#living well Archives

It’s not you, really truly!

May this blog find you in great health with your Medicare Insurance working properly 😊.

At the risk of being redundant (and my wife Q says I am often redundant)…

The Annual Election Period has begun 😱!

Remember: anyone who calls YOU about Medicare without permission is BREAKING THE LAW. Ask for their insurance license number and watch them disappear 👿.

If you’re happy with coverage, you don’t have to make changes (unless you’ve been notified your plan is ending). But if you’re curious or you just want peace of mind, book a time on my calendar. That’s why Plato and I are here 🐶😉.

Since Q is still on the road, (congrats to Anju for recognizing the castle in Syracusa, Italy) and things are not insanely busy, yet…

Plato let me know it was time for a road trip, a quick drive into the Rockies⛰️.

We travelled I-70 west to Winter Park, then continued on to Grand Lake for lunch while waiting for Rocky Mountain National Park to open for us leaf watchers without a reservation.

If you haven’t already purchased a Senior National Park Pass, consider it! $80 bucks for folks over 62 and it lasts a lifetime. Now that’s a bargain.

Plato had a great time sniffing everything, signing his name here and there and making new friends.

By myself, I’m just another old fart taking up space in the park, but with Plato…

I’m the bodyguard for a VIP (very important pooch).

You ever notice how easy it is to misread people?. At an exercise class on Sunday, I held the door for a lady and she had the meanest look on her face that it almost ruined my day 😠. That’s when I learned – it’s not you, really truly!

I assumed that I had done something wrong and started to take it personally.

Isn’t that how it goes? Somebody cuts us off, makes a strange comment, responds in a strange way or doesn’t say thank you, and we take it personally.

It’s so easy to assume we are at the center of the earth.

Since class didn’t start for another 10 minutes, I chose to reach out and discover the rest of the story.

It’s turns out that day was her dad’s 79th birthday… and he had died when she was TEN YEARS OLD.

Every October 1st she bakes his favorite dessert, a carrot cake, and shares it with her family. What a story.

I could have spent the entire class ruminating on what jerks people are… instead, I got a dose of humility and gratitude.

By taking the time to connect (instead of stewing in anger) the arc of the day pivoted and my mood changed dramatically.

Carry that message this week: it’s not about us! Everyone has their own story going on and it’s up to each of us to peel the onion, find out the real deal, and treat others with kindness.

Keep squeezing the juice out of life!

Medicare questions or problems?

Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com.

If family or friends need help… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.

Let us know what’s going on and please send pictures :).

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here

As a novice to navigating the Medicare system, I cannot recommend the services of Karl enough. His knowledge has saved my wife and I a lot of money, both on the Medicare supplement insurance and the drug coverage. Costs you nothing to listen and has saved up thousands of dollars over time.
-Robert B

Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.

Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in twenty-seven states around the country, including:

Alabama
Arizona
California
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin

The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services does not offer every plan available in your area. Currently, we represent 10 organizations that offer 50 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

This could make your day better!

May this blog post find you in great health with your Medicare Insurance working properly. This could make your day better!

Some of us are tired of the snow, but Plato doesn’t mind.

Bob and Sue found a way to beat the cold in the Cloud Forests of Costa Rica.

Back home, Q says she’s not going out till it’s warm.

Guess who’s walking Plato?

One of the benefits of walking is connections… neighbors, friends, strangers.

According to yet another article:

“Such seemingly trivial interactions have been shown to boost people’s positive moods and reduce their odds of depressed moods. Weak ties matter, not just for our moods but our health.”

Most of my work is over the phone, but this week I had the privilege of several face to face meetings. It did my heart good.

Feel the love between Brenda and her granddaughter?

I met Carol in the lobby of the repair shop by happenstance. She’s a retired physical therapist and a skier who always carries treats.

Carol’s life is filled with service as she volunteers for ARCH, an adaptive recreational program for kids here in Colorado.

Nothing replaces human connection; we are wired to connect so please…

Greet your barista, be extra kind to the cashier, nod to someone you don’t know.

Good for them, good for you!

Here’s a surprise: online advertisers prey on consumer weakness.

When an ad shows up in your data stream with an “AMAZING DEAL…”

Due your diligence. Shop around before clicking.

Who’s gonna take of your pets if you die?

This is Jackson, an ancient Fox Terrier, deaf and almost blind whose owner recently died.

Thank goodness the family made provisions for Jackson to be with Bella, a happy ending, indeed.

Don’t leave too many big surprises, do your planning.

Anybody need a part time job ?

Thanks to Jonathan for sharing.

Keep squeezing the juice out of life.

Medicare questions or problems?

Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com.

If family or friends need… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.

Let us know what’s going on and please send pictures :).

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here

Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.

Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in twenty-three states around the country, including:

Alabama
Arizona
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Maryland
Minnesota
Missouri
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Wisconsin

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options.

