THIS PAGE IS BEST VIEWED IN
LANDSCAPE MODE






Monday, March 18, 2024


Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com




“If you are cold, tea will warm you;
if you are too heated, it will cool you;
If you are depressed, it will cheer you;
If you are excited, it will calm you.”

― William Ewart Gladstone








Why Social Security is so important
for women:
‘It all comes down to longevity,’
expert says




By Greg Iacurci

- The average woman lives roughly six years longer than men, to about 79 years old.

- That longevity makes guaranteed income sources such as Social Security especially important, according to one expert.

- Women also tend to save less money for retirement than men, putting them in a tougher financial position.

Choosing when to claim Social Security is a decision that can carry big financial stakes for all older Americans, but it’s especially important for women.

“It all comes down to longevity,” Mary Beth Franklin, a certified financial planner and Social Security expert, said Thursday at Financial Advisor Magazine’s annual Invest in Women conference in West Palm Beach, Florida.

“Women tend to live longer than men and tend to spend more years in retirement than men,” Franklin said.

Read more  




Obesity related to depression risk
among older adults




By Dr. Liji Thomas, MD

A new study in PLOS ONE discusses the association between depression and obesity.

 Study: Associations between adiposity measures and depression and well-being scores: A cross-sectional analysis of middle- to older-aged adults. Image Credit: Creative Images / Shutterstock.com

Obesity and depression
Previous research suggests a close relationship between obesity and depression, with obesity reported in almost 60% of people in one group with severe depression. This study also indicated that obesity was 1.2-1.5 times more likely in people with major depression; however, conflicting results on this association have been reported in other studies.

A healthy lifestyle is associated with mental health benefits, whereas an unhealthy lifestyle have been shown to increase the risk of depression. This is important, as lifestyle factors can be modified to reduce the risk of poor mental health.

Read more  



ELDER LAW LEGAL UPDATE:
Important Changes to 
Social Security Income,
Medicaid Resource and 
Income Allowances,
and Regional Rates for 2024




 
The Elder Law Practice Group at Falcon Rappaport & Berkman would like to share some important Elder Law legal updates with our clients and professional partners that will impact Medicaid eligibility for applicants/recipients in 2024.

Federal Benefits Updates

Recipients of Social Security and Medicare benefits should note the following changes[i] effective for 2024:

Social Security Benefits 3.2% COLA increase in benefit

Medicare Benefits:

Hospital Deductible $1,632
Co-Insurance (Days 61-90) $408/day
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)
Co-Insurance (Days 21-100) $204/day
Please note that Medicare coverage may be discontinued prior to the expiration of the first 100 days of an individual’s stay at a skilled nursing facility.

Read more  




Retiring With Debt?
Try These 5 Tips Now to 
Improve Your Financial Security.




By Kailey Hagen

Working even part-time in retirement can help you remain financially secure and pay down debt.

- Reducing expenses is also helpful, but it's not easy for many seniors.

- There are government assistance programs that could help you with your most important bills.

It's time to create your debt-free game plan.

Society's notion of retirement is often one of relaxation and pursuing our passions after decades in the workforce. But that's not the reality for many seniors. Many have difficulty saving enough to cover their basic living costs, and some are struggling under the weight of mortgages, credit card debt, medical bills, and more.

Even a small amount of debt can be stressful for those who weren't able to save much throughout their careers. And I'll be honest: There's not always an easy fix. But here are five things seniors can try to maintain their financial security when retiring with debt.

Read more 



Older adults rely more
on trust in decision-making.
It could open them up to scams





By Eric Hamilton


Each year, older adults lose more than $28 billion to financial scams targeting the elderly. Nearly three-quarters of that money is stolen by people the elderly adult knows—people they trust.

According to new research, this vulnerability may be in part because older adults have a harder time overcoming their first impressions of people's trustworthiness when that trust is violated, potentially leaving them more open to deception and scams on older adults.

The researchers say elderly adults should be wary of their first impressions. Instead, they should focus on whether or not someone is acting in a way that really earns their trust or is instead harming them.

Read more  







Interaction between two 
common oral bacteria
creates chemical compound
responsible for bad breath






In a study published last month in mSystems, researchers from Osaka University revealed that the interaction between two common types of oral bacteria leads to the production of a chemical compound that is a major cause of smelly breath.


Bad breath is caused by volatile compounds that are produced when bacteria in the mouth digest substances like blood and food particles. One of the smelliest of these compounds is methyl mercaptan (CH3SH), which is produced by microbes that live around the teeth and on the surface of the tongue. However, little is known about which specific bacterial species are involved in this process.

Learn more  












Has America gone nuts? The quick, knee jerk answer would be a resounding YES!. I mean, when you have legislators that say they are pro life on one hand and on the other refuse to pass any gun legislation, what would you think. Or a congress that says it wants to curb illegals from crossing our borders but will not pass a bill because the nominee of the majority party says not to do so, it makes you wonder what the heck they are smoking on Capitol hill. However, it is important to consider that America has always been a nation with a wide range of opinions and conflicting ideologies. The political landscape has consistently been tumultuous, with various parties and interest groups competing for power and influence. Therefore, what we are currently witnessing may not be a complete breakdown of sanity, but rather a reflection of the deep divisions and polarization that have always existed in American society.

Nevertheless, there are certainly alarming trends that indicate a decline in rationality and critical thinking. The emergence of fake news and conspiracy theories, the erosion of trust in institutions and experts, and the growing impact of social media echo chambers all contribute to a sense of collective delusion and confusion.

While America may not be literally losing its sanity, there are undoubtedly worrisome indications that our ability to engage in reasoned debates and make well-informed decisions is being jeopardized. It is incumbent upon each of us to resist the wave of irrationality and strive for a more thoughtful and compassionate society.

To all our international audience, a word of warning. Don't be fooled into thinking that our differences make us an easy target. History has shown time and time again that when faced with a common enemy, Americans come together like no one else. Take note, Vlad. ...........








‘Overwhelmed’ seniors
say they prioritize this
when choosing healthcare




By Eric Hegedus




Most retirees have no plans to move away — here’s why

Over the years, nearly one-quarter of seniors have selected a healthcare plan that they weren’t happy with. 

That’s according to a survey of 2,000 Americans 65+ who have healthcare.

In fact, results also found that a similar number (24%) have chosen a plan simply because it was the cheapest option.

But today, seniors tend to prioritize plans that cover what they need, regardless of the cost rather than focusing only on the price tag (54% vs 34%).

Despite the average respondent having the same healthcare plan for five years, 50% say reading through it gives them a headache. 

Read more   




Fears of higher dementia risk
for over-50s after Covid pandemic
as study finds lockdowns had
‘real, lasting impact’ on their brain health






Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns and other restrictions have had a “real, lasting impact” on the brain health of people over the age of 50, researchers have suggested.

Older people’s cognitive function and working memory declined more rapidly during the pandemic, regardless of whether they were infected with Covid-19, a study has found.

This could be down to factors exacerbated by the pandemic, such as not exercising enough and drinking too much alcohol, as well as loneliness and depression, researchers

Read more  





"Golden Bachelors"
Are the Most In-Demand Dates



BY REBECCA STRONG


If watching the charming debut season of The Golden Bachelor motivated you to find love later in life, you're not alone. A new DateMyAge survey revealed that 70 percent of 50+ singles are interested in meeting someone, and more than half of adults in that same age group are online dating specifically to connect with a long-term partner.


Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties are Changing

But these statistics aren't all that surprising, experts say. After all, according to the survey, women are more likely to describe dating experiences with older men as positive—meanwhile, 60 percent of women said their experiences with dating younger men are "overwhelmingly negative."

According to Kimmy Seltzer, a dating strategist, confidence therapist, and host of the Charisma Quotient podcast, there are several reasons for this phenomenon, including changing social norms, de-stigmatizing of senior dating, a longer life expectancy, increased divorce rates, and an increased awareness of the value of companionship.

Emma Hathorne, dating expert at Seeking, points out that older adults often have a clearer understanding of their relationship goals.

Learn more  





Health misinformation and
lack of confidence in vaccines
continue to grow, years after
the Covid-19 pandemic,
survey shows




By Carma Hassan

Vaccine misinformation, which first began spiraling during the Covid-19 pandemic, has grown in the United States in the years since, according to a new survey from the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania.

More than 1,500 adults responded to the survey between October 5 – 12 and according to the results, the share of people who viewed vaccines as less safe and effective has increased since April 2021, when the group was first included on a panel for the survey.

Americans are less likely to consider it safe to get the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), pneumonia and Covid-19 vaccines than they were in April 2021.

Read more   



REDUCING STRESS IN YOUR 60S:
CAPTURING A MOMENT OF REST
THROUGH MUSIC



BY MARY SUE WILKINSON


Have you ever been so tired that a stop light seemed like a blessing? You close your eyes for just a second and take a deep breath, trying to catch a wisp of the tiniest second – or maybe third wind?

Years ago, when I was starting a school, I had day after day with little rest. My mind was packed with to-do lists, problems to be solved and papers to sign. I would wake in the night, panicked that I had not signed the right papers or that children were unattended.

My mind would frantically try to remember what papers I needed to sign. Sometimes I would even get up and walk into the hallway of our home, sure I needed to do something.

Learn more  









TEA FACTS

1. **Ancient Beverage:**  Steeped in history, tea is the second-most consumed beverage globally, following only water.  Legend has it that Chinese Emperor Shen Nung discovered tea in 2732 BC. 

2. **One Plant, Many Brews:** Surprisingly, black, green, oolong, and white tea all come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. The difference lies in the processing methods. Black tea goes through full oxidation, green tea undergoes minimal oxidation, oolong is partially oxidized, and white tea remains unoxidized.

3. **Global Phenomenon:**  Over 3 billion cups of tea are consumed worldwide every day.  The tea industry is massive, valued at over $200 billion and expected to reach even greater heights in the coming years.

4. **Beyond Black Tea:**  While black tea reigns supreme in the US (especially iced tea!), there's a whole world of tea varieties to explore.  From delicate green teas to fragrant oolongs and bold pu-erhs, there's a tea for every taste preference.

5. **Health Benefits:** Tea boasts numerous health benefits.  Black tea is known for its stimulating properties, while green tea is praised for its antioxidant content.  Several studies suggest tea consumption can aid digestion, improve cognitive function, and even contribute to heart health.

6. **Royal Ritual:**  Afternoon tea, a delightful tradition of enjoying a light meal with tea in the mid-afternoon, is believed to have been introduced by Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford in England.

7. **Tea Time Traditions:**  Tea ceremonies hold cultural significance in many countries, particularly in Asia.  These elaborate rituals involve specific methods of preparation, presentation, and etiquette, fostering a sense of peace and mindfulness.

8. **Brewing Matters:**  Water temperature and steeping time significantly impact the final cup.  Knowing the right parameters for each tea type is crucial to unlocking its full flavor potential.

9. **Caffeinated Kick:**  Tea contains caffeine, though less than coffee.  However, the presence of L-theanine, an amino acid, leads to a slower caffeine release, resulting in sustained focus without the jitters often associated with coffee.

10.**From Leaves to Riches:**  The most expensive tea in the world, Da Hong Pao, originates from China.  This rare tea can fetch thousands of dollars per gram due to its unique growing conditions and limited production. 








NEXT BLOG
WEDNESDAY MARCH 20, 2024


©2024 Bruce Cooper







-30-

*************




THIS PAGE IS BEST VIEWED IN
LANDSCAPE MODE




Friday, March 15, 2024


Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com




“Never go to bed mad. Stay up and fight.”
― Phyllis Diller







Social Security Chief
Vows to Fix ‘Cruel-Hearted’
Overpayment Clawbacks




By Fred Clasen-Kelly


The Social Security Administration’s new chief is promising to overhaul the agency’s system of clawing back billions of dollars it claims was wrongly sent to beneficiaries, saying it “just doesn’t seem right or fair.”

Overpayment Outrage

Social Security has been overpaying billions of dollars to people, many on disability — then demanding the money back, even if the government made mistakes, an investigation by KFF Health News and Cox Media Group revealed. The reporting has triggered harsh criticism in Congress and led to an investigation by the agency.

READ MORE  



Retirement Alarm Bells
Ringing Again






By Fox Rothschild

We recently posted some advice related to retirement planning and the need to take pen to paper (fingers to keyboard?) to  make realistic assessments of future needs and available resources. And, because this is a divorce blog, we noted that the resources available may be halved or more by a divorce which may or may not be expected.

