Columbus, OH – At 94 years young, Connie Blum isn’t slowing down. The Ohio Senior Hall of Famer adn dedicated Medicare counselor is offering invaluable advice on thriving in later life, gleaned from personal experience and a lifetime of service. Blum’s commitment too helping others navigate the complexities of Medicare stems from a deeply personal experience – assisting her mother with healthcare in the late 1980s.
Blum, a volunteer with the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), provides free, unbiased counseling to Medicare beneficiaries across Ohio, utilizing computer programs to locate plans and offering support via email and telephone. “We do whatever we need to do,” she says, emphasizing her dedication to ensuring seniors receive the care they deserve. But her wisdom extends far beyond healthcare navigation; Blum shares insights into a fulfilling and healthy longevity.
Her own longevity, she attributes first to “good genes,” citing her mother’s life to age 90 and her grandmother’s to 89.However, she quickly adds that a holistic approach is crucial. “Everybody can tell you the basics. Have a good diet. Exercise. Have a positive outlook. Do things that you like and that interest you, and be forward-looking.” Blum’s beliefs centers on mindset: “It’s not how old you are, it’s how you are.”
Maintaining an active mind is also paramount. Blum stresses the importance of social connection, citing research that demonstrates it’s “the single most vital thing older people can do to stay healthy and age well.” She emphasizes that “socialization is considered a very, very critically important part of the aging process if you want to age successfully.”
For those needing assistance with Medicare during the fall open enrollment period, resources are available at SHIP HELP dot ORG. Perhaps you’ll even receive personalized guidance from Connie Blum herself.
