theseniorlog.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2024

EMAIL:

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Medicare is Breaking.

Senior Citizens

are Paying the Price.

Our system is in crisis.

We in Congress have the power to fix it.

By Arianne Shadi Kourosh, Ami Bera and Larry Bucshon

Last month, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services slashed government reimbursements to physicians for the fifth year in a row, placing a severe financial burden on seniors and their doctors that will take effect in January – unless Congress intervenes first.

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Despite Medicare,

US Seniors Struggle

to Afford Care Compared

With International Peers

By Giuliana Grossi

Older adults in the United States are disproportionately affected by health care costs compared with their counterparts in other wealthy nations, despite the widespread availability of Medicare.1 Findings from the 2024 Commonwealth Fund International Health Policy Survey of Older Adults highlight significant affordability challenges within the US health care system.

A few bursts

of vigorous movement a day

may cut women's heart risks

By Kaitlin Sullivan

Short bursts of movement throughout the day — no matter how small — can help the heart, especially for women, research published Tuesday found.

Do You Often Have

"Senior Moments"?

You Should

Actually Embrace Them,

Science Says

By Abby Reinhard

We're all pretty familiar with the stigma surrounding aging. We're constantly talking and reading about ways to fight wrinkles and signs of aging—and as the years go by, people tend to get harder on themselves if they become forgetful. But while it's easy to dismiss something as a "senior moment," whether you've forgotten where you put your keys or missed a birthday, experts and science say that we should think differently about these "missteps."

6 Common Causes

of Snoring

(and When to Worry)

By: Rachel Nania

If sawing logs is part of your sleep routine, you’re in good company. Nearly half (45 percent) of U.S. adults admit to snoring occasionally, Johns Hopkins Medicine estimates, while about 25 percent are regular snorers. But just because snoring is common doesn’t mean it should be ignored. Those nighttime purrs, snorts and grumbles could be a sign of a bigger health issue.

Other Stories of Note:

Tips to help seniors

beat the holiday blues

A proactive approach can help prevent seasonal sadness and depression as well as improve your physical and mental health, and not just for older adults, says UCI Health geriatrician Dr. Renee Abueg.

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Reframing Aging:

The Power of Language

in Addressing Older Adults

Age is one of the first things we recognize about a person—along with gender and race. In today's society, ageism remains one of the most pervasive yet often-overlooked forms of discrimination. Whether intentional or not, ageist language is used in everyday conversations. And while most don’t think twice about it, ageism limits opportunities for older people and can diminish their sense of value.

quote________________

“Dream as if you'll live forever.

Live as if you'll die today.”

James Dean

_____________________

Making ends meet is becoming increasingly challenging each month, and this month is set to be even tougher. Let me explain.

As you may know, my only source of income is my Social Security benefits. Most of that goes toward my room and board at the A.L.F. The little that remains, which isn’t much, is used for personal care items, clothing, and other necessities. Recently, I had to spend money on a new refrigerator for my room*, which really impacted my budget. In the past, such an expense wouldn’t have been a big deal, but now I find myself needing to reassess my spending habits. The reason? I lost my SNAP benefits.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is designed to help low-income individuals purchase food. For the past year, I received a small monthly amount that allowed me to supplement the rather unnutritious, high-carb, low-protein meals provided to us residents. We mainly get filling, starchy meals with limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables. I was approved for these benefits last year, which helped me enjoy some homemade meals and fresh produce. Unfortunately, during my annual review, I was denied further assistance. The situation is a bit complicated, but it boils down to the fact that since I receive three meals a day included in my rent, I’m no longer eligible for food assistance. Now, if I want to buy decent food, I’ll have to cover the costs myself. With the rising prices of even basic groceries, this is a challenge I haven’t faced before. So, what to do? Basically, this new change in my resources means I’ll have to be more conscientious about how and what I buy.

Thanks to SNAP benefits, I was able to buy high-quality brand-name products in amounts that really helped me save money. Now, I’ll have to switch to store-brand items that don’t meet my standards. I’ll also need to search for single items instead of buying in bulk, like a “4-pack.” What I dislike the most is that I’ll be eating more meals in the dining room, which means my diet will consist of a lot of potatoes, pasta, rice, and canned vegetables.

I’m not sure why my status changed. Maybe I shouldn’t have been approved in the first place. There is an appeals process that would allow me to meet with an arbitrator, but I just don’t have the energy to fight a case I’m likely to lose. So, it looks like I’m back to being frugal, and I really dislike that. ...

*Editor's note: A refrigerator is a necessary item in an A.L.F.

Social networks

provide crucial support

for older adults

living with HIV

Having social support and strong social networks is vital to the health and well-being of older adults living with HIV, according to a Rutgers Health study.

To pee or not to pee?

That is a question

for the bladder —

and the brain

By Emily Underwood

You’re driving somewhere, eyes on the road, when you start to feel a tingling sensation in your lower abdomen. That extra-large Coke you drank an hour ago has made its way through your kidneys into your bladder. “Time to pull over,” you think, scanning for an exit ramp.

I Used to Think

Social Security

Wouldn't Be There

for Me in Retirement.

Now I Know the Truth

By Maurie Backman

As someone who's been writing about retirement planning for roughly the past decade, it's amusing to me to think back on the days when the only thing I knew about Social Security was that it was some sort of program that paid you benefits when you were older. I didn't learn about the program's many rules and nuances until I started covering the topic extensively.

Have you answered

a spam call by accident?

Your next move is

extremely important

Let’s say you pick up a spam call without realizing it — your first instinct might be to tell off the scam artist on the other end. Just don’t, experts urge.

BEDS AND DREAMS

The average person spends about one-third of their life in bed, which means that a lot of time is spent dreaming. Sleep researchers believe that dreams serve various purposes, including memory consolidation, emotional processing, and problem-solving, making the bed a crucial space not just for rest, but also for mental rejuvenation.

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Aging Out:

Many of us do not

go gentle into that

good night

By Anne Matthews

Americans used to train for aging and mortality. Mary Moody Emerson of Concord, Massachusetts, practiced death for decades, wearing her burial shroud by day, then climbing into a coffin-shaped bed. Her nephew Ralph Waldo opened tombs to watch decay conquer the bodies he loved: his young first wife, his five-year-old son. In family plots everywhere, gravestones cautioned: As I am now, so you must be.

Vulnerability to

Emotional Contagion

May Stress Older Adults

By Marilynn Larkin

Older adults who are sensitive to the distress of others are more likely to feel anxious or depressed themselves because of a psychological mechanism called “emotional contagion,” researchers suggested.

Managing COPD

in Seniors

By Gail Willowby

COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a group of different lung diseases, all of which are progressive. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are two of the most common and usually go together. In the US it is the fourth leading cause of death. Quite often it is misdiagnosed or missed altogether. Just as many people are living with COPD as those who have been diagnosed with the disease.

Dementia diagnosis

empowers older adults

to prepare for future,

but few get early

assessments

By Kimberly Bonvissuto

Older adults who receive a dementia diagnosis are more likely than those without a diagnosis to take actions to prepare for the future, according to a new RAND study. Only 16% of older adults currently undergo early assessments for dementia during routine visits with their primary care physicians, ...

Over 50?

Eat These 6 Low-Calorie Foods

To Stay Lean

By Alexa Mellardo

To help you make your new dietary changes a simple transition, we've spoken with an expert and put together the best low-calorie foods everyone over 50 should eat to stay lean. It's just a matter of tweaking your weekly shopping list, but the results will be well worth your extra effort.

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11 Fresh Takes

on the

Mediterranean Salad

By Tammi Kaeberlein

There’s nothing quite like a Mediterranean salad, with health, happiness, and the secrets to living longer ingrained in every bite. It’s like sunshine in a bowl, packed with flavors and ingredients known to support longevity and vitality. But even classics need a twist now and then to sustain healthy eating habits.

quote_______________________

“Oysters are supposed to enhance

your sexual performance,

But they don't work for me.

Maybe I put them on too soon.”

--Garry Shandling

____________________________

A message for those approaching retirement or just starting your well-earned leisure time. You will face some significant choices. Beyond the typical decisions about where to live, managing finances, and health, there is another crucial lifestyle choice to consider. Will you choose to stick to a daily routine similar to what you've followed throughout your working life, or will you, like many others (particularly men), decide to relax and embrace a more laid-back lifestyle? And by “laid-back” I mean not shaving, wearing the same clothes for days on end and not caring too much about your personal hygiene. This decision can have profound implications for your overall happiness and sense of purpose in retirement.

A consistent daily schedule can provide a sense of stability and normalcy, helping to keep your mind engaged and your body active. You might find comfort in waking up at the same time each day, enjoying a morning coffee while reading the news, and dedicating time to hobbies or activities that you are passionate about. This approach can foster a sense of accomplishment and keep you connected to the rhythms of life that you have known for so long.

On the other hand, many retirees may lean towards a more relaxed lifestyle, which can manifest in various ways. This might mean letting go of the daily grooming rituals that once defined your mornings, opting for comfortable clothing that can be worn for several days in a row, and adopting a more carefree attitude towards personal hygiene. While this relaxed approach can certainly feel liberating, it can also lead to unintended consequences. A lack of routine may result in feelings of aimlessness or boredom, and neglecting self-care can impact both physical and mental health.

As a resident in an assisted living facility (A.L.F.) I have seen it all. There are folks here that always look neat and clean. They change clothes every day. Their hair is combed, they are shaved or sport a neatly-trimmed beard. And, of course, they bathe regularly. Unfortunately, a considerable number of residents seem to have lost interest in their appearance, showing little concern for how they dress, look, or smell. This change can be attributed to various factors, including physical limitations, cognitive decline, or simply a shift in priorities as they face the challenges of aging. For some, the process of getting dressed may feel daunting, while others find comfort in the familiarity of their well-worn clothing, regardless of its condition.

Personally, I have always tried to maintain as much of my daily routine as possible within the limitations of the facility's rules and regulations. I shower and shave every day as I have done since I was a teenager. I dress for the day. My clothes are always freshly washed and I never wear the same outfit two days in a row. While my wardrobe now consists mainly of casual pants and tee shirts, I make sure there are no rips or tears or soup stains on them. My only concession to “comfort over fashion” is in my choice of footwear. Unfortunately, my aching, neuropathy prone tootsies find relief only when encased in a pair of soft, well worn loafers.

Naturally, the way you dress and care for yourself is your business. And far be it for me to tell anyone what they should wear. While I understand that financial constraints may affect one’s clothing options, there is no justification for neglecting cleanliness. This principle also applies to one’s overall personal hygiene. There is little that is more unpleasant than being in close proximity to an individual who is unkempt or has an unpleasant odor.

Millions of older Americans

still grapple with

student loan debt,

hindering retirement

By Megan Cerullo

Graduating with student loan debt is an all too common reality for new college degree holders beginning their careers. But there's another, often overlooked cohort of debtors facing their own set of challenges: Americans over the age of 55 approaching their retirement years.

Researcher finds

increased dementia risk

in older adults with

a criminal background

By Örebro Universitet

Using national registry data, Carmen Solares Canal identified individuals over 50 and collected data on their criminal convictions and health. The doctoral thesis involves just over 3.5 million people, of whom 800,000 have a criminal background.

10 Tech Tips for Seniors:

How to Master Your Devices

By LAUREN GRAY

Today's rapid rate of technological advancement would be unrecognizable to people from centuries past. Back then, the skills you learned in childhood or young adulthood would generally serve you throughout your life. By contrast, as current technologies quickly become obsolete, many seniors struggle to keep up with the never-ending list of new tech gadgets, apps, and features.

Making Your

Final Wishes Known

By Julie Pfitzinger

It's a subject that can keep us up at night — if I am diagnosed with a terminal illness or facing a serious health challenge, how do I want to die? Do I really know, and more importantly, do my loved ones know, my exact wishes? How do I start to capture those reflections and launch the conversations I need to have?

Older workers opting out:

Fewer people plan to work

after age 62

By Alicia H. Munnell

Are older workers more confident in their finances or more realistic about their prospects? The New York Fed’s research department just reported a major shift in retirement expectations. Workers in 2024 are less likely to plan to work full time in their 60s than workers before the pandemic, according to responses to the Survey of Consumer Expectations (SCE) Labor Market Survey.

Interesting facts about oysters

- Oysters are filter feeders, meaning they feed by pumping water through their bodies. They can filter up to 50 gallons of water a day, removing pollutants and playing a vital role in maintaining the health of their ecosystems.

- Oysters can change their gender. Many species of oysters start their lives as males and can transform into females as they mature. This ability to change can help maintain reproductive balance within their populations.

- Oysters are famous for producing pearls, which form as a defense mechanism. When an irritant, such as a grain of sand, enters an oyster's shell, it secretes layers of nacre (mother-of-pearl) around the irritant, ultimately forming a pearl.

- The age of an oyster can be determined by counting the rings on its shell, much like counting tree rings. Each ring typically represents a year of growth, allowing scientists to study their lifespan and growth patterns.

- Oysters create reefs that provide habitat for various marine life. These reefs enhance biodiversity by offering shelter, breeding grounds, and food sources for fish and other sea creatures.

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Alone But Not Lonely,

Why It’s So Important

By Marie Burns

I need to get better at writing down the sources of my favorite phrases and sayings (I have a notebook for those). Recently, I read (and did not write down the source) that a low level of social interaction can be just as unhealthy as smoking, obesity, alcohol abuse, or physical inactivity. Wow, that’s significantly negative with a bigger impact than I realized!

What can an older

person do to keep

from falling?

By Marie Kriedman

Losing your balance every now and then, stumbling on an uneven sidewalk or tripping over the cat is a common experience, but for senior citizens, falling could indicate a health issue or a new level of care that may be needed.

According to the Cleveland Clinic falls can be dangerous for older adults as one in five falls can cause a serious injury, such as a head injury or broken bones.

Eating healthy can

become challenge

for seniors

Thanks to breakthroughs in medicine and nutrition in recent years, we are living longer than ever before. But this increase in life expectancy also brings an increase in the number of diseases, injuries and impairments that affect older adults. With this in mind, we at the local Visiting Angels office in Salem have created this series of articles to keep our older population and their families informed and to offer some practical advice for meeting the challenges faced by seniors and those who care for them.

Medicare pays billions

for questionable back

surgeries for older adults

By Donna Shryer

A new analysis revealed that Medicare spent roughly $2 billion over three years on unnecessary back surgeries for older adults. This alarming figure comes from research conducted by the nonpartisan Lown Institute think tank. More than 200,000 procedures were identified as potentially unnecessary during the study period.

Other Stories of Note:

Cycling can make seniors

healthier and more independent −

here’s how to design bikes

and networks that meet

their needs

By Anne Lusk

Most senior citizens get around in their daily lives by driving, walking or using public buses and subways. But many people in their 60s and 70s could potentially be interested in other options, such as cycling. At a time when cycling is growing in the U.S. and the overall population is aging, seniors’ preferences for bike designs and bike networks are very relevant.

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Michelle Obama

wants to help

older adults

looking for love

Older adults ranging from age 56 to 71 venture into the dating arena in a new Netflix docuseries executive-produced by Michelle Obama that aims to showcase mature dating in a more realistic way.

“The Later Daters” brings six divorcees and widowers back to the dating pool with the help of family members and a Harvard-trained behavioral scientist-turned-relationship coach. The eight episodes showcase the older adults in the greater Atlanta area as they search for a new love.

quote________________

"Would a real man get

caught eating a twinkie?"

— Andy Rooney

_____________________

I've been feeling it coming on for a few days, and this weekend, it hit me hard. It seems I've caught one of those rare head colds. I call it "rare" because I usually don't get sick with every seasonal shift; my immune system has typically been resilient, allowing me to navigate through the changing weather without much trouble. However, ever since I had COVID during the pandemic, I've found myself more prone to various upper respiratory issues. It’s as if my body has become more sensitive to the common viruses that circulate during this time of year.

Now, I'm dealing with a pretty nasty head cold, complete with all the usual symptoms: a stuffy nose that makes it hard to breathe, a persistent headache that feels like a tight band around my forehead, and a scratchy throat that reminds me of sandpaper. My sinuses are congested, and I can feel the pressure building behind my eyes, making everything feel a bit foggy. I’ve been sneezing more than usual, and the occasional cough sneaks up on me, leaving me feeling even more drained.

Fortunately, it’s nice and warm in here and I have access to some OTC medications to treat the symptoms. I have to give a shout-out to Amazon for sending me their version of Tylenol Cough and Cold medicine arriving at my door at 7am on Saturday. It’s the daytime non-drowsy version so I won’t fall asleep during the day. I can’t help but reflect on how different my experience with colds used to be before COVID. Back then, I would brush off a head cold as a minor inconvenience, but now, it feels like a reminder of how fragile our health can be. I’m trying to take it easy, rest as much as possible, and stay hydrated, hoping that this will pass quickly. If all goes well, I’ll be over this in a few day none the worse for wear. Or, I could wind up in the hospital. At my age, who knows? ...

Low vitamin D levels

linked to higher diabetes risk

in older adults, study finds

By Dr. Sushama R. Chaphalkar

In a recent systematic review and meta-analysis published in the journal Nutrients, researchers from Italy updated a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine whether low serum vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D or 25OHD) levels can predict the onset of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in older adults. Despite adjusting for several confounders, they found that low 25OHD levels were associated with an increased risk of developing T2D in older adults.

The Best Place to Live on

Only a Social Security Check

By Ghazal Ahmed

This article takes a look at the best place to live on only a Social Security check. If you're looking for more options to consider for your golden years, check out all 20 Best Places to Live on Only a Social Security Check.

Polypharmacy in

Older Adults

By Sarah A. Nguyen, MD & Hanadi Ajam Oughli, MD

Older adults, defined as individuals older than 65 years, are vulnerable to drug-induced adverse effects due to age-related physiological changes, such as decreased renal and hepatic function, increased body fat, lower total body water, and lower lean body mass, all of which can impact the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of medications and increase the elimination half-life. Older adults experience a higher prevalence of comorbid chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and other psychiatric conditions. Nearly 95% of older adults have at least 1 chronic condition, and nearly 80% have 2 or more. Polypharmacy is common given multiple medical comorbidities, but exposure to multiple medications may further lead to harm due to inappropriate medication prescription.

Having Children

May Worsen Heart Health

for Men: Study

By Anna Skinner

Heart health in fathers is worse than nonfathers, a study by Northwestern University and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago has revealed.

Facts about Twinkies

Twinkies were invented in 1930 by James A. Defevers, a baker working for the Continental Baking Company in Schiller Park, Illinois. They were initially filled with banana cream, but the filling was changed to vanilla during World War II due to a banana shortage.

Twinkies are famously known for their long shelf life. Contrary to popular myth, they don't last forever, but they can stay fresh for about 45 days. Their preservative-rich ingredients contribute to this longevity.

The term "Twinkie defense" originated during the trial of Dan White, who argued that his diminished capacity was influenced by his consumption of junk food, including Twinkies. This case gained widespread media attention and sparked debates about mental health and legal defense strategies.

Twinkies have gone through various changes over the years, including the introduction of different flavors and limited-edition versions. Some of these variations include chocolate, strawberry, and even pumpkin spice. Despite changes in ownership and production, they have remained a beloved treat for many fans.

Twinkies continue to be a recognizable snack and a significant part of American snack food history!

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Stop!

Don’t Buy These

10 Items on Black Friday

By Beth Braverman

With all the excitement surrounding Black Friday, it’s easy to get caught up in the thrill and end up overspending or making purchases that leave you with buyer’s remorse. And, unfortunately, not every item is a good buy on the biggest shopping day of the year.

Internet use

in adults over age 50

linked to better

mental health

By Justin Jackson

Mental health problems among middle-aged and older adults have become a global public health concern. In 2019, approximately 14% of people aged 55 and older experienced mental disorders such as depression, accounting for an estimated 2.7% of disability-adjusted life-years globally, according to the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study.

'Silver tsunami'

heads for South Florida:

How will region handle

surge in older residents?

By Mike Diamond

BOCA RATON — South Florida, already struggling to cope with a heavy concentration of senior citizens, will see those numbers significantly increase in the coming years.

19 Bathroom Adaptations

for People

with Disabilities (2024)

Whether you’ve been advised to make bathroom adaptations, or you’d simply like to make your routine a little easier, you’re in the right place. This page is your creative catalogue.

Other Stories of Note:

Scratching away:

The complexities

of chronic itch

By Katherine Harmon Courage

It seems hard to believe that a basic human sensation — one that can be evoked by a simple mosquito bite — still has scientists scratching their heads. Yet despite centuries of study, understanding itching is still fraught.

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Is a 55+ Community

Right for You?

By Lisa Gerstner

Thinking about moving to a 55+ community? Once limited to the Sunbelt, these developments, designed for people 55 and older, can now be found throughout the nation, from Washington state to Texas, Virginia, the Carolinas and the Northeast. And more of them are popping up.

quote________________

“Cucumber should be well sliced,

dressed with pepper and vinegar,

and then thrown out.”

Samuel Johnson

______________________

The meal has wrapped up, and the family members have headed back to their homes. The final football game has concluded. The nice silverware and dishes have been cleaned, dried, and stored away until next year. Now, all that remains are some leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, and a mountain of vegetables. Another Thanksgiving has passed, leaving behind cherished memories, some ingredients for a turkey pot pie*, and a sense of unease about the future of the nation we just celebrated.

It's safe to say that this year has been quite challenging. For many, it hasn't concluded on a positive note. There's a heavy sense of uncertainty regarding the future of our nation and its capacity to remain a stronghold of freedom and democracy. The once-bright beacon that guided us through turbulent times now seems to be following a path similar to that of other nations. It risks yielding to the influences of those who wish to reshape our country into an ultra-right, white Christian-led empire, where compassion is overshadowed by greed and the interests of the wealthy elite.