Here’s a Little Food For Thought

May this blog post find you in good health with your Medicare Insurance working properly.

Remember to reach out if you are having issues with your coverage. That’s why I’m here and also the purpose of this newsletter: to keep us connected.

Here’s a Little Food For Thought …

Meanwhile, my wife Quantz is still in Burma exploring the cultural sites while I work from Thailand where the internet makes it much easier to run daily appointments and to help clients with their Medicare issues.

Q tells me she is one of the first (and perhaps the only) American tourist in Burma since the coup.

I didn’t want Q to go on this part of the trip, but there is no stopping her when her mind is made up.

Now that Burma is open to tourism again, the regime is trying hard to keep visitors safe (while they oppress their own people).

Apparently the police call her daily to make certain she is ok and are doing everything they can to make sure my crazy wife Q doesn’t cause an international incident.

Q is having an amazing adventure in Burma and I have zero regrets about staying in and working from Thailand.

My meaning and purpose come from being a good husband, a good provider, and always being available to clients no matter where we are in the world, even if Q and I need to be apart from time to time.

Q was told the Karen people wear these neck rings either to: protect them from tigers, make them look less attractive (making the women less likely to be kidnapped) or as a symbol of beauty. There are many theories.

In life (and in marriage) perspective is everything.

As we age, maintaining mental flexibility and constantly challenging our assumptions and beliefs is essential to long term happiness and proper cognitive function.

When I encounter new situations or someone with different beliefs, I often find myself defaulting to a negative mindset, assuming the worst about a person or a situation.

There are so many Russians on vacation in Thailand, and to most of us Westerners, they appear cold, insensitive, and very different.

They seem so pushy that it’s often hard to avoid a negative response.

I’m guessing some people in the world think the same about us. Nevertheless, we know the majority of Americans, regardless of beliefs, are incredibly generous and kind.

After realising how negative I was becoming, I finally pushed myself to challenge this assumption.

Using google translate, I introduced myself to two young Russians and ended up spending an hour in a fascinating conversation that gave much more empathy for the Russian people who have lived under horrible despots since time out of mind.

It doesn’t mean that I like the way they live, it means I have a better understanding of why they are this way.

Challenging default assumptions brings perspective. As we age, maintaining a flexible mind will certainly make life more pleasant for each of us and can improve the quality of our daily encounters.

Here’s an article you may find of interest, some of the keys to aging well. Check it out because you are probably doing many of these things already.

One of the things Q sees in Burma is that the Thanaka tree is pulverized and used as a cosmetic by men and women to protect the skin and to look beautiful.

I’ll never wear it, but I’m glad I understand why they do it.

That’s what travel does, it opens us up to new perspectives. Never stop being curious!

Back in my favorite country, Claire in South Carolina assures me Spring is on the way. Aren’t these tulip magnolias beautiful?

This week, I received a ton of emails asking about our dog Plato back in Colorado.

Don’t worry! Plato, our mighty Bernedoodle, is living the life of Riley with our daughter Sus (and all of her animals.)

Sus had Plato groomed and he sends his regards to everyone!

That’s it for this week. Keep squeezing the juice out of life.

And, if you are having Medicare questions or problems, email Gray, Gray@thebig65.com, or just book a time on my calendar.

We are here if you need us.

Let me know what’s going on your life, please send pictures for the newsletter, and remember…

Referrals are the lifeblood of my business!

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here

Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.

Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in twenty-two states around the country, including:

Alabama
Arizona
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Maryland
Missouri
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Wisconsin

Paperwork That Matters

May this blog post find you in good health with your Medicare Coverage working properly. Today, I want to discuss paperwork that matters. But first …

Aren’t these kids cute? I’m a sucker for dinosaur jammies, must be the grandpa instinct kicking in, eh?

Many of you tell me about the joy you receive from your grandvarmints and how important they are to you (at least till they start being teenagers).

Some clients hope to leave something to the next generation. Others say their plan is to spend it all and enjoy life to the fullest.

Either way, most of us hope we will never be a burden to our spouses, our children, or our grandchildren. And yet…

I speak with clients REGULARLY who may be leaving their loved ones in a tight spot if they don’t get this right. Click on the picture below to make sure this isn’t you.

If we live long enough, we are going to die. Therefore, it is essential to have these documents in place long before we need them:

1. Last Will & Testament
2. Trust (if necessary)
3. Power of Attorney
4. Healthcare Power of Attorney
5. Living Will
6. HIPAA Release
7. Letter Of Intent

Not having these documents in place can cause terrible difficulties for your family, so take the time to leave them in a good situation.

If you already have them in place, make sure they are up to date. If you haven’t done them, look for an Eldercare Attorney or consider these forms as a starting point. This is paperwork that matters to everyone.

While travelling in Cambodia, we met and made friends with Tim and Kate, a father/daughter duo from South Carolina exploring the world together.

Tim is and his wife are retired and Kate is engaged and plans to start working when they return from their adventure. What a great way to build a lifelong memory.

