Ways to support aging family members {#AgingWell}
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My children adore their grandparents so when they do come over they’re over the moon. I wish they lived closer to us but since they don’t we try to make the most of every moment we spend with them.
Whether your child’s grandparents stay a hop, skip and a jump away or a good distance, it’s important to be involved in their lives in a supportive but not overwhelmingly dominating way. 
Ways to support aging family members
1. Encourage an active lifestyle.
My father-in-law will turn 80 in a few weeks time but one look at him would make you think he was much younger. Even though he’s retired he makes it a point to stay as active as possible and never allows his age to dictate what he can or cannot do (within safe limits of course!) This coupled with a healthy diet has helped him do what he does and look the way he does today.
2. Involve the grandchildren as much as possible.
My Mama always says her grandchildren are the world to her. I guess that makes my sister and me chopped liver in comparison! Each time she visits she leaves feeling so relaxed and insists they’re such joy boosters. Mama is another one who passes off to be my sister, much to her joy!
A recent survey conducted by Grandparents.com and Aetna pooled responses from over 5500 Grandparents.com members. In the same over 40.1% said that spending time with their grandchildren helped them feel young. ( My mother and father-in-law would second that whole-heartedly!)
3. Help research medical plan options for the new year, in advance.
Everyone knows medical costs are a killer especially if you don’t have the right plan for your needs. The biggest help you can offer your parents/in-laws is outlined in this simple infographic.
Having all this in order will help ease the burden/stress off your aging family members and allow them to confidently step into the Open Enrollment Period with all the required facts, questions for the provider etc. 
And ultimately make a smart medical plan choice.
Note: Open Enrollment Period is from November 1, 2015 to January 31, 2016. For Medicare beneficiaries, Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15, 2015 to December 7, 2015.
Additional resources to help make an informed decision can also be found on the Grandparents.com site and Aetna‘s site.
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