It's going to be tough for those of us who still care about democracy to stand up against these power grabbers. A lot of the safeguards we used to rely on to prevent this kind of takeover have been weakened or rendered useless.

This whole situation started years back when Trump stacked the Supreme Court with justices who would back an ultra-conservative agenda. Things got even worse when people began to doubt the media, thanks to the constant shouts of "Fake news" and the media's failure to call out lies when it mattered. Now, we’re left wondering who or what will keep this new regime in check.

It is possible that I am exhibiting an overly pessimistic outlook. There may still exist individuals of good character who will rise to the occasion, denounce the current situation, and unite to challenge him and his associates in the 2028 elections. However, such individuals must possess considerable courage, willing to risk their "lives, fortunes, and sacred honor" to preserve the democracy for which we have fought so diligently. Stay tuned folks. The next episode will start after these messages…

* Recipe on request.

Any Level of Leisure-Time

Physical Activity Aids

in Stroke Prevention

By Jolynn Tumolo

Any amount of leisure-time physical activity helps to lower the risk of stroke compared with inactivity, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry.

How the elderly could benefit

by switching to decaf coffee

By Laura Donnelly

A study of older people living in care homes found that cutting out caffeine saw the number of accidents fall by up to one-third. Experts said those with concerns about falls should “give decaf a go”.

Divorce and

Social Security:

5 Things to Know

By M.P. Dunleavey

You may qualify for benefits equal to half those of your higher-earning ex-spouse, without needing to tell them about it or seek their permission

Why More Middle-Aged Adults

Are Having Strokes —

and How to Prevent One

By Rachel Nania

Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke — a disruption of blood flow to the brain. And that someone might be younger than you think.

Older Adults Opened Up

About Things They

"Took For Granted"

In Their 20s And 30s,

And It Hits Hard

By Liz Richardson

Last month, we wrote a post where older adults from the BuzzFeed Community shared things they "took for granted" in their 20s and 30s. In the comments, even more readers shared their own responses. Here's what they had to say:

FOODS THAT DON’T EXPIRE

- Honey has natural preservatives and its low moisture content makes it inhospitable to bacteria and fungi. It can last indefinitely if stored properly.

- Pure salt (sodium chloride) does not expire as it is a mineral. However, flavored or iodized salts may have added ingredients that could affect their shelf life.

- Like salt, granulated sugar does not spoil. It may clump over time due to moisture but is safe to consume indefinitely.

- White, wild, jasmine, and basmati rice can last for years when stored in a cool, dry place. Brown rice has a shorter shelf life due to its higher oil content.

- While they may lose their quality over time, dried beans can last indefinitely if kept dry and stored in airtight containers.

- Vinegar, especially distilled vinegar, has an indefinite shelf life due to its acidity, which prevents the growth of bacteria.

Always check for changes in texture, flavor, or odor when consuming long-stored foods, even those with long shelf lives. Proper storage conditions are key to maintaining the quality and edibility of these foods.

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Second-most commonly

prescribed drug

for older adults

is linked to bone loss

By Tracy Swartz

A popular thyroid medication taken by 23 million Americans may be associated with bone loss, a startling new study finds.

Levothyroxine — marketed under brand names such as Synthroid — is the second-most commonly prescribed medication among older adults in the US. It’s consumed by about 7% of the US population.

Seniors on Path

to Access New Medication

and Treatments

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Seniors will have greater access to innovative medication and treatments thanks to bipartisan bills approved by the Ways and Means Committee. The legislation requires Medicare to cover certain cutting-edge medications, screenings tests, and devices.

More than half of non-retired

US adults expect to rely

on Social Security in retirement

By Jeanne Sahadi

Social Security is by far one of the most popular government programs in the United States because it is critical for so many retirees’ financial security. And it will be just as important for US adults who have yet to retire....

Far More Older People

Are Losing at Least $100K

to Fraud —

Here’s Where Their Money Goes

By Chris Kissell

Fraudsters have a long history of targeting older folks, but the problem appears to be getting worse. The number of adults age 60 and older who reported losing six figures or more to fraud has tripled in a span of just three years, according to a recent Federal Trade Commission report to Congress.

10 Best Supplements

for Longevity, Doctors Say

By Lauren Gray

Some of the most important things you can do to promote longevity are follow a healthy, whole-foods-based diet, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, not smoke, reduce drinking, and maintain social ties. Additionally, some experts say that supplements can also play a role in living longer, with a handful of supplements standing out as particularly effective.

Other Stories of Note:

Will people leave Florida

after devastating hurricanes?

History suggests not

If moves into the state offer any answer, then hurricanes have served little as deterrents. Florida’s population has grown by one-third to 23 million residents in the two decades since Charley, Frances, Jeanne and Ivan ravaged the state. Last year, Florida added more than 365,000 residents, second only to Texas among states. On the other hand, there are signs that Florida’s white-hot real estate market has cooled. [Source: AP]

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Katarina Sako ’24

Works to Help

Older Adults Age Well

Sako’s interactions with her grandparents, including more recently as part of her family’s role in caregiving, planted the seed for her interest in her work assisting older adults through the creation of community programming.

quote________________

“When you've been around

a snake long enough,

you learn how to crawl in the dirt.”

Susan Elizabeth Phillips

_________________

We’ve got a new “Teflon Don” on our hands. No, it’s not some long-lost relative of the infamous Mafia boss John Gotti, who was known for dodging charges like a pro. This time, it’s the “capo di tutti capi,”* President-elect “Don” Trump, who just managed to shake off not one, but seemingly two major accusations against him.

The news that Jack Smith, the special prosecutor from the DOJ, is dropping the case against Trump related to the January 6th riots and the mishandling of White House documents didn’t really catch anyone off guard. Once Trump snagged the election win, it felt like the case was pretty much done. But let’s not let Jack Smith off the hook too easily; he’s partly responsible for letting nearly four years slip by while he took his sweet time gathering evidence and statements. He should have taken this to court and let a jury of Americans decide Trump’s fate. Instead, he got caught up with some slick lawyers and a judge who seemed to be in someone’s pocket. While some folks are saying this is the best move for the country, forgiving a guy who clearly disrespects the Constitution on Constitutional grounds feels like a slap in the face to all the Americans hoping for some real justice. Now it looks like nothing will change, and the Felon-in-chief has dodged a bullet that could have landed him in federal prison.

This week, things got even worse for us New Yorkers. It looks like the case against Trump, where he was found guilty of 34 felony charges for covering up hush money payments to a sex worker, is about to be dismissed. Not only is he avoiding any sentencing (which he totally should have faced within a month of his guilty verdict), but now the whole conviction might get thrown out. So, the guy who swindled money from hardworking New Yorkers is going to walk away without any consequences. As a tax-paying citizen of this state, I feel completely let down by the justice system and everyone involved in bringing him to trial. And every honest business owner in NY, who abides by the law and honestly accounts for every penny they take-in and spend, should be outraged by this turn of events. We got conned, big time.

Who pays

for long-term care?

By Alicia H. Munnell

People are confused and overestimate Medicare's role in paying for long-term care. We've embarked on a host of studies about long-term care. One component of that effort is to assess the public's understanding of how these costs are financed.

Looking younger linked to

positive aging experiences

and better health

in older adults

By Mane Kara-Yakoubian.

A study published in Psychology and Aging found that older adults who perceive themselves as looking younger than their peers generally experience more positive and fewer negative aspects of aging, while those who appear older tend to have the opposite experience.

Long-Term Care Expenses

Can Destroy Your

Estate Plan:

Plan Accordingly

Estate planning is about much more than reducing taxes; it’s about ensuring your loved ones are provided for after you’re gone and that your assets are passed on according to your wishes. However, few events can upend your estate plan as the way unanticipated long-term care (LTC) expenses can.

New Bill Aims to Boost

Substance Use Treatment

Funding for Older Adults

By Morgan Gonzales.

A newly introduced bill proposes to stack funds to improve substance use disorder (SUD) treatment for older adults.

Interesting facts about snakes:

- There are over 3,000 species of snakes worldwide, ranging from harmless garter snakes to venomous cobras and vipers. They inhabit various ecosystems, including forests, deserts, and oceans.

- Snakes do not have eyelids. Instead, they have a protective scale called a spectacle (or brille) that covers their eyes. This scale helps to keep their eyes moist and protects them from debris.

- Snakes can consume prey much larger than their head due to their highly flexible jaws. Their jawbones are not fused, allowing them to stretch and accommodate large meals, which they often swallow whole.

- Snakes are ectothermic (cold-blooded), meaning they rely on external sources to regulate their body temperature. They often bask in the sun to warm up or seek shade and burrows to cool down.

- Not all snakes are venomous, and among those that are, venom composition can vary widely. Venoms can serve various purposes, such as subduing prey or deterring predators, and they can have effects ranging from mild discomfort to severe medical emergencies in humans.

These fascinating creatures play essential roles in their ecosystems, helping to maintain balance by controlling pest populations.

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10 Essential Tech Tools

for Older Adults

By Rachel Hartman

Technology can help seniors stay connected with family, friends and service providers.

Tools like medication management systems, GPS trackers and smart home devices enable seniors to live safely and independently. Wearable fitness trackers and smartwatches promote physical well-being by tracking activity, sleep and other health data....

Downsizing:

Mistakes and How

to be Successful

and Stress-Free

If you consult a dictionary, you'll see that to downsize is to make something smaller. No problem if you're cutting a cookie recipe in half or getting rid of some old books. But if you've got an entire house stocked full of a lifetime's worth of possessions, there's a lot more at stake. There are memories involved, important milestones marked by treasured items you keep on your shelves and special tokens of a life well lived.

Does Medicare cover

medical equipment

and supplies?

By Kimberly Lankford

Yes. Medicare Part B covers prescribed equipment and supplies for home use that are considered medically necessary.

The key is that the materials must be categorized as durable medical equipment (DME), meaning they can withstand repeated use.

Late-in-Life Marriage:

Pros, Cons, and More

By Susan Hirshman

Considering a late-in-life marriage? Before you and your partner combine your financial lives, here are some important things to keep in mind.

Other Stories of Note:

7 Things Parents Need to Know

About Social Security

Survivor Benefits for Children

By Patricia Amend and Andy Markowitz

As a parent of young children, thinking that you or your spouse might not be alive to care for them as they grow up is difficult. But planning for an unexpected loss is important for ensuring the financial well-being and stability of kids left behind, and “Social Security survivor benefits play a crucial role in this planning process,” says Alyson Claire Basso, a certified financial planner at Hayden Wealth Management in Middleton, Massachusetts.

/////////////////////////////

The Unspoken Grief

of Never Becoming

a Grandparent

By Catherine Pearson

Lydia Birk, 56, has held on to her favorite copy of “The Velveteen Rabbit” since her three children — now in their 20s and 30s — were young. She loved being a stay-at-home mother, and filled her family’s home with books. (All of her children could read before they started school, Ms. Birk recalled with pride.) She hoped one day to be a “cool” grandma who would share her favorite stories with a new generation.

quote________________

“Age is of no importance

unless you are a cheese.”

Billie Burke

____________________

I was thinking the other day, “when did my body start calling the shots in my life?” Let me explain.

They say our bodies begin to decline the moment we enter the world. Bit by bit, and often without us noticing, different parts start to wear down. Sure, some parts can bounce back, like our skin, liver, blood cells, hair, and nails. But the parts we really depend on for energy, flexibility, and intimacy and life itself, tend to show signs of wear in our thirties or forties. By the time we hit fifty, we’re often feeling pretty worn out. And don’t even get me started on how our appearance changes, which usually declines right after our teenage years. But that’s not really what I’m getting at. I’m curious about when my body started to influence what I can eat, where I can travel, how I can play, and even how I think.

It’s a strange realization, isn’t it? The body, which we often take for granted, begins to assert its own preferences and limitations. I remember a time when I could eat anything without a second thought—pizza at midnight, a slice of cake for breakfast, or a spontaneous trip to the beach without worrying about how my knees would hold up. But now, I find myself weighing my options more carefully. A rich meal might lead to an uncomfortable night, and there is no way I could ever get to a beach. It’s as if my body has become a gatekeeper, dictating the terms of my enjoyment and adventure.

Traveling, too, has changed. I used to dream of getting into the car and driving from city to city visiting friends and relatives with nothing but a small bag and a sense of adventure. Now, I’m too blind to ever consider driving again. The thrill of spontaneity has been replaced by a more cautious approach, as I navigate the realities of fatigue and the need for rest. I can’t help but wonder: when did my body become the one making the plans?

I was pretty active throughout my middle age. I even had the energy to play racquetball twice a week. Walking five or six miles a day was no big deal, and I could drive for hours without a hitch. My energy levels stayed strong into my 50s and 60s. I remember a transit strike where I had to walk from 34th Street all the way to my office on West 10th, and I didn’t even break a sweat. Then, out of nowhere, it felt like my body just decided to hit the brakes. It was like some cosmic force said, “That’s enough. Time to take it easy.”

I can’t say I’m surprised it happened. After spending a lot of time with older people, I get how aging can take a toll on the body. What really threw me for a loop was how fast everything seemed to go downhill. It felt like all my problems decided to show up at once. My eyesight, hearing, and balance feel way older than my actual age. I thought I wouldn’t have to deal with this kind of “stuff” for at least another ten years. But here I am, knowing that when I finally get up from this chair, my body will definitely remind me that I’m racing towards that time when I’ll have one foot in the grave and the other one slipping.

White matter

in superagers' brains

is less prone to aging

and cognitive decline

Aging commonly leads to cognitive decline, particularly in memory function, and is often associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. However, a unique subset of older adults known as “superagers” defy this trend, maintaining memory comparable to much younger individuals.

Understanding Medicare Coverage

for Nursing Home Care:

Confusion Can Be Costly

As a lawyer, I have exclusively represented long-term care healthcare providers for over ten years. I have gained useful insight into how people plan—or, in many cases, fail to plan—for the possibility that they may need long-term care. Along the way, I have identified some common misconceptions that many people have about long-term care.

24 Modern-Day Inventions

That People Over 30

Would've Given Anything

To Have Back In The Day

(And Exactly Why)

by Claudia Santos

It's easy to reminisce and be nostalgic about the good ol' days. But sometimes, you have to admit that certain modern inventions would have made life way easier back then. Recently, we asked older adults of the BuzzFeed Community to share the present-day item they wish they had in their younger years. Here's what they had to say.

DEALING WITH THE

DEATH OF A SPOUSE –

SHOULD WE MOURN FOREVER?

BY YVONNE BROADY

I write often about grieving and the feelings one can experience when they are in the throes of it. One can never know what it’s like to be in the grip of pain after the loss of a spouse or a loved one unless they have experienced such a loss.

How to handle

selling a home

when moving into

an assisted living facility

Families must make a number of important decisions when an aging relative decides the time is right to move into an assisted living facility. Such facilities help older individuals who are having troubling living independently. In addition to finding the right facility for a loved one, many families have to decide what to do with their aging loved one’s home.

Where Should You Store

Grated Parmesan Cheese?

Sorry to your local pizza place, but those shakers of cheesy goodness should in fact be refrigerated to keep it fresh and preserve the quality. In a response left on Target's website, Kraft advised storing its cheeses in the refrigerator at the normal temperature of 40 degrees F and only keeping them at room temp for up to one hour. This makes sense if you remember that cheese, no matter how seemingly fine, is a dairy product primarily and no one likes room-temperature milk.

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This sneaky sign

of dementia can show

up a decade

before other symptoms

By Tracy Swartz

“Odor identification has been identified as a useful screening tool that predicts conversion from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s disease dementia,” Virginia neurologist Fouzia Siddiqui told Parade last week.

Report:

Meditation didn’t boost

older adults’

cardiovascular health,

but it lowered blood pressure

in some cases

By Kristen Fischer

Meditation may seem like a beneficial solution for many health conditions, but it did not increase overall cardiovascular health in older adults, according to a new study. That said, it improved blood pressure in some at-risk participants, the data shows.

Yes, Most People Probably

Should Hold Off on

Claiming Social Security

By Peter Coy

I got a ton of mail on my Monday newsletter about why so many people claim Social Security benefits early. A lot came from readers defending their decisions to start drawing benefits as early as age 62 rather than waiting until 70, the age that I wrote is actually ideal for many people.

Your brain doesn’t have to

decline as you get older.

Debunking myths about aging

Below, Whitman shares five key insights from her new book, The Second Fifty: Answers to the 7 Big Questions of Midlife and Beyond. Listen to the audio version—read by Whitman herself—in the Next Big Idea App.

1. Zip codes determine how long we live....

Opinion:

A simple plan

to fix Social Security?

Be suspicious, very suspicious.

By Alicia H. Munnell

This proposal would undermine support for the program and delay a real solution...

Eating this snack every day

may lower your risk of dementia —

even better if you follow 2 rules

By Tracy Swartz

Middle-aged and older adults who eat a handful of nuts a day can lower their risk of dementia by 12%, a new study has found.

quote________________

“Look at identical twins. When you get closer,

you start to see the small differences.

It all depends on how much you magnify it.”

Bryan Swanson

____________________

I can't help but chuckle. The news outlets, social media, and pretty much everyone else are all complaining about L’Orange’s choices for important government roles. It’s almost comical, really. I mean, what did they think would happen? After all the votes were tallied and the dust settled, there was an avalanche of criticism about how we could be so foolish as to elect a clear maniac to the top job. The airwaves were filled with dire warnings and apocalyptic predictions, yet here we are, standing at the precipice of a new administration, and suddenly everyone is anxious about the future of our country.

It’s as if they expected a miracle to occur overnight, that somehow the chaos and controversy would dissipate the moment the election results were announced. But let’s be real: the signs were all there. The rallies, the tweets, the divisive rhetoric—it was a clear indication of the direction we were heading. And now, with each appointment L’Orange makes, the collective gasp from the public is almost theatrical. It’s as if they’ve forgotten the very nature of the man they elected.

The irony is rich. For years, we’ve been bombarded with headlines and hot takes about the unpredictability of his leadership style, yet now, when he’s finally in a position to act on those tendencies, there’s shock and dismay. The cabinet picks, the policy proposals, the sheer audacity of it all—these are not surprises; they are the culmination of a campaign built on disruption and defiance.

So, as I sit back and watch the reactions unfold, I can’t help but find humor in the situation. It’s a classic case of “you reap what you sow.” The very same voices that warned us of the impending doom are now wringing their hands, wondering how we got here. The truth is, we got here because we chose to ignore the warning signs, to dismiss the absurdity as mere entertainment rather than a serious reflection of what was to come.

Now, as the nation braces itself for what lies ahead, I can’t help but wonder: did they really think that electing a reality TV star with a penchant for chaos would lead to anything other than a wild ride? The future may be uncertain, but one thing is clear: we’re in for a show, and it’s bound to be anything but dull. ..

73 best discounts

for ages 50+:

Where to save money

for active agers,

seniors and retirees

BY HEATHER PETTY

To celebrate Older Americans Month — and help you find the best deals, rates and prices out there — we put our research nose to the grindstone to dig up the top discounts across national and regional chains, retailers and services.

61% of older adults

would choose

preserving savings

over growing wealth —

could you be

playing it too safe?

By Chris Clark

A recent survey by Global Atlantic Financial Group finds a staggering two-thirds of respondents aged 55-75 indicated a preference for protecting their existing savings over seeking wealth growth — the wounds still fresh from anxiety-inducing market losses during the pandemic bear market.

How a Dozen Smart Home Devices

Allow One Savvy Septuagenarian

to Age in Place

By Rachel Cericola

Anne Madison, 73, lives in a seniors community outside of Baltimore, Maryland. She also happens to be a big fan of smart-home devices, which is how we came to know her.

8 BEST GIFTS FOR

VISUALLY IMPAIRED

SENIORS

BY SOHAIL AHMED

It can be challenging to buy a gift for your senior family members or friends who have visual impairment. You want gifts to be useful and make your loved one’s life easier.

Twins and Fingerprints

Only 1 in 3 sets of twins are identical; the remaining two-thirds are considered fraternal, essentially siblings born at the same time who may or may not look alike. But even if identical twins seemingly appear as carbon copies, they do have some differences — such as their fingerprints. The patterns on our fingertips develop in utero, and how they look for the rest of our lives is heavily affected by our environment before birth. Blood pressure, umbilical cord length, and how fast a fetus grows all impact the final print design. Because identical twins share the same DNA, it’s likely their prints will be similar, though they’ll never be duplicates. In the history of fingerprint studies, no two people have ever had matching marks, including twins.

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Trump names

Dr. Mehmet Oz

to head Centers for Medicare

and Medicaid Services

By Kate Sullivan and Alayna Treene

“I have known Dr. Oz for many years, and I am confident he will fight to ensure everyone in America receives the best possible Healthcare, so our Country can be Great and Healthy Again!” Trump said in a statement on Tuesday.

Mind-Blowing Discovery:

Scientists Discover

That Memories Are Not

Only in the Brain

A groundbreaking study has found that cells outside the brain may have memory functions, challenging the long-held belief that memory is exclusive to brain cells. Researchers demonstrated that non-brain cells could learn from spaced repetition, activating a “memory gene” similar to brain cells.

Many Older Adults

Lack Financial Security:

What Can We Do?

By Ryan Munson

America is grappling with a significant shift that endangers the financial stability of its older adults. As private industry transitioned from employer-managed defined benefit pensions to self-directed defined contribution programs, many Baby Boomers found themselves unprepared for this drastic change. The consequences have been severe, creating a ripple effect that impacts an entire generation of Americans.

How to Keep Older Adults

Out of the Hospital

During Flu Season

Vaccination, Hydration and Treating Symptoms Early Can Help Older Patients Avoid Severe Flu Illness

The flu might be a miserable weeklong illness and inconvenience for many people, but it can have serious consequences for older adults.