When starting this discussion the typical cornerstones of retirement are the “guaranteed” payments, viz., social security, defined benefit retirement plans and annuities. These are sources of funds which require only that you go to the mailbox (whether real or electronic) to harvest. In the past we have expressed concerns about pensions funded for Pennsylvania’s state and local government employees including its public school teachers. The Pension Fund Crisis is Starting to Boil (12/8/2022).

The good news is that in 2023 the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index of securities increased by 24%. The Russell 2000, a far broader index increased by just over 15%. Handsome returns typically make defined benefit retirement plans more sound; a good thing by any measure.

Read more  






A New Approach
to Prescribing Medications

As a pharmacist, the founder 
of GeriatRX wants to change 
the standard of practice when it comes 
to prescriptions and older adults



By Julie Pfitzinger


As he builds his pharmaceutical career to serve as an advocate for older adults, DeLon Canterbury is focused on helping to educate people about what they need and don't need when it comes to medication.

And data shows that older adults consume a lot of medication. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), use of five or more prescription drugs (defined as polypharmacy) was more common among adults aged 60–79 compared with those aged 40–59 in both the United States (34.5% versus 14.5%) and Canada (30.9% versus 10.4%). 

At 35, Canterbury, the founder of GeriatRx, is looking at the bigger picture: "I'd like to see us redefine the standard of aging to require de-prescribing as the standard of care for all people and I think it should be on all fronts," he said. "It should involve the caregiver, the patient, the provider. I think there needs to be a fundamental understanding that medications in this population, in this environment, in this climate, in this country, where we love to over-prescribe; well, you can assume there's something going on behind the scenes."

Read more  



Why memory
is more about your future
than your past

Memories aren’t mental recordings, 
but pliable information we can use to better 
manage the present 
and conjure future possibilities.




By Kevin Dickinson

Whenever we remember something, we alter that memory with our needs, beliefs, and perspectives. According to neuroscientist Charan Ranganath, this and other aspects of how memory works keeps our thinking nimble and flexible. If we want to keep our memories more vivid, we should pay attention to what makes them distinctive.

Katie Kermode is a memory champion who holds four world records for such impressive feats as memorizing 1,080 numbers in 30 minutes. Meanwhile, most of us can’t memorize a single password, recall a grocery list longer than seven items, or name that one actor who seems to be in everything. (You know the one.)

But Kermode and other memory virtuosos weren’t gifted with flawless memories. They train in techniques such as the “method of loci” to hack their working memories to manage vast amounts of information quickly. Research shows, however, that such training doesn’t impact general cognitive or memory functions. In other words, the life of a memory champion is as full of Post-It reminders and password managers as anyone else’s.

Read more  




If You’re Over 65,
You May Not Need
These Common Medical Tests
and Screenings



By Amy Isler, RN, MSN, CSN .



Key Takeaways

- Older adults who seek healthcare are at risk for overtreatment and having screenings that they don’t need.

- Many common medical tests are not recommended after a certain age or if you’re not having symptoms.

- Patients should ask their healthcare provider to explain why a test is recommended and speak up if they aren’t sure why it’s needed.

After the age of 65, many people find themselves in a healthcare provider’s office more frequently for help with managing a chronic disease or just to “keep an eye on” their health. Since having access to quality healthcare in the United States is not a given, being proactive about your health if you’re able is generally a smart move.

That said, there can be such a thing as too much of a good thing—even when it comes to medical care. Many older adults don’t realize that some routine screenings and treatments may not be necessary and can even be harmful for them.

A recent study highlighted the need for safeguards to avoid overtreating older adult patients, which can include unnecessary tests and screenings, particularly for prostate cancer (PSA test), urinary tract infections (UTI), and diabetes.1

Read more  






If You Want to Live to 100,
This Is the Vitamin That Will
Actually Make a Difference


Read this before your next trip down the supplement aisle.




BY SHELBY DEERINGFEB

Ever since you took your very first Flintstone vitamin as a kid, you’ve likely had vitamins on your radar, at least in some capacity. Whether you religiously stick to a daily vitamin regimen or have yet to regularly take a multivitamin, you may be wondering if the secret to longevity might be as simple as popping a tablet or two every day.

While attaining longevity isn’t quite that simple, there are ways you can set yourself up for success. And a place you can consider starting? By taking vitamins.

Do Vitamins Really Work?
Nowadays, vitamins and supplements aren’t considered the silver bullets they once were. Vitamins have become a subject of controversy in recent years, with some doctors saying they’re useless and a waste of money. And yet, there have been a handful of studies saying that a daily multivitamin can help when it comes to cognitive decline.


Learn more  












When evaluating senior living communities, it's important to consider more than just the luxurious amenities they offer. While places like Inspir Carnegie Hill and Anthology of Natick [1]may be stunning with their restaurants, bars, and swimming pools, it's crucial to prioritize the quality of care provided and how well it caters to your individual needs. 

Luxurious amenities can certainly enhance the overall experience of living in a senior community, but they should not be the sole determining factor in your decision-making process. It's essential to delve deeper and assess the level of care and support that the community provides. This includes evaluating the qualifications and experience of the staff, the availability of medical professionals, and the range of healthcare services offered.

Additionally, it's important to consider how well the community caters to your individual needs. Each senior has unique preferences, interests, and requirements. While some may enjoy the vibrant social scene and numerous activities offered by a community like Inspir Carnegie Hill, others may prefer a quieter and more relaxed environment. It's crucial to choose a community that aligns with your lifestyle and personal preferences.

Furthermore, not all seniors may be interested or able to participate in all the activities offered by a community. While a community may boast an impressive array of amenities and recreational options, it's important to assess whether these activities align with your interests and abilities. For example, if you have limited mobility or specific health conditions, it's essential to ensure that the community can accommodate your needs and provide suitable alternatives.

Ultimately, when evaluating senior living communities, it's vital to prioritize the quality of care provided and how well the community caters to your individual needs. While luxurious amenities can enhance the overall experience, they should not overshadow the importance of personalized care, support, and a community that truly meets your needs in the long run. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and find a senior living community that offers both comfort and quality care.

Note from the editor: In the past, I used to dream about having a swimming pool, a fancy restaurant, beautiful hiking trails, and a one-bedroom apartment. However, my priorities have changed now. Even if I had the means to afford a luxurious Assisted Living Facility, that's not what I truly need. What I really need is assistance with my daily activities. It's crucial for me to receive my medications on time and accurately prepared. I also need the assurance of having professional medical care available at all times, as well as access to certified social workers who can help me navigate through the complexities of healthcare options. These are the things that truly matter to me. 

Have a great weekend, and we’ll see you here bright and early on Monday. …..









You are what you eat:
Why nutrition is so important
in senior living



BY MELISSA POWELL

One fundamental truth remains constant in senior care: elderly residents deserve access to the best possible care throughout their golden years.

Senior living and care executives stand at the forefront of this noble mission. It is our responsibility to strive to improve the quality of life and well-being of our aging population. Although a multitude of factors will influence this mission, one aspect often is underestimated yet holds the key to unlocking a world of health, vitality and happiness for our elderly loved ones: nutrition.

Beyond the familiar adage, “You are what you eat,” this article will explore the profound significance of proper nutrition in senior living and care and the interconnectedness between aging and nutritional needs. But it doesn’t stop there. Confronting the silent but alarming epidemic of malnutrition allows us to identify and necessary implement strategies that detect and combat this insidious threat. Nutrition is a powerful ally in safeguarding cognitive health, preserving independence and functional ability, and nurturing emotional well-being. 

Read more  



Social Security recipients struggle
to pay back agency after
unexpected overpayments




BY ANDERSON COOPER, ALIZA CHASAN, ANDY COURT, ANNABELLE HANFLIG


Roy Farmer was 11 years old when his family last received Social Security benefits for him. Farmer has cerebral palsy; as a child, he had leg braces and couldn't walk. 

More than two decades ago, Social Security determined he was no longer medically eligible for benefits. His family received several thousand more dollars while Farmer's mother appealed the decision. The appeal was eventually denied, and the money sent to the family over the course of the appeal was deemed an overpayment. Two years ago, Farmer learned that the Social Security Administration expected him to pay back that excess money his mother received when he was a child.

Farmer is one of about a million people getting billed each year over miscalculated payments from the Social Security Administration. Retirees and disabled workers are being told to pay up, and it often doesn't matter whether they're at fault or not. 

Read more   




Diabetic Foot:
Charting the Course of
the Effect on Feet




By Anna Giorgi

Diabetic foot, a condition of foot problems linked to diabetes mellitus, is common among people with diabetes. These problems can occur in one or both feet due to type 1 or type 2 diabetes.1

Symptoms associated with diabetic foot can occur over time. They can be linked to nerve damage or blood flow problems common with this disease.

Diabetic foot problems can affect your skin or the structure of your foot. Foot ulcers (open sores), infections, and changes in the shape of your foot can develop.2

Read more   




BECOMING A GRANDMOTHER:
6 THINGS NEW GRANNIES
ARE CONCERNED ABOUT



BY ANN RICHARDSON


So, you have become a grandmother! Congratulations!

How are you feeling about it? Excited? Apprehensive? Not ready to see yourself as a grandma? Join the club. Many of us feel that way at first.

Just after my second grandson was born, I decided to write a book exploring how women feel about being a grandmother, based on interviews I conducted with grandmothers from a range of backgrounds.

It seemed such a complex subject, with so much to talk about. I had already written other books of this kind, so it was just taking a slightly new path.

Learn more   




Should we treat aging 
as a disease?
The consequences and 
dangers of miscategorisation





By Richard G. A. Faragher*


The aging of the population represents one of the largest healthcare challenges facing the world today. The available scientific evidence shows that interventions are available now that can target fundamental “aging” processes or pathways. Sufficient economic evidence is available to argue convincingly that this approach will also save enormous sums of money which could then be deployed to solve other urgent global problems. However, as yet this scenario has barely entered the public consciousness and, far from being a point of vigorous debate, seems to be ignored by policy makers. Understanding why this lethargy exists is important given the urgent need to deal with the challenge represented by population aging. In this paper I hypothesize that one major cause of inaction is a widely held, but flawed, conceptual framework concerning the relationship between aging and disease that categorizes the former as “natural” and the latter as “abnormal.” This perspective is sufficient in itself to act as a disincentive to intervention by rendering those who hold it prone to the “naturalistic fallacy” but can give rise to active hostility to biogerontology if coupled with loose and/or blurred understanding of the goals and potential of the field.

Read more    








Americans’ Praiseworthy Sleep Habits

This data on the state of sleep in the U.S. focuses on the sleep habits and preferences among American adults, as well as sleep industry research at-large. Data and statistics within this report come from original research from U.S. News & World Report’s 360 Reviews — including our “Sleep Habits, Preferences Consumer Survey” and our “Sleep Quality Survey” — as well as from various official U.S. government datasets.


- 73% of U.S. adults follow a regular bedtime routine. 

- 19% of U.S. adults say they stop using devices with screens more than 30 minutes before going to sleep. 

- 20% of U.S. adults say they stop using devices with screens 20-30 minutes before going to sleep. 

- 57% of U.S. adults replaced their mattress within the last four years.

- 30% of U.S. adults used their last mattress between 5-8 years. 

- 40% of U.S. adults wash their sheets at least once a week. 

- 51% of U.S. adults wash their pillows at least every 3 months.

- 19% of U.S. adults practice meditation to help them fall asleep. 








NEXT BLOG
MONDAY MARCH 18, 2024
©2024 Bruce Cooper







-30-

*************





THIS PAGE IS BEST VIEWED IN
LANDSCAPE MODE




Wednesday, March 13, 2024



Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com




“Women are like cars: we all want a Ferrari, 
sometimes want a pickup truck, 
and end up with a station wagon.” 

Tim Allen





Biden calls for tax hikes
to shore up Social Security
as Trump floats entitlement cuts




By Ben Werschkul

President Biden released a budget that offered a call for tax increases to shore up Social Security while Donald Trump suggested he would consider entitlement "cutting" if elected this fall.

The back-and-forth between the two candidates Monday showed how Social Security is likely to be a front-burner issue in the coming campaign. It will also be central in the next presidential term no matter who wins this November.

