Dear Savvy Senior, What are the early signs and symptoms of diabetes? I’m 60 years old, and in pretty good shape, but was just diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. What did I miss? Diabetic Dan

Dear Dan,
The signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes can be so mild that many people miss them. That’s why testing is so important. Here’s what you should know.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention more than 38 million Americans have diabetes today, and another 97 million have prediabetes, but many of them don’t even know they have it.
Type 2 diabetes is a disease that develops slowly over decades. Most people have prediabetes for a long time before the disease becomes full-blown diabetes, and even then, it progresses gradually.
Diabetes occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. This excess blood sugar damages blood vessels and affects circulation, putting you at risk for a host of ailments, from heart attack and stroke to blindness, kidney failure and nerve damage.
Signs and Symptoms
So how can you tell if you have diabetes? The earliest signs, which are usually subtle, including urinating more frequently (often at night), being thirster and hungrier than usual, weight loss without trying, feeling very tired, having dry itchy skin and blurry vision.
And the symptoms that can indicate advanced diabetes and long-term damage has occurred includes cuts or sores that heal slowly, having more infections than usual, and pain or numbness in your feet or legs.
Who Should Get Tested?
Because prediabetes typically causes no outward symptoms, and the signs of early type 2 diabetes can easily be missed, the only way to know for sure if you have it is to get a blood test.
Everyone age 45 years or older should consider getting tested for diabetes, especially if you are overweight with a body mass index (BMI) above 25. See https://www.cdc.gov/bmi to calculate your BMI.
If you are younger than 45 but are overweight, or have high blood pressure, a family history of diabetes, or belong to an ethnic group (Latino, Asian, African or Native American) at high risk for diabetes, you should get checked too.
To help you determine your risk for diabetes, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) has a quick, online risk test you can take for free at https://diabetes.org/diabetes-risk-test.
Diabetes Tests
There are three different tests your doctor can give you to diagnosis diabetes. The most common is the “fasting plasma glucose test,” which requires an eight-hour fast before you take it. There’s also the “oral glucose tolerance test” to see how your body processes sugar, and the “hemoglobin A1C test” that measures your average blood sugar over the past three months. It can be taken anytime regardless of when you ate.
Most private health insurance plans and Medicare cover diabetes tests, however, if you’re reluctant to visit your doctor to get tested, an alternative is to go to the drug store, buy a blood glucose meter and test yourself at home. They cost around $20.
If you find that you are prediabetic or diabetic, you need to see your doctor to develop a plan to get it under control. In many cases lifestyle changes like losing weight, exercising, eating a healthy diet and cutting back on carbohydrates may be all you need to do to get your diabetes under control. For others who need more help, many medications are available.
For more information on diabetes and prediabetes or to find help, join a lifestyle change program recognized by the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes-prevention). These programs offer in-person and online classes in more than 1,500 locations throughout the U.S.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit https://savvysenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

By Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready

Did you know that life expectancy in the United States for men and women increased by about 10 years between 1960 and 2015? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, individuals over 65 accounted for 16.8% of the country’s total population in 2020. Americans are living longer, and often, older adults rely on long-term care during the later stages of life, which is where long-term care insurance can help. There are several factors to consider when considering long-term care insurance.
What is long-term care insurance?
Contrary to what many might think, long-term care encompasses more than care in a nursing home. This type of care usually includes home care, hospice care, or adult day health care. Long-term care insurance helps to cover the cost of this care. It includes policies providing nursing home care, home health care, community-based care, or any combination. This type of policy does not include coverage provided under comprehensive or major medical policies, Medicare Advantage, or accelerated heath benefit-type products.
How much does long-term care cost?
Long-term care can be expensive. The Cost of Care Survey by Genworth, which breaks down costs for different kinds of care for each state, found that monthly costs in Oklahoma can range from about $1,800 for adult day health care to almost $7,000 for a private room in a nursing home facility. These are median costs for the state and can vary depending on location and level of care.
Does Medicare cover long-term care?
Medicare generally does not cover long-term care. Medicare Part A does cover skilled nursing facility care, nursing home care (as long as custodial care isn’t the only care you need), hospice care and limited home care. You may qualify for long-term care through Medicaid, but you can opt to purchase a long-term policy from a private insurance company.
Do I need long-term care insurance?
When determining your need for long-term care insurance, consider several factors:
• You should consider your personal health situation. If you need assistance with daily activities due to illness or disability, a long-term care policy might benefit you.
• Your age should play a part in your decision, as your need for care increases as you age.
• You should think about your financial situation. Long-term insurance might be a good option if you can afford premiums without financial difficulty.
Which resources are out there?
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers a comprehensive shopping guide to long-term care insurance that can answer many questions about this type of insurance. The United States Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living has a Long-Term Care Pathfinder to help locate care and assess needs. As always, if you have any questions about this type of insurance, the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) is here to help at 800-522-0071 or https://www.oid.ok.gov.