Other stories of note:

Staying Active with Hobbies

By Adam Sands

Senior activity is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle as you age. It is crucial to living a long time and living well. Many senior activities includes hobbies. New research shows that mental and social activity are equally important as a proper diet and being active. Having hobbies that involve other people encompass both of these things.

////////////////////////////////

Have You and Your Spouse

Run Out of Things to Talk About?

By Pam Lamp

In our younger days, I’d watch the older couples next to us in restaurants – and I’d vow we’d never be like them. Those folks who sat across from each other and ate their meals in silence.

quote________________

“I'm so old they've

cancelled my blood type.”

Bob Hope

____________________

Things have been pretty quiet around the Asylum lately. Part of it is due to Seasonal Affective Disorder, and the rest is probably from the shock of the recent election. A lot of our residents are scratching their heads, trying to figure out how he managed to win with his awful behavior and all the ridiculous things he said. Now, with all these scary nominations for key positions, it’s honestly a lot to take in. We’re all kind of holding our breath, waiting to see if any of them will get through Congress. But I’m not just sitting around doing nothing. I’ve been pondering what our founding fathers would think about the current state of our country and what they might do if they had the chance. I think there’s a potential plot for a sci-fi movie in there somewhere. Here’s what I’ve come up with so far…

In this imaginative world, a group of historians and scientists discovers a way to bring the Founding Fathers into the modern era. The story kicks off in a near-future America, where political divides have hit an all-time high, putting democracy itself at risk. The team, made up of a mix of people with different backgrounds and reasons for being involved, believes that by introducing these historic icons into today's society, they can motivate a new wave of citizens to embrace the principles of freedom and justice.

The lead scientist is Dr. Elena Carter, a brilliant yet disenchanted physicist who has created a technology to open a temporal rift, allowing them to pull historical figures into the present. They carefully choose a select few Founding Fathers, like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin, convinced that their knowledge and perspectives can help reverse the damage Trump has done.

As these historical figures grapple with the strange new world of the 21st century—complete with smartphones, social media, and a drastically different political scene—they start to tackle current issues. Washington emerges as a unifier, promoting cooperation across political divides. Jefferson, a fierce defender of personal rights, questions today's idea of freedom and equality.. Meanwhile, Ben Franklin, with his humor and charisma, takes to social media to connect with the public, effectively connecting past and present that appeals with younger audiences.

But all is not well. A powerful political group, feeling threatened by the revival of democratic values, aims to undermine the Founding Fathers' impact. This faction, led by a charming yet ruthless politician, resorts to propaganda and misinformation to create division and sway public opinion against these historical icons.

I’ll leave it there. Maybe until after the inauguration. BTW, does anyone have Spielberg's number? ….bwc

Here are 5 superfoods

that promote healthy aging

in older adults

Maintaining a healthy diet during older years can promote healthy aging and protect the body against diseases that older adults are at higher risk for, such as dementia and heart disease. Incorporating superfoods such as berries and nuts into an everyday diet may be beneficial to healthy aging.

Low Testosterone in Men

Linked with Higher Risk

of Death

A study has found that low testosterone in men was linked with a higher risk of dying. While the sex hormone testosterone tends to be most associated in people’s minds with the development of male characteristics and a healthy desire for sex in both men and women, it plays other roles related to muscle size and bone strength.

VACATIONS FOR SENIORS

WITH LIMITED MOBILITY

Are you or a loved one eager to go on a vacation but find that limited mobility poses a challenge? The desire to explore and create memories knows no age limit, and thankfully, there are tailored vacation options designed specifically for seniors facing mobility constraints.

Why Finance Cons

Target Older Adults,

and How to

Protect Yourself

By Kimberly Palmer 

Losses due to scams targeting those age 60 or older ballooned to $3.4 billion last year, an increase of 11% over the previous year, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. The average amount lost was $33,915.

Medicare should include

dental coverage,

dentists tell U.S. Senate panel

BY JENNIFER SHUTT

The dentists also told senators that better outreach and education are needed to ensure people understand how missing regular checkups can have negative repercussions on their physical health.

Blood Type and Your Health

Types A and B: Higher risk of blood clots, heart attacks and strokes.

Type AB: Higher risk of stroke and inflammation. Those with AB+ blood can accept blood from all donors and are called universal recipients.

Type O: Slightly lower risk of thrombosis, blood clots, heart attacks and strokes. People with type O- blood are universal donors and can donate to anyone.

Note that a healthy lifestyle likely trumps blood type in terms of increasing or decreasing risks.

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Older voters

prioritized personal

economic issues,

helped Republicans win

on Election Day

By Lorie Konish

More than half of voters ages 50 and up prioritized personal economic issues, including inflation, the economy and jobs, and Social Security when determining their vote. When asked, “Are you better off today than you were four years ago?” the answer for many older voters ages 50 and over was “no,” according to a new postelection poll released by AARP.

What will happen

to Social Security

after Trump takes office?

By Tara Siegel Bernard

President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to protect the program, but many policies he proposed on the campaign trail would weaken its already frail finances, depriving it of much-needed revenue. And plenty of influential Republicans have long called for cuts to the program.

Smart homes for assisted living

have huge potential,

but here’s why they’re still

mostly a pipe dream

By Sabrina Azzi

"....many experts believe that the true potential of smart homes lies in helping those with special needs, such as older people or those with dementia. The vision is that by helping with daily activities, detecting problems, providing assistance and calling for human backup when required, smart homes can help people to live independent lives who currently need alternative arrangements."

Seasonal Depression:

Effective Strategies for Seniors

Seasonal depression happens as the seasons change, bringing shorter days and less sunlight. This condition, particularly prevalent during the fall and winter, can profoundly affect seniors, diminishing their quality of life. Recognizing the signs of seasonal depression and implementing effective coping strategies is crucial, especially for residents in communities like Cristwood Park in Shoreline, WA, and Crista Shores in Silverdale, WA. There are various layers and complexities to understanding seasonal depression among seniors and different ways to combat it.

Other stories of interest:

Travel Companions for Seniors –

How to Find the

Best Travel Partner for You

By Margaret Manning

Many women over 60 love to travel, but don’t want to travel alone. If you’re looking for alternatives to traveling solo, perhaps you would do well to find a good travel partner.

/////////////////////////////////

Older adults can bolster

social networks with

social cognition training

By Kristen Fischer

The intervention, which included in-person courses and homework, is based on the theory of mind foundation — being able to understand the thoughts, feelings and intentions of others to navigate social situations. The group-based sessions helped to foster more social opportunities for the participants, the study found.

quote_________________________________

“Aging is an extraordinary process where you become

the person you always should have been.”

– David Bowie

___________________________________

You can notice it beginning. They’re wrapping the patio furniture in plastic covers, as if preparing for a long hibernation. The bright blue umbrellas that used to protect us from the scorching afternoon heat have been folded up and stored away for the season, leaving the outdoor spaces bare and exposed to the elements. Even the sun has changed its position, moving from its high spot in the sky to a softer glow, casting elongated shadows that dance across the ground as it hides behind the trees and buildings of our little hilltop assisted living paradise.

The air carries a crispness that wasn’t there just weeks ago, a gentle reminder that the warmth of summer is slipping away. The leaves, once a lush green, are now transforming into a pallet of reds, oranges, and yellows, The sounds of laughter and chatter that filled the patio during sunny afternoons are gone, replaced by the rustling of leaves and the occasional chirp of a sparrow preparing for winter.

Inside the A.L.F. (Assisted living facility), the staff is bustling about, making preparations for the long, winter “nap.” They’re organizing activities that will keep spirits high during the colder months, planning movie nights and crafting sessions in an attempt to keep restless residents from dying of boredom.

As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, the facility becomes a sanctuary, a place where the warmth of community and the spirit of togetherness shine brightly against the backdrop of the encroaching winter. The preparations signal not just an end, but a transition—a time to reflect, to rest, and to embrace the beauty of the season ahead.

Residents are starting to get used to this new vibe. Some are lounging by the big windows, enjoying hot drinks while they watch the outside world change. Others are huddled in small groups, sharing stories about winters gone by and wishing they had made the move to Florida when they could. The mood is one of quiet acceptance, a shared realization that winter is inevitable. For some, it’s a moment to vent about feeling left out by their families. As for me, I just hope to stick around long enough to welcome another Spring.

What you need to know

about aging in place at home

By HELEN DENNIS

We know that most people want to age in their own homes surrounded by loved ones, friends and their community. Some folks love their homes, and the ambience, memories and location they’ve grown accustomed to. And then there is having a sense of control and familiarity with the space.

ARE YOU RETIRED

AND NEED/WANT

TO GO BACK TO WORK?

ADVICE FROM A

CAREER COACH!

BY DEBORAH VOLL

Some retired women want to start a business, others want to go back into the workplace but in an entirely new field. Others want a pleasant or fun job to generate some extra money for vacations or special projects. Some women want to go back full time, and others prefer part-time hours or seasonal opportunities.

10 Tech Tips for Seniors:

How to Master Your Devices

By LAUREN GRAY

Senior-care referral site

‘A Place for Mom’

stays mum on neglect

By Christopher Rowland, Steven Rich,

Todd C. Frankel and Douglas MacMillan

In some states, more than a third of the popular website’s most highly recommended facilities have been cited for substandard care, The Washington Post found.

Many Older Americans

Get Care Outside of

Doctor's Office, Poll Finds

By Dennis Thompson

Most seniors have embraced “doc-in-a-box” strip mall clinics and urgent care centers as a means of getting prompt medical care, a new poll has found.

Top U.S. Cities with the Highest Percentage

of Working Seniors

A new report reveals which U.S. cities have the highest workforce participation rates among seniors aged 65 and older. Older Americans are staying active in the labor force longer than ever before.

1. Irving, Texas: 29.3%

2. Salt Lake City, Utah: 27.7%

3. Plano, Texas: 27.6%

4. Fort Lauderdale, Florida: 26.3%

5. Irvine, California: 26.3%

6. Lexington, Kentucky: 25.2%

7. Nashville, Tennessee: 25.0%

8. Austin, Texas: 24.9%

9. Hollywood, Florida: 24.8%

10. Washington, D.C.: 24.2%

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Dementia expert reveals

the exact age you should

quit beer to ward off Alzheimer's

By JOHN ELY

American neurologist Dr Richard Restak has advised individuals to become complete teetotallers from the age of 65 onwards.

Even just one or two alcoholic drinks every few weeks is said to accelerate age-related damage in nerve cells in our brain.

Maximizing Your

Medicaid Benefits

Through Trust Planning:

Tips and Strategies

By Leo Corado

To maximize your Medicaid benefits through trust planning, you’ll need to understand the basics of irrevocable Medicaid trusts. These trusts allow you to protect assets while qualifying for benefits. Start by exploring different trust types, like special needs or pooled trusts, to find the best fit. ...

Should You Work

for Yourself

in Retirement?

By Richard Eisenberg

"Working for yourself can be great, or it can be a disaster," said Jeri Sedlar, who runs the Don't Retire, Rewire advisory firm with her husband Rick Miners.

17 Older Adults Share

The Health Advice

They Regret Not Taking

Earlier In Life

By Dannica Ramirez

It's important to take care of our health and what our individual bodies need, but sometimes, we develop such habits later rather than sooner. Recently, Redditor r/choodleficken asked the older adults of the Reddit Community to share the one health tip they wish they'd followed when they were younger, and the answers are incredibly informative. Here are some health-related tips you might just start implementing into your daily life (if you don't already):

The best explanation of how Assisted Living works and how to pay for it I have found. And yes, there are places where you don't need a lot of money.

By Elaine K. Howley

Low-Income Assisted Living Options

For seniors on a limited budget, income-based senior housing may be a good solution. Here’s what to know about finding affordable senior housing near you.

This article is based on reporting that features expert sources.

U.S. News & World Report

Low-Income Assisted Living Options

Key Takeaways

Low-income senior living aims to keep seniors with limited assets and income housed and safe.

Costs can vary widely depending on the location, the size of the unit, additional services offered and other local conditions.

Qualifying for low-income senior living can be a complex process, and you should work with a local expert to help you navigate the process.

In some communities, there are limited units available to low-income seniors, and you may end up on a waiting list before you can access this type of senior living arrangement.

quote__________________________

“The eyes see everything through the heart.”

Katherine Center

_______________________________

I dragged myself out of bed this morning, and honestly, nothing feels right. Everything aches. My bones are making all these awful noises like they’re auditioning for a cereal commercial. My stomach is doing this weird flopping thing, and it just won’t stop. My right ankle looks like a balloon, and my feet are all tingly, like they’re trying to send me a message. Breathing feels like a chore, and don’t even get me started on my neck—it’s got this awful knot, and my back is making me lean like I’m trying to dodge something. I stumble my way to the bathroom for the fourth time since midnight, clinging to the railing like it’s my lifeline so I don’t topple over. And can you believe it? It’s only 7 am! It makes me think, “If this were twenty years ago and I woke up feeling like this, I would’ve been rushing to the doctor." But hey, I’m not 59 anymore, so I guess I shouldn’t be shocked by how I feel.

It's just so ridiculous how we come to accept all these things as normal as we age. I mean, the kind of pain that would have younger people screaming with terror is just another day for us seniors. We get these lumps, bruises, joint pain, and even dislocations, and we just shrug it off like, "Oh well, what else is new?" And it’s not just our bodies that take a beating. Older folks are constantly faced with insults to their intelligence, rudeness, and people poking their noses into our private lives. If younger people were treated like that, they’d be all over social media whining about their privacy rights and telling everyone to back off. But us old folks? We just accept it as part of the deal when you get older.

Seniors have to deal with so much nonsense. It’s just so unfair how different age groups are treated, and it really makes you think about what our society values. We seriously need to show more empathy to each other, no matter how old we are! It’s just so important to create a culture that respects everyone, because honestly, everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, no matter their age. If we could just challenge those annoying stereotypes and push for a more inclusive conversation, maybe we could make a difference. Sure, we can’t go back to how we felt or were treated two decades ago, but can’t we at least aim for a world where older adults are appreciated for what they bring to the table instead of being pushed aside just because they’re older? .

Hey kids,

seniors don’t feel that old

BY BILL DUNN

As an official senior citizen, I’ve noticed the biggest misconception young people have about old people is this: young people assume that old folks have been old for so long that our default setting is “geezer.” That is: we are old people, we think like old people, we act like old people, and we have no understanding of what it’s like to be a young person.

Smart Ways

to Help Your Adult Children's

Financial Lives

By Lucy Lazarony

Start by familiarizing them with financial concepts, digging them out of debt and seeding their savings

Medicare Advantage

to Be Radically Changed

Under New Plan

By Suzanne Blake

For years, seniors have complained about prior authorization requirements under some Medicare Advantage plans. The privatized version of Medicare often provides lower out-of-pocket costs but forces patients to choose between pre-approved healthcare providers.

Elder Abuse Is Easy to Miss

By Leida Snow

Here is what to look for if you suspect a caregiver, whether a relative or a professional, is mistreating a loved one

Our Pupils Get Smaller As We Age

While our hips get bigger, our pupils get smaller. The human pupil is controlled by the circumferential sphincter and iris dilator muscles, and as we add on the years, those muscles weaken. Because of this loss of muscle function, pupils get smaller as we age, and are also less responsive to light. Smaller pupils make it harder to see at night, so people in their 60s need three times as much light to read comfortably as people in their 20s. Reading a menu in a dimly lit restaurant? Forget about it. Other eye changes include an increased likeliness of presbyopia, or farsightedness (which can often be resolved with readers), and cataracts, or a clouding of the eye’s lens. In fact, half of people over the age of 80 will have experienced a cataract of some kind.

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2025 Medicare Part B

premium increase outpaces

both Social Security

COLA and inflation

The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will rise by $10.30 to $185.00 in 2025 from $174.70 this year, CMS said late Friday. The premium was $164.90 in 2023. The annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries will increase to $257 from $240 in 2024. The increases are mainly due to projected costs and usage increases, CMS said.

House pushes bill

to expand

Social Security benefits.

Here's what to know.

The House is expected to try to pass a Social Security-related bill this week to ensure benefits for workers who are also eligible for other pensions, despite a surprise move by hard-right Freedom Caucus leaders to derail the effort.

What Older Adults

Should Know

This RSV Season

While most people with RSV develop mild symptoms, like that of a common cold, RSV can cause severe illness in older adults, especially those with certain medical conditions, like chronic lung disease, chronic heart disease or a weakened immune system. That’s why the American Lung Association, with support from GlaxoSmithKline, is encouraging adults at increased risk for severe illness to protect themselves against RSV. Here’s what they want you to know:

Credit card debt

among retirees jumps —

‘It’s alarming,’

researcher says

By Greg Iacurci

The share of retirees with credit card debt has risen “substantially” since 2022, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute.That’s largely due to pandemic-era inflation, one researcher said. Credit card interest rates are also at all-time highs.

Other Stories of Interest

4 Amazing Benefits

of Music for Older Adults

By Cyn Meyer

Music is a fantastic elixir for the soul and a powerful force in our lives. It has always been part of my story from when I was a kid playing the violin in retirement homes. And I’m sure you know very well firsthand how music can brighten your life and also the people around you.

////////////////////////////////////

Think young, stay sharp?

Positive aging outlook

tied to improved cognitive

self-perception

By Priyanjana Pramanik, MSc.

In a recent study published in Aging & Mental Health, researchers examined how older adults' expectations about aging relate to their subjective cognitive experiences. Their findings indicate that expectations about aging impact cognitive self-perceptions and that improving these expectations could help support better cognitive aging through increased awareness and realistic views.

quote________________

“What's interesting about Lego

is it's constantly reminding

you that it's a facsimile

of something else.”

Christopher Miller

_____________________

I sincerely apologize for the delay in expressing this, but I, like many others, have been grappling with a significant case of PTTD, or Post Traumatic Trump Disorder. I truly regret my misjudgment in predicting a Harris/Walz win in the recent election. For the first time in my voting life, I was unable to accurately choose the winner. However, this situation goes beyond just tarnishing my flawless record; it also raises concerns about my understanding of the values held by my fellow Americans.

I underestimated how stupid some people can be—not in basic education, but in understanding essential concepts of government, democracy, and decency necessary for a functioning society. It's shocking to see individuals unaware of civic engagement, informed voting, and accountability in leadership. Many lack knowledge about government operations, citizenship rights, and the importance of participating in democracy, leading to choosing a morally corrupt, con-man felon to lead our nation.

I have also always prided myself on being in tune with what we value as a nation, but this election has highlighted a disconnect that I cannot ignore. It has prompted me to question whether I truly understand the diverse opinions and priorities that shape our country. The realization that my views may not align with those of a significant portion of the population is both unsettling and scary.

Additionally, our society's moral decline is evident, with basic decency eroding. Kindness and empathy are overshadowed by self-interest and greed, resulting in a breakdown of trust and community.

So, once again, I am truly sorry for giving anybody false hope (or for causing anybody to lose a bet). I read it wrong. But in a way, this might be good for America in the future. I proves how much we need to address both educational gaps and to restore ethics, values and knowledge to those poor dumb - asses who voted for Trump. ...

Seniors and breast cancer:

Why aren’t older women

told to get mammograms?

By Melissa Rudy

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) announced on April 30 that women between ages 40 and 74 should get mammograms every other year. This is a significant change from previous guidelines, which said women should begin biennial mammograms at age 50, but could opt to begin as young as 40.

Some older Americans splurge

to keep homes accessible

while others struggle

to make safety upgrades

By ANNE D'INNOCENZIO

“We felt comfortable," Edwards said in explaining why the couple decided to invest in the property instead of downsizing. "We have a pool. We have a spa. We just put a lot of love and effort into this yard. We want to stay."

In sickness

and in health,

older couples mostly

make Medicare

moves together

Older Americans who enroll in Medicare or change their coverage do so as individuals, even if they're married or live with a partner. But a new study suggests the need for more efforts to help both members of a couple weigh and choose their options together.

NATIONAL PARK

BUS TOURS

FOR SENIORS

BY SANDRA ROUSSY

These curated bus tours cater to your unique needs and interests, ensuring a safe and comfortable travel experience. Leave the worries of logistics and planning behind as you step aboard the bus, where every detail has been meticulously arranged to make this adventure truly memorable.

LEGO FACTS

Scientists estimate that at some point, every person on Earth will step barefoot on a piece of Lego. OK, not really, but these plastic interlocking bricks, first introduced in 1949, are one of the world’s most popular toys, with more than 400 billion pieces on the planet and 60 billion bricks now being produced each year. (They’ve even made it to space!) The Danish phrase “Leg Godt,” which translates to “play well,” is the origin of this brand’s acronym.

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Older adults

are deeply dissatisfied

with health care,

report says

By Liz Seegert

Older adults are disappointed with how health care and services are provided and want people 65 and older to rethink how the health care system addresses their needs and preferences, according to a recent report.

Is reverse aging

already possible?

Drugs that could treat aging

might already be on

the pharmacy shelves

By Sonya Collins

“People on metformin have 30% lower rates of almost every kind of cancer. It delays cognitive decline. Even people with diabetes who are obese and have more disease to start with but are on metformin have lower mortality rates than people without diabetes who aren’t on the drug.”

Older Workers

Can Now Supersize

Their 401(k) Savings

Starting next year, workers between 60 and 63 can make a super catch-up contribution of up to $11,250, the IRS said Friday. People who turn those ages sometime during the year will be able to put up to $34,750 into their workplace retirement plans. That is about 14% more than in 2024 and marks the biggest change to 401(k) contribution rules in two decades.

One is the

Loneliest Number –

But Cohousing Can

Be a Great Solution

By Ann Marie Mershon

Over the years, my friends and I have brainstormed about building a cluster home for four or five couples (or singles). Our dream home...

