theseniorlog.com

SATURDAY & SUNDAY,

SEPTEMBER 23 & 24, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

2 Best Foods to Ease Anxiety,

Experts Say

YOUR DIET COULD BE AFFECTING YOUR MOOD,

ACCORDING TO NUTRITIONISTS.

By DANA SCHULZ

When we're feeling anxious, we tend to do things like yoga or meditation, watching a funny movie, or getting fresh air. We also may reach for comfort foods like pizza or cupcakes. But while there's certainly nothing wrong with treating yourself to a little well-deserved pick-me-up, your diet could actually be affecting your mood, according to nutritionists. To find out what you should be eating when your stress levels spike, keep reading to discover the 12 best foods to ease anxiety.

1Dark chocolate

Turns out those chocolate cravings are actually based on science, as 70-85 percent dark chocolate is full of magnesium.

Read more >> click here

10 Basic Facts About Writing a Will

There’s more to it than who will inherit your belongings

By Patricia Amend

Preparing a will is one of the most important things you can do to put your life in order. Among other things, it will help you decide what to do with your most important stuff, which may give you peace of mind.

That said, planning for your demise isn’t pleasant, and if you haven’t taken the time to write a will, that’s not surprising. A 2022 survey by Caring.com indicates that only 33 percent of Americans have a will or living trust — and 67 percent don’t.

Why not? In the survey, about 40 percent of the respondents admitted that they hadn’t gotten around to it, 13 percent said estate planning was too expensive, and 12 percent said they didn’t know how to get a will.

Read more >> click here

SENIOR MEN'S

FALL FASHION GUIDE

The Only Men’s Fall Fashion Guide You’ll Need in 2023 to up Your Style

By William Barton

You’re excited to wear more than just a t-shirt and shorts, but it’s still too warm to throw that overcoat on. So what do you do in the transition period from hot to cold?

Fall is widely touted as the top season for fashionable guys, and when you’re done reading this guide, you’ll know exactly how to boost your style game in autumn.

Whew, I was starting to think summer would never end.

How To Master Fall Fashion for Women Over 50

By Carolyn Arentson

Please note that this post may contain affiliate links and any sales made through such links will reward us a small commission – at no extra cost for you.

The temperatures are starting to dip and the leaves are losing their bright green hue. Do you know what this means? Fall is coming! And with fall comes stylish layers, cozy fabrics, and warm golden colors. Dressing in summer is usually a bit easier, you can just throw on a dress and go, but the fall season usually requires a bit of extra thought, especially if you are a woman over 50. You may be feeling that the current fall styles of today, such as off-the-shoulder sweaters, thigh-high boots, and plaid mini skirts are a little behind you, so in this post, I’m going to help you master fall fashion for women over 50 with style tips and outfit ideas!

How to master fall fashion | Fashion tips

Just because you turned 50 (or 60, 70, or 80), it doesn’t mean you aren’t interested in looking good anymore. In fact, this may be the time you can look your best as you might have the most time and resources to devote to it now! A woman over 50 still loves fashion and still wants to put her best foot forward. And there’s no reason why you can’t!

Falls happen to senior citizens,

but you can reduce your risk. Here's how.

Lisa Conway

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four older adults falls each year, and one in five falls causes serious injury, such as broken bones or a head injury.

Q: I know falling is dangerous for older people. How can falls be prevented?

A: According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), each year millions of people 65 and older fall. While 25% of seniors fall each year, less than half report it to their physician. Studies demonstrate that falling once doubles your chance of falling again.

Many risk factors contribute to falls in the elderly.

Some factors include vitamin D deficiency, medications that may cause dizziness or drowsiness, vision problems, foot pain or ill-fitting footwear, lower body weakness, inner ear and sinus infections and numerous other conditions.

5 Types of Allergies

That Can Become

More Common With Age

Reactions to foods, medications, pollen

and insects can develop later in life

By Barbara Sadick

Fifty million Americans suffer from allergies, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, and some expert groups estimate the number is even higher. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S.

While most allergic reactions develop in childhood or young adulthood, an estimated 5 to 10 percent of Americans over the age of 65 are either living with chronic allergic reactions or experiencing allergic reactions for the first time. As the population ages — by 2030, 20 percent of Americans will be over 65 — the number of older Americans with allergies should continue to increase.

What is an allergy?

An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies a typically harmless substance, or allergen, as an intruder. Those substances can include dust mites, pollen, mold, pet dander, insect stings, medicines or foods that don’t cause a reaction in most other people. The immune system responds to these allergens by trying to fight them off as it would a germ or virus. However, with most allergic reactions, it’s responding to a false alarm.

Bill to protect seniors against

financial fraud heads to Senate

By Doug Bailey

As older Americans are increasingly the target of financial fraud, a bill to project against senior scams is headed to the Senate for a vote after having been passed by the House.

By some estimates, one in five seniors 60 and older will be victimized by financial exploitation, though many adults aren’t on the lookout for scams and many, for a variety of reasons, don’t report they’ve been swindled.

“Financial exploitation of seniors is elder abuse and, tragically, about twenty percent of senior investors fall prey to financial fraud, losing an estimated $2.9 billion annually,” said Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO), chair of the Financial Services subcommittee on Capital Markets.

Why are rent prices still so high?

And are these rental boogeymen

actually to blame?

By Lillian Stone and Matty Merritt

To rent an apartment in 2023, it feels like you need positive references from 600 past landlords, at least 30 zeroes in your monthly take-home pay, and a horde of well-muscled movers on call. OK, that’s an exaggeration, but it’s tough out there for renters. Rent growth is 17% higher than 2021 levels, despite beginning to moderate in September, according to Rent.com.

In the March consumer price index report, rents jumped almost 9% from last year, far outpacing the overall inflation rate of 5%. “The index for shelter was by far the largest contributor to the monthly all items increase,” the Bureau of Labor Statistics wrote.

The issue: Rent is still rising, and it’s bringing inflation with it.

Americans are reaching deep into their bank accounts to make rent. More than half of US renter households still struggle to pay for housing, and about one-third of US households spend more than 30% of their income—the “golden ratio” for measuring housing affordability—on housing.

Read more >> click here

The Future of Adult Gerontology Acute Care:

The Increasing Need for DNP AGACNPs

By Nikki Gabriel

As the global population continues to age, there is an increasing need for specialized care for older adults, particularly those with acute or complex medical needs. In response to this growing demand, nurse practitioners with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care (AGACNP) are emerging as a vital component of the healthcare workforce.

These highly trained professionals possess advanced clinical and leadership skills and are equipped to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care in a variety of acute care settings.

In this article, we will explore the future of adult gerontology acute care and the increasing need for DNP AGACNPs to address the healthcare needs of older adults.

The Increasing Aging....

Tweaking Medicaid eligibility criteria

would benefit vulnerable

older adults ‘tremendously’

By Kimberly Bonvissuto

Findings from new research at the LeadingAge LTSS Center @UMass Boston dispel policymaker fears that adding more recipients to the Medicaid program by using alternative eligibility criteria would bankrupt the program. Those newly eligible individuals would benefit “tremendously” from coverage, the researchers wrote in sharing findings recently in the Journal of Aging & Social Policy.

“We’re not talking about a massive number of additional people,” the researchers said.

Medicaid’s eligibility rules rely on income standards based on the federal poverty level, with stringent limits on financial assets that exclude many older adults who are financially and and physically vulnerable.

To quantify how many more people could be helped with varying eligibility standards, the researchers used data from the Health and Retirement Study to look at five alternative criteria:

Foodservice Is a Differentiator

for Senior Living Communities

By Mark Hamstra

Foodservice is the heartbeat of senior living communities and will continue to be a key factor in determining where consumers choose to spend their golden years.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has brought business-as-usual to a screeching halt, for the time being, the importance of high-quality, diverse, and vibrant dining services in independent and assisted living facilities will always be a priority.

According to research firm Datassential, nearly eight in ten residents (79%) of senior living communities and long-term care facilities have stated that food offerings are important. In addition, 83% of operators say dining is a high point in the day for their residents.

Study indicates link between

tech use, anxiety, depression

in older adults

Using data collected from the National Health and Aging Trends Study, Harvard Medical School researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital explored the various communication patterns that adults age 65 and older reported having with friends, family, and health care providers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

They examined the relationship between different communication modes and reported feelings of anxiety and depression about the pandemic as well as incidence of loneliness. Data were derived from the responses of more than 3,100 study participants to a supplemental survey administered as part of the study between June and October 2020.

Researchers found that in-person interactions with friends, family, and health care providers were associated with fewer mental health concerns. In contrast, interactions using digital technologies, including emails and video calls, were associated with feelings of depression and anxiety about COVID-19.

Read more >> click here

Older Adults With Middle Incomes

Are Trapped

In The Affordable Housing Gap

By Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell

Deb Morgan, 74, made the decision in 2021 to sell her home in Aiken, South Carolina, and move closer to her son in Cincinnati. While the booming real estate market helped her get more for her Aiken home than she imagined, the market also worked against her when finding a new place to live.

Morgan didn't want to pay an inflated home price and she wasn't even sure she wanted to own another home. "I called two senior apartment complexes and they both had income requirements for the maximum amount I could make," Morgan said.

Morgan learned she earns $1,000 per year too much to qualify to live in what is considered low-income housing. She declined to disclose her exact income, saying only that it is less than $3,000 per month.

Are We Ready to Care

for Our Aging Population?

There’s a seismic shift of Americans going into retirement by 2030.

They’ll need more medical care as they age —

and the resources to pay for it.

BY SARAH JORDAN

Of all our fears about aging, the greatest may be our fear of losing control. Having your driver’s license revoked, being forced into a nursing home — it’s unspeakably depressing to contemplate relinquishing agency over your most basic activities and independence, even when it’s for the best. In Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End, Atul Gawande describes philosopher Ronald Dworkin’s observation about autonomy and how it applies to the aging process: “Whatever the limits and travails we face, we want to retain the autonomy — the freedom — to be the authors of our lives.”

This human instinct for authority over our own lives will soon be tested by more Americans than ever. Have we taken the necessary steps to prepare for this graying of the nation? Not only do we have an unprecedented cohort of Americans entering their golden years with associated medical needs; we also have increasing life expectancy. Is Philadelphia, one of the poorest cities in America, ready to take care of its growing numbers of aging adults?

As 'deprescribing' medicines

for older adults catches on,

poll shows need for

patient-provider dialogue

As the movement toward "deprescribing" medications among older adults grows, a new poll shows strong interest in this idea.

A full 80% of adults aged 50 to 80 would be open to stopping one or more of the prescription medicines they've been taking for more than a year, if a health care provider said it was possible. Already, 26% said they have done so in the past two years.

Of those willing to stop a medicine, 67% said they would likely ask for advice about doing so at their next visit with a provider, according to the new findings from the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging.

But the poll also shows the importance of communication between patients and providers when deprescribing—a concept that includes both decreasing and stopping a medication because a temporary health condition has resolved, the medicine might clash with others, or the overall benefits and risks of taking it have changed.

Poll finds 1 in 3 adults

age 50-80 feel socially isolated

Chronic loneliness has adverse health effects such as memory loss, l

oss of physical exercise and general health

By Nargis Rahman

The National Poll on Healthy Aging released new findings in a report of trends in loneliness and isolation among older adults 50-80 years old, between 2018-2023.

The study was conducted between 2018-2023. According to its findings, 34% of participants felt isolated from others, a significant decrease from the 56% in 2020, but still higher than pre-COVID levels.

Dr. Preeti Malani, professor of medicine at the University of Michigan and a member of the National Poll on Healthy Aging, says many older adults are less lonely than during the COVID pandemic, but those with mental and physical challenges are facing higher rates of loneliness.

“Loneliness and isolation is not the same for everyone, and these feelings are more common in people who report in either ‘fair or poor mental health’ or ‘fair or poor physical health,’” Malani says.

Home Retirement Financial

How to Share the Wealth with

Your Kids Responsibly

By Alex Gauthier

Having recently become a father, this Tax Day has been a little different for me than in previous years. Intergenerational wealth – or the wealth that parents will pass on to their children one day – is top-of-mind.

So, I decided to talk to my company’s tax team about any potential tax implications that come with an intergenerational transfer of wealth. The conversation was eye-opening, to say the least. The landscape of tax exemptions and laws has shifted considerably in the U.S. over the last decade, especially when it comes to estate settlement.

Being aware of taxation laws and contribution limits is one of the best ways to provide financial security and support for your children without excessive tax deductions. We call this our “tax-smart” approach.

A 94-Year Old Grandmother

Fights Back After Government

Sold Her Home—

And Kept The Profit

Geraldine Tyler’s case, now before the Supreme Court, could change

tax seizure practices in more than a dozen states.

It would be a big win for elderly and poor homeowners.

By Kelly Phillips Erb

In1999, Geraldine Tyler, then a 70-year-old retired county worker, bought her own apartment—a modest one-bedroom condo in Minneapolis, Minnesota, near a park and public transit. She lived there for a decade, dutifully paying her real estate taxes, until worries about rising crime and an incident involving a neighbor led her to make a hasty move across town to a senior community in a safer neighborhood.

The move was good for her peace of mind but not for her pocketbook. She couldn't keep up with the bills for both places and by 2015 had accrued $2,311 in unpaid property taxes on the condo plus interest, costs, and penalties totaling nearly $13,000. Eventually, Hennepin County seized Tyler's condo and sold it for $40,000. But rather than keep the $15,000 it was owed and refund Geraldine the $25,000 sale surplus, the county kept the whole $40,000.

That’s perfectly legal in Minnesota–at least for now. When it comes to collecting property taxes and some other government debts, local governments in Minnesota take what's called absolute title, meaning that they can keep all proceeds from a sale, no matter how much the windfall exceeds the amount they’re owed.

SHOULD I HIRE A FINANCIAL ADVISOR?

BY BEVERLY BOWERS

With turmoil in the financial world – inflation, bank bankruptcies, recession concerns, etc. – you may have reached the point that you want to check in with a professional advisor. If nothing else, it may calm any anxiety about your future.

Common questions I hear as I speak to audiences across the nation are: Am I on track? Will my savings last through retirement? Do I need to adjust my investment mix? How do I address unknown risks? Am I spending too much?

No matter your age or your accumulated assets, getting help and insight from a professional is a good idea, especially if your concerns are taking a toll on your quality of life.

UF College of Medicine

study finds sleep apnea

in older adults needs more attention

By: Bill Levesque

Obstructive sleep apnea, which can reduce life expectancy and cause significant health problems, often is undiagnosed and unaddressed in adults ages 50 and over, a study led by a University of Florida College of Medicine researcher suggests.

Lead author Christopher Kaufmann, Ph.D., M.H.S., an assistant professor in the college’s department of health outcomes and biomedical informatics, said the study reveals a need to identify strategies that could address this inequity nationally.

“That we’re finding undiagnosed and thus untreated obstructive sleep apnea in this population is especially concerning,” said Kaufmann, who is also a faculty member in the UF Institute on Aging. “Older adults have greater risk for many different adverse health outcomes.”

Navigating Life Events:

Divorced Spouse Resources

Almost every aspect of your life changes following a divorce, including your finances. Benefits.gov has resources to help. In this article you’ll learn about Divorced Spouse Benefits you may be eligible for and divorce tax relief that may help lessen financial strain.

Social Security Divorced Spouse Benefits

The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) offers Divorced Spouse Benefits to people who are eligible to receive Social Security. If you are divorced, you can receive monetary benefits based on your spouse’s record, if you meet the following criteria:

Your marriage lasted 10 years or longer.

Your ex-spouse is 62 or older.

The benefits that your ex-spouse is entitled to receive based on their own work are less than the benefit they would receive based on your work.

Read more >> click here

NEXT DAILY BLOG

MONDAY, Sept. 25, 2023

-30-

Comments on the WEEKEND can be sent to TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com. We will not use your name or email address.

Friday September 22, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

THIS BLOG IS BEST VIEWED IN

LANDSCAPE MODE

“I was sad because I had no shoes,

until I met a man who had no feet.

So I said, "Got any shoes you’re not using?”

― Steven Wright

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 trouble living independently. In addition to finding a suitable facility for a loved one, many families must decide what to do with their aging loved one’s home.

Aging individuals with companions such as a spouse or a live-in partner may not need to sell their house if that person will not be moving to the assisted living facility with them. However, many partners also choose to move, and family members may need to sell their current home to pay for their loved one to stay at an assisted living facility. The senior care experts at Caring.com note that selling a home when a loved one decides to move into an assisted living facility can present some emotional aspects that are not necessarily present when selling one’s home. In recognition of that and some additional difficulties associated with this unique situation, Caring.com offers the following tips to help families navigate the process as smoothly as possible.

Read more >> click here

Regular consumption of cheese

may promote better cognitive health,

study suggests

By JOY SAHA

A recent study published by the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)'s journal titled Nutrients suggests that regular consumption of cheese may be linked to better cognitive health among older adults. The study analyzed data from 1,516 participants aged 65 and above, who were recruited from a broader geriatric survey that the team conducted once every two years. The participants, who were all based in Tokyo, Japan, were closely assessed on their dietary habits, with special focus on their cheese consumption.

Participants' cognitive capabilities were also measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), a popular 30-point test for evaluating cognitive function among the elderly. For this research study, a MMSE score of 23 or below signified lower cognitive function. "Previous studies have shown that a dietary pattern characterized by a high intake of soybean products, vegetables, seaweed, milk, and dairy products, together with a low intake of grain products, is associated with reduced risk of developing dementia; moreover, a high intake of milk and dairy products reduces the risk of developing dementia, especially Alzheimer's dementia," the study noted.

Older adults with prior head injury

nearly twice as likely to sustain future fall

Key takeaways:

- Researchers examined more than 13,000 older adults with and without prior head injury.

- Those who suffered a prior head injury were almost two times as likely to suffer a subsequent fall.

Older adults who sustained a prior head injury were nearly two times as likely to sustain a future fall compared with those who did not have a prior head injury, according to a poster presentation.

“We wanted to look at the relationship between head injury and future fall risk,” Katherine J. Hunzinger, PhD, CEP, an assistant professor of exercise science at Thomas Jefferson University, told Healio at the American Neurological Association annual meeting. “Falls and head injury are most common in older adults.”

DOES WHAT YOU EAT REALLY MATTER

IN YOUR RETIREMENT YEARS?

BY JOE CARSON

We all know that as our bodies age, numerous changes take place. Some of these changes are good, some not-so-good, some we know about – some we do not.

For instance, you may not know that nutritional needs are among the top items that can change the most with age. However, some common misconceptions and fallacies surrounding these changes can have severe consequences if not properly managed.

Today I would like to take the opportunity to provide some clarity, guidance, and helpful information which will empower you to make choices that improve daily performance while diminishing the risk of preventable medical issues.

Myths and Facts About Nutrition;

Below are some of the more common myths and the scientifically supported facts which help to set the story straight:

Why Walking Only 3,867 Steps a Day

Is All You Need, Science Says

EVEN SHORT WALKS CAN TRANSFORM YOUR HEALTH AND HELP YOU LIVE LONGER.

BY LAUREN GRAY

With the rise in popularity of fitness trackers, reaching 10,000 steps per day has become a popular fitness goal. Now, a new Aug. 2023 study conducted by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology suggests that walking far less—just under 4,000 steps daily—can help you make significant strides in your health.

The new finding may be especially motivational for individuals who feel that bigger fitness goals are out of reach—and these are exactly the people who stand to gain the most from getting started. Adrian Todd, an occupational therapist, hiking coach, and the founder of Great Minds Think Hike, says the study serves as an important reminder that "something is always better than nothing." In other words, moving your body—whether for 10 minutes of walking, stretching, or weight lifting—is always better than skipping it.

Wondering what you stand to gain by walking for roughly 45 minutes per day? Read on to learn why 3,867 steps may be all you need to get yourself into better health.

Learn more >> click here

When I moved here a decade ago, I had very little knowledge about assisted living. The brief tour they provided me two weeks before my move did not adequately prepare me for the actual experience of living here. They showed me the compact yet tidy rooms, the common areas like the library and dining room, and I observed well-dressed residents. At the end of the tour, I felt assured that this was the right place for my recovery and to reclaim some of my past life. While many of their promises held true, there was one unexpected aspect I wasn't ready for: a sense of apathy and indifference among the residents.

I thought I'd find a group of people with similar goals, dealing with different levels of mobility, all living together happily, united by a common purpose of making a tough situation easier. But what I actually found was a mix of people who only shared the desire to stay uninvolved and avoid causing any trouble.

After a few weeks, I began to figure out how things operated here. I noticed some problems that could be fixed to improve everyone's quality of life. The lines for morning medications were too long, which led to people pushing and cutting in line. Privacy wasn't respected, and the staff pried into residents' personal matters. Mealtimes in the dining room were always chaotic. I believed I could rally many, if not most, of the residents to speak up for change. I thought that if we stood together, we could make a difference. Unfortunately, all I managed to get were a few nods of agreement or sighs of resignation from the group.

I've never really been one to take a stand or get involved in causes. In college, I didn't join any anti-war groups or participate in protests or sit-ins. However, in the years before I came here, I experienced what I saw as the challenges of life in a nursing home, where they tended to assume complete control over patients' lives. While I understood the reasons behind it, it still bothered me. Now, in this less controlling environment, I felt it was time to be more assertive about my well-being. However, being an activist wasn't something that was seen in a positive light. Especially by my fellow residents, who saw me as a troublemaker and complainer. I quickly realized I was pretty much on my own in this thinking, except for one or two others. I couldn't gather support, and things stayed the same.

To this day, things remain the same. Although people have no trouble complaining privately, gathering genuine outrage seems nearly impossible. They don't realize that working together could lead to improvement. For instance, consider the food quality here. Almost everyone knows it's not up to par. Dishes often come out cold, overcooked, or poorly seasoned. Yet, even though they voice their dissatisfaction at the monthly food meetings, they seldom return their meals to the kitchen. Instead, they quietly endure the subpar food. Just imagine if everyone said, "Enough is enough" and sent their food back. Change would happen instantly. However, it's unlikely to occur. I know, I've tried.

Is apathy a symptom of old age? Maybe. But it seems the experts know as much about it as I do.

“Apathy is a common neuropsychiatric symptom in older adults that becomes increasingly prevalent with advancing age. It presents clinically as lack of motivation and reduced emotional, cognitive, and energetic behavior. Although clinically apathy appears to be related to depression, apathy is considered a distinct neuropsychiatric condition that can occur with or without depression. Apathy has been identified as a prominent behavioral symptom in Alzheimer’s disease and predicts decline in physical function in individuals with dementia. However, little is known about apathy as a marker of functional decline in healthy older adults.”[1]

It seems I didn't realize the deeper reasons behind what I thought was indifference. People do care about how they're treated, but they often have more immediate concerns like pain, illness, and health issues. I've become more understanding as I've grown older. Maybe it's a sign of something else happening within me. What I can promise is that I'll keep striving to make things better for all of us.

Have a great weekend. Enjoy our weekend blog and we’ll be back early Monday with all new content……

[1] Source: click here

SHOE FACTS

1. **Oldest Footwear**: The oldest known footwear is a pair of sandals found in a cave in Oregon, USA, dating back to around 7,000 to 8,000 years ago.

2. **High Heels Were Originally for Men**: High heels were initially designed for men in the 10th century. They were used by Persian cavalry to help secure their feet in stirrups while riding.

3. **Platform Shoes**: Platform shoes, popular in the 1970s, were initially worn by Greek actors in ancient times to increase their height and visibility on stage.

4. **Expensive Shoes**: The world's most expensive pair of shoes are the "Passion Diamond Shoes" valued at $17 million. They are made from gold, leather, and adorned with 236 diamonds.

5. **Sneakers Name Origin**: The term "sneakers" came about because the rubber soles allowed wearers to move silently, or "sneak" around without being heard.

6. **Running Shoes for Different Surfaces**: Different running shoes are designed for specific terrains. For example, trail running shoes have aggressive treads for better traction on rugged trails.

7. **Shoe Size Variations**: The concept of standardized shoe sizes is relatively recent. Before that, shoes were often made to fit an individual's foot shape exactly.

8. **Shoe Production**: The global shoe industry produces over 23 billion pairs of shoes each year. China is the largest producer, followed by India and Vietnam.

9. **First Rubber Soled Shoes**: The first rubber-soled shoes were created in the early 19th century by Charles Goodyear, whose name later became synonymous with rubber-soled footwear.

10. **Shoe Museums**: There are museums dedicated solely to shoes. One of the most notable is the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto, Canada, which houses a collection of over 13,000 pairs of shoes.

Remember, shoes have a rich history and have evolved significantly over time to cater to various needs and fashion trends. They are not only functional but also hold cultural, historical, and artistic significance.

NEXT WEEKDAY BLOG

MONDAY SEPT. 25, 2023

-30-

--------------------------

Thursday September 21, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

THIS BLOG IS BEST VIEWED IN

LANDSCAPE MODE

“You can tell a lot from a person's nails.

When a life starts to unravel,

they're among the first to go.”

― Ian McEwan

Is Social Security Going Bankrupt?

Most Older Adults Think So

By Katie Brockman

KEY POINTS

-Social Security has long faced financial issues.

-There could be big changes coming in the next decade or so.

-However, things aren't as bad as many people believe.

Here's what you need to know about the future of Social Security.

Social Security is a lifeline for millions of seniors. In fact, nearly one-quarter of U.S. adults age 50 and older say they have no other sources of retirement income outside of their benefits, according to a 2023 survey from the Nationwide Retirement Institute.

However, the Social Security program has been facing a cash shortfall in recent years, leaving many people concerned about its future.

Transforming health care for older adults

Innovations, equity, and economics

By Niam Yaraghi

America’s minority populations are aging, yet nursing homes and long-term care facilities are often overlooked in healthcare equity and digital transformation efforts.

A lack of digitization has exacerbated the long-term care industry’s high turnover rate and inaccurate rating systems.

Artificial intelligence can be leveraged to improve communication between medical teams, patients, and their families and caregivers.

Despite our significant progress in making health care services more equitable to all populations, older people and those residing in nursing homes and long-term care facilities are often overlooked in mainstream discussions about health care equity.

Weight Stability in 60s

Tied to Women’s Longevity

Summary: Maintaining stable weight after age 60 significantly boosts women’s odds of living past 90. Researchers found women who kept a steady weight were 1.2 to 2 times more likely to reach exceptional longevity compared to those who lost 5% or more of their weight.

This contradicts general recommendations suggesting that older women should lose weight for better health. This milestone study urges healthcare providers to reconsider weight loss guidance for older women aiming for exceptional longevity.

AI May Offer Solutions to (Some)

Senior Housing Issues

Senior Housing News recently published an article making a compelling argument for how the use of “AI” is aiding senior living communities in improving resident social lives and quality of care. Focused on the experiences of Maplewood Senior Living, United Church Homes, and Atria in leveraging new technologies, the article provides insights into the use of AI to supplement resident care.

The examples range from the relatively simple use of technology like Alexa to encourage social interaction of residents by providing reminders and notices of events, to more cutting edge programming such as Maplewood Senior Living’s use of AI in connection with in-room sensors to monitor residents and alert to issues like falls in real time. While AI cannot replace live staff, it does allow for better monitoring of residents to solve the very real problem of staff not being able to be present everywhere all the time. Based on the early success of a test program, Maplewood has already begun to expand its use of the platform.

Ultimate fall colors bucket list:

10 US destinations you need to see

Don't miss peak leaf season

Best Destination for Fall Foliage (2023)

Our editors and readers independently select what you see on 10Best. When you buy through a link on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

It's that time of year when Mother Nature is gearing up for her annual spectacle of fall color. And what better way to enjoy it than leaf peeping These 10 destinations — voted by our readers as the top spots in the U.S. — are ideal for viewing the entire spectrum of fall foliage.

No. 10: White River National Forest - Colorado....

Learn more >> https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-destination-for-fall-foliage-2023/?utm_campaign=mb&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_source=morning_brew

FINGERNAIL FACTS

1. **Keratin Composition**: Fingernails are composed of a tough protein called keratin, which is also found in our hair and the outer layer of our skin.

2. **Growth Rate**: On average, fingernails grow at a rate of about 3 millimeters (0.1 inches) per month. This growth rate can vary depending on factors like age, genetics, and overall health.

3. **Dominant Hand Grows Faster**: The fingernails on your dominant hand (the hand you use more often) tend to grow faster than those on your non-dominant hand.

4. **Blood Supply**: The pinkish color underneath your nails is due to the blood vessels that are located underneath. This area is called the nail bed.

5. **Lunula**: The white, crescent-shaped area at the base of your nail is called the lunula. It's the visible part of the nail matrix, where new nail cells are formed.

6. **Hygiene Importance**: Fingernails can harbor dirt and bacteria, so keeping them clean is important for overall hand hygiene.

7. **Nail Problems**: Issues like ridges, spots, and changes in color or thickness of nails can be indicative of underlying health conditions.

8. **Functionality**: Fingernails serve a protective function for the sensitive tips of our fingers. They can also help us pick up small objects.

9. **Fingernails Grow Faster Than Toenails**: In general, fingernails grow faster than toenails. Toenails grow at an average rate of about 1 millimeter (0.04 inches) per month.

10. **Nail Biting**: Nail biting, also known as onychophagia, is a common habit that can lead to nail damage and increase the risk of infections.

Remember, healthy fingernails are often an indicator of overall health. If you notice any significant changes in your nails, it's a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

NEXT BLOG

FRIDAY SEPT. 22, 2023

-30-

--------------------------

Wednesday September 20, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

THIS BLOG IS BEST VIEWED IN

LANDSCAPE MODE

“Drinking rum before 10 am

makes you a pirate, not an alcoholic.”

___Granger Smith

Cancer death rate drops by 33%,

AACR report shows

Results from the American Association for Cancer Research’s annual Cancer Progress Report revealed that the age-adjusted overall cancer death rate in the U.S. fell by 33% between 1991 and 2020.

The report also detailed FDA approvals related to anticancer therapeutics over the past year, the impact of immunotherapy on cancer care in the 21st century and key challenges needed to overcome obstacles patients with cancer still face moving forward.

“The advances in cancer research — particularly in the last 2 decades — have been breathtaking,” Philip D. Greenberg, MD, FAACR, president of AACR, said in a press release. “We are in an era of unparalleled opportunity to make even more breakthroughs for patients. For the cancer research community to achieve these breakthroughs, however, our representatives in Congress must continue to prioritize funding for biomedical research — from basic research to clinical trials.”

The No. 1 personality trait linked to a long life:

‘The effects of just being positive are overstated,’

psychology expert says

By Aditi Shrikant

The number of people who are living to at least 100 years old in the U.S. has doubled over the past decade.

Many centenarians credit their longevity, at least in part, to their positive attitude.

Roslyn Menaker, 103, told The Guardian that “happiness, joy, appreciation … a positive outlook,” are why she has lived so long. Ruth Sweedler, 103, told CNBC Make It that she was always praised for her good attitude growing up. “When I walked into a classroom, my teacher would say, ‘Good morning, sunshine!’ Because I was so cheerful,” she said.

While seniors might feel being positive has played a role in their longevity, the relationship between personality and aging is more nuanced, says David Watson, a former professor of personality psychology at the University of Notre Dame.

U.S. national security 'blind spot':

Government leaders with dementia

'Assess those who are over age 70 as a condition of continuing in their position'

By Bob Unruh

A new study suggests that senior citizens in key government positions have the risk of dementia as they age, and with that would come a new and worrying national security risk.

The Rand Corp. study states, "Individuals who hold or held a security clearance and handled classified material could become a security threat if they develop dementia and unwittingly share government secrets.

"The exploratory research discussed in this Perspective highlights the factors involved in dementia becoming a risk to global and national security, proposes a framework to assess the risk, and guides further study of this potential threat. The authors also explore how the national security and intelligence communities are especially at risk because they employ large numbers of military veterans, who, as a population, may have a higher risk of developing dementia because of high rates of traumatic brain injury."

Hobbies linked to

fewer symptoms of depression

and higher happiness levels

in people over 65

Having a hobby was linked to greater life satisfaction across 16 countries on three continents, according to a new study.

Joining a reading club, gardening or volunteering could bring older individuals greater happiness and fewer depressive symptoms, according to a new study.

Published in the journal Nature Medicine, more than 90,000 older individuals in Europe, Japan, China and the US self-reported their happiness and life satisfaction as part of several existing studies.

The researchers found that having a hobby was linked to fewer depressive symptoms and more happiness in respondents, who were all over the age of 65.

Keep a Rotisserie Chicken

in the Fridge

In this preview from the Eater cookbook, chefs offer tips to make the most out of the grocery store’s best meal hack: a rotisserie chicken

By Hillary Dixler Canavan

A rotisserie chicken in your fridge means you’ve got meals for a whole week. Shred the meat to bulk up salads and grain bowls, add it to noodles and sandwiches, make tacos with it, dip it in sauce for a snack. Yangban chef-owner Katianna Hong will season her shredded chicken before storing it in the fridge. “When you season your chicken with sesame oil and soy or fish sauce before you put it away, it helps it not taste refrigerator-y. It’s just a good base seasoning — and then you can do whatever you want with it.”

When you’ve picked the frame of the chicken clean, don’t throw the bones away. “I think the true value in a grocery store rotisserie comes from saving all the bones and jus and making a delicious broth out of it,” says Golden Diner chef-owner Sam Yoo. The basic technique is simple: Throw the entire carcass and any juices into a Dutch oven, add some aromatics (think garlic, onions, carrots), some peppercorns, and herbs (bay leaf and parsley are typical). Cover with water, bring it to a boil, and then reduce the heat and cover it. Simmer for about two hours, or do the whole thing in an Instant Pot, skim it, and store it in the fridge or freezer.

Between the shredded meat and the broth, you now have two base components for countless meals. Here are just a few ways chefs use rotisserie (or leftover roasted or boiled) chickens.

Learn more >>

https://www.eater.com/23861790/rotisserie-chicken-dinner-ideas-from-chefs-eater-cookbook-preview

Do you ever find yourself talking to your body parts? Lately, I've been doing that more often, especially with my feet. (More on that in a minute). I believe many people, have scolded or expressed frustration towards different body parts over time. If you're a man, you probably know exactly which body part I'm talking about. Its performance, or lack thereof, has been a source of frustration for men for ages. I'm sure women have similar experiences, although their dissatisfaction tends to be more emotional than physical. Athletes, both men and women, have likely reprimanded a muscle, ligament, or Achilles tendon when it let them down during a crucial moment. And who among us hasn't criticized a specific part of their body for being too small, too large, or just looking peculiar?

In the past, I've had some minor problems with different parts of my body, but they usually weren't a big deal and were easily forgotten. However, around 14 years ago, I had a really serious problem with my intestines. It got so bad that I had to remove that part from my body. It might sound extreme, but sometimes you have to show your body who's in charge.

As you might already know, my feet have been in really bad shape lately. I've been dealing with a bunch of issues like bone spurs, gout, neuropathy, and arthritis, and it's been causing me a lot of pain, especially when I walk. Last night was particularly tough. Every step from the dinner table to my room was incredibly painful. I couldn't wait to take off my shoes and socks. But instead of getting angry at my feet, as the pain slowly subsided, I found myself saying sorry to them.

Maybe it's because I walked a lot over the years, especially those times I had to walk to work when public transport wasn't reliable, or when I thought a long walk would be good for me. I realize now that this might have been tough on my feet. I'm sorry for that. It could also be because I often chose stylish but not very comfortable shoes. Opting for fashion over practicality might not have been smart. Or maybe it's just because I'm getting older and carrying more weight, which my feet weren't really built for. Either way, dear feet, I'm asking for your forgiveness. I'll do my best to take better care of you from now on. I've already started using diabetic socks and roomy sneakers. I even got some foot cream that's supposed to help with circulation issues. Maybe investing in a really good pair of orthopedic shoes will show my feet how much I appreciate what they've done for me all these years. Actually, I might try this kinder, more appreciative approach with all my body parts. "Thank you, knees. Thank you, hips."……

10 interesting facts about pirates

1. **Golden Age of Piracy**: The "Golden Age of Piracy" is a term used to describe a period from the late 17th century to the early 18th century when piracy was at its height in the Caribbean and along the American eastern seaboard.

2. **Not All Pirates Were Violent**: While some pirates were indeed ruthless and violent, not all of them were. Some pirates operated under a code of conduct, such as the famous "Pirate Code" or "Articles of Agreement," which outlined rules for behavior and division of plunder.

3. **Famous Pirates**: Some of the most notorious pirates in history include Blackbeard (Edward Teach), Captain Kidd (William Kidd), Anne Bonny, and Calico Jack (John Rackham), among others.

4. **Privateers vs. Pirates**: Privateers were essentially legalized pirates. They were authorized by governments to attack and plunder enemy ships during times of war. Famous privateers like Sir Francis Drake operated under the English crown.

5. **Jolly Roger**: The Jolly Roger is the classic pirate flag featuring a skull and crossbones. It was used to intimidate victims and signal that the ship flying it was a pirate vessel.

6. **Pirate Havens**: Pirates often sought safe havens where they could repair their ships, divide their loot, and rest. One of the most famous pirate havens was Nassau in the Bahamas, which was used by pirates like Blackbeard.

7. **Pirate Punishments**: Pirates who were caught were subjected to harsh punishments. These could include being hanged, marooned, or in some cases, having their bodies displayed as a warning to other potential pirates.

8. **A Diverse Crew**: Pirate crews were often multinational and multicultural. They included sailors, former slaves, and individuals from various backgrounds who were attracted to the potential for wealth and freedom that piracy offered.

9. **Treasure Myths**: The idea of buried treasure is often associated with pirates, thanks in part to legends like Captain Kidd's alleged buried treasure on Oak Island. However, many pirates spent their loot rather than burying it.

10. **End of the Golden Age**: The Golden Age of Piracy began to decline in the early 18th century due to increased naval patrols, the spread of empires, and changing economic circumstances. The era effectively came to an end with the capture and execution of some of the most famous pirates.

These facts provide a glimpse into the fascinating world of pirates, where reality often blurs with legend and folklore.

NEXT BLOG

THURSDAY SEPT. 21, 2023

-30-

--------------------------

Tuesday September 19, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

THIS BLOG IS BEST VIEWED IN

LANDSCAPE MODE

Around the lunch table everyone seems to have given something up

---dairy, meat, gluten, sugar, carbs.

Only in a land of plenty could people voluntarily go without so much.

- Author: J.C. Carleson

5 Easy Steps For Singles (And Seniors)To Keep Themselves

Prepared For A Health Emergency

A health emergency is a scary situation for anyone to be in, more so when you are single with nobody to support you in your hour of need. However, prior preparation can help you overcome one smoothly

By Amit Sethi

With new job opportunities opening up in metros and cities far away from home, many young people migrate to take up livelihood there. Most of them are single and they often live alone.

But there is also a large population of senior citizens, too, who live alone either because their children have migrated or because their life partners are no longer alive. In such circumstances, they need to take extra precautions to make sure that any medical emergency they face is addressed on time.

So, here’s how senior citizens who are single can prepare themselves for a health emergency.

Stay In Touch With Neighbours And Close Relatives

In metros, people do not have time to keep in touch with their neighbours. Most people go to the office in the day and come back late at night. There is certainly a lack of time in many cases, but you should try and go the extra mile in befriending your neighbours. Weekends can be a suitable time to do this. If you have close relatives in the same city, go and meet them to maintain the relationship. Retirees can also join senior citizen clubs or local communities to stay in touch with the local people.

9 Major Signs You're Not Ready to Retire,

Financial Experts Say

IT'S BETTER TO WAIT THAN TO RETIRE TOO EARLY AND PAY THE CONSEQUENCES.

By KALI COLEMAN

Whether you're nearing retirement age or just dreaming about the day you'll finally be able to enjoy your leisure time, most of us are more than ready to stop working every day. But this isn't a transition you should make without ample preparation. Retirement requires substantial planning, beyond just considering what vacations you'll want to take and which hobbies you'll pick up with all your new free time. Most importantly, you need to be able to financially support a lifestyle where you are not actively earning a substantial income. To make sure you're not going into things unprepared, we talked to financial experts to gather insight on the red flags you need to know. Read on to discover nine major signs you're not ready to retire just yet.

1 - You have no plan for healthcare costs.

As you get older, your health often needs more management. You may be taking more medications than you once did, or going to the doctor more regularly. If you haven't already made a plan for how you're going to cover your healthcare costs going forward, you're not ready for retirement yet, according to Dana Ronald, CEO of Tax Crisis Institute.