Insolvency — and across-the-board benefit cuts — loom as a possibility for the program in 2034.

Read more  





Staffing shortages
have left nursing homes
at a breaking point




By Chris Conte

At 39 square miles and with a population of 463 people, "small" is how some people might describe the town of Chelsea, Vermont. Jennifer Doyle, though, just calls it home.

"I went to school here, my kids went to school here," Doyle said, standing along the town's Main Street on a recent Thursday morning.

Doyle and her husband own Riverbend Residential Care Home. The 30 residents there all consider the place home. Most grew up in this rural section of New England. Riverbend, though, is at a crossroads. Like many assisted-care facilities and nursing homes nationwide, it is facing a staffing shortage.

Read more  




Ageism in health care
is more common 
than you might think,
and it can harm people




By Ashley Milne-Tyte

A recent study found that older people spend an average of 21 days a year on medical appointments. Kathleen Hayes can believe it.

Hayes lives in Chicago and has spent a lot of time lately taking her parents, who are both in their 80s, to doctor's appointments. Her dad has Parkinson's, and her mom has had a difficult recovery from a bad bout of Covid-19. As she's sat in, Hayes has noticed some health care workers talk to her parents at top volume, to the point, she says, "that my father said to one, 'I'm not deaf, you don't have to yell.'"

In addition, while some doctors and nurses address her parents directly, others keep looking at Hayes herself.

Read more  



What to Know About
Faith-based Senior Living




By Johny Kershaws

Selecting the ideal retirement community is a critical choice for today’s seniors. These days, many seniors and their families look for chances for spiritual growth and community in addition to beautiful environments and excellent care. Faith-based senior living options are becoming increasingly popular because of their distinctive approach to care and well-being. The growing understanding of the holistic aspect of older people’s well-being is responsible for this upward tendency. Faith provides seniors comfort, purpose, and a sense of community beyond physical health. The importance of faith-based senior living will be discussed in this article, along with its advantages, salient characteristics, factors to consider, possible drawbacks, and helpful hints for choosing the best community. 

What Are Faith-Based Senior Living Communities?

 Faith-Based Senior Living Communities are residential settings where senior citizens’ daily care and everyday life are infused with religious ideas. Individuals preferring a holistic faith services and spiritually enlightening approach to aging are catered to by these communities. These communities offer their members chances for social events, prayer groups, and religious services. Typically, they are connected to certain religious traditions or denominations. Religion-based senior living is unique because it focuses on building a compassionate community around a shared faith, providing seniors with direction and camaraderie. Pastoral care and counseling are crucial components that ensure residents receive emotional and spiritual support. The intention is to establish a setting where older adults can age with dignity and feel deeply connected to their religion. 

Read more  




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/XmasJ asked: “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:

1. "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.'"

2. "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     






6 Questions
to Ask Your Doctor
About Sex after 50




By Ellen Uzelac

With most physicians ill prepared to talk about sexual health and many patients too embarrassed or ashamed to broach the subject, sex has become this thing we don’t discuss in the examining room.

“So many doctors talk about the benefits of nutrition, sleep, exercise — but they don’t talk about this one really essential thing we all share: our sexuality,” says Evelin Dacker, a family physician in Salem, Oregon, who is dedicated to normalizing sexual health in routine care. “We need to start having this conversation.”

Starting the conversation about sexual health


Learn more  









Should older people go to a mental health professional? Absolutely! It's crucial for older individuals to consult a mental health professional. In fact, I firmly believe that everyone can benefit from a little mental fine-tuning.

The reality is that we all face challenges in life. Most of these can be overcome with some effort, creativity, and sometimes, financial resources. However, there are deeper, more complex disturbances that can steal the joy from your existence and eat away at your soul. They can leave you drained even before your day has begun. And in severe cases, they can bring you to tears without any apparent reason. These are all signs of mild depression. Other symptoms include irritability, loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities, lack of motivation, changes in appetite, and even risky behaviors like substance abuse or gambling. 

Sadly, many people choose to ignore these warning signs or are afraid to admit that they need professional assistance. The stigma surrounding mental illness still persists, especially among the older generation who may be hesitant to acknowledge their emotional struggles. This is truly disheartening because with today's advancements in medication, many previously untreated conditions can now be cured or managed effectively.

Mental health is just as important as physical health, and seeking help from a professional can have a profound impact on your overall well-being. As someone who has personally experienced this and can attest to the fact that things can get better, I strongly encourage you to reach out for professional support. It's never too late to prioritize your mental health and seek the assistance you need to lead a happier and healthier life.  ....









Older Adults 
at Risk
From Inappropriate 
Prescribing



By Brittany Vargas


Roughly 2% of prescriptions to older patients appear to be inappropriate — but the figure does not appear to differ between physicians and nurse practitioners, according to a study published last month in Annals of Internal Medicine.

Older adults are "especially vulnerable to adverse drug events from inappropriate prescribing due to comorbidities and aging-related physiological changes," said Johnny Huynh, MA, doctoral candidate in economics at UCLA and lead author of the study. "Considering the volume of prescriptions for older adults, even a small percentage can translate to a big impact on adverse drug events and spending."

In recent years, more states have granted prescriptive authority to NPs, while professional medical organizations have opposed the reforms and made claims about differences in quality of care.


Read more  




9 Ways 
Wearable Tech
Can Be Beneficial 
for Seniors




BY CHRISTINE ROMANS

Smartwatches, smart rings, and other wearable tech offer quite a few health and wellness benefits for people as they get older. See how they can help.

Wearable devices are commonplace for young people, but did you know that they're becoming more and more beneficial for the older generation? The main reason is that older adults can use them to their advantage to live happier and healthier lives.

From emergency features like fall detection to blood pressure and heart rate monitoring, below are several impressive ways wearable tech can be beneficial to seniors.

Read more  



Older adults 
would be wise
to embrace
lifelong learning




By STATE SEN JUDY SCHWANK

For those who make regular morning commutes, you may have noticed the roads have been a bit busy since students returned to school in late August.

For students, parents, teachers and communities broadly, the beginning of a new school year is a new chapter because with it comes all kinds of other fun things folks look forward to all year. Cooler weather, the changing of the leaves and the return of Friday night football games are all things I know communities all over Berks County adore, no matter how old you are.

The beginning of the new school year also got me thinking about the importance of education, not just for our young students, but for everyone. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that you can never have too much information. While it’s my obligation as a state Senator to learn about the issues my constituents are dealing with and the subject matter of bills we vote on in Harrisburg, I also find it energizing.

Read more  




NAVIGATING 
LEGAL ISSUES
SURROUNDING 
GRANDPARENTS
RIGHTS AND 
CHILD CUSTODY



BY BRIAN JOSLYN

The age-old saying “it takes a village” rings especially true when it comes to raising children. In today’s dynamic family structures, grandparents often play a significant role in the upbringing of their grandchildren, either by providing essential support or even assuming the role of primary caregivers. A staggering 2.7 million grandparents dedicate long hours to the upbringing of another generation in the US, even after they’ve bid farewell to their own child-rearing days.

While other family members often play a role in this support network, there are currently one million children who have their grandparents as their primary parental figures. Interestingly, only 150,000 kids are being raised solely by their grandfathers, and a significant 55% of devoted grandmothers who maintain households for their grandchildren are under the age of 55.

It’s noteworthy that two-thirds of families supported by at least one grandparent also include the child’s parents in their lives. In total, a staggering 2.7 million grandparents in the United States are stepping up to the plate to raise their beloved grandchildren, emphasizing the importance of understanding the rights and responsibilities they hold in this critical role.

Read more  






5 Car Maintenance Tips 
for Seniors





Car maintenance can be a challenging prospect the older you get, but it’s no less important. In fact, if you would like your vehicle to last throughout your retirement years, it’s even more vital to keep it in proper working order and prevent issues through regular car maintenance.

Here are five ways you can make sure your vehicle is ready to handle the roadway and keep you safe:

1.    Change the Oil Regularly

Oil is the lifeblood of your car’s engine. Without clean oil, don’t expect your car to function at a high level or last for an extended period of time. Check the owner’s manual of your car before you schedule an oil change.

Depending on the make, model and type of oil you use, you may not need to get an oil change every 3,000 miles according to traditional rules. Modern cars last for up to 10,000 miles between oil changes, but still, neglecting this basic car maintenance step can have serious repercussions.

Learn more 







The Best-Selling Vehicles 
in America in 2023

This was originally posted on our Voronoi app. Download the app for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources.

In a banner year, U.S. automakers sold 15.5 million cars in 2023, driven by pent-up demand. Overall, sales jumped 12.4%, with many car manufacturers seeing double-digit sales increases.

Higher dealership inventory and moderating car prices were two reasons for this growth, helping make up for a tough 2022 which was the worst year in a decade due to supply chain disruptions and production snags.











NEXT BLOG
FRIDAY MARCH 15, 2024


©2024 Bruce Cooper






-30-

*************



THIS PAGE IS BEST VIEWED IN
LANDSCAPE MODE




Monday, March 11, 2024


Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com



“William Wrigley, the chewing gum tycoon, 
was the first man to discover 
that American jaws must wag. 
So why not give them 
something to wag against?”

― Will Rogers







How the Older Americans Act
Supports Efforts to Meet the
Needs of Older Adults





The Older Americans Act (OAA) is "integral to achieving NCOA’s vision of a just and caring society in which each of us, as we age, lives with dignity, purpose, and security."

Reauthorization of the OAA is a key opportunity to modernize the law to meet the needs of today's older adults, and Alwin explained what should be a priority.

Supporting healthy aging, economic security, and senior centers are NCOA priorities for this year's Older American's Act reauthorization. On March 7, NCOA President and CEO Ramsey Alwin testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions and stressed the importance of modernizing the law to meet the needs of today's older adults.

Read more  




OLDER ADULTS WITH
MODERATE INCOME
CANNOT AFFORD THE
DUAL BURDEN OF
HOUSING AND CARE




By Samara Scheckler & Peyton Whitney


In the US, millions of older adults struggle to afford both housing and the long-term care (LTC) services they increasingly require as they age, such as help with personal care, housekeeping, and shopping. In fact, as detailed in our recent Housing America’s Older Adults report, only 14 percent of adults age 75 and older who live alone can afford a daily home health aide visit after paying for housing and other living costs, and just 13 percent can afford an assisted living facility in their area.

To better understand the dual burden of housing and care costs faced by a growing numbers of older adults, we studied 97 metropolitan areas and found that the share who could afford both housing and daily assistance varied significantly by metro. For example, more than 20 percent of adults age 75 and older who live alone can afford the combination of housing and care in Sarasota, FL, Jackson, MS, and Madison, WI. But fewer than seven percent can afford these total costs in Springfield, MA, Dayton, OH, and Portland, ME.

Some of this variation is due to the relative costs of care which differ by metro. In most places, the combined costs of housing, other typical expenses, and a daily four-hour block of in-home care (a standard minimum) is more affordable than the base rate charged for assisted living plus out-of-pocket medical costs and other expenses (Figure 1). Cost differences were especially striking in Bridgeport, CT, where four hours of daily in-home assistance cost $38,000 per year less than assisted living. In other metros, however, older adults who needed daily support could save nearly $13,000 per year by moving to an assisted living facility. This interactive map provides a per-metro comparison of the costs for the two options.

Read more  



Senior Housing Linked
to Increased Longevity,
But ‘Wide Variation’ Separates
Top Communities and Bottom




By Tim Mullaney


Living in communal senior housing is associated with greater longevity versus residing in the community at large – but there is notable variation between top-performing senior housing communities and those on the bottom.

These are among the newly released findings from research conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago and funded by the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC). The researchers examined outcomes for people who moved into a senior living community in 2017 and lived there through 2019 or until death, versus a matched group of peers dwelling outside of senior living communities.

“Our main takeaways include that senior housing residents experienced greater longevity than the non-congregate comparison group in the first two years following moving overall and across all property types,” Dianne Munevar, vice president of health care strategy at NORC, said at Tuesday’s press briefing at the NIC Spring Conference in Dallas.

Read more  




31 Common Medications
That Can Be Bad Long-Term

Don't just assume medicines are good.
These common medications aren't.





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.

Remember, the world of science is always changing. There are always tests being done and redone. We might realize tomorrow that what we consider good for us today may not be good for us in the long-run. For example, everybody used to smoke cigarettes. Now, we know that the little roll of tobacco is extremely dangerous for us. Our doctors do their best to stay on top of this research, but sometimes, there is a lot of contradicting answers; other times, there's just too much for them to process.

