all the bases.

Did you know?

• 32% of U.S. citizens have tattoos.
• 13% of baby boomers have tattoos.
• Tattoo removal is increasingly popular among seniors.
• Laser technology is the most effective method for tattoo removal.
• Tattoo artists cannot legally remove tattoos.
• The age and type of ink affect removal success.
• Pain levels vary, but removal is often more painful than getting a tattoo.
• Costs for removal depend on the size and complexity of the tattoo.

Find Lisa and her resources here:

• ⁠Naples Laser & Skin Aesthetics:
  https://www.napleslaserandskinaesthetics.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/napleslaserandskinaesthetics/
• https://www.facebook.com/napleslaserandskinaesthetics

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Reach out to the show by visiting our website,

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weareoldpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

and send me your thoughts and suggestions at weareoldpodcast@gmail.com.

What exactly is a "living" will?

Howard Krooks is a lawyer who specializes in these kinds of documents, and is here to explain it to us in nice, clear and friendly language:

- A living will is a will that's only applicable to a specific point in time. It starts when a person has developed a terminal condition, with a prognosis of typically 3 to 6 months, and their quality of life is very low. Unable to make decisions, or communicate those decisions, and it's a situation that's not likely to reverse itself.

So, it's about end of life instructions. To have your wishes set down in writing, and declare an agent who can communicate those wishes to a third party, such as a health care provider or a financial institution.

This is of course crucially important, because you need to find someone who knows you well, and are trustworthy to put your best interests first.

In fact, it's smart to name at least two people, to have an alternate ready as well.

And how's this for a bold statement from Howard:
When choosing your person, "You don't necessarily need to or want to treat your kids equally."

Now, you probably know already, in your gut, who you have in mind, but these guidelines today from Howard might help you with the confidence and perspective that's required.

And don't forget probably the most important thing: just getting the documents prepared and signed isn't enough. You do have to actually talk to the people you've nominated, to make sure they understand the responsibility, and most of all that they understand your instructions - written out as clearly as possible.

Even though they are someone you trust implicitly, that doesn't mean they'll actually know what to do when the time comes.

Howard tackles some more important questions too, like, What happens if you decide to move between states? Are out-of-state documents honored? What do you do if you're traveling? And can you change your documents later?

Howard is here to answer these questions and get you prepared for this important task.

Like so much of what we do on this podcast, it's about breaking down those barriers, making overwhelming tasks seem less intimidating, and maybe even something that's satisfying too.

Find Howard and his resources here:
Howard S. Krooks, CELA
Elder Law Specialist
⁠https://www.cozen.com/people/bios/krooks-howard

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Reach out to the show by visiting our website,
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weareoldpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

and send me your thoughts and suggestions at weareoldpodcast@gmail.com.

00:00 Understanding Advanced Directives
03:04 Choosing the Right Agents for Decision Making
05:49 The Importance of Trust in Appointments
08:39 Healthcare Proxies vs. Living Wills
11:19 Navigating State Laws and Advanced Directives
14:20 The Role of Communication with Agents
17:17 Revoking and Updating Advanced Directives
19:59 Costs and Considerations in Estate Planning
22:54 Final Thoughts on Planning for the Future

#weareoldpodcast #kengluckman #seniorpodcast #retirementpodcast #aarp #advanceddirectives #livingwills #healthcareproxies #elderlaw #estateplanning #healthcaredecisions #financialdecisions #end-of-lifecare #howardkrooks