Read more >> click here

What Are Cataracts?

Symptoms, Causes And Risks

By Tamrah Harris

Does your vision seem blurry? Do you feel you need more light to see well? Such vision changes could mean you’ve begun to develop a cataract in one or both of your eyes.

It may be time to schedule an appointment with your optometrist or ophthalmologist for a complete dilated eye examination. This workup includes assessing your lens with a slit lamp, a type of microscope, that allows your doctor to look for a yellowing of the lens, fissures or white cloudiness that indicates a cataract.

Learn about cataract causes, symptoms, treatments and more.

What are Cataracts?.....

Older adults with digestive diseases

experience higher rates of

loneliness, depression

While life expectancy rates for older Americans are rising, nearly 40% of adults report living with a digestive disease of some kind.

"Many people don't realize that these conditions are very common in ambulatory care," said Michigan Medicine gastroenterologist Shirley Ann Cohen-Mekelburg, M.D., who specializes in conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

"Ultimately, this creates an excess in health care spending in the United States. Not only are these conditions debilitating for the millions of people living with them, but they're also very expensive to treat."

19 Older Adults Are Sharing

The Best Things About Being In Your 60s,

And As A Younger Person,

I Feel Immense Relief

By Dannica Ramirez

"There's a certain, almost dangerous, level of personal liberation. Kind of like, 'I'm only gonna live for a few more years, so what could anyone possibly do to me?' This liberation in me, at least, has manifested in almost extreme levels of mouthiness. I say what I am feeling and thinking, I am NOT sensitive to another's attempts at hurting my feelings, and I don't really care if I hurt someone else's feelings either."

To some people, the idea of aging can certainly be daunting. I mean, if my back already feels like it does now, I can't even imagine what sort of achey future awaits me. But when redditor u/CorrectBreakfast1863 asked r/AskOldPeople to share the things in life that get better once you hit 60 years old, I realized that aging suddenly doesn't feel so scary. Here are some of the things that older adults swear get better in life once you hit 60:

Learn more >> https://www.buzzfeed.com/dannicaramirez/older-adults-share-what-gets-better-with-age

Here are 10 facts about lunch meat:

1. **Definition**: Lunch meat, also known as deli meat or cold cuts, refers to precooked or cured meat products that are typically sliced thin and used in sandwiches or salads.

2. **Varieties**: There are numerous types of lunch meats available, including ham, turkey, roast beef, chicken, salami, bologna, and more. Each type has its own flavor profile and texture.

3. **Processing Methods**: Lunch meats can be processed through various methods such as curing, smoking, and cooking. These processes help enhance the flavor, preserve the meat, and ensure it is safe for consumption.

4. **Preservatives**: Some lunch meats may contain preservatives like sodium nitrite or sodium nitrate. These compounds help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and maintain the meat's color.

5. **Nutritional Content**: Lunch meats can be a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. However, they can also be high in sodium and saturated fats, so it's important to consume them in moderation.

6. **Health Considerations**: Processed lunch meats have been associated with health concerns, particularly when consumed in large quantities. Some studies suggest a link between high consumption of processed meats and certain health issues, including heart disease and certain types of cancer.

7. **Storage**: It's important to store lunch meats properly to ensure they remain safe for consumption. They should be kept in the refrigerator and used within a few days of opening the package.

8. **Alternatives**: There are healthier alternatives to traditional lunch meats, such as lean cuts of grilled or roasted poultry, tofu, tempeh, or legumes like chickpeas or lentils.

9. **Cultural Significance**: Lunch meats are widely used in various cuisines around the world. Different cultures have their own unique preparations and seasonings for cured or cooked meats used in sandwiches and salads.

10. **Sandwich Staple**: Lunch meats are a staple ingredient in many popular sandwiches, including classics like the turkey and ham club, the BLT (bacon, lettuce, and tomato), and the classic Reuben sandwich.

Remember, when consuming lunch meats, it's important to do so in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Choosing leaner options and those with reduced sodium content can be a healthier choice.

NEXT BLOG

WEDNESDAY SEPT. 20, 2023

avatar

-30-

--------------------------

Monday September 18, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

THIS BLOG IS BEST VIEWED IN

LANDSCAPE MODE

“You raise boys to reject everything feminine

then get mad when they become men who hate women.”

― Darnell Lamont Walker

You may live to be 100:

What that means for your health,

money and family

By Jessica Hall

Growing older can be a gift, but it comes with a lot of complications and costs.

By 2050, the world’s population of centenarians — those age 100 or older — will total 3.7 million, up from 593,000 in 2022, according to estimates from the United Nations.

That fast-growing population will have an effect on healthcare, personal finance, retirement, politics and intergenerational dynamics.

In his new book “The Big 100: The New World of Super-Aging,” retired journalist William Kole looks at both the bleak and the bright spots of an aging world. He explores how lifestyle and genetics play a role in longevity, and how unfair it is that a long life tends to be the privilege of white people, with 80% of Americans who live to 100 belonging to that group.

How Long-Term Care Insurance

Can Protect Your Inheritance

By: Pete Grieve

Long-term care bills can significantly deplete a planned inheritance, especially when someone needs nursing home, assisted living facility, or in-home care for multiple years and doesn't have a plan to pay for it.

Long-term care insurance isn’t a small investment, nor is it the only way to prepare for these later-in-life costs. However, it can be a powerful tool for asset preservation, considering that policies can cover hundreds of thousands of dollars in care expenses. In terms of an inheritance, that can make the difference in whether an aging person can hold on to their home and pass it down to a loved one, for example.

According to the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, at age 60, the average annual cost of a long-term care insurance policy with a $165,000 benefit is $1,200 for males and $1,960 for females.

Antidepressants may reduce

negative memories

while improving overall memory

By Amy McCaig

New research from Rice University finds that antidepressants may actually reduce negative memories in individuals suffering from depression while improving overall memory function.

The study, "Perceived antidepressant efficacy associated with reduced negative and enhanced neutral mnemonic discrimination," appears in the latest edition of Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. It examines how antidepressant use in depressed individuals affects memories, both good and bad.

Stephanie Leal, an assistant professor of psychological sciences at Rice, is the study's lead author. She said the study's main finding about the link between antidepressants and memories was an important one, because there is still much to be learned about how these drugs work.

Many older adults overwhelmed

by too many Medicare options

By Rylee Wilson

The majority of older adults say they would stick with their current Medicare plan rather than switch to a different plan when they feel they have too many options, a survey from the Commonwealth Fund found.

In the survey, published Sept. 12, 96 percent of respondents said they would stick with their current Medicare option when they feel they have too many options, rather than switch to a different plan.

The Commonwealth Fund surveyed 2,001 adults 65 years of age and older about their experiences with Medicare marketing. Three in 4 respondents reported receiving at least one phone call, email or mailer about Medicare plans during the open enrollment period.

Biggest List of Senior Discounts

(September 2023)

By Chris Clark

Senior Discounts: What You Should Know

As of 2023, many businesses have done away with their senior discounts, but the following companies still slash prices for older adults, as well as veterans, and low-income individuals.

For many companies on this list, the specific senior discounts vary by location, so be sure to check with your local stores to confirm discount availability.

Some stores, like Kohl’s, offer senior discounts on particular days of the week.

Planning long-term care for a loved one? Our free care planning tool can help you work out the basics of local care options and associated costs.

Read more >> click here

Divorce Skyrocketing Among Aging Boomers

With the most splits of any generation,

older adults spur ‘gray divorce’ revolution

By Sharon Jayson

Jeannie Ralston, says her marriage was great, “until it wasn’t.”

Just about the time the 62-year-old New Yorker would have been celebrating her 30th wedding anniversary, she got divorced.

The reasons for the split were myriad: Children were out of the house, her husband was semiretired and Ralston was starting a business. Then COVID-19 hit and set the stage for a breakup.

“We’ve always been in sync in our careers, but he was pulling back and I was pushing forward in my business,” she says. “It was evident we were at different stages.”

Read more >> click here

If you’re in your 50s, are you a senior?

Q I was at the doctor’s recently for my yearly physical and was handed a medical history form that said “Seniors” in bold type across the top. It was for patients ages 56 to 60. Me, a senior at age 57? Is there another word they could have used? Why was I so taken aback with this term and category? Many thanks. D.L.

A You are not alone in feeling discomfort with the term “senior.”

Here’s a personal example: I was invited more than 20 years ago to continue an existing column in the Daily Breeze called “Seniors” as the current columnist was retiring. In meeting with the managing editor and features editor at the time, I thanked them for their gracious offer and expressed a small concern. Although I qualified chronologically as a senior, I did not identify with the word and thought others may share the same view. I suggested a column title that was more aspirational, such as Successful Aging. That was it.

Ageless Entertainment:

4 Best Game Consoles for Seniors in 2023

(Picked from 9 Tested Units)

Are you on the hunt for what gaming system is best for older adults? Maybe you want your parents to relive the good ol’ days of playing “Table Tennis” on the Magnavox Odyssey. Or perhaps you’re also looking for a bit of cognitive stimulation and physical activity for your grandparents to keep them moving.

By Tracy Motz

Finding the perfect gift for seniors can be challenging, particularly when it comes to gaming consoles, as you don’t want to overwhelm them with overly complex devices. Worry not, though, as we recognize the importance of providing your beloved elders with a gaming experience that is enjoyable, easy-to-use, and intuitive.

So, what gaming system is best for older adults? Today we’ve got you covered with the 4 top gaming devices for the elderly. So, get ready to revive those classic gaming memories with modern features and a touch of nostalgia for your loved ones!

TL;DR – Top Game Console for Seniors....

Learn more >> https://www.realgear.net/consoles/best-game-console-for-seniors/

Not Rich, But Doing Okay?

It's almost official: About 66 million Americans who receive Social Security Benefits will only see a 3.2% increase starting in January. This small increase won't significantly help the 40% of recipients who rely solely on Social Security for their income.

In terms of actual dollars, this 3.2% increase amounts to about $57 per month on average. However, these extra funds will quickly be absorbed by rising expenses like groceries and utility bills. The reason for this modest increase is that the formula used to calculate cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) in the United States is based on the overall inflation rate, which doesn't accurately reflect the unique financial needs of seniors. Most Americans, unlike seniors, have jobs and additional sources of income beyond COLA adjustments.

While Social Security was never intended to be the sole source of income for older adults, times have changed since it was first established. Today, the cost of living has surged, making it extremely challenging for many seniors who rely on fixed incomes to make ends meet.

I'm a great example of how to manage with a modest income. It wasn't always like this—I used to have a good job and save some money for retirement. However, my retirement plans didn't go as expected, and now I rely on my Social Security benefits to get by. Surprisingly, it's working out fine.

I'm not swimming in money by any means. If you looked at my bank account, you'd wonder how I manage. But I do. It's all about realizing that life isn't about accumulating things, and the stuff I once thought I needed for happiness doesn't actually bring joy. You quickly understand that what truly matters is your health and your relationships with others and yourself.

Becoming ill and having to relocate to assisted living might not be your preferred method for dealing with rising prices. Yet, a deeper examination reveals the distinction between necessities and desires.

Sure, I'd love to own a car, have a city apartment, and dine at upscale restaurants whenever I please. I'd also like to return to being 25 years old, but like the car and the restaurants, that's not possible. Once I acknowledged this, I focused on identifying what I truly required to feel secure and at ease. Surprisingly, it wasn't much.

Thanks to support from New York State, Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, I found a suitable place. It's a clean, safe, and quiet spot with three meals a day, maintenance, housekeeping, and access to healthcare 24/7. I still have some money from my benefits, which allows me some small indulgences like ordering take-out food occasionally and shopping online for essentials like toiletries and clothing (nothing fancy, though).

My room is a bit smaller than a budget motel, but it has a working AC for summer and heating for winter, plus my own bathroom. It's a short walk to the dining room, where I can meet my nutritional and social needs. After that, I have the freedom to do whatever I like - reading, watching TV (we have cable), working on my blog, or simply taking a nap. And in case I get sick or have an accident, I'm not alone - just a button press away from getting help.

Every day, I'm reminded of my limitations as I grow older. I long to do the things I used to do, but I've accepted that I can't. It took me some time to come to terms with this reality. Nowadays, I'm grateful for my life and my functioning mind. I make an effort to learn something new each day to stay mentally active. The only thing that truly concerns me is the uncertainty of the future. I feel fine now, but what about next month or next year? I've experienced being in a nursing home, and the thought of returning there saddens me. However, I've been fortunate so far, and with the help of my daily dose of Lexapro, I believe everything will work out.

============

Today is the start of Rosh Hashanah. a Jewish holiday that marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year.

Rosh Hashanah is a time of reflection, prayer, and repentance for Jewish people. It is also a time for family gatherings and festive meals.

One of the central themes of Rosh Hashanah is the idea of judgment. It is believed that on this day, God opens the Book of Life and judges each person, determining their fate for the coming year. It is a time for individuals to seek forgiveness for any wrongdoings and to make amends.

My wish for you is that the good lord not judge you too harshly. After all, you’re only human. And that’s a big burden for anyone to bear…….

COLA AND THE ECONOMY

The Social Security cost of living adjustment (COLA) for 2024 will likely be 3.2% based on a jump in consumer price data through August. A COLA of 3.2% would raise an average monthly retiree benefit of $1,790 by $57.30.

While a 3.2% COLA is significantly lower than the 8.7% received in 2023, the highest COLA in more than four decades, it’s higher than the average over the past 20 years — which was 2.6%. The Social Security Administration is expected to announce the COLA for 2024 in mid-October.

By law, the annual inflation adjustment is based on the average inflation during July, August, and September as measured by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). Inflation for these three months is added together and averaged, then compared with the third quarter average from one year ago. The percentage difference between the two is the amount of the COLA, which would be payable for the check received in January 2024. The 2023 COLA computation can be found on the Social Security website.

Older households report very modest spending despite the record COLA in 2023.

In 2023, retirees received the highest COLA in 40 years — (8.7%), but nobody is getting rich. The reality is that the dollar amount of the COLA increase received is meager at best, with the average monthly retiree benefit only $1,790 in 2023. According to TSCL’s latest Retirement Survey, 45 percent of those participating report spending less than $2,000 on monthly expenses in 2023, as detailed below in the following table.

How Much Do Retirees Spend Per Month In 2023?

Less than $1,000 8%

$1,001 - $1,999 37%

$2,000 - $3,999 37%

$4,000 - $5,999 11%

More than $5,999 4%

Uncertain 3%

Source: The Senior Citizens League (TSCL) Retirement Survey, September 7, 2023, 2,258 responses.

Saturday and Sunday

Sept. 16 and 17

NEXT REGULAR BLOG

MONDAY SEPT. 18, 2023

-30-

--------------------------

Thursday September 14, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

THIS BLOG IS BEST VIEWED IN

LANDSCAPE MODE

“The first ear of corn, eaten like a typewriter,

means summer to me—intense, but fleeting.”

― Michael Anthony,

Expanded Medicare Benefits Available

for People With Chronic Conditions

Options for people with diabetes,

heart, kidney, other long-term diseases

By Kimberly Lankford

More than two-thirds of Medicare beneficiaries have multiple chronic conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and lung disease.

Although original Medicare and Medicare Advantage provide coverage for these conditions, some plans now offer additional benefits. And special needs plans (SNPs) designed for Medicare Advantage enrollees with chronic conditions are growing in number.

Open enrollment runs Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, so that’s a good time to assess your medical and drug coverage needs. If you have a chronic condition, consider these options.

Savings for patients who need insulin...

The opportunity: One in every 3 Medicare beneficiaries has diabetes, and 3.3 million beneficiaries use one or more types of insulin, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The Inflation Reduction Act capped Part D and Medicare Advantage copays for insulin at $35 a month as of Jan. 1, 2023. For insulin through an external pump, which Part B covers, the cap took effect July 1, 2023.

Read more >> click here

U.S. nursing homes get a D+ —

concerns around quality

and safety were ‘troubling’

By Jessica HallFollow

Americans gave nursing homes a D+ for the quality of care, and the majority said they would be uncomfortable having themselves or a loved one admitted to such a facility, according to a new West Health-Gallup poll.

Quality of care, cost, and the potential emotional and mental toll of nursing-home living were the top concerns. The perceived safety of nursing homes also was a concern.

Read: Nursing home? No thanks. 70% of people surveyed would rather not.

“At the end of the day, people don’t want to be in a nursing home,” said Tim Lash, president of West Health and chair of the West Health Policy Center. West Health is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization focused on improving care and lowering costs for older adults.

Bones Health: Prevention Tips For Elderly

To Reduce Risk of Osteoporosis

In this article, we discuss some easy-to-follow prevention tips you

can add to your lifestyle to reduce your risk

of osteoporosis in the later years of your life.

By: Manya Singh

Bones Health: Prevention Tips For Elderly To Reduce Risk of OsteoporosisVisit a healthcare provider regularly to assess bone health and discuss any concerns

Osteoporosis is a medical condition characterised by fragile and brittle bones caused by a decrease in bone density. This leads to an increased risk of fractures, even with minor falls or injuries. It is more common in older individuals, particularly postmenopausal women, but can affect people of any age and gender.

Elderly individuals are indeed at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis due to various factors. Ageing leads to a natural decline in bone density, and women experience a significant decrease in oestrogen levels during menopause, which further accelerates bone loss. Additionally, certain medical conditions, lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, and genetic predisposition can contribute to the development of osteoporosis in older adults.

Many Older Adults Think

the Best Is Yet to Come

Age Wave Founder Ken Dychtwald Takes Close Looks At His Life

And His Generation, And Finds Reasons To Be Encouraged

By Mark A. Stein

Ken Dychtwald has been watching, measuring and forecasting the aging of America for almost half a century, so it is hard to believe he could be surprised by much in his research of older adults anymore.

But like any curious and open-minded researcher, the 77-year-old founder of the Age Wave consulting firm in Orinda, California, was delighted to learn from a survey his firm had commissioned that a majority of survey respondents aged 65 and over say they believe their best years are happening now or are still ahead of them.

That optimism is not unlike the tone of Dychtwald’s memoir, “Radical Curiosity,” which he has updated with stories about the COVID pandemic and a harrowing account of his daughter-in-law’s battle with a flesh-eating bacteria.

5 Ways Seniors Can

Lower Electricity Costs

The cost of electricity is on the rise. For seniors living on fixed incomes, keeping up with these costs can be difficult. Luckily, there are some changes your elderly loved one can make around the house to reduce the amount of energy he or she uses.

1. Replace Old Appliances

Many seniors have refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers in their homes that date as far back as the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. These appliances use more energy than the Energy Star-rated ones on the market today. Though spending hundreds on new appliances may seem extreme, they can end up paying for themselves within a few years as they lower the costs of your loved one’s monthly electricity bills.

Saving money isn’t the only concern for aging adults as they get older. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional senior care. Carmichael, CA, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Learn more >> https://www.homecareassistancecarmichael.com/how-can-older-adults-reduce-electricity-bills/

Here are 10 interesting facts about corn:

1. **Origin**: Corn, also known as maize, is believed to have originated in southern Mexico over 9,000 years ago. It was cultivated by ancient civilizations like the Aztecs and Mayans.

2. **Versatile Crop**: Corn is one of the most versatile crops in the world. It can be used for food, as animal feed, to make biofuels, and even as a component in various industrial products.

3. **Varieties**: There are thousands of different varieties of corn, ranging in color from yellow and white to red, blue, and even black. Each variety has different uses and flavors.

4. **Native American Influence**: Corn played a crucial role in Native American cultures. It was a staple food for many tribes, and its cultivation techniques were eventually adopted by European settlers.

5. **Genetic Modification**: Today, a large portion of commercially grown corn is genetically modified (GM). GM corn is engineered for traits like pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, and improved nutritional content.

6. **Nutritional Value**: Corn is a good source of fiber, vitamins (such as B vitamins), and essential minerals like phosphorus and magnesium. It's also a good source of carbohydrates and provides energy.

7. **Corn by-products**: Corn is used to make a wide variety of products, including cornmeal, corn syrup, cornstarch, corn oil, and corn ethanol. It's also a primary ingredient in many processed foods.

8. **Corn in Culture**: Corn holds cultural significance in many societies around the world. In some Native American cultures, it is considered a sacred plant and is used in ceremonies and rituals.

9. **World Production**: The United States is the world's largest producer of corn, followed by China and Brazil. It is a major staple food in many countries, particularly in parts of Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

10. **Corn's Environmental Impact**: Large-scale monoculture farming of corn can have environmental impacts, including soil erosion, water pollution from fertilizer runoff, and habitat loss. However, sustainable farming practices can mitigate some of these issues.

Remember that these facts are based on information available up until September 2021, and there may have been further developments in corn-related research or practices since then.

NEXT BLOG

FRIDAY SEPT. 15, 2023

-30-

--------------------------

Wednesday September 13, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

THIS BLOG IS BEST VIEWED IN

LANDSCAPE MODE

“Hurricane season brings a humbling reminder that,

despite our technologies, most of nature remains unpredictable.”

___Diane Ackerman

8 Vaccines You Need After 50

By Barbara Stepko and Michelle Crouch

You already know it’s important to get your flu vaccine every year, ideally by the end of October. And when you go in for the shot, it’s a great time to make sure you’re up-to-date on all the other immunizations you should be receiving as an adult.

After all, it’s not just babies and youngsters who need a poke to protect against serious, and potentially lethal, diseases. Adults need them too, especially as our immune systems weaken with age.

So what shots should you get at 50 and beyond?

“There are new vaccines that have come out in the past several years, specifically aimed at older adults,” says Morgan Katz, M.D., an assistant professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Take for example, the new RSV vaccine, which was just approved in May. Another is Shingrix, the amazingly effective shingles vaccine. And a few pneumococcal vaccines are on the market as well.

Below you’ll find the vaccinations every adult needs, followed by two — for hepatitis A and B — that you need only if you have certain risk factors.

Read more >> click here

More than three-quarters of voters

favor age limits for pols: poll

By Ryan King

More than three-fourths of Americans want elected officials to be barred from serving once they reach a certain age, a new poll has found.

According to the CBS News/YouGov survey, 77% of respondents want a maximum age limit for politicians — despite an 80-year-old and a 77-year-old being on track to meet in next year’s presidential election.

A plurality (45%) of respondents who wanted an age limit put in place told pollsters the cutoff should be 70 years old; another 22% said the age limit should be 60; 18% said it should be age 80 while 8% said the maximum age should be 50.

Benefits of Spending time

with Grandchildren

If you have grandchildren, you know how special that bond can be.

Not to mention spending time with them can also be great for your health.

“Some of the physical benefits of spending time with grandchildren include being more active,” said Kenneth Koncilja, MD, geriatrician for Cleveland Clinic. “Older adults who are spending time with younger children, especially helping to care or babysit, tend to be more active, get more steps per day, more exercise.”

In older adults, a little excess weight

isn’t such a bad thing

By Judith Graham

Millions of people enter later life carrying an extra 10 to 15 pounds, weight they’ve gained after having children, developing joint problems, becoming less active or making meals the center of their social lives.

Should they lose this modest extra weight to optimize their health? This question has come to the fore with a new category of diabetes and weight loss drugs giving people hope they can shed excess pounds.

For years, experts have debated what to advise older adults in this situation.

On one hand, weight gain is associated with the accumulation of fat. And that can have serious adverse health consequences, contributing to heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and a host of other medical conditions.

ARE OLDER DRIVERS DANGEROUS?

HOW TO SHARPEN YOUR DRIVING SKILLS AFTER 60

BY JOY STEPHENSON-LAWS

I can still remember how excited I was when I got my driving license. In addition to giving me an enormous sense of pride and independence, it also was tangible proof that I was now really a “grown up” with all the rights and privileges that came with it.

It meant I no longer had to ask my parents or friends for a ride, that I had true mobility for the first time in my life and that my world had expanded beyond my neighborhood. It was a true rite of passage.

So, it’s not a surprise that for us boomers, the idea of not being able to drive as well as we used to, or not being able to drive at all, can be terrifying. It means reversing everything we gained when we first started to drive.

Learn more >> https://sixtyandme.com/are-older-drivers-dangerous-how-to-sharpen-your-driving-skills-after-60/

Recently, we've been hearing a lot about age and term limits. From Mitch McConnell's poker face to Joe Biden's occasional stumbling, and even Nancy Pelosi's moments of forgetfulness. The American voter is taking a long hard look at how old is too old to hold office, and I’m one of them.

Some people might expect that, being an older person like me, I wouldn't support having rules about how old someone can be to run for a public job. After all, shouldn't we have people of all ages representing us? But the reality is, and who understands the truth about older folks better than someone who spends all day with 200 of them, getting older can be really tough on the body and mind. Also, knowing that your time is limited can affect the choices you make, and it can also make it harder to handle the demanding schedules that come with being in the U.S. Congress or being the President.

As 10,000 individuals reach the age of 65 daily, age will play a bigger role in upcoming elections. We'll need to decide if we should disqualify a candidate based solely on their age. Additionally, should we establish limits on how long someone can serve in a position, regardless of their performance? This isn't a new issue in politics.

The United States has had both term limits and age limits in certain elections.

Term Limits:

Term limits restrict the number of times an individual can hold a particular office. In the United States, the most notable example of term limits is for the office of the President. The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1951, limits a person to being elected as President only twice, or once if they have already served more than two years of another President's term. This amendment was passed in response to Franklin D. Roosevelt's four-term presidency.

Age Limits:

Age limits, on the other hand, specify a minimum age that a person must be in order to hold a particular office. The U.S. Constitution establishes several age requirements for federal offices. For example:

1. To serve in the House of Representatives, a person must be at least 25 years old.

2. To serve in the Senate, a person must be at least 30 years old.

3. To be elected President, a person must be at least 35 years old.

These age limits are outlined in Article I, Section 2 and Article I, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution.

Given that it would probably take a Constitutional amendment to change the rules on age and terms, and considering Congress today is older than it’s ever been, the likelihood of that happening any time soon is slim. Across all senators and representatives, the median age of the 118th Congress is 59 years old. The median senator is 65 years old, a record high.

The key is in the hands of the voters. To have a government with younger, dynamic, and tech-savvy leaders, we need more people to vote for them. Additionally, we need to encourage more young individuals to consider running for office. However, in a society where well-paying jobs in the corporate world are preferred, starting a political career as a city council member or school board representative might not be very appealing to today's youth. So, it looks like we'll be sticking with the current older generation of leaders until they either decide to step down or simply run out of steam. ….

HURRICANE FACTS

1. **Formation**: Hurricanes, also known as tropical cyclones or typhoons, are powerful tropical storms that form over warm ocean waters near the equator. They require warm ocean water (typically at least 26.5°C or 80°F) to provide the energy and moisture needed for their development.

2. **Naming Conventions**: Hurricanes are given names to help identify and communicate about them. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) maintains a list of names that are used in a six-year rotating cycle for different regions around the world.

3. **Eye of the Storm**: Hurricanes have a central region of calm and relatively clear skies known as the "eye." The eye is surrounded by the eyewall, which is a ring of intense thunderstorms where the strongest winds and heaviest rainfall occur.

4. **Wind Speeds**: Hurricanes are categorized based on their sustained wind speeds using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Categories range from 1 (weakest) to 5 (strongest), with wind speeds of 74 mph (119 km/h) for Category 1 and over 157 mph (252 km/h) for Category 5.

5. **Life Cycle**: A hurricane goes through several stages, starting as a tropical disturbance, then progressing to a tropical depression, followed by a tropical storm, and finally becoming a hurricane if conditions are favorable.

6. **Storm Surge**: One of the most dangerous aspects of hurricanes is the storm surge. This is a rapid rise in sea level during a hurricane that can lead to coastal flooding. The surge is caused by the strong winds pushing water toward the shore.

7. **Rainfall and Flooding**: Hurricanes can produce extremely heavy rainfall, leading to widespread flooding. The slow movement of a hurricane can exacerbate flooding, as was the case with Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

8. **Size and Intensity Variability**: Hurricanes can vary greatly in size and intensity. Some may be relatively small with tightly packed storm bands, while others can be massive, covering a large portion of the ocean.

9. **Tracks and Paths**: The path a hurricane takes is influenced by various atmospheric and oceanic factors. Predicting the exact path a hurricane will take can be challenging, but meteorologists use computer models and historical data to make informed forecasts.

10. **Long-Term Climate Trends**: Climate change is affecting hurricanes. While it's debated how it will impact the total number of hurricanes, there's consensus that it will likely increase the intensity of the strongest storms and may alter their distribution.

Remember, if you're in an area prone to hurricanes, it's crucial to stay informed and follow safety instructions from local authorities.

NEXT BLOG

THURSDAY SEPT. 14, 2023

-30-

--------------------------

Tuesday September 12, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

THIS BLOG IS BEST VIEWED IN

LANDSCAPE MODE

“Strong unions require solidarity and solidarity in turn demands

that workers must forego some degree of individual freedom in order to

take advantage of the greater freedom they can win when they act as one.”

― Joseph McCartin

This is what’s more important

than Joe Biden’s age

BY PAUL THORNTON

Good morning. I’m Paul Thornton, and it is Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. Let’s look back at the week in Opinion.

In The Times’ opinion pages, the discussion about President Biden’s age has been respectful and, well, interesting. Jonah Goldberg warned Democrats about the political risk of renominating someone seen by voters as too old for the job. LZ Granderson took the opposite view, and our letter writers (many of them self-identified senior citizens) landed somewhere in between.

But the discussion of age and the rigors of the presidency has, for the most part, ignored or minimized the urgency of defeating the anti-democratic movement led by former President Trump. Biden may be in his ninth decade, but the president won’t fire 50,000 federal workers and replace them with political stooges. He won’t give Ukraine to Russia. He won’t usher in an era of American fascism. He won’t pardon insurrectionists or even himself. And if (God forbid) the president dies and Vice President Kamala Harris takes over, she won’t do any of these things either.

Public Health Messaging on RSV

Needs Leg Up for Older Adults

By Sara Heath

Six in 10 adults over age 50 haven’t heard of RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, and another 70 percent haven’t heard of the RSV vaccine most experts say could stave off another catastrophic RSV season, according to new data from NORC at the University of Chicago.

RSV is a respiratory illness that can cause cough, runny nose, and labored breathing—in other words, mild cold symptoms. While in most cases, RSV would be a blip on the radar during cold and flu season, it can have disastrous effects on people with certain underlying conditions, infants, and older adults.

Coming off of two backbreaking RSV seasons in a row, the US now has a key weapon in its arsenal against the virus: an RSV vaccine specifically designed for older adults.

A hearty breakfast could reduce

jet lag in older adults, study finds

Many people, especially older adults, suffer from jet lag, the grueling fatigue and brain fog that accompanies long-distance travel. Breakfast may offer a simple and effective solution.

Eating a hearty breakfast in the time zone of the final destination may help older adults recover more quickly from jet lag, researchers from Northwestern University and Santa Fe Institute wrote in a study published Tuesday. Avoiding a meal late in the night before, if possible, may also help.

Live well every day with tips and guidance on food, fitness and mental health, delivered to your inbox every Thursday.

“Having a fixed meal schedule or having a heavier breakfast can be beneficial to reset your clock,” said Yitong “Pepper” Huang, a postdoctoral fellow at Northwestern University and the lead author of the study, which published in Chaos: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Nonlinear Science.

Opioid use disorder

treatment services

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers opioid use disorder treatment services in opioid treatment programs.

Medicare drug coverage (Part D) also covers drugs like buprenorphine (to treat opioid use disorders) and methadone (when prescribed for pain).

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers methadone when it’s used to treat an opioid use disorder as a hospital inpatient.

Your costs in Original Medicare

You won't have to pay any copayments for these services if you get them from an opioid treatment program provider who's enrolled in Medicare and meets other requirements. However, the Part B

still applies for supplies and medications you get through an opioid treatment program provider.

What it is

These services, which help people recover from opioid use disorder, include:

Do Seniors Ever Stop Filing Taxes?

By Hilary Collins

At what age do seniors stop paying taxes:

When you retire or reach a certain age, there might be certain things you no longer have to do. You might get to skip the commute or qualify for some great discounts. But no matter your age, you don’t get to opt out of taxes. It’s important to understand why seniors are still taxed, the common taxes seniors pay and how to minimize your tax bill. If you want individualized help preparing for retirement or creating a tax strategy, you can bring on a financial advisor.

Taxes aren’t determined by age, so you will never age out of paying taxes. Basically, if you’re 65 or older, you have to file a tax return in 2022 if your gross income is $14,700 or higher. If you’re married filing jointly and both 65 or older, that amount is $28,700. If you’re married filing jointly and only one of you is 65 or older, that amount is $27,300.

That said, there is one situation in which you can kiss taxes goodbye. If your only income is Social Security payments, you won’t owe taxes and you probably won’t need to file a tax return.

Learn more >> https://smartasset.com/retirement/do-seniors-ever-stop-filing-taxes

LABOR UNIONS FACTS

1. **Collective Bargaining**: One of the primary functions of a labor union is to negotiate with employers on behalf of their members. This process, known as collective bargaining, involves discussions on wages, working conditions, benefits, and other terms of employment.

2. **Historical Origins**: Labor unions have a long history, dating back to the 18th century. The first recognized union in the United States was the Federal Society of Journeymen Cordwainers, established in 1794.

3. **Legal Protections**: Many countries have laws that protect the rights of workers to join and form labor unions. These laws vary by country, but they generally provide for the right to organize, strike, and engage in collective bargaining.

4. **Types of Unions**: Unions can be industry-specific, representing workers within a particular sector (e.g., teachers' unions, construction unions), or they can be general unions that cover a wide range of industries.

5. **Membership Benefits**: Union members often receive benefits negotiated through collective bargaining, such as higher wages, better health care coverage, retirement plans, and improved working conditions.

6. **Strikes and Work Stoppages**: When negotiations break down, unions may resort to strikes or work stoppages as a means of putting pressure on employers to meet their demands. Strikes can be powerful tools, but they also come with risks for both workers and employers.

7. **Union Density**: This term refers to the percentage of workers in a particular industry or country who are union members. Union density varies significantly from one country to another and from one industry to another within a country.

8. **Global Impact**: Labor unions are not limited to any one country. Many international labor organizations, like the International Labour Organization (ILO), work to promote workers' rights and improve labor standards on a global scale.

9. **Political Influence**: Labor unions often play a significant role in politics. They can endorse political candidates, contribute to campaigns, and lobby for policies that benefit workers. This political involvement can vary widely depending on the union and the country.

10. **Challenges and Controversies**: Labor unions face various challenges, including declining membership rates in some countries, disputes over leadership and direction, and debates over their effectiveness in a rapidly changing economy. Additionally, unions can sometimes be a source of controversy, with debates over issues like strikes and collective bargaining rights.

It's important to note that the specifics of labor unions, including their legal status, influence, and role in society, can vary widely from country to country. These facts provide a general overview, and specific details may differ based on local laws and practices.

NEXT BLOG

WEDNESDAY SEPT. 13, 2023

-30-

--------------------------

Monday September 11, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

THIS BLOG IS BEST VIEWED IN

LANDSCAPE MODE

“When nearly 3,000 people died on 9/11,

it was enough to create massive change in our society.

Over ten times as many people die from guns each year.

Where is the social change?”

― DaShanne Stokes

Can Finding Love Later in Life

Contribute to Health?

By Kelsea Pieters and Kiley Carroll

Does love have an age limit? We have the opportunity to see the answer on the new show, “The Golden Bachelor” – a spinoff of the popular dating show, “The Bachelor” – which premieres Sept. 28 on ABC.

“The Golden Bachelor” features a 71-year-old lead, Gerry Turner, who lives in Indiana. Turner is a widower and father whose wife died of an illness in 2017 after 43 years together and the first senior citizen prospect in “Bachelor” history. In preview clips, Turner says, “It’s never too late to fall in love again.”

Scott Cypers, PhD, associate professor, licensed psychologist and director of stress and anxiety programs at the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Depression Center at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, answers questions about the new show and how love can affect our health and can contribute to our happiness and well-being.

A Physical Therapist’s Top Tips to

Keep Older Adults Safe from Falls

UNLV professor Jennifer Nash has made it her mission to prevent older adults from suffering a devastating fall.

According to the CDC, falls among adults 65 and older caused more than 36,000 deaths in 2020, making it the leading cause of injury death for that segment of the population. That same year, emergency departments across the country recorded 3 million visits for older adult falls.

A board-certified neurological clinical specialist by the American Physical Therapy Association, Nash teaches neurologic rehabilitation, balance and vestibular rehabilitation, geriatrics, and pharmacology in the Department of Physical Therapy within the School of Integrated Health Sciences at UNLV.

Here she shares what people at home should be cognizant of to help keep their older family members and friends safe from falling.

The Role of Assisted Living Facility Staff

Seven out of 10 people will require assisted living care in their lifetime. In 1995, the National Center for Assisted Living created National Assisted Living Week to shed light on the critical role that assisted living communities play in many older adults’ lives. This year, National Assisted Living Week runs from September 10 to September 16.

Today, 30,600 assisted living communities provide housing and care for 818,800 residents across the United States. These residents, half of whom are age 85 and older, need help with activities of daily living (ADLs). Assisted living has become an important long-term care option for these individuals.

There are about 1.5 million full-time nursing and 35,000 social work employees in the country. One-fifth of them work in assisted living facilities. This month, consider taking the opportunity to recognize the professionals who keep these facilities running. Year after year, they are providing essential support for residents’ physical, social, and emotional well-being.

Tech can aid senior living and care staff,

but cost and privacy still big concerns:

expert weighs in

By Aaron Dorman

Not many within the senior living and care sector believe technology such as artificial intelligence or robots will replace caregivers. Rather, innovations will help make staff more efficient and less stressed out, they predict.

Some companies believe that those tech efficiencies could equate to one full-time-equivalent staff member in senior living and care settings, said Laurie Orlov, founder of the website Aging and Health Technology Watch.

Given the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ new proposal of a first-ever mandatory staffing minimum for nursing homes, hope that tech can ease a staffing shortage is more than an academic concern.

The federally proposed rule has been met with a swift backlash from many leaders in the caregiving industry, who balk at the idea that there is a pool of nurses available to pull from to meet such mandates.

Internet Safety Guide for Seniors

By Linn Foster Freedman

I was talking to a client today about a security incident and the discussion turned to how threat actors are using increasingly more sophisticated ways to attack individuals and companies. She lamented that we know more than the average individual about how they implement attacks, but she worries about her mother, who is frequently online. I suggested that she educate her mother about different techniques that are being used in cyber-attacks and to provide her with resources on the risks of using the Internet and how to protect herself from scams.

Perfect Privacy Tip for this week!

There are several resources that all of us can provide to our senior family and friends to help protect them from online scams and frauds.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has a great website and lots of helpful hints on how to protect yourself from scams, including identity theft and online security. Subscribe to its scam Consumer Alerts (there are very few times I will say to subscribe to a list-serve, but this is one of them!) The scam alerts are helpful to anyone, including seniors. They alert the subscribers to the newest scams and warns them of the scams that the FTC are seeing reported to it to educate consumers on how the scams work.

Learn more >> https://www.dataprivacyandsecurityinsider.com/2023/09/privacy-tip-371-internet-safety-guide-for-seniors/

Twenty-two years ago today, I got up like any other day, took a shower, shaved, threw on my outfit, and headed off to work. I had this mental reminder to swing by my nearby polling spot on my way back home. You see, it was primary day in New York, and I was a die-hard voter – never missed an election. Little did I, or anyone else for that matter, know that not only would the primary election get scrapped that day, but our entire way of life would take a wild turn from then on.

We all have our own tales from that day. Most of us can vividly remember exactly where we were and what we were doing on that Tuesday. I won't bore you with my own story, but I can say that, like many New Yorkers, the day was filled with fear, unease, a somber mood, and a sense of sobering reality.

One of the most vivid memories I have, aside from actually witnessing the second tower of the World Trade Center collapse into a cloud of dust and smoke, is the journey back home. I recall walking from my office in Greenwich Village (which was about 1.5 miles from ground zero) downtown to the Williamsburg Bridge. It was a trip taken in near-complete silence, alongside thousands of others. The only interruptions were the sounds of emergency vehicles, their sirens blaring, and the powerful roar of F-16 jets and helicopters against the backdrop of the clear, beautiful blue sky. However, this sky was tainted by a cloud of smoke drifting over the East River and Brooklyn. Eventually, I made it home where I turned on the TV and collapsed on my sofa. I don’t remember eating dinner that night.