Read more  




Pros and Cons
of Active Adult
Communities

Active adult communities offer a unique lifestyle for those age 
55 and older. Learn what they are, the amenities 
they offer and how to find the perfect one for you.





By Joanne Kaldy and Elaine K. Howley

After some searching, they landed at La Floresta, a 55-plus community with about 300 units – including ones all on one level – in Brea, California. It was exactly the right fit.

"We are so happy here," says Felix, now 66.

What Are 55-Plus and Active Adult Communities?
The terms "55-plus community," "active adult community," "lifestyle communities" and "planned communities" refer to a setting that caters to the needs and preferences of adults over the age of 55.

These communities are designed for seniors who are able to care for themselves but may be looking to downsize to a community with others their same age and with similar interests.

Read more  




The senior living trend
we’re not hearing
enough about





By John O'Connor

There’s something happening in Carbondale, IL, that the senior living field might want to pay attention to. Especially operators mulling their next strategic move.

There, two schools that have been closed for decades will be reborn as senior living communities, if a developer behind the renovation succeeds. In all, the transition will create 21 assisted living units, along with 16 more for independent living.

That sure sounds better than the alternative outcome: once-useful buildings slowly falling apart in the weeds.

I’m a big fan of this kind of repurposing, for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, it’s a great way to take existing structures no longer in use and convert them into something that actually serves the surrounding community.

Learn more  








Being a proud and lifelong Democrat, I must confess that I was having doubts about Joe Biden's chances of winning another term as President. And I know I wasn't the only one with these concerns. Many of my friends, who are also Democrats and seniors like me, shared the same worry that Biden might be too old for the job. It's not that we wouldn't vote for him, but we wished there was an alternative choice.

Our concerns were rooted in observing his manner of walking. Like many of us older folks, he had a slow and deliberate gait. Sometimes, he would hesitate while speaking or forget a name or event. But then, I realized something important. I disobeyed my own golden rule when it comes to assessing someone's mental sharpness. "Never judge a book by its cover. Or an individual by his age or what he looks like. This valuable lesson was taught to me here at the A.L.F. Some of the most intelligent,  level headed and opinionated appear to be frail or otherwise incapacitated. It doesn't matter if someone uses a wheelchair, hesitates while speaking, or relies on a cane or walker. None of these external factors have any bearing on the incredible thinking and functioning happening inside our brains.

Biden's State Of The Union Address to Congress was a clear demonstration of his continued leadership capabilities. His speech was not only powerful and focused, but also presidential in nature. Unlike his opponent, Biden chose to focus on political issues rather than self-promotion. I am now confident that he will secure another term as president. The only way he could lose is if the Republicans manage to steal the election. As a senior citizen, I find hope in the fact that older Americans, like Biden, still have much to offer. …..










Senior Citizens 
and Health Plans:
Navigating the Medicare 
Landscape




By Ella Woodward


As we age, our healthcare needs change, and for senior citizens in the United States, Medicare becomes a critical component of their health care plan. Understanding the Medicare landscape is essential for seniors and their families to ensure they receive the necessary healthcare services without breaking the bank. In this blog post, we will explore the world of Medicare, its various parts, and how senior citizens can navigate this complex healthcare system to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

Understanding Medicare

Medicare is a federal health insurance program in the United States that primarily serves individuals aged 65 and older. It was established in 1965 and has since become a lifeline for millions of senior citizens, providing them with access to essential healthcare services.


Parts of Medicare:

Medicare is divided into different parts, each covering specific aspects of healthcare:

Learn more  



Older adults 
want to 
‘age in place,’
but their options are 
limited in most states




As America gets grayer, 
advocates are pushing for 
new types of housing.


BY: ROBBIE SEQUEIRA
     

As older adults begin to outnumber young people in the United States in the coming decade, advocacy groups are challenging states to shift away from single-family zoning in favor of housing solutions that allow older adults to “age in place.”

By 2035, the U.S. will have more people over the age of 65 than under the age of 18, a first in the nation’s history. Recent census data suggests that the U.S. is short of aging-ready homes, with just 40% of the country’s housing considered accessible enough to meet the basic needs of older adults.

Organizations such as AARP are lobbying state by state for two housing approaches: the development of so-called middle housing such as duplexes, triplexes and townhomes, and the allowance of accessory dwelling units, often known as granny flats or in-law suites.

Read more   






How to Treat 11
Top Vision Problems

From floaters and flashes to dryness and sharp pain — 
know what symptoms may signal a bigger problem




By Jessica Migala


You may think that recent changes in your vision are just another sign you’re getting older. That may not be so. Although nearly half the people who struggle with a visual disability are 65 or older, many of those cases could have been prevented. “It’s not normal to be losing vision as you get older, and there’s usually an underlying reason,” says Rahul Khurana, M.D., a physician and clinical associate professor in ophthalmology at University of California San Francisco Medical Center. With new treatments for a variety of eye diseases, doctors can slow their progression or reverse the damage — though you have to know what’s going on first.

Here are some troubling eye symptoms and what to do if you experience one.

1. You have double vision

First, a self-test: Cover one eye. Is the symptom still there? If yes, that’s good news. The cause could be dryness; using artificial tears to lubricate the eye surface may help, says Jennifer Eikenberry, M.D., an ophthalmologist and assistant professor of clinical ophthalmology at Indiana University School of Medicine. More worrisome is when the problem is “binocular,” meaning that double vision disappears when you close one eye. “It’s a sign that your eyes are not aligned, and we worry that the double vision is caused by a nerve palsy from a stroke or aneurysm,” she explains.

2. You see floaters or flashes

With aging, the gel-like substance in your eye starts to liquefy; as it pulls away from the retina, you may see dark moving spots called floaters. According to Khurana, 85 percent of the time, these are not dangerous. But if you see new floaters or flashes of light in your field of vision, contact an ophthalmologist immediately; you may need a dilated eye exam to rule out a retinal tear.

Read more   




Doctors urge elderly adults
to get triple-whammy of
Covid, flu and RSV vaccines
this winter despite 'miniscule'
risk of strokes flagged by FDA





Doctors have urged older adults to roll up their sleeves for three different vaccines this fall - calling the tenuous links to higher stroke risk ‘minuscule’.

The advice comes on the heels of a Food and Drug Administration analysis out this week that found there was a slightly elevated risk of stroke in over-85s who received the new Covid-19 vaccine and the flu shot formulated for seniors at the same time.

It was the second analysis by health officials to flag a possible association between strokes and seniors after getting the combination of seasonal vaccines.

Read more   




Why the 
American Climate Corps
Looks Ageist to Me




By Richard Eisenberg

When the Biden Administration announced the American Climate Corps in late September, it said the program was designed "to train young people in clean energy, conservation and climate-resilience skills, create good-paying jobs and tackle the climate crisis." It's a joint project of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; the Departments of Labor, Interior, Energy and Agriculture and the hub, AmeriCorps.

My immediate reaction, as a 67-year-old boomer: The idea of a Climate Corps — it's a jobs program, not a volunteer program — is commendable, if not overdue. But pitching it to, and for, "young people," smacks of ageism and is a missed chance to involve Americans of all ages in helping to fix an existential global problem.

Several environmental and intergenerational activists share my grievance.

Overlooking Older Adults....

Learn more   









Gum chewing

Gum chewin’ just ain’t what it used to be. US gum sales rose less than 1% last year, down 32% from 2018. Meanwhile, global sales rose 5% to $16 billion, but still down 10% from 2018. Covid is mostly to blame: At the height of mask-wearing and social distancing, no one was worried much about bad breath. People also weren’t getting out of the house as often to make impulse gum purchases at the cash register. The Great Gum Slump is bad enough that some manufacturers, like Mondelez International, have gotten out of the business entirely.








NEXT BLOG
WEDNESDAY MARCH 13, 2024


©2024 Bruce Cooper







-30-

*************




THIS PAGE IS BEST VIEWED IN
LANDSCAPE MODE




Friday, March 8, 2024




Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com



“This race is hotter than a Times Square Rolex.”
Dan Rather








Study proving longevity
benefits of senior living
is something for operators to
‘jump up and down’ about




By Kimberly Bonvissuto



Older adults who live in senior living communities live longer, receive more healthcare services and benefit from greater rehabilitative and preventive care within the first two years of moving into a community compared with their peers living in the greater community, according to new research from NORC at the University of Chicago.

The results highlight where senior living is doing well and can help providers promote the value of the setting to prospective residents and their families, according to Dianne Munevar, vice president of healthcare strategy at NORC. She delivered the results of the latest collaborative research report with the National Investment for Seniors Housing & Care on Tuesday during the first day of the 2024 NIC Spring Conference.

The report focuses on the relationships between senior living, longevity and preventive health for older adults.

Read more  .



The Vaccine
Doctors Want
Every Single Person
Over 50 to Get ASAP




BY JENNIFER LARSONFEB

If your 50th birthday is on the horizon, there's one vaccine doctors are begging their patients to get: the shingles vaccine. “I would definitely recommend it,” says Dr. Kenneth Koncilja, MD, a geriatrician and internal medicine physician with the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Geriatric Medicine.

Yes, your doctor still wants you to get a seasonal flu vaccine each year—and a COVID booster too. But those are vaccines that you’ll need to get every year. The shingles vaccine is actually a two-shot series, but you only have to complete the series once. Then you should be good to go. Read on for my information on the shingles vaccine, and why it's so important to get i

What Is Shingles, Anyway?

Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash, usually on one side of the body. The rash often looks like a stripe of fluid-filled blisters wrapped around part of your body. It can also appear on the face or neck or around one eye.

Read more  
.




Are YOU Ageist?
How internalizing 
outside ageism messages
can be bad for your 
health and longevity




By Janet Reynolds

Most baby boomers think of ageism as something that happens to them. A younger boss thinks they're too old to learn a new technology. They're ignored in a store. A doctor speaks to the adult daughter accompanying them to a doctor's office rather than to the older person whose health is actually the purpose of that visit.

But what if we're also a little bit ageist ourselves?

That's right. Even as older adults rail against ageism, a lot of us simultaneously internalize messages that aging is somehow a negative, and then act accordingly by limiting what we do and how we perceive our options.

Read more  



Who will care for older adults?
We've plenty of know-how,
but too few specialists.





By Judith Graham

   
Thirty-five years ago, Jerry Gurwitz was among the first physicians in the United States to be credentialed as a geriatrician — a doctor who specializes in the care of older adults.

“I understood the demographic imperative and the issues facing older patients,” Gurwitz, 67 and chief of geriatric medicine at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, told me. “I felt this field presented tremendous opportunities.”

But today, Gurwitz fears geriatric medicine is on the decline. Despite the surging older population, there are fewer geriatricians now (just over 7,400) than in 2000 (10,270), he noted in a recent piece in Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), (In those two decades, the population 65 and older expanded by more than 60%.0 Research suggests each geriatrician should care for no more than 700 patients; the current ratio of providers to older patients is 1 to 10,000.

Read more  




Required minimum distributions
for retirement are super-sized in 2024 —
here’s what seniors need to know

Seniors must begin withdrawing 
from their 401(k) plans at 73. 
But this year’s distribution could push 
you into another tax bracket.




By Ana Staples

The stock market had a good run in 2023: The NASDAQ alone rose more than 43%, while the S&P 500 gained 24% and the Dow ratcheted up nearly 14%.

Higher returns on investments are nothing to fret over, but it could lead to unexpected financial consequences for seniors. That’s because of required minimum distributions (RMD), which are mandatory withdrawals that must be made from retirement accounts starting at age 73.

In part thanks to market performance swelling retirement funds, distributions will be super-sized in 2024: The cumulative RMDs at Fidelity Investments, one of the largest financial services firms in the world, will hit a record $25 billion.

Read more  






5 Best Memory-Boosting Foods,
According to Science

ADD THESE TO YOUR PLATE 
FOR BETTER COGNITIVE HEALTH.



By LAUREN GRAY


Today's Americans are living longer than previous generations, yet with greater life expectancy can come certain age-related health burdens. For example, dementia and cognitive impairment are on the rise and are expected to top 150 million cases by 2050.