By Marise Boehs

INSPIRE was giving free blood pressure checks.

Cody Metscher, Clinical Liason, said INSPIRE comes monthly to HLN to give No Charge blood pressure checks to persons wanting them.

For more information:
www.inspirehospital.com

Liz Barfield, Founder, Better Bites, was in the Center’s kitchen
preparing tasty snacks.

Better Bites offers locally made, well-balanced individually portioned meals to fit any lifestyle and nutritional goals.

www.betterbitesbylizb.com

Mark Cope, Nerve Renewal, talks to attendees about neuropathy pain.

Nerve Renewal offers long-term relief from chronic nerve pain and numbness with advanced therapy for peripheral, diabetic, and chemotherapy-induced neuropathy pain.

Nerve Renewal has offices across the Metro as well as in Shawnee, Stillwater and Broken Arrow.

To find a Nerve Renewal office near you and for more information about threatments available, check out their website at www.nerverenewalnow.com

Ryan Adkins, Nutritional Health Coach, Natural Grocers, talks with an attendee. Natural Grocers offers free Nutritional Health Coaching Sessions. For more information or to find a store near you, log on to www.naturalgrocers.com

Lezley Bell, CaptionCall, talks with attendees about the service they offer – a phone that displays large, easy-to-read text that automatically captions your conversation. The sevice and phone are no cost to you. For more information, email Lezley at lbell2@sorenson.com or call her at 580-302-4283.

ABOUT HEALTHY LIVING NORMAN
The mission of Healthy Living Norman is to promote the health and well-being of adults aged 50 and older by providing opportunities for physical activity, social engagement, and lifelong learning at the Adult Wellness and Education Center.

CENTER AMENITIES
Warm Indoor Saltwater Pool
Demonstration Kitchen
Fitness Center
Land and Water Fitness Classes
Health Screenings
Seminars and Events
Billiards
Indoor Walking Track
Outdoor Pickleball Courts
Fireplace and Lounge Area
Small Gathering Spaces
Art and Educational Classes

CLASSES  The center offers a variety of art and craft classes.

Fitness classes include water exercise as well as land exercises like yoga, pilates, tia chi, aerobics and line dancing or belly dancing.

Check out the entire list and  schedule of classes at www.healthylivingnorman.com

