Lesson 1: Living Well on a
Shoestring
Module 10: Small Steps to Health
and WealthTM for Older Adults
Build a Frugal Nutritious
Pantry and Freezer
Grocery store
Stock up when items that you regularly use go on sale
Check for senior discounts
Coupons
Local Sunday newspaper
Coupon ≠ Need
Step down from brand name products to generic
brands
Consider alternatives
Step down from steak to a less expensive option such
as chicken or pork
Build a Frugal Nutritious
Pantry and Freezer
Check the unit price
A larger size is not always the best bargain
Vegetables
Frozen may be less expensive
When buying fresh, buy what is in season and
freeze your own
Check out your local farmer’s market
Raise your own garden
Cooking in Your Kitchen
• Cook more at home
• Serve family and friends a home-cooked meal or
have a pot luck instead of dining out
• Prepare family size meals
▫ Eat your portion and freeze the rest
 Create your own microwavable frozen meal
Drink Water
 Step down your spending
while improving your nutrition
by cutting out non-water
drinks from your diet and your
shopping list
Brain Power
 Improve your cognitive
function and mental health
▫ Brain teasers
 Crossword puzzles
 Word search games
Step Down Your Medical Expenses
Medication
Ask your pharmacist if there is a generic
alternative to the brand name medication you are
prescribed.
Ask your doctor if there is a similar appropriate
drug at a lower cost
Check with your local grocery stores to see if they
have a free medications program and if your
prescriptions qualify
Step Down Your Medical Expenses
Insurance and Medicare
Call your insurance or Medicare representative
Discuss your current health needs and the benefits
you are receiving from coverage
Examine your priorities and discuss ways to step
down your out-of-pocket health care expenses
Uninsured
Programs may be available to assist your with
healthcare expenses
Take Home Message
Taking
stepsatobig
Small
stepssmall
can make
understand
labels can of
impact
on the improvement
yourhelp
health
making a
youwithout
make informed
big impact
your
wallet.
healthon
and
wealth
decisions.
Take Home Message
small
steps
FindTaking
creative
ways
totostep
understand
labels can
down
your spending
and
help you
make health.
informed
step
up your
health and wealth
decisions.
Activities
Brain Exercise
Famous Pairs Crossword Puzzle
Fruits Word Search Game
14
Comments? Questions?
Experiences?
Be healthy,
wealthy, and
happy…always.