However, longer life expectancies are unlikely the sole cause for our worsening memories. Other factors, such as diet, exercise, and smoking habits, can have a dramatic impact on your cognitive health. One 2022 study published in the journal Nutrients says that there are "several dietary components, such as carbohydrates, fats, and hormones, reported to influence cognition."

"Indeed, the consumption frequency of healthy or unhealthy foods perfectly correlates with better or worse cognitive performance in older adults," the researchers write. "It would seem, therefore, that our diet directly affects brain health and the probability of developing dementia and neurodegenerative disorders in later life."

Wondering which foods are best for boosting memory? Here's how to enhance your cognitive health through your diet....

Learn more  
.







Continuing Straight Talk About
Assisted Living


Let's be honest. Most of us are bound by routine for the majority of our lives. Since birth, we've been following schedules - from feeding times to school bus pickups. It seems like it never ends. Whether it's high school, college, or work, we always have to be somewhere at a specific time. If routines weren't necessary, we wouldn't rely on clocks. That's why the idea of retirement, where we can finally break free from schedules and obligations, sounds so appealing. But, unfortunately, that's not the case here at the A.L.F.

At the A.L.F. (Assisted Living Facility), routines continue to play a significant role in the lives of its residents. While retirement may be seen as a time to escape the constraints of schedules and obligations, the reality within this facility is quite different. Here, the residents, often elderly individuals who require assistance with daily activities, find themselves bound by a new set of routines and obligations.

From the moment they wake up, the residents at the A.L.F. are guided by a carefully structured schedule. Breakfast is served promptly at 8 am, followed by medication distribution and morning exercises. The day continues with various activities and therapies, such as physical therapy sessions, art classes, or group discussions. Lunch and dinner are served at specific times, ensuring that everyone is nourished and cared for.*

While these routines may seem restrictive, they serve a vital purpose in maintaining the well-being and quality of life for the residents. The structured schedule provides a sense of stability and predictability, which can be particularly comforting for individuals who may struggle with memory loss or cognitive decline. It ensures that their basic needs are met, and that they have opportunities for social interaction and engagement throughout the day.


Moreover, the routines at the A.L.F. are not solely focused on physical care. The staff recognizes the importance of mental and emotional well-being as well. Therefore, they incorporate activities that stimulate the residents' minds and foster a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Whether it's participating in group discussions, reminiscing about past experiences, or engaging in creative pursuits, these routines aim to enhance the residents' overall quality of life.

While retirement may have initially been seen as an escape from schedules and obligations, the A.L.F. demonstrates that routines can still have a positive impact even in this stage of life. By providing structure, support, and opportunities for growth, the residents are able to maintain a sense of purpose and dignity. The routines at the A.L.F. may not be the same as those experienced throughout one's working life, but they serve a different, yet equally important, role in ensuring the well-being and happiness of its residents.

*Editor’s note: No resident is forced to stick to any prescribed schedule. There is nothing they must do every day at the same time except for medication or treatments. And, while meals are at the same time, no one will stop you from skipping a meal or ordering take-out when YOU want to eat.












Simple universal
TV remotes often ideal
for older adults



By Jim Miller


Dear Savvy Senior: Can you recommend some simplified universal television remotes for seniors? My 88-year-old dad, who lives in a retirement community, has some dementia and gets confused with all the buttons on his remote. As a result, he keeps accidentally reprogramming his TV set. — Searching Son

Dear Searching: Most modern television remotes — that come with dozens of unnecessary buttons — can be confusing for anyone to operate and especially challenging for older adults. Fortunately, there are several universal TV remotes available that are specifically designed for older adults tackling issues with vision, memory or confusion, as well as those that are technologically challenged. These remotes have bigger buttons and pared-down options that make them much easier to see and use. Here are three top choices to consider.

Senior-friendly remotes

The two most popular simplified TV remotes on the market today are the Flipper and the EasyMote. Both are infrared-only remotes intended for those who use traditional cable/satellite boxes or their TV’s internal tuner. They are not designed for use with streaming devices and will not work with devices that are controlled via Bluetooth or radio frequency.

Learn more  



Many older Americans 
suffer from
high blood pressure 
hospitalizations





In the past two decades, there has been a troubling surge in hospitalizations due to high blood pressure among older Americans.

This concerning trend has raised eyebrows, especially since numerous initiatives have been launched to manage and control blood pressure levels.

Researchers from Yale University have scrutinized data spanning the last 20 years, seeking evidence of a decline in hospitalizations stemming from sudden spikes in blood pressure. Regrettably, their findings do not paint an optimistic picture.

The Impact on Seniors...


Read more  




Spousal 
Social Security Benefits:
3 Things All Retired Couples 
Should Know



By Katie Brockman



KEY POINTS:

- Spousal benefits are a special type of Social Security.

- Not everyone is entitled to them, but they could significantly boost your payments.

- Even if you're divorced or widowed, you could still qualify for extra money each month.



You could be entitled to hundreds of dollars more per month.

Social Security can go a long way in retirement, especially if your savings are falling short. The average retiree collects around $1,800 per month in benefits, as of September 2023, but there could be a hidden benefit you're missing out on.

If you're married, you may be entitled to Social Security spousal benefits. Not everyone will qualify, and there are some tricky rules around how much you can receive. Here's everything you need to know about this special type of benefit.

Read more   




Here’s a Social Security fix,
using an online calculator
anyone can access




By Scott Burns


“Everyone talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.” That famous quote is widely credited to humorist Mark Twain.

The same is often said about Social Security. In fact, those in Congress try to make changes every year.

Seriously.

Not a year goes by without multiple pieces of proposed legislation being evaluated for cost and impact.

In most years, every proposal dies without action. According to the Social Security website, the actuaries have evaluated seven pieces of legislation so far this year.

Read more  



Aging at Different Speeds

Challenges accrue when partners can
no longer move at the same tempo




By Jill Smolowe


On the eve of my departure for Austria with a friend, my husband and I sit side by side on the living room couch, sharing a bottle of wine.

"Are you excited?" he asks.

It's a simple question. Yet the answer is complicated.

Since my early 20s, I've routinely traveled abroad at least once a year, sometimes for work, more often for pleasure. Always, I've eagerly anticipated those trips, looking forward to the change in my daily get-it-done pace. The exotic sights, tastes and smells. The brush with unfamiliar cultures and people. The reminder that the way we Americans spend our days and interact with family, friends and strangers is far from the only option.

Read more  








WORLD’S BEST SELLING 
WATCH BRAND

No luxury brand rules over its category like Rolex does watches, and its dominance is only growing over time. The Swiss company sold 1.24 million watches and generated a record $11.5 billion in sales in 2023, up 11% from 2022 and more than the combined sales of the next three biggest brands. The watchmaker’s 30% market share was described as “unprecedented” in a report from Morgan Stanley and LuxeConsult. To put that into perspective, leading luxury bag-maker Louis Vuitton had a 19% share of its market last year.









NEXT BLOG
MONDAY MARCH 11, 2024
©2024 Bruce Cooper






-30-

*************



THIS PAGE IS BEST VIEWED IN
LANDSCAPE MODE





Wednesday, March 6, 2024

APPOLOGIES FOR TODAY'S  LATE START

Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com



“You can't teach calculus to a chimpanzee. 
So just share your banana.”
― John Rachel









14 Supermarkets
That Give
Seniors a Discount




By Donna Fuscaldo

Albertsons • Bashas' • Brookshires Food and Pharmacy • DeCicco Family Markets • Food Bazaar Supermarket • Fred Meyer • Fry's Food Store • Gristedes • Harris Teeter • Hy-Vee • New Seasons Market • Super 1 Foods • Tops Markets • Weis Markets

Everyone is looking for ways to save these days, and the grocery store may be an option if you’re an older adult. Many supermarkets across the country offer people over a specific age a percentage off their bill. The grocery stores typically pick one day per week, known as a senior discount day, to extend this deal to their older shoppers. The discounts tend to range from 5 to 10 percent off your grocery bill or select items. ​
Keep in mind that some big grocery chains, including Safeway and Giant, don’t have a corporate-wide senior day on the books, but individual stores may extend a discount, so it’s best to check with your store. Veterans can also save at the grocery store, with some supermarkets offering similar discounts to individuals who have served in the military. With that in mind, here’s a list of 14 grocery stores across the country that have set senior discount days. ​


Read more  




Bernie Sanders
Calls for Major Overhaul
to Solve US Retirement Crisis

"If Congress can bail out the crooks on Wall Street,"
said the senator, "please do not tell me that Congress 
can't support a secure retirement for working Americans."




BY JULIA CONLEY


Days after hearing the testimony of a fourth-generation autoworker whose family has experienced first-hand the shredding of the social contract over the course of several decades, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders demanded on Monday that Congress swiftly pass legislation to cut the "unacceptable" rate of poverty among senior citizens and ensure that American workers can once again "retire with the dignity and the respect that they deserve."

In an op-ed for Fox News, Vermont independent senator wrote about the hearing he held last week as chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee about the country's retirement crisis.

The committee heard from Sara Schambers, whose grandfather retired at 55 from his job as an autoworker at Ford Motor Company, receiving "a pension and good healthcare" provided by the company where he'd worked for three decades.

Read more  




You can fight existing signs
of dementia with a healthy lifestyle,
a new study suggests




By Sandee LaMotte


Living a healthy lifestyle with a focus on a nutritious diet, regular exercise, minimum alcohol consumption and other healthy habits can help keep your brain sharp into old age, doctors say.

But what if your brain already has signs of beta amyloid or tau — two of the hallmark signs of Alzheimer’s and other brain pathologies? Will a healthy lifestyle still protect you from cognitive decline?

The answer is yes, according to observational research that examined the brains of 586 people during autopsies and compared the findings with up to 24 years of data on their lifestyles.

Read more  




Using Salt Substitutes
May Reduce Risk of Developing
High Blood Pressure by 40%





Potassium-enriched salt substitutes did not increase the risk of high blood pressure in older adults, a new study found.

Reducing sodium in the diet is one of the most effective ways to lower the risk of high blood pressure, but it can be challenging for people to do consistently.

In the study, a salt substitute didn’t increase the risk of low blood pressure episodes, which can increase the chance of older adults falling and injuring themselves.

Replacing regular table salt with a potassium-enriched salt substitute reduced the development of high blood pressure in older adults without leading to episodes of low blood pressure, a new study found.

Read more  





Retiring With Debt?
Try These 5 Tips Now
to Improve Your
Financial Security




By Kailey Hagen



KEY POINTS:

- Working even part-time in retirement can help you remain financially secure and pay down debt.

- Reducing expenses is also helpful, but it's not easy for many seniors.

- There are government assistance programs that could help you with your most important bills.
The $22,924 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook

It's time to create your debt-free game plan.

Read more  






24 Countries
Where You Can Retire
on Just Social Security
in 2024




By Ghazal Ahmed

This article takes a look at 24 countries where you can retire on just social security in 2024. If you wish to skip our detailed analysis on unveiling the social security conundrum, you may go to 10 Countries Where You Can Retire on Just Social Security in 2024.

Unveiling the Social Security Conundrum and Global Alternatives

2024 is here, and it looks like it isn’t the retirement fiesta that social security beneficiaries were hoping it to be. The hefty Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) from 2022 and 2023 are finally taking a snooze, leaving retirees with a meager 3.2% adjustment for this year. This means that, on average, recipients are witnessing an increase of $54 only. BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK) notes that even though this COLA largely seems "underwhelming", it is still higher than the average increase of 2.5% in the 30 past years. Moreover, since the COLA is tied to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index and consumer prices have eased, the smaller adjustment seems rather justified. So, the question lingering in the air is this: if inflation is tapering off and retirees have a bit more to splurge, why isn't that extra cash translating into a noticeable ease on their pockets?

Learn more  
















From a young age, the desire for independence is deeply ingrained within us. As children, we yearn to prove our capabilities and assert our autonomy, refusing to rely on others to look after us. This drive for self-sufficiency continues to shape our lives as we grow older, extending into our professional endeavors.

In the workplace, the mere thought of being micromanaged can be suffocating. We thrive when given the freedom to make our own decisions, to take ownership of our work, and to demonstrate our competence without constant supervision. The ability to work independently allows us to tap into our creativity, problem-solving skills, and resourcefulness, ultimately leading to personal growth and professional success.

