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4 min. read

Jun 30, 2022

Blue KC

It’s Healthy to Be Social  

4 min. read

Jun 30, 2022 • Blue KC

Do you ever feel lonely? Do you wish you had more social connections? Do you ever long to get out more and be with family or friends? You’re not alone.

A report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) reveals that more than one-third of adults aged 45 and older feel lonely. Moreover, nearly one fourth of adults aged 65 and up are socially isolated. In other words, growing older often means growing lonelier.

Loneliness is linked to some hazardous health conditions. The NASEM study points out that social isolation significantly increases one’s risk of premature death from all causes. It’s also associated with a 50% increased risk of dementia, a 29% increased risk of heart disease, and a 32% increased risk of stroke. What’s more, loneliness also puts you at risk for depression and anxiety.  

People are social animals 

Having high-quality social relationships can help us live healthier lives. A strong social life has been linked with many health benefits, including less risk of depression and a longer life span. 

A 2019 study in the Journals of Gerontology found that older adults who interacted with people beyond their usual social circle of family and close friends were more likely to have higher levels of physical activity, more positive moods, and fewer negative feelings. 

Tips for living a socially active life 

People are living longer than ever before, and seniors are the fastest-growing demographic in America. Retirement isn’t the end of the road, it’s the beginning of a new chapter. Here are some ideas on how you can stay socially engaged. 

1. Get a Hobby

Now that you have more time on your hands, why not take up a new interest, or rediscover an old one? There’s painting, photography, gardening, travelling…so many options. 

2. Become a Volunteer

Volunteering offers an opportunity to help out in your community, meet new people, and make positive change. Imagine how good that will make you feel. 

3. Get Your Game On

Playing games is one of the best ways to socialize and keep your mind sharp. Tennis, pickleball, golf, bowling, daily crossword, Sudoku, anyone? 

4. Keep Learning  

An active mind is less susceptible to age-related cognitive decline. When you take a class at a university, community college, or local organization, you can gain new knowledge and new social contacts. 

5. Join a Senior Center  

Your local community senior center is the perfect place to participate in new activities and make new connections. In this social club setting, you’ll find classes, activities, day trips, and more.  

* See your Evidence of Coverage for plan details. 

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For agents and providers

Customer service
Monday – Friday from 8am – 8pm from April 1 – September 30

October 1 – March 31 open 7 days a week from 8am – 8pm.

Phone(866) 508-7140 (TTY:711)

Mailing address

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City
PO Box 410080
Kansas City, MO 64141

Fax (816) 995-1507

Claims and grievances

Attn: MA Customer Service
PO Box 410080
Kansas City, MO 64141

Fax (816) 995-1507

Appeal requests

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City
PO Box 410080
Kansas City, MO 64141

Fax (877) 549-1748

Disclaimers

You may receive a messaging service on weekends and holidays from April 1 to September 30. Please leave a message and your call will be returned the next business day. Please note that our main customer service number presented above is the designated number for submitting oral requests for expedited appeals.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City’s Blue Medicare Advantage includes both HMO and PPO plans with Medicare contracts. Enrollment in Blue Medicare Advantage depends on contract renewal.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The HMO products are offered by Blue-Advantage Plus of Kansas City, Inc. and the PPO products are offered by Missouri Valley Life and Health Insurance Company, both independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, and wholly-owned subsidiaries of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City.

Out-of-network/non-contracted providers are under no obligation to treat Blue Medicare Advantage members, except in emergency situations. Please call our Customer Service number or see your Evidence of Coverage for more information, including the cost-sharing that applies to out-of-network services.

Medicare beneficiaries may also enroll in Blue Medicare Advantage through the CMS Medicare Online Enrollment Center located at http://www.medicare.gov. Medicare beneficiaries can also contact 1-800-MEDICARE, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.