In those early hours after the attack, things were really confusing. We didn't know much about who did it, where they came from, or why. We had no clue how that Tuesday would change our lives, maybe forever. We lost not just our innocence, but also our sense of safety and a bunch of our freedoms.

After that, getting on a plane meant going through strict security checks every time. The same goes for a lot of public and private places, like attractions, venues, and transportation. We started being cautious around strangers, and sometimes got suspicious of people who looked Middle Eastern or spoke a different language.

For many of my fellow New Yorkers, especially those who were first-responders or worked tirelessly in the search and rescue teams digging through the dangerous debris, the impact on their health and the lives of their families was huge.

Today, I'll do what I've been doing for the last 22 years. I'll tune in to remember the 3000 souls we lost that day, listening for the names of two business acquaintances I used to chat with almost every day. It's heartbreaking to think they lost their lives just because they were at their desks when the first plane hit. I'll take a moment to remember them, say a prayer, and be grateful for being alive. ……

September 11, 2001,

was a tragic and pivotal day in modern history.

Here are 10 facts about the events of that day

1. **Terrorist Attacks**: On September 11, 2001, 19 terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes in the United States. They carried out coordinated suicide attacks targeting major landmarks.

2. **Targets**: The targets were the World Trade Center towers in New York City and the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. A fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers bravely attempted to regain control from the hijackers.

3. **World Trade Center**: The World Trade Center, often referred to as the Twin Towers, were iconic skyscrapers in Lower Manhattan. They were struck by American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175, causing both buildings to collapse within hours.

4. **Casualties**: The attacks resulted in the deaths of approximately 2,977 people, including 246 on the four planes, 2,606 in the World Trade Center and surrounding areas, and 125 at the Pentagon. It remains one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in history.

5. **Pentagon Attack**: The Pentagon, the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, was hit by American Airlines Flight 77. The impact and subsequent fire caused a section of the building to collapse.

6. **Flight 93**: United Airlines Flight 93, en route to Washington, D.C., was the plane that passengers fought to regain control of. It ultimately crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, killing all 44 people on board.

7. **Al-Qaeda Responsibility**: The attacks were orchestrated by the extremist group Al-Qaeda, led by Osama bin Laden. They claimed responsibility for the attacks, citing grievances against the United States' foreign policies, particularly in the Middle East.

8. **Immediate Aftermath**: The attacks led to widespread shock and grief, and the U.S. government responded by launching the War on Terror. Security measures were drastically increased, and the United States entered into conflicts in Afghanistan and later Iraq.

9. **Impact on Global Politics**: The 9/11 attacks had profound and lasting effects on global politics, shaping U.S. foreign policy, security measures, and international relations for years to come.

10. **Homeland Security**: In response to the attacks, the United States established the Department of Homeland Security, a cabinet-level agency responsible for coordinating efforts to protect against and respond to domestic terrorism.

These facts highlight the immense tragedy and significant consequences of the 9/11 attacks, both for the United States and the world at large.

NEXT BLOG

TUESDAY SEPT. 12, 2023

-30-

--------------------------

Friday September 8, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

THIS BLOG IS BEST VIEWED IN

LANDSCAPE MODE

“Why would you want to be anything else

if you're Mick Jagger?”

― Keith Richards

How to Overcome Your Fear

and Enjoy Retirement

Even if you have a well-funded nest egg, giving

up a paycheck is hard. Here's how to start the journey.

BY SANDRA BLOCK

While not as terrifying as aerophobia (fear of flying), as common as nomophobia (fear of being without your phone) or as unnerving as coulrophobia (fear of clowns), fear of retirement is a real phenomenon for millions of older Americans.

If you’re behind on saving, the fear is probably warranted. But even if you’ve accumulated a substantial nest egg, the thought of going without a regular paycheck may be scarier than a roomful of circus clowns.

“Although someone may be financially well prepared to retire, emotionally it can be very difficult,” says Edward Snyder, a certified financial planner in Carmel, Ind.

More than a meal:

Restaurant-based programs

feed seniors’ social lives

BY KATHY MCCORMACK

A group of friends and neighbors meets for a weekly meal, choosing from a special menu of nutritious foods paid for by social programs meant to keep older adults eating healthy.

They’re all over 60, and between enjoying butternut squash soup, sandwiches, oats and eggs, they chat and poke fun about families, politics, and the news of the day.

But if you’re imagining people gathering for lunch in a senior center, think again.

Long before COVID put a pause on social gatherings, some senior centers were losing their lunch appeal. Others didn’t reopen after the pandemic.

Read more >> click here

Most Americans Don't Know

What Long-Term Care Insurance Covers

By: Mary Ellen Cagnassola

Most Americans will need long-term care as they age, but a recent survey shows very few people are clear on what they’ll need to cover the expenses related to this kind of support.

A study from insurance company Nationwide and trade group LIMRA shows that among the roughly 1,400 respondents surveyed, many didn’t seem clear on the meaning of long-term care insurance. While 18% of respondents said they believed they had a policy, 15% of self-reported policy owners subsequently said they were unsure whether they had coverage after being shown a definition of long-term care.

In fact, more than half of respondents who were unsure about their coverage acknowledged that they may have mistaken long-term care insurance for long-term disability insurance, and almost 30% said they confused it with health insurance.

Senior citizens still crushed

by their student loans

BY KAREN D'SOUZA

Marjorie Sener was still in her 20s when she took out a loan for roughly $5,000 to get some college credits she hoped would eventually add up to a bachelor’s degree. That goal was thwarted when her partner became ill.

“The burden of our living expenses fell on me,” said Sener, who lives in the Dallas suburbs, as Hechinger reported. “I devoted all of my resources to keeping our heads above water.”

Sener never got her degree, but that debt kept growing, fattened by compounding interest. Now, at 74, she owes more than $55,000, or 10 times what she originally borrowed, and has put off any hope of retiring. Sener still works, as a legal secretary, now juggling her student loan debt with medical bills from recent cancer treatments.

5 Decor Tips for Senior Living Apartments

By James Benson

Moving into a senior living apartment is an enormous adjustment that can feel overwhelming because people tend to spend too much time focusing on the life and home they’re saying goodbye to. The best way to overcome this feeling is to switch attention toward starting a new chapter, which can be just as memorable as the last. When you arrive at your senior living apartment, there’s a blank canvas, and the way you decorate can help alleviate some of the overwhelming feelings.

Bring Reminders of Home

When you choose to move into a senior living community, you’ll be leaving behind a home you may have lived in for decades. Although this can be scary, you have to remember it’s for the right reasons and will improve your quality of life. To make the transition feel a little easier, we recommend taking a few reminders of home, including photo albums and frames.

Buy Quality Furniture.....

Learn more >> https://seniorslifestylemag.com/retirement/housing/5-decor-tips-for-senior-living-apartments/

Rockin’, maybe

Rolling, not so much

I never really got into Rock and Roll. It might sound a bit odd considering I grew up in a time when it was booming as popular music. But it just wasn't a big part of my musical exposure. See, my older brother, who was in the music scene since high school, was all about Jazz and Big Band, especially the iconic bands from the 1940s like Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, Woody Herman, and Harry James, just to name a few. Those were the only records we had at home. And since my brother had the monopoly on the record player, those old 78rpm vinyls were pretty much all I heard. My real introduction to Rock didn't happen until I hit my teens in high school, thanks to the radio and the awesome DJs of that time. Now, as I've grown older, I've started to appreciate the genre more. Maybe not so much for its musical qualities per se, but for the sheer nostalgia it brings along with it.

Thinking about it, (and I could be mistaken), the rock and roll we used to listen to seemed a bit more easygoing compared to what's out there today. These days, and maybe it's just my perspective, music seems to lean more towards politics and addressing societal matters rather than the tunes about one-sided love and teenage angst from my era. But then, that was the 1950s and early 60s when everything was great in America and we had nothing to complain about.

Unfortunately, most of my musical idols have passed away, and the ones who are still around either can't or won't perform anymore. Except for the Rolling Stones, that is! They seem to have stumbled upon the secret to eternal youth (or maybe whatever Keith Richards is taking), and they've just dropped a fresh album despite being in their 70s and 80s.

Now, I'm not planning to grab a guitar and start jamming anytime soon, but it's reassuring to see that life doesn't grind to a halt just because I'm no longer in my twenties and my hearing and vision aren't what they once were. So, a big shoutout to Mick, Keith, and the other legendary rockers who have not only kept the music alive but also preserved some fantastic memories along the way!

Here comes another weekend, and for a lot of folks, that's the signal to pack up and hit the road. I used to hold onto my vacation days until after Labor Day for any trips. It's the prime time of the year. Beaches are quiet, malls and tourist spots are less crowded, and the weather is still pleasant enough to make the most of them. So, go on and discover something new out there.

As for me, I'll be right here in my comfy air-conditioned space, enjoying some Netflix... binging with comfort! …………

The new Rolling Stones album

makes 80 look good

For the first time in nearly twenty years, the Rolling Stones will release a new original album next month. And if the single unveiled yesterday is any indication, rock-and-roll’s OG frontman, Mick Jagger—now an octogenarian—hasn’t missed a beat.

Ronnie Wood, Keith Richards, and Jagger announced their forthcoming album, Hackney Diamonds, yesterday in London along with their new song, “Angry.” At 76, 79, and 80, respectively, the Stones are just one example of how the makeup of the workforce is grayer than you might think:

Last year, 650,000 Americans over 80 were still working, up 18% from the previous decade, according to data from the Census Bureau.

There will be twice as many 75-year-old+ workers in 2030 than in 2020, due in part to the aging baby boomer generation, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates.

Can’t get no retirement: Apropos of the new album, Wood told the AP that hanging it up would be “impossible” because “you’ve got to keep playing.” The sentiment is shared among artists—Willie Nelson (90), Bob Dylan (82), and Smokey Robinson (83) are still touring—as well as political leaders like President Joe Biden (80) and Mitch McConnell (81), and business giants like Warren Buffett, who recently turned 93.

Saturday and Sunday

Sept. 9-10, 2023

-30-

--------------------------

Thursday September 7, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

THIS BLOG IS BEST VIEWED IN

LANDSCAPE MODE

“There are many men of principle in both parties in America,

but there is no party of principle.”

― Alexis de Tocqueville

How Retirement Could Hurt

Your Credit Score

BY ASHLYN BROOKS

Retirement may represent a fresh episode of your life, but a surprising twist might be a drop in your credit score. Even if borrowing isn’t on your agenda, your credit score could affect other aspects of your life, ranging from how much you pay for auto insurance to whether you’ll be admitted to an assisted-living facility.

Average credit scores tend to increase as consumers get older, peaking in their seventies. To understand why your own credit score might drop after you retire, it’s important to know how credit scores are computed. While your history of paying on time is the largest element of your score, other factors include the amount you owe on your credit cards as a proportion of your card limits (known as your credit-utilization ratio) and the length of your credit history, says Ted Rossman, senior industry analyst at Bankrate.com. In addition, if you don’t use a credit card, the issuer may close it because of inactivity. “Retirees’ credit scores often go down because they’re not using credit as actively as when they were younger,” he says.

The American workplace's

bias against age

By Erica Pandey

One in four of America's workers is 55 or older. But age discrimination persists in offices, keeping many of those people out of jobs.

Why it matters: Older workers are facing long periods of unemployment, stressful job hunts and mounting financial stress — and employers are missing out on an entire generation of life experience.

What’s happening: Many older Americans left the workforce during the pandemic.

Some bowed out due to health concerns, and others started the retirement process early because high home prices and bulked-up retirement accounts made it seem like a good time, says Julia Pollak, chief economist at ZipRecruiter.

But now COVID is less of a threat with vaccinations and inflation is squeezing bank accounts, prompting many of those people to look for work again.

Nursing home staffing mandate

puts assisted living communities

at risk of losing workers, experts say

By Kimberly Bonvissuto

Assisted living communities are at risk of losing staff members following the first-ever proposed federal staffing mandate for nursing homes, released Friday, according to senior living experts.

Competition for workers, especially nurses and other caregivers, may increase at a time when all providers already face recruiting and retention challenges.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released its expected draft rule last week. It calls for giving nonrural US nursing homes three years to provide a minimum of three hours of direct care per patient day. A requirement for around-the-clock registered nurse coverage, triple the current standard, would go into effect two years after the rule is finalized for urban providers, with another year granted to rural providers.

You Are Likely To Live

Longer Than You Think:

By Alex Zhavoronkov, PhD

On Thursday, August 31st, the 10th Aging Research and Drug Discovery (ARDD) meeting entered its fourth day. With sessions starting early in the morning and ending after 8PM every day followed by social activities including the laboratory-themed open bar staying open until past midnight, taking part in many conference activities does require a certain level of stamina. This intensity is one of the reasons why it did not feel too crowded with over seven hundred participants on site and many thousands online - many delegates spread around the venue and around the city tuning into the lectures online and having parallel meetings. And even I got a bit sick and lost my voice while testing negative for COVID every day.

Unlike the first day of the conference, which focused on longevity medicine and was geared to physicians and organizations running clinical trials, or the second day, which focused mostly on cellular senescence, the fourth day covered a broad spectrum of topics in aging research. One of the standout themes was the quest for accurate biomarkers of aging and their applications in aging research.

8 Topics You Shouldn't Ask

Your Grandchildren About, Therapists Says

AVOID THESE MISSTEPS TO KEEP YOUR RELATIONSHIP STRONG.

By LAUREN GRAY

The bond between children and their grandparents is undoubtedly a special one. However, even in the closest families, you may find that this cherished relationship can sometimes feel fraught. That's because, despite everyone's best intentions, generational differences can drive a wedge between grandparents and their progeny—especially as grandkids come of age and begin to establish their own lives.

Talk Therapy: Finding the Perfect Match

"The age and experience gap can sometimes lead to misunderstandings and unintentional harm," says Ryan Sultan, MD, a board-certified child psychiatrist, adult therapist, and professor at Columbia University. "When it comes to intergenerational relationships, it's crucial for grandparents to tread carefully in their conversations with their grandchildren."

Learn more >> click here

HOW MANY POLITICAL PARTIES

ARE THERE IN THE USA?

The United States has over 420 registered political parties. However, only two parties are nationally recognized: the Republican and Democratic parties.

The two-party system is well-established in American politics. It has been over 50 years since a candidate from a party other than the Republican or Democratic party won a state in a presidential election.

The two-party system is based on laws, party rules, and custom.

The electoral system for Congress is the main reason for America's majoritarian character. Members of Congress are elected in single-member districts. The candidate with the plurality of votes wins the congressional seat.

Other parties that can promote candidates in a presidential election include:

Reform, Libertarian, Socialist, Natural Law, Constitution, Green.

The Libertarian and Green parties are the largest third parties in the U.S.

NEXT BLOG

FRIDAY SEPT. 8, 2023

-30-

--------------------------

Wednesday September 6, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

THIS BLOG IS BEST VIEWED IN

LANDSCAPE MODE

“Sometimes you're the windshield.

Sometimes your the bug.”

― Mark Knopfler

CDC: In 2021,

estimated fatal falls among older adults

rose to highest in 20 years

BY KRISTEN FISCHER

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday released new data on falls, giving more insight into how many people are falling, and getting injured or dying as a result of taking spills.

Falls are the top cause of injury and death in adults over the age of 65, according to the report. The new report used data from the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and 2021 the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS). It included data on 127,724 people.

In 2020, 14 million, or 27.6%, of older adults reported falling. Slightly more women, or 28.9%, fell compared to the 26.1% of men who fell that year. Falls were more common in non-Hispanic White and non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native persons compared to other racial or ethnic groups.

The Happiest Workers

Are Older Than 65,

Pew Study Finds

By Richard Eisenberg

The Pew Research Center frequently publishes fascinating studies about America and Americans, but its recent jobs survey was an eye-opener. Pew learned that employees aged 65 and older are the happiest.

Specifically, its survey of 5,188 U.S. workers who aren't self-employed found:

Two-thirds of those 65+ are extremely or very satisfied with their jobs, compared with 55% of those 50 to 64 years old, 51% aged 30 to 49 and just 44% of employees 18 to 29.

SOLVING THE INHERITANCE DILEMMA:

HOW TO DETERMINE WHO GETS

THE FAMILY TREASURES

BY DAVE PRICE

At first glance, this seems like such an innocuous query. However, the possible answers to such questions are sparking small inter- and intra-generational conflicts all over the country.

As the elderly parents of Baby Boomers die or as aging Baby Boomers downsize or die themselves, there arises a huge issue. How do you best dispose of all the personal property, collections, and keepsakes that have been acquired over the decades?

In some cases, nobody wants grandma’s pie plate. Many of today’s younger generations have more mobile lifestyles or live in much smaller accommodations than their elders and truly don’t have room for such items. Then there are others who don’t attach the same sentimental value to certain items that their predecessors did and simply don’t want them.

Low-dose aspirin

linked to 15% lower risk

of type 2 diabetes in older adults

New research to be presented at this year's Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Hamburg, Germany (2-6 October) shows that use of low dose (100mg daily) aspirin among older adults aged 65 years and older is associated with a 15% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The authors, led by Professor Sophia Zoungas, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, say the results show that anti-inflammatory agents such as aspirin warrant further study in the prevention of diabetes.

The effect of aspirin on incident type 2 diabetes among older adults remains uncertain. This study investigated the randomised treatment effect of low dose aspirin on incident diabetes and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels among older adults. The authors did a follow-up study of the ASPREE trial - a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of aspirin, the principal results of which were published in NEJM in 2018. The original study showed that aspirin conferred a 38% increased risk of major haemorrhage in older adults without any reduction in incidence of cardiovascular disease.

The study enrolled community-dwelling individuals aged 65 years or over, and free of cardiovascular disease, independence-limiting physical disability and dementia. Participants were randomised 1:1 to 100 mg daily aspirin or placebo. Incident diabetes was defined as self-report of diabetes, commencement of glucose lowering medication, and/or a fasting plasma glucose (FBP) level of 7.0 mmol/L or higher at annual follow-up visits. Patients with diabetes at the start of the study were excluded. Computer and statistical modelling assessed the effect of aspirin on incident diabetes and FPG levels respectively.

7 Surprising Retailers

That Offer Senior Discounts

By Donna Fuscaldo

Age has its perks, and a big one is discounts. Aiming to reward loyal shoppers and lure new ones, some of the nation's retailers offer special discounts to older consumers. It’s very common with supermarkets and has spilled over into other areas of retail.

Big retailers, such as Kohl’s and Rite Aid, offer the same discount across the chain. At other smaller, independent chains, such as Goodwill, it can vary by store. With that in mind, here’s a list of seven retailers that reward you for getting older.

1. Kohl’s

Locations: Over 1,100 stores in every state but Hawaii

Age for discount: 60

Deal: On Wednesdays, shoppers 60 and older.........

See more >> click here

Post Labor Day Blues

I really hope you had a good Labor Day, but mine wasn't all that great, to be honest. And I'm pretty sure I'm not alone in feeling this way when I say, "Enough is enough with the barbecues.”

In the past, having a meal outdoors in the sunshine, taking a break from our usual routine, used to be a real treat for us here at the A.L.F. The food was way better, and there was this great vibe of celebration and togetherness among us. But things have taken a turn for the worse in recent years. Not only has the food gone downhill, but the overall atmosphere among the residents has shifted from cheerful to gloomy.

The crappy food situation? It's pretty clear-cut: money issues. Thanks to the COVID pandemic, our facility budget took a hit, and that meant belt-tightening across the board, with the food department feeling the squeeze the most. But what about the vibe around here? Well, that's a bit more complex. One thing's for sure, though: we've been seeing more residents come and go lately. More new faces means fewer long-term connections. Plus, these newcomers tend to grumble more and struggle to settle into their new digs, which often leads to arguments and personality clashes with the other residents.

Sure, food and making connections with fellow residents play a big role in setting the mood around here. But we can't brush aside the impact of changing seasons when it comes to group mood swings. Spring brings that sense of renewal, but when Fall rolls around, it's beautiful, yes, but it's also a reminder that winter's creeping up on us. Winter means bare trees, gloomy skies, brown grass, and that chilly air that tells us things are winding down. It's like a little nudge, reminding us that everything and everyone has their expiration date, and for most of us here, that date might not be too far off.

I might be totally off the mark here, and it could just be me who's got these thoughts. I mean, I've recently marked another year older and another year living in this place. Neither of those occasions calls for a big celebration, except to say, "Hey, I'm grateful to still be kicking." And even though I'm not exactly firing on all cylinders, there's still some gas left in the tank to keep me rolling for a bit longer. Who knows, maybe I'll stick around long enough to gripe about the same stuff next year. …..

Facts about insect damage in the United States

1. Economic Impact: Insect damage to crops and forests costs the U.S. billions of dollars annually. Pests like the corn earworm, cotton bollworm, and the emerald ash borer have a significant economic impact on agriculture and forestry.

2. Crop Damage: Insects damage a wide range of crops, including corn, soybeans, wheat, and fruits. For instance, the European corn borer is a major pest of corn, causing yield losses.

3. Forest Destruction: Invasive insects like the emerald ash borer and the southern pine beetle have devastated millions of acres of forests in the U.S., leading to ecological and economic consequences.

4. Disease Vectors: Insects such as mosquitoes and ticks can transmit diseases like West Nile virus, Lyme disease, and Zika virus, posing health risks to humans and animals.

5. Invasive Species: Invasive insects, like the Asian longhorned beetle and spotted lanternfly, can disrupt ecosystems by outcompeting native species and damaging vegetation.

6. Household Pests: Insects like termites, ants, and cockroaches cause structural damage to homes and buildings, resulting in costly repairs and pest control measures.

7. Impact on Livestock: Insects like horn flies and ticks can harm livestock, leading to decreased productivity and economic losses in the livestock industry.

8. Insecticide Use: Farmers and pest control professionals use insecticides to manage insect pests, but the overuse of chemicals can have environmental and health implications.

9. Pollinator Decline: The decline in bee populations due to factors like pesticides, habitat loss, and disease has raised concerns about pollination services for crops like fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

10. Climate Change Influence: Climate change can alter the distribution and behavior of insects, potentially leading to increased pest pressure and new challenges for agriculture and ecosystems.

These facts highlight the diverse and significant impact of insect damage in the United States, affecting various sectors of the economy, the environment, and public health.

NEXT BLOG

THURSDAY SEPT. 7, 2023

-30-

--------------------------

Tuesday September 5, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

THIS BLOG IS BEST VIEWED IN

LANDSCAPE MODE

“It’s a strange world we live in,

some people's trash contains more food than some people's stomach.

Things won't change until we renounce all luxury.”

― Abhijit Naskar,

Senior Citizens Use Social Media

for 300 Hours Per Year on Average

By Zia Muhammad

People often tend to think that social media and indeed the internet in general is something that only younger generations would use with any degree of regularity. In spite of the fact that this is the case, it has become apparent that senior citizens frequently use social media as well with all things having been considered and taken into account. In a new report released by OnePoll on behalf of ClearMatch Medicare, it was revealed that senior citizens use social media for 47 minutes every day on average.

This comes up to around 300 hours per year per person. With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that Facebook is their preferred platform, with 75% of their usage going towards it. YouTube comes in second with 28%, followed by Instagram with 10%.

Around 54% of the senior citizens that responded to this survey admitted that they use social media just to kill some free time. However, 61% used it to get in touch with people that they had lost contact with long ago. 58% also suggested that they use it to stay in touch with the individuals that are already in their lives, thereby alleviating the ever present danger of loneliness among senior citizens.

Biden, McConnell show age limits

needed for federal elected office

By Cameron Smith

I hate to break it to you, but two of America’s most powerful leaders are on the fritz. President Joe Biden and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, are both in their 80s. It’s starting to show. To get anything done in American politics these days, both parties need to feel a little pain. Republicans and Democrats both have an age problem we need to address.

Let’s go ahead and get the excuses out of the way. McConnell is just a little hard of hearing. Biden has struggled with a stutter since his childhood. None of it is anything serious. We have reports of individuals who have spoken with each of them who can personally vouch for their vigor and coherence.

Stop it. Any American who has dealt with an aging parent or grandparent knows better.

Are Social Security Benefits

Double-Taxed?

The Answer Isn't as

Simple as You Think

By Sean Williams

KEY POINTS

- An overwhelming majority of seniors want to see the taxation of Social Security benefits done away with.

-The dollar you pay into the program via the payroll tax isn't the same dollar you get back in benefits.

- Depending on where you live and how much you earn, the double taxation of Social Security benefits can occur in select states.

- The vast majority of Americans won't be taxed twice on their Social Security income. But high-earning residents in 12 states may not be so lucky.

For most seniors, Social Security is an indispensable financial lifeline. More than two decades of surveys from national pollster Gallup show that between 80% and 90% of current retirees lean on their payout to cover at least some portion of their monthly expenses. Meanwhile, data from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities finds that no program lifts more people above the federal poverty line than Social Security.

But just because Social Security is vital to the financial well-being of tens of millions of current retirees, it doesn't mean there isn't controversy surrounding how the program is funded.

Read more >> click here

Aging in Rich vs. Poor Countries:

How’s Life for Those Over 65?

Exploring the differences in

three “so-called richer”

and four “so-called poorer” countries

By Richard Seifman

In many places throughout the world, those born in the 1940s and earlier are surviving much longer than their ancestors. Overall, the world population is aging, with average life expectancy reaching 78 years in the developed world and 68 years in the developing world. Senior experiences differ widely in terms of health care, societal and cultural attitudes, and economic conditions and support.

As advancements in technology allow people to live longer and conceivably better, their quality of life becomes crucial for them, but also for society and policymakers.

Conditions in the richer Japan, Italy, and the United States, and in the less rich Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, and India provide brief, and admittedly distorted glimpses of what is and lies ahead for those entering or in their eighth decade.

TRAVELLING WITH A PET?

THESE 8 THINGS MAY SAVE YOUR SANITY!

BY CHERYL THERRIEN

My husband and I have always had pets. In the past, we have boarded our pets when we traveled. In recent years, we have found that we prefer to take our pets with us.

This means that in addition to planning for ourselves, we must also plan for them. We have learned a lot through trial and error. Things that should have been obvious, we learned the hard way.

In this article, I have put together some information that I hope you will find useful. Our travels involve driving and no air travel, so the following does not apply to air travel.

Pet Necessities

We try to pack light when we travel. We have a pet bag just like people with children have diaper bags. Here’s what goes inside:

Learn more >> https://sixtyandme.com/travelling-with-a-pet-these-8-things-may-save-your-sanity/

WASTED FOOD FACTS

The United States wastes about 40% of all food, which is more than any other country.

This amounts to 119 billion pounds of food each year, which is equivalent to 130 billion meals and over $408 billion.

The average American throws out more than 1,250 calories per day, or more than 400 lbs. (181 kg.) of food annually.

Food waste has implications for the environment, global food insecurity, and our wallets.

Food is the single largest category of material placed in municipal landfills, where it emits methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.

The amount of uneaten food produced in the US is climbing. In 2021, the US produced 91 million tons of surplus food, a 4.8% increase over 2016.

More than 80 percent of Americans discard perfectly good food because they misunderstand expiration labels. However, eight-in-ten Americans say they reduce their food waste for environmental reasons

NEXT BLOG

WEDNESDAY SEPT. 6, 2023

-30-

-------------

Monday September 4, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

THIS BLOG IS BEST VIEWED IN

LANDSCAPE MODE

“The candidate out front on Labor Day has historically

been the one who stayed ahead in November.”

____Peter Jennings

Fourth COVID-19 booster

supercharges

antibody defense

in older adults, study says

By Dr. Priyom Bose, Ph.D.

A recent Scientific Reports study evaluated the humoral response in the elderly population after receiving the fourth mRNA vaccine against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Background

The rapid transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) resulted in the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the availability of vaccines, the pandemic is continuing due to the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants. Some of these variants, such as the Omicron and Delta strains, can escape immune response induced after vaccination or natural infection. In addition, a sharp decline of antibody titers occurs over time. Subsequently, the protection level against the infection is reduced. Considering the depletion in antibody levels, a COVID-19 booster vaccination strategy has been implemented to restore the antibody level.

Few studies have assessed the antibody response after the fourth COVID-19 mRNA vaccination in adults. The existing studies indicated that compared to the first COVID-19 booster vaccination, the second booster (fourth COVID-19 vaccine) dose resulted in a minor increase of the neutralizing antibody (nAb) and the anti-RBD (Receptor Binding Domain) IgG antibody levels. Although this finding was based on a study population devoid of older adults, the poor antibody response raised questions about the utility of COVID-19 booster vaccination beyond the first.

Older Adults Alcohol Consumption

Is On The Rise, So Too Are Accidents

By Nicole F. Roberts

Alcohol use among senior citizens is on the rise. Although historically older adults were less likely to drink than younger adults, recent studies show that older adults are now drinking more frequently and in larger quantities than in the past. This may be due to increased stress and anxiety, social isolation, retirement and increased availability and marketing of alcohol to an older population.

But with that change in behavior, so too comes changes in risk for individuals and communities. Statistics show that older adults are more likely to be involved in fatal crashes while under the influence of alcohol than any other age group. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that in 2018, 43% of drivers aged 65 and older who died in crashes were alcohol-impaired.

As recent is April 2023 a research team examined data from the NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System between the years 2010–2018 and determined that older substance-impaired drivers were twice as likely to be at fault in fatal crashes. They published their findings in Traffic Injury Prevention, a peer-reviewed journal advocating for more awareness to this growing problem. Add in that the number of drivers aged 65 and older increased significantly in recent years, now making up 20% of drivers on the road, and it’s a perfect storm for accidents.

Pneumonia: What It Is,

Types, Causes,

Symptoms & Treatment

By Ann Schreiber

A common infectious disease, pneumonia takes root when the air sacs within your lungs become filled with pus or fluid. Understanding the ins and outs of pneumonia is essential. This article will explain the various types of pneumonia, along with its underlying causes, symptoms and the array of treatments available.

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection that triggers inflammation in the air sacs of the lungs. The Mayo Clinic suggests it manifests as the air sacs become inundated with fluid or pus, which can give rise to distressing symptoms. Among these are a persistent cough accompanied by phlegm or pus, fever with chills, and difficulties in breathing. Diverse organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, often cause pneumonia.

Read more >> click here

Seniors who did this

were 23% less likely

to end up in a nursing home,

new study says

By Brett Arends

Who knew getting a good night’s sleep each night was this important?

Poor sleep quality turns out to be the one of the biggest risk factors for ending up in a nursing home, according to new research conducted among over 125,000 senior citizens in Australia.

Those who got a good night’s sleep — defined as between seven and nine hours a night — were 23% less likely to end up in a nursing home than those who got fewer than five hours’ sleep or those who slept for 11 or more hours a night.

Among the risk factors identified by the medical researchers, only smoking was worse than bad sleep habits. Smokers were two times as likely to end up in a nursing home as nonsmokers.

A healthy diet, exercise and so on were all good, of course. But sleeping well was even better.

Read more >> click here

Older adults can enjoy health benefits

from pickleball while reducing risks

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, and older adults are helping drive its popularity. That’s good news because of the game’s mental and physical health benefits, said Dr. Grant Tarbox., a national medical executive with Cigna Healthcare’s. Medicare. This link will open in a new tab. business and an avid pickleballer. However, he emphasized that it’s important for seniors to play pickleball safely.

Pickleball has been described as a cross between tennis, pingpong, and badminton. It is inexpensive to play and easy to learn. It can be played outside or inside. The staples of pickleball include a court, a paddle, and, of course, the pickleball itself, which is a plastic ball with holes in it, similar to a whiffle ball.

Pickleball is a low-impact game compared to some other sports. A pickleball court is smaller and easier to cover than a tennis court, making it an accessible game for all ages, especially when playing doubles, which brings us to pickleball’s next selling point. Pickleball is a social sport that can help reduce loneliness and isolation.

Learn more >> https://newsroom.cigna.com/older-adults-health-benefits-from-pickleball-while-reducing-risks

Non Labor Day

Labor Day doesn't really do it for me anymore after being out of the workforce for two decades. It's just like any other day, except here at the A.L.F., we trade our usual poorly concocted lunch for an even worse barbecue.

What used to be a special treat for us residents has turned into a total mess in recent years. The food is terrible, and the way they present it and serve it is even worse.

There was a time when I used to eagerly await the nice weather so I could fire up my own gas grill at home and cook a couple of steaks for dinner. That, paired with a cold beer, was my slice of backyard heaven. Sadly, these barbecues have become more of an inconvenience, and the significance of the holiday we're supposed to be celebrating today has faded away.

I used to have a pretty good job, but it all went downhill thanks to corporate greed and some really lousy management. They didn't just take my job, but they did the same to 400 of my colleagues across the country. I actually used to look forward to going to work and my days off even better. Labor Day used to mean a fantastic three-day break from the constant ringing phones and angry customers. Plus, if I was smart with my vacation days, I could turn that weekend into a luxurious four-day escape. The weather around here is typically great, so I'd often head to the beach or take a scenic drive to a park upstate. Nowadays, on Labor Day, I'm just hoping for it to be Tuesday so I can get back to our regular routine.

What's the point of this celebration, really? American workers have been hit hard in recent years. Our factories and manufacturing jobs have gone overseas or to neighboring countries. Companies we used to think of as American now seem like small offices in rural towns, where corporate executives live in luxury, drive fancy cars, and play golf at exclusive clubs, while the actual work is being done by overworked and underpaid foreign laborers. Even the technology we invented has been taken by the Chinese, and instead of punishing them or placing trade restrictions, we're basically rewarding them by letting them produce items using the technology they stole. And nobody wants to do anything about it. The Democrats aren’t saying anything and the Republicans, who talk a lot about bringing jobs back here, don’t have a clue how to do it. It's a bit of a head-scratcher, isn't it?

Of course, I'll be at the BBQ today. I mean, a lousy burger beats no burger, right? But I've decided to skip the outdoor meal with the gang. I'll grab my plate and head back to my room for some solo grubbing, Netflix, and my specialty: dozing off in my recliner. That's my kind of Labor Day! …..

LABOR DAY FACTS

1. Origin: Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday in September in the United States and Canada, is a holiday dedicated to honoring and recognizing the labor and workers' contributions to the country's development.

2. Peter J. McGuire: Often credited with the idea of Labor Day, Peter J. McGuire, a labor union leader, proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as the secretary of the New York Central Labor Union.

3. First Celebration: The first Labor Day was celebrated on September 5, 1882, in New York City, with a parade and a picnic. It was later established as a federal holiday in 1894.

4. The End of Summer: Labor Day is often considered the unofficial end of summer in the United States. Many schools start their academic year shortly after Labor Day.

5. No White After Labor Day: Traditionally, Labor Day also marks the end of the fashion rule that discouraged people from wearing white clothing after the holiday.

6. Economic Significance: Labor Day has become a significant commercial and economic event, with many retailers offering sales and discounts, making it a popular shopping weekend.

7. Parades: Across the United States, Labor Day is celebrated with parades, with the most famous one being the Labor Day Parade in New York City, featuring labor unions, organizations, and workers.

8. International Workers' Day: While Labor Day is celebrated in the U.S. and Canada on the first Monday in September, many other countries observe International Workers' Day, also known as May Day, on May 1st.

9. Celebrations Beyond the U.S.: Labor Day-inspired celebrations have spread to other countries, albeit on different dates. For example, Australia celebrates Labor Day in various states and territories at different times of the year.

10. Tribute to Workers: Labor Day serves as a reminder of the labor movement's achievements, such as workers' rights, the 8-hour workday, and better working conditions, which have improved the lives of millions of workers worldwide.

These facts provide some insight into the history and significance of Labor Day, a holiday that honors the contributions of workers and the labor movement.

NEXT BLOG

TUESDAY SEPT. 5, 2023

-30-

-------------

Friday September 1, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

THIS BLOG IS BEST VIEWED IN

LANDSCAPE MODE

“I had one anchovy, that's why I didn't have two anchovies.“

— Mitch Hedberg

Senior Citizens Face

Loss of Buying Power, Study Shows

Inflation affects all consumers, but older Americans are facing an especially dramatic loss of buying power. A recent survey by the Senior Citizens League shows that Social Security benefits have seen a 36 percent loss in buying power since 2000. That number is actually an improvement from 2022, when the loss of buying power was at 40 percent.

In order for senior citizens to recapture the same buying power they had at the turn of the millennium, they would need an increase of $516 in their monthly Social Security benefits. For retirees, the average recipient benefit of $1,827 would need to increase to $2,343. They just received the largest cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in four decades, as their benefits went up 8.7 percent in 2023. The average annual increase since 2000 is 3.4 percent.

Read more >> click here

Author Judith C. Kayloe, PhD’s New Book

“Race to the Finish Line:

Social Dynamics in Retirement Communities”

Pulls Back the Curtain on the

Truths Behind the Retired Life

Judith C. Kayloe, PhD, who received her bachelor’s degree from Wittenberg University, her master’s degree in clinical psychology from the University of Dayton, and her doctoral degree (PhD) from Kent State University, has completed her new book, “Race to the Finish Line: Social Dynamics in Retirement Communities”: a thought-provoking look at the social challenges faced by retirees, and how one can better prepare for their retirement and, eventually, their exit from life.

After earning her PhD from Kent State University, author Judith C. Kayloe, PhD, established a group clinical practice in Northeast Ohio called Strongsville Psychological Services. It employed more than eighteen people when she retired and still exists. The author’s postgraduate training included a year’s certificate program at the Cleveland Institute of Cognitive therapy as well as psychoanalytic classes at Case Western University School of Medicine, and her graduate teaching includes Lake Erie college (CE credits for teachers and therapists). Kayloe has had multiple journal articles published, co-wrote a column reviewing tapes and literature in The Ohio Psychologist, and has done various radio and TV interviews in the Cleveland area related to current issues. Currently, the author has been retired for over twenty years and resides in Southern Florida.

Learn more >> https://www.pr.com/press-release/894072

PC FACTS

1. **Invention and Early Development**: The first personal computer, the Altair 8800, was released in 1975. However, it was the IBM Personal Computer, introduced in 1981, that marked a significant milestone in the development of personal computers.

2. **Microprocessors**: Personal computers are powered by microprocessors, which are integrated circuits that serve as the "brain" of the computer. The Intel 4004, introduced in 1971, is often considered the first microprocessor.

3. **Graphical User Interface (GUI)**: The introduction of the GUI revolutionized personal computing. The Xerox Alto, developed in the 1970s, was one of the first computers to feature a graphical interface with icons and windows.

4. **Operating Systems**: Personal computers run various operating systems, with Windows and macOS being the most popular. Linux is another widely used operating system, known for its open-source nature.

5. **Moore's Law**: Coined by Gordon Moore, this observation states that the number of transistors on a microchip doubles about every two years, leading to rapid advancements in processing power and capabilities.

6. **Internet Connectivity**: The integration of personal computers with the internet has transformed communication and information sharing. The World Wide Web, developed in the late 1980s, played a crucial role in making the internet accessible to a broader audience.

7. **Laptop and Mobile Computing**: Personal computers have evolved beyond desktop systems to include laptops, ultrabooks, tablets, and smartphones, providing users with portable computing options.

8. **Storage Evolution**: Personal computers have seen a significant evolution in storage technology, from floppy disks and CDs to solid-state drives (SSDs) and cloud storage, offering faster access and greater storage capacities.

9. **Multimedia and Entertainment**: Personal computers have become hubs for multimedia consumption and entertainment, with capabilities for gaming, video streaming, music playback, and creative tasks such as video editing and graphic design.

10. **Security Concerns**: As personal computers became more interconnected, cybersecurity became a critical concern. Users need to safeguard their devices against malware, viruses, and other cyber threats through antivirus software, firewalls, and responsible online behavior.

It's important to note that personal computer technology is continually evolving, so these facts might not capture the very latest developments in the field.

NEXT BLOG

WDNESDAY AUG. 30, 2023

-30-

-----------------

Monday August 28, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

THIS BLOG IS BEST VIEWED IN

LANDSCAPE MODE

“For the powerful,

crimes are those that others commit.”

― Noam Chomsky

Shorter Nikki Haley:

Work 'Til You Die, America!

By Frances Langum

If you needed proof that the only primary going on right now in the GOP is the primary to gain access to the wallets of the donor class?

