Know Someone Turning 65? Plan a "Welcome to Medicare" Party

Aging is a fact of life. We can't slow it down; we can't stop it, so why not have fun with it? If you know someone who will soon celebrate a 65th birthday, you may want to plan a "Welcome to Medicare" party. Invitations might be in the style of a Medicare card. Decorations might include additional Medicare cards in varying sizes (Medicare placemats?) and red, blue and white decorations. You might even serve red, white and blue foods, such as red velvet birthday cake, vanilla ice cream, blueberries and/or strawberries with red or blue punch.

A short program that includes funny stories, poems or embarrassing incidents associated with aging or Medicare will keep your guests in stitches.

If the honoree is in good health, guests might be encouraged to have fun with gifts, bringing such things as a cane or a large magnifying glass. If, however, the person suffers from a serious health issue, foregoing gifts in favor of cards only may be more appropriate.

Don't let that approaching 65th birthday get you down. Rather, face it with boldness, have fun and celebrate the fact that you or your friend made it to 65 and look forward to many more years.