However,  humans are not pack animals. Despite our desire for independence, humans are inherently social creatures. We crave connection, companionship, and the sense of belonging that comes from being part of a community. We seek out relationships, friendships, and social interactions that enrich our lives and provide emotional support.

Interestingly, when it comes to our personal well-being, we often find comfort in solitude. We cherish moments of quiet introspection, where we can recharge, reflect, and find inner peace. This need for personal space and time alone is not a rejection of others, but rather a means of self-care and self-discovery.

This preference for solitude becomes particularly evident as we age. Many older individuals resist the idea of receiving assistance with tasks they once handled independently. They have spent a lifetime cultivating their independence, and the thought of relinquishing control can be unsettling. It is not a matter of pride or stubbornness, but rather a desire to maintain a sense of self and dignity.

For these individuals, accepting help can feel like an admission of weakness or a loss of identity. They fear becoming a burden to others or losing their sense of purpose. They have grown accustomed to relying on themselves and find comfort in their ability to navigate life's challenges on their own.

However, it is important to recognize that there is strength in seeking support when needed. Accepting assistance does not diminish one's independence or worth. It is a testament to the wisdom of recognizing our limitations and acknowledging humans are social creatures.

Ultimately, the desire for independence and the need for solitude are not contradictory but rather complementary aspects of our complex nature. We can strive for self-sufficiency while still accepting help from others. And as we age, it is crucial to find a balance between maintaining our independence and accepting the help and support that can enhance our well-being and quality of life….. 








Workforce equity:
Employers stuck in ‘time warp’
about older workers



Companies need to address “blind spots” 
and ageism in their recruiting efforts, 
panelists said at the Center for Workforce 
Inclusion’s annual Equity Summit.




By Ginger Christ

As people live longer and choose to remain in the workforce longer, society needs to reevaluate its stereotypes about older workers, Elizabeth White, an author and aging solutions advocate, said Tuesday during a panel discussion at the Center for Workforce Inclusion’s annual Equity Summit. 

“We’re stuck in a time warp about what it means to be an older adult. The expectation is that people stop working at 65, and that’s just not the case,” White said. “There’s a big challenge to change our framework and our perception of what it means to be an older adult.”

Stereotypes about older workers not wanting to work or being too frail to work don’t hold up, White said. Rather, these are experienced workers with institutional knowledge, she said. 

Read more  




Why Women Outlive Men
but Save Less for Retirement

Lower pay, fewer promotions and career breaks to
 have children make saving difficult;
 as a result, the poverty rate for older women is rising




By Terri Williams


Women live longer than men after the traditional retirement age of 65 — 18% longer, on average — yet women save less than men do to support themselves in retirement, Census Bureau data shows.

About half of all women aged 55 to 66 have no personal retirement savings at all; the same is true for 47% of men, Census says. The difference is greater for people who have saved at least $100,000 for retirement: only 22% of women surveyed reached that modest goal, compared with 30% of men.

Longer lives and less savings may help explain why poverty is more prevalent among older women than older men. According to Census Bureau data, 16.1% of American women 75 and older live below the poverty line, which is $14,580 for an individual in 2023, compared with 9.1%.of men that age.

Read more  



Almost a Quarter 
of the World
Feels Lonely




BY ELLYN MAESE

Nearly one in four people worldwide -- which translates into more than a billion people -- feel very or fairly lonely, according to a recent Meta-Gallup survey of more than 140 countries.

Notably, these numbers could be even higher. The survey represents approximately 77% of the world’s adults because it was not asked in the second-most populous country in the world, China.

With the World Health Organization and many others -- including the U.S. surgeon general -- calling attention to the dangers of loneliness, these data, collected in partnership between Gallup and Meta, provide a much-needed global perspective of social wellbeing.

Read more  




Older Americans Are
Living Large as
‘Silver Spending’ Surges




By Lynnley Browning


The 8.7% hike last year in the monthly checks that more than 71 million Social Security recipients collect appears to have helped boost belated post-Covid buying by boomers.Tom Merton/Getty Images
From buying yoga pants on QVC to purchasing a golf cart for a modern new home in Florida, older Americans are increasingly living large, significantly outspending younger people after refraining from drawing down their long-term savings.

In an Oct. 24 report, Bank of America analyzed selected data from holders of its credit and debit cards. So far this year, “silver spending,” or money splashed out by older generations on everything from vacations to meals at restaurant, is “significantly stronger” compared with that of younger cohorts, it said. Spending by seniors age 59 and older spiked especially around April and then again last month. 

“Older generations are the only ones increasing consumer spending” in 2023, the report said. David Michael Tinsley, a senior economist at Bank of America Institute in London and the lead author of the report, told The Messenger in an interview Thursday. He said that while a small portion of the increased spending was probably for healthcare, the majority was for travel, entertainment, consumer purchases, real estate and the like.

Read more   




Sexual Expression
and Older Adults




By Terry Ann Donner

Life can be defined by how we love and are loved. Essential to this concept is sexual expression, one of our most basic needs. A 2018 National Poll on Healthy Aging revealed that almost 40% of those surveyed who were between the ages of 65 and 80 confirmed they were sexually active, and 75% felt that sex was an important part of a romantic relationship at any age.

Even though we are remaining sexually active well into our 70s and 80s, societal taboos and ageist myths continue to promote the notion that those over 65 are asexual.

The health benefits for those who remain sexually active as they age, including lower blood pressure, better healing, less stress and depression, and a longer lifespan, are often overlooked. To promote healthy aging, sexual expression can no longer be a taboo topic, especially in the nursing home industry.


Read more  







Banana Stats

The price of food these days may be totally bananas, but actual bananas are one of the rare grocery store purchases that don’t induce inflation-driven sticker shock. The average price of bananas hasn’t risen above 80 cents per pound since 2004, IMF data shows, and Axios calculated that at the current inflation rate, it’d take 210 years for the price to hit $10. What’s keeping the price tag so low? It’s a combination of huge plantations with good growing conditions, low labor costs, trade agreements, and the need for sellers to move the fruits fast before they’re brown and only good for banana bread.








NEXT BLOG
FRIDAY MARCH 8, 2024


©2024 Bruce Cooper









-30-

*************




THIS PAGE IS BEST VIEWED IN
LANDSCAPE MODE




Monday, March 4, 2024


Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com



“The one thing that unites all human beings, 
regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status, 
or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside,
 we all believe that we are above-average drivers.”

― Dave Barry







Poll:
Majority of Biden’s 
2020 Voters 
Now Say He’s Too Old 
to Be Effective






Widespread concerns about President Biden’s age pose a deepening threat to his re-election bid, with a majority of voters who supported him in 2020 now saying he is too old to lead the country effectively, according to a new poll by The New York Times and Siena College.

The survey pointed to a fundamental shift in how voters who backed Mr. Biden four years ago have come to see him. A striking 61 percent said they thought he was “just too old” to be an effective president.

A sizable share was even more worried: Nineteen percent of those who voted for Mr. Biden in 2020, and 13 percent of those who said they would back him in November, said the 81-year-old president’s age was such a problem that he was no longer capable of handling the job.

Read more  




Over-medication
is a real risk
for older adults




By Maureen Wendt

   
We are taught at a young age that taking medicine is supposed to make us feel better. However, when used incorrectly, some medications can do more harm than good.

People age 60 and over take 30% of all prescription drugs and 40% of all sleeping pills. Older adults account for 30% of all hospitalizations and 51% of all deaths due to drug side effects.

Older adults are America’s largest group of drug users. More than 600 million prescriptions a year are written for people over 60. That’s an average of 15 prescriptions per person per year. In fact, 37% of older Americans use five or more prescriptions at the same time. Nineteen percent use seven or more. And these figures don’t include over-the-counter drugs like aspirin, laxatives and sleeping pills.

One result, according to experts, is over-medication and risks to health. The risks become even clearer when they’re considered alongside aging-related changes that affect the way drugs work in the body.

Read more  




Study:
Cannabis might lower
blood pressure 
in older adults




By Nancy Clanton


A study from 2020 found the number of Americans agea 65 and older who smoke marijuana or enjoy edibles increased 75% from 2015 to 2018. A newer study suggests that might be a good thing for some.

The study by researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and its affiliated Soroka University Medical Center found medical cannabis might reduce blood pressure in older adults.

More older adults turn to cannabis to treat common ailments

“Older adults are the fastest growing group of medical cannabis users, yet evidence on cardiovascular safety for this population is scarce,” wrote Dr. Ran Abuhasira of the BGU Faculty of Health Sciences, one of Israel’s leading medical faculties, and the BGU-Soroka Cannabis Clinical Research Institute. “This study is part of our ongoing effort to provide clinical research on the actual physiological effects of cannabis over time.”

Read more  





Does trying to look younger
reduce how much ageism
older adults face?






By Kara Gavin


Every year, millions of older Americans spend money and time to try to look younger than they are. They color graying hair, buy anti-balding products, use teeth whiteners and wrinkle fillers, and much more.

Now, a new study looks at what this kind of effort means for older adults’ experiences with the ageism that pervades American society. The study also explores how a person’s perception of how old they look relates to both their positive and negative age related experiences, and their physical and mental health.

In all, 59% of adults age 50 to 80 say they think they look younger than other people their age. The percentage was slightly higher among women and among people with higher incomes, more years of education and current employment. 

Read more  




Social Security
Faces New Pressure
After Seniors Get
Shocking Bills





By Suzanne Blake


The Social Security Administration is facing increased pressure to fix its overpayment problem as millions of seniors find themselves with high bills due to the organization's mistakes.

Several lawmakers came together to urge the SSA to fix the system, which often leads to seniors getting hit with tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow (Michigan) wrote in a letter that the overpayment issues are causing significant hardship for seniors who are unsure how they will ever pay the bills back.

"We have heard from numerous Michiganders regarding the impact unexpected overpayments that were sent by the SSA have caused on some of the most vulnerable beneficiaries of Social Security, who often include the elderly, disabled, retirees, and many who struggle to get by on limited income and resources," the letter reads.

Read more 



Here's Why You Might
Not Get a Spousal
Social Security Benefit
Even If You're Married





By Kailey Hagen


KEY POINTS

- You may not get a spousal benefit if you're also eligible for your own.

- You'll automatically get the larger of the two benefit amounts.

- An online tool can help you estimate your retirement and spousal benefits.



Relax, there's good news.

There's only one requirement to be eligible for a spousal Social Security benefit: marry a qualifying worker. That's one who has worked long enough to earn at least 40 work credits -- about 10 years -- or more.

But being eligible for a spousal benefit and actually getting one are two different things. Below, we'll take a closer look at why you might not get a spousal benefit, and why that could actually be a good thing.

How the government calculates Social Security and spousal benefits...

Read more  






Enhancing Senior Comfort:
A Modern Age Guide
to Ease and Well-Being




By Olivia Davis

Getting older doesn’t necessarily imply compromising on comfort and well-being. In reality, by employing a few cutting-edge tools and making wise decisions, this phase of life can be characterized by liveliness, social interaction, and tranquility. 

Let’s examine essential domains where we can progress towards a life that is not only tolerable but genuinely satisfying!

Embracing a Balanced Lifestyle

Picture a day in which you arise in a rejuvenated state, effortlessly handle your everyday responsibilities, and conclude the day with a feeling of serenity. Achieving this equilibrium encompasses aspects of physical, mental, and emotional wellness. 

Learn more  





From the editor...




When I woke up on Friday morning, I felt as if I had been struck by a truck. My head throbbed, my back was stiff, and even my fingers were tender. Upon rising from my chair after breakfast I realized that my knees were also in pain, making the 100 or more steps back to my room challenging.

As the morning progressed, the pain seemed to worsen. Each step I took sent, as a protest, an equally painful signal to other parts of my body. I tried to endure the discomfort, but it was difficult to concentrate on anything else when my body was constantly protesting.

I couldn't help but wonder why these occurrences were becoming more frequent. Was it simply a sign of aging, or was there a more serious underlying issue? I mentally noted to mention this to my doctor the next time I see him. 

In the meantime, I tried various methods to ease the discomfort. I attempted gentle stretching exercises, but unfortunately, they didn't provide any relief. Eventually, I had no choice but to turn to medication. I swiftly popped a couple of Tylenol tablets into my mouth and waited for them to take effect.