Speaking on Bloomberg News, where she's SURE no actual voters can hear her, Nikki Haley goes off on how life expectancy means the Social Security retirement age should be increased.

Any candidate that says they’re not going to touch entitlements, means that they’re basically going to go into office and leave America bankrupt… We change the retirement age to reflect life expectancy.”

Social Security Cuts:

5 Ways Boomers Should Prepare

for the Upcoming

Cost of Living Adjustment Changes

What the Biden admin. plans to do to help bring inflation down.

By Ashley Donohoe

After receiving a historic 8.7% Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2023, retired baby boomers should prepare for more than a 50% smaller COLA in 2024. The Senior Citizens League, a national nonpartisan advocacy group, estimated that the 2024 COLA will only be around 3% because of falling inflation. However, some of the expenses driving inflation, such as food, housing and fuel, have had higher-than-average inflation rates that can put a squeeze on your budget.

Additionally, some proposals targeting the program’s funding shortfall have called for various Social Security cuts. This includes changing COLA calculations, which could reduce future increases.

Unless you prepare for these changes, it can be easy to overestimate your future Social Security income and wind up with insufficient alternative resources. Here are five ways you can help reduce the effects of a lower COLA on your retirement budget.

Dementia risk significantly reduced

by one key lifestyle change, experts find

Middle-aged and senior citizens who take part in adult education have a 19% decreased likelihood of developing dementia within five years, according to a groundbreaking study

By Nina Massey

Enrolling in adult education classes could potentially lower the risk of dementia, researchers have said in a groundbreaking revelation. A new study indicates that middle-aged and senior citizens who take part in adult education are 19% less likely to develop the condition within five years.

The research also suggests that those who attended these classes maintained their fluid intelligence - the capacity for quick reasoning and abstract thinking - and non-verbal reasoning performance more effectively than their counterparts who did not.

Dr Hikaru Takeuchi, the lead author from Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan, stated: "Here we show that people who take adult education classes have a lower risk of developing dementia five years later. Adult education is likewise associated with better preservation of non-verbal reasoning with increasing age."

More older Americans are being hospitalized

for high blood pressure, study finds

By Laura Coffey

This is surprising and worrying because there are many efforts to get people’s blood pressure under control.

Yale University researchers looked over the past 20 years to see if fewer people were being hospitalized for sudden jumps in blood pressure. Unfortunately, they found no good news.

Who is most affected?

People aged 65 and older appear to be most affected. The number of people in this age group hospitalized for very high blood pressure more than doubled from 1999 to 2019.

"Kidults?" "Eldertainment?"

Toymakers target grown-ups

By Jennifer A. Kingson

As children migrate from playthings to screens, toymakers have been tweaking their products to cater to the nostalgic tastes of adults, from Gen Z to senior citizens.

Why it matters: The "Barbie" and "Transformers" movies have helped fuel a retro toys craze among adults — and bolstered the hopes of toy sellers, who are trying to recover from a slump that even the pandemic couldn't shake off.

Driving the news: For the last several years, "kidults" — teenagers and adults who like cartoons, action figures, board games, building sets and puzzles — have been driving global toy sales, per Circana, a consultancy created from the merger of NPD and IRI.

Learn more >> https://www.axios.com/2023/08/25/kidults-eldertainment-toymakers-target-adults-toys-barbie

To my annoyance, the internet was down at the A.L.F. on Thursday and most of Friday, and I realized that TV without the streaming services, is really not worth watching.

For some mysterious reason, our Wi-Fi decided to take a break, leaving me unable to post my blog. On top of that, saying goodbye to my email, bank info, Facebook, Amazon, and all those apps I've grown dependent on was quite a blow. It was both unproductive and incredibly frustrating. And as if that wasn't enough, my go-to streaming services like Netflix and Amazon were also out of commission without Wi-Fi. Cable was an option, but without the premium channels (which are not available to us here like HBO or Showtime,) I was stuck with endless game shows, sappy Lifetime movies, or a never-ending stream of Law and Order reruns, all peppered with ads determined to ruin any ounce of interest you might have had in the program.

Back in 1961, Newton Norman Minow, who was running the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), called TV a "Vast Wasteland." And you know what? After spending almost a whole day without Wi-Fi, just flipping through basic cable and regular TV, I have to admit, he was right.

I get that advertising is what makes free TV possible. There was a time when TV ads were actually better though. They were more fun to watch and provided a lot more information. They showed us the latest technology of that era, like new TVs, cars, and kitchen gadgets. The people presenting the products were well-dressed, attractive, and spoke clearly. You could easily understand everything they said, and it was clear what they were selling. Brands like GE, Westinghouse, Kellogg's, Chevrolet, Marlboro, and Camels were instantly recognizable and easy to pronounce. Nowadays, I often find it hard to figure out what they're even trying to sell half the time.

And, between commercials, there was more content. Nowadays, content and advertising are split almost equally. Seven or eight minutes of content and five or six minutes of advertising.

This shift can be attributed to various factors, including changes in viewer behavior, advancements in technology, and the economic considerations of media companies. Viewers today tend to have shorter attention spans and higher expectations for fast-paced entertainment, which has led to the creation of shorter content segments interspersed with advertisements to maintain interest.

Additionally, technological advancements have enabled more precise targeting of advertisements, making it possible for advertisers to reach specific demographics with tailored messages. This has increased the value of advertising time, prompting media companies to allocate more time for commercials to maximize revenue.

It is however, refreshing to notice people are pushing back. For the first time, the streaming channels outpaced cable and broadcast media in viewership. Which shows people would rather pay to watch uninterrupted TV than have to watch minute after minute of inane, disruptive advertising.

Because of this, some old-school media outlets are trying out ad-free or fewer ads options to match what viewers now prefer. They get that people value their time and want content that doesn't disrupt them.

All of this really emphasizes how folks are pushing back against commercially sponsored television. It's a reminder that media companies need to find a good balance between making money and giving users a good experience. They're getting creative with things like subscriptions, partnerships, and sneaky product placements that don't bother viewers as much.

In any event, I’m thankful I have my Wi-Fi back, At least now I have something else to put me to sleep besides Wheel of Fortune….

Dallas now has something to brag about besides the brisket at Pecan Lodge. People ranked it the safest out of 16 major US cities in a recent Gallup poll. Some 74% of survey respondents consider it safe to live in or visit, giving it a slight edge over No. 2 Boston (72%) and a big one over No. 16 Detroit (26%). But perhaps more striking than which cities most Americans think are safe is which Americans think it. Political leanings played a big role: Republicans were less likely to rate cities as safe than Democrats by an average of 29 percentage points. And the impact has increased over time—in 2006, the last time Gallup conducted a poll with the same list of cities, that gap was only 2 percentage points.

Source: click here

NEXT BLOG

TUESDAY AUG. 29, 2023

-30-

-----------------

Friday August 25, 2023

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER

Our Wi-Fi router went offline yesterday evening

and only reconnected late on Friday.

This resulted in a delay in publishing today's blog.

I appreciate your understanding and patience. - bwc

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

THIS BLOG IS BEST VIEWED IN

LANDSCAPE MODE

“The art of being sick is not the same

as the art of getting well."

— Florence Nightingale

Three-Quarters Of 50+ Adults

Worry Social Security Will Dry Up.

Are They Right?

By DICCON HYATT

Older adults are growing more fearful that the Social Security program will run dry, a fear that has some basis in reality, but which may or may not come true.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

A survey shows three-quarters of U.S. adults over 50 believe Social Security will run out of money in their lifetime.

A recent report by the Social Security Trustees showed that the trust fund will run out of money by 2034 unless lawmakers take action.

If the fund runs out, Social Security benefits could still be paid at 80% of their current level.

Three-quarters of people older than 50 believe Social Security will run out of money in their lifetimes, according to a survey of 1,806 U.S. adults by the Harris Poll on behalf of financial services company Nationwide. That’s up from 66% who said the same in 2014.

Most should wait for updated COVID booster shot

to maximize protection: Experts

"It's hard to thread the needle perfectly when it comes to timing of boosters."

By Youri Benadjaoud

Although EG-5 makes up more than 20% of new cases, health officials say it so far doesn't appear...Read More

Despite the rising number of COVID cases and hospitalizations in the past month, experts said most people should wait for the updated boosters to be released before getting another shot.

"If you're in a low-risk category and don't have consistent interaction with high-risk family or friends, waiting for the updated booster may be the right call," Dr. John Brownstein, chief innovation officer at Boston Children's Hospital and ABC News Medical Contributor, told ABC News. "It is a highly individualized decision and unfortunately there isn't perfect data on this."

The updated booster is expected to be available mid-to-late September and is targeted to protect against newer variants, health officials said.

What Did I Come In Here For?

And what's your name again?

Don't forget that word-finding is a normal part of the aging process.

By Candy Schulman

What did I come in here for? I ask myself after ambling from my kitchen past my daughter's old bedroom. I don't live in a sprawling house but rather a never-large-enough city apartment. Sometimes I forget my mission even on shorter distances: from desk chair to printer or switching onto Safari to search the internet. What did I need again?

Perhaps it's an unconscious strategy to get my 10,000 steps daily. I achieve half my fitness goal by merely marching up and down a path towards the … closet? nightstand? bathroom? Or … ?

Momentarily, my brain can't conjure up the phrase "linen closet."

"It's the nouns," claims my friend, a longtime college professor.

I achieve half my fitness goal by merely marching up and down a path towards the … closet? nightstand? bathroom? Or … ?

If only I could speed up recall, the way my computer tech accelerates my sluggish Mac. Words arrive in an aha moment, albeit 24 hours later. I'll be on a walk with my husband and interrupt what he's saying to burst out a non-sequitur: "Omni-channel! It's a combination of traditional retailing and e-commerce!"

Read more >> click here

Can the Rest of Your Life

Be the Best of Your Life?

By Norma Zager

I have spoken many times about the limitations inherent in the whole getting-old thing. Few escape the fun surprises of old age and the many sad days remembering those who have left the party before you.

So what can one do to lift their spirits during this whole aging process?

Let’s face it, most aren’t capable of beginning to train for a marathon or mountain climbing. Still, many can. Of course, it’s possible to do numerous things as we age despite the fact there are some physical limits to what we can accomplish. Yet, and go with me here…the wisdom we’ve gleaned over so the years can help to achieve goals that may have been out of our reach in our youth.

Wisdom doesn’t require exercise. It doesn’t need a 20-year-old body.

4 Tips for Reinventing Your Personal Style

as You Get Older, Stylists Say

By JULIANA LABIANCA

Personal style is a fickle thing. One day, you feel like you've nailed it: Every piece in your wardrobe feels true to you, and you're totally comfortable in your own skin. Next, you have nothing to wear and are constantly distracted by others who seem to have things so much more together. It happens to everyone—but you needn't sit in those uninspired periods for long. With the right strategy, it's possible to spruce up your wardrobe. Here, we asked stylists for their best tips on reinventing your personal style as you get older. Read on for their step-by-step method for assessing your current wardrobe and deciding where to take it next.

1Assess the way your personality has changed.

Your personal style is derived from your personality—so as you reinvent your wardrobe, you should also consider the ways you've changed as a person.

"If you've softened your personality over time, let your wardrobe reflect that with soft-to-the-touch materials and colors that flatter your appearance that are also softer," suggests stylist and image consultant Joseph Rosenfeld. "Or, if you've become emboldened over time, shift your personal style to project the confidence you feel by increasing the contrast in colors in your ensembles, embrace wearing jewel-toned colors, and wear clothing styles that look as sturdy as your persona."

Learn more >> click here

ASSISTED LIVING REPORT No. 724

Activities. Or Lack Thereof

More and more of us Baby Boomers are getting closer to that stage where living on our own is no longer a piece of cake. We'll need some help with our daily tasks, and many of us will be on the lookout for other housing options besides just staying home. Unless you're at the point of needing a nursing home, there aren't a ton of choices out there. If you're still pretty spry and can move around well, a senior community might suit you fine. But if health problems, moving difficulties, or memory hiccups make daily life a bit of a challenge, then assisted living is pretty much the only game in town.

I've talked about this before, but assisted living places come in all flavors. You can go for the fancy ones that feel like resorts or stick with the basics – your experience depends on what you're willing to pay. But no matter if you're shelling out $10,000 a month or a more reasonable $5,000, they all throw in some activities to keep you engaged. The catch is, these activities might not be for you. And that's a problem.

Unless you're the kind of person who's up for anything and everything, the activity list at most assisted living spots, no matter how long, could bore you to bits. And if you're a guy, well, the list is even shorter. I'm not saying dudes can't get into jewelry making, painting, word games, knitting, or the omnipresent BINGO, but the usual suspects like woodworking, fixing up cars, hunting, fishing, or golf aren't usually part of the "fun stuff" lineup. Honestly, there's not much in terms of activities that are just for the guys. Of course, nobody's stopping you from doing your own thing, unless it's something they label as risky. And by "risky," I mean anything pointy, hot, sharp, or toxic. So, you might want to lean more towards stamp collecting or doing crossword puzzles.

Back in the day, before I joined the legion of old folks, my thing was photography. I was really into it, and it could have turned into a serious side-gig for me. I enjoyed all aspects of it, but what I really focused on was taking pictures of cityscapes, streets, and landscapes. These days, I still manage to snap a few shots every now and then. However, I can't move around like I used to, so my photo options are pretty much limited to this place and the land around it. I've been living here for a good ten years, and as you can imagine, I've pretty much photographed every nook and cranny here twice over. So, my days are kind of empty. Thankfully, my computer and this blog keep me sane. If it weren't for them, I don’t know what I may have done.

Just because the options might be limited or not exactly what you prefer, doesn't mean there aren't things that could be fulfilling for you. If you're into reading, you'll have all the time you need to finally dive into those books you've been wanting to read. Most places have decent libraries and you can also find plenty of books online. We've got classic board games like Scrabble and Monopoly too, though it might be a bit tough to find folks to play with, just like with playing cards. Quite a few of our folks aren't too keen on or focused enough for some of these games. And hey, if you're someone who just enjoys chilling out, you're in the perfect spot. Doing nothing could easily be the main thing to do around here.

Basically, you’ll have to make the most out of your situation and discover what brings you joy. If you're fortunate, you might come across folks who share your interests. The person in charge of activities can assist in creating such a group and might even supply the necessary equipment. And lastly, like I've mentioned a bunch of times, no matter where life takes you, get ready for some big lifestyle changes. But always keep in mind, there's a reason you're where you are, and the crucial thing is that you're safe and can access help when needed. The "fun" part can happen down the road... Take care!

The weekend's here, and the weather's looking nice (at least in this area). Grab your partner and go do something fun. Or, if you're fortunate and still can, relive those pre-kid days. It's a fantastic activity for two, or even just by yourself... 😉 -

SICK DAY

Yesterday was August 24, the most popular day of the year for employees to call out sick, according to a survey by PTO management software company Flamingo. More American take a sick day today than on Feb. 13, America’s second sickest day of the year and one that suspiciously lines up with the day after the Super Bowl.

NEXT WEEKDAY BLOG

MONDAY AUG. 28, 2023

-30-

----------------------------------

Thursday August 24, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

THIS BLOG IS BEST VIEWED IN

LANDSCAPE MODE

“In wine there is wisdom,

in beer there is Freedom,

in water there is bacteria.”

― Benjamin Franklin

The psychological immune system:

four ways to bolster yours –

and have a happier, calmer life

By Ammar Kalia

Our minds are more resilient than we know. According to a growing body of research, first popularised by psychologists Daniel Gilbert and Tim Wilson in the early 2000s, the brain has a remarkable capacity to make the best of bad events: when we encounter negative situations we subconsciously activate what is known as our psychological immune system.

A self-protective mechanism analogous to the body’s own immune system, the psychological immune system is a series of processes that our brain initiates to help us make sense of the adverse environment we might be in, assign meaning to what is happening, and ultimately find positives for the future. If we fail to land a job we had wanted, for instance, our brain might reason that the interviewer was rude and biased, therefore it wasn’t the role for us. Or, we will speak to a friend and gain a new perspective on the benefits of our existing job.

Gilbert and Wilson’s research has found that we often overestimate how unhappy we will be after negative events, since our psychological immune system helps to shelter us from the effects of difficult circumstances. “We underestimate how quickly our feelings are going to change in part because we underestimate our ability to change them,” Gilbert once told the Monitor on Psychology magazine. “This can lead us to make decisions that don’t maximise our potential for satisfaction.”

Read more >> click here

Cracking the Code of Waking Up Tired:

Reasons and Remedies

By Kayla Morgan

Do you find yourself hitting the snooze button multiple times each morning, only to drag yourself out of bed feeling just as tired as when you went to sleep? If this scenario sounds all too familiar, you’re not alone. The experience of waking up tired is a common issue many people face, and it can significantly impact the quality of your day. The findings of a recent study shed light on the factors contributing to this phenomenon.

According to a study reported by CNN, this inconsistency in waking up feeling tired is frequently attributed to an elevated state of sleep inertia. Sleep inertia is a circadian process that regulates memory, mood, reaction time, and alertness upon awakening. For certain individuals, this phase, after silencing the alarm, can result in reduced performance and a sensation of grogginess. Typically, the effects of sleep inertia subside within 15 to 60 minutes, although they might persist for several hours.

Cracking the code of waking up tired...

Which is the best position to sleep in?

By Claudia Hammond

Some swear by a night on their side, others on their back. But which sleeping position is the best for a good night's rest?

If you live anywhere affected by the recent heatwaves, you may well have spent your nights tossing and turning, trying out different sleeping positions in an attempt to get comfortable. But what does the evidence say about which sleeping positions are actually the best?

Studies on everyone from seafarers on container ships to welders in Nigeria might be able to help us, although given how important sleep is to us it's surprising how few large-scale studies have been conducted.

First you need a way of working out which position people are sleeping in. You can ask them of course, but we only really remember the way we were lying when we were trying to fall asleep and the position we wake up in. To find out more, researchers have tried a variety of techniques including filming people while they sleep or getting them to use wearable technology that monitors their movements.

Should You Opt For Elderly Care

And Counselling Services At Home

If Children Are Not Around?

Senior people living alone have to undergo several hardships related

to their physical and psychological well-being. Do elderly care

and counselling services cater to their need in such a situation?

The population of elderly citizens living alone at home away from their children is increasing every year. With ageing, the health condition deteriorates continuously, and aged people require extra care and support. Due to job constraints, children often can’t move back to live with their parents. So, how do health and well-being of senior citizens be ensured?

Elderly care and counselling services can be provided at home to improve the quality of life of senior citizens living alone. Let’s find out how such services can help ageing senior citizens.

Counselling Can Help Senior Citizens Living Alone

One of the disheartening situations that senior citizens may face while living alone is seeing their friends, peers, close relatives, etc., dying. It can make anyone feel depressed. While living alone, they can’t express their feelings to anyone, worsening their situation. A regular counselling session with the domain expert can make them feel better.

Staffing, cost of care, living conditions

top bones of contention for prospective

AL residents and operators, white paper details

By Kimberly Bonvissuto

As an upcoming wave of baby boomers continues to shape the senior living landscape, a new white paper looks at top concerns those prospective residents are raising in evaluating their options, and it provides best practices to help operators achieve expectations.

Although more than 55% of survey respondents said they likely would need services offered by assisted living communities, 88% had reservations about those communities, primarily related to care, cost and facility quality. The survey was conducted by customer experience research firm A Closer Look.

Staffing was the top concern among respondents, who cited a lack of supportive caregivers in assisted living communities as a worry.

Learn more >> click here

62% of adults under age 35 say they drink, down from 72% two decades ago

Conversely, drinking has increased among adults aged 55 and older

Gallup’s long-term measure of alcohol consumption asks U.S. adults whether they “ever have occasion to use alcoholic beverages.” While the national average has been steady in the low 60% range for over 40 years, the age trends reviewed for this report show that the rate has declined 10 percentage points over the past two decades among younger adults, aged 18 to 34, falling from 72% to 62%. Meanwhile, the percentage of drinkers has increased by 10 points among older adults, those 55 and older, going from 49% to 59%.

While these groups on either end of the age spectrum now report similar drinking rates, those in the middle, aged 35 to 54, maintain a higher drinking rate, at 69%, on par with the prior 67% readings for this age group.

Source: https://news.gallup.com/poll/509690/young-adults-drinking-less-prior-decades.aspx?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter

NEXT BLOG

FRIDAY AUG. 25, 2023

-30-

-----------------

Wednesday August 23, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

THIS BLOG IS BEST VIEWED IN

LANDSCAPE MODE

“Beware of the dogs in the corporate woods waiting to fleece you.

Don't let them take ownership of what is rightfully yours.”

― Charles D. McCarrick

Reversing Hearing Loss –

A New Promising Genetic Treatment

Researchers at The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London have successfully reversed hearing loss in mice.

Their findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, detail a genetic method used to restore hearing in mice affected by a faulty Spns2 gene, particularly in the low to middle-frequency areas. Researchers say this proof-of-concept study suggests that hearing impairment resulting from reduced gene activity may be reversible.

Over half of adults in their 70s experience significant hearing loss. Impaired hearing is associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing depression and cognitive decline, as well as being a major predictor of dementia. While hearing aids and cochlear implants may be useful, they do not restore normal hearing function, and neither do they halt disease progression in the ear. There is a significant unmet need for medical approaches that slow down or reverse hearing loss.

THE MOST COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS

ABOUT HEARING LOSS

BY KEITH DARROW

How would you feel about living a life that is healthier and happier?

I suppose the answer would be a resounding, “I would love that!” I’m here to tell you that as you age, there are certain misconceptions that, if understood, can help you and your loved ones live healthier, happier and perhaps even longer lives.

Many don’t fully understand what hearing loss truly entails. While hearing loss is the #1 sensory disorder on the planet, it is also one of the least treated chronic medical conditions.

Let’s discuss some common misconceptions about hearing loss and what you can do to support healthy hearing.

Misconception #1: Your Doctor Will Inform You If You Have Hearing Loss

Ice vs. Heat:

Which to Choose for Your Pain

The best practices for finding relief from minor injuries and chronic aches

By Joyce Sampson

Few things are certain in life, but aches and pains are a given, especially as we age.

Research shows that older adults are more active than ever, donning sneakers for a game of pickleball, hitting the trails to train for a marathon, even digging in the dirt to tend to a garden. (Trust us when we say that all the major muscle groups are working when you’re out there weeding, raking and planting.)

But all this activity, while great for your health, can leave you with some pain — be it a pulled muscle or inflamed joints. Ice and heat therapy have long been the go-to methods to relieve pain, but confusion persists over which to choose. Here’s what the experts have to say.

When to chill....

Read more >> click here

The Effects of Resilience on Aging

By Chris Draper

More than exercise, eating well and good genes, resilience will have the most impact on how well you age. Resilience is the ability to pick yourself up after a bad experience and keep going. To not only keep going but to actually grow stronger from the experience. Aging now is much different than it was several decades ago. You need different strengths to age well and resilience is one of them. What makes some people more resilient and how does it affect you as you age?

Chronic conditions and disease

For most of us, aging will include at least one chronic disease or condition. Most typical are adult onset diabetes, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease, arthritis and chronic pain. For many decades adults would reach for over the counter or prescription medication at the first twinge of pain. Though we are still taking more and more prescriptions as we age we now know that our attitude toward medical problems means a lot. Rather than laying in bed and resting, moving as much as we can will help more toward making us feel better.

Cognitive ability....

AFTER HEARTBREAK,

NEW WIDOWS MUST REVISIT

THEIR FINANCES

BY KATHLEEN M. REHL

I was devastated. A few days after I turned 60, I was suddenly a widow. But really, I was typical. Surprisingly, the average age at which a wife becomes a widow is 59.4.

About 1 million women a year in the U.S. experience what may be the most stressful event in their life. With almost 16 million widowed persons in the country today, 77% are female.

The death of a spouse brings on a flood of financial responsibilities, further complicating matters. Because their husbands frequently handled significant money issues, many widows aren’t as familiar with investing, insurance policies, taxes, or estate planning, even though they may have managed day-to-day household finances well.

New widows are likely overcome by grief and despair initially. As a result, financial issues might get pushed to the side.

Learn more >> https://sixtyandme.com/new-widow-stages-finance/

No Balloons , Thank You

The other day, I went back to my room after breakfast and was surprised to see a balloon floating over my bed. Just to clarify, it wasn't some attempt at espionage by the Chinese, and it wasn't a runaway carnival balloon either. What it actually turned out to be was the quirky way the folks at the Asylum chose to wish me a happy birthday. They've done this before, leaving helium-filled balloons in different spots around the place. Usually, they try to catch me during breakfast in the dining room for what they call the "Balloon Ceremony." The servers or even fellow diners join in, singing the birthday song. Despite their efforts, I've always just said thanks but tried to avoid the whole thing.

I do understand the thought behind it, but I'd rather not make a big deal out of my birthday. I mean, why all the fuss? I'm not really that special. We can't really know how many people share my birthdate, but we do know that around 365,000 babies are born daily.[1] And out of those, roughly 65% born in the same year as me are still around. According to my online calculations, there are about 237,000 other people my age who are celebrating the same birthday. So, you see, it's not a huge deal.

Honestly, without Facebook, I'd likely forget most of my friends' and relatives' birthdays. No offense intended, and if you're bothered by this, I apologize. It's not that I don't care, I just... well, maybe I don't care that much. What makes you so special anyway?

I'm not really into birthday parties either. Even as a kid, they weren't my thing. Sure, I liked the presents, but being in front of a bunch of hyperactive, sugar-fueled second-graders was just plain embarrassing. The last birthday bash I can recall was when I was six. My mom thought it'd be fun. Maybe it was, but not for me. I loathed it. Thankfully, she never threw me another one after that, opting for small family celebrations instead. My ex attempted to bring back the tradition for my 40th. When I told her she could have a party, but count me out, the whole thing got canceled, for ever.

You can totally go ahead and wish me a happy birthday if you want. I won't stop you, but don't be shocked if all you get back is a simple wave, nod or grunt. Oh, and in case you're curious about the balloon, I let it loose. It was last spotted drifting south (towards New York City), probably causing another UFO rumor. The truth is out there, my friends...

Source: https://www.chicagotribune.com/featured/sns-ws-people-alive-year-you-were-born-20210817-5i5nfctosrhzxnbxmbprx2kz4a-photogallery.html

SEE ALL 50 > CLICK HERE

NEXT BLOG

THURSDAY AUG. 24, 2023

-30-

-----------------

Tuesday August 22, 2024

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

THIS BLOG IS BEST VIEWED IN

LANDSCAPE MODE

“Smoking kills. If you’re killed,

you’ve lost a very important part of your life.”

― Brooke Shields

How Nursing Homes Failed

to Protect Residents From Covid

A series of hurdles prevented the facilities from shielding older

people, despite the best efforts of staff. Experts

are calling for reforms before the next virus arrives.

By Paula Span

The first terrifying wave of Covid-19 caused 60,000 deaths among residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities within five months. As the pandemic wore on, medical guidelines called for promptly administering newly approved antiviral treatments to infected patients at high risk of severe illness, hospitalization or death.

Why, then, did fewer than one in five nursing home residents with Covid receive antiviral treatment from May 2021 through December 2022?

It’s hardly the only way that the nation’s nursing homes proved unable to keep patients safe. A series of studies assessing their attempts to protect vulnerable patients and workers from Covid, along with interviews with experts inside and outside the industry, presents a very mixed pandemic report card.

Daily sugar-sweetened drinks

linked to liver problems in older women,

report finds

By Giri Viswanathan

More than 6 in 10 adults in the United States drink sugar-sweetened beverages on a daily basis. For older women, that might mean a higher risk of liver cancer and death from chronic liver disease, a new study finds.

The report, published on Tuesday in the medical journal JAMA, tracked the beverage choices of nearly 100,000 women between the ages of 50 and 79 across the United States and looked at their health outcomes over two decades. Compared with women who consumed fewer sugar-sweetened beverages less frequently, those who drank sugary beverages every day faced higher rates of liver cancer and death from chronic liver disease.

WHO declares widely used sweetener aspartame a possible cancer cause, but intake guidelines stay the same.

Throughout the study, participants reported how often they consumed sweetened soft drinks and fruit drinks on a scale from “never or less than once per month” to “6 or more per day.” Researchers also looked at the number of those women who were diagnosed with liver cancer or died from chronic liver disease across a study period of, on average, nearly 21 years.

Things To Consider Before

Selling Your House

And Moving To An Old-Age Home

“People who are nearing retirement age constantly worry about two things—community support and social life. Given the condition of lifestyle and choices made during productive years, the narrative often changes fast once retired”, says Ajay Sharma, Managing Director, Valuation Services, Colliers India.

One needs to keep several aspects in mind before leaving your home. Here’re some crucial points to remember before selling your house and moving to an old-age home.

Assess Your Emotional Attachment To The Home, Medical And Other Needs

You must have spent a long time in your home, and leaving it suddenly can result in an emotional setback. You need to prepare yourself very well before deciding to sell your home.

Changing a home during the last leg of your lifecycle also requires a serious check of your medical needs. It’s essential to stay closer to where you can get quick medical support such as a medical in the surrounding, 24-hour doctor support, regular health check-ups, etc. Access to recreational activity is also essential because you would initially need to divert your mind to settle down easily.

What Happens When

You Run Out of Money

in Assisted Living

What Happens When You Run Out of Money in Assisted Living?

As we age, it’s essential to plan for our future needs, including the possibility of requiring assisted living. Assisted living facilities provide support and care for seniors who require assistance with daily activities but do not need the constant medical attention provided in nursing homes. However, the cost of assisted living can be significant, and it’s crucial to understand what happens if you run out of money in such a setting.

When you run out of money in assisted living, you may face several challenges. The facility may require you to pay privately for a certain period, or they may work with you to find alternative funding sources. Here are a few possible scenarios that could occur:

1. Private pay: If you can’t afford to pay for assisted living, you may be asked to move out unless you can find alternative funding sources.

Peek inside this retired couple's

semitrailer turned into

a permanent home

By Camille Fine

After fantasizing for more than 30 years of taking life on the road together, Clayton Balabanov and Teresa Davies turned their dreams into a tractor-trailer-sized reality.

When it was finally time to plan the next chapter of life, which would come after their retirements, Balabanov began to look for the perfect home for their golden years. He came up short, failing to find the right fit for their grand vision: an environmentally friendly, cozy and spacious semitrailer that would last the rest of their lives.

Instead, they went with a 73-foot “blank canvas” and built a full-time home, fondly nicknamed “Nomad Monster,” to travel the continent.

Balabanov has wondered if he overcommitted to making the five-year project absolutely perfect, but the couple wouldn’t have it any other way. Balabanov, who had worked on one other trailer before, was responsible for the actual build while Davies handled the materials, they said.

See more >> click here

U.S. Cigarette Smoking Rate Steady,

Near Historical Low

The update is part of Gallup’s annual Consumption Habits survey, conducted July 3-27.

When Gallup first asked about cigarette smoking in 1944, 41% of U.S. adults said they smoked. A decade later, a historical high of 45% was reached. From then, smoking rates gradually descended, falling permanently below 30% in 1989 and 20% in 2015.

The decline in smoking has come as more Americans likely heed the warnings about the health dangers associated with cigarette smoking and as most public places prohibit it. The survey finds 76% of U.S. adults saying cigarettes are “very harmful” to people who use them, significantly more than for other tobacco-related products like pipes and cigars, as well as other substances like marijuana and alcohol.

A major reason for the decline in smoking is that fewer young adults today than in prior decades are smoking cigarettes. Typically, young adults had much higher smoking rates than other age groups. Whereas 35% of young adults said they smoked cigarettes in 2001-2003, the figure has dropped to 10% in 2019-2023 data.

Not only has the percentage of U.S. smokers declined, but so has the amount of smoking among current smokers. Since 2021, an average of 21% of U.S. smokers have said they consume a pack of cigarettes per day, and 6% smoke more than one pack. In the 1940s and 1950s, close to four in 10 smoked a pack per day, and about 20% smoked more than that.

During the 21st century, majorities have smoked less than a pack per day, including an average of 71% since 2021.

Source: https://news.gallup.com/

NEXT BLOG

WEDNESDAY AUG. 23, 2023

-30-

------------------

Learn more about this day.

CLICK HERE

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

THIS BLOG IS BEST VIEWED IN

LANDSCAPE MODE

“Tattooing is about personalizing the body,

making it a true home and fit temple

for the spirit that dwells inside it.”

____MICHELLE DELIO

Respect your elders.

The Age Discrimination

in Employment Act

Did you know that this Monday, August 21, is National Senior Citizens' Day?

Neither did I. But it is!

How are you going to spend National Senior Citizens' Day? I was thinking about playing shuffleboard, telling some kids to get off my lawn, and asking my grandson to explain to me what Facebook is.

But enough kidding around. This is a law blog, so we'll honor the occasion by talking about the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, our federal age discrimination law. How much do you know?

Ooh, I feel a quiz coming on . . .

Senior citizens are the fastest-growing

cannabis clientele

By Daniel de Visé,

Seniors, and not the high-school kind, are the fastest-growing population of cannabis users, a trend that illustrates what a long, strange trip the legalization movement has been.

The share of over-65 Americans who have used marijuana nearly tripled in a decade, from 11% in 2009 to 32% in 2019, according to a respected federal survey on drug use. More than half of the 60-64 demographic reported cannabis use, another sharp increase.

Cannabis consumption among older adults reached 35% in 2021. But the pandemic affected the survey methodology, researchers said, possibly skewing the results.

The graying of cannabis culture signals broadening social acceptance of marijuana, which is now available for recreational use in 23 states. It is also a generational story about the aging baby boomers, a generation that grew up in an era of psychotropic experimentation.

Advance Directives

in Long Term Care

Long term care facilities often serve as primary healthcare settings for end-of-life decision making. Anywhere from 45-70% of older adults facing end-of-life circumstances are unable to make their own healthcare decisions.[1] Advanced care planning helps ensure that a resident’s personal decisions around the care they desire are known and respected. It also makes providing patient care easier for both long term care providers and for the resident’s family members or other authorized decision makers.

The Patient Self-Determination Act

The importance of advanced care planning was acknowledged by the federal government with passage of the Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA) in 1990.[2] The PSDA amended titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act (Medicare and Medicaid), to require that hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, hospice programs, home health agencies, and other specified health care organizations meet certain requirements relating to patient/resident health care decision-making and advance directives. Among its requirements, the PSDA mandates that the designated health care organizations maintain written policies and procedures (applicable to adult patients/residents) to:

Read more >> click here

Which Factors Distinguish

Superagers From the Rest of Us?

By Nadine Eckert

Even at an advanced age, superagers have the memory of someone 20 or 30 years their junior. But why is that? A new study shows that in superagers, age-related atrophy of the gray matter, especially in the areas responsible for memory, develops much more slowly than in normal older adults. However, the study also emphasizes the importance of physical and mental fitness for a healthy aging process.

"One of the most important unanswered questions with regard to superagers is, 'Are they resistant to age-related memory loss, or do they have coping mechanisms that allow them to better offset this memory loss?' " wrote Marta Garo-Pascual, a PhD candidate at the Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain, and colleagues in the Lancet Healthy Longevity. "Our results indicate that superagers are resistant to these processes."

Six Years' Monitoring

From a cohort of older adults who had participated in a study aiming to identify early indicators of Alzheimer’s disease, the research group chose 64 superagers and 55 normal senior citizens. The latter served as the control group. While the superagers performed just as well in a memory test as people 30 years their junior, the control group’s performance was in line with their age and level of education.

Read more >> click here

Is it better to take Social Security at

62 or 67? Why it's worth waiting

if you can.

Patience can pay off.

By Keith Speights

When should you file for Social Security? That's the question many Americans really begin to seriously consider as they approach their early 60s.

Nearly one in three Americans begin receiving Social Security benefits at age 62. More than half of Americans file for Social Security before their full retirement age.

In some cases, those are the best strategies – but not always. Here are three no-brainer reasons to claim Social Security at age 67.

Learn more >> https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2023/08/06/social-security-retirement-age-67/70538142007/

Will Seniors Shape

Tomorrows Transportation?

Back when I was a kid, ages ago, our family didn't have a car. We just relied on public transportation to get around our home turf in Brooklyn and sometimes for a trip to the city. Going to grandma's place meant taking the subway on the "El" or maybe grabbing a taxi. If we were heading to downtown Brooklyn for shopping, we'd hop on a trolley, or a "Trolley bus." Even my dad used the subway to get to his job in Manhattan. People of all ages, young and old, used public transportation in their daily routines. Even our annual summer vacation in the "Mountains" was made possible by the Short Line bus, which carried tired New Yorkers to a hotel or bungalow colony in the Catskills. It wasn't until the mid-1950s, when my older brother got his 1952 Chevy that our family started using cars to get around. And ever since then, me and most of my friends have been pretty hooked on using cars.

I don't drive anymore, and there's a good reason behind it. My eyesight isn't great for driving comfortably, and my hearing isn't perfect either, which affects another important aspect of safe driving. Then, there's the financial side of things. Owning a car these days is just too expensive for me, considering gas prices, insurance, repairs, and all those license and registration fees. It's just too much on my fixed income. So, I rely on other methods of transportation. It's not as convenient as driving myself, but it's definitely cheaper and, more importantly, safer for both me and those around me. I'm sure I'm not the only senior or baby boomer who feels this way. As time goes on, more of us will join the ranks of non-drivers. It makes me wonder what options we'll have for safe, quick, affordable, and convenient transportation in the years to come.

For quite some time now, it's been obvious that we need to find new ways to power our transportation to maintain energy independence and address the environmental harm caused by burning fossil fuels. Going with electric cars and other alternative-fuel vehicles seems like a good choice for those who need to drive. But what about the rest of us? People who can't drive due to physical or financial reasons?

Some folks propose self-driving cars as a solution. However, whether folks will trust a robot to zip them along the highway at 75 mph is a big question. My guess? Not too many, especially among older Americans. What we really require is a more affordable and effective way for the upcoming "Silver Tsunami" generation to move around. That's where a vastly improved light rail system, alternative fuel buses, subways, and a high-speed intercity rail network come in. These could replace expensive and infrequent air travel options.

The key ingredient here is a government willing to invest the necessary funds and a citizenry to demand it. Unfortunately, I haven't seen much action from Washington or most Americans in tackling this issue so far.

Even if we're open to making changes, it'll probably be many years, maybe even decades, before we actually get everything we need. So, what I'm thinking is, let's consider a short-term fix that won't require major changes to how things are set up. I'm suggesting we look into using those golf-cart-like vehicles for quick trips to nearby spots like local shops, restaurants, and cool events. You know, trips that are less than 3 miles. These vehicles would have their own lanes, sort of like how we have bike lanes right now, separate from the regular car traffic. Actually, we could even use the existing bike lanes for these carts too.

Now, people usually walk at a pace of around 2.5 to 4 miles per hour. So, if we keep the carts going under 10 miles per hour, that should be good for most folks. Plus, moving that slowly would lessen the impact if there's any collision. Sure, we'd need to figure out the specifics, but I'm up for giving it a shot!……………..

Tat Stats

Nearly one-third of people in the US say they have a tattoo, and 22% say they have more than one, according to a Pew Research Center survey published this week.

Having ink is common across all genders, races, and socioeconomic levels, but there are notable trends.

More women (38%) have at least one tattoo than men (27%).

Over half of lesbian, gay, or bisexual Americans have at least one tattoo, compared to 31% of straight Americans.

Youngsters under 30 are more likely to have a tattoo (41%) than people 65 and older (13%).

Major companies have only recently started to adapt their tattoo policies to attract new employees. Within the last two years, Disney, UPS, and Virgin Atlantic reversed their bans on visible tattoos at work. Even the US Army, which didn’t allow soldiers to have tattoos until 2015, eased its bans on hand and neck tattoos last year.

source: https://www.morningbrew.com/

NEXT BLOG

TUESDAY AUG. 22, 2023

-30-

----------------

FRIDAY AUGUST 18, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

THIS BLOG IS BEST VIEWED IN

LANDSCAPE MODE

"Fine art and pizza delivery:

what we do falls neatly in between."

– David Letterman

Why Do So Few Doctors Want To

Specialize In Caring For Older Adults?

By Howard Gleckman

You might think that the aging of the Baby Boomer generation, with the Gen-Xers following close behind, would make geriatric medicine a popular specialty. Almost as attractive, perhaps, as orthopedic surgery. But you’d be very, very wrong.