Sustainable funding

for needed senior services

should become a higher priority

By Janice Ellis

As the population ages, how prepared is our state and nation to meet their needs?

The economy, immigration, abortion and many issues dominate public policy debates, but what about the needs of one of the fastest growing segments of the population?

quote__________________________

“Two kangaroos were talking to each other,

and one said, 'I hope it doesn't rain today.

I hate it when the children play inside.”

Henny Youngman

______________________________

Here’s where we find ourselves. We’ve lost the Executive Branch. The Senate is no longer in our hands, and it seems inevitable that we will also lose the House, the Supreme Court, and the Department of Justice. These elements were all integral to the “Checks and Balances” framework that our founding fathers meticulously crafted in the Constitution to shield us from any single branch—or individual—gaining overwhelming power. This system functioned effectively for nearly 250 years. But now, everything has changed. Just last week, we witnessed the rise of a con artist who cunningly maneuvered his way into authority through a web of lies, deceit, and manipulation, all while systematically dismantling any chance of opposition by filling key institutions with fervent loyalists who will undoubtedly submit to his demands.

So, what’s still standing? Who’s keeping an eye on things? Unfortunately, not a whole lot. There’s the remnants of the Democratic party, along with a few Republicans who haven’t fully succumbed to the shadows. Even some “Blue States” maintain a degree of independence regarding their internal affairs. That’s about all that remains, save for one crucial institution that he hasn’t fully dominated. It’s enshrined in the Bill of Rights. The Press. Or, as it’s now referred to, The Media.

From the moment Trump declared his candidacy for President in 2015, the media has been far from friendly. His tendency to be secretive and dismissive placed him in direct conflict with a crucial societal watchdog. He shied away from open press conferences, clearly anxious about facing tough inquiries—questions he knew he couldn't answer sensibly, like his infamous suggestion of using bleach as a Covid remedy. Instead, he relied on a revolving door of five Press Secretaries, whose primary role seemed to be damage control for his latest blunders. Each one appeared visibly uncomfortable in their role.

In today's climate of misinformation and division, the media's function as a watchdog on authority is more vital than ever. It serves as our primary means of opposing the decline of democratic values and protecting our rights. By embracing this responsibility, the press can ensure accountability for those in power, elevate the voices of the marginalized, and uphold the ideals of justice and equality. The situation is critical, and immediate action is necessary; the media must step up and perform its crucial role in our democracy. ...

Caring for older Americans’

teeth and gums is essential

but Medicare generally

doesn’t cover it

By Frank Scannapieco

As dentistry scholars, we believe Koop also deserves credit for something else. To help make the medical profession pay more attention to the importance of healthy teeth and gums, he’d often say: “You are not healthy without good oral health.”Yet, more than three decades after Koop’s surgeon general stint ended in 1989, millions of Americans don’t get even the most basic dental services, such as checkups, tooth cleanings and fillings.

The Social Security fix

no one is talking about

By Mark Miller

Adding general revenue would mean that Social Security - for the first time - would be adding to the nation’s debt burden, since the money would be borrowed. The shift also could put Social Security in the same boat as other federal programs subject to annual congressional appropriations for things like food and housing.

Dementia cases

are on the rise —

avoid these 12 risks

to keep your

brain healthy

By Ernetine Siu

With the advancement of medicine, science and technology, people are living longer lives and the world’s aging population is growing at an unprecedented rate, raising the risk of a larger cohort of people living with dementia.

Late Start Money Tips:

4 Ways To Get Rich

After the Age of 50

Yaël Bizouati-Kennedy

While experts recommend starting to save early in order to take advantage of compound interest, contrary to popular belief, you can get rich even with a late start. Indeed, it’s never too late for anything in life and by following certain rules, you can still get wealthy after 50, experts said.

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW

WHEN YOU WILL DIE?

BY ANN RICHARDSON

Not long ago, my husband said rather casually to me, “I wish I knew when I was going to die.” An important wish, indeed. He was 81 at the time.

Kangaroos can’t walk backward

Kangaroos are one of several biologically unique creatures endemic to Australia. One of their most unusual traits is that their long hind feet and muscular tails prevent them from being able to walk backward except with great difficulty. In fact, kangaroos can’t even really walk forward like other animals. Instead, they ambulate using a hopping motion called saltation in which their hind feet touch the ground synchronously instead of alternating one at a time. They also use their long tails to balance and propel themselves forward, almost like a third hind leg. This physiological composition makes it effectively impossible for kangaroos to walk or hop backward, as their tails are far too heavy and cumbersome to allow for easy reverse navigation. When they do want to move “backward,” they do so by turning around and facing that direction.

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What Donald Trump Win

Means for Social Security

By Suzanne Blake

One chief concern throughout the election campaign has been Social Security, which currently faces a funding crisis that would see benefits slashed by roughly 20 percent by as early as 2035.Trump has been vocal in his pledge not to cut any Social Security benefits once he becomes president.

ALSO SEE :How Trump Could Affect Social Security And Medicare—Group Warns Funds Could Run Out In 6 Years Under His Plans

Medicare's Open Enrollment

opens up seniors to scams

By Sergio Flores

“They send you this book and, my God it’s overwhelming,” said Gibson as she gestured with her hands a pretty thick book, “And one of the things I noticed last week, is that they can make changes in the plan, and you need to be on top of it.”

Another Year Older

and Deeper in Debt

By almost any measure, more Americans are in or are rapidly approaching retirement with more debt than at any time in the country's history. At the end of the most recent quarter, people aged 70 and over owed a total of $1.63 trillion, according to data from the New York Federal Reserve Bank/Equifax.

Older Swing State Voters

Delivered for Trump

to Win the Presidency

By Michelle R. Davis

Older voters in many of those states — Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin — turned out for GOP former president Donald Trump in his battle against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris for the nation’s top leadership spot.

A study on the Mediterranean diet

offers the strongest proof yet

that it’s associated with

healthy brain aging

By Erin Prater

Older adults who closely followed the Mediterranean diet—as evidenced by results of blood tests, not participant-completed food diaries or questionnaires—were less likely to experience cognitive decline as they aged, according to recent research out of Spain.

~~///////////////////////////////////////~~

What Happens

To Your Body

When You Eat Oatmeal

Every Day

By Samantha Boesch, Kiersten Hickman

Everyone is singing the praises of oatmeal lately—and for good reason. Known for its health benefits and great taste, this whole grain breakfast food seems like a winning choice. But is oatmeal healthy? Are all of the side effects of eating oatmeal positive, or are there negative side effects we should know about?

quote______________________

“It’s nice to be here.

When you’re 100 years old,

it’s nice to be anywhere.”

George Burns

(lived to 100)

__________________________

The Toddler In the Toy Box

Every four years, a new kid gets to hang out in the White House, and sometimes it’s the same kid again. One of the cool perks of this gig is getting to play with the toys in the Presidential Toy Box.

This toy box is filled with some pretty awesome stuff. Most of the toys are old and have seen a lot of action over the years. Luckily, the “kids” who got to play with them were well-behaved, respectful, and understood that these toys aren’t theirs. They always made sure to put everything back just like they found it, maybe a little worn but still in good shape. That’s how it’s been until now. Soon, a new kid will get to dive into the box, and this one has a reputation for not playing nicely with his own toys. Some of his toys are broken beyond fixing, and others are barely functional. He’s also known for not letting anyone else, even those who know the toys well, join in on the fun. It’s not just that he’s a bad kid; he’s more of an immature bully who wrecks everything he gets his hands on.

Seriously, knowing who he is and what he can do, why did we let this kid mess around with the toys? It's because, just like any other crafty kid who threatens to hold his breath until he turns orange if we don’t let him play, we totally fell for it. We let ourselves be flim-flammed by a manipulative toddler in a man’s suit.

He’s already shared his ideas for a few of the toys, like the Justice Department. Not only does he plan to dismantle it, but he also wants to reassemble it using only the pieces he prefers. And we can’t overlook the Food and Drug Administration. Just the other day, he mentioned letting one of his buddies (a kid named RFK Jr.) have free rein with this toy. Yep, the same kid who had a worm in his brain and was totally unaware of it.

If that doesn't worry you, keep in mind there are some seriously dangerous toys in there as well. If mishandled, they could cause chaos all over the world.

The older, friendly kid has asked us to “play nice” with the new kid since we all live in the same area. But honestly, it’s hard to have fun with a kid whose diaper needs changing, and no one seems brave enough to say anything to him. Looks like we’re in for a challenging four years in the playground, folks. ...

HOW TO EFFECTIVELY

COMMUNICATE

WITH YOUR DOCTOR

BY ALISA SABIN

A 2021 AHIMA Foundation survey found 76% of respondents don’t leave their doctor’s office on a positive note. Poor communication between patient and doctor may adversely affect medical care. Successful physician-patient dialogue is the cornerstone of health. These conversations often prove challenging. There are things you can do to enhance the communication during your doctor’s visit. The following are some tips to optimize discourse.

New Staffing Mandates

for Long-Term Care Facilities

By Troutman Pepper

Last month, on April 22, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued its Minimum Staffing Standards for Long-Term Care Facilities final rule, which will apply to any long-term care (LTC) facilities that receive federal funding. According to CMS, the adoption of these minimum staffing standards is meant to address perceived chronic understaffing of LTC facilities that CMS believes may lead to sub-standard patient care. Perceived understaffing of LTC facilities has been a primary concern of CMS for some time, particularly after the LTC sector lost nearly 200,000 jobs in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Older brains feel ‘reward’

from music,

even if they don’t like it

By Ashley Joannou

The brains of older adults feel a sense of reward when listening to music, even if it’s a song they don’t particularly like, a researcher at British Columbia’s Simon Fraser University says.

What Does

Aging Gracefully

Even Mean?

By Edd and Cynthia Staton

The older we get, the more the term "aging gracefully" seems to pop up. In interviews with actresses in their 60s and 70s. In articles offering advice on how to keep our skin dewy and youthful, our bodies trim and healthy. But what does aging gracefully even mean? Is it about looking years younger than your actual age, whether through lucky genes, dedication to health and wellness, cosmetic procedures or all of the above?

Many Centenarians Share

Two Specific Traits

Despite differences in lifestyle, studies have shown centenarians tend to share two specific personality traits: a positive attitude and a high degree of emotional awareness. In studies, many centenarians describe themselves as being optimistic, easygoing, and extroverted, and often mention laughter as essential to their lives — all qualities that reduce anxiety and depression and contribute to good overall mental health. Many centenarians also report being comfortable with openly expressing their emotions, which helps maintain healthy relationships and contributes to our overall well-being. That said, researchers continue to study whether these traits directly contribute to longevity or whether they may simply be a byproduct of living longer.

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The United States of America suffered a massive heart attack last night. While the patient did not die, it’s recovery (if that is even possible) will be long and hard. Was this health scare avoidable? Absolutely, but we failed to recognize the warning signs. We decided that the price of a dozen eggs was more important than preserving democracy. We indulged in a feast of misleading rhetoric, prioritizing our financial gain over the well-being of women, the impoverished, the elderly, the burdened graduates drowning in debt, and the children whose education hangs in the balance. Instead, we opted for the tempting allure of cheaper gas and more jobs when we get rid of all those illegals. To make matters worse, we entrusted our care to a leader whose thinking is muddled and immature. But what bothers me the most is that we will have to look at his orange face and listen to his lies every day for the next four years. …

Binge drinking

is on the rise

among older adults.

Here’s why it’s

more dangerous

and how to

spot the signs

By Alexa Mikhail

Long associated with college students, binge drinking, defined as having four or more drinks within two hours at least five times per month for women (five drinks for men) is on the rise among older adults. According to The National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 20% of adults aged 60 to 64, reported binge drinking in the last month. For those older than 65, the prevalence of binge drinking is 12%—a rate that has been increasing over the last decade, while binge drinking rates among young adults 18 to 25 have been going down.

The No. 1 Question

People Are Asking

Financial Pros

Right Now

By Chris Kissell

As the year winds to a close, one money question is most on the mind of the average person: “Am I protected from a downturn?”

Study explores

effective strategies

to combat loneliness

in older adults

Loneliness among older adults is a growing public health concern, linked to cardiovascular disease, substance abuse, mental illness, high healthcare usage and premature death.

Make Your

Retirement Savings

Last With

Serial Housesitting

By Maryalene LaPonsie

Housesitting and pet-sitting offer retirees a chance to travel and enjoy free accommodation in exchange for caring for someone's home and pets.

quote_________________________

“Nothing exists except atoms and empty space;

everything else is opinion.”

Democritus

_____________________________

GUIDE TO THE BEST

ADVENTURE HOLIDAYS

FOR THE OVER 60S

BY JACKIE PARSONS

Are you fizzing with energy and still hankering after adventure? If so, you’re not alone. Travel clearly tops the ‘to-do’ lists for many of us, with plans for the best trips of our lives so often put on hold until post-retirement, and an ever-increasing bucket list of one-off experiences just waiting to be worked through. Safari holidays, Machu Picchu, the Taj Mahal, the Northern Lights… there’s no end to our dreams!

Americans will lose

full Social Security benefits

in 11 years,

according

to the program's trustees —

a year later than expected

By Ayelet Sheffey and Juliana Kaplan

Full Social Security benefits are expected to run out in 2035, per the program's trustees. That's a year later than expected, and at that point, 83% of the benefits will be available.

Readmission Rates

After Major Surgery

High for Older Adults

By Lori Solomon

Older adults face high rates of readmission within 180 days of major surgery, according to a study published online Feb. 28 in JAMA Network Open.

Does Assisted Living

Provide Assistance

And Promote Living?

By Sheryl Zimmerman, Robyn Stone,

Paula Carder, and Kali Thomas

Assisted living has promised assistance and quality of living to older adults for more than eighty years. It is the largest residential provider of long-term care in the United States, serving more than 918,000 older adults as of 2018. As assisted living has evolved, the needs of residents have become more challenging;…

A healthy lifestyle

can mitigate genetic risk

for early death by 62%

By Madeline Holcombe

Even if your genetics put you at greater risk for early death, a healthy lifestyle could help you significantly combat it, according to a new study.

The Atoms That Make Up All of Us

Are Already Billions of Years Old

It’s true that age is just a number, and in the cosmic view of the universe, human age is pretty insignificant. The atoms that make up the human body are already billions of years old. For example, hydrogen — one of the key components of our bodies — formed in the Big Bang 13.7 billion years ago. Likewise, carbon, the primary component of all known life, formed in the fiery cauldron of stars at least 7 billion years ago. So when someone says we’re all made of “star stuff,” they’re very much telling the truth (we’re also made from various supernovae). And while we grow old on Earth, this is only the latest chapter of a story that stretches back to the beginning of everything — and it’s a story that’ll continue until the universe ends.

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Real-world data

links low-dose aspirin use

to increased anemia risk

among older adults

Older adults exposed to low-dose aspirin had a higher risk for anemia and hematinic deficiency compared with those who were not exposed.

Why older adults

are especially vulnerable

to climate change

By Patrick Boyle

When severe hurricanes, heat waves, floods, and wildfires strike, older adults are often the majority of victims, due to medical conditions and dependency on others. Federal, state, and local health agencies are working to mitigate the impact.

License Renewals:

Understanding

the New Rules

for Senior Drivers

No state automatically revokes a driver’s license solely due to age. However, many states have implemented specific restrictions or additional requirements for older drivers when it comes to license renewals. These regulations vary widely across the country.

Older Americans

struggling to retire

are being held back

by 3 big issues

By Lou Carlozo

A recent Harvard Business Review study seeks a detailed answer to “Why People Resist Retirement.” In the study, Teresa M. Amabile — a Harvard professor emeritus still actively engaged in research at age 74 — and her co-authors draw on over 200 interviews with 120 individuals to explore the emotional and psychological hurdles retiring workers face.

Other Stories of Interest: -----------------------------------------

The Kitchen Counter Workout

Is a Low-Impact Exercise Plan

Perfect for Seniors

By Zachary Mack

Staying in shape is a lifelong endeavor that’s worthy of being a top priority. Unfortunately, besides being hard to fit into your schedule, it can be difficult to find routines that work for us as we get older. But if you’re looking for a low-impact workout that’s a perfect fit for seniors, you can still get plenty of exercise without even leaving the house using just your kitchen counter.

quote_______________________

“It's heartbreaking that so many

hundreds of millions of people

around the world are desperate

for the right to vote,

but here in America people

stay home on election day.”

Moby

___________________________

I want to start by saying this: I've been struggling with my decision to make a prediction. However, since I committed to doing so, I will follow through.

I’ve waited until the very last moment, Sunday night, to finalize my choice. Since I decided to step up and take a bold stance, I’ve gone back and forth between Harris and Trump. There were moments when I truly believed Trump had won over the American public, just as he did in 2016. At that time, I predicted his victory, even though Hillary was clearly the more qualified candidate. Trump managed to tap into a long-standing wound in the U.S., and his divisive rhetoric gave a voice to those who feared losing their status to minorities and women. They finally had a candidate who validated their beliefs and aspirations. My heart was for Hillary, but my gut said otherwise. I predicted Trump would win, and he did.

In 2020, I didn't experience that same feeling. I can't explain why, but it just wasn't there. Perhaps the Pandemic overshadowed any sentiments the voters might have had for Trump. I accurately predicted a Biden win, which led me to search for a similar factor in this election that could shift votes from one candidate to another. Unfortunately, I didn't find one—until that event at Madison Square Garden, that is. The hateful rhetoric and racist jokes seemed overwhelming for undecided voters. The messages, especially Trump's comments about "protecting women whether they liked it or not," which sparked widespread media backlash, changed my perspective. I no longer felt that “gut feeling” for Trump that I had in 2016.

So here it is. Despite my uncertainties, I will go ahead and predict that Kamala Harris will emerge victorious on Tuesday. Just don’t expect me to wager any money on it. …

Promoting economic security

for older adults

The U.S. population is aging rapidly. The fastest growing segment of the population is that of adults aged 85 and over. The supply of informal caregivers is declining relative to the demand for assistance with functional impairments. Together, these trends are putting stress on the public programs that support older adults including Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Estimates suggest that within a decade, ......

4 Ways to Cultivate Wellness

in Your Golden Years

By Helen Bell

This guide discusses the 4 best ways to cultivate wellness in your golden years, from staying active and nourishing your body to fostering meaningful connections and creating environments that will enable you to age healthily.

Strokes are more

common in older adults

The U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the older you are, the more likely you are to have a stroke. In fact, the agency says the chance of having a stroke about doubles every 10 years after age 55.

Resident-to-resident

aggression

common in

assisted living

By James Dean

One in six residents of assisted living facilities is subject to verbal, physical or other aggression by fellow residents in a typical month, and those suffering from dementia are most at risk, new research finds in the first large-scale study of the phenomenon.

Senior homes

refuse

to pick up

fallen residents,

dial 911.

‘Why are they calling us?’

By Todd Frankel

Lift-assist 911 calls from assisted living and other senior homes have spiked by 30 percent nationwide in recent years to nearly 42,000 calls a year, an analysis of fire department emergency call data by The Washington Post has found. That’s nearly three times faster than the increase in overall 911 call volume during the same 2019-2022 period, the data shows.

The growth has infuriated first responders ….

ELECTION DAY FACTS

In the 2020 U.S. Presidential election, approximately 159 million Americans voted. This represented about 66.8% of the eligible voting population, marking the highest voter turnout for a presidential election in the United States since 1900.

In the United States, federal elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. This tradition was established in the 19th century and was meant to avoid conflicts with market days and religious observances.

Historically, voter turnout varies significantly between presidential and midterm elections. Presidential elections tend to attract higher participation, with turnout often exceeding 60%, while midterms can see turnout drop to around 40%.

Different states in the U.S. have varying hours for when polls are open. Some states may open as early as 6 AM and close as late as 9 PM, while others may have shorter voting hours. It's important for voters to check their local election regulations.

While many states still rely on paper ballots, a significant number of jurisdictions use electronic voting machines (DREs) or optical scan systems that read paper ballots. These machines aim to streamline the voting process and reduce errors, although they also raise concerns about security and reliability.

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Taking Five or More

Medications Daily Can

Negatively Impact

Older Adults

with Alzheimer’s Disease

or Related Dementias

Polypharmacy, commonly defined as taking five or more medications daily, is a significant health care concern impacting over 30% of older adults. It is associated with poor health outcomes like falls, medication interactions, hospitalizations and even death. Older adults are at an increased risk of experiencing polypharmacy if they have multiple chronic conditions. While older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are more likely to be taking more than five medications, there is little research examining the impact of multiple daily medications on symptoms, health outcomes and physical function in older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Sleep apnea

contributes to dementia

in older adults,

especially women

By Noah Fromson

Women with known or suspected sleep apnea were more likely than men to have symptoms or a diagnosis of dementia at every age level

Double duty:

Multiplex helpers

are key to older adults’

health and happiness

By Fernanda Pires

Recent findings show that 76% of older adults with at least one confidant and one caregiver have at least one multiplex helper—a person filling both roles—which has the potential to improve their overall health and happiness. Married or partnered seniors more often rely on their partner as a multiplex helper, while the unpartnered are more likely to depend on their adult children to serve multiple roles, especially for widowed older adults.

This personal finance expert

asked a group of

American seniors

what their biggest

retirement regrets are —

how many of them do you have?

Retirement is no time for regrets. Your golden years should be spent reminiscing about a life well-lived — filled with hard work, meaningful relationships and hopefully enough savings for some much-deserved days on the beach. Unfortunately, some Americans have more than a few regrets once they retire. A recent video on the My Retired Life YouTube channel explored these reflections, gathered from the host’s conversations with a sampling of folks in their 70s and 80s. Their responses are surprising, and maybe a little sad — but most importantly, they may inspire ways to avoid the same traps.