Story and Photo by Vickie Jenkins, Staff Writer

Did someone mention talent? There’s certainly no shortage in Oklahoma, especially among the seniors involved in the Oklahoma Seniors’ Cabaret. These gifted individuals bring a wealth of experience to the stage, guided by the dedicated and dynamic Director, Joan Colee, who has lived an incredible, active and remarkable life. Born in Litchfield, Illinois, Joan discovered her passion for singing at a very young age. Reflecting on her early years, Joan fondly recalls, “I fell in love with singing when I was just eight years old. One day, my dad came home and heard me singing my heart out while I was in the bathtub. He couldn’t believe how much I was pouring my soul into those songs.” Joan has been singing ever since that memorable moment, her love for music growing stronger over the years. Her journey marked a true dedication to her talents inspiring countless others to find their own voices and share them with the world. Joan’s story is a testament to the power of passion and the joy that comes from embracing one’s talent.
Joan’s academic achievements are as remarkable as her professional ones. She holds a Bachelors of Music and a Masters in Performing Arts from Oklahoma City University, highlighting her dedication to her education and talent.
Joan spent an impressive 20 years in Hollywood/Los Angeles where she made a significant impact on the entertainment industry from her Brentwood Vocal Studio. During her time there, she dedicated herself to teaching many of the new and up-coming entertainers the art of singing. When in college, Joan sang with Bob Hope in a show in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She has performed with Zia Padora, Kaye Ballard, Carol Arthur DeLuise and Adrian Zmed just to mention a few. Joan had quite a few students that went on to shine in the Hollywood spotlight.
Her influence played a significant role in shaping some of the stars we have today. Despite her busy schedule and number of commitments, Joan never stopped pursuing her own passions. At the age of 83, she demonstrated her extraordinary talents on the national television show, America’s Got Talent. Her performance was nothing short of spectacular showcasing her operatic singing skills along side her impressive tap dancing.
Having experience with The Follies in Palm Springs, California was a transforming experience for Joan, inspiring her to create something similar back home. The energy and joy she witnessed among her fellow performers planted the seed for a new idea; founding the Oklahoma Seniors’ Cabaret. Joan recognized that seniors often lacked opportunities to stay active and engaged in their later years, and she saw a chance to make a difference. Her vision was to provide a creative outlet that would not only entertain but also motivate seniors to stay mobile, healthy, and socially connected. Driven by this mission Joan set out to bring her ideal to life. In 2008, she began holding auditions, reaching out to the senior community and inviting them to showcase their talents. The response was overwhelming positive, with many seniors eager to participate and share their love for performing. With a dedicated group of talented individuals, the Oklahoma Seniors’ Cabaret quickly became vibrant and supportive community where seniors could express themselves, form lasting friendships, and continue to live active, fulfilling lives. Joan’s vision has become a reality, creating a space where the performing arts could thrive and seniors could rediscover their passion and purpose.
This group takes great pride in being a nonprofit charitable organization, with all profits from the cabaret donated to the John W. Keys Hearing Center at the University of Oklahoma. These funds are used to help seniors obtain hearing aids, making a meaningful impact in their lives. What makes our group even more special is that none of the Cabaret members are paid for their time and talent. Our members, who are 55 and older, volunteer to sing, dance, act and play instruments purely out of passion and a desire to give back. We offer classes for seniors who are interested in learning to tap, dance, sing, or act, providing an opportunity to stay active, learn new skills and join fellow performers.
We are always looking for enthusiastic seniors who want to keep their energy up and their spirits high. Joining us gives you the opportunity to participate in the performing arts, have fun, adding some pep to your step! Come join the Oklahoma Senior’s Cabaret! Call (405) 840-1242 for more information.

Today, the Social Security Administration announced a large step in a multi-year effort to simplify processes for people who are applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) by starting to offer an online, streamlined application for some applicants starting in December. SSI provides monthly payments to people with disabilities and older adults who have little or no income and resources.
The initial step – known as iClaim expansion – aims to establish a fully online, simplified iClaim application that leverages user-tested, plain-language questions, prepopulated answers where possible, seamless step-by-step transitions, and more. The online application aims to reduce the time spent applying as well as the processing time for initial claim decisions.
“Over the past year, we have asked many applicants and advocates – as well as our workforce – how we could make the SSI application process easier and simpler. Now, we are taking an important first step to do just that,” said Martin O’Malley, Commissioner of Social Security. “People in our communities who need this crucial safety net deserve the dignity of an application process that is less burdensome and more accessible than what we now have, and we’re committed to achieving that vision over the next few years.”
The rollout of the iClaim expansion will generally be available to first-time applicants between 18 and almost 65 who never married and are concurrently applying for Social Security benefits and SSI. A goal of the second phase – currently targeted for late 2025 – is to expand this to all applicants.
The Federal Register Notice that supports this effort was published today and reflects changes based on what Social Security previously received. To read it, please visit Federal Register :: Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Request.
Subsequent SSI simplification steps will incorporate lessons learned from the iClaim expansion into in-person, phone, mobile, and paper-based processes for SSI applications. As part of that, the agency plans to develop a separate simplified child SSI application.
All of these efforts will support and streamline the way Social Security’s staff technicians and applicants work together, providing an applicant journey that reflects continuous feedback gathered from the agency’s Customer Experience team, particularly from underserved communities.
To get more Social Security news, follow the Press Office on
X @SSAPress.