In 2000, there were only about 10,000 board-certified geriatricians to care for 35 million Americans age 65 or older. That was bad enough. But the shortage has gotten far worse.

Now, there are more than 55 million older Americans. The fastest growing age group is the country is made up of people 85 and older. Yet, the number of geriatricians, doctors trained to specialize in the care of older adults, has fallen to barely 7,400. I’ll do the math for you: That’s one trained geriatrician for roughly every 7,500 seniors.

The Top 5 Medicare Mistakes

Medicare can be quite daunting. There are thousands of supplemental plans, many different enrollment periods, and various parts like A, B, C and D. It’s all too easy to make mistakes in this complex process. Unfortunately, some of these errors can have a major impact on your finances.

This guide will help you steer clear of the five most common Medicare mistakes. If you need further assistance, reach out to your Wealthspire advisor. They’ll connect you to free Medicare resources to help you make the best choices for your health and finances.

These are the top five Medicare mistakes to avoid:

1.Choosing a Medicare plan without prescription drug coverage

You may have heard of “Medicare Part D.” These plans help protect you from catastrophic prescription costs. Some specialty prescriptions can cost thousands of dollars without insurance, so clients may look instead into Part D drug plans.

Covid, flu, RSV vaccines urged

as health officials brace for

respiratory virus season

By Erika Edwards

For the first time this fall, there will be three different vaccines against the biggest respiratory virus threats: a new Covid booster, the yearly flu shot and two RSV vaccines for older adults.

On Tuesday, state health officials urged eligible Americans to get the vaccines ahead of what many believe could be an intense winter respiratory season, especially after several years of unpredictable viral activity.

"We are very, very concerned about the upcoming pan-respiratory season," Dr. Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, said during a media briefing Wednesday. ASTHO is a group that represents public health agencies nationwide.

Lower Vitamin D Levels

Linked to Increased Inflammation

in Older Adults

By Julia Landwehr

Older people with vitamin D deficiency may have more inflammation in their bodies, according to a new study.

It's not yet clear whether the lack of vitamin D was causing the additional inflammation, rather, the research simply found an association.

Supplements or dietary changes can help boost vitamin D levels, though a host of individual factors can determine how much a person might need, experts said.

Older adults who are deficient in vitamin D may be more likely to experience chronic inflammation, new research suggests.

The study, recently published in PLoS ONE, found an association among a group of older Irish people between low vitamin D levels and high levels of a protein that denotes inflammation in the body.

Can I Be Reimbursed for

Mom's Assisted Living Rent?

Q - If the child of a parent who is moving into assisted living pays for the parent's first month's rent while also in the process of selling the parent's home for assisted living expenses, can that child be safely reimbursed for the amount of money paid once the home is sold and not affect Medicaid look-back when that parent becomes eligible for nursing home care?

Learn more >> https://www.elderlawanswers.com/can-i-be-reimbursed-for-moms-assisted-living-rent-19906

Americans are in a state of confusion, resembling a group of seniors with cognitive challenges. We seem to have lost our sense of identity, purpose, and direction. Some claim we have become unhinged, but I argue that our main issue is a lack of clear focus.

There was a time when we held a collective national objective. This goal aimed to offer every American the chance to lead a secure, thriving life, with the potential to exceed the average lifestyle and achieve substantial wealth. Moreover, this wealth would enable the creation of large-scale enterprises that could provide employment to millions of dedicated individuals striving to fulfill their aspirations. In the past, this aspiration appeared feasible, marked by a period when politicians, regardless of party affiliation, campaigned with messages of optimism. Herbert Hoover's famous slogan, "A chicken in every pot, and a car in every garage," exemplified this era. Today, we might indeed have access to a chicken in our pot, but the cost of that chicken is nearly fifteen times what it was during the 1930s when President Hoover was in office. Additionally, even if we possess a car in our garage, the expenses associated with using it have become prohibitive.

I chose the year 1930 intentionally, not because it was a prosperous time for our nation, but because it marked the beginning of a pivotal phase in America's maturity. The year 1930 marked the onset of the Great Depression, a period during which countless individuals experienced the loss of their jobs, homes, finances, and even lives. However, it was the events that followed Herbert Hoover's tenure that truly resonated with me and filled me with a sense of pride in being an American.

During this time, it was President Franklin Roosevelt who demonstrated remarkable strength, genuine leadership, and the ability to unite politicians for a common cause. He tackled what could be considered the most significant challenge our nation had faced since the Civil War. Remarkably, despite our differences, we managed to set aside our discord and develop initiatives that not only provided employment opportunities for Americans, but also contributed to the development of our infrastructure, the advancement of technology, and the preservation and enhancement of our arts and culture.

Franklin Roosevelt, the President in question, was not a man of limited means, but rather someone who comprehended the responsibilities that come with wealth.

Unfortunately, as of today, I don't see any promising individuals on the political horizon. Let's take a closer look at our current situation.

On one side, we have the leader of one party who has shown misogynistic tendencies, faced impeachment twice, been indicted four times, and has a reputation for being self-absorbed and dishonest. On the other side, the candidate from the opposing party is an elderly individual. Furthermore, we observe CEOs of major corporations earning 600 times more than their employees, choosing to seek cost-cutting measures through outsourcing to other countries rather than reinvesting in America's workforce.

The "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) slogan is catchy, but it's marred by issues such as racism, anti-semitism, anti-women stances, and anti-democratic policies. Many of the supporters seem misguided in believing that their leader truly cares about their well-being. The MAGA concept I desire envisions a nation emerging from its collective stupor, returning to the fundamentals of independent thought, thriving entrepreneurship, and a genuine acceptance of others.

As we reflect on the weekend, our thoughts go out to the people of Maui, who will need the resilient spirit of the American people to rebuild their lives……

FOOD DELIVERY DIPS IN POPULARITY

Fast-casual food delivery is becoming less popular as more people get their freaking arses up and opt for takeout or in-person dining.

The dip in delivery is largely because consumers are watching their wallets, analysts say. With pandemic lockdowns behind us, people can no longer justify paying the fees and inflated menu prices associated with clicking “Order” from the couch.

And some fast-casual chains are getting nostalgic for the goblin mode days.

Sweetgreen has fulfilled fewer delivery orders and more pickups recently, and the salad chain fell short of overall revenue estimates last quarter.

Deliveries for health bowl competitor Cava have similarly declined, with pickups on the up. That contributed to the company’s cautious sales growth forecast for the year (but so did rising gas prices and other universal economic concerns).

Chipotle’s delivery revenue dropped 15.8% last quarter compared to the same time last year.

Companies that focus on delivery haven’t all been hit as hard. Uber’s delivery sales increased 14% and DoorDash’s grew 25% last quarter, but Grubhub’s parent company did report decreasing order volumes across North America this year.

SOURCE: https://www.morningbrew.com

-30-

-----------------

IT’ THURSDAY AUGUST 17, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

THIS BLOG IS BEST VIEWED IN

< LANDSCAPE MODE>

“It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship

that makes unhappy marriages.”

― Friedrich Nietzsche

Am I gonna become obsolete?’

How older workers

are being left behind by A.I.

More than a million U.S. workers over 60 years old lost their jobs during the pandemic.

Most furloughed workers went back to work, but older adults are getting left behind.

ByAlan Jinich

Susannah Knox worked as a receptionist at law firms in New York City for more than 30 years. As the first point of contact for potential clients, it was her job to transfer calls, schedule appointments, and sort the mailroom. She especially loved to chit-chat with clients and get to know them better.

“I had a lot of people come into the office and the first thing they would do, they would hear my accent, and they’d want to talk about where I was from,” Knox said. “It’s personal.”

Knox immigrated from England to New York when she was 18 years old and she’s worked in customer service since then. First at a big department store, then a caviar purveyor, and most recently at a corporate law firm where she spent more than 20 years building relationships with clients.

2023 on Senior Health Report:

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Highlighting the good news – and the bad – for aging adults in the U.S.,

the findings call attention to some of the greatest

needs facing seniors in recent years.

By Robert Boydstun

For instance, while older adults’ mortality and drug-related death rates are on the rise, more elders now have improved access to the internet, home health care, and geriatricians than ever before. Perhaps most stark is the data revealing the particularly devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and opioid crisis on aging Americans.

In addition to assessing the overall health and well-being of U.S. adults 65 and older, the report touches on related areas that have an impact on this population, including social and economic factors and clinical care. What follows is a glimpse into a selection of the research results.

While deaths among adults ages 65 to 75 had declined from 2011 to 2019, the early death rate rose by 4 percent from 2019 to 2021, reversing this trend. The coronavirus pandemic that began in 2020 may explain this increase. Per the Kaiser Family Foundation, those 65 and older experienced the most deaths from COVID-19.

Houston physician shares tips,

says we should expect to live longer

than past generations

By Melanie Lawson

It's a very exclusive group of people, those who have lived to be 100 years old and older.

Nonetheless, it's one of the fastest-growing segments of the population in the U.S. More than 90,000 Americans have reached the century mark.

Dr. Holly Holmes at UT Health Houston is a geriatrician - a physician who specializes in the treatment of older patients.

She says we should all expect to live longer than past generations, and for a variety of reasons.

Nursing home costs increase

by largest amount

in more than 25 years

BY ALEJANDRA O’CONNELL-DOMENECH

The price of nursing homes and adult day services jumped dramatically last month, new data shows.

Recently released data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the price of nursing homes and adult day services shot up by 2.4 percent in July compared to the previous month, the largest single-month increase since 1997.

But the spike could be just an outlier and not signal a trend.

“We will need to wait and see if this was a one-time aberration or part of a longer-term trend,” Beth Mace, an economist and senior adviser at the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care, told Yahoo Finance.

A Field Guide to the

Great Hot Dogs

of America

From New York’s all-beef classic to Alaska’s reindeer-driven rendition,

here are 15 supremely local versions that flaunt the bounty to be found on a bun.

By J. J. Goode

Summer is high season for the hot dog, from backyard grills to ballparks to the finest roadside joints. Across the United States, hot dogs exhibit a striking diversity that reflects the microclimates in which they’ve evolved ever since the 1860s, when an entrepreneurial immigrant introduced the species from Germany. Here we take a wide-ranging, but admittedly inexhaustive, look at some of the varieties you may encounter in the wild.

New York Dog

NATURAL HABITAT

The Big Apple

DISTINCTIVE FEATURES All beef, with sauerkraut and spicy brown mustard

New York State is a epicenter of American hotdoggery, home to beloved hyperlocal wieners like Syracuse’s Snappy Grillers, micro-regional variants like the three-inchers of Troy, and destination footlongs like those grilled over coals at Ted’s in Buffalo. Still, New York City lays claim to the defining dogs: not the dirty-water type, but the all-beef franks puckering on the griddles at Nathan’s Famous in Coney Island, pastrami-slinging delis and storefronts with “Papaya” in their names. Tomato-stained “onions in sauce” is a worthy condiment, but spicy brown mustard with either sauerkraut (for traditionalists) or relish (for swashbucklers) is the move. Tales are even told of those who take both.

Learn more >> click here

MARRIAGE FUN FACTS

1. **Longest Marriage**: The longest recorded marriage in history lasted for 86 years. Karam and Katari Chand from India were married in 1925 and remained together until Karam's passing in 2011.

2. **Royal Rings**: Queen Elizabeth II's wedding ring was made from a nugget of Welsh gold. This tradition of using Welsh gold for royal wedding rings dates back to the wedding of George VI and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) in 1923.

3. **Honeymoon Origins**: The tradition of going on a honeymoon dates back to ancient times when newlyweds would drink honeyed wine for a month (moon) after their wedding. This practice was believed to promote fertility and happiness.

4. **Ring Finger Vein**: The tradition of wearing the wedding ring on the left ring finger originates from the ancient belief that a vein in that finger, called the "vena amoris" or the "vein of love," was directly connected to the heart.

5. **Legal Marriage Age**: The legal age for marriage varies around the world. In some places, individuals can get married as young as 16 with parental consent, while in other places, the legal age is higher. Conversely, some places have no minimum age for marriage if certain conditions are met.

6. **Wedding Cake Tiers**: The tradition of having a tiered wedding cake originated from a game where the bride and groom attempted to kiss over an ever-higher cake without knocking it over. Eventually, bakers began making multi-tiered cakes, and the tradition stuck.

7. **Diamond Engagement Rings**: The tradition of giving diamond engagement rings gained popularity due to a marketing campaign by the De Beers diamond company in the mid-20th century. The campaign's slogan, "A Diamond is Forever," emphasized the enduring nature of love and commitment.

8. **Wedding Superstitions**: Various cultures have wedding superstitions. For example, in some cultures, rain on the wedding day is considered good luck, while in others, it's considered bad luck. Also, seeing a spider in your wedding dress is said to bring good luck in English folklore.

9. **Renewing Vows**: Renewing wedding vows has become a popular trend for couples looking to reaffirm their commitment. Couples often choose milestone anniversaries to celebrate their enduring love with a vow renewal ceremony.

10. **Marriage World Records**: The largest wedding ceremony involved 79,236 couples who renewed their vows at a mass wedding event in the Philippines in 2010. It was a successful attempt to break a Guinness World Record.

Remember, marriage is a diverse and culturally rich institution, so these fun facts might vary depending on the region and culture.

NEXT BLOG

FRIDAY AUG. 18, 2023

-30-

------------------

IT’S WEDNESDAY AUGUST 16, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

THIS BLOG IS BEST VIEWED IN

[[[[[[ LANDSCAPE MODE ]]]]]]]]

“I don't have a drinking problem

'Cept when I can't get a drink.”

― Tom Waits

News Release

SOCIAL SECURITY

Social Security Administration Expedites Decisions

for People with Severe Disabilities

Agency Adds to its Compassionate Allowances List

Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, today announced 12 new Compassionate Allowances conditions: 1p36 Deletion Syndrome, Anaplastic Ependymoma, Calciphylaxis, Cholangiocarcinoma, FOXG1 Syndrome, Leber Congenital Amaurosis, Metastatic Endometrial Adenocarcinoma, Paraneoplastic Cerebellar Degeneration, Pineoblastoma – Childhood, Primary Omental Cancer, Sarcomatoid Carcinoma of the Lung – Stages II-IV, and Trisomy 9.

The Compassionate Allowances program quickly identifies claims where the applicant’s medical condition or disease clearly meets Social Security’s statutory standard for disability. Due to the severe nature of many of these conditions, these claims are often allowed based on medical confirmation of the diagnosis alone. To date, nearly 900,000 people with severe disabilities have been approved through this accelerated, policy-compliant disability process, which now includes a total of 278 conditions.

“The Social Security Administration remains committed to reducing barriers and ensuring people who are eligible for benefits receive them,” said Acting Commissioner Kijakazi. “Our Compassionate Allowances program allows us to reinforce that commitment by expediting the disability application process for people with the most severe disabilities.”

Senior Citizens'

Freedom to Work Act

Rep. Greg Murphy (NC-03) has introduced new legislation that will ensure senior citizens can continue working but earn their full social security benefits.

Murphy introduced the Senior Citizens’ Freedom to Work Act Friday, which repeals the Retirement Earnings Test. This test reduces benefits for social security beneficiaries who claim early retirement but choose to continue working and make above a certain threshold, according to a Friday press release from Murphy’s office.

The Retirement Earnings Test reduces social security benefits early retirees are eligible to receive by nearly fifty% for earning more than $21,240 annually. The release said although the reduction in benefits is returned to seniors upon reaching Full Retirement Age, many seniors are unaware of this and choose to earn below the income threshold.

“American seniors’ ability to earn income and enjoy the dignity of work should not be penalized by arbitrary parameters to receive social security benefits,” said Murphy in the release. “Current law unnecessarily complicates seniors’ right to access the benefits they paid into for the entirety of their careers and must be done away with.”

Seniors’ medical debt soars

to $54 billion in unpaid bills

BY DANIEL DE VISÉ

Seniors face more than $50 billion in unpaid medical bills, many of which they shouldn’t have to pay, according to a federal watchdog report.

In an all-too-common scenario, medical providers charge elderly patients the full price of an expensive medical service rather than work with the insurer that is supposed to cover it. If the patient doesn’t pay, the provider sends the bill into collections, setting off a round of frightening letters, humiliating phone calls and damaging credit reports.

That is one conclusion of a recent report titled Medical Billing and Collections Among Older Americans, from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Read more >> click here

Insurers won’t cover new

Alzheimer’s treatment

for some customers

BY TOM MURPHY

Some private insurers are balking at paying for the first drug fully approved to slow mental decline in Alzheimer’s patients.

Insurers selling coverage in North Carolina, Pennsylvania and New York, among other states, told The Associated Press they won’t cover Leqembi with insurance offered on the individual market and through employers because they still see the $26,000-a-year drug as experimental.

Their decision stands in contrast to Medicare, which will wind up covering most patients who take the drug. The federal coverage program mainly for people ages 65 and older announced shortly after Leqembi received full approval last month that it will cover the treatment while still tracking its safety and effectiveness.

Summer Harvest Recipes

By Kim Miller

With so many delicious fruits and vegetables available during the summer months we thought we would compile our favorite summer harvest recipes! We hope you enjoy them! Thank you to all of our contributors!

One Skillet Peach Glazed Chicken

Ingredients: See more >> https://seniorslifestylemag.com/health-well-being/summer-harvest-recipes/

STILL PAYING THE BILLS

People often say, "Only two things are certain in life: death and taxes." I want to suggest another addition to this list: bills. Unless you're living completely off the grid and entirely self-sufficient, it's probable that you have financial obligations to others. Evan older American, you're not exempt from this reality. Even if you are resident of and assisted living facility.

Just because my everyday needs like food, housing, cleaning, healthcare, and internet are taken care of through my rent and government assistance, it doesn't mean I'm free from financial responsibilities. After all, life isn't just about basic necessities. I have a vibrant life that involves various things which many people in today's world consider important, and these things come with costs.

Most of my expenses arise from items that are consumed over time. These include personal care products (because yes, I do maintain hygiene), clothing (clothes wear out), and one more thing. There's a cost that I view as crucial as any medication I take or appliance I use – my Netflix subscription. It goes beyond mere entertainment; it contributes to my mental well-being. And let us not forget the current symbol of modernity and connectivity, the smart-phone. How did I ever live without one?

I feel lucky. Unlike many people my age, I've managed to keep a strong credit score. This has let me get credit cards with no fees, so I can combine my bills into just a couple of payments every month. With alerts set up through my banks, I always know my exact debt and available funds. This helps me manage my expenses and avoid running low on money. It's like budgeting, but easier to handle.

If you're curious about how someone with a fixed income relying solely on Social Security funds manages, I'll share with you. I earned it, not recently, but through my working years when I paid taxes and had a significant portion of my salary taken out. This ensured that I would receive a substantial amount when I retired. Now, after my assisted living expenses are covered by my Social Security benefits, the remaining amount becomes my discretionary income – like my "Mad Money." I also receive a modest sum from the state, which helps me maintain a sense of normalcy.

I'm definitely not living a super fancy life, but honestly, having a ton of material things never really mattered to me. Embracing a simple lifestyle lets you escape the stress of a chaotic life. For me, that's way more valuable than any flashy sports car or fancy gold watch... ....

ALCOHOL FACTS

1. Ancient Brewing: Alcohol production dates back thousands of years. The earliest evidence of beer production can be traced to ancient Mesopotamia around 3400 BCE, where Sumerians brewed a fermented beverage from barley.

2. Champagne Bubbles: The bubbles in champagne and other sparkling wines are formed by carbon dioxide gas trapped in the bottle during the fermentation process. The pressure inside the bottle causes these bubbles to form when the bottle is opened.

3. Beer Strength Measurement: The strength of beer is often measured in Alcohol by Volume (ABV). ABV indicates the percentage of alcohol present in the beverage. For example, a beer with 5% ABV means that 5% of its total volume is alcohol.

4. World's Oldest Known Wine: The world's oldest known wine was discovered in 2007 in the remains of a village in northern Iran. The pottery jars containing the wine were estimated to be around 7,000 years old.

5. Beer's Role in Civilization: Beer played a significant role in early civilizations. In ancient Egypt, beer was considered a staple food and was even used as currency for laborers working on the pyramids.

6. Hangover Causes: Hangovers are the result of various factors, including dehydration, inflammation, and the toxic byproducts of alcohol metabolism. Darker alcoholic beverages like red wine and whiskey are more likely to cause severe hangovers due to their higher levels of congeners, which are chemical compounds that contribute to the drink's flavor and aroma.

7. Beer's Four Main Ingredients: Beer is typically made from just four main ingredients: water, malted barley (or other grains), hops, and yeast. These ingredients combine in a brewing process that involves mashing, boiling, fermenting, and conditioning.

8. Largest Wine Producer: The United States is one of the world's largest wine-producing countries, with California being a significant contributor to this industry. The Napa Valley region in California is particularly renowned for its high-quality wines.

9. Ancient Distillation: The process of distillation, used to create spirits like whiskey and vodka, was developed in ancient times. It was likely first used to produce perfumes and later adapted for producing alcoholic spirits.

10. Beer Purity Law: The Reinheitsgebot, also known as the German Beer Purity Law, was enacted in 1516 in the Duchy of Bavaria. It allowed only water, barley, and hops to be used in brewing beer (yeast wasn't explicitly mentioned due to its unknown role at the time). This law has had a lasting impact on beer production and regulations.

NEXT BLOG

THURSDAY AUG. 17, 2023

-30-

-----------------

IT’S TUESDAY AUGUST 15, 2023

THIS BLOG IS BEST VIEWED IN

<<<L A N D S C A P E MODE>>>

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

I don't want a pickle,

I just want to ride on my motorsickle.

___Arlo Guthrie

Boomer bias:

Half of posts on TikTok

about older adults

spread ageist stereotypes

A new study reveals that half of all TikTok posts about baby boomers perpetuate ageist stereotypes. Moreover, researchers warn that this is only widening the hostile divide between younger and older generations.

The predominantly teen and young adult user base of TikTok must not misrepresent older people, especially as the global population continues to age, argue researchers from the National University of Singapore. The team analyzed 673 TikTok videos, marked with the hashtags #Boomer and/or #OkBoomer, collectively garnering over 5.4 billion views.

Baby boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, are now between 58 and 75 years-old. They come after the Silent Generation and precede Generation X. Given that TikTok, launched in 2016, is rapidly outpacing social media rivals like Facebook and Twitter in popularity among the youth, it offers insight into young people’s attitudes towards the older generations.

Can omega-3 fatty acids

help protect against hearing loss?

Hearing diminishes as we age — about 50% of adults 75 and over in the United States have disabling hearing loss.

Age-related hearing loss cannot currently be stopped.

Researchers from the University of Guelph and Tufts University/Fatty Acid Research Institute have found a link between increased omega-3 fatty acids in the blood and less age-related hearing issues.

As we age, it is not uncommon for the effectiveness of some of our sensesTrusted Source — including vision, hearing, and tasteTrusted Source — to decrease.

Beware:

The 'say yes' or

'can you hear me?'

phone scam is back

By John Matarese

A phone scam we first saw almost a decade ago is making a big comeback.

That's according to the Better Business Bureau, which has just issued an alert about what is known as the "say yes" scam.

The BBB says scammers may call you and claim there is a problem with the phone connection.

"Oh hi there," one scammer said in a call we captured back in 2017. "Oh I am so sorry about that, I was having a little problem with my headset."

NUTRITION NEEDS MAY CHANGE

AS YOU AGE:

A FEW TIPS TO STAY

IN FRONT OF THEM

BY JULIE AMBACHEW

There is no denying that a healthy, balanced diet can help you live longer, feel younger, and have more energy, but what we often don’t realize is that the definition of a healthy diet changes throughout our lifetime. For example, you may have lower calorie needs but increased nutrient needs as you get older.

What Causes Malnutrition?

As the U.S. population ages, malnourishment is also an increasingly growing concern. When a person doesn’t have enough food or doesn’t eat enough healthy, balanced meals, they may run the risk of malnutrition, and this may occur for a number of reasons:

Health Conditions

Older adults may have health conditions or medications that cause a loss of appetite, or they may be on restricted diets that make foods taste bland or change the texture of foods they used to love to eat. This is common with a puree diet, for example, when a person may be experiencing swallowing issues related to a decline in physical or cognitive health. Dental issues can make it difficult or painful to chew, reducing nutrient intake.

6 Fastest Ways to Cool Down

the Inside of Your Car

YOU DON'T HAVE TO SIT AND STRUGGLE IN THE SWELTERING SUN.

By KALI COLEMAN

Climbing into a sweltering car on a hot summer day is sure to make anyone miserable. The air conditioning never seems to work fast enough, leaving you struggling with sweat dripping all over—not to mention the pain of touching the scorching interior. But you don't have to sit there and suffer. Talking to experts, we gathered some useful tips on how to bring your vehicle's temperature down from triple digits in no time. Read on to discover the six fastest ways to cool down the inside of your car.

RELATED: 5 Cost-Effective Ways to Boost Your Air Conditioner's Power.

1. Turn your car on while the doors are still open.

Even in the summer heat, many of us climb into our car and shut the driver's door straight away. But Andrew Kuttow, an auto expert and the editor of LamboCars, recommends unlearning this reflex. Instead, he says you should be starting your car and blasting the A/C while the doors are still open.

"By opening the doors and turning on the air conditioning, you allow the hot air to escape while quickly replacing it with cool, conditioned air," Kuttow says. "The wide-open doors create a pathway for the hot air to move out, making the cooling process more efficient."

Read more >> click here

Social Security COLA 2024

estimate didn't

increase with CPI report.

Seniors still struggle.

By Medora Lee

The forecast for next year’s Social Security increase stayed flat at 3% on Thursday even after the government said inflation ticked up in July for the first time in more than a year.

Annual inflation edged up to 3.2% last month, higher than the 3% in June but off a 40-year high of 9.1% in June 2022. “Core” inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy costs, increased by a slightly lower 4.7%.

Despite the uptick in inflation last month, the longer-term trend remains lower, which means Social Security recipients will see a lower cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) of 3% next year, according to a forecast from The Senior Citizens League, a nonprofit seniors group. That’s less than half of the four-decade high 8.7% COLA in 2023 and the same as last month’s estimate for a 3% increase for 2024.

A Closer Look Announces First-Party

Research Report

Unveiling Concerns

and Considerations

in the Senior Living Landscape

The senior living landscape is changing rapidly as the baby boomer generation shapes demographic trends. With 10,000 individuals turning 65 daily, seniors' share of the population is projected to exceed 20% by 2030.

Understanding prospective residents' concerns is crucial due to the increasing demand for senior living options.

Senior living communities should conduct thorough research so they can meet prospective resident needs and expectations.

88% of respondents had concerns about senior living care, cost and quality.

A Closer Look's report reveals independent research findings on key concerns of individuals assessing senior living options. The objective analysis provides invaluable insights and best practices, encouraging senior living communities to conduct similar research to exceed prospective residents' expectations. The report outlines critical concerns expressed by respondents evaluating senior living options:

Read more >> click here

BREAKFAST,

IS IT REALLY THAT IMPORTANT?

BY JOE CARSON

Commonly touted as the most important meal of the day, breakfast often becomes the step-child of the day’s meals by virtue of its timing. First thing in the morning is not when most people want to take the time to plan and prepare a strategically focused meal.

What’s the Deal with Breakfast?

Many will choose the “breakfast in a box,” pre-packaged, or pastry option, while others will simply forgo the hassle altogether and eat when it’s more convenient. This leaves purposeful nutrition at a bit of a handicap. So, the question that I’d like to provide some insight into is this: “Breakfast, is it really that important?”

The short answer is YES, and for both purpose and quality! Why? It is this first meal that will set the stage for the energy balance of your entire day. Your breakfast choice will also make the difference between performing well in demanding mental/physical tasks and falling short.

Learn more >> https://sixtyandme.com/breakfast-important-meal/

STAFF SHORTAGE CONTINUES

TO BE A PROBLEM

It's Saturday morning, and I'm in the lobby of the A.L.F., standing by the wall with around 50 other residents, all excited for breakfast. The time is 9:15, which is thirty minutes later than when we're supposed to start eating. Many of us haven't had food for about 15 hours, so we're really hungry. Finally, they call us to come in. I head to my assigned table, but to my surprise, there are no utensils, coffee cups, or napkins. The situation is a bit better for my tablemate – he, at least, managed to find a napkin. Other tables are in the same poorly prepared state, causing residents to rush around and search through abandoned tables to find things like Sweet and Low packets or utensils. Regrettably, this level of inefficient service is a common occurrence. Staff shortages, especially in the dining area, have become the usual situation.

Our facility actually wants to hire more staff; they're interested in hiring as many people as necessary. And it's not that there's a lack of job applicants either. I see job seekers filling out applications in our lobby almost every day. So, what's causing the shortage? The reasons behind it are quite complex.

A lot of places are still dealing with the aftermath of the COVID pandemic, which severely reduced the number of staff in most healthcare facilities. Many people switched to different jobs out of fear. Moreover, some who remained at their healthcare jobs got infected with the virus, making the staff shortage even worse. Even after the most severe phase of the pandemic had passed, many previous healthcare workers had already found new jobs in different industries and didn't come back to healthcare.

Even before COVID became widely known, there were already indications of staffing issues. This was particularly evident at the A.L.F.

When I came here a decade ago, our relatively new facility had around 85 residents. We had an abundance of aides, housekeepers, nurses, kitchen and dining staff, as well as maintenance personnel. An aide was stationed on each floor around the clock. If you used the call bell in your room for help, assistance would arrive promptly. The dining room operated smoothly, with meals served quickly and accurately following orders. The food itself was better prepared, presented, and served.

However, as the facility expanded, the staff numbers didn't keep up. What used to be sufficient for 85 residents no longer met the needs of an additional 85. The understaffed team became overburdened, leading to burnout and resignations. Attempts to recruit new employees fell short of expectations, as more attractive positions opened up in the private sector, offering better pay and benefits – something our facility lacks.

Maybe even more important is the human element in this situation. Generally speaking, this job isn't very good. Dealing with elderly individuals can be tiring due to the long hours and demanding schedule. While there have always been undesirable jobs, at least workers used to receive fair compensation. However, this isn't the case in the long-term care industry. Historically, wages have been low. Our employees only earn slightly above the minimum wage. To compound the issue, in our state, anyone applying for a job in long-term care facilities must undergo a rigorous screening process that includes not just a drug test but also a background check. Individuals with a felony conviction are prohibited from working in long-term care facilities like nursing homes or assisted living facilities (ALFs). Moreover, those who are willing to go through this intense scrutiny have to wait for weeks to get their results, causing many to look for jobs elsewhere.

You don't need to be exceptionally smart to realize what is required: improved wages, enhanced benefits, access to healthcare, and a more equitable approach to background checks. When I say "more equitable," I'm referring to eliminating the "no-felony" policy, especially when the felony results from a non-violent offense. This change would allow a larger pool of skilled and eager workers to join, since currently, there seems to be no intention from federal, state, or local governments to address this issue. This situation is unfortunate, because as more Americans enter their elderly years, the shortage of caregivers will strain an already overwhelmed system. ……..

Every 'Useless' Body Part Explained

From Head to Toe

Dr. Jeffrey Laitman joins WIRED to break down every ‘useless’, vestigial organ and structure in our evolved human bodies. From the “wisdom” teeth and our simian tailbones down to muscles made less important by our double-arched feet, Dr. Laitman highlights where it came from—and how it ended up still inside of us.

Watch video:

NEXT BLOG

TUESDAY AUG. 15, 2023

-30-

-----------------

IT’S THURSDAY AUGUST 10, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

“The soul is placed in the body like a rough diamond, a

nd must be polished, or the luster of it will never appear.”

― Daniel Defoe

Inappropriate Medication Use

Among Older Adults

On-The-Rise in

Outpatient Setting

By Erin Hunter

Adults aged 80 years and older and those living in areas with worse economic conditions are more likely to receive potentially inappropriate medications in the outpatient setting, which may be associated with cognitive impairment.

Worldwide, the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use was 36.7% among older adults in 2022, according to results from a systematic review and meta-analysis published in JAMA Network Open. Countries with worse economic conditions tend to have a higher prevalence of PIM misuse, as regulations and drug control may not be widely enforced.

“The opposite is true in countries with good economic conditions,” the study authors wrote in the article. “When economic conditions are better, the medical environment is usually better, and medical insurance is more perfect, which makes the rational use of drugs more strictly controlled.”

In a subgroup analysis of the prevalence of PIM use based on geographic region, Africa had the highest prevalence among older adults at 47.0%. The high prevalence trend was most observed in South America at 46.9%, Europe at 35.0%, North America at 29.0%, and Oceania at 23.6%.

Your Older Customers Deserve

a Great Customer Experience, Too

By Michelle Huff

Are product and digital experience designers doing enough to make their offerings usable by senior citizens?

As a mother, I’m constantly amazed by how intuitive my two school-age children are around computing devices, video games and other technology. They learn how to use and enjoy all kinds of gadgets with no sweat.

Are Tech Products Failing to Meet Elderly Needs?

But my own mom, who is in her late 70s, is a different story. Recently, she wanted something that would keep her hot drinks warm. So, I looked into buying her a “smart mug,” which has sensors that detect temperature and liquid level and can send convection currents to maintain a precise drinking temperature for hours. You can even control it with an app. I have one, and I thought it would be a great fit for her at first.

6 STEPS TO BETTER BRAIN HEALTH

BY ALAINNAH ROBERTSON

In August 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched its first position paper on brain health. It opens by stating:

“Brain health is an evolving concept, attracting increasing attention not only from the health sector but also from wider society, stimulating rich debate – and for good reasons. The brain and central nervous system are the command centre of the human body, controlling both conscious and unconscious body functions and thereby influencing every aspect of life.”

People become increasingly susceptible to dementia as they age. The WHO points out that population aging creates more and more cases of dementia for the health system to treat. Coping with the extra work and expense of caring for people with dementia is placing a great strain on individuals and society.

More and more people are seeing older relatives developing one or more of the many forms of dementia. And in many cases, they are actively involved in caring for someone who has the condition. The need to encourage a preventative approach to brain health in society is therefore more pressing than ever. Here are six steps we can all take to embrace that approach.

Loneliness Linked to Insomnia Symptoms

in Middle-Aged and Older Adults

By Shantell M. Kirkendoll

Feeling lonely can lead to sleepless nights for middle-aged and older adults.

In a study of 9,430 adults aged 50 and older, researchers from the New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing and Duke University School of Nursing found a significant link between loneliness and insomnia symptoms, such as difficulty falling and staying asleep, waking up too early in the morning, and nonrestorative sleep.

Loneliness, according to researchers, can spark insomnia symptoms through various pathways, among them increased stress, anxiety, and heightened vigilance. Addressing loneliness could be key to better sleep and healthier aging.

How Much Caffeine

Is In A Cup Of Coffee?

By Nina Chamlou

A popular source of energy for many as they get up and start their day, coffee can certainly be part of a healthy diet. However, the concept of “too much of a good thing” applies to a major component of coffee: caffeine. Consuming too much caffeine can cause unpleasant short-term side effects, aggravate certain health conditions and compromise your health down the line.

Read on to learn how much caffeine is really in your morning mug, what amount of caffeine is considered healthy for daily consumption and how caffeine can affect your health.

How Much Caffeine is in a Cup of Coffee?

There are nearly 80 to 100 milligrams of caffeine in an 8 ounce cup of coffee.

However, “Caffeine content in coffee can vary, depending on factors such as the type of coffee beans, brewing method, and serving size,” says Lorraine Kearney, a certified dietitian and CEO of New York City Nutrition.

Espresso, which is made by forcing steam through finely-ground coffee beans under extremely high pressure, is a much more concentrated form of caffeine. A standard 2-ounce shot of espresso contains around 120 milligrams of caffeine.

Learn more >> https://www.forbes.com/health/nutrition/how-much-caffeine-in-coffee/

Fun and intriguing facts about diamonds

1. **Diamonds in Space**: In 2004, astronomers discovered a star named BPM 37093 (also known as "Lucy") that is essentially a crystallized white dwarf. This star's core is made up of carbon and oxygen, and scientists estimate that it's a 10 billion trillion trillion carat diamond!

2. **Diamonds on Other Planets**: Scientists speculate that planets such as Neptune and Uranus could have a layer of "diamond rain" due to the extreme pressure and temperature conditions within their atmospheres, causing carbon to crystallize into diamond.

3. **Diamonds and Pop Culture**: The Hope Diamond, a famous blue diamond with a mysterious history, is rumored to be cursed, bringing misfortune to its owners. This legend has contributed to its allure in pop culture.

4. **World's First Diamond Mine**: The world's first known diamond mine was in India's Golconda region. This area produced many renowned diamonds, including the Koh-i-Noor and the Blue Hope Diamond.

5. **Diamond Etymology**: The word "diamond" comes from the Greek word "adamas," meaning "invincible" or "unbreakable," reflecting the gem's exceptional hardness.

6. **Diamonds and Royalty**: Diamonds have been prized by royalty for centuries. The British Crown Jewels, for example, include many diamonds with historical and cultural significance.

7. **Diamonds as Healing Crystals**: Some believe that diamonds possess healing properties, including enhancing clarity of thought and purifying energy. They are used in holistic practices as spiritual tools.

8. **Diamonds as Art**: Artists and designers have incorporated diamonds into various forms of art, creating intricate sculptures, paintings, and even clothing adorned with these precious gems.

9. **Record-Breaking Auctions**: Rare and exceptional diamonds have fetched record prices at auctions. For instance, the Pink Star Diamond sold for over $71 million in 2017, becoming the most expensive gem ever sold at auction at that time.

10. **Diamonds in Ancient Beliefs**: In ancient times, diamonds were often associated with magic, protection, and strength. Some cultures believed that wearing diamonds could protect against evil spirits and enhance bravery in battle.

These fun facts showcase the diverse and captivating aspects of diamonds beyond their scientific properties and traditional uses.

NEXT BLOG

FRIDAY AUG. 11, 2023

-30-

------------------

IT’S WEDNESDAY AUGUST 9, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

“If size really mattered, t

he whale, not the shark, would rule the waters.”

― Matshona Dhliwayo

America’s white majority is aging out

BY DANIEL DE VISÉ

Generation Z will be the last generation of Americans with a white majority, according to census data. The nation’s so-called majority minority arrived with Generation Alpha, those born since about 2010.

Barely two decades from now, around 2045, non-Hispanic white people will fall below half as a share of the overall U.S. population.

Those conclusions, and the numbers behind them, seem simple enough. Yet, some scholars contend that the numbers are wrong, or at least misleading, and that the looming ascent of a majority-minority America is a myth.

America’s white majority, and its numbered days, is a lightning-rod topic, given the nation’s history of slavery and enduring patterns of discrimination against minorities and immigrants.

The Future of Social Security:

What Can You Expect

If You Are Already Retired?

By Vance Cariaga

One thing that’s almost certain about the future of Social Security is that younger workers won’t get the same benefits their elders did. Only 3% of Americans ages 30 to 49 are “very confident” in the future of the program, according to a 2020 survey from the AARP. Americans who are already retired are less pessimistic about Social Security, though many worry about the program’s future.

That mainly has to do with the Old Age and Survivors Insurance Trust (OASI) fund, which is expected to run out of money within the next decade. If U.S. lawmakers can’t come up with a way to fix the shortfall, it could result in benefit cuts of up to 24% for retirees.

Intergenerational living

is changing the face of aging,

and the housing industry

is paying attention

By Janet Reynolds

Assisted-living and 55+ communities are giving way to new housing options that open up a world of possibilities for older adults and younger people, too.

If baby boomers have made one desire patently clear it's that they do not expect to age the way their grandparents and parents did. Those aged 59 and older are working longer, expect to live more active lives, and show a greater interest than previous generations in choosing how and where they live as they grow older, according to a report by the Population Reference Bureau.

Businesses across the country, especially in the housing industry, are paying attention. Where assisted-living and 55-plus communities once were the main focus, today an increasing number of entrepreneurs look to intergenerational housing as the wave of the housing future. The result is a list of growing options for older adults interested in housing options as they age.

Moderna or Pfizer?

One COVID Shot

May Be Safer for Older Adults

By Cara Murez

While both the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines are considered safe and highly effective, new research finds the Moderna shot has been the safest and most effective for seniors.