By Solcyré Burga

The 2024 presidential election is just around the corner as former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris rush to garner votes ahead of Nov. 5. The winner won’t be decided by the number of votes cast in their favor but by a group of 538 people that make up the Electoral College.

“When you go vote for President, you do not vote for President,” says William Field, political science professor at Rutgers University. Instead, you are voting for that party’s electors, who typically cast a vote in favor of the presidential candidate that wins the most votes in that state.

quote_______________________

“Data is like garbage.

You'd better know what you are going

to do with it before you collect it.”

Mark Twain

____________________________

I have already cast my vote. I sent in my absentee ballot last week, and I’m open about the fact that I chose Kamala Harris. The reason might catch you off guard. I opted for her instead of Donald Trump not due to her views on abortion or Trump’s obsession with immigration. Rather, I supported Harris and the Democrats for reasons that may surprise you.

I honestly have little interest in immigration. Living in New Yorker's have seen a steady influx of immigrants for over a hundred years. I don't know any New Yorker who fears that an immigrant will take their job or commit violent crimes against them. While I can empathize with women who opt for abortion instead of giving birth, it doesn't concern me much. I’m not planning to get pregnant anytime soon, nor do I have any intentions of causing someone else to be. Regarding Social Security and Medicare, both candidates are approaching the topic very cautiously. Harris and Trump claim they want to maintain these entitlement programs, but neither has provided a clear plan on how they intend to achieve that.

Both candidates and their parties have notably avoided addressing the critical issues our nation is facing. Take healthcare, for example. The conversation about a universal healthcare system has nearly vanished. Then there's the housing crisis, where countless Americans are being pushed out of their childhood neighborhoods by opportunistic landlords and real estate developers. Strangely, neither party has offered substantial plans to create more genuinely affordable housing, particularly for seniors.

We must also acknowledge our deteriorating infrastructure and outdated transportation systems. Improved roads, bridges, and high-speed rail are essential to reduce congestion at airports and in the skies. These concerns have gone unaddressed.

As for my vote for Harris, I don’t see her as the ultimate solution, but I believe she and the Democrats are less likely to undermine the limited freedom and democracy we have left in America. I certainly don’t want an incompetent con artist representing our country internationally, a critical issue that both candidates have conveniently overlooked because both have little experience in world affairs.

There is a cancer growing in our nation. Neither Trump or Harris can cure it. But with Kamala we, at least, will have a fighting chance.

Editor’s note: On Monday, as promised, I will make my prediction as to who will win the election. Will it be who you think?

Understanding

Liver Regeneration

in Seniors

By Markus

The liver is unique among organs in its ability to regenerate itself, a feature that remains effective even as we age. This capability is crucial for maintaining health and vitality in senior years. In this article, we’ll explore the signs of liver healing and general strategies to support liver health in seniors, brought to you by PureHealth Research.

Misplaced your keys?

How to distinguish dementia

from normal age-related

memory loss

Memory loss can be a symptom of dementia, but everyone experiences memory loss at some level. If your memory does seem to be declining, you don’t need to necessarily fret. It’s quite common.

COOKING FOR ONE:

WHY COOK AT HOME

IF IT’S ONLY ME?

BY PEG DOYLE APRIL

But there is a problem on many levels. There is an unconscious, or maybe conscious message here that your nutrition doesn’t matter. Once you start thinking this way, that attitude can filter into other aspects of your life. And this is at the very stage of your life when society can unwittingly diminish you because of your age.

You are being paid properly:

Everything you ever wanted

to know about Social Security

By Tom Margenau

In my 32 years of experience working for the Social Security Administration and the 27 years I’ve been writing this column, one of the more common complaints I’ve heard from people goes something like this: “I don’t think I am getting the right Social Security benefit amount. It’s less than it should be.” Or like this: “Based on what all my friends are getting, I am sure they figured my benefits incorrectly and they are not paying me enough.” Or sometimes something very blunt like this: “The government is cheating me out of my hard-earned Social Security!”

GARBAGE FACT

According to the World Bank, the world generates over 2 billion tons of solid waste each year, and this amount is expected to increase to 3.4 billion tons by 2050. A significant portion of this waste is plastic, which poses serious environmental challenges.

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1-in-2 working Americans

underestimates their life expectancy

by 5-plus years,

resulting in skewed retirement

income goals

By Maurie Backman

The average 65-year today can expect to live another 20 years, according to the Social Security Administration’s estimates. But the gift of longevity has the potential to be a mixed bag. The data shows that 49% of pre-retirees underestimate their life expectancy by five or more years. But that could have serious implications on their finances.

'Fall back' time change

potentially bad for health,

experts say

By Dennis Thompson

Most folks groan when the time comes to either "spring forward" or "fall back" an hour, with the waxing and waning of daylight saving time. But that one-hour time shift -- which occurs at 2 a.m. Sunday -- is more than just a minor annoyance, experts say.

Protecting Your Inheritance:

Understanding Your Rights

as a Beneficiary

By Danial Nasir

Understanding your rights as a beneficiary is crucial to ensuring you receive what your loved one intended and to protect yourself during a vulnerable period. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this intricate process and ensure your loved one’s wishes are honored.

Older Adults Are Revealing

The Things They're

'Too Old To

Deal With' Anymore

By Raven Ishak

It’s natural for our preferences to change as we get older. So when asked, “What are you simply getting too old for?” a lot of people from the BuzzFeed Community had thoughts. Here’s what they had to say.

Other Stories of Note:

Best Cellphone Plans

for Seniors in 2024,

Researched by Our Experts

By Lindsey DeSoto, LD, RD

Our Reviews Team narrowed down the best cellphone plans for older adults based on affordability, coverage area, and safety features for older adults.

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4 Reasons Why Retirees

Should Still Be Checking

Their Credit Report

By Cheryl Winokur Munk

Many retirees think they no longer need to keep tabs on their credit report, especially if they’ve already paid off their mortgage and don’t plan on taking out another home loan.

But there are good reasons to remain vigilant about checking your credit report. These include the potential for errors or fraud, both which can wreak havoc on the credit profile you’ve worked hard to build over the years.

I took care of my mom for several years, and I understand that aging brings pain. During her life, she faced numerous health challenges, requiring her to take a regimen of medications each day. To manage her blood pressure, she relied on prescribed medication, a necessity that underscored the importance of monitoring her cardiovascular health. Additionally, she was dependent on insulin to control her diabetes, a condition that complicated her overall well-being.

One of her most persistent struggles was with arthritis, which caused her significant joint pain. To alleviate this discomfort, she regularly took Motrin, a brand name for ibuprofen, which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) known for its pain-relieving properties. Despite its effectiveness for mild to moderate pain, there were days when the relief it provided was insufficient. On those occasions, she would turn to Tylenol, or acetaminophen, to help manage any additional discomfort she experienced.

Fast forward nearly 40 years, and it is striking to observe that these two medications—Motrin and Tylenol—continue to be the primary recommendations for pain relief in many cases. While they are widely used and accessible, they often fall short when it comes to addressing severe pain that can significantly diminish one’s quality of life.

It is perplexing and somewhat disheartening that, despite the remarkable advancements in medical science and technology over the past few decades, there has been relatively little progress in the realm of effective pain management. New treatments and therapies have emerged, yet many individuals still find themselves relying on the same basic medications that my mother used. This stagnation raises important questions about the ongoing challenges in pain management and the need for innovative solutions that can provide more effective relief for those suffering from chronic pain conditions.

It's crucial to explore better alternatives for pain relief. We need a solution that strikes a balance between the potency of opioids and the limitations of over-the-counter medications. Advocating for research and development in this field is essential, and it falls upon us, the older generation, to take the lead, as it seems no one else will. I've spent years witnessing the daily struggles that the elderly face. We're not asking for miracles; we recognize that our joints, muscles, and other body parts are aging, and reversing these conditions is nearly impossible. Our hope is that we, along with future generations, won't have to depend solely on the same outdated pain relief options that have been around for so long. The pursuit of better pain management is not just a medical concern; it’s a deeply personal journey that impacts the quality of life for many individuals and their families. Be sure to share your thoughts with your doctor during your next appointment.

quote_______________________

“There's no question dolphins are

smarter than humans as they play more.”

Albert Einstein

____________________________

50% of Those on Social Security

Face Losses Averaging Over

$3,000 Because of

This Problematic Rule

By Christy Bieber

Those on Social Security are losing thousands because of laws passed in 1983 and 1993. Here's why.

Social Security retirement benefits provide much-needed income to millions of seniors who rely on this money to help cover their essential costs. Unfortunately, many seniors are losing thousands of dollars worth of these benefits every year as a result of a problematic rule.

Age Is No Barrier:

How Dental Implants

Benefit Seniors

By Jeffrey Gomez

A dental implant acts as a biocompatible anchor, a screw-like post made of titanium that replaces a missing tooth root and supports a natural-looking crown. Once the implant fuses with the jawbone through osseointegration, it becomes a strong and sturdy foundation.

16 Small Business Ideas

for Senior Citizens

By Maleha Afzal

In this article, we will take a look at the 16 small business ideas for senior citizens. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to 5 Small Business Ideas for Senior Citizens.

American Council on Aging

helping older Americans

fight inflation

By Briana Conner

The rising cost of living is impacting all of us, but inflation is hitting older Americans especially hard. In particular, it's taking a bite out of the budgets people with fixed incomes live on.

Dolphins Call Each Other

by Their Names

The meanings behind much of the dolphin repertoire of squeaks, grunts, and clicks remain a mystery to marine biologists, but they do know that certain sounds represent an identifying call. For example, the common bottlenose dolphin develops a unique melodic pattern of whistles that makes it recognizable to others within earshot, even when murky underwater conditions distort the voice of the sender. Furthermore, recent research has shown that dolphins “address” each other by imitating the whistles of close companions and family, suggesting a capability for sophisticated interaction rarely seen outside the human world.

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Physical disabilities

in senior citizens

could have direct link

to pollution: Study

A new study has revealed a direct link between prolonged exposure to air pollutants and the development of physical disabilities, especially among elders, leading to difficulties in performing activities of daily living (ADL), reported TOI.

Poor Sleep May Add

Three Extra Years

to Your Brain's Age

By Pandora Dewan

Poor sleep in your 40s could make your brain age faster, new research suggests. The findings add to a growing body of evidence that sleep quality is closely linked to cognitive health, emphasizing the need to address sleep issues early in life.

Social Security:

Here's how far

the average check goes

in 50 largest US cities,

according to study

By Daniel Miller

A recent study ranked 50 U.S. cities where Social Security checks on average may stretch a little more.

New York City ranked first on the list, according to GoBankingRates.

Data for the study was gathered based on total population, cost-of-living and a livability index.

Social Security payments benefit millions of Americans to assist with covering their daily expenses.

Top 15 In-Demand

Jobs for Seniors

If you're a senior looking to work, these industries have the most opportunities for you.

9 Exercise Habits

That Are Destroying

Your Body After 50—

and What to Do Instead

By Alexa Mellardo, Tyler Read,

Regular exercise is essential if you want to stay healthy, strong, and mobile as you grow into your golden years. However, it's important to note that not all exercise is created equal. If you want to maximize your longevity, there are certain exercise habits you should avoid at all costs. We're calling out nine harmful exercise habits for people over 50 and what to do instead, so listen closely.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

3 Supreme Rules

for Ideal

Computer Posture

After 60

By Joan Craig

Do you feel stiff after working on your computer? Do you find yourself slumping, hunching, and with forward head posture trying to look at the screen?

I want to clarify that I am not a psychic, soothsayer, or any type of mystic, nor do I pretend to be. However, I have accurately predicted the winner of every presidential election since I first voted for John Kennedy. Even in 2016, when many believed Hillary was guaranteed to win, I felt deep down that Trump would come out on top. I expressed this publicly, much to the dismay of my friends who were staunch Clinton supporters. It's important to note that I haven't only voted for those I thought would win. Regardless of my predictions, I always choose the candidate I believe should be president. But this time around, I’m having difficulty.

I rely on my instincts for predictions, but I also consider real-world factors, such as polling data. This situation is no different. With just a week until election day, the two candidates are neck and neck. Their statements seem to have no impact on the polling numbers. I'm noticing a lack of enthusiasm among young voters, who typically show strong support for one candidate. They are adept at recognizing and driving trends, often eager to join a movement. However, I don't see them rallying behind either candidate, nor do I sense any significant movement to support. This suggests a general disinterest among the youth in this election, which could lead to lower voter turnout. The same applies to older voters; many seem equally divided between Trump and Harris, regardless of the ongoing Social Security debates.

One important lesson I've learned about making predictions is to prioritize logic over emotion. In 2016, I predicted Trump's victory even though I believed Hillary was the more qualified candidate. I felt torn because I desperately wanted her to win. However, I sensed a significant change in American sentiment. Many people were not looking forward to a brighter future; instead, they longed for a return to the past. They reminisced about a time when American manufacturing thrived and traditional gender roles were more pronounced. Hillary, with her tailored suits and sharp intellect, didn't resonate with those voters. Unfortunately, I'm experiencing similar feelings now.

The feelings that drove voters to support Trump in 2016 have faded. The situation has become much more serious. It's no longer about longing for the past; it's about the core principles of America and its future direction. One group is accusing the other of "fascism" and "dictatorship," while the opposing side counters with claims of "communism" and "socialism." Sadly, many people lack a true understanding of what fascism or communism entails. Even more concerning is that a significant number believe that having a dictator, at least temporarily, might be acceptable to restore order. This frightens me, as it does many others. And frightened people often make the wrong decisions for the wrong reasons.

Considering everything, with only a week remaining until the election, I have to confess something I've never expressed before: I honestly don't know who will become the next president of the United States. I've thought about not making any predictions this year. However, being human and having emotions, I will share my forecast on the Monday prior to the election.

quote________________________

“A pack of jackasses led by a lion

is superior to a pack of lions

led by a jackass.”

George Washington

____________________________

Dementia care

comes with

‘catastrophic’ costs

for older adults,

families, study finds

By Kimberly Bonvissuto

Older adults living with dementia, and their families, often face “catastrophic” out-of-pocket payments for assisted living and other types of long-term care, necessitating alternative financing and integrated care solutions to reduce long-term care’s financial challenges for them, according to the results of a new study.

10 Little Things

to Remember if You

Struggle to Declutter

By Courtney Carver

If you struggle to declutter, you are not alone. Decluttering can be frustrating and a real struggle for a variety of reasons. You may not have enough time to make the progress you want to make. You may not have the energy you want for decluttering or the decisions of what to hold on to or donate or sell can become overwhelming.

Which States Have

the Highest

Minimum Wage

in America?

By Dorothy Neufeld

This year, 22 states are raising their minimum wage, impacting almost 10 million workers across the country.

Old age isn’t what

it used to be

By Lois A. Bowers

People’s ideas of “old” may vary. Many today might say that, generally speaking, “old” is the 80s and older. Of course, some individuals may age more quickly or more slowly than others, and age does not necessarily equate to ability.

Watch Your Step!

Survival Rates

Following Hip Fracture

Worse Than For

Many Cancers

By William A. Haseltine

Bones are the very foundation of our bodies, the scaffolding upon which everything else depends for support and structure. But with age, bones become more porous, increasing the risk of fractures and breaks. Although these may seem like minor injuries, they are anything but. An eye-opening new study reveals that hip and spine fractures in older adults have lower survival rates than many types of cancer.

The U.S. Was the First Nation

to Use the Term “President”

For Its Head of State

Once the U.S. finally secured its independence from Great Britain with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783, the new country had to invent lots of things from scratch, including what to call its leader. The title “president” — derived from the Latin praesidere, which means “to sit before” — had usually been reserved for heads of colleges or ceremonial titles in congresses or committees. Before American independence, leaders of European countries were called kings, queens, emperors, dukes, or even Lord Protectors (during England’s more revolutionary years), but never “president.” Article II of the U.S. Constitution enshrined the title “President,” reflecting the democratic sentiments of post-revolutionary America.

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Substantially Increased

Medicare Benefits

For Prescription Drugs

in 2025 –

What You Need to Know

There are important new rules this year relating to prescription drug coverage which may be relevant to your Medicare plan beginning January 1, 2025. The “Open Enrollment” period this year during which eligible individuals may join, drop or change Medicare plans began on October 15, 2024 and continues through December 7, 2024.

Divorce rates

among older adults

have almost tripled

since 1990

By Lois A. Bowers

New research finds an almost threefold increase in the percentage of divorced older adults compared with three decades ago. And an increasing number of older adults never have married.

Survey:

1 in 5 U.S. adults report

feeling lonely daily;

these resources

are available to help

By: Jeff Russo

One in five U.S. adults reports feeling lonely daily. That's the findings of a new Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index survey which says it's the highest number of reported loneliness in adults in the past two years.

Domestic Violence

Affects Older Adults, Too

Although some may think domestic violence tends to occur in younger adult relationships, it can occur in any age group, including older adults, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Approximately one in 10 older adults living in their homes experience elder abuse each year, according to the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence.

Other Stories of Note:

Aging Together:

How to Make a Home

Safer for Aging Pets

By Janice Costa

Your home should make you feel safe, comfortable and happy — and the same is true for your pets. But as pets move into their older years, the home they love can become more challenging to navigate. Just like people, aging pets can struggle with arthritis, hearing loss, diminished vision, mobility issues and respiratory concerns.

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How to clean your glasses,

according to experts

By Bethany Heitman

We don’t always have the answers, but we have some people on speed dial who do — which is why we present to you our series FYI where we have experts explain if lip balm is actually bad, how often should you wash your hair and more.

When most folks get home after a long day, they usually kick off their shoes, put their feet up, and unwind. But for me, when I step into my room, I wish I could just swap out my feet for a fresh pair. They hurt that much.

This foot pain is a pretty recent issue for me. Up until about a year ago, my feet weren’t perfect, but they didn’t give me any trouble. I’d just throw on some socks, slide into my favorite sneakers, and head out. Now, I can’t even wear socks without feeling discomfort. And when it comes to shoes, I’m limited to just one specific style. These days, I’ve resorted to going “sock-less” just to find some relief.

If you were to look at my feet, you wouldn’t notice anything unusual. No big bunions or nasty callouses, not even a hammer toe or flat arches. It seems like all my issues are hiding beneath the surface.

I’ve talked this over with my podiatrist, who comes to the facility once a week mainly to trim residents' toenails. He’s an “in-network” Medicare doctor, and he tends to rush through appointments since the more patients he sees, the more he earns from Medicare. I’m not blaming him, but I feel like I don’t get enough time for a thorough diagnosis. He did order an x-ray, which showed some bone spurs that are definitely contributing to the pain. The rest is linked to arthritis and some gout-related nerve issues—two conditions that don’t really have a cure.

Feet often get overlooked until they start causing issues, right? By then, it might be a bit too late to fix things. Women tend to be more in tune with their feet compared to men, probably because they've been dealing with uncomfortable shoes forever. It's funny how many women will choose style over comfort, only to regret it down the line. Men, while they do care about how they look, usually prioritize comfort. But when it comes to foot care, they often drop the ball—no creams or pedicures for them. If their feet hurt, they just opt for bigger shoes and thicker socks instead.

I used to walk a lot. It was my main way to get around and a nice way to stay fit. Walking eight or ten miles? That was nothing for me. If my feet started to hurt, I’d just catch a bus or subway to get home. I had no idea I might be causing long-term damage to my feet. I’m probably not alone in this. Just take a look at any long-term care facility or local senior center, and you’ll see plenty of older folks dealing with foot issues. Maybe we should focus more on educating ourselves about foot care when we’re younger so that when we age, foot problems aren’t something we have to stress about. …

quote___________________________

“Work is accomplished by those employees

who have not yet reached their

level of incompetence.’’

Laurence J. Peter

________________________________

Try This Approach

To Help Reduce

Inflammation

and Improve Longevity

By Carly Quellman

According to a recent health study, more than 35% of U.S. adults struggle with chronic inflammation, the body's immune response that can affect every part of the body, leading to conditions such as Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Many Basic

Money Questions

Stump U.S. Adults –

How to Boost Your

Financial Literacy

By Erica Sandberg

A 2023 survey conducted by the National Financial Educators Council found the estimated average amount of money lost due to lack of financial knowledge was $1,506 per respondent.

BACK PAIN:

HOW IT BECOMES A

CHRONIC PROBLEM

FOR BABY BOOMERS

BY LEX GONZALES

You are not alone if you’re experiencing chronic back pain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 7.6 million older adults suffer from back and spine problems. That is more than twice the number of disabilities caused by heart problems. It is significant enough of a problem that it severely impacts the quality of life of millions of Baby Boomers.

F.D.A. Approves

Antibiotic for Increasingly

Hard-to-Treat

Urinary Tract Infections

By Andrew Jacobs

The drug, pivmecillinam, has been used in Europe for more than 40 years, where it is often a first-line therapy for women with uncomplicated U.T.I.’s, meaning the infection is confined to the bladder and has not reached the kidneys. The drug will be marketed in the U.S. as Pivya and will be made available by prescription to women 18 and older.

Americans get more done

US workers are more productive than their counterparts in Europe and Japan, but probably not because they take shorter vacations or drink less wine at lunch. US companies have more money to invest in innovation due to lower energy prices and strong government support.

The US owes its economic powerhouse status to a robust business environment, in which workers switch jobs often and new companies pop up, according to The Economist. These conditions give rise to its dominant tech sector and other lucrative industries that create economic value.

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Trump's Social Security plan

would hasten insolvency,

lead to bigger benefits cuts.

By Aimee Picchi

Former President Donald Trump's campaign pledges would hasten the insolvency of the Social Security trust fund and lead to a 33% across-the-board cut to all benefits, according to a new analysis from the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB).

Can Harris’s proposed

‘at-home Medicare’

end the dreaded

‘spend down’

of senior assets?

By Jessica Glenza

Currently, many states require people to divest themselves of assets to poverty levels to qualify for aid. A new proposal for “at home Medicare” by the Democratic presidential candidate, Kamala Harris, could help ease the burden of the cost of elder care for many families, experts say.

Open enrollment

brings new prescription

drug changes to

Medicare Advantage plans

By Mark Goshgarian

There are a number of changes for next year thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act

"The big message is just, there's changes. How you pay for your prescriptions in 2024 may be different from how you pay for them next year," said Cathy Aquino, vice president of Medicare for Independent Health.

New AARP Survey

Finds Life is Good,

Especially for

Older Americans

According to a new AARP survey exploring the second half of life, most older adults have an optimistic outlook on life and expect their lives to improve as they get older. Nearly 9 in 10 are at least somewhat optimistic about their future, with half being extremely or very optimistic.

Diet may improve

brain health in

older adults with obesity

Older individuals who are obese and have problems with their metabolism can improve their brain health by eating a healthy diet. An NIA-led research team discovered this finding after comparing brain changes in older adults who had followed either an intermittent fasting diet or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) healthy living diet for eight weeks. The research was published in Cell Metabolism and provides a strategy for examining the effects of healthy diets on the aging brain.

Other Stories of Note:

The FTC

Just Made It Much Easier

to Cancel Your Streaming

Subscriptions

and Gym Memberships

By Emily Weaver

Quitting a gym can be just as intimidating and difficult as Chandler Bing makes it out to be on Friends. Picking up the phone to cancel an e-commerce loyalty program? Well, there goes the rest of your day. Canceling a streaming subscription or fitness/wellness membership is a headache and a half—it’s a tale as old as time. But not anymore, thanks to a new rule passed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) called “click-to-cancel.”

The New York Mets will not be going to the World Series again this year. This, of course, comes as no surprise to anybody who will admit (1), they actually are Met fans and (2), they believed that this was their year to shine. The Mets, true to form snatched defeat from the jaws of victory and blew a chance to meet their arch rivals, the N.Y. Yankees, in what would have been the first “subway series” since 2000. Instead, the Mets gave their fans exactly what was expected. A great season, culminating in a loss to the team they replaced, the L.A. Dodgers. Of course, the fact that it was the Dodgers that beat them, makes the loss particularly painful.

What is it about the Dodgers, a team located over 2700 miles away, that stirs such animosity among Mets fans? To grasp this sentiment, we need to delve into a bit of history. The Dodgers once called New York home, specifically Brooklyn. In that vibrant borough, baseball was more than just a pastime; it was a way of life. The Dodgers transcended the role of a mere sports team; they were a cultural institution, the pride of Brooklyn, representing the community to the wider world. Few teams can claim to embody the spirit, identity, and heartbeat of an entire borough. They were as integral to Brooklyn as the iconic Coney Island and the majestic Brooklyn Bridge. Since 1913, they had their roots firmly planted in Ebbet's Field, a ballpark that, despite its age and dilapidation, was cherished by fans. The atmosphere was electric, and even the bleachers, the most affordable seats, offered a fantastic view of the game. However, while the fans adored their home, the owners, players, and media were less than impressed. In 1957, the league granted permission for both the Giants and the Dodgers to relocate. This decision shattered the hearts of Brooklyn baseball enthusiasts, who felt not only devastated but also betrayed by the avaricious owners and the team itself. The once-revered symbol of Brooklyn pride became a name shunned by those who had once celebrated it. "Dodgers" turned into a term of disdain, forever banished from their conversations.

For five long years, New York found itself devoid of a National League team. While some former fans of the Dodgers and Giants defected to the Yankees, many of us simply wallowed in disappointment. During the baseball season, we roamed the streets without caps, our expressions vacant, feeling lost with nowhere to direct our frustrations. Brooklyn had, in essence, transformed into a place like Kenosha, Wisconsin—just another small town stripped of its professional baseball identity. That all changed in 1962 when the Mets emerged as the first expansion team in baseball history. The five-year ordeal had finally come to an end. It didn’t matter that the new team was a dismal collection of unknowns and faded stars; they were a National League team sporting an NY on their caps. And for us, that was more than enough.

Since then, the Mets have experienced their share of highs and lows. More often than not, these seasons have been filled with hope and potential, only to culminate in disappointment and unfulfilled expectations. Yet, perhaps that’s part of their charm. They mirror the unpredictability of life itself. Winning isn’t everything; it’s the hope that keeps us going. We don’t need to be champions to enjoy the journey. There’s a certain comfort in mediocrity, as it lowers the bar of expectation and eases the pressures of daily life. Regardless, there’s always next season to look forward to. Let’s go Mets! ...

quote____________________

“As long as autumn lasts,

I shall not have hands,

canvas and colors enough to

paint the beautiful things I see.”

Vincent Van Gogh

____________________________

Alzheimer's drug adoption

in US slowed

by doctors' skepticism

By Julie Steenhuysen

Nine months into the U.S. launch of the first drug proven to slow the advance of Alzheimer's, Eisai and Biogen's Leqembi is facing an unexpected hurdle to widespread use: an entrenched belief among some doctors that treating the memory-robbing disease is futile.

When does old age begin?

How increased longevity

tricks seniors into thinking

they’re still young

Researchers have found perceptions about age differ wildly between generations, with senior citizens possibly suffering from “age-group disassociation” when they insist that they’re not yet elderly.

A cheap drug

may slow down aging.

A study

will determine

if it works

By Allison Aubrey

A drug taken by millions of people to control diabetes may do more than lower blood sugar.

THE CASE FOR

FACE TO FACE

FRIENDSHIP

AFTER 60

BY LORI MARTINEK

A circle of friends can provide support and encouragement, a sounding board and a sense of security which emboldens us to try new experiences. All of this is especially important if we are in our 60s and solo. Yet good friends can be hard to find just when they’re needed most.

Hearing Loss

Is Plaguing

a Generation

of Rock Stars

By Edna Gundersen

Despite hearing damage caused by decades of unprotected exposure to high-volume concerts — a risk fans face too — many musicians are coping, even thriving.

Facts about autumn leaves

The vibrant colors of autumn leaves are primarily due to the breakdown of chlorophyll, the pigment that gives leaves their green color. As days shorten and temperatures drop, chlorophyll production slows down, allowing other pigments like carotenoids (which produce yellow and orange hues) and anthocyanins (which create red and purple shades) to become more visible.

Not all trees shed their leaves in the autumn. Deciduous trees, such as oaks and maples, lose their leaves annually, whereas evergreen trees, such as pines and firs, retain their leaves (needles) year-round. Evergreen leaves are adapted to withstand cold and dry conditions.

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Study finds RSV vaccine

highly effective

in protecting older adults

against severe disease,

hospitalization and death

A multi-state study, published in The Lancet, is one of the first real world data analyses of the effectiveness of the RSV—short for respiratory syncytial virus—vaccine. VISION Network researchers report that across the board these vaccines were highly effective in older adults, even those with immunocompromising conditions, during the 2023–24 respiratory disease season, the first season after RSV vaccine approval in the U.S.

There is a silent crisis

growing in our society.

But are we prepared

to face it?

By Hunter Baker

The challenge of aging parents and grandparents who reach the point of not being able to care for themselves is more pressing than it has ever been.

Reform Social Security

for Those Who Need It Most

By Veronique de Rugy

The United States is at a crossroads. You may have heard that Social Security is politically impossible to reform. But that belief will be hard to sustain. In a few years, the Social Security Trust Fund will be exhausted. When that happens, Social Security benefits will be cut across the board by 21 percent—that is, unless Congress changes the law. Either way, changes are coming.

How lonely seniors

can thrive on their own

as ‘solo aging’ becomes

more common than ever

By Shiv Sudhakar

“Solo agers have been shown to be as healthy and happy as other older adults and live just as long,” Sara Zeff Geber, PhD., an aging expert and author of “Essential Retirement Planning for Solo Agers,” told Fox News Digital.

Some of them, however, face unique challenges that can significantly impact their quality of life and well-being.

Other Stories of Note:

5 Supplements

You Shouldn't Take

for Arthritis,

According to Experts

By Adam Meyer

When you’re living with arthritis, supplements might seem like a good pain management strategy. But they aren’t always the answer for joint pain and inflammation. While supplements might seem like a quick fix, not all of them deliver the benefits they claim to. And some may even pose health risks.

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How to Write

a Résumé After 50

By Kenneth Terrell

Your résumé is the key that unlocks job opportunities, but those doors will open only if your résumé is the right fit. That’s especially true for older job seekers, who often run into age bias when applying for work.

“Too close to call.” “Neck and neck.” “ Down to the wire. ”It’s anybody's game.” We have heard all the pundits express all the cliches to describe the same thing. With just about 2 weeks to go before we elect a new president, there is no clear frontrunner.

It’s surprising that, after all the campaigning and the intense rhetoric, a clear winner hasn’t emerged between the two candidates who are so fundamentally different. However, if the polls are accurate, it appears that American voters are sticking to their decisions. But why? The numbers changed dramatically after Biden decided to step down. However, that momentum failed to take root and eventually settled in to the conundrum we have now.

Following Biden's withdrawal, the polling numbers shifted dramatically, indicating that his presence significantly impacted voter sentiment. His departure may have ignited a sense of urgency or enthusiasm among supporters of other candidates, leading to a temporary surge in Harris’s popularity. However, this boost proved short-lived, resulting in the current 50/50 split. This suggests that while voters may have briefly entertained the notion of change, they ultimately returned to their original preferences, highlighting the deeply entrenched nature of their political beliefs.

What could account for this? One reason could be that voters are increasingly drawn to the unique beliefs of each candidate, fostering strong loyalty to their favorites and creating division. This can lead to reluctance to compromise or change support, resulting in a deadlock.

When it really comes down to it, the election will hinge on how well each candidate addresses the specific needs of the voters. Talking to Trump supporters in Pennsylvania's Rust Belt, which is a crucial state, their biggest concern is the rise of illegal immigration and the fear that these newcomers might take their jobs. Even though they’re far from the Mexican border, Republicans have pushed the narrative that this group is behind many of the country’s issues. They’re also anxious about the potential for crime, including serious offenses like murder, spilling into their communities. Plus, some folks appreciate Trump for his no-nonsense approach. They’re not bothered by his legal troubles, controversial remarks, or his sometimes jumbled speech.

For me and a lot of folks here at the assisted living center, the economy is what really counts. We're all worried about how much more we're going to shell out for things like medicine, food, and housing. Social security and Medicare are also big concerns for us. Honestly, I don't know anyone who's focused on illegal immigrants. And as for Trump, we see him for what he is—a slick con artist more interested in dodging prison than anything else. We've been around long enough not to fall for his tricks.

The only poll that truly matters is the one conducted at the ballot box. It is hoped that voters, particularly in the swing states, will prioritize the greater good over their individual interests and make choices that benefit America. This is not just about the present; it’s about the future of our country, which we cannot let be guided by an unfit leader....

quote_______________________

“Life is full of banana peels.

You slip, you carry on.”

Daphne Guinness

____________________________

The Signs of Depression

in Seniors

By Sam Thompson

What are the most common signs of depression in seniors? If untreated, depression in seniors can lead to:

Loss of concentration and other cognitive changes. These can quite easily be attributed to dementia or another illness such as Parkinson’s disease.

UNDERSTANDING

PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENTS

FOR SECOND MARRIAGES

BY BRIAN JOSLYN

Those entering into a second marriage often bring valuable insights from their past relationships, allowing them to navigate potential pitfalls more proficiently. By reflecting on past mistakes and understanding their own needs and boundaries more adequately, spouses can actively work towards building a stronger and more fulfilling partnership the second time around.

Study shows

strong social ties

may ease the way

for older adults

in life's final chapter

By Vijay Kumar Malesu

In a recent study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity, a group of researchers investigated the changes in and impact of social connections on end-of-life outcomes, including symptoms, healthcare utilization, and place of death in older adults across 19 countries using longitudinal data.

What is

independent

senior living?

Experts break down

pros and cons

By Nicole Fabian-Weber

There are a number of living options for older adults, one being independent senior living. Geared toward older adults that are — you guessed it — independent, these communities provide things like socialization, outings, fitness classes and more. Needless to say, they’re incredibly beneficial for senior well-being.

Are You Taking

Too Much of This

Common Pain Reliever?

By Kimberly Goad

Acetaminophen (a.k.a. Tylenol) isn’t merely a standalone remedy for, say, the occasional headache, back pain or muscle aches; it’s also commonly included in medications that treat the above health woes and others. According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), more than 600 drugs — both prescription and over the counter — contain acetaminophen to help curb pain and reduce fever.

Learn more

BANANA STATS

Bananas are one of the most popular fruits worldwide, with over 150 million metric tons produced annually. India and China are the largest producers, accounting for approximately 25% of the global supply.

The average American consumes about 27 pounds (approximately 12 kg) of bananas each year, making it one of the most commonly eaten fruits in the U.S.

A medium banana contains around 105 calories, 27 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, and is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium.

While the Cavendish banana is the most common variety sold in supermarkets, there are over 1,000 different types of bananas grown around the world, including red bananas and plantains, which are starchier and often used in cooking.

The banana industry faces significant threats from diseases such as Panama disease (Fusarium wilt), which affects the Cavendish variety. Efforts are being made to develop disease-resistant banana varieties to ensure sustainability in production.

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Why America

is experiencing

a ‘gray revolution’

By Judith Graham

“I miss having a companion who I can talk to and ask ‘How was your day?’ or ‘What do you think of what’s going on in the world?’” said Norington, who lives in an apartment building for seniors on the South Side of Chicago. Although she has a loving daughter in the city, “I don’t want to be a burden to her,” she said.

Age is just a number:

New study shows

older adults'

decision strategies

are just as complex

as younger adults

As we navigate through life, the way we manage our money and make financial decisions naturally changes. Previous research has shown that when making financial decisions, older adults are sometimes more willing to take risks than younger adults. But what are the cognitive processes behind these age-related changes in risk taking?

6 Best Supplements

If You Have Arthritis,

Doctors Say

By Lauren Gray

If you suffer from arthritis, there’s a wide range of potential treatments that your doctor may recommend, depending on the type and severity. This could include surgical intervention, physical therapy, or the use of medication, such as corticosteroids, NSAIDs, counterirritants, and antirheumatic drugs. Though more research is needed to confirm their benefits, many patients also turn to supplements to ease their aching arthritic joints. When combined with the treatment your doctor has prescribed, these may help improve your symptoms with time.

'Sundowning'

Is The

Dementia Symptom

We Don't

Talk About Enough

By Seraphina Seow

"Sundowning" can be a confusing and frustrating symptom for both patients and caregivers.

During certain times of the day, some people with dementia may become more confused and disoriented. Referred to by neuropsychologist April Krowel as “a constellation of symptoms rooted in confusion and disorientation,” this condition is called ”sundowning.”

10 Things

Medicare

Doesn’t Cover

By Dena Bunis

Not everything’s covered • Dental work • Routine eye exams • Hearing aids • Chiropractic care • Cosmetic surgery • Massage therapy • Acupuncture • Podiatry • Foreign trips • Nursing homes, assisted living • Concierge care. Here’s how you might pay for them.

5 lifestyle habits

that can help you

live to 100,

according to leading longevity

researchers

By Renée Onque

There is steady interest — from everyday people to researchers alike — in what it takes to live a long, healthy life. From cookbooks to research papers to the hundreds of articles you can access with a quick Google search, the amount of information to digest and advice to take in can get overwhelming.

We anticipated this moment, but the reality doesn’t truly sink in until it’s confirmed. Now that it’s official, we have the details: the Cost of Living Adjustment (C.O.L.A.) for our Social Security benefits is a disappointing 2.5%. For the average recipient, this translates to roughly $50 in additional income. Unfortunately, this small increase won’t make anyone wealthy this year. In fact, by the time we actually receive this amount in January 2025, it will likely be diminished by rising costs.

This modest adjustment, while intended to help offset inflation and rising living expenses, feels inadequate in the face of the financial pressures many seniors are currently experiencing. The reality is that the cost of essentials—such as housing, healthcare, and groceries—continues to climb at a pace that far outstrips this increase. For many seniors who rely heavily on their monthly Social Security checks, this increase falls significantly short of providing any meaningful assistance in covering their expenses.

Moreover, the timing of this adjustment adds another layer of frustration. As we approach the new year, many seniors are already grappling with the reality of increased costs for utilities, medical care, and other necessities. The $50 boost, while welcome, is unlikely to alleviate the financial strain that has become all too common.

In essence, this C.O.L.A. serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by those on fixed incomes. It highlights the need for a more substantial and responsive approach to Social Security adjustments that truly reflect the economic realities of today. As we look ahead, it is crucial to advocate for policies that ensure our seniors can live with dignity and security, rather than merely surviving on insufficient increases that fail to keep pace with the cost of living. Unfortunately, neither political party has mentioned anything about a fair and meaningful way to accurately calculate an increase in benefits so that seniors can keep up with real-world inflation. …

quote__________________________

“I don't know that there are

real ghosts and goblins,

But there are always

more trick-or-treaters

than neighborhood kids.”

Robert Breault

____________________________

Routine jobs

raise the risk

of cognitive decline

by 66%

and dementia by 37%

By Sandee LaMotte,

Having a routine job with little mental stimulation during your 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s was linked to a 66% higher risk of mild cognitive impairment and a 37% greater risk of dementia after the age of 70, according to the study, when compared with having a job with high cognitive and interpersonal demands.

‘Aging in Place,

or Stuck in Place?’

By Paula Span

That time has arrived. Ms. Apel, a retired law professor, is having trouble climbing stairs. Mr. Irwin, 71, previously an account manager for a local business, is wearying of yard work and snow shoveling, and finding workers to do those chores instead has become difficult.

(Downlode and save to "Pocket.com" extension if NYT locks you out)

Research highlights

urgent need

to address cancer inequities

in older adults

A systemic review of the current body of research shows that investigators have inadequately addressed the intersection of aging, health disparities, and cancer outcomes among older adults. This is the conclusion of a new paper published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, and led by Nikesha Gilmore, PhD, a member of Wilmot Cancer Institute at the University of Rochester.

Hobby-Based Side Gigs:

How Seniors Can Generate

Extra Income

By Sarah Li Cain

Retirement seems like the best time to ramp up or start pursuing those hobbies you’ve always wanted to make time for. The perk is that many hobbies can also make you money — and that extra money can go towards a nice vacation or a nice little treat.

Learn more

AI could play role

in preventing prescribing

of unnecessary drugs

in older adults

BYKRISTEN FISCHER

A new study finds that artificial intelligence could encourage doctors to stop prescribing drugs that aren’t necessary — especially in older adults, who tend to be on multiple medications. The report was published Thursday in the Journal of Medical Systems.

HALLOWEEN FACTS

The tradition of carving pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns comes from an Irish myth about a man named Stingy Jack. According to the legend, Jack tricked the devil and was condemned to wander the Earth with only a carved turnip to light his way. When Irish immigrants came to America, they adapted the tradition using pumpkins, which were more abundant.

The custom of trick-or-treating has roots in ancient traditions. In the Middle Ages, poor people would go door-to-door on Hallowmas (November 1) to beg for food in exchange for prayers for the deceased. The modern practice in the U.S. became popular in the early 20th century and became widespread post-World War II.

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I’m Retired

and Regret

Claiming Social Security

at 70 — Here’s Why

By Laura Beck

We’ve all heard the advice: Wait until you’re 70 to claim Social Security and you’ll get the biggest possible monthly check. Tim F., a retired healthcare worker from Arizona, followed this advice to the letter. But now, at 75, he’s having second thoughts.

Could This Drain

Your Retirement Savings?

By Markus Cole

As you envision living out your retirement years, what comes to mind? Probably, like most people, you imagine being busy doing things like traveling, engaging in your hobbies, learning new skills, spending time with family and friends, etc. In fact, your vision for this chapter of your life isn’t a passing daydream, but something you’ve likely worked very hard for many years to achieve.

40% of Americans

plan to retire with

$1 million or more—

it might not be enough

By Ryan Ermey

A million dollars isn’t the symbol of wealth that it used to be, but saving that much for retirement is still rare.

Just 16% of retirees say they have more than $1 million saved, including all personal savings and assets, according to the recent CNBC Your Money retirement survey conducted with SurveyMonkey.

Distrust of assisted living

helps drive older adults’

desire to age in place

By Kimberly Bonvissuto

A distrust and fear of assisted living communities and other residential care facilities is among the top reasons given by people living with dementia and their family caregivers for choosing to age in place, according to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

Other Stories of Note:

Homes where old people

and disabled people

can help each other out

By Sara Hendren

The U.S. surgeon general’s 2023 report on loneliness documents a scourge of isolation at national scale, with demonstrable negative outcomes on physical health and wellbeing, including increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and early mortality. Isolation and loneliness rates are particularly high among senior citizens, posing a problem for service providers that goes beyond just attending to their medical needs. Keeping seniors safe and physically cared for doesn’t shield them from the intangible loss of a gift that makes life joyful: friendship in everyday life together.

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5 Social Security Myths

Retirees Still Believe –

Are They Affecting You in 2024?

By James Nuckols

For millions of Americans, Social Security is a vital source of retirement income; about 90% of people over 65 depend on it for their financial stability. The average retired worker’s monthly income as of August 2024 is approximately $1,920, or roughly $23,000 yearly. Even though Social Security contributes significantly, it usually is not sufficient to meet all retirement costs.