Normally, I take two tablets as my standard dosage, which usually works well for minor pains that occur occasionally. However, on days like Friday, when the pain is more intense, I take an extra pill. This additional dose usually manages to alleviate most of the body aches. Unfortunately, on this particular Friday, the extra Tylenol not only relieved the pain but also made me incredibly drowsy. I ended up falling asleep while sitting at my laptop and completely missed lunch.

Now, missing lunch may not be a big deal, but missing our usual Friday Ice Cream Social certainly is. I simply couldn't bring myself to get up from my cozy recliner. Consequently, I made the decision to skip dinner as well. Amazingly, All that sleep and rest was just what I needed. I spent the rest of the evening relatively pain free, And the next day I woke feeling more like myself. 

I have developed a certain level of skill in managing pain, dismissing the occasional sciatica, muscle strain, or joint pain as just another consequence of getting older. However, when a multitude of sensations bombard me simultaneously, it becomes unbearable. Fortunately, over-the-counter medications like Tylenol come to my rescue, enabling me to continue with my daily activities. Nevertheless, I can't help but wonder how much longer I can depend on these remedies before needing something more potent. In the past, I have resorted to Percocet, but its relief is short-lived and comes with undesirable side effects. As for morphine, although it effectively relieves pain, it is highly addictive and not typically prescribed for the types of pain experienced by older individuals. I suppose I am confronted with a grin-and-bear-it situation where I must simply endure the pain for the remainder of my life. Now, isn't that a pleasant thought?










Thriving in Retirement
Requires Resilient Choices



By Lena Haas

Retirement today bears little resemblance to our parent’s or grandparent’s retirement. Today’s retirees are active, engaged and purposeful. They want to stay physically fit, continue learning and trying new things. Something else that’s different is that we are living longer and could spend 20 years or more in retirement.

The years may be there to enjoy, but they must be paid for and, according to the latest Edward Jones and Age Wave study, only 30% of Americans say they can afford a retirement lasting more than 20 years. The third in our series, this study looks at both the personal and financial sides of retirement today with the goal of helping retirees and pre-retirees make resilient choices to thrive in retirement.

With economic uncertainty, and the cost of retirement averaging almost $1 million, it stands to reason that many Americans are nervous about this chapter of life. In fact, most believe they will need to work longer than previous generations to have a financially secure retirement. 

Read more   





Eight Don’ts 
to Keep in Mind
as You and Your 
Loved Ones Age

Getting older isn’t for sissies, 
and the more prepared you are for 
cognitive decline and the issues that come 
with it, the better your life will be.




BY H. DENNIS BEAVER, ESQ.


Do you worry about a friend or family member who is getting on in years? Perhaps you even worry about yourself? When was the last time you looked in a mirror and thought, “Where did that wrinkle come from? It wasn’t there yesterday.”

A bit scary, isn’t it? “Life is great until it isn’t, until Mom or Dad, Grandma or Grandpa — or you — slips and falls, winding up with bruised ribs at best or a hip fracture, and everything is suddenly upside down,” observes M.T. Connolly, author of The Measure of Our Age: Navigating Care, Safety, Money, and Meaning Later in Life.

Connolly is an attorney and social researcher focused on elder justice and a 2011 MacArthur Fellow. She was the founding head of the Justice Department’s Elder Justice Initiative. In my experience, she is one of a handful of lawyers truly dedicated to making a profound difference in our society instead of fattening their bank accounts.

Read more   




WHAT YOU NEED 
TO KNOW
ABOUT NIGHT 
EATING AFTER 60




BY SHARI BRODER

One issue with which many of my clients struggle is eating at night, after they have had dinner. I hear things like:

“My husband and I watch TV and snack after dinner.”

“I feel mildly hungry around 9-ish, and am afraid that if I don’t eat, I’ll wake up in the middle of the night, starving, and won’t be able to sleep.”

“Well, I crave sweets at night and sometimes binge on them.”

I believe there are three main reasons why most people want to eat shortly after they’ve had a reasonable dinner:

One
They were distracted when they ate dinner, whether with their phone, watching TV or whatever, and therefore did not experience the satisfaction of their meal.

Learn more    




The No. 1 Reason 
to Claim
Social Security 
at Age 62



By Christy Bieber




KEY POINTS:

- Claiming Social Security at 62 will result in a reduction in benefits.
- There are still good reasons to start Social Security at 62, even though you'll get smaller checks.
- Being able to preserve your savings is the best reason to start getting Social Security at 62.

Claiming Social Security at 62 is a smart financial choice if starting benefits at that age is necessary to preserve your savings.

If you want to receive your standard Social Security benefit, you will need to wait until your full retirement age (FRA) to claim benefits for the first time. Depending on when you were born, FRA could be between 66 1/2 and 67 if you were born in 1957 or later.

You get to claim benefits before then if you want to, though -- as long as you accept a reduction in benefits. Or you can claim benefits later than FRA, earning a benefits increase for each month you delay until age 70. 

Read more  




How to Live Forever

A new Netflix series visits 
the world’s “blue zones” 
to unlock the secrets of longevity. 
Our intrepid columnist puts 
the show’s mandates to the test




BY CAZZIE DAVID

Like every other hypochondriacal American who is pathologically afraid of dying, I recently watched all four episodes of the Netflix series Live to 100, in which author and NatGeo guy Dan Buettner tours “blue zones”—places around the world where a disproportionate number of people live past 100 without medical intervention—in order to discover their secrets.

Going into the show, living to 100 didn’t actually appeal to me. I know people say that as you get older, you get wiser, but the people I know—old or not—are, for the most part, total morons. On top of that, I always associated true old age with isolation, disease, pain, boredom, and, of course, death.

When it comes to death, the not existing part always sounds kind of chill, but everything leading up to it I could do without, which is why I have spent my entire life specifically trying not to die or get sick, and therefore to live longer. What this amounts to is me frantically trying to implement every single thing I’ve ever heard on The Huberman Lab, a goal that is physically impossible, but that certainly hasn’t stopped me from trying.

Read more    







The following states 
require retesting
 for older drivers:


1. Illinois: Drivers aged 75 and older must renew their license in person and pass a vision test.

2. New Hampshire: Drivers aged 75 and older must renew their license in person and take a vision test.

3. New Mexico: Drivers aged 75 and older must renew their license in person and pass a vision test.

4. Colorado: Drivers aged 66 and older must renew their license in person and take a vision test.

5. Oregon: Drivers aged 50 and older must pass a vision test when renewing their license.

6. Delaware: Drivers aged 74 and older must renew their license in person and take a vision test.

7. Rhode Island: Drivers aged 75 and older must renew their license in person and pass a vision test.

It is important to note that these requirements may change, so it is recommended to check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles for the most up-to-date information.









NEXT BLOG
WEDNESDAY MARCH 6, 2024


©2024 Bruce Cooper









-30-

*************





THIS PAGE IS BEST VIEWED IN
LANDSCAPE MODE





Friday, March 1, 2024


Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com




“From birth to age 18 a girl needs good parents. 
From 18 to 35 she needs good looks. 
From 35 to 55 she needs a good personality. 
From 55 on, she needs good cash.”

 Sophie Tucker








Older adults should get
another COVID shot
this spring, CDC says




By Jason Millman


People 65 and over should receive a second shot of the updated COVID-19 vaccine this spring, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday.

Why it matters: A second shot could offer updated protection for an age group that remains at highest risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

What happened: An independent panel of vaccine advisers to the CDC voted 11-1 earlier on Wednesday to approve the additional dose for seniors, with one member abstaining.

CDC director Mandy Cohen endorsed the recommendation hours later.

Seniors who are at least four months removed from their last shot could get a booster from Pfizer, Moderna or Novavax.
People who are immunocompromised have already been able to receive additional doses of the updated shot. These patients and seniors have been eligible for springtime boosters in previous years.

Read more  




Opinion:
Think Donald Trump 
has promised
not to change Social Security?
Think again.




By Brett Arends 


I have spent days trying to get a response out of Donald Trump, or one of his press officers, regarding a key issue about Social Security. In response, campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung sent me an email calling Nikki Haley a “moron” and a “birdbrain,” before directing me to a couple of internet links that didn’t answer the question. My other emails went unanswered.

Barring a major upset, Donald Trump is poised to become the Republican presidential nominee. And if the polls and betting markets are to be believed, he has the edge to win November’s election.

I don’t think the media’s two main approaches towards Trump — denial and hysteria — are helping anyone, least of all (a) the voters or (b) the media. But if there is an even chance that Trump will be elected president, and a 100% chance that Social Security will be hurtling very close to insolvency while he is in the White House, I think he ought to be answering some clear questions, clearly. 

Read more  




Clinical outcomes of
common antidepressants
may vary among older adults





Key takeaways:

- Risks and benefits of common antidepressants varied among older adults in a real-world study conducted in Denmark.

- Mirtazapine, venlafaxine and escitalopram had the most adverse clinical outcomes.

 -Clinical outcomes of commonly used antidepressants varied among older adults compared with sertraline, according to real-world study results conducted in Denmark and published in The American Journal of Psychiatry.

“Antidepressants are the first-line pharmacological treatment for depression in adults,” Kazi Ishtiak-Ahmed, PhD, of the departments of clinical medicine and affective disorders at Aarhus University in Denmark, and colleagues wrote.

Read more  



What Does Quality of Life
Really Mean for Seniors?




By Kayla Keena

A myriad of factors contribute to the well-being of older individuals. For caregivers and family members, answering the question, “What does quality of life really mean for seniors?” can help finalize difficult choices about an elder’s living situation. 

How the World Health Organization Defines Quality of Life

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), quality of life is “an individual’s perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live, and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards, and concerns.” This comprehensive definition underscores that quality of life is not merely about physical health but also encompasses mental well-being and social functioning.


Read more  




Touch your toes!
Six fast, easy ways to
improve your mobility –
and live a longer life

Poor mobility can have a huge impact on your 
longevity as well as how you feel day to day. 
Here are simple exercises to make you more flexible



By Zoe Williams

Remember the mobility challenge that went viral last year? It goes like this. You’re standing up; you can’t use your hands, so start by crossing your arms across your body. Cross one leg in front of the other. Drop down to sit cross-legged on the floor. From here, get on your knees with your toes behind you. Now pop backwards into a deep squat, the one where your butt is against your heels. Now stand up.

It’s hard, right? Most people can’t do it. And yet you can’t afford to ignore this stuff. Poor mobility can greatly affect your quality of life, making everything from washing yourself to cleaning your home difficult or painful. And, although it may not kill you, it is certainly correlated with early death.

From 2002 to 2011, Brazilian researchers tracked 2,000 people aged 51 to 80 who had taken part in a test requiring them to sit on the floor from standing, then get back up, all without using their hands, knees or arms. Over the following nine years, those who failed this “sitting-rising test”, whatever their age, were five to six times more likely to die earlier.

Read more  




How Much Salt
Is Too Much Salt
When It Comes
To Your Health?




By Jamie Davis Smith

One serving of potato chips contains about 140 milligrams of sodium ... but one serving is only 11 chips. How many are you eating?

Low-sodium soy sauce, soup and snacks dominate supermarket shelves, so it seems pretty obvious that a lot of Americans are aware that they need to lower their sodium intake. But to what extent is it really a problem?

Most people have no idea how much salt they’re eating every day, or how much is recommended (particularly for those with certain health conditions). And did you know that some people are actually encouraged to eat more salt?

We spoke with doctors to answer all of our saltiest questions.

First of all, we do need to eat a certain amount of sodium.

Learn more  






LONG-TERM CARE:





Ten years ago, I began this page to shed light on a groundbreaking concept in long-term care: assisted living. This innovative approach to providing support and assistance to individuals in need began (in my state, NY) in the 1990s. The introduction of the Assisted Living Residence (ALR) law in 1993 marked a significant milestone, as it laid down regulations and standards for assisted living facilities across the state.

Before the advent of assisted living, people faced limited options when it came to receiving help with their daily tasks. They could remain at home and hire a caregiver, either full or part-time, or they could become a patient in a nursing home. However, neither of these choices was ideal for many individuals. It became evident that there was a pressing need for an alternative, a middle ground between home care and nursing homes.

The assisted living industry has thrived since its beginning, evolving to meet the specific requirements of seniors and individuals with disabilities. Serving as a crucial link, it provides a caring and empowering atmosphere that fosters independence and improves overall well-being. Nevertheless, recently, assisted living has sparked debate as a potential alternative to aging in one's own home. What could be the reason behind this controversy?