“The results of this study can help public health experts weigh which mRNA vaccine might be preferred for older adults and older subgroups, such as those with increased frailty,” said lead study author Daniel Harris. He is an epidemiologist and research scientist in the Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research at Brown University's School of Public Health, in Providence, R.I.

Researchers compared the two vaccines head-to-head in more than 6 million older adults included in the study.

4 Casino Games

That Will Always Take Your Money

By ZACHARY MACK

Anyone who's spent enough time in a casino knows why the old saying "the house always wins" gets used so much. Getting dealt bad hands, suffering unlucky rolls of the dice, and even just hitting an inexplicable cold streak can quickly sour the mood once your stack starts to dwindle. But when it comes to overall odds, experts say there are a few bets you'll want to avoid if you don't want to go bust. Read on for the casino games where you'll always lose money.

Most novice gamblers tend to gravitate towards the roulette table for its simple rules and relatively straightforward betting. But if you're not careful, you might be setting yourself up at a table that drastically decreases your chances of winning.

"American roulette has two green pockets—0 and 00—which make you lose almost twice as much on average than on European roulette, which has just a single green pocket," Maros Gasparik, head of content at Casino.Guru, tells Best Life. "That means American roulette has a house edge of 5.26 percent, compared to European roulette's 2.7 percent, so always choose a table with a single green pocket to significantly improve your odds of winning."

Learn more >> click here

This month marks a decade since I became a resident of the assisted living facility, which I playfully call "The Asylum." I ended up here after a long time in the hospital and bouncing around various nursing homes, mostly because I had to, not because I wanted to. Basically, I was left without a real home after losing my apartment, a bunch of my savings, and any chance of living on my own again. Those were tough times, no doubt.

So, what's it been like living here for such a long stretch? Well, in short, it's been quite a different experience.

Most folks usually stay at an Assisted Living Facility (A.L.F.) for about 28 months, [1],but I'm kind of an anomaly. There are only about 4 or 5 of us who have stuck around this long. Life here can get a bit demanding, but honestly, it's been a real boon for me. They pretty much take care of all my needs, and one thing I really appreciate is the company I get – not something a lot of people my age and in my situation have. The good thing about assisted living is you're never really on your own. The trade-off is saying goodbye to your privacy. And let me tell you, I'm someone who values their personal space, so it caught me off guard. I wasn't prepared for how much they'd be in my business in this place.

I wouldn't exactly call it prison-like, but there's always this awareness of where you are, what you're up to, your daily schedule, what's in your room, your meds routine, your money situation, and a big chunk of your medical history. They can pop into your room whenever they feel like it, check out your stuff, and maybe even take away things they think are risky. It took me a while to get used to this new reality, but over time, I kinda learned to see it as part and parcel of the overall perks I get from being in this setup. My only real concern is how much longer I will be able to continue to live here. Eventually, my mobility will worsen or my general health may decline and I will wind up back in a nursing home, or worse. Meanwhile, I have what I need, which is more that can be said of others my age…………..

[1]According to The American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living.

Shark Facts

1. **Diverse Species:** There are over 500 known species of sharks, ranging in size from a few inches to over 40 feet in length.

2. **Ancient Creatures:** Sharks have been around for more than 400 million years, making them older than dinosaurs.

3. **Cartilaginous Skeleton:** Unlike most fish that have bony skeletons, sharks have skeletons made of cartilage, which is the same tissue that makes up human noses and ears.

4. **Superior Senses:** Sharks have highly developed senses. Their sense of smell is particularly keen, allowing them to detect even a small amount of blood in the water from miles away.

5. **Multiple Rows of Teeth:** Most sharks have multiple rows of teeth, with the front rows being used for grabbing and the back rows rotating forward to replace lost or broken teeth.

6. **Continuous Tooth Replacement:** Some shark species can lose thousands of teeth in their lifetime. A shark may go through thousands of teeth in a year, with new ones replacing the old ones constantly.

7. **Apex Predators:** Sharks are apex predators, meaning they are at the top of the ocean food chain. They help regulate the populations of other marine species, maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.

8. **Different Reproduction Methods:** Sharks use various methods of reproduction. Some lay eggs, while others give birth to live young. Some sharks even practice a form of internal cannibalism called "intrauterine cannibalism," where the strongest embryos eat their siblings within the mother's womb.

9. **Long-distance Migrations:** Some shark species are known for their long-distance migrations. For instance, the great white shark can travel thousands of miles across oceans.

10. **Threats and Conservation:** Many shark species are currently threatened by overfishing, habitat loss, and accidental capture in fishing gear. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these important creatures and maintain the health of marine ecosystems.

Remember that while sharks can be powerful and potentially dangerous, they are also essential components of marine ecosystems and deserve our understanding and protection.

NEXT BLOG

THURSDAY AUG. 10, 2023

-30-

----------------------------------

IT’s TUESDAY AUGUST 7, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

“All who joy would win must share it.

Happiness was born a Twin.”

– Lord Byron

Americans increasingly fear

they will never be able to retire

By Ben Whedon

Americans increasingly expect their financial situation will never permit them to retire.

In a recent Axios/Ipsos survey, 20% of Americans agreed that "I don't think I will ever retire." Of those over age 65, that figure stood at 33%.

Seventy percent of those who feel that they won't be able to retire expressed that sentiment because they don't think they will be able to afford to do so. Roughly 19% said they would not retire out of a desire to continue working.

Americans can begin claiming Social Security benefits as early as 62, though most non-retired Americans are concerned the system will cover less than half of their expenses. Thirty-seven percent said it would likely cover less than a quarter of their expenses while a further 24% thought it would cover less than half.

More Baby Boomers are living alone.

One reason why: ‘gray divorce’

By Catherine E. Shoichet and Parker Leipzig

Edith Heyck didn’t expect she’d be 72 years old and living alone.

“I always thought I’d be married,” she says. “I was definitely raised to be a wife, and I never imagined I’d be on my own.”

Heyck, an artist and part-time park manager in Newburyport, Massachusetts, is one of nearly 38 million adults living alone in the United States, where the share of single-person households has reached a record high, according to Census data. She’s also part of a population that experts say is likely to climb dramatically in the coming decades.

The number of older Americans living alone is on the rise. Nearly 16 million people aged 65 and older in the US lived solo in 2022, three times as many who lived alone in that age group in the 1960s. And as Baby Boomers age, that number is expected to grow even more, raising big questions about the country’s future.

Read more >> click here

FRAGRANCE AT NIGHT BOOSTS

OLDER ADULTS’ MEMORY

When neuroscientists exposed older adults to a fragrance for two hours every night for six months, they reaped a 226% increase in cognitive capacity compared to the control group, according to a new study.

The researchers say the finding transforms the long-known tie between smell and memory into an easy, non-invasive technique for strengthening memory and potentially deterring dementia.

The project, conducted through the Center for the Neurobiology of Learning & Memory (CNLM) at the University of California, Irvine, involved men and women aged 60 to 85 without memory impairment. The researchers gave all participants a diffuser and seven cartridges, each containing a single and different natural oil.

People in the enriched group received full-strength cartridges. Control group participants were given the oils in tiny amounts. Participants put a different cartridge into their diffuser each evening prior to going to bed, and it activated for two hours as they slept.

Study: Older adults struggle

in using electronic patient portals

BY KRISTEN FISCHER

Electronic patient portals are a convenient way to access medical records and connect with doctors, but older adults tend to have trouble using these systems, a new report finds.

A team from the University of Houston showed that older adults are more likely to utilize online healthcare portals compared to younger adults. But that doesn’t mean they have an easy time doing so. In fact, their level of proficiency is tied to their cognitive function, the authors said.

The study was published in the Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society.

“Older adults made more errors while navigating a health website to read their lab results, communicate with providers and schedule an appointment as compared to younger adults,” Steven Paul Woods, professor of psychology, said.

16 tinned fish recipes for

near-effortless meals

By G. Daniela Galarza

Tinned fish might not be new or novel, but it is enjoying a recent resurgence in popularity. One of the easiest ways to get a meal on the table in 10 minutes or less? Pop open a can. Sardines, anchovies, mackerel, trout, salmon, tuna and other treasures from the sea are easy to eat right out of the tin with a fork — perhaps alongside a few radishes or slice of buttered bread. With a little dressing up, and a few tangy or tart accompaniments, meaty, flaky fish can add protein, flavor and texture to salads, sandwiches and more for simple lunches and dinners. Here are 16 of our favorite recipes starring tinned fish, with even more ideas in our Recipe Finder.

Never ask what’s for dinner again. Get one quick recipe in your inbox Monday through Thursday to inspire delicious meals.

See more >> click here

Twins’ Facts

1. **Types of Twins:** There are two primary types of twins - identical (monozygotic) and fraternal (dizygotic). Identical twins result from the splitting of a single fertilized egg and share 100% of their DNA, while fraternal twins develop from two separate eggs fertilized by two different sperm cells and share about 50% of their DNA, just like regular siblings.

2. **Genetic Influence:** While both types of twins have a genetic basis, identical twins are more genetically similar than fraternal twins. Identical twins often have the same sex and look very similar due to their identical genetic makeup.

3. **Twin Birth Rate:** The rate of twin births varies across populations and has increased over the past few decades due to factors like delayed childbirth, fertility treatments, and genetics. Around 1 in every 30 births in the United States is a twin birth.

4. **Mirror Image Twins:** Some identical twins can be "mirror image" twins, meaning that their features are reversed on one twin compared to the other. For instance, one twin might be left-handed while the other is right-handed, or they might have birthmarks on opposite sides of their bodies.

5. **Twin Telepathy:** While the idea of twin telepathy is fascinating, scientific evidence for it is limited. While some twins report feeling connected or having similar thoughts, it's likely due to their close relationship and shared experiences rather than any supernatural connection.

6. **Twin Language:** Some twins develop a unique language or way of communicating with each other during their early childhood. This phenomenon, known as "cryptophasia" or "twin language," is rare and usually fades as the twins grow older and interact more with the outside world.

7. **Twin Studies:** Twins, especially identical twins, are often studied to understand the interplay of genetics and environment on traits, behaviors, and health. Twin studies have provided valuable insights into the contributions of genes and upbringing to various aspects of human development.

8. **Twin Paradox:** The twin paradox is a concept in physics related to the theory of relativity. It refers to the idea that one twin traveling at near the speed of light on a space journey could experience time differently compared to their stationary twin on Earth. This leads to a scenario where the traveling twin would age slower upon their return.

9. **Birth Order:** For twins, birth order can have implications on their development and personalities. The firstborn twin is typically considered the older sibling, regardless of the time gap between their births. Birth order might influence how twins interact and perceive their roles within the family dynamic.

10. **Twin Separation:** In some cases, identical twins might be separated at birth and raised in different environments. These situations provide researchers with opportunities to study the effects of genetics versus environment on various traits and characteristics. The famous Minnesota Study of Twins Reared Apart is an example of research in this area.

Remember that while these facts are generally true, each set of twins is unique, and their experiences and characteristics can vary widely based on a combination of genetics, environment, and individual factors.

NEXT BLOG

WEDNESDAY AUG. 8, 2023

-30-

-----------------

It’s Monday August 7, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

“Women and cats will do as they please,

and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.”

― Robert A. Heinlein

The Importance of Quality Sleep As We Age

By Meredith White

Sleep is easily one of the most important things we do as humans. The benefits of sleep have been well-documented over the years, but many of us still need help getting proper sleep. However, there are several reasons why you should fix your sleep schedule now because as we age, it becomes even more important; here’s why.

Keeps the Immune System Strong

One of the first big reasons why sleep is important is that it can help keep your immune system strong. Much like how different mattress sizes and firmnesses can keep your body and muscles healthy, sleep is necessary to keep your immune system strong and healthy.

Studies have shown that a lack of sleep can weaken your body and make you more susceptible to getting sick. There is a reason why doctors almost always recommend rest and sleep while we are sick.

Am I ready to retire?

Here are 6 signs that you’re ready

Financial experts weigh in on what you need to accomplish before you can leave work behind.

By Ira Wilder

Retirement used to be a three-legged stool – one that rested on pension checks, personal savings and Social Security benefits.

But today, that stool is a little wobblier, says Joe Buhrmann, a CFP® and senior financial planning consultant at Fidelity’s eMoney Advisor. Social Security seems less secure, pensions are a promise of the past for most Americans, and the lion’s share of retirement finances are now personal savings.

Knowing when to retire can be a confusing decision since you have to weigh a lot of different factors before deciding you’re ready. To help clarify your choice, CNBC Select has spoken with experts and compiled a list of milestones you need to reach before leaving work behind.

New Social Security 2100 Act

Would Revamp COLA, Expand Payroll Tax

By Melanie Waddell

Rep. John Larson, D-Conn., has revived the bill previously known as Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust, with a tweak to the cost-of-living adjustment intended to provide a bigger inflation buffer.

The legislation, reintroduced July 12, applies the payroll tax to annual wages above $400,000 and expands the net investment income tax.

This year’s version of H.R. 4853, the Social Security 2100 Act, takes a new tack on calculating Social Security COLAs, Mary Johnson, Social Security and Medicare policy analyst for The Senior Citizens League, explained.

Breast Cancer in Older Adults

Cancer risk is known to increase with age. According to the National Cancer Institute, women 70 and older have a one in 24 chance of developing breast cancer at some point in their lives. Currently, the average age at diagnosis is 62, and almost 20% of those diagnosed are 75 or older.

Recent studies suggest that the biology of breast cancer is not much different in pre- and post-menopausal women. But most of the invasive tumors detected in older adults are hormone-receptor positive, which tend to be slow-growing and have a good overall prognosis. Many women who have lived to an advanced age do well when treated for breast cancer. Even so, older adults can experience cancer much differently than younger people.

More research is needed to improve care and outcomes.

THE MEDICARE ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD:

YOUR GUIDE TO MAKING THE MOST OF IT

BY JAMES CRUZ

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is the time for Medicare beneficiaries to take charge of their healthcare coverage and make crucial decisions that will impact their well-being in the upcoming year.

If you’re a Medicare beneficiary or helping someone who is, read on to unravel the mystery of the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period and learn how to maximize its potential to your advantage.

Understanding the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, also known as the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, is a critical window of opportunity for Medicare beneficiaries. Running from October 15th to December 7th, this period allows enrollees to:

Learn more >> https://sixtyandme.com/medicare-annual-enrollment-guide/

As grown-ups, we carry a substantial load of concerns. Our well-being, finances, family dynamics, and the security of our homes all weigh on our minds. Yet, throughout my almost 78 years of life, there's one thing I never anticipated fretting over: the destiny of our nation, its democratic principles, and the liberties we hold dear.

It's not that we've never encountered challenges to the core of our identity as a country in the past. Whether tangible threats like World War II, the Cuban missile crisis, the Cold War, or the traumatic events of 9/11, or even manufactured crises like the elusive "weapons of mass destruction" supposedly concealed by Saddam in the desert – such challenges have been part of the fabric of a nation like ours, perpetually targeted by those averse to our way of life or who take offense at the very freedoms we stand for. However, historically, these challenges have originated beyond our borders and have been attributed to identifiable adversaries.

Regrettably, as we've painfully witnessed firsthand, the adversary is no longer a far-off, foreign, turban-wearing fanatic; rather, it's the MAGA hat wearing person living in close proximity, maybe even next door.

Attributing the polarization of our nation and its internal strife solely to Donald Trump would be a convenient approach, though it's important to recognize that he merely unlocked a door behind which a long-standing and unresolved sickness had been suppressed. This isn't a reference to the COVID virus; instead, what emerged was a deep-seated malaise that has historically existed within the United States – an affliction characterized by racism, antisemitism, white nationalism, and the aspiration to establish an exclusively Christian society. This unsettling manifestation seeped out from various corners – walls, recesses, caverns, and swamps – where it had lingered, perhaps as far back as the Civil War.

The election of Trump in 2016 came as no surprise to me. I was open to granting him an opportunity since he had won legitimately under the rules that oversee presidential elections. Evidently, a significant number of mainstream voters sought a new perspective on what they perceived as an ongoing erosion of American principles. I wasn't aware that this perspective entailed reverting to an era where white men were king, women were confined to domestic roles, the Bible functioned as the sole legal guide, and accumulating wealth at the cost of others was deemed acceptable.

If Trump emerges victorious (it could happen), it won't stem from his actions during his four-year presidency. No, it will result from a sufficient number of American voters having abandoned the true principles that truly elevated America – its inclusivity, its acceptance, and its openness to enabling all individuals to flourish, irrespective of their gender, sexual orientation, race, beliefs, or origin. To Trump's supporters, as well as many within the Republican party, these are the very ideals they find issue with. At some point, these values were labeled as contrary to the American way. What's more, Trump and his associates have succeeded in tarnishing the concept of patriotism. When I see someone waving an excessively large flag or donning an extravagant red, white, and blue outfit, I perceive them not as champions of our freedoms, but as a challenge to our fundamental principles.

Slightly over 14 months from now, Americans will once more face a crucial choice – not only about their next president but also regarding the fundamental identity of our nation. Numerous developments can unfold within this timeframe. The crimes attributed to the previous president might surpass his capacity to sway the less knowledgeable segments of our population. It's possible that even the Republican party might come to terms with his deceitful actions and distance themselves from him as the symbolic leader of the party. Should this happen I might consider removing the future of the nation from my worry list……………

Cool facts about cats:

1. **Whisker Fatigue:** Cats' whiskers are not just for show. They're highly sensitive and can become overloaded with sensory input. This is known as "whisker fatigue," and it can cause stress in cats if their whiskers are constantly overstimulated.

2. **Purring for Healing:** Cats often purr when they're content, but they also purr when they're in pain or distress. This is thought to be a self-soothing mechanism, and there's evidence that the vibrations from purring can actually help heal bones and tissues.

3. **Supreme Jumpers:** Cats are incredible jumpers. They can leap up to six times their body length in one jump. This is due to their powerful leg muscles and flexible spine.

4. **Ancient Companions:** Cats have been domesticated for thousands of years. They were first revered in ancient Egypt and were believed to bring good luck and protection to households.

5. **Communication Experts:** Cats communicate with a variety of vocalizations, from meows and purrs to hisses and growls. They also communicate through body language, including ear and tail positions.

6. **No Sweet Tooth:** Cats lack taste receptors for sweetness, which is why they're not typically interested in sugary foods. Their taste buds are geared toward detecting amino acids found in protein-rich diets.

7. **Cat Nap Pros:** Cats are known for their love of sleep. On average, they sleep around 12-16 hours a day, and some can sleep up to 20 hours a day. This helps conserve their energy for hunting.

8. **Night Vision:** Cats have excellent night vision due to a high number of rod cells in their retinas. This makes them well-suited for hunting during low-light conditions.

9. **Grooming Rituals:** Cats are meticulous groomers. They use their tongues to clean themselves, which not only keeps their fur clean but also helps regulate body temperature and stimulates blood flow.

10. **Unique Nose Prints:** Just like human fingerprints, each cat's nose print is unique. This has been used for identification purposes in some places.

These are just a few fascinating facts about cats that showcase their unique behaviors and traits. Cats are truly captivating creatures with a rich history of companionship with humans.

NEXT BLOG

TUES AUG. 8, 2023

-30-

-------------------

It’s Friday August 4, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

“An onion can make people cry,

but there’s never been a vegetable

that can make people laugh.”

— Will Rogers

Transforming healthcare for older adults

Innovations, equity, and economics

By Niam Yaraghi

Despite our significant progress in making healthcare services more equitable to all populations, older people and those residing in nursing homes and long-term care facilities are often overlooked in mainstream discussions about healthcare equity.

One of the reasons contributing to their exclusion from these discussions is the current funding structure for their care. While Medicare provides reasonable reimbursement, its duration falls short, placing the major financial burden on Medicaid, which offers comparatively limited payment. Consequently, apart from a few fortunate individuals who can afford private care, most older adults have no viable alternatives. The demographic distribution within U.S. nursing homes does not mirror the overall population composition in the country, illustrating the manifestation of this effect. Research conducted by Feng et al. highlighted that from 1999 to 2008, the population of elderly Hispanics, Asians, and African Americans in nursing homes saw an increase of 54.9%, 54.1%, and 10.8%, respectively. On the other hand, the count of Caucasian senior citizens residing in these institutions dropped by 10.2% within the same timeframe. The data shows that the growth rate of minority residents in nursing homes outpaced the growth of the minority population in general, even in regions with a significant minority presence. This might suggest that minorities have unequal access to preferred alternatives for long-term care, such as home and community-based services.

WANT TO IMPROVE YOUR BALANCE?

START WITH STRENGTHENING YOUR ANKLES

BY CLAUDINE AHERNE

Do you sometimes feel unsteady on your feet? Would you say your balance isn’t as good as it used to be? Have you thought that weak ankles could be contributing to your balance difficulties?

The answer is yes, and I’ll explain why. I will also share two exercises you can do at home to strengthen your ankles and improve your balance.

There are many reasons why we struggle with our balance as we get older. These can include:

Vertigo (which can be caused by inner ear issues),

Medications (many have side effects that can influence your balance),

Neurological conditions (including Parkinson’s and MS), and

Foot pain or problems (including nerve damage from diabetes)......

Quest Diagnostics launches

Alzheimer's blood test for consumers

By Julie Steenhuysen

Quest Diagnostics (DGX.N) on Monday launched the first direct-to-consumer blood test to detect abnormal levels of beta amyloid, a key Alzheimer's disease protein that can appear years before dementia symptoms arise.

The $399 test, called AD-Detect, uses the same technology as a blood test the company began selling for use by doctors in early 2022.

"One of the advantages of having an amyloid test is that it lets you know, potentially years in advance of even being symptomatic, that you are at risk for Alzheimer's," said Dr. Michael Racke, Quest's medical director of neurology.

Savvy Senior:

The hidden danger of untreated heartburn

By Jim Miller

Dear Savvy Senior,

Is regular heartburn or acid reflux anything to worry about? I eat a lot of Rolaids throughout the day to help manage it, but it’s gotten worse with age and it keeps me up at night too. What can you tell me?

Belching Bob

Dear Bob,

Almost everyone experiences heartburn or acid reflux from time to time, but frequent episodes can signal a much more serious problem. It’s estimated that more than 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month, with around 15 million people who suffer from it daily.

Heartburn symptoms show up in a variety of ways – as a burning pain behind the breastbone, indigestion, or a sour or burning taste in the back of the throat. Other symptoms may include chest pain, excessing belching, a long-term cough, sore throat or hoarseness.

29 Valuable Relationship Lessons

Older Adults Wish They Would've Known About

Earlier In Their Love Lives

"Expressing one's feelings may not lead to the outcome you want, but it's better to speak about things now than to hold it in and have it explode 10 times worse."

By Devin Herenda

There is a lot of important knowledge to be gained as you navigate romantic relationships. In hindsight, however, it would have been helpful to have known about certain lessons in love earlier than you did.

We recently asked older adults from the BuzzFeed Community to share the relationship lessons they wish they'd been aware of sooner in life. Here are some enlightening comments people wrote:

1. "Jealousy isn't healthy or a 'good sign,' and it certainly doesn't mean they care about you more. It is the worst of emotions and can often be used to manipulate people. If someone is jealous, they don't trust you. Being possessive isn't cute."

Learn more >> https://www.buzzfeed.com/devinherenda/older-adults-are-sharing-valuable-relationship-lessons

Today, we have just two topics on the table: Trump and the weather. It's safe to assume that you might be overwhelmed by the constant discussions surrounding Trump's legal issues and political opinions from various sources, including your MAGA uncle. So, let's shift our focus to something that impacts all of us, the weather and climate change, specifically here in New York.

Typically, August in New York brings with it intense heat and humidity, earning it the moniker "Dog Days." The discomfort is so pronounced that many New Yorkers opt to escape to cooler locations during this time, resulting in a noticeable decrease in city population. However, so far, this year has been quite different. Surprisingly, the weather in the past few weeks has been nothing short of spectacular. I dare say we are currently experiencing the most delightful weather in the entire country, perhaps even the world.

While the temperatures have remained within the typical range or slightly below average, it is the humidity, which is often associated with the Northeast, that has been relatively low. Despite experiencing some rainfall, it has been gentle and consistent, providing nourishment to flowers and replenishing reservoirs. This is in contrast to much of the nation, which has been enduring an unprecedented and intense heat wave.

As of today, the temperature stands at 70 degrees (21°C) on the third of August, significantly lower than the usual around 90°F. Regardless of one's belief in global warming, it's hard to ignore the fact that something seems amiss. Hence, the question arises: are we witnessing a turning point in climate change, where this current weather becomes the new normal, or is it merely part of the earth's regular millennial cycle? Neither possibility bodes well for the future.

With climate change, certain regions will experience even higher temperatures, exacerbating the already hot areas. Simultaneously, traditionally cold regions will witness uncharacteristically warm weather, even during winter. This warming trend contributes to the melting of ice and snow, resulting in rising water levels and an increased risk of flooding, particularly in areas above sea level, such as New York.

While the idea of living near a beach may be appealing, having the ocean at one's doorstep due to melting glaciers is far from an ideal property improvement. The impact of climate change raises significant concerns about the environment and calls for urgent action to mitigate its effects. The question is, do we have the sense and the guts to do what has to be done. Or will we see more homes floating away.

Meanwhile (If the Good Lord’s willing and the creek don’t rise) have a great weekend and we’ll be back on Monday with more. ….

Facts about fruit and vegetable consumption

in the United States

1. **Low Consumption**: Despite their nutritional benefits, many Americans do not consume enough fruits and vegetables as recommended by health authorities.

2. **Dietary Guidelines**: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommend that adults should consume 1.5-2 cups of fruits and 2-3 cups of vegetables per day.

3. **Prevalence of Obesity**: Insufficient fruit and vegetable intake has been linked to the prevalence of obesity in the U.S., contributing to various chronic health conditions.

4. **Regional Differences**: Consumption rates vary across different regions and states in the U.S. with some areas having higher fruit and vegetable consumption than others.

5. **Impact on Health**: Diets rich in fruits and vegetables are associated with reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, certain types of cancer, and other chronic diseases.

6. **Youth and Children**: Studies have shown that children and adolescents in the U.S. tend to have lower fruit and vegetable consumption than recommended, potentially affecting their long-term health.

7. **Nutritional Value**: Fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and antioxidants that are vital for maintaining overall health and well-being.

8. **Budget and Accessibility**: Socioeconomic factors can influence fruit and vegetable consumption, with low-income individuals facing barriers related to affordability and accessibility.

9. **Processed Foods**: A significant portion of the American diet consists of processed foods, which may contribute to lower fruit and vegetable consumption.

10. **Public Health Initiatives**: Various public health campaigns and educational programs have been implemented to promote increased fruit and vegetable consumption among Americans.

It's essential to note that trends and statistics may change over time, so I recommend checking more recent sources for the latest information on fruit and vegetable consumption in the U.S.

AUG. 5&6, 2023

-30-

---------------------

It’s Thursday August 3, 2023 and we have

Tax to pay for Long term care, Half of us will have mental problems,

Seniors and climate change, and

Japan wants to limit old folks access to ATMs

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

“You can tell a lot from a person's nails.

When a life starts to unravel,

they're among the first to go.”

― Ian McEwan

New Tax Aimed At Paying Long-Term Costs

For Older Adults Faces Criticism

By Kelly Phillips Erb

Workers in Washington state saw a new deduction in their paychecks last month: a tax on wages meant to help pay for the cost of long-term care.

The first-of-its-kind tax in the U.S. was created in 2019. However, under the program’s timeline, workers began making payroll contributions in July of 2023.

Washington Cares Payroll Tax

Here's how it works. Workers in the state who are not otherwise exempt are subject to a 0.58% tax on their wages. That money is directed to a state fund—the WA Cares program—that can be accessed during lifetime to pay for long-term care costs, including needs like food and mobility.

Biden-Harris administration announces

new Medicare dementia care model

BY JOSEPH CHOI

Alzheimer’s disease is expected to spike nationwide in future years, and according to new data released by the Alzheimer’s Association, there is a significant shortage in the dementia care workforce.

The Biden administration announced Monday it will be testing a new voluntary care model for people living with dementia and their unpaid caretakers, with the goal of expanding the prevalence of “high-quality, coordinated care.”

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the newly announced Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model will test an “alternative payment” for participants who provide supportive services for people with dementia.

In the GUIDE care model, participating providers will establish dementia care programs through which they will assign people with dementia and their caregivers to “care navigators” who will help them in accessing services and support. Unpaid caregivers would also be connected with training programs and education on best practices.

An aging population and climate change

are putting even more people at risk

By Deborah Carr, Giacomo Falchetta and Ian Sue Wing

Scorching temperatures have put millions of Americans in danger this summer, with heat extremes stretching from coast to coast in the Southern U.S.

Phoenix hit 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 Celsius) or higher every day for over three weeks in July. Other major cities, from Las Vegas to Miami, experienced relentless high temperatures, which residents described as “hell on earth.”

While the evening news runs footage of miserable sunbathers on Miami Beach and joggers in Austin, Texas, dousing themselves with water, these images conceal a growing hidden crisis: the millions of older adults who are suffering behind closed doors.

Half the population to have a

mental health disorder by 75, global study finds

A global study co-led by researchers from The University of Queensland and Harvard Medical School has found one in two people will develop a mental health disorder in their lifetime.

Professor John McGrath from UQ's Queensland Brain Institute, Professor Ronald Kessler from Harvard Medical School, and their colleagues from 27 other countries, analyzed data from more than 150,000 adults across 29 countries between 2001 and 2022, taken from the largest ever coordinated series of face-to-face interviews—the World Health Organization's World Mental Health Survey initiative.

Lead author Professor McGrath said the results demonstrate the high prevalence of mental health disorders, with 50 per cent of the population developing at least one disorder by the age of 75.

Japan considering restricting

senior citizens’ access to ATMs

National Police Agency believe it’s for their own good.

For a while now there have been scores of cases in which a con artist will somehow dupe a person into transferring money. There are a lot of different methods that these scammers use to get their hands on the cash, but most often the targets are seniors led to believe a family member is in dire need of money.

And with seniors becoming regular users of mobile phones, criminals are able to get in their ear remotely and walk them through the process of emptying their bank account from an ATM step by step. Thanks to some quick-thinking employees and bystanders, a few would-be victims have been saved just as they were punching in their PIN codes, but others are not so lucky. In the first half of this year alone, there have been over 15 billion yen (US$107M) in damages from these kinds of scams.

Learn more >> https://soranews24.com/2023/07/29/japan-considering-restricting-senior-citizens-access-to-atms

Why Do Humans Have Fingernails?

Humans have fingernails for several important reasons:

1. Protection: Fingernails serve as a protective barrier for the sensitive tips of our fingers. They help shield the fingertips from potential injuries, impacts, and other external forces that could cause damage.

2. Sensation: Fingernails enhance our sense of touch. The nerve endings present in the fingertips extend to the area just beneath the nails, allowing us to detect subtle changes in texture, temperature, and pressure.

3. Gripping and Manipulation: Fingernails play a role in our ability to grasp and manipulate objects with precision. They provide additional support and stability to the fingers when handling small items, making intricate tasks like picking up small objects or using tools easier.

4. Scratching: Fingernails can be used for scratching or grooming purposes. In our evolutionary past, they likely served as a means to remove dirt, parasites, or irritants from the skin and hair.

5. Communication and Social Signals: In some cultures, fingernails are used for communication and artistic expression. They can be adorned with decorative elements or nail polish, reflecting personal style and social status.

It's worth noting that while fingernails have functional purposes, their exact characteristics and growth rate can vary among individuals due to genetic factors, health conditions, and lifestyle choices. Maintaining healthy fingernails through proper care, such as keeping them clean, trimmed, and moisturized, is essential for their optimal function and appearance.

NEXT BLOG

FRIDAY AUG. 4, 2023

-30-

-----------------

It’s Wednesday August 2, 2023 and we have

Articles about New findings about vitamin D, A pneumonia vaccine

for adults, Your dental implant questions answered, and an OP-ED "What If."

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

“The person, be it gentleman or lady,

who has not pleasure in a good novel,

must be intolerably stupid.”

― Jane Austen

Scientists Reveal New Findings About

Older Adults Who Take Vitamin D

Research suggests that supplementing with vitamin D may

reduce the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular events.

By Stefani Sassos

Vitamin D is widely known for its role in supporting immunity and bone health.

New research suggests that supplementing with vitamin D may reduce the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular events.

Look for a high-quality vitamin D supplement that is third-party tested for purity, potency and safety, and speak with your healthcare provider about the right dose for you.

Vitamin D is a unique nutrient in that it comes from the food we eat and is a hormone that our bodies make. The fat soluble vitamin has a slew of important functions and vitamin D health benefits, from supporting immunity and healthy bones to improving mood. But new research shows that it may have other protective benefits for older adults.

Merck’s investigational pneumococcal vaccine

shows promise in older adults

Merck & Co – known as MSD outside the US and Canada – has shared positive results from two late-stage trials evaluating its investigational 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in adults.

Pneumococcal disease is the name for any infection caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae and is considered a “major public health problem worldwide” by the World Health Organization.

There are more than 100 different types of pneumococcal bacteria, which can affect adults differently than children. Highly aggressive strains threaten to put more people at risk for invasive pneumococcal illnesses, Merck reports, and older adults are among those most vulnerable to serious infection.

Dental Implant Questions

Question: Are dental implants a viable option for Elderly adults?

Dr. Roknian Answer – Dental implants provide stability and functionality like natural teeth, allowing elderly patients to chew, bite, and speak comfortably. They also offer Enhanced aesthetics: Dental implants are designed to resemble natural teeth, improving the appearance of the smile and overall facial aesthetics.

Question: How long do Dental Implants last?

Dr. Roknian – Yes, Implants offer longevity: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a reliable long-term solution for tooth replacement.

Older Adults Reveal The Things They're Simply

"Getting Too Old" To Deal With Anymore

By Raven Ishak

As we get older, there are just some things we no longer want to deal with, whether it’s on a weekly or daily basis. So when I saw that Reddit user u/XmasJasked: “What are you simply getting too old for?” I wanted to share their answers to see if you relate. Here’s what they had to say below:

"Arguing with other people. It makes me think of Keanu Reeves. He gave an interview about growing older and said he protects his peace by refusing to argue with anyone about anything. He said, '2+2 is 5? You are correct. Have a nice day.'"

—u/PatMenotaur

"Concerts without assigned seating. I'm not showing up hours early to get a good spot and then be stuck there the entire time without being able to sit or use the bathroom or else I lose my view."

Read more >> click here

9 Ways You’re Blowing Your Retirement Savings

By Donna Fuscaldo,

If worrying about running out of money in retirement is keeping you up at night, you aren’t alone. Untold numbers of older adults have that concern, and for good reason. Inflation is still elevated, interest rates are rising and people are living longer. All of which means your money has to work harder to last.

“Everybody is losing sleep” about retirement, says Bryan Kuderna, a certified financial planner. “It’s definitely a bigger one for women, who have longevity in their genes.”

Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.

Learn more >> click here

Alright. Donald J. Trump has officially faced four indictments in connection with the January 6th attempt to overturn the 2020 election results. There are several other indictments, some of which are still pending. One of these indictments could possibly be brought to trial before the 2024 elections. If convicted on any of these charges, the former president could face years of imprisonment.

Currently, it appears that Donald Trump is poised to become the Republican nominee for the presidential election scheduled for November 5th, 2024. However, Inauguration Day is set for January 20th, 2025. An intriguing scenario arises if Trump were to win the election legitimately while he is serving time in a federal or state prison. This creates a thought-provoking "What If" situation.

“The U.S. Constitution states three requirements for serving as president: being at least 35 years of age, a natural born citizen and having been a U.S. resident for at least 14 years. There are no provisions in the Constitution regarding a presidential candidate’s criminal history, meaning an individual who has been charged or convicted of a crime is not barred from holding the highest office in the nation. While alleged criminal history would not stop Trump from taking office again, his involvement with the January 6 insurrection theoretically could. Section 3 of the 14th Amendment states that no former government officials can hold office, neither civil nor military, in the U.S. if they “have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof.” [1]

What might transpire is that after the president's inauguration, despite being in prison, he promptly pardons himself with a few inmates and guards as witnesses, during which he places his hand on the Bible in the presence of the Chief Justice of the U.S. Subsequently, he gathers his belongings and departs the prison, where a Secret Service SUV awaits to take him to the airport. He then boards Air Force One and lands in D.C. From there, the president's limo transports him to the White House, where he changes clothes and assumes his position behind the Resolute desk in the Oval Office.

Following some time spent signing documents to pardon his fellow conspirators, who have been serving sentences, including some for over two years, he addresses the nation through a broadcast. Afterward, he dismisses everyone from the office, except for a few of his advisers, and proceeds to devote the next few hours to plotting his revenge. According to legal interpretations, the president of the United States generally enjoys absolute immunity from many lawsuits while in office. Nevertheless, whether they also possess criminal immunity from arrest or prosecution remains legally untested, as neither civil nor criminal immunity is explicitly granted in the Constitution or any federal statute [2]. As a result, it appears that he perceives himself to be unstoppable.

All of this remains speculative, yet not entirely implausible. It is crucial to acknowledge that the president has a responsibility to engage with world leaders occasionally. This raises the question of whether world leaders would be willing to meet with him, considering they might hesitate to associate with a criminal publicly. Moreover, the appointment of federal judges could be problematic, as they may face scrutiny for being chosen by a convicted felon.

Undoubtedly, there are numerous aspects to contemplate here, making the situation intriguing. However, it is essential to bear in mind that none of these matters would be relevant if he loses the election.

According to current polls, Trump and Biden are in a tight race if the election were held today. Nevertheless, it's a considerable duration until November 2024, and numerous events could transpire until then.

We indeed reside in intriguing times. …….

[1]source : https://www.silive.com/politics/2023/03/can-a-convicted-a-felon-become-a-us-president.html

[2]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presidential_immunity_in_the_United_States#:~:text=The%20president%20of%20the%20United,Constitution%20or%20any%20federal%20statute.

100 Best Books of All Time

(According to the Readers Digest)

1. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy (1878)

2. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (1960)

3. Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein (1974)

4. Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann (1966)

5. The Shining by Stephen King (1977)

6. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (1943)

7. The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien (1954)

8. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood (1985)

9. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle (1962)

10. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813)

source: https://www.rd.com/list/books-read-before-die/?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email

NEXT BLOG

THURSDAY AUG. 3, 2023

-30-

--------------------

It’s Tuesday August 1, 2023 and we have

Articles about eliminating the Social Security Tax,

Aspirin and Brainbleeds,

Bad Long Term Meds, Vibrators, and more

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

“In a society governed passively by free markets and free elections,

organized greed always defeats disorganized democracy.”

― Matt Taibbi,

A New Bill Proposes

Eliminating Social Security's Most-Hated Tax.

Does It Have Legs?

By Sean Williams

An overwhelming majority of seniors want this Social Security tax gone -- but legislation to get rid of it faces major hurdles.

For the past 22 years, national pollster Gallup has surveyed retirees to gauge their reliance on the income they receive from Social Security. Without fail, between 80% and 90% of respondents every year lean on their Social Security check to cover some portion of their expenses.

Ensuring the financial health of Social Security is of paramount importance to more than 49 million current retired workers, as well as the well over 100 million working Americans who'll one day be eligible for a monthly benefit.

For some on Capitol Hill, this means a complete overhaul of the program. Prior to being elected president in November 2020, Joe Biden released a four-point plan that outlined major changes to Social Security. His proposal included a reinstatement of the payroll tax on high earners above $400,000, as well as an assortment of changes designed to increase payouts for lifetime low-earning workers and aged beneficiaries (those 78 and above).

Can I Opt Not to Move to

Assisted Living With My Spouse?

Q. My husband is in a nursing home and wants to go to assisted-living. He wants me to go with him, but I want to stay in my home. Do I have rights? How do I protect myself?

Yes, you definitely have rights. Just like anyone else, you can choose where to you want to live. Your husband also has rights and should be able to use his resources to live in assisted living rather than a nursing home if he’s capable of doing so.

Risk of Brain Bleeds with Aspirin

May Outweigh Stroke Reduction

Benefit for Older Adults

By Patrick Campbell

A secondary analysis of ASPREE is bringing the role of aspirin in primary prevention settings further into question, suggesting daily use of low-dose aspirin was associated with a 38% increase in intracranial bleeding in older adults.

New data from a landmark trial examining use of daily low-dose aspirin indicates the once widely used agent may have no role for primary prevention of stroke in older adults.