I came across an article [1]recently that really got me down. Researchers are saying that the maximum human life expectancy is kind of plateauing. Since 2010, we've only added about 1.5 years, which is a drop from the 2.5 years we saw back in 1990. In the U.S., it’s even worse, almost stagnant. To top it off, even with all the progress in science and medicine, it looks like we might not be able to extend our lives much beyond what we have now. So, does that mean my dream of living another 100 years is just a fantasy?

Sure, maybe aiming for another century of life is a bit much. But I thought hitting the 100-year mark was a reasonable target for us humans. The Bible says the average lifespan is “three score and ten,” which is 70 years, and I've already surpassed that. Does that mean I'm living on borrowed time and could kick the bucket any second? Not really. But if the scientists are right, my time might be limited. It’s a bummer because there’s so much I still want to experience. It’s like reading a long and involved detective novel and being denied the opportunity to learn whodunnit.

How old is too old, really? Just because we’ve been granted an extra 20 years doesn’t mean it’s all going to be a blast. Living longer without a good quality of life isn’t worth anything.

I’m already feeling the ravages of old age. Not a morning goes by without me feeling a new twinge of pain or a stiff joint or an ache where no ache should be. And, unless they fond some miracle pain reliever that I could take anytime I wanted without any deleterious side effects, I am never going to feel any better than I do right now, which isn’t good.

I really think that if we want to enjoy some quality extra time, we need to ditch the idea that our lifespans are fixed. We should let science and technology work their magic like they always have. If we can dream it up, and it’s something good, affordable, and accessible to everyone, then we can make it happen. Just look at all the amazing things we've achieved that once were works of fiction.

The main issue is that all the amazing progress we saw in the late 20th century came from us baby boomers. Sadly, as time goes on, that incredible group of innovators is dwindling, and soon there won’t be many of us left, myself included.

Do I want to live forever. Probably not. But I would like to have a say in when and how I want to go. …

[1] https://phys.org/news/2024-10-life-nearing-limit.html?utm_medium=email&utm_source=substack#google_vignette

quote________________

“Sadly, I can't avoid being 75.

Like many people of my age,

we are all heading towards the grim reaper,

and I am clinging on.

I just to have to sharpen my fingernails

a little so that I can hang on for longer!”

Terry Wogan

________________

Best internet plans for seniors:

Compare discounts and deals

By Lisa Iscrupe & Hannah Whatley

Seniors on low, fixed incomes need internet access for many things, from telehealth appointments and entertainment to keeping in touch with family and friends. In some areas of the country, internet prices are higher than average, making it difficult for seniors on a fixed income to afford home Wi-Fi. Read on to learn more in this internet discount guide for seniors and find low-cost internet for seniors here.

Speech Problems

In the Elderly:

Medical Reasons,

Treatment, and More

By Ishani Dhar Chowdhury

One underrated thing caregivers can come across is speech problems associated with age. A 2023 report suggests that 18.79% of seniors had voice disorders.

Learn more

How Lower Interest Rates

Could Affect Older Adults

BY PATRICK M. SIMASKO, J.D.

When the Fed starts cutting interest rates, retirees could see lower yields on fixed-income assets. Social Security’s finances could be impacted, too.

Baby boomers

are hitting "peak 65."

Two-thirds don't have

nearly enough

saved for retirement.

By Aimee Picchi

The nation is rapidly approaching "peak 65" as younger baby boomers turn 65 this year, initiating the biggest wave of retirements in U.S. history. Yet most of those Americans are financially unprepared to stop working, and many risk living in poverty, according to a new analysis.

The Body’s Weakest Hour

The human body is at its weakest between 3-4 AM, a time often referred to as the “dead of night.” This is when the body’s vital functions, like heart rate and blood pressure, are at their lowest. Studies suggest that this is also the time when people are most likely to die in their sleep, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions.

The body’s natural circadian rhythms slow down during these hours, which can make it more difficult to respond to emergencies like heart attacks or strokes. Understanding this vulnerable time can help in recognizing the importance of managing health conditions and ensuring a safe sleep environment.

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Trump makes appeal

to seniors over economy:

'they have destroyed you'

By Misty Severi

Former President Donald Trump on Friday night attempted to appeal to senior voters in Reno, Nevada, by claiming that the Democratic Party "destroyed" them by ruining the economy with high inflation while seniors are still on a fixed income.

Progressives Say

2.5% COLA Increase

Is a Reminder

That Social Security

Is on the Ballot

By Julia Conley

The cost-of-living adjustment announced Thursday by the U.S. Social Security Administration for more than 72 million senior citizens should serve as a reminder, said economic justice advocates, that the monthly Social Security payments—the "bedrock" of financial security for 58% of recipients—are on election ballots this year.

Add ‘I’m Getting

a Little Older’

to the Challenges of

Apartment Hunting

By Paula Span

You grow more conscious of your physical ability. No third-floor walk-ups or higher, I told the real estate broker assisting me. I could handle that many stairs this year and probably next, but down the road? Though nobody can predict, it’s not a smart bet. The neighborhoods where I was looking, hoping to be only a couple of subway stops from my family, had few rental buildings with elevators, so stairs mattered.

Don’t expect

human life expectancy

to grow much more,

researcher says

BY MIKE STOBBE

Advances in medical technology and genetic research — not to mention larger numbers of people making it to age 100 — are not translating into marked jumps in lifespan overall, according to researchers who found shrinking longevity increases in countries with the longest-living populations.

Gut instinct’

may help you

avoid scams

Bodily awareness could curb scams and fraud against older adults, according to a new study.

Other Stories of Note:

Is It Ever Too Late

for Marriage Counseling?

By Jonathan Grey

It’s a common sentiment these days that it’s never too early to get marriage counseling, with many couples even seeking pre-marital therapy to help them prepare for life together. However, if it’s been 20, 30, or even 40 years, you may wonder if it’s too late.

It’s 11:30 AM on Thursday morning and I’m dragging myself around my room, fighting the urge to doze off. While most people are just starting their day, I’m tempted to crawl back into bed. Instead, I grab my insulated mug and sneak into the kitchen for a third cup of coffee, hoping there’s still some left in the pot. Unfortunately, I’m too late. The other coffee fiends have already drained the carafe. I head back feeling defeated and still exhausted. Lunch is still an hour and a half away, but I can’t hold on any longer. I end up dozing off at my desk.

Dealing with sleep disorders is tough to fix. It’s not just about feeling tired; it’s a complex web of brain chemistry and neurons that need to be reset. I’ve read about the intricate dance of neurotransmitters and how they affect our sleep-wake cycles, but understanding it doesn’t make it any easier to navigate. Sadly, unlike my computer, I can’t just hit reset and go back to the way things were. There’s no simple reboot for my mind and body. I wish I could just plug myself into a charger and recharge my energy levels, but instead, I’m left grappling with this overwhelming fatigue that seems to have taken over my life.

I know I need to make changes, but where do I even start? The idea of seeking help feels daunting, and I worry about what it might entail. Will I have to undergo tests, take medication, or follow a strict regimen? The thought of adding more complexity (and pills) to my life is overwhelming. Yet, I can’t shake the feeling that there’s a vibrant world out there waiting for me, and I’m missing out on it all.

I want to reclaim my energy and enthusiasm for doing things, I want to partake in the activities the rest of the residents engage in like going on trips, eating at restaurants or just going shopping without feeling like I’m dragging myself through each experience. I want to wake up feeling refreshed and ready. Maybe I’ll do what I did when I wanted to stop smoking. Go “Cold Turkey” and force myself to sleep at night. Can I do that without pills? All I can do is try. What have I go to lose, sleep? …

quote_________________________

“A gourmet who thinks of calories

is like a tart who looks at her watch.”

-James Beard

_____________________________

Why Are Syphilis Cases

Surging Among 55+ Americans?

BY JAZZ SHAW

The CDC's latest statistics on STDs in the U.S. show that chlamydia, Hepatitis C, and syphilis were among the diseases that have been infecting Americans aged 55 and older at an alarming rate. The statistics, which are as recent as 2022, show how STD rates have skyrocketed since 2000.

Write down your thoughts

and shred them

to relieve anger,

researchers say

By Caroline Davies

A study in Japan has found that writing down your reaction to a negative incident on a piece of paper and then shredding it, or scrunching it into a ball and throwing it in the bin, gets rid of anger.

Learn more

Number of homeless

senior citizens on the rise

in Florida, across the country

By Nicole Griffin

Nearly a third of senior households are considered cost burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on housing

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, nearly one in four homeless adults is over the age of 55.

Adults are aging faster,

facing higher risk of cancer

By Dennis Thompson

"Multiple cancer types are becoming increasingly common among younger adults in the United States and globally," researcher Ruiyi Tian, a doctoral student at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, said in a news release. "Understanding the factors driving this increase will be key to improve the prevention or early detection of cancers in younger and future generations."

Losing a lot of your taste buds

Gee, it's just the best getting old, isn't it? Your body starts to ache nearly every day and, as it turns out, you start to lose a lot of your taste buds. By the age of 60, in fact, many of your taste buds will be completely gone.

We have to admit that this is kind of depressing, and it's even worse that it starts (for women) around the age of 40 and it starts (for men) around the age of 50. Boy, women sure got the short end of that stick.

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Social Security

Announces 2.5 Percent

Benefit Increase for 2025

Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for more than 72.5 million Americans will increase 2.5 percent in 2025, the Social Security Administration announced today. On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by about $50 per month starting in January.

Harris rolls out

broad Medicare plan

to provide long-term

care in the home

By: Shauneen Miranda

Vice President Kamala Harris unveiled a plan Tuesday that would strengthen Medicare coverage to include long-term care for seniors in their homes, tackling one of the biggest challenges in U.S. health care.

Changing the Narrative

on Ageism and Its Impact

on Mental Health

Ageism is one of the most pervasive forms of discrimination. Whether a person is perceived as too old or too young, it can have a devastating impact on their mental health.

Childhood trauma

can cause

physical pain

in late life

By Sanjana Gajbhiye

No one leaves this world unscathed; life’s hardships can frequently follow us to the very end. But what if traumas such as parental abuse, repeating a school year, or even participating in armed combat could impact our pain and overall health in our final years?

Other Stories of note:

If You're Over 60,

You Need These

2 Pieces of Clothing

in Your Closet, Stylist Says

By Emily Weaver

Fashion is extremely personal, so it makes sense that a capsule wardrobe would vary by the person and their unique style. Case in point, you might emphasize foundational pieces that you can build on (like a plain white tee), while others may prioritize layering pieces, including cardigans and leather jackets. Some may feel best in jeans, while others gravitate towards cargo pants or trousers. Suffice it to say, we all have different tastes—and that’s OK. However, there are some articles of clothing that every woman should own, according to one pro stylist.

{[][][][][][][][][][][]}

Is Age-Related

Cognitive Decline

Inevitable?

By Beth Howard

Accumulating evidence suggests that cognitive decline extensive enough to affect daily living is not inevitable. But that doesn’t mean your brain will always work as well as it did in your 20s.

I imagine that for many older individuals, the idea of having all their desires and necessities met after a lifetime of hard work and family responsibilities is a cherished dream. Yet, for myself and many seniors I’m acquainted with, the notion of losing the ability to think and act independently is the most daunting aspect of aging. Unfortunately, due to mobility issues or other challenges, managing everyday tasks can become a struggle or even unfeasible.

Individuals living in an assisted living facility (A.L.F.) have specific reasons for their stay. For many, including myself, it’s due to physical challenges that make independent living in our own homes unfeasible. For others, it can be cognitive difficulties. After enduring a difficult period in various nursing homes, I found this place that caters to my needs. Here, my room is cleaned, my laundry is done, meals are served, utilities are provided (including cable TV), and my overall well-being is monitored. I am truly thankful for this support. However, life encompasses more than just eating, watching TV, or resting. Occasionally, I need to purchase items that aren’t available here—things I once enjoyed shopping for independently but can no longer do. Thanks to the wonders of digital media and the internet, I have regained a considerable amount of my independence.

Many of us are familiar with the names: Amazon, Walmart, Haggar, Wayfair, Instacart, and the myriad of online retailers. These platforms provide those of us who have mobility challenges the opportunity to access the same products and services available to everyone else.

My initial experience with online activities, rather than physically going to places, started long before I arrived here. It wasn't a purchase, but it did involve a financial transaction. I downloaded a program, now known as an app, that enabled me to connect with my bank. With this software, I could transfer money, pay bills, deposit funds, and manage my account. It was a huge time-saver, and I utilized it for nearly everything except cash withdrawals. This experience also got me addicted to online spending. I continue to use that app, along with many others.

It would be nearly impossible for me to purchase items such as clothes, underwear, electronics, a watch, or even quality shower gel without the internet. I can also order food, whether from a restaurant or the local grocery store. For a small fee, someone can handle your grocery shopping. Plus, you can use your SNAP benefits for these purchases.

I understand that for some, sharing your credit card number can be intimidating. Here's my advice: begin with a small purchase from a retailer you trust, such as Walmart or Rite-Aid. Choose items you know well, like toothpaste or shampoo. Follow the instructions on the website and wait for your order to arrive. You can always verify the transaction with your credit card company. You'll discover how simple and secure online shopping can be. Before long, you'll find yourself making more purchases. This will empower you to manage your finances and buy what you need without depending on others. You'll regain some of your freedom of choice and independence. …

quote________________

"There is no robbery so terrible

as the robbery committed

by those who think they are doing right."

Mary Catherwood

___________________

$19M in grants

available to improve

job opportunities

for older adults

By Kathleen Steele Gaivin

The Department of Labor announced the availability of approximately $19 million in grants for current national recipients in the Senior Community Service Employment Program to apply for additional funding in a demonstration project for sector-based training for older workers.

Too many older adults

are taking risky

sedative medications

BY WENDY LEVINSON, MD AND CHRISTINE SOONG, MD

A recent investigation in Quebec uncovered a concerning trend: benzodiazepines — medications commonly used for sleep or anxiety — are being overprescribed. This investigation has prompted the Quebec College of Physicians to closely examine the usage of these medications.

Most baby boomers

want to stay put

in their big family homes —

exacerbating a major

US housing problem

By Vawn Himmelsbach

According to Redfin, more than a quarter (27%) of baby boomers who aren’t planning to sell their home anytime soon said it’s because their home is completely or almost paid off, and roughly one in five (21%) said they are staying put because home prices are now too high.

ARE YOUR PILLS

MAKING YOU SICK?

BY JULIA HUBBEL

We get medicated for everything that ails us, much of which could be better dealt with using traditional medicine: better food choices, more exercise, having a purpose in life and finding happiness and gratitude in our everyday surroundings.

Car models stolen most often

Hyundai Elantra: 48,445

Hyundai Sonata: 42,813

Kia Optima: 30,204

Chevrolet Silverado 1500: 23,721

Kia Soul: 21,001

Honda Accord: 20,895

Honda Civic: 19,858

Kia Forte: 16,209

Ford F150 Series Pickup: 15,852

Kia Sportage: 15,749

Source: National Insurance Crime Bureau

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Ageism Awareness Day

Oct. 9, 2024

Ageism refers to stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel), and discrimination (how we act) toward others or ourselves based on age. It negatively impacts our health and well-being, our financial security, and the economy. It exists in many forms, influencing everything from personal interactions to public policy, and impacts us at every age.

The good news is that we can do something about it, and we begin by spreading the word on Ageism Awareness Day Oct. 9, 2024.

___________________ >< _______________________

The Great Florida Migration

Is Coming Undone

Across much of Florida and especially along the western coast, a surplus of inventory and dwindling buyer interest are slowing sales and keeping homes on the market longer. That is cooling off what had been one of America’s biggest housing booms this decade.

The next Social Security

COLA increase

won't be enough

to solve this crisis

By Jessica Hall

Millions of older adults already can't afford housing, food or healthcare.

The expected Social Security cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, won't go far enough for retirees who are already stretched thin by consumer prices that remain stubbornly high.

COVID sickens older adults

most severely, but less than half

say they’ll get the new vaccine

By Lindsey Leake

The nationwide summer surge in COVID infections prompted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve and authorize for emergency use updated vaccines earlier than expected. Yet now that three 2024–25 coronavirus shots are widely available, only less than half of Americans most at risk of severe infection plan to get immunized.

Older stroke survivors

experience immediate

and long-term

cognitive decline, study finds

By John Roszkowski

The researchers examined global cognition (including language, memory, processing speed and executive function) in older adults who had a stroke for the first time and compared their functioning with older adults who had not previously had a stroke. They found that incident stroke was associated with a significant acute decline in global cognitive function for survivors and a small but significant acceleration in the rate of decline in future years compared with those without a previous stroke.

I have visited Florida several times throughout the years. My trips were primarily motivated by family, as many of my relatives relocated there to escape the fast-paced lifestyle, high living costs, and unsafe neighborhoods of New York. Like my brother, they also sought relief from the harsh northern winters, which can be tough on aging bodies and sore joints. I must say, there are many positive aspects to the state. Honestly, I found it quite appealing. Although I wasn't considering retirement back then, I did contemplate the possibility of moving there myself. In hindsight, I'm thankful I didn't make that decision.

My change of mind about moving to Florida has three main reasons.

First, after my brother's death, I felt less motivated to relocate. I would just be another divorced, lonely man trying to cling to the last vestiges of my youth.

Second, the politics in Florida concern me. You can move a New Yorker away from New York, but their political views stay. Underneath the relaxed lifestyle, there's a strong conservative base. Issues like book bans, abortion rights, and climate change denial, along with a governor who endangered many by not enforcing mask-wearing during COVID, clash with my values.

And now, I have the best reason why my decision, (as opposed to many of my friends and relatives), not to give up the slush and freezing temperatures of the Northeast. As bad a some winters can be (and I have been through some brutal one’s including a number of major blizzards) nothing can compare with what has happened and what will happen in Florida in the next day or two. I worry that the elderly, who relocated to escape nature's fury, will now face the very threats they sought to avoid. I hope they listen to the experts and evacuate without delay. And don't forget, you can always return here; while the winters may be harsh, our hospitality is always warm. ...

quote________________________

“I distrust camels, and anyone else

who can go a week without a drink.”

- Joe E. Lewis

_____________________________

The world's

oldest man

shares secrets

to his longevity

LONDON — The world's oldest man says the secret to his long life is luck, moderation — and fish and chips every Friday.

10 Best Exercises

for Seniors

To Lose Belly Fat

By Adam Meyer

Belly fat, or visceral fat, can be particularly stubborn and harmful to your health. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, excess abdominal fat has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. The risk increases with a waist circumference exceeding 35 inches for women or 40 inches for men. The good news is that by incorporating the following exercises into your workout routine, you can slim down your waistline and boost overall health and fitness.

Learn more

How age-friendly

universities

can improve

the second half of life

By 2030, more than 1.4 billion people across the globe will be at least 60 years old. This number will shoot up to 2.1 billion by 2050. At this point, there will be more people age 60 or older than people between 10 and 24.

RV TRAVEL TIPS

FOR SENIORS

Setting out on a trip in the comfort of a recreational vehicle (RV) is an exhilarating experience, and for you, as a senior, it presents a unique opportunity to explore the world at your own pace. RV travel offers a blend of adventure, flexibility, and the comfort of a home on wheels.

Statistics and facts

about camels:

There are two main species of camels: the Dromedary (Camelus dromedarius), which has one hump, and the Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus), which has two humps.

Camels can live for about 40 to 50 years in captivity, and around 20 to 40 years in the wild.

Camels can survive without water for several days, and when they do drink, they can consume up to 40 gallons (150 liters) in one go.

Camels can tolerate body temperature fluctuations from 93°F to 106°F (34°C to 41°C), allowing them to conserve water.

An adult camel can consume around 30 pounds (14 kg) of food in a single day.

As of recent estimates, the global population of camels is around 30 million, with the majority being Dromedaries, primarily found in Africa and the Middle East.

Camels can run at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour (65 km/h) over short distances and can maintain a speed of 25 miles per hour (40 km/h) over longer stretches.

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Social Security

Adds SNAP Expansion —

How New Rules Benefit

Thousands of Seniors

By T. Woods

With a hotly-contested presidential election just around the corner, it’s only natural to feel a bit of economic anxiety, as the country could take one of two different directions in the coming months. Those seniors who receive Social Security Income (SSI), however, have a reason to breathe a big sigh of relief.

Death risk

for hospitalized

older adults

higher with RSV

than flu B

Older adults’ risk for death when hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus is higher than it is for influenza B but similar to influenza A, according to a study.

Winter is coming:

How seniors can avoid

seasonal blues

The winter blues are also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This condition can affect anyone, but for senior citizens it can impact an already vulnerable population.

Social Security COLAs

Have Lifted Benefits 84%

Over the Last

Quarter Century.

Is That Enough?

By Bram Berkowitz

Social Security benefits increase annually thanks to a cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) that is intended to help benefits rise along with inflation. However, a common perception is that COLAs have failed to keep up with the higher cost of living associated with essentials like food, shelter, and healthcare

Iron deficiency in adults

may be more common

than thought

By Linda Carroll

Nearly 1 in 3 Americans may have an undiagnosed iron deficiency, a problem that can lead to fatigue, brain fog and difficulty concentrating, a new study suggests.

Other Stories of Note:

COVID Is 'Here to Stay'

Bany Pandora Dew

COVID-19 is known for its respiratory symptoms. But we are increasingly learning that SARS-CoV-2—the virus that causes the infection—can affect our brains too. Brain fog, cognitive deficits, and loss of smell and taste are commonly reported symptoms of the virus and some report these neurological symptoms long after the initial infection has subsided.

{[][][][][][][][][][]}

4 sources

of retirement income

besides Social Security

to rely upon in 2025

By Kailey Hagen

Social Security checks are getting a boost next year, but if you're a retiree, you'll probably still need money from other sources to make ends meet.