When I’m not working, Q always makes sure we visit places of historical interest. In Cambodia, we visited the killing fields where millions were killed by Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge. It was such a sobering experience and an important reminder of how things can go wrong in the world.

In the capital, Phnom Penh, we had the privilege of meeting Chum Mey, a typewriter repairman, and one of only seven (out of 20,000) who survived Pol Pot’s murderous prison, S-21. The reason the the seven were kept alive is they had specific skills the Khmer needed. What a miracle to have survived. Chum is such an inspirational person and so kind despite the darkness he lived through. What a lesson for us all.

We have so enjoyed getting out of the cities and seeing the countryside.

Asia is graying faster than almost any other part of the world. People are working longer and also staying active, which is a good thing. This farmer showed us the small crabs she gathered from the dry rice paddy on her farm.

While visiting some caves near Luang Prabang, we met a group of children illegally selling wildlife to tourists. Buying this owl, we named him Oliver, was probably the wrong thing to do, he cost three dollars, but we did it anyway.

We brought him back to the hotel and uncaged him on the balcony (of course he bit Quantz, because no good deed goes unpunished.)

Oliver stayed till night fall and then disappeared. Of course it won’t change the world, but it made us feel better.

That’s it for now. The reason I’m here is to make sure your coverage is working the way you expected it to be working.

So if you’re having issues, and you’ve already called your insurance carrier, reach out to Gray, my right hand man, Gray@thebig65.com, and we’ll make sure things get taken care of.

PLEASE forward this newsletter to anyone you know who needs help with their Medicare coverage.

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here

Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.

Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in twenty-two states around the country, including:

“We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options.”

How To Use Your Crystallized Intelligence

I hope you’ve been avoiding the Medicare trolls and incessant telemarketers. Beware of anyone who promises too much! Meanwhile, Plato says Happy SNowvember!

Here are a few stories that may inspire you to use your crystallized intelligence.

Last Saturday, when we were walking, we ran into a buddy who saved his newly born grandchild’s life. The baby was born prematurely and was not putting on weight. After one ounce of milk, the baby stopped nursing and the newly minted doctor ordered a feeding tube but the feeding tube was not fixing the problem. The baby was still losing weight.

My buddy had been actively involved in the feeding and the care of all sixteen of his other grandchildren and he took the doctor to task.

He asked for the chance to remedy the situation by being allowed to take over the feeding. In one night, using the learning of a lifetime, Bill turned the situation around.

When morning came around, his grandbaby had consumed 2 and 1/2 bottles of formula and was on the road to living. No feeding tube was needed after Bill worked his magic.

We often think of aging as a diminishing process. However, don’t underestimate the power of crystallized intelligence … the wisdom we have gained over a lifetime.

In our younger years, it’s our fluid intelligence that helps us succeed. As we age, crystallized intelligence makes us specialists in certain areas and the onus is upon us to use that wisdom for good.

Since I’ve already made every mistake in the book, I try to use what I have learned to mentor the lives of younger people (and of course to help all of you with Medicare).

Aging well should also include growth, learning and trying new things, but do look for ways to share what you have learned over life with your tribe. How are you going to help others?

Here’s how Martin has helped ...

Martin is a buddy of mine in France. He bought this barren farm in 1992 when he had a still had a head full of hair. Over the next thirty years, he worked as a teacher and spent his free time transforming the land into a forest. Martin jokes that though he lost hair, he regrew it on the land. That, to me, is a legacy.

Famed psychologist Raymond Cattell describes crystallized intelligence as what we acquire from past experiences, through knowledge, and culture.

There are more ways we can learn to use our crystallized intelligence for enriching the lives of our fellow humans.

Tom’s Halloween Masterpiece …

Neighbor Tom takes pleasure every year in building a Halloween spectacle. Though his kids have been out of the house for quite a while, Tom has created a masterpiece that brings joy to everyone who sees it. Each year, his monster madness is more amazing than the year before.

Ed and Perri are neighbors. We usually run into each other out on the trails with our dogs. Though I don’t know them well, I always enjoy our casual conversations. Everything I read says these connections are essential to living well, to staying connected. So, keep looking for ways to stay connected, that is the secret sauce.

You all know that I love Colorado, but if you are looking for “Almost Heaven…”

You have to go where I grew up, the Shenandoah Valley, the edge of West Virginia.

My little brother Haas lives deep in the Valley and he’s loving his new puppy, Georgia, even when she causes trouble. He takes her everywhere he goes.

Georgia says watch out for “Medicare bull” and don’t underestimate the power of your own crystallized intelligence. And let me know what’s going on in your world and how I can help.

Please forward this newsletter to all your friends and family! Remember, referrals are the lifeblood of my business. And thank you.

Have a great week, be safe, and call me if you need me.

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here

Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker licensed to help Medicare recipients in twenty-two states around the country. States served by Karl include: