Fall Checklist for Retirees: From AEP Prep to Seasonal Tasks

It’s fall, y’all, and for retirees this is an important time to take steps to help ensure your safety and wellness in the cooler months ahead. Grab a pumpkin spice latte and knock out this autumn checklist so you can make the most of the season!

1. Review Your Medicare Coverage

Fall is an important time for Medicare beneficiaries because the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 through December 7. AEP is a chance for you to make changes to your Medicare plans, which will take effect on January 1 of the following year.

During AEP, you can:

• Switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare.
• Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage.
• Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan.
• Join, switch or cancel a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.

If you have Medicare, you should have received an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter in the mail. This letter should detail changes coming to your Medicare plan and can help you decide if you want to keep your same coverage or look for a new plan.

Related: What if You Missed the Annual Enrollment Period?

2. Talk to Your Doctor About Vaccines

One downside of fall is it kicks off the season of respiratory viral illnesses. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get the COVID-19 and flu updated 2024–2025 vaccines. They also recommend the RSV vaccine to everyone ages 75 and older, as well as adults ages 60–74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease. Talk to your doctor to see if these vaccines are right for you.

Related: Afraid of Routine Health Screenings and Tests? 7 Tips to Reduce Anxiety

3. Fend Off Seasonal Crud

In addition to vaccines, there are more ways you can help protect yourself from seasonal illnesses. Be sure to practice good hand hygiene, lathering up and scrubbing your hands together for at least 20 seconds when you wash them. You can also stock your medicine cabinet with sick-day essentials, such as over-the-counter medications, a thermometer, a pulse oximeter, tissues and more.

4. Get Your Heating Systems Inspected

 Before turning on the heat or lighting a fire in the fireplace, it’s important to get these systems inspected by professionals to ensure they’re in good working order. Schedule these tasks sooner than later—before heating season begins—to avoid the last-minute rush.

Related: 10 Tips and Hacks for Saving on Your Heating Bill This Winter

5. Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Heating equipment used in the colder months make fall and winter the seasons with the highest number of carbon monoxide poisoning cases and house fires. Change the batteries in your detectors and test them to help reduce your risk.

6. Reduce Your Fall Risk

From wet fallen leaves to snow and ice, the cooler months create conditions that can increase your risk of falls. Check out our article featuring nine tips for preventing slips and falls so you can avoid injuries this season.

7. Eat Seasonally

There are many delicious and healthy fruits and vegetables that are in season this time of year. Produce like apples, beets, broccoli, cabbage, garlic, greens, squash and more are not only delicious, but also boost your immune system and promote good health.

8. Make Time for Fall Fun

From corn mazes and pumpkin patches to campfires and festivals, there are plenty of fun ways to keep busy during autumn. Invite family or friends to join you and enjoy the health benefits of maintaining friendships and social connections in retirement.

Want more? Check out our blog, Feeling Achy or Off? 6 Seasonal Allergy Symptoms You Need to Know About

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