A secondary analysis of the Aspirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) trial, results of the study further question the role of aspirin, pointing to no statistically significant reduction in ischemic stroke and a 38% increase in intracranial bleeding associated with use in a cohort of patients 65 years of age or older.1

31 Common Medications

That Can Be Bad Long-Term

*As a note, never stop taking medication without speaking to a doctor first. Stopping certain medications suddenly can have serious side-effects.

We often just assume that the drugs we’re taking are good for us. Our doctor told us to take them, right? It's smart to follow doctor's orders because they know about health better than anyone else. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean that the drug is good in the long run. There’s a lot of reasons why someone should at least ask your doctor questions about what you’re prescribed. Many doctors prescribe medications that are designed to be short-term, and a person that's taking them long-term can cause issues. Sometimes, you should ask for a different type of medication than the one they initially suggested.

Read more >> click here

Sex After Menopause:

Is It Time for a Vibrator?

Using a vibrator may improve women's sexual desire and overall experience

By Patricia Garrison

As most women discover after menopause, having sex is challenging. A low libido, vaginal dryness and burning can make sex uncomfortable, if not painful.

Some women decide it's the time to close this chapter of their lives, but others, who want to maintain a healthy sex life, find they need far more than they once did to feel aroused and ready to engage.

Thankfully, the vibrator's sordid days are in the past. Vibrators have been redesigned as sleek and colorful companions in varied shapes.

Learn more >> click here

Top 10 Countries with the

Most Capitalist Economies

1. Singapore (Freedom score: 89.7)

2. New Zealand (83.9)

3. Australia (82.4)

4. Switzerland (81.9)

5. Ireland (81.4)

6. Taiwan (78.6)

7. United Kingdom (78.4)

8. Estonia (78.2)

9. Canada (77.9)

10.Denmark (77.8)

Is America capitalist?

Yes, but not completely. The United States is actually referred to as a mixed market economy, meaning that it blends characteristics of both capitalism and socialism.

In the United States, the means of production (such as manufacturers or importers) are privately owned and operated for profit. This is a clearly capitalist approach. However, because the economy has regulations, taxation, and some subsidization, the United States is not a purely capitalist society. The government has at least partial control over education, roads, health care, and postal deliveries. It also provides subsidies to sectors including oil companies, financial companies, and agricultural producers. Additionally, private businesses must register with government agencies, and certain types of companies need government-approved licenses.

see more >> https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/capitalist-countries

NEXT BLOG

WEDNESDAY AUG. 2, 2023

-30-

------------------

It’s Monday July 31, 2023, and we have

Articles about Aspirin and Strokes, Home health care,

Social Security and a new tick-borne allergy, and an

Editorial about Living with a disability.

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

“The downside of my celebrity is that

I cannot go anywhere in the world without being recognized.

It is not enough for me to wear dark sunglasses and a wig.

The wheelchair gives me away.”

― Stephen Hawking

Daily aspirin doesn’t prevent strokes

in older, healthy people after all

By Nial Wheate and Tina Hinton

Associate Professors of Pharmacology, University of Sydney

The daily use of low dose aspirin has been a mainstay of preventing strokes for decades. While there has always been a risk of bleeding associated with aspirin use, the benefits were thought to outweigh the risk.

Now new research led by Monash University has shown daily, low-dose aspirin doesn’t prevent strokes in relatively healthy people aged over 70. And it increases their risk of bleeding on the brain after falls or other injuries.

But if you’re taking aspirin, it doesn’t mean you should abruptly stop. It may still have a role to play in treating people at high risk of stroke. Or, after talking to your doctor, there might be better options available.

How Home Care Can Supplement

Medical Treatment for Seniors

As the population over 65 continues to increase rapidly, so does the need for health and healthcare services. Unfortunately, various medical issues and conditions can complicate treatment and recovery with an aging population.

While traditional medical care plays a crucial role in supporting seniors’ well-being, many are turning to home care to supplement their remedies – helping them safely manage their symptoms while benefiting from support in the comfort of their own homes. Angel Connection Nursing Services will look at how elderly adults can benefit from combining medical treatment with professional home care now and into the future.

Overview Of Home Care And Benefits For Seniors

As our loved ones age, we want to ensure they receive the best care possible. Often, this means deciding whether to place them in a long-term care facility or opt for home care. While nursing homes can provide around-the-clock supervision, many seniors prefer to stay in the comfort of their own homes and maintain their independence for as long as possible.

Read more >> click here

8 Tips To Retire Comfortably

on Social Security Alone

It's never too early to start learning

how to live well while living on less.

By Marilyn Lewis

So, your retirement plan is to live on your Social Security benefits? It might work. Much depends on the size of your checks and your lifestyle.

Bear in mind, though, that few people get rich off this program. The average monthly benefit among retired workers is about $1,837.

If you are counting on those benefit checks to cover all your expenses in retirement, it’s never too early to start planning how you’ll make it work. These ideas and tips can help.

Alpha-Gal:

What You Need to Know About

the Red Meat Allergy Caused by Ticks

By Rachel Nania

A red meat allergy brought on by a tick bite is now considered an emerging health concern, and experts warn that hundreds of thousands of Americans could be impacted.

Research released July 27 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that far more people than previously thought have been affected by this serious allergy, known as alpha-gal syndrome. More than 110,000 suspected cases were identified between 2010 and 2022, but because alpha-gal is likely underdiagnosed, as many as 450,000 people may have been affected since 2010, the researchers report.

“Alpha-gal syndrome is an important emerging public health problem, with potentially severe health impacts that can last a lifetime for some patients,” Ann Carpenter, an epidemiologist with the CDC, said in a news release. “It’s critical for clinicians to be aware of [alpha-gal syndrome] so they can properly evaluate, diagnose and manage their patients, and also educate them on tick-bite prevention to protect patients from developing this allergic condition.”

Read more >> click here

At 80, Mick Jagger I

s Still a Man With a Plan

It's only rock and roll, but Jagger has been liking it —

and entertaining the world with it — for over six decades

By Jon Friedman

Mick Jagger, the lead Rolling Stone who turns 80 years old on July 26, has always been a man with a plan. This is why he has achieved almost unparalleled longevity in an industry that is notorious for creating one-hit wonders as well as for chewing up and spitting out even the most ambitious pop stars.

Jagger has demonstrated an uncanny knack for anticipating societal and cultural upheavals and for solving problems over six decades of stardom. The kicker is that Jagger has achieved so much in full view of the intrusive media and the prying eyes of fans.

Jagger rocks on whether the hot subject is the Stones' music and touring or Jagger's women or the bickering between Mick and his bandmate, good friend and collaborator of more than 60 years, Keith Richards, or how the latest fad in rock and roll threatens to do in the Stones.

Learn more >> click here

The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a disabled person as someone who possesses a physical or mental impairment that significantly restricts one or more major life activities. Additionally, it includes individuals with a documented history of such impairments or those who are perceived by others as having such impairments.

The intentionally inclusive nature of this definition aims to ensure a wide range of people can qualify for the benefits and accommodations provided by the act. In the past, the criteria for disability insurance or workplace and school accommodations were more restrictive, requiring complete incapacitation. This was designed to prevent individuals who were pretending or exaggerating their conditions from gaining undeserved advantages.

Now, however, it is recognized that true disability does not necessarily render someone completely unemployable. Many disabled individuals can thrive with just a little support to overcome the challenges they face in their daily lives.

At the A.L.F., where the majority of individuals experience disabilities or impairments, you'll be astonished by the remarkable ability of our residents to adapt, thrive, and maintain their daily routines.

Each one of us lives here because certain events in our lives have made it exceedingly difficult to lead an independent life at home. Simple household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, and shopping become quite challenging due to physical limitations. While I might manage to cook a meal, the process of shopping for the ingredients is too demanding. By the time I return home, I am already physically exhausted and unable to prepare the meal. Cleaning my living area might be feasible, but when it comes to my 2-bedroom apartment, it becomes overwhelming with too many rooms and nooks to take care of. Activities like mopping the floor and vacuuming are entirely out of the question.

Fortunately, my physical limitations are quite minimal, mainly affecting my balance and mobility. Walking even short distances has become a significant challenge due to my limited ability to cover more than a few yards at a time.

In the past, I used to enjoy a daily stroll around the facility's grounds, which was probably around a hundred yards. However, nowadays, I can hardly manage to walk from my room to the dining room without experiencing discomfort in my knees, hips, and feet. As a result, I've had to give up going on trips to places like the supermarket, the local mall, and occasional restaurants. The pain and fatigue I experience outweigh any potential benefits, and it's disheartening, I must admit. Nevertheless, when comparing my situation to that of others here, I still consider myself fortunate.

My main priority revolves around preserving whatever mobility I still possess, which is progressively becoming more challenging with the passage of time. Besides undergoing major surgeries like hip or knee replacements or relying heavily on painkillers, there aren't many options available. Consequently, I find myself persevering through the pain and discomfort, determined to continue pushing forward. This seems to be the prevailing situation for most of my fellow individuals in this setting. We all do our best because surrendering to the circumstances would essentially mean being relocated to a nursing home, hospice, or worse. Sadly. I’ve lost a number of dear friends that way. They just could not do it anymore.

As a person with disabilities, it's essential to understand that you are not isolated in your journey. Nowadays, the disabled community has access to numerous resources and support. Various organizations and private companies are dedicated to providing mobility aids and adaptive equipment, significantly reducing the reliance on assistance and empowering individuals to maintain their independence.

If you are new to all this, here are some tips for adapting to disability:

- Tell someone who will listen to you
- Find supports and embrace them
- Accept the things you can no longer do
- Learn about your disability
- Get inspired and motivated
- Get involved in your community
- Progress through the stages of shock, denial, anger/depression, and adjustment/acceptance at your own pace
- Establish a support system
- Consider learning, employment, and volunteering opportunities
- Find a hobby
- Live a healthy lifestyle
- Seek financial assistance
- Get the equipment you need

If your disability is well advanced, here’s an article to help you live a better life:

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/living-well-with-a-disability.htm

While we may wish to believe that we are immune to the effects of aging, the reality is that the human body functions like a machine. Just like any machine, despite proper maintenance, its parts will eventually wear out or malfunction. When faced with this inevitable reality, we are left with two options. We can either succumb and give up, or we can find meaning in life by cherishing and enjoying every moment that remains available to us…..............

8 facts about Americans with disabilities

- Older Americans are significantly more likely than younger adults to have a disability.

- Americans in certain racial and ethnic groups are more likely to have a disability. American Indians and Alaska Natives (18%) are more likely than Americans of other racial and ethnic backgrounds to report having a disability.

- The most common types of disability in the U.S. involve difficulties with walking, independent living or cognition.

- About 6% of Americans report difficulties with independent living – struggling to do errands alone because of physical, mental or emotional problems.

- Americans with disabilities tend to earn less than those who do not have a disability.

- On average, people with disabilities accounted for 4% of employed Americans in 2022.

- Disabled Americans have lower rates of technology adoption for some devices.

- The percentage of U.S. public school students who receive special education or related services has increased over the last decade.

- In 2021-22, the share of disabled students in public schools varied by state, from about 20% in New York, Pennsylvania and Maine to about 12% in Idaho and Texas.

- Americans with disabilities experienced high levels of distress during the COVID-19 pandemic.

- Employed Americans generally think their workplace is accessible for people with physical disabilities.

source: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/07/24/8-facts-about-americans-with-disabilities/

NEXT BLOG

TUESDAY AUG. 1 2023

-30-

------------------------

FRIDAY JULY 28, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

“Tables aren’t meant for just one person. That’s a desk.

A desk only admits one. And who holds a dinner at a desk anyway?”

― Koki Oyuke,

Bill Introduced to Force Creditors to

Create Dedicated Phone Lines

to Help Older Consumers

A bipartisan bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives that would require creditors establish a dedicated phone line to assist older Americans who may have been scammed or otherwise have questions about possible billing errors.

H.R. 4743, the Reporting Instances of Non-authorized Grift (RING) Act of 2023, was introduced last week by Rep. Kweisi Mfume [D-Md.].

Creditors would be required to set up toll-free numbers that are operated by individuals located in the United States, for the express purpose of helping individuals over the age of 50 navigate billing errors and fraudulent activity. The number would need to be published and promoted and the individuals who answer the phones must be real people who can also provide an option for individuals who wish to speak Spanish during the call. Individuals answering the phone would be prohibited from asking for personally identifiable information, like Social Security numbers, from those people calling into the service.

3 tips for integrating behavioral

health care for older adults

By Tanya Albert Henry

It’s not uncommon for a family member to accompany an older patient to their primary care physician visit with concerns that their loved one is more irritable or withdrawn, and fearing that the patient may have dementia.

Advancing public health

The AMA leads the charge on public health. Our members are the frontline of patient care, expanding access to care for underserved patients and developing key prevention strategies.

Or perhaps the family member comes in worried that their loved one is sluggish and lacking motivation to do the things they used to like to do after they started new medication.

As the nation’s population increasingly skews older, primary care physicians such as internists and family physicians can help address these and other potential mental health needs by integrating behavioral health care into their practice.

Stroke should be at top of conditions

targeted by new tech solutions,

researchers say

By Aaron Dorman

New tech is need to improve medical diagnoses, researchers say.

Stroke, sepsis and other conditions for which the frequency — and harm — increase with age are among the most frequently misdiagnosed, experts say.

A recent study evaluated where diagnostic error occurs most frequently in the United States and concluded that a need exists to develop “systematic solutions,” such as new technologies, to address the issue.

Diseases accounting for the most serious misdiagnosis-related harms and with high diagnostic error rates should become top priority for devising and putting in place scaling systematic solutions.  

Increasing Age Linked to More Severe Anaphylaxis,

Medications Frequent Trigger for Older Adults

By Tim Smith

A recent analysis identified several trends among adults with anaphylaxis, including the following: increasing age is linked to more severe presentations, medications are more frequent trigger in older adults, and food-related anaphylaxis is both a risk factor for recurrent cases and the most common trigger.1

These findings and others resulted from a study which set out to assess the risk factors in adult patients with severe and recurrent anaphylaxis presentations. The study also sought to examine patient management strategies related to the cascade of care recommendations.

The research was authored by Jacqueline Loprete, MBBS, from the Immunology and HIV Unit of St. Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, Australia.

COMMON TOURIST TRAPS

TO AVOID WHILE TRAVELING

BY SUE RUDOLPH

Traveling around the world is undoubtedly thrilling. It’s all about discovering new cultures, tasting exotic cuisines, and soaking in the beauty of Mother Nature. But, with beauty often comes the beast! Today, let’s highlight some of the common tourist traps you should avoid, making your journey more enjoyable and hassle-free.

Overpriced Souvenir Shops

The moment you step off the plane you’re bombarded with souvenir shops that market ‘authentic’ items at premium prices. This is one of the biggest tourist traps, as these trinkets are often mass-produced and not locally made. Instead of giving in to these overpriced gimmicks, try visiting local flea markets or artisan shops for goodies that truly represent the region’s culture.

The recent news about a government cover-up and a congressional panel investigating UFOs is captivating, regardless of one's beliefs. The emergence of numerous photos and eyewitness accounts adds to the intrigue. Personally, I remain skeptical until I witness a UFO landing on the White House lawn. Nonetheless, even the staunchest skeptic would find it difficult to believe that we are the only intelligent civilization in the vast universe.

For the sake of argument, let's assume that advanced civilizations exist out there. In that case, one might wonder about their intentions. It seems they are merely observers without any particular agenda. Like extraterrestrial voyeurs, they watch over us to maintain universal stability.

What makes THEM particularly intriguing to us? Naturally, we're curious about their energy and propulsion sources, as well as any advancements in medicine that could benefit us.

For me, it's akin to peering over the new neighbors' fence to discover how they maintain their lawn so impeccably green and free of weeds. We simply desire to understand how others live their lives and whether their lifestyle surpasses or differs from ours.

Are their TV shows similar to ours? Do they consume fast food or any type of food? Do they use cars for transportation, and if so, what fuels these vehicles? It's the ordinary aspects of their lives that captivate my interest. Additionally, as a senior, I'd be intrigued to know how they treat their elderly. In movies, we typically see only young aliens (except Yoda), so do they cherish their elderly, or is there a different custom regarding their care?

As a resident of an assisted living facility, I'm curious to know if THEY have similar living arrangements where they reside. Are their facilities comparable to ours? Do they engage in activities like Pickleball? I wonder about the quality of their food and if they commonly wear sweatpants throughout the day. Moreover, I'm interested in whether they need reminders to take their medications. These questions hold significance as we embark on our first close encounter with another civilization. The way they care for children, animals, and elderly individuals can reveal much about their society. .............

When is Dinner, By State

I know dinner time varies around the world, but I wanted to know if dinner time was different within the United States, and if so, by how much. Who eats the earliest? Who eats the latest?

Using data from the American Time Use Survey, between 2018 to 2022, we can see the percentage of households in the country who were eating during a given time. The chart below focuses on evening times after 4p.

WHEN AMERICANS EAT DINNER

Most households eat dinner between 5:07p and 8:19p, with peak dinner time at 6:19p.

Source: https://flowingdata.com/2023/07/25/when-is-dinner-by-state/?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

JULY 29 & 30

-30-

--------------------------

THURSDAY JULY 27, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

"When boxes arrive from Amazon I just tell my husband

they’re Christmas presents for him and he doesn’t ask questions."

----Anon. via Twitter

Extreme heat is particularly hard on older adults –

an aging population and climate change

are putting ever more people at risk

By Deborah Carr

Older adults don’t sweat or cool down as efficiently as younger people. Heat stress can worsen underlying conditions like heart, lung and kidney disease, and extreme heat can trigger delirium.

Poor air quality makes it harder to breathe, especially among people who already have breathing difficulties. For older adults with physical health problems, temperatures as low as 80 degrees F (26.7 C) – to say nothing of 110 degrees – can pose a grave danger.

Prescription medications make older people more sensitive to heat. Anticholinergics, used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, or COPD, reduce our capacity to sweat. Dehydration is a side effect of beta blockers and diuretics, which are used to help control blood pressure.

Social Security update:

These states would be the least

affected if program receives cuts

By Misty Severi

Although the cost of living in the area where a recipient resides does not factor into how much money the person gets from Social Security, it does help paint a better picture of how much a cut in funding would affect the individual. Here are states that would fare the best if there are drastic cuts to the Social Security program.

States that offer the best senior benefits:

There are three states, according to SeniorStrong and SeniorAdvice, that offer the best benefits to seniors that retire on a budget: Georgia, Hawaii, and Virginia.

Georgia has several "senior-friendly" policies, which include: Zero Social Security tax, low healthcare costs, retirement income adjustments on their state tax returns, and property tax benefits, deductions, and exemptions for seniors over 65.

What Is Transfer Trauma?

Transfer trauma can affect seniors moving from one level of care to the next. Learn strategies for how to reduce anxiety and other symptoms associated with this transition.

By Payton Sy, RN

Robert, an elderly man with dementia, lived in an apartment with his partner and caregiver, Rosie, who helped him with daily tasks, such as cooking dinner or moving from his bed to a wheelchair. Then Robert suddenly fell after dinner one evening. His doctors determined it was no longer safe for him to live independently with Rosie and that he needed a higher level of care.

Although the transition to a senior care facility was necessary, the sudden change in environment, structure and routine was disruptive to Robert and his condition. His dementia impeded his ability to understand or adjust to the changes, and his dementia-related symptoms worsened.

This is a common scenario, says Rebecca Jackson Stoeckle, a Massachusetts-based vice president at the Education Development Center and director and principal investigator of the National Collaboratory to Address Elder Mistreatment.

How to Get the Most Benefits

From Your Daily Prescriptions

Balancing multiple prescription medications and supplements can feel like a full-time job

By Karen Diehl

It's becoming routine now: another doctor's appointment, another new prescription medication. The choices made in your twenties and thirties are now mingling with the genetic inheritance from your family. As a result, physical, psychological and emotional symptoms are cropping up daily.

You have made a plan with your medical doctor and specialists, or you are reaching out and working with a naturopathic provider or utilizing both avenues to find your optimal health. Balancing multiple prescription medications and supplements feels like a full-time job.

How do you figure out when to take which prescription? Are a prescription and a drug the same thing? And what about taking other drugs, like over-the-counter things? Do some medications cancel out others? And should you take dietary supplements? It's overwhelming.

Read more >> click here

July Belongs to Blueberries Month

By Chris Draper

It’s “National July Belongs to Blueberries Month” and whether you’re adding them to your cereal, muffins or eating them on their own, they are among the healthiest foods there are for seniors.

Blueberries can benefit your health by:

Slowing down age-related decline.

The nutrients in blueberries improve cognitive skills. Other studies have shown that they can actually reverse some age related decline in motor skills also. They are considered a super food because they contain antioxidants. Antioxidants help to protect us from cancer and other age related diseases by reducing DNA damage.

Learn more >> https://seniorslifestylemag.com/health-well-being/july-belongs-to-blueberries-month/

U.P.S. FACTS

United Parcel Service (UPS) is a well-known global package delivery and logistics company. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, here are ten facts about UPS:

1. Founding: UPS was founded on August 28, 1907, by James E. Casey in Seattle, Washington, as the American Messenger Company. It later changed its name to United Parcel Service in 1919.

2. Headquarters: UPS is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. The main headquarters is located in the Sandy Springs area of Atlanta.

3. Brown Color: UPS's familiar brown color for its delivery trucks and uniforms is known as "Pullman Brown." This color has become synonymous with the company and is easily recognizable.

4. Worldwide Presence: UPS operates in more than 220 countries and territories around the world. It has an extensive global network of distribution centers, hubs, and delivery routes.

5. Air Cargo Operation: UPS has one of the world's largest airlines, UPS Airlines, operating out of its primary hub in Louisville, Kentucky. It also owns a significant number of cargo aircraft.

6. Package Volume: UPS delivers millions of packages every day, with its peak season usually occurring during the holiday months of November and December.

7. Alternative Fuels: UPS has been at the forefront of adopting alternative fuels and sustainable practices in its delivery fleet. It has integrated electric, natural gas, and hybrid vehicles into its operations to reduce its carbon footprint.

8. UPS My Choice: UPS offers a service called "UPS My Choice," which allows customers to customize their package delivery preferences, such as delivery time and location, rescheduling, and tracking notifications.

9. UPS Stores: Apart from its delivery services, UPS operates a chain of retail stores called "The UPS Store," providing various services such as shipping, printing, packing, and mailbox services.

10. Technology and Innovation: UPS has invested heavily in technology and innovation to optimize its logistics operations. From advanced route planning algorithms to using drones for delivery trials, UPS continuously explores new ways to enhance efficiency and customer experience.

Please note that some facts might have evolved or changed since my last update, so I recommend checking more recent sources for the latest information about UPS.

NEXT BLOG

FRIDAY JULY 28, 2023

-30-

------------------------

TUESDAY JULY 25, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

“Nobody fails as often as an economist,

a meteorologist, and a fortuneteller.”

― Amit Kalantri,

Ungrateful greedy geezers:

Readers complain about ‘unwarranted benefits’

By TOM MARGENAU

Today I’m going to share some recent email exchanges I had with two people who bothered me. They both were spouting the same “get the government off my back” and “the government is out to squeeze every last nickel out of us” rhetoric, but neither of them realized how hypocritical their complaints were.

I’m going to call the first guy “Ungrateful Greedy Geezer.” Our email exchange went like this. (I must point out that we were talking about the Medicare Part B program. There are two main parts to Medicare. Part A is hospital coverage. It’s paid for out of a payroll tax – currently 1.45% – so it is free once you reach age 65. Part B covers doctor’s visits, lab tests, etc., and is paid for by monthly premiums usually deducted from a Social Security recipient’s monthly benefits.)

UGG: I am 75 years old. I had a good year financially last year as some investments paid off in seven figures. So, imagine my shock when I learned that because I invested wisely, I will be paying higher Medicare premiums this year. It ticks me off that the government has an unquenchable desire for more money. What can I do about this?

Read more >> click here

Or with pocket >> https://getpocket.com/read/3908141726

CAN WE TRANSFORM OUR BRAINS?

(BY COMING TO OUR SENSES)

BY KAREN SPENCER

Exercise can transform your brain. Have you ever considered this before? Did you know that exercise can:

Boost your memory and thinking skills?
Increase your energy?
Improve your focus?
Decrease stress?
Decrease social anxiety?
Improve processing of emotions?
Build stronger neural connections?

And exercise has also been shown to stave off signs of early dementia and other neurological conditions. It sounds like miracle medicine for the mind, doesn’t it? That’s because it is!

Exercise Can Transform Your Brain

Did you already know that exercise was such a super power?

Do you know why?

Here is how exercise affects the brain and why it is so powerful. Exercise:

4 Lifestyle Changes To Reverse

And Manage Prediabetes

It is harder to control diabetes, if diagnosed late.

By Tavishi Dogra

In the world that we live in, with hectic lifestyles, easily accessible fast-food and sedentary habits, diabetes has become a global epidemic. India has showcased an overall weighted prevalence of diabetes at 11.4% and prediabetes at 15.3%. Given the prevailing circumstances, it becomes imperative for individuals to adopt a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the onset and progression of diabetes. Understanding what physiological changes accompany prediabetes is paramount before making any significant changes. Prediabetes manifests as heightened glucose levels, signifying an increased susceptibility to developing type 2 diabetes. Typically, prediabetes coincides with insulin resistance, wherein the pancreas secretes insulin, yet the cells resist its effects, leading to inefficient glucose uptake.

Consequently

This glucose stays in the bloodstream, elevating and metabolising it for energy production. However, amidst the daunting statistics and medical jargon lies a story of hope and resilience. The power to manage diabetes effectively lies in medication and the transformative potential of lifestyle changes. Dr Navneet Agrawal, Chief Clinical Officer, BeatOshares that one can readily adopt the following changes to reverse and manage prediabetes:

4 Ways Seniors Can Benefit

From Social Media

By Leaja Johnson

Social media has always been a hit with younger generations, but it’s starting to skewing much older as more seniors are buying into its usefulness and entertainment factor.

But does social media also offer a way to combat social isolation?

“Seniors can protect themselves from social isolation by involvement in community activities of all kinds, but social media can also play a positive role,” says Paul Weigle, MD, a psychiatrist at Natchaug Hospital, part of the Hartford HealthCare Behavioral Health Network.

Reduce isolation and create a sense of belonging. Social media allows you to connect with others as well as tap into other worlds they hadn’t imagined, including connecting with younger generations.

Explained:

What is grey tourism that lets

seniors fulfil their dreams?

By Saket Tiwari

People have been travelling throughout the world since ancient times, initially for food and then for exploration and expansion. Later, tourism became an activity, centred on joy, recreation, learning, and cultural exchange.

New Delhi: Tourism is the act and practice of spending time away from home in pursuit of recreation, relaxation, and enjoyment while using commercially provided services. There are several sorts of tourism in this industry. Tourism has gone from dark to grey. Grey tourism is a niche business that caters to senior citizens. Other words for this generation are senior, mature, woopies (well-off older folks), and prime lifers.

As such, tourism is a product of modern social structures, having begun in Western Europe in the 17th century, albeit it has Classical antiquity precedents. People have been travelling worldwide since ancient times, initially for food and then for exploration and expansion. Later, tourism became an activity, centred on joy, recreation, learning, and cultural exchange.

Lear more >> https://www.news9live.com/knowledge/explained-what-is-grey-tourism-that-lets-seniors-fulfil-their-dreams-2223606

NEXT BLOG

WEDNESDAY JULY 26, 2023

-30-

------------------------

MONDAY JULY 24, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

“You only need two tools in life — WD-40 and duct tape.

If it doesn’t move and should, use the WD-40.

If it shouldn’t move and does, use the duct tape.”

― Anonymous

Study: Many older adults

with mild cognitive impairment

are still driving

Reviewed by Megan Craig

The majority of older adults with cognitive impairment are still driving, despite concerns raised by caregivers and others, a Michigan Medicine study in a South Texas community finds.

Researchers assessed more than 600 adults over 65 years old in Nueces County, Texas, who had cognitive assessment scores that indicated a likelihood of impairment.

Of those people with cognitive impairment, 61.4% were current drivers, and around one-third of all caregivers had concerns about their care-recipient driving. The results are published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

Why experts aren’t all that concerned

about Biden’s and Trump’s ages

Data and experts suggest both men would likely retain the ability to perform as president, but many Americans are still concerned about how old they are

By Michael Scherer and Lenny Bernstein

President Biden, 80, and former president Donald Trump, 77, are among the luckier ones.

Biden has already outlived about 59 percent of American-born men in his age cohort, while former president Trump has outlived 47 percent of his cohort, according to an analysis of Social Security Administration data for people born in the 1940s by University of Pennsylvania professor Samuel Preston.

As the oldest major party front-runners in American history — even with demanding schedules — they both remain physically capable. Both candidates have recent passing reports from their physicians and partake in healthy living habits — no smoking, no drinking, no hazardous labor.

Medicare Part B premiums may increase in 2024,

prompted by a new Alzheimer’s treatment

By Lorie Konish

One of the costs retirees pay — Medicare Part B premiums — may be increasing in 2024, driven by a new Alzheimer’s treatment on the market.

The Medicare trustees projected in March that the standard monthly Part B premium may increase to $174.80 in 2024, an almost $10 monthly increase from the $164.90 standard monthly premium beneficiaries are currently paying.

Since that prediction, Leqembi, a treatment targeted at early stages Alzheimer’s disease, has come under Medicare coverage following traditional approval from the Food and Drug Administration.

6 Myths About Retirement, Debunked

You could be in for an unpleasant surprise

if you have any of these misconceptions.

By Maryalene LaPonsie .

Some people buy into myths about retirement — such as how much they’ll spend and where they’ll live — without realizing that reality can be much different. By the time they discover the truth, it could be too late to make adjustments to their retirement plan.

Don’t get caught off-guard. Make sure you don’t fall for these common retirement myths.

1. You can always work longer if you don’t have enough savings

It’s not unusual for people to think they can simply delay retirement or work part-time if they have meager savings. In fact, 73% of workers think they will continue to work for pay after they retire, according to the 2023 Retirement Confidence Survey from the nonprofit Employee Benefit Research Institute.

7 Health Benefits Of Ginger Tea,

According To Experts

By Becca Stanek

Not only is ginger tea a warm, zesty drink to sip, it offers a number of health benefits, too. There’s evidence that the brew, which is derived from a plant that’s been used medicinally for thousands of years, can help ease ailments ranging from nausea to menstrual cramps, and it boasts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It’s also easy to make—you can do so with just a piece of fresh ginger and boiling water.

Here’s a closer look at what ginger and ginger tea are, and the potential health benefits this beverage offers.

What Is Ginger?

Ginger is a plant that’s native to parts of Asia, including India, China and Japan. The part of the plant that’s traditionally used in food and for medicinal purposes is the plant’s rhizome, or underground stem. The rhizome is bulbous and knotted in appearance, with a thin beige skin, whereas the above-ground portion of the plant has long, narrow green leaves and flowers that are either white or yellowish-green in color.

Ginger has a long history of use in both cooking, where it’s often used as a spice, and in medicine. It’s reported that the plant has been used in Asia medicinally for over 2,500 years and as a cooking spice for at least 4,400 years[1][2].

What Is Ginger Tea?

“Despite being called a tea (which usually involves tea leaves), ginger tea is a concoction or infusion of the rhizome of ginger,” says Kantha Shelke, Ph.D., certified food scientist, who serves as a principal at food science and research firm Corvus Blue LLC and a senior lecturer at Johns Hopkins University.

I am an expert on practically nothing. However, there is one thing I know a lot about.[1] At least from a user’s point of view. And that is what it’s like or, better yet, how to survive as a resident of an assisted living facility (A.L.F.).

Not every person is suited for assisted living. Only those who have no other option should consider it. In fact, the trend today is to keep people living at home (living in place) and to turn to assisted living only when it becomes impossible to do so.

Assisted living allows seniors and individuals with disabilities to maintain independence while receiving support for daily activities.

Here are some reasons assisted living can be beneficial:

- Assisted living can offer help with various daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, medication management, and meal preparation. With this help, residents can concentrate on other parts of their life, without worrying about these day-to-day tasks. Please note, A.L.F. residents need to bathe on their own. No one will be in the shower with you. An aide will, however, remain close by in case you need help to enter or leaving the shower. If you can’t bathe yourself, an A.L.F. is not for you.

- Most private homes or apartments are not designed with safety and security for the elderly. Assisted living facilities are designed with safety in mind. They have trained staff available around the clock to respond to emergencies and provide a secure environment, reducing the risks associated with living alone.

- Seniors often face social isolation, which can negatively impact their mental and emotional well-being. Assisted living communities facilitate social interactions among residents, offering various activities, outings, and communal spaces for socializing and making new friends.

- For those who can manage, assisted living facilities provide a range of amenities, such as fitness centers, libraries, beauty salons, and on-site dining options. They also arrange transportation for medical appointments and other activities, making life more convenient and enjoyable.

- Here’s a big one. Assisted living can provide respite for family members who have been taking care of their loved ones. This allows caregivers to take a break, reduce stress, and attend to their own well-being while knowing their loved one is in a supportive and caring environment.

- This will appeal to most prospective residents. By residing in an assisted living facility, individuals no longer need to worry about home maintenance, cooking, and other household tasks, freeing up time to focus on personal interests and hobbies.

- With access to various services and activities, personalized care, and a supportive community, residents often experience an improved overall quality of life.

NOTE: Some assisted living facilities offer specialized care units for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. These units, also referred to as “Enhanced Assisted Living) provide a safe and structured environment, as well as specialized programs to support memory care needs.

A.L.Fs come with some positive aspects. But not everything is hunky dory….

- Assisted living facilities can offer many benefits for older adults who need help with daily activities and healthcare services. However, there are also some potential drawbacks or challenges associated with assisted living. These include:

-I can’t discuss how you afford assisted living other than to say, it’s expensive. While there are some A.L.F. that accept Medicare and Medicaid as partial payment, those are few and hard to find. Usually, residents in those facilities have to meet specific net worth requirements which can be severe.

- If you need personal assistance throughout the day and night you will not get it at the A.L.F. unless you opt (and pay for) a Home Health Aid.

- Moving into an assisted living facility may mean giving up some independence and privacy. Residents often have to adapt to a structured environment and adhere to facility rules and regulations.

- Adjusting to a new environment: Moving to an assisted living facility can be a major life change, and some individuals may find it challenging to adapt to the new surroundings and routines.

- Assisted living facilities are not equipped to provide complex medical care. Be prepared for a visit to the E.R. if you become ill.

- If you have more than your share of cognitive problems (beyond those associated with normal aging) navigating the structured schedule of these facilities may be confusing.

- Here is something rarely thought about or mentioned when discussing life at an A.L.F. The food. If you are used to eating things the way you like it cooked or have specific food you like or dislike prepared the way, you have all your life. It ain’t happening here. Unless you're in a very high-end facility, meals are never made-to-order. You’ll eat what everyone else is eating and like it.

.- And last, but perhaps the most important thing about surviving at an A.L.F. is getting along with other people. You may think of yourself a being a convivial, easy-going person who gets along with everybody. Think again. At the A.L.F. you will encounter people from all walks of life. A.L.F.s can’t, and won’t, discriminate. If you have a problem with other races or religions or find being in close contact with others not to your liking, you will be miserable here. I’m not saying you have to like everybody.but you must put your prejudices aside if you want to survive your new surroundings. Bigotry has no place when you're around people you've never interacted with.

It’s essential to note that the benefits of assisted living can vary depending on the individual’s needs and the quality of the specific facility. Before choosing an assisted living community, it’s crucial to visit and evaluate several options to ensure the best fit for the individual’s preferences and requirements. Don't hesitate to email me if you have a specific question about what it's like living in an A.L.F. I’ll tell it to you straight……………..

[1] Next month will mark my 10th year here at the A.L.F. That’s considerably longer than the average stay, which is only 18 months. My ability to survive all these years is evidence of my expertise.

WD-40 More Than Just a Lube

Removes road tar and grime from cars.

Removes lipstick stains.

Loosens stubborn zippers.

Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.

Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.

Removes tomato stains from clothing.

Keeps scissors working smoothly.

Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well

as vinyl bumpers.

Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.

.Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell).

Removes all traces of duct tape.

Use it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and

stops the itch.

It is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray it on the marks

and wipe with a clean rag.

see more >> https://files.wd40.com/pdf/WD-40_Multi_Use_Product_2000_Uses_final.pdf

NEXT BLOG

TUESDAY JULY 25, 2023

-30-

----------------------

FRIDAY JULY 21, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

“Thunder roars but does not strike.

Lightning strikes but does not roar.

Choose to be lightning.”

― Matshona Dhliwayo

These Factors Drive Americans to

Retire Earlier Than Expected

By John Manganaro

What You Need to Know

More than half of Americans retire earlier than expected, a new study finds.

While one in six Americans retired at the exact age they expected, just under 80% retired within five years of their expected retirement age.

Researchers say incorporating retirement age uncertainty into a financial plan can significantly affect required retirement savings levels.

The ages at which older Americans expect to retire cluster around two key federal retirement benefit claiming ages — the early retirement age for Social Security of 62 and the Medicare eligibility age of 65.

However, according to a new paper published by the Social Science Research Network, Americans actually tend to retire earlier than they expect on average, and a number of social and demographic factors can be shown to influence the actual retirement date.

How to Set Clear Expectations

With a Home Care Provider

BY DANIEL COBB

McClatchy newsrooms were not involved in the creation of this content. Home care is an excellent option for seniors who want to remain in their homes as long as possible. It can offer the same support services as residential senior living, but allows your loved one to remain independent and in familiar surroundings while still receiving the help they need. When you hire a home care provider, you probably have expectations of the quality of care your loved one receives.

While most agencies have procedures in place when establishing care, it’s still important to know what to ask for and expect going forward so that you and your loved one are satisfied. Communication is key to making sure all physical and medical needs are met and eliminating misunderstandings. Consider the following on how to establish care for your aging loved one.

START EARLY Consider your loved one’s needs before you look for a home care provider. In-home care offers nonmedical assistance, meal planning, dressing, bathing, housekeeping and transportation. Home health care provides light medical assistance, including skilled nursing, pain management, physical therapy and IV care.

Understanding

specialized care for the elderly

There is a significant difference between caring for the elderly and caring for other age groups, and it is important to understand these distinctions in order to prevent a decline in the health of our beloved senior citizens

Dr. Batya Kagansky

At a certain stage in life, we become familiar with the concept of "geriatrics." This typically happens when an elderly family member suffers from medical issues that require special treatment, and then questions surface: What exactly is geriatric treatment, and how does it differ from regular treatment? Why do the elderly need different care than others, and what sets geriatric hospitals apart? What should be done when a grandparent's health starts to decline, who should we turn to, and how can we help?

Does an elderly person require special treatment?

Yes. In older age, changes occur in the body's responses to diseases and healing processes. Just as there is a field of medicine that specializes in children, there is also one that specializes in senior citizens. There is a significant difference between treating the elderly and treating younger age groups, and this is the foundation of geriatrics: to learn what sets adults apart from the elderly and provide treatment accordingly.

In older adults, a little excess

weight isn’t such a bad thing

Millions of people enter later life carrying an extra 10 to 15 pounds, weight they've gained after having children, developing joint problems, becoming less active, or making meals the center of their social lives.

For years, experts have debated what to advise older adults in this situation. On one hand, weight gain is associated with the accumulation of fat. And that can have serious adverse health consequences, contributing to heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and a host of other medical conditions.

Lern mor >> https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230717/In-older-adults-a-little-excess-weight-isne28099t-such-a-bad-thing.aspx

IS HEALTHY FOOD

REALLY MORE EXPENSIVE?

pic e

BY TIFFANY WINDSOR

For many of us, the idea of switching to a healthy, organic diet seems out of reach because the perception is that it’s too expensive. Is that really true?

It can be difficult to pinpoint the answer because we all have different food purchasing habits and budgets and family sizes. So, a healthy food that I may think is reasonably priced because it fits into my food budget may be expensive for others… or is it really?

We Live on Processed Foods

In researching, I was stunned to read how many Americans buy their food from dollar stores. Business Insider explains that about 90 percent of the money Americans spend on food goes to buy processed foods.