There’s something about this time of year that stirs a deep craving within me—call it an obsession, a necessity, or simply a yearning. Each autumn, I feel an irresistible pull to hop in a car and set off on an adventure. Although I experience this desire in the spring as well, it reaches its peak when the leaves start to change color and the crisp northern winds begin to blow. In the Northeast, fall offers an ideal backdrop for a road trip, far more inviting than the warmer months.

Honestly, I don't have a car and haven't driven in 16 years, plus I no longer hold a driver's license. Still, if the chance arose, I'd jump at the opportunity to drive again. What is it about cars and driving that keeps this desire alive after all these years?

Perhaps it’s the sense of freedom that comes with taking the wheel. When I’m behind the wheel, I’m the boss. The captain of the ship. I can explore the world at my own pace. The open road is a blank canvas filled with experiences waiting to unfold.

Each drive offers the thrill of discovering new places. It’s not just about reaching a destination; it’s about creating memories, sharing laughter, and reflecting on moments that will be cherished for years.

The sensory aspects of driving enhance this passion. I liked the engine’s immediate response when I stepped on the gas. Moreover, driving would liberate me from the boredom and mind-numbing routine of daily life here at the A.L.F. Navigating winding roads and open highways opens up endless possibilities. I could choose the scenic route or simply drive until sunset, reminding me of the power I once had to shape my own destiny. Something that is sorely lacking when your old and gray. ….

quote________________________

A #2 pencil and a dream

can take you anywhere.

-Joyce Meyer

_____________________________

Cannabis Use

Linked to Lower

Dementia Risk

Recreational cannabis use may be associated with a significant decrease in the odds of experiencing subjective cognitive decline (SCD) in adults over 45. Analyzing data from the CDC’s 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, researchers found that recreational users had 96% lower odds of reporting SCD compared to non-users.

This vitamin deficiency

can cause forgetfulness

and mimic symptoms of

dementia—but it’s reversible.

Doctors explain

the signs to look for

BY KORIN MILLER

Several factors can cause a person to have classic signs of dementia, including a deficiency in vitamin B12. “Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause cognitive impairment, including impairments in thinking,” says Dr. Scott Kaiser, a geriatrician and director of Geriatric Cognitive Health for the Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Santa Monica, CA. “That can definitely mimic signs of dementia.”

Millennials Are

Exchanging Anecdotes

About How They're Noticing

That Their Parents

Are Turning Into Awful People

By Brian Galindo

If there is anything millennials can all agree on, it's that we're getting old! Of course, so are our parents, which means we're now dealing with them as senior citizens. And if you're a millennial with boomer parents, you've probably noticed that their idiosyncrasies have gotten worse and that they're getting more and more set in their ways.

6 Supplements

You Should Never Take

If You're Over 60,

Doctors Say

BY ZACHARY MACK

"In some cases, supplements can cause problems in older adults because they interact with common prescription medications," says Leann Poston, MD, a licensed physician and health advisor for Invigor Medical. "Talk with your doctor before taking supplements to ensure they are safe for you."

PENCIL STATS

In 2007, Discover magazine claimed that an average pencil holds enough graphite to draw a line about 35 miles long, or to write roughly 45,000 words. The estimated word count was later tested and found to be fairly accurate, while the 35-mile claim remains somewhat dubious (and practically impossible to test)

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12 Pain Symptoms

You Should Never Ignore

By Michelle Crouch

If you’re hurting, see a doctor. It’s sound advice that may seem obvious, but older adults in particular sometimes write off pain as a function of aging and may wait too long to get medical attention, says Edwin Leap, M.D., an emergency physician in Southern Appalachia. He has seen it happen. And the results can be devastating....

Assisted dying:

‘If I cannot consent

to my own death,

who owns my life?’

By Sheila Wayman

All the talk at the World Federation Right to Die conference held in Ireland recently was “when” medically assisted dying becomes legally permissible in this country, not “if”.

NYC company develops

simple swab test

that can tell

how well you’re aging

By Tracy Swartz

A biotechnology company headquartered in Manhattan has developed an “aging” clock that uses information from the cells in your cheeks to predict your biological age.

Could drinking

a certain amount

of coffee or tea

help lower dementia risk?

A recent study found that among people with high blood pressure, drinking one-half to one cup of coffee or four to five cups of tea daily was associated with some of the lowest dementia risk.

College education

and physical activity

help predict

who will transfer

from assisted living

to nursing homes

By Laura Bailey

About 900,000 people in the United States live in assisted living, and roughly 15% could transfer to nursing homes annually—but little is known about the risk factors associated with having to make that move.

Wardrobe Declutter:

7 Things to Remove

From Your Closet

By Courtney Carver

Decluttering clothes from drawers, closets and other storage spaces may seem like a never ending cycle. You’ve probably tried flipping your hangers and other decluttering tricks. If you are tired of a chaotic wardrobe, It’s time to skip the tricks and focus on a simplified wardrobe. This article will give you inspiration to let go and consider a owning fewer clothes by creating a capsule wardrobe. With a decluttered closet, you’ll have more closet space and more mind space too.

{[][][][][][][][][][][]}

Gum Health 101:

Periodontal Disease

in Older Adults

By Anastasia Clemons

Periodontal disease, a chronic bacterial infection affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, is a significant public health concern worldwide. Its prevalence increases with age, making it a particularly pressing issue for older adults. Understanding the factors contributing to gum diseases in this demographic is essential for effective prevention and treatment.

This message is primarily aimed at the men in our group, but I believe the women will find it interesting as well.

In our assisted living facility (A.L.F.), we see a wide range of attitudes towards personal grooming. Many women make an effort to look presentable, often styling their hair, getting manicures, and coordinating their outfits. In contrast, the men appear to have largely abandoned these practices. It's puzzling to consider why this difference exists.

It’s east to say that women are brought up to make sure they keep themselves looking presentable and carry that with them all their lives, Men, on the other hand, dress for a specific purpose. While this practical approach to dressing may serve us well during our active years, it is essential to recognize that neglecting to dress appropriately as we age can send subtle messages about our attitudes towards aging and our current circumstances. As we grow older, the way we present ourselves can reflect our self-esteem, our respect for ourselves, and our willingness to engage with the world around us. Dressing in a way that acknowledges our age and circumstances can foster a sense of dignity and self-worth, while also signaling to others that we value ourselves and our place in society.

I make an effort to stay well-groomed. Every morning, I shower and shave, a routine I've maintained since high school, and I see no reason to change it now. My wardrobe may not be trendy, but I believe it's suitable for the current time and place. I typically wear jeans or slacks paired with a clean t-shirt or polo shirt. I'm not a fan of graphic tees, especially those plastered with brand names. If Ralph Lauren wouldn't wear a shirt with my name on it, why should I wear one with his? When it comes to shoes, comfort takes precedence over style; I choose whatever feels best for my sore feet.

I shave daily; it's part of my routine. A beard doesn't suit me. If you encountered me on the street without shaving, you'd probably give me some money and suggest I buy a decent meal. In short, I would appear scruffy. Sadly, many of the men here believe that looking disheveled is acceptable. It's not that they are unclean (the facility ensures everyone maintains proper hygiene), but rather that they have chosen to neglect their appearance. This often starts with their facial hair.

A beard is perfectly fine, but it comes with a responsibility. Just like the hair on your head, a beard requires regular grooming. The length isn't the issue; what matters is that it appears well-maintained. If it looks unkempt, it can give the impression that you don't care about yourself, your life, or those around you. In a close community like an A.L.F, that kind of attitude can be particularly detrimental.

It's not my place to judge anyone's fashion choices, and it shouldn't be for anyone else either. However, I believe it would be incredibly beneficial for the facility to launch a program or seminar aimed at helping older individuals break free from stereotypes. By encouraging them to express themselves in ways that defy common misconceptions, we can foster greater respect and understanding. Unfortunately, many people still view older men with unkempt beards and quirky attire as out of touch or even senile, and this perception needs to change.

quote_______________________________

“Hurricane season brings a humbling reminder that,

despite our technologies,

most of nature remains unpredictable.”

Diane Ackerman

____________________________________

Republican Suggests

Thousands of Seniors

Shouldn't Be Voting

By Andrew Stanton

Republican Senate candidate Eric Hovde suggested most nursing home residents should not be voting because they only have "five, six months life expectancy."

Recent contact

with young children

linked to over 60s risk

of acquiring

pneumonia-causing

bacteria

New research being presented at this year's European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID 2024) in Barcelona, Spain (27-30 April) finds that pneumonia-causing bacteria are common in the over 60s and that contact with pre-school and young school-aged children appears to be the most important factor in the onward transmission of Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) to the over 60s.

18 Affordable Places

to Retire Outside

the US for

$2,000 a Month

By Rabia Mazhar

This article takes a look at 18 affordable places to retire outside the US for $2,000 a month. If you wish to skip our detailed analysis on navigating the retirement period as a US citizen, you may go to 5 Affordable Places to Retire Outside the US for $2,000 a Month.

7 STEPS TO HELP

YOU DEAL WITH

ANGER AFTER 60

BY SALLY FOX

Anger is natural, but when it builds up in us, it can be incapacitating, causing us to lash out at others, or lash out at ourselves and lead to depression.

Learn more

Lots of Water From Helene

40 trillion gallons. That’s the staggering amount of rain that fell on the Southeast last week from Hurricane Helene and another storm that preceded it, according to calculations by former NOAA chief scientist Ryan Maue.

It’s nearly impossible to wrap your head around the concept of 40 trillion gallons of water, so here are some helpful comparisons, per the AP. It would:

- Fill the Dallas Cowboys stadium 51,000 times.

- Fill Lake Tahoe (once).

- Fill more than 60 million Olympic-size swimming pools.

- Be the equivalent of 619 days of constant water flow over Niagara Falls.

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Medicare Beneficiaries

Could Lose Access

to Some Benefits

By End of Year

By Suzanne Blake

Unless Congress acts, telehealth services are scheduled to expire by the end of the year, potentially impacting 5 percent of Medicare's outpatient visits.

That could mean 67.4 million Americans will see their healthcare affected.

What doctors wish

older adults knew

to manage their health

By Sara Berg, MS

As the population of older adults continues to grow, understanding how to manage health and well-being in later years has become increasingly important. Navigating the complexities of aging can be challenging, but with the right knowledge and resources, older adults can maintain a high quality of life. By taking proactive steps, older adults can continue to lead fulfilling lives and enjoy their golden years to the fullest.

Why do we

forget things

we were just

thinking about?

By Marilyn Perkins

Have you ever walked into a room and forgotten why you went in there, or been about to speak but suddenly realized you had no idea what you were going to say? The human brain normally balances countless inputs, thoughts and actions, but sometimes, it seems to short-circuit. So what really happens when we forget what we were just thinking about?

Boomers own 38%

of America’s homes—

but more than half

never plan to sell

By Keith Griffith

Among boomers who own homes, 54% say they never plan to sell the house they live in, according to a poll from Clever Real Estate.

Now in the age range of 60 to 78, boomers account for 21% of the US population, yet they own 38% of the country’s homes, according to Freddie Mac data from 2022.

Other Stories of Note:

11 Most Asked Questions

I Get About Taxes

in Retirement

as a Financial Planner

By Danielle Miura

With today’s complex tax rules, taxes in retirement can be a nightmare. Retirement accounts come with many tax traps that even the most careful investors may fail to see. Therefore, it shouldn’t be a shock that some retirees might be paying more taxes than necessary. Now that you have put together your retirement nest egg, it’s time to verify that you aren’t giving Uncle Sam more than you owe.

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A Food You Already

Have In Your Fridge

Could Prevent

Cognitive Decline

in Women, Says New Study

By Ashley Broadwater

Women have a 71 percent risk of experiencing cognitive impairment in their lifetimes, according to a 2020 study in SSM Population Health. And, according to an August 2024 study in Nutrients, there’s another food to add to your grocery list if you want to keep your brain sharp, and it’s found in the refrigerator section......

I’ve always been someone who doesn’t stress excessively about what the future holds. While I’ve taken steps to secure my financial future, such as establishing IRAs and 401(k)s, I generally adopted a “whatever will be, will be” attitude. After all, why fret over things beyond my control? However, lately, I find myself contemplating the years ahead with a newfound seriousness and a touch of anxiety.

I want to be straightforward. I don’t waste my days anxiously pondering what lies ahead. I discovered long ago that such thoughts only lead to unnecessary stress, and life is far too brief for that. Instead, my focus is on the quality of the life I will experience in the years to come.

Having lived in an assisted living facility for many years, I have observed countless individuals approaching the end of their lives. Many of those I grew close to and valued as friends have since passed away. Some, thankfully, left this world swiftly, while others endured prolonged suffering from various ailments that took a toll on their bodies. It was a heartbreaking experience to witness. Once vibrant, engaged, and gifted individuals were diminished to shadows of their former selves.

Now, as I near my 80th birthday, I realize that a significant portion of my time on this earth has already passed. According to statistical estimates, I may have only about 5 or 6 more years left. While I hope for more, I also recognize the reality of my situation. My parents only lived into their mid-80s, which doesn’t give me much hope in terms of genetics. However, what truly concerns me is the thought of spending my remaining years in pain, possibly confined to a wheelchair or, even worse, stuck in a nursing home that feels like a prison. That thought, more than death, is genuinely frightening. …

quote________________________

“Mickey Mouse to a three-year-old

is a six-foot-tall rat”

– Robin Williams

______________________________

Surveillance Colonoscopy

Rarely IDs Cancer

in Older Adults

By Lori Solomon

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is rarely detected from surveillance colonoscopy among older adults, regardless of prior adenoma findings, according to a study published online April 2 in JAMA Network Open.

What seniors worry about

By Matilda Charles

The number one concern was about money. Is there enough to last the rest of our life? Will grocery prices ever come down again? We're concerned about having to go back to work to keep from burning through our savings, running up medical bills, losing the house because of not being able to pay the mortgage and having the rent raised to an amount we can't pay.

Older Adults

Who Never Got Married

Revealed The "Myths"

About Being Single

Later In Life

That No One Talks About

By Liz Richardson

"More often than not, I see friends going through awful, painful divorces with a partner, kids caught in the middle, and I am SO glad I never got married JUST to have kids."

HOW BEING “OLD”

MAKES ME

MORE SUCCESSFUL

BY STEPHANIE BRODT

“…as we age, we begin to realize (hopefully) that with all the disadvantages of growing older there are many, MANY advantages that come along with it as well.”

Learn more

MICKEY MOUSE FACTS

Mickey Mouse made his first public appearance in the animated short film "Steamboat Willie," which premiered on November 18, 1928. This film is considered one of the first synchronized sound cartoons.

Mickey Mouse was created by Walt Disney and his close collaborator Ub Iwerks. While Disney conceived the character, Iwerks was responsible for the original design and animation.

Walt Disney himself was the original voice of Mickey Mouse. He provided Mickey’s voice from the character’s inception until 1947. After Disney, several other actors took on the role, but the character remained an enduring symbol of the Disney brand.

Mickey Mouse is often considered the mascot of The Walt Disney Company and is one of the most recognizable characters in the world. He has appeared in countless cartoons, films, television shows, merchandise, and theme park attractions, appealing to generations of fans across the globe.

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Trump's Plan

To Cut Social Security Taxes

Is A Hit With Voters –

But What's The Catch?

By A.J. Fabino

Donald Trump has promised a $1.5 trillion tax cut to eliminate income taxes on Social Security benefits. While popular among voters, the proposal raised concerns about its impact on the already strained Social Security system and the broader federal budget.

80% OF OLDER ADULTS

FACE FINANCIAL INSECURITY

An updated analysis by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and LeadingAge LTSS Center @ UMass Boston finds that 80% of Americans 60 and older continue to have very few resources to pay for long-term care or weather financial emergencies. While older adults' incomes and the net value of their homes increased slightly from 2018-2020, the value of their financial assets and total wealth decreased.

Health or wealth?

What retirees prioritize

may surprise you

By Liam Gibson

Despite the assumed importance of health in retirement, nearly two-thirds of Americans appear to have other priorities. A recent poll of 1,000 retirement-age individuals conducted by 55 Places reveals 64% of Americans don’t consider health the most important factor in their retirement planning.

How Resilient

Are Older Adults?

The stereotype of older adults as "set in their ways" is widespread. However, research done during the pandemic shows older adults surpassed younger people in resilience. Some studies show that older adults responded to the pandemic crisis by becoming more creative and empathic.

Research reveals

how aging brains adapt

to remember music

The findings show that senior citizens are just as capable as younger people of remembering musical pieces — but certain parts of their brains must work harder.

Other Stories of note:

10 Ways

to Save Your Smartphone’s

Battery Life

By Marc Saltzman

Go longer between charges and replacing the battery. Tips also work for laptops, tablets

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I'm Worried About

Long-Term Care Policies,

Aren't You?

By Melissa Reitkopp

It started with a shuffle of her feet and a shake in her hand while brushing her teeth; soon, my mother, aged 60, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

It's likely that if you've been around as long as I have, you've encountered your fair share of stress. While many stressful periods may only last a few days or weeks, some challenging times can linger for years.

Stressful experiences can start surprisingly early in our lives. It might be difficult to picture a five-year-old feeling stressed, but if you reflect on your own childhood, you might recall various challenges you faced. Perhaps there was a bully in your neighborhood who seemed to be waiting for you after school, ready to cause trouble. Or maybe you have a vivid memory of accidentally breaking your mom's cherished vase, fully aware that she would eventually discover the truth.

Stress started for me in high school and continued through college, jobs, unemployment, divorce, health issues, and physical therapy.

I attended a high school with very high academic expectations. As an average student, I had to put in extra effort just to keep up. No teenager should have to endure that level of stress.

College presented its own set of challenges. It wasn't primarily about the coursework; it was the physical strain that was most demanding. With the Vietnam War ongoing, I was a prime candidate for the draft. To obtain a deferment, I had to maintain full-time student status, achieve a certain GPA, and attend evening classes after work. The real pressure emerged after graduation, as workplace demands introduced a new level of stress, leading to layoffs, unemployment, and premature (forced) retirement. All of this can eventually impact one's health. And what could be more stressful than facing a life-threatening illness? And all this has led me to where I am now.

Following a difficult time in a nursing home, I found myself at the A.L.F. (assisted living facility) with a clear goal: to avoid any situation that might lead to stress. For the most part, I've succeeded in this endeavor, but it requires consistent effort.

Stress can still arise even in a setting where basic needs are fulfilled. A significant portion of this stress comes from dealing with the rigid rules and regulations set by the administration and the government. The sooner you understand that following these guidelines is essential for peace of mind, the less stress you will face. I attempted to resist the system and ended up failing badly. I surrendered, which alleviated at least one source of stress.

Taking control of my health has been one of the most effective ways to reduce stress. I have established a personal set of guidelines that, with my doctors' support, will help me navigate the rest of my life without the burden of frequent medical appointments, procedures, tests, and an increasing number of medications. My directives are simple. Unless I face a life-threatening situation, I will refrain from seeking specialists outside this facility. I also refuse to take more medications simply to alleviate the symptoms of a chronic illness that has no cure. Many residents here visit multiple specialists weekly and take numerous pills daily, but I choose a different, stress free, path. …

quote________________________

“The eyes see everything

through the heart.”

Katherine Center

____________________________

Between 65 And Death,

An Excellent List For Aging

Many of us are between 65 and death, i.e. old. My friend sent me this excellent list for aging. I have to agree it’s good advice to follow….

Older Adults

Prefer Human Help

to Manage

Health-Related Needs

and Recommendations,

New Survey Finds

In the age of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital intervention, new survey data show that human help in health care is not only preferred by many older adults, but may also be an effective strategy to reduce over-utilization of emergency services and encourage follow-through on preventive care and health-related recommendations.

10 Best Exercises

for Seniors To Build

Lean Muscle

By Jarrod Nobbe

As you age, building lean muscle becomes increasingly essential for your well-being and vitality. Yet, the notion that weight training is only for the young persists. In truth, incorporating free-weight exercises helps counteract age-related muscle loss, build lean muscle, boost bone density, and enhance metabolic health and functional independence—a fantastic deal, isn't it? So I've rounded up 10 of the best exercises for seniors to build lean muscle.

Learn more

You can thank

the baby boomers

for the stunning strength

of the US economy

By Matthew Fox

According to market veteran Ed Yardeni, the baby boomer generation is powering spending in key areas of the economy that have seen massive job gains in recent years.

IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE

Blinking is a reflex action that helps protect the eyes from irritants like dust and debris. When something approaches the eye suddenly, the blink reflex occurs to shield the eye from potential damage.

The average person blinks around 15-20 times per minute, but this rate can vary based on factors such as activity and environmental conditions. For example, people tend to blink less frequently when staring at screens, which can lead to dry eyes.

Blinking can also reflect emotional states or stress levels. Studies have shown that when people are anxious or under stress, their blink rate can increase, and the duration of each blink can change as well.

In addition to acting as a barrier against foreign objects, blinking also helps to prevent excessive exposure to bright lights. The eyelids close quickly to shield the eyes from intense light, helping to maintain comfort and vision clarity.

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Trump Tells Seniors

‘Have Your Head Examined’

By Michael Luciano

He started with Jews, then moved to Catholics, and now senior citizens.

“Our seniors have been devastated by inflation,” the former president said. “We’re gonna have no tax on Social Security for our seniors. If any senior doesn’t vote for Trump, we’re gonna have to send you to a psychiatrist to have your head examined.If any senior doesn't vote for Trump, we are gonna have to send you to a psychiatrist to have your head examined."

Older adults

are depicted

more positively online,

but work remains

By Chris Clow

Negative depictions of Americans ages 50 and older have lessened over a five-year period, with negative sentiment in online media and marketing images dropping from 28% in 2018 to 10% in 2023, according to research published this week by senior advocacy organization AARP.