YOU KNOW YOU’RE OLD WHEN:

The insidious thing about old age is, it comes to you in stages. You don’t suddenly start wearing goofy clothes or forget where you put your glasses. You don’t turn 60 and automatically pick up a cane and hobble across the living room. No. Turning into an older adult is not that obvious. Like a disease, you won’t notice it until it’s too late.

You are probably already familiar with the symptoms. The receding hairline. The appearance of some extra avoirdupois around the middle and how the print on the back of your Cheerio’s box is getting smaller. As I mentioned earlier, the signs of aging that indicate you're heading towards decrepitude come on gradually and almost apologetically. You don't take them seriously, thinking they happen to everyone sooner or later. Then, there are the other manifestations you are approaching your dotage.

My epiphany came one afternoon at the grocery.

Having completed my shopping, I was sitting on a bench outside of the A&P waiting for the bus that would take me back to the A.L.F. My two filled shopping bags were beside me and my new adjustable cane hung jauntily from my arm. As I sat there, contemplating the meaning of life and the space-time continuum, a young man driving a late-model sedan pulled up to the curb in front of me, rolled down the passenger side window and yelled “Hey pops, is there a liquor store near here?”

“POPS.” No one had ever called me “pops.” At that moment I knew, not only did I feel old, I looked old to others. It was a sobering moment to be sure. And one I shall never forget.

There are subtle, less startling warning signs:

You start receiving senior citizen discounts without asking for them.

People around you constantly remind you of how much things have changed since your younger days.

Your favorite songs from your youth are now considered "classics" or "oldies."

You talk about the "good old days" and reminisce about how things were different when you were younger.

You notice that the celebrities and sports stars you grew up admiring have retired or passed away.

Younger people start using slang or references that you don't quite understand.

Your memory might not be as sharp as it once was, and you rely on reminders and notes more often.

Your joints and body may feel stiffer, leading to occasional aches and pains.

You start telling stories about your past, and your listeners say, "You've told that one before!"

Not everything is gloom and doom about reaching maturity. There’s much good in it too.

Growing old comes with its unique set of challenges, but it also brings many positive aspects and opportunities. Here are some good things about growing old:

With age comes a wealth of knowledge and life experience. Older individuals often have a deeper understanding of the world, better problem-solving skills, and can offer valuable insights to others.

As people age, they tend to develop greater emotional intelligence and resilience. They become better at handling difficult situations, coping with stress, and maintaining a positive outlook on life.

Older individuals often have more stable and meaningful relationships. They have had the time to nurture friendships and family connections, leading to a strong social support system.

As people age, they may become less concerned about societal expectations and peer pressure. This newfound freedom can allow them to focus on what truly matters to them and live life on their terms.

With age, many people develop a deeper appreciation for the little things in life and learn to find joy in simple pleasures. They can savor each moment and have a more profound sense of gratitude.

Growing old allows individuals to leave a lasting legacy through their accomplishments, relationships, and the positive impact they've had on others. It provides an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of future generations.

Finally, It's important to acknowledge that everyone's experience of aging is unique, and some individuals may face challenges as they grow older. However, focusing on the positive aspects can help individuals approach aging with a more optimistic mindset.

Meanwhile, have a great weekend. Stay cool and hydrated and we’ll see you here again on Monday…………………

LIGHTENING FACTS

Lightning is a fascinating natural phenomenon that occurs when electrical charges build up in the atmosphere. Here are ten facts about lightning:

1. Formation: Lightning is the result of the discharge of static electricity that builds up within clouds. It occurs when there is a separation of positive and negative charges within the cloud.

2. Speed: Lightning is incredibly fast, traveling at a speed of approximately 220,000 miles per hour (354,055 kilometers per hour) – nearly one-third the speed of light.

3. Temperature: A bolt of lightning can reach temperatures of around 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit (27,760 degrees Celsius), which is hotter than the surface of the sun.

4. Types of lightning: There are several types of lightning, including cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning, intra-cloud (IC) lightning, and cloud-to-cloud (CC) lightning.

5. Frequency: It is estimated that around 100 lightning bolts strike the Earth's surface every second, amounting to about 8.6 million lightning strikes per day.

6. Thunder: Thunder is the sound produced by the rapid expansion of air caused by the extreme heat of a lightning bolt. Lightning and thunder occur simultaneously, but light travels faster than sound, so you see the lightning before you hear the thunder.

7. Safety: Lightning can be extremely dangerous. It is advised to seek shelter indoors during a thunderstorm to avoid the risk of being struck by lightning, especially in open areas.

8. Lightning rods: Benjamin Franklin is credited with inventing the lightning rod in the mid-18th century. Lightning rods are installed on tall structures to provide a safe path for lightning to follow, preventing damage and potential harm.

9. Ball lightning: Rare and mysterious, ball lightning is a rare form of lightning that appears as a glowing, floating sphere. It can last for several seconds and has been reported to pass through solid objects.

10. Lightning's role in nitrogen fixation: Lightning plays a vital role in the Earth's nitrogen cycle. It converts nitrogen gas in the atmosphere into nitrates, which are essential nutrients for plant growth, through a process called nitrogen fixation.

Remember, lightning is a powerful and unpredictable force of nature. Always exercise caution during thunderstorms and follow safety guidelines to minimize the risk of injury or damage.

-30-

----------------------

THURSDAY JULY 20, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

“Cereal is a medium through which we learn

to confuse hunger with marketing.”

― Bee Wilson

What seniors should know about Ozempic

and new weight loss drugs

By Judith Graham

Her weight began climbing in high school, and she spent years losing dozens of pounds, then gaining them back. Morris, 78, was at her heaviest in her mid-40s — at 5 feet 10½ inches tall, she weighed 310 pounds. The Pittsburgh resident also has had diabetes for more than 40 years.

Managing her weight was a losing battle until Morris’s doctor prescribed the Type 2 diabetes medication Ozempic four months ago. It’s one in a new category of medications changing how ordinary people as well as medical experts think about obesity, which affects more than 4 in 10 people 60 and older. Ozempic and similar drugs target receptors in the brain to reduce feelings of hunger and generate a sensation of fullness; they have been shown to help people lose an average of 15 percent or more of their weight.

“It takes your appetite right away. I wasn’t hungry at all, and I lost weight like mad,” said Morris, who has shed 40 pounds.

But how these medications will affect older adults in the long run isn’t well understood because clinical trials of the medications haven’t included significant numbers of people ages 65 and older, leaving gaps in the available data. Beyond that, how seniors will pay for these expensive drugs is another big question.

ARE SUPPLEMENTS A WASTE OF MONEY

AND DO WE REALLY NEED THEM AFTER 60?

BY ELIZABETH KLODAS

At your local grocery store, you’ve likely passed the health section and saw the seemingly endless rows of supplements lined on the shelves. From vitamin B to Calcium, there seems to be a supplement for just about every nutrient.

With so many options to choose from and a wide variety of claims regarding the health benefits of supplements, especially to the aging population, how do you decide which ones to take?

The answer to that question might surprise you: Take none.

Planning for the Future:

Gaining Peace of Mind Through

an Advance Directive

Lerch, Early & Brewer

“In life the only thing that you can expect is the unexpected; the only surprise is a day that has none.” – Joan Rivers

It’s said that in life, nothing is guaranteed. When it comes to your medical care and distribution of your assets, an advance directive comes close.

There are ways to gain important peace of mind if you need a major medical procedure, are diagnosed with a degenerative disease, or just experience general uncertainty and anxiety about the future.

Though some situations cannot be avoided, legal documents can be employed to clarify your wishes and priorities. If you become debilitated by an illness or injury, an advance directive can detail which treatments and interventions you prefer and whom you would like to communicate with medical professionals on your behalf if you are unable.

The Importance Of Balance For Seniors

By Cali Rosen

As we age, maintaining our physical equilibrium becomes ever more significant. Experts point out the importance of balance in senior citizens, not just as a factor of mobility, but also as an integral part of overall health and longevity. Why should balance be a central focus in elder care?

One of the most profound impacts of good balance is the preservation of independence. For seniors, maintaining balance can mean the difference between living autonomously and needing assistance for daily activities. Simple tasks like walking, climbing stairs, or even standing from a seated position all require a fair amount of balance. When balance deteriorates, seniors can find themselves reliant on others or assistive devices, affecting their confidence, self-sufficiency, and quality of life.

Falls are one of the most common and dangerous risks that seniors face, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that one in four American seniors falls each year. Lack of balance is a significant contributor to this alarming statistic. Falls can lead to severe injuries, such as fractures and head traumas, and can serve as a psychological deterrent for physical activity due to fear of recurrence. By improving balance, seniors can greatly reduce their risk of falls and related injuries.

Declaration of Dependence

How to acknowledge the limitations imposed

by aging and accept that you are unlikely

to live on your own forever

By Erica Manfred

This month's topic for my retired women's discussion group was "giving and receiving." We all admitted to being typical women — comfortable at giving but lousy at receiving.

One woman who was dealing with metastatic cancer inspired us by relating her story of asking her family for help when her landlord doubled her rent. Her sons got together and paid the extra rent for a year. She admitted it was very hard to ask but gratifying to receive their generosity.

Fiercely Independent, for Now

The rest of the group, mostly single women, said they were "fiercely independent" and didn't want to rely on anyone.

Read more >> click here

BREAKFAST CEREAL FACTS

1. Invention of Corn Flakes: Corn flakes, one of the most popular breakfast cereals, were invented in 1894 by Dr. John Harvey Kellogg and his brother Will Keith Kellogg. They accidentally left cooked wheat sitting out overnight, and when they rolled it out the next morning, it became flaky. Later, they tried the process with corn and created the corn flakes we know today.

2. First Ready-to-Eat Cereal: Shredded Wheat, made from whole wheat, was the first ready-to-eat cereal. It was developed by Henry Perky in 1892.

3. Cereal Box Prizes: The tradition of including toys or prizes inside cereal boxes began in the early 20th century. The prizes were initially targeted at children to boost sales.

4. Snap, Crackle, and Pop: The iconic mascots for Rice Krispies cereal were introduced in 1932. They are named Snap, Crackle, and Pop after the sounds the cereal makes when milk is poured over it.

5. Froot Loops Flavors: Although Froot Loops cereal comes in multiple colors, they all have the same flavor—fruit. The different colors are mainly for visual appeal.

6. Lucky Charms Marshmallows: Lucky Charms cereal was introduced in 1964 and became the first cereal to include marshmallows in the mix. The original marshmallows featured green clovers, pink hearts, orange stars, and yellow moons.

7. Trix Shape Change: When Trix cereal was introduced in 1954, the cereal pieces were spherical. In 1991, they changed to fruit-shaped pieces, but in 2007, they reverted to the original round shape.

8. Health Claims: Many cereals advertise health benefits, but it's essential to check the nutritional information. Some cereals marketed as "healthy" can be high in sugar and low in fiber, so reading labels is essential for making informed choices.

9. Breakfast Cereal Sales: The United States is the world's largest consumer of breakfast cereal, with annual sales reaching billions of dollars.

10. Cereal Consumption: According to a study conducted by the NPD Group, cold cereal is the most popular breakfast choice in America, accounting for nearly a third of all breakfast meals.

Remember that while breakfast cereals can be convenient and tasty, it's essential to maintain a balanced diet and pay attention to their nutritional content. Some cereals can be high in added sugars and low in essential nutrients, so always read the labels and consider healthier breakfast options as well.

NEXT BLOG

FRIDAY JULY 21, 2023

-30-

------------------------

THURSDAY JULY 20, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

QUOTE

“Cereal is a medium through which we learn

to confuse hunger with marketing.”

― Bee Wilson

So whats newS logo

What seniors should know about Ozempic

and new weight loss drugs

PIC A

By Judith Graham

“It takes your appetite right away. I wasn’t hungry at all, and I lost weight like mad,” said Morris, who has shed 40 pounds.

Read more >> https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/07/18/aging-weight-loss-semaglutide/

ARE SUPPLEMENTS A WASTE OF MONEY

AND DO WE REALLY NEED THEM AFTER 60?

PIC B

BY ELIZABETH KLODAS

With so many options to choose from and a wide variety of claims regarding the health benefits of supplements, especially to the aging population, how do you decide which ones to take?

The answer to that question might surprise you: Take none.

Read more >> https://sixtyandme.com/are-supplements-a-waste-of-money-and-do-we-really-need-them-after-60/

Planning for the Future:

Gaining Peace of Mind Through

an Advance Directive

pic c

Lerch, Early & Brewer

“In life the only thing that you can expect is the unexpected; the only surprise is a day that has none.” – Joan Rivers

It’s said that in life, nothing is guaranteed. When it comes to your medical care and distribution of your assets, an advance directive comes close.

There are ways to gain important peace of mind if you need a major medical procedure, are diagnosed with a degenerative disease, or just experience general uncertainty and anxiety about the future.

Read more >> https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/planning-for-the-future-gaining-peace-1518281/

The Importance Of Balance For Seniors

pic d

By Cali Rosen

Read more >> https://margatenews.net/the-importance-of-balance-for-seniors-p2566-230.htm

----------------------extra

Declaration of Dependence

How to acknowledge the limitations imposed

by aging and accept that you are unlikely

to live on your own forever

pic e

By Erica Manfred

This month's topic for my retired women's discussion group was "giving and receiving." We all admitted to being typical women — comfortable at giving but lousy at receiving.

An older woman's daughter helping her in the morning. Next Avenue

"If you haven't considered your need for help eventually, start putting plans in place before an emergency arrives" | Credit: Getty

Fiercely Independent, for Now

The rest of the group, mostly single women, said they were "fiercely independent" and didn't want to rely on anyone.

Read more >> click here

https://www.nextavenue.org/declaration-of-dependence/?utm_source=Next+Avenue+Email+Newsletter&utm_campaign=cd86ae4950-Tuesday_Newsletter_03_07_23__COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_056a405b5a-cd86ae4950-165407981&mc_cid=cd86ae4950&mc_eid=94767a79b9

Fyi

BREAKFAST CEREAL FACTS

2. First Ready-to-Eat Cereal: Shredded Wheat, made from whole wheat, was the first ready-to-eat cereal. It was developed by Henry Perky in 1892.

3. Cereal Box Prizes: The tradition of including toys or prizes inside cereal boxes began in the early 20th century. The prizes were initially targeted at children to boost sales.

4. Snap, Crackle, and Pop: The iconic mascots for Rice Krispies cereal were introduced in 1932. They are named Snap, Crackle, and Pop after the sounds the cereal makes when milk is poured over it.

5. Froot Loops Flavors: Although Froot Loops cereal comes in multiple colors, they all have the same flavor—fruit. The different colors are mainly for visual appeal.

7. Trix Shape Change: When Trix cereal was introduced in 1954, the cereal pieces were spherical. In 1991, they changed to fruit-shaped pieces, but in 2007, they reverted to the original round shape.

9. Breakfast Cereal Sales: The United States is the world's largest consumer of breakfast cereal, with annual sales reaching billions of dollars.

10. Cereal Consumption: According to a study conducted by the NPD Group, cold cereal is the most popular breakfast choice in America, accounting for nearly a third of all breakfast meals.

CARTOON

NEXT BLOG

FRIDAY JULY 21, 2023

DISCLAIMER

-30-

------------------------------------------------------

/**

* RECOMMENDED CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT AND UNCOMMENT THE SECTION BELOW TO INSERT DYNAMIC VALUES FROM YOUR PLATFORM OR CMS.

* LEARN WHY DEFINING THESE VARIABLES IS IMPORTANT: https://disqus.com/admin/universalcode/#configuration-variables*/

var disqus_config = function () {HTTP//TheSeniorLog.com

;http // TheSeniorLog.com

(function() { // DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE

var d = document, s = d.createElement('script');

s.src = 'https://theseniorlog-com.disqus.com/embed.js';

s.setAttribute('data-timestamp', +new Date());

(d.head || d.body).appendChild(s);

})();

</script>

WEDNESDAY JULY 19, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

“Not everyone can be a truffle.

Most of us are potatoes.

And a potato is a very good thing to be.”

― Massimo Bottura

Alzheimer’s breakthrough:

Treatment enters ‘new era’

as drug provides ‘turning point’

By Jack Walters

Around 900,000 people in the United Kingdom suffer from dementia

A new drug could provide a “turning point” for treating Alzheimer’s disease, experts have claimed.

Donanemab was found to slow “clinical decline” by as much as 35 per cent in a potential boost to hundreds of thousands of Britons battling with the disease.

The drug could help people struggling with Alzheimer’s perform day-to-day tasks, including shopping, housekeeping, managing finances and taking medication.

Charity Alzheimer’s Research UK responded to the development by saying “we’re entering a new era where Alzheimer’s disease could become treatable”.

Alzheimer’s among seniors is most common in

these parts of the US, first-of-its-kind data shows

By Deidre McPhillips

Seniors living in the East and Southeast regions of the United States are most likely to have Alzheimer’s disease, according to new data shared at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference and published Monday in the organization’s journal.

A new study released claims scientists in Australia and Japan have developed a new blood test to detect the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.

With new therapies that promise to slow Alzheimer’s disease, researchers race to reform how patients are diagnosed

The report offers the first estimates of Alzheimer’s disease prevalence in the US at the county level. Researchers used data from thousands of individuals who participated in the Chicago Health and Aging Project to assess demographic risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease — including age, gender and race — and mapped that against the makeup of US counties.

These demographic estimates suggest that Alzheimer’s rates are highest in Miami-Dade County, Baltimore, and the Bronx — where about 1 in 6 seniors have the disease. Maryland has the highest prevalence at the state level, followed by New York and Mississippi.

Seniors scammed out of $1B in

crypto scams in 2022, new data shows

By Jessica Formoso

With cryptocurrency becoming more popular, so are the scams. The FBI is warning people to be wary of unsolicited crypto investment opportunities.

The FBI is warning of a new scam that’s targeting older Americans.

According to new data by the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, a growing number of seniors have fallen victim to cryptocurrency scams.

"A lot of times you see these calls and these scams emanate from Southeast Asia," said Michael Balboni, former Homeland Security adviser for the state of New York and President of Redland Strategies.

The victims were taken for more than a billion dollars in crypto rip-offs in 2022, an 84% increase in losses from the previous year. Officials say most of these scams were investment related.

REVEALED:

How RETIREMENT can tank your credit score,

putting you at risk of higher insurance premiums

By KEITH GRIFFITH

Experts are warning about credit score pitfalls to avoid in retirement, which can have unexpected consequences even for those retirees with financial security.

Credit scores factor into a variety of insurance and heath-care decisions, impacting premiums and even affecting whether a person is accepted to an assisted-living facility, financial advisors told the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday.

While stopping working doesn't directly impact your credit score, living off a fixed income, paying off old loans, and closing old credit card accounts can send scores lower, experts warn.

New study finds music lessons

increase gray matter in older adults

By Laura Staloch

Research published in Neuroimage: Reports explored brain changes that occur when older adults (average age 69) are enrolled in music lessons. The study’s results reveal that regardless of the type of music lesson (piano vs. music theory), participants saw increased gray matter in several brain regions. This research demonstrates the potential for music learning as a non-pharmacological treatment for age-related cognitive decline.

Cognitive decline is a significant public health concern, with age-related cognitive function decline affecting millions worldwide. While pharmacological interventions have been developed to treat cognitive decline, these interventions often have side effects and may not be effective for all individuals. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as cognitive training and physical exercise, have been shown to positively affect cognitive function in older adults.

Music interventions may have positive effects on cognitive function in older adults, but the underlying neural mechanisms are not well understood. Music interventions may affect brain regions involved in music processing, such as the cerebellum and auditory cortex, which may lead to improvements in cognitive function. Damien Marie and colleagues aimed to investigate the effects of music interventions on cerebellar grey matter and auditory working memory in healthy older adults.

BEST INTERNET DEALS FOR SENIORS

BY MATTHEW LYNCH

In today’s digital age, the internet has become a necessity for people of all ages, including seniors. It plays a significant role in communication, keeping up with the news, shopping, banking, and staying connected with friends and family. Fortunately, several providers offer excellent internet deals tailored specifically to the needs of seniors, ensuring they can stay connected at an affordable cost.

This article highlights some of the best internet deals for seniors.

1. AT&T

AT&T is a well-known provider that offers a Senior Nation plan designed for individuals aged 65 and above. This plan provides daily unlimited internet access at $29.99 per month. While this option is exclusive to landline phone connections, it’s an affordable way for seniors to enjoy basic internet services like browsing websites and sending emails.

2. Spectrum Internet Assist

Spectrum Internet Assist is a cost-effective solution that caters exclusively to low-income seniors who are above 65 years old and beneficiaries of Supplemental Security Income (SSI). With a monthly cost of $14.99, subscribers can enjoy high-speed internet with download speeds up to 30 Mbps and upload speeds up to 4 Mbps. A Wi-Fi router is also available at no additional cost.

Learn more >> https://www.thetechedvocate.org/best-internet-deals-for-seniors/

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there hasn’t been a new drug approved for Alzheimer’s disease in 20 years. Now there are at least 3 very promising medications that may slow or curtail the onset of this disease that has affected an estimated 6.7 million Americans age 65 and older. And of those, it is expected 10 million baby boomers will develop Alzheimer’s by the time they reach the age of 85, nearly one out of two. That’s a staggering number for sure. But it is not just the number of people that may be stricken with the brain disorder. It’s Baby Boomers who have driven an extraordinary surge in research into the disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks.

Roughly speaking, we baby boomers were born between 1946 and 1964[1]. They’re currently between 57-75 years old (71.6 million in the U.S.) We are also the single demographic that has done more to define what America is today than any other generation.

The impactful contributions made by baby boomers in shaping the world we live in today are numerous.

Baby boomers played a pivotal role in the technological revolution. We were instrumental in the development of personal computers, the internet, and the advancements in telecommunications that have transformed the modern world.

Many of us actively participated in the civil rights movement, women’s rights movement, and other social movements

As we entered the workforce, we fueled economic growth and prosperity, driving innovation and entrepreneurship.

We have been at the forefront of medical research, pioneering breakthroughs in areas such as genetics, cardiology, oncology, and neurology, leading to improved treatments and better healthcare outcomes.

We have shaped popular culture through their music, art, literature, and film. Icons such as The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Martin Scorsese, and many others emerged during this generation, leaving a lasting impact on the cultural landscape.

We have held prominent political positions, serving as presidents, prime Ministers, senators, and governors worldwide. They have played vital roles in shaping government policies and addressing critical national and international issues. Not to mention, as educators, researchers, and scholars, we have imparted knowledge, conducted groundbreaking research, and fostered intellectual growth in various academic disciplines.

However, there is one driving force that fuels the recent burst in Alzheimer’s research. It’s the other, and not so readily admitted “accomplishment” of the Boomer generation, greed!

We are a greedy lot. We want everything and, more important, we want to keep it as long as possible. But there is one obstacle to that effort: death. While we are not so ignorant as to believe we can put off the inevitable forever, we would like to enjoy our toys a little longer and, we would like to do so disease and pain free. Something Big Pharma is well aware of.

The potential revenue from tens of millions of potential Alzheimer's cases cannot be overlooked. And who better to dive headfirst into this giant ocean of money than, you guessed it, baby boomers?

I have absolutely no doubt that, within the next 5-10 years, Alzheimer's will be just another one of those afflictions that have gone out of style. It's during this time that the majority of 1960 era boomers will have their midlife crisis and visit sports car showrooms and buy 110th floor condos……

[1] I like to think a baby boomer is anyone born between 1945 and 1955

POTATO FACTS

1. Origin: Potatoes were first cultivated by the Incas in modern-day Peru around 8,000 to 5,000 BC. They were later introduced to Europe by Spanish explorers in the 16th century.

2. Nutritional Value: Potatoes are an excellent source of vitamins C and B6, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants. They are also low in calories and fat.

3. Varieties: There are thousands of potato varieties worldwide, classified into different categories based on their characteristics such as color, texture, and cooking properties. Some popular varieties include Russet, Yukon Gold, Red Bliss, and Fingerling potatoes.

4. Global Consumption: Potatoes are one of the most widely consumed staple foods in the world. China is the largest producer of potatoes, followed by India, Russia, and the United States.

5. Versatility: Potatoes can be cooked in various ways, including boiling, baking, frying, mashing, and roasting. They are used to make a wide range of dishes such as French fries, mashed potatoes, potato chips, and stews.

6. Storage: Potatoes have a relatively long shelf life and can be stored for several months under the right conditions. They should be kept in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place to prevent sprouting and spoilage.

7. Health Benefits: Potatoes provide essential nutrients and have several health benefits. They can help boost immunity, support heart health, aid digestion, and provide energy due to their carbohydrate content.

8. Potato Plants: The potato plant (Solanum tuberosum) is a herbaceous perennial that belongs to the nightshade family. The edible part of the plant is the tuber, which grows underground.

9. Genetic Diversity: Potatoes exhibit remarkable genetic diversity, with thousands of distinct varieties. This diversity is crucial for breeding programs to develop new varieties that are resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental conditions.

10. Historical Significance: Potatoes played a significant role in history, particularly in Europe. They contributed to population growth and helped prevent famine in several countries. The Irish Potato Famine in the mid-19th century, caused by a potato disease, had devastating consequences and led to a mass migration from Ireland.

NEXT BLOG

THURSDAY JULY 20, 2023

-30-

-------------------------

TUESDAY JULY 18, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

“Take care of your car in the garage,

and the car will take care of you on the road.”

― Amit Kalantri

Social Security 2023:

Recent Study Shows Quarter of Americans

Underestimate Their Benefits By $5,000

By Andrew Lisa

Many older Americans are pleasantly surprised when they receive their first Social Security check. According to a new study from the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), people tend to underestimate the amount of their future benefits and wind up receiving more than they expected.

But while more money is always welcome, any incorrect assessment of Social Security can throw a wrench in retirement planning and invite unwelcome surprises.

Recipients Are Accurate About Age — Amount, Not So Much

The NBER study found that older adults tend to accurately assess the age they’ll claim Social Security, but lowball the benefit amount they anticipate receiving — and many are way off.

How to Settle Into Retirement

By Danial Nasir

After spending much of your adult life waking up to an alarm clock so you can get ready for work, rising on your first day of retirement can be a strange feeling. You now have a great deal of free time to do whatever you want, and it can be overwhelming knowing your days no longer have structure. Settling into retirement can take time, but some of the following actions might have you adjusting to your golden years quicker than you thought.

Plan a Vacation

Planning vacations when you’re still in the workforce can be challenging when you must apply for time off and structure your leave around other employees. Now that you’re retired, you can plan holidays to Italy, France, Australia, New Zealand, or anywhere you please.

Social isolation linked to

brain volume loss in older adults

Reviewed by Lily Ramsey

Older people who have little social contact with others may be more likely to have loss of overall brain volume, and in areas of the brain affected by dementia, than people with more frequent social contact, according to a study published in the July 12, 2023, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

The study does not prove that social isolation causes brain shrinkage; it only shows an association.

Social isolation is a growing problem for older adults. These results suggest that providing support for people to help them start and maintain their connections to others may be beneficial for preventing brain atrophy and the development of dementia."

What America’s Aging Population

Means for Family Caregivers Like Me

BY SHAUNA SWEENEY

“Sir, may I know your daughter’s name?”

The customer service representative from the energy company was asking my father this question for the third time. We were trying to transfer the ownership of his account to me, but for the third time, he couldn’t answer.

This was a defining moment in our journey with Alzheimer’s. After five years of living with my father’s diagnosis, I had gradually taken over almost every aspect of his life management. But this was the first time I questioned if he could remember me.

Easy Ways to Protect Retirement Wealth

By Drew Allen

Protecting your long-term savings accounts is a central component of wise financial stewardship. Fortunately, there are several simple tactics for safeguarding personal retirement wealth. In addition to knowing the rules for withdrawal times and amounts, it’s essential to be aware of how cosigning on another person’s loan can affect your credit scores. Additionally, it’s imperative to be watchful for pitches from gold IRA companies, most of which are not smart investing vehicles for older adults.

Then there are the telephone, email, and direct mail scams to watch out for. Culprits tend to prey on retirees. Finally, be sure to continue using a monthly budget, no matter your age. It’s tempting to delve into travel after leaving a career behind but keep tabs on spending even when it’s no longer necessary to work every day. Consider the following details for protecting your life savings.

Review Withdrawal Rules.....

Learn more >> https://seniorslifestylemag.com/retirement/financial/easy-ways-to-protect-retirement-wealth/

Most commonly sought-after auto repairs:

1. Oil Change: Regular oil changes are essential for maintaining engine health and lubrication.

2. Brake Service: Brake repairs, including pad replacements, rotor resurfacing, and brake fluid flushes, are crucial for safe driving.

3. Tire Replacement: As tires wear out over time, replacing them becomes necessary for optimal traction and safety on the road.

4. Battery Replacement: Car batteries have a limited lifespan and may need to be replaced when they no longer hold a charge.

5. Engine Tune-Up: A tune-up involves inspecting and replacing components like spark plugs, filters, and ignition wires to improve performance and fuel efficiency.

6. Transmission Service: Transmission repairs or fluid changes are required to ensure smooth gear shifts and prevent major transmission issues.

7. Wheel Alignment: Aligning the wheels correctly helps extend tire life, improve fuel efficiency, and enhance vehicle handling.

8. Air Conditioning Repair: Repairing or recharging the air conditioning system is important for maintaining a comfortable driving environment.

9. Electrical System Repairs: Issues with the electrical system, such as faulty wiring or malfunctioning lights, often require repairs.

10. Suspension and Steering Repairs: Repairs to the suspension and steering components are necessary for optimal vehicle handling and ride comfort.

Keep in mind that this list represents some of the most commonly sought-after auto repairs, but it's always best to consult with a professional mechanic to determine the specific repairs needed for your vehicle.

NEXT BLOG

WEDNESDAY JULY 19, 2023

-30-

------------------------

MONDAY JULY 17, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

“God has been replaced, as he has all over the West,

with respectability and air conditioning.”

______Amiri Baraka

Are Artificial Sweeteners Bad for You?

By Rachel Nania

You know that routinely guzzling sugary drinks and scarfing down sweets is not a healthy habit. Doing so can lead to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and other serious diseases and complications.

But is replacing all that added sugar with low- and no-calorie sweeteners any healthier? That’s a question of ongoing debate.

Most recently, on July 13, an agency within the World Health Organization (WHO) named the widely used artificial sweetener aspartame a possible cause of cancer, citing limited evidence of an increased risk for liver cancer in humans. A review by a second group within WHO found the evidence less convincing, however, and said the data “indicated no sufficient reason to change the previously established acceptable daily intake” of aspartame. The group said an adult weighing approximately 150 pounds would need to drink, for example, between nine and 14 cans of diet soda a day to exceed that limit.

“The assessments of aspartame have indicated that, while safety is not a major concern at the doses which are commonly used, potential effects have been described that need to be investigated by more and better studies,” Francesco Branca, director of WHO’s Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, said in a statement.

Rea more >> click here

Why Seniors Need More

Than Just a Living Will

By Max Alavi

Seniors understand better than anyone else just how important it is to think about the next generation, ensuring that children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren are positioned for success. One way to secure a brighter future for your loved ones is to engage in some smart estate planning, putting legal documents in place to ensure that your assets and resources are properly distributed to your heirs and loved ones.

The question is, which legal documents are really needed to protect the passage of your assets to the next generation? A common misconception is that simply having a living will is sufficient. Actually, most estate planning attorneys would advise seniors to go beyond the living will, supplementing it with a robust living trust. Let’s take a closer look at how living wills and living trusts work, gaining a clearer understanding of seniors’ estate planning needs.

Living Wills vs. Living Trusts: What’s the Difference?

To begin with, let’s compare the two documents.

A living will is a document that clarifies your medical preferences, should anything happen to leave you legally incapacitated. For example, if an injury or illness sent you into a coma and you were unable to speak up about your healthcare wishes, a living will would provide some direction about how you wish medical practitioners to care for you.

Biden’s life expectancy —

and its implications

BY MERRILL MATTHEWS

This is a very uncomfortable topic. But given that voters are choosing a president of the United States in 16 months, it needs to be part of the discussion — indeed, it already is. How likely is it that President Joe Biden would live to finish his second term if he were reelected?

Of course, anyone can die at any age for any number of reasons. But we know there are statistical probabilities relating to death, with a small percentage of young people and a larger percentage of seniors dying in any given year. Biden is 80 years old. He will turn 82 just a few weeks after the 2024 election, and would be 86 were he to finish a second term.

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA) “Cohort Life Expectancy” table, a male born in 1942 (Biden’s birth year) had a life expectancy at birth of 71.1 years. Of course, males born today have a much longer life expectancy, 82.3 years. But the longer a person lives, the longer he or she is expected to survive. For example, SSA estimates that a male born in 1942 who reached the age of 65 can, on average, expect to live another 12.8 years, which for Biden would take him to the age of 84 — about the middle of his second term.

Older adults experiencing social isolation

are more likely to smoke

By Mary Cunningham

Aging brings wisdom and experience; however, for some individuals getting older can also mean health challenges, loss of friends, and decreased mobility, leading to social isolation. Both the U.S. Surgeon General and the National Academy of Medicine have issued recent warnings about the growing public health concern of social isolation and loneliness and its association with premature death among the elderly.

Not having anyone to call (via phone or online) or not interacting with people in the community are forms of social isolation, which affects nearly a fifth of U.S. adults over the age of 65. There are different levels of social isolation – from having some communication with others and only sometimes feeling isolated or lonely to the more extreme: zero connections with other people. A new study by Associate Professor Gilbert Gimm and associates found social isolation to be a risk factor for smoking.

The study found that 17.1% of older adults in the U.S. were socially isolated and more likely to smoke compared to those with social interactions with others in the community. Additionally, older adults with higher levels of depression and anxiety had greater odds of smoking.

Engaging Hobbies

For Senior Citizens To Enjoy

Whether seniors are retired or still working but free from the responsibilities of parenting, there are a variety of fun and engaging hobbies they can enjoy to fill that free time.

The value of hobbies is undeniable. A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology found that employees who engaged in creative hobbies outside of work were more creative on work projects and had a better attitude on the job, while a separate study published in Psychosomatic Medicine reported that individuals who engaged in enjoyable leisure activities had lower blood pressure and a smaller waist circumference.

The myriad benefits of hobbies is good news for senior citizens, many of whom have ample time for leisure activities. Whether seniors are retired or still working but free from the responsibilities of parenting, the following are some fun and engaging hobbies to fill that free time.

How We Successfully Beat The Virus

The mask mandate for assisted living facilities was lifted in New York State in early February of this year. It's great news that we haven't had a single case of Covid-19 or any of its incarnations since then. In fact, this facility has been relatively[1] Covid-free since February 2019 when we were first warned of the virus. And that is not by accident or good fortune.

The news was not encouraging. As far back as late December 2019, reports of a rapid increase of Covid-19 cases (many resulting in death) were reported, and we were horribly unprepared. We didn’t know how to prevent it, treat it or much about how it spread, let alone have a vaccine in the works. And worse, the virus appeared to affect older people at an alarming rate. This made facilities like ours particularly vulnerable. Much of the nation held its breath, hoping the whole thing would go away. The best we knew was that it was probably a good idea to stay out of crowds and not to come in too close contact with someone who was infected. But there was no official word to wear a mask or to isolate or quarantine any group or venue anywhere. Anywhere, except here, that is.

I remember it clearly.

As a member of the Resident’s council here at the A.L.F., I was summoned to the administrator’s office shortly before lunch. That was back in early February 2019. Our admin told us of his plan to put us in a “lockdown” and quarantine condition and to end all group activities and limiting access by visitors. Later, we would learn of the strict PPE requirements for the staff and the mask requirements for all of us. Other institutions and businesses would not follow suit until more than a month later, mainly because our government failed us by not recognizing how contagious and how deadly the virus could be.

At first, we all thought the restrictions were too severe. I had been in lockdown situations before here,[2] so I knew how much a hardship these restrictions would be for our residents. In addition, we were uncertain about how long our limited freedom would last. None of us could have predicted that it would take over 16 months to return to normalcy and another year to ditch our masks. Despite feeling forgotten as the world resumed a pre-Covid lifestyle, we remain among the safest people in the state and nation. We are living proof that masks and vaccines work. And, that limiting contact with the unvaccinated and unmasked, could be deadly.

I haven't kept it a secret that I've criticized some administrative decisions made for us, but it's important to acknowledge when credit is due. The right decision was made at the right time, and we owe our lives to it. ………

[1] In all that time, we have had only about 20 cases of Covid reported most of which were of the mild variety. On 3 o our residents died from the disease and all of those passed away in the hospital.

[2] On at least two occasions we have been locked down because of an outbreak of Neuro-virus which affects the digestive system causing fever and vomiting.

10 tips for home air conditioners to help you

optimize their performance and efficiency:

1. Set the temperature wisely: Set your thermostat to the highest comfortable temperature in summer to reduce energy consumption. Each degree lower can significantly increase energy usage.

2. Use a programmable thermostat: Invest in a programmable thermostat that allows you to automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule. This can save energy when you're away from home or sleeping.

3. Regularly clean or replace filters: Clean or replace your air conditioner's filters every 1-2 months to ensure optimal airflow and prevent dust and debris from clogging the system. Clogged filters can reduce efficiency and strain the unit.

4. Keep the area around the unit clean: Clear any debris, leaves, or obstructions from the outdoor condenser unit regularly. Ensure there's at least two feet of clearance around the unit for proper airflow.

5. Check and seal air ducts: Inspect the air ducts for leaks or gaps that could lead to air loss. Seal any leaks with duct tape or call a professional to improve the efficiency of your system.

6. Utilize ceiling fans: Use ceiling fans or portable fans to circulate the cooled air in the room. This allows you to set the thermostat a bit higher while maintaining a comfortable environment.

7. Keep doors and windows closed: Ensure doors and windows are closed tightly when the air conditioner is running. This prevents cool air from escaping and hot air from entering, maximizing the system's efficiency.

8. Use curtains or blinds: Close curtains or blinds during the hottest parts of the day to block out sunlight and reduce the heat entering your home. This reduces the workload on your air conditioner.

9. Schedule regular maintenance: Arrange for annual maintenance by a professional technician to inspect and tune up your air conditioning system. Regular maintenance can prevent breakdowns and ensure efficient operation.

10. Consider energy-efficient upgrades: If your air conditioner is old and inefficient, consider upgrading to an energy-efficient model. Look for units with a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating to save on energy costs.

Remember, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and consult a professional if you're unsure about any maintenance or repairs related to your specific air conditioning system.

NEXT BLOG

TUESDAY JULY 18, 2023

-30-

---------------

FRIDAY JULY 14, 2023

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com

“The thing with heat is, no matter how cold you are,

no matter how much you need warmth, it always,

eventually, becomes too much.”

― Victoria Aveyard

We can save Social Security by

raising taxes on the wealthy

BY MAX RICHTMAN

That is how some of the Black retirees who attended a recent town hall in Richmond, Va., described Social Security. I had the pleasure of hosting that town hall — in partnership with AARP — as part of a new public education campaign about the importance of the program to the Black community. Let’s be clear: Social Security is important to all workers. But it is especially crucial for communities of color.

As former Social Security Commissioner Carolyn Colvin explained at the town hall, Black workers are more likely to have lower-wage jobs without pensions or 401(k)s, making it harder to save for retirement. There are many reasons for this, including job discrimination and well-known historic inequities.

“For many in our community, Social Security is the sole source of income, and it keeps many people out of poverty,” Colvin told the audience of mostly Black retirees.

Social Security COLA 2024 estimates rose

in an unexpected twist. Here's why.

By Medora Lee

Social Security recipients finally have something to cheer about: the forecast for next year’s Social Security increase edged up on Wednesday even after the government said inflation cooled further in June.

Annual inflation in June eased to 3%, down from 4% in May and off a 40-year high of 9.1% in June 2022. It was also the smallest increase since March 2021, due mostly to a 16.7% decline in energy prices. Food rose 5.7%, but that was down from May’s 6.7% annual increase. Shelter, which includes rents, jumped 7.8% over the last 12 months but it was still lower than May’s 8% gain.

Lower inflation is generally welcomed because people are regaining their purchasing power. but Social Security recipients, used to seeing their potential cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) decline with slower inflation, got an unusual extra surprise. COLA is estimated at 3% next year, according to a forecast from The Senior Citizens League, a nonprofit seniors group. That’s much less than the four-decade high of 8.7% COLA in 2023 but above last month’s estimate for a 2.7% increase for 2024.

Vitamin D deficiency contributes to