Assisted living is still a misunderstood concept for many. Despite efforts by the long-term care industry to dispel the misconception that A.L.F.'s are just upscale nursing homes, the stigma persists. Recent news stories highlighting neglect, abuse, and other horrors in some assisted living facilities have painted a grim picture. However, based on my personal experience, these incidents are rare and mostly occur in poorly regulated, understaffed facilities with untrained employees. I have full confidence in the security, surveillance, and attentive staff at my residence, as well as in all A.L.F.'s in my state.

Many potential residents have concerns about safety in assisted living facilities, as well as misconceptions about the mental state of residents. While some may show signs of cognitive decline, actual dementia cases are limited to facilities with specialized care units. These residents are separated from the general population.

Cost is another factor to consider. While some facilities are indeed very expensive, most are affordable. Some even offer subsidized rents through Medicaid, where out-of-pocket costs are covered by Social Security and long-term care insurance.

Choosing to move to an A.L.F. is a decision that requires careful consideration. Explore all options, take a tour, speak with current residents, and conduct your own research. Be wary of negative online reviews, as they may not always be accurate. With some careful planning, you may find assisted living just what you have been looking for. If you have any questions about life in a facility, feel free to reach out and I'll do my best to provide answers.

Embrace the weekend and make the most of it! Although the chilly weather persists in many areas, don't lose hope. Spring is eagerly waiting to bloom just around the corner... .








Retirees Want Better
Social Security
Inflation Protection



BY JOHN SULLIVAN

The 3.2% Social Security cost of living adjustment (COLA) is well above the 2.6% average over the past two decades, according to The Senior Citizens League (TSCL).

Still, “80% of retirees think Congress should beef up inflation protection by providing a COLA that more closely reflects inflation experienced by older adults,” it recently reported. Some senior advocates, including The Senior Citizens League, have proposed using a “senior’ CPI to determine the annual COLA.

“If that were the law today, the COLA in 2024 would be almost a percentage point higher—4%, versus the 3.2% just announced by the Social Security Administration,” Mary Johnson, a Social Security policy analyst for The Senior Citizens League, said in a statement.

Read more   



Pause Bill Would Let Banks
Delay Suspicious Transactions




By Colin A. Young

Joined by a Hingham man who told the story of how his 93-year-old mother lost $9,500 to a scam last winter, Secretary of State William Galvin urged lawmakers Tuesday to act quickly to address what he said is an uptick in scams targeting senior citizens and other vulnerable people.

Duane Wanty told the Joint Committee on Financial Services that his mother got a call last winter from someone who said they were her granddaughter and claimed to have injured a pregnant woman in a car crash. The person said they needed $9,500 to post bail and begged their “grandmother” not to tell anyone about the situation.

“My mom went to the bank, withdrew $9,500 in cash with no questions asked, and left. Within an hour of delivering the money to a Lyft driver, another call came in asking for another $9,000 as as supposed manslaughter charges had now been filed. At that point, my mother broke down [and] told me what was going on. I even spoke to the supposed defense lawyer on the phone and was half-convinced myself that this was real,” Wanty said. “But then I was able to confirm that my niece was OK. And that’s when the con unraveled, but too late.”

Read more  



Millions of Americans
Have Cognitive Decline
and Don't Know It




By Ed Cara

Millions of Americans and their doctors are in the dark when it comes to early cognitive decline, according to new research from the University of Southern California. A study out this week suggests that most general physicians vastly under-diagnose mild cognitive impairment among their patients, following another recent study from the same authors which found that millions of Medicare patients with the condition slip through the cracks. The researchers say this diagnostic gap is worrying, given the importance of recognizing and treating mild cognitive impairment before it becomes more serious.

It’s well established that mild cognitive impairment is under-diagnosed in older people, but the researchers say theirs is some of the first work to quantify the current size of the problem.

“It’s a very different conversation to have when we can point to these numbers,” senior study author Soeren Mattke, director of the Brain Health Observatory at USC Dornsife’s Center for Economic and Social Research, told Gizmodo over the phone.

Read more   
.


Why older adults 
are adopting
health technology 
at a higher rate




By Anil Bhatt


Older adults are adopting digital health tools at a higher rate than ever before. This adoption has considerable potential to support these individuals in accessing healthcare, helping them maintain their autonomy and independence as they age, as well as promoting their health and well-being. 

The adoption of digital tools for those 65 and older has grown considerably since the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, 75% of adults 65 and older are internet users, up from just 19% in 2000, and more than half of people 65 and older (61%) are now smartphone owners, according to the Pew Research Center. 

At Elevance Health, we are seeing an increasing acceptance of virtual care and technology by older adults to help manage their health.  

Read more   



Super seniors:
5 times senior citizens
broke records




By Ben Hooper
   

From the racetracks to the open waters to high in the skies, senior citizens have been proving recently that you are never too old to make history -- or the odd news headlines.

In tribute to these aged adventurers, here are five stories of seniors who prove that you're never too old to blaze trails and break records.

First up, an 84-year-old Colorado woman who went skydiving for the first time in 1959 is nearing her 600th jump -- and she is aiming for 1,000.

Kim Knor, who was a member of the inaugural U.S. Women's Parachute Team in 1962, said she took a 37-year break from skydiving, but got back into the sport after her husband's death in 2003.

The high-flying grandma is aiming for a lifetime record of 1,000 skydives, which would earn her a set of gold wings from the United States Parachute Association.


Learn more    







What U.S. Currency is Most Popular?


There are more $100 bills in circulation than any other kind of US paper money, according to the Wall Street Journal. And there are now more than twice as many hundos out there as there were in 2012, data from the Federal Reserve shows. The prevalence of the denomination is in part because people tend to hang on to them longer than smaller bills, rather than forcing a cashier to hold them up to the light. But these days, most transactions aren’t happening with any bills—cash is only the third most popular payment method in the US, with 60% of payments being made with credit or debit cards.











NEXT BLOG
MONDAY MARCH 4, 2024


©2024 Bruce Cooper









-30-

*************



THIS PAGE IS BEST VIEWED IN
LANDSCAPE MODE



PUBLISHED EVERY MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY


Wednesday, February 28, 2024


Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com



“An ardent supporter of the hometown team 
should go to a game prepared 
to take offense, no matter what happens.” 

Robert Benchley







How Medicare 
Would Be Affected
By A 
Government Shutdown




BY ESTHER D’AMICO


Yet again the clock is ticking for lawmakers to lay down their swords and come to an agreement on funding the federal government to avert a shutdown. If they fail, a government shutdown could affect you as many agencies, departments and services would be interrupted until the government reopens, Medicare is one of the many areas that would be affected by a government shutdown.

Some agencies — including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) — would continue to provide essential services, albeit with a reduced staff. That means that in the event of a funding lapse, Medicare, as well as Medicaid programs and services would continue, according to the latest CMS contingency plan.

Medicare and Medicaid — essential services

The government categorizes Medicare and Medicaid, along with Social Security, as mandatory programs that are funded by existing laws, so they do not require an annual vote by Congress to keep running. This is separate from the many other agencies and departments that are currently at risk of being shut down if Congress fails to pass the bills that would keep them funded.

Read more  





Seniors and retirees,
make sure you’re not missing
any of these tax breaks

There are a few ways older Americans can reduce 
their taxable income and the amount 
they fork over to Uncle Sam every year.




By  Beth Braverman

Nearly all taxpayers would like to reduce their tax bill this April, but that may be particularly true for seniors and retirees who may be living on a fixed income.

It’s especially important for older Americans to reduce their taxable income as much as possible because doing so can also reduce the amount they must pay for Medicare Part B and Part D premiums. Medicare premiums are based on your taxable income from two years prior and increase when you move from a lower income bracket to a higher one.

Fortunately, there are several tax breaks that can help older Americans reduce their taxable income and the amount they fork over to Uncle Sam every year.


Read more  



Researchers sound the alarm
over finances of
‘forgotten middle’
 older adults

Researchers at the University of Chicago say that, 
without action, these people are 
at serious risk of a retirement crisis





By Chris Clow

Middle-income Americans who are 75 and older are at serious risk of a retirement crisis, according to a new research brief from the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago.

“Our cumulative research has projected an impending crisis without a clear policy solution: a majority of middle-income older adults will be unlikely to afford needed care and housing in the next decade, potentially challenging their ability to age with dignity, choice, and independence,” the researchers stated.

Financial disparities are also varied across a series of racial and ethnic groups, the researchers found. Cohort members who are also people of color typically face larger disparities than their white counterparts. In 2020, people of color represented about 12% of the middle-income older adult population in the U.S., a figure that is expected to more than double to 25% by 2035.

Read more  




Recognizing
Mental Health Conditions 
in Older Adults

One in five older adults experiences 
a mental health condition, 
but many people are underdiagnosed or treated. 
Experts share tips on recognizing signs 
of mental illness among older adults.




By Elizabeth Hewitt

As clinical psychologist Dr. Douglas Lane has worked with patients into their 90s, many of them grapple with major questions about where they fit in life. Many have told him, "I don't even know who to be anymore."

The transitions that people go through as they age can be challenging, and raise deep existential questions, says Lane, a clinical professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine. As older adults are going through changes, many factors can impact their mental health.

"Older adults are often overlooked, invisible, irrelevant, when it comes to mental health concerns and needs."

"We start developing as a child obviously, but we don't stop developing," Lane says. "Older age has its own unique developmental challenges and sometimes people have difficulty navigating those."

Read more  





86% of Older Americans
Credit Working With a
Financial Advisor to
Being Retirement Ready




By Maurie Backman

Retiring comfortably isn't a given. To get to that point, you generally have to work hard, save well, and make savvy investment decisions that lead to the accumulation of wealth.

Plenty of people feel equipped to handle retirement planning on their own. And you might strongly feel the same.

But in a recent Nationwide survey of older Americans, 86% said that working with a financial professional has helped improve their retirement readiness. If you've been tackling your retirement planning solo, you may want to have a change of heart.

The benefit of working with a professional

When you're saving and working toward an important goal like retirement, emotions can get in the way. You're apt to be emotionally invested in your own retirement because, well, it's your future on the line.

Read more  





A shareholder once asked 
Warren Buffett, Charlie Munger 
if Social Security
is a 'government-sponsored 
Ponzi scheme for retirees'
— their answer was received with 
laughter and applause





By Jing Pan

Social Security has long been a subject of intense discussion in America, but investing legend Warren Buffett’s position on the issue is unmistakably clear.

During Buffett’s company, Berkshire Hathaway’s, annual shareholders meeting in 2005, an audience member posed a blunt question: “I’m asking for your opinion on Social Security. Shall we call it the government-sponsored Ponzi scheme for retirees?”

Buffett first clarified the true nature of Social Security.

Read more  










As we age, it's natural to assume that our plans for the future diminish or that we stop thinking about what lies ahead. However, that's not always the case. In fact, many of us old folks spend a great deal of time contemplating what's to come. And unfortunately, for a lot of us, the future doesn't look too bright.

From my perspective, there are only three possible paths when we consider what awaits us. And by the time we reach our late 60s or 70s, we usually have a pretty good idea of what the next few years will hold.

For those fortunate enough to have good health, whether through taking care of ourselves or having good genetics, we can envision a relatively active future. We see ourselves continuing to do the things we've always enjoyed, whether it's traveling, hiking, playing sports, or simply appreciating the world around us. We know that nothing lasts forever, but why dwell on that?

On the other hand, for those of us who are really getting up there in age and can feel our health slowly slipping away, the future feels all too close and real. By our mid-sixties or seventies, our health fate is pretty much sealed. We understand that the chronic conditions we've been managing won't magically disappear, and in fact, they'll likely worsen over time. No amount of medication can halt their progression or the negative impact they'll have on our bodies. We can only anticipate a restricted lifestyle marked by limited mobility, declining eyesight and hearing, and increasing discomfort and pain.

It's not the most uplifting outlook, but it's the reality for many of us as we age.

Unfortunately, there is a third, and possibly the scariest and most depressing future scenario. It's the one where we end up in a nursing home or palliative care facility, confined to bed, eating mashed-up food, connected to some device incessantly beeping, and listening to the moans of the other poor souls around us. I've experienced that environment, and let me tell you, it's not a pleasant sight. The mere thought of that being my ultimate fate only adds to my already stressed psyche. Maybe I'll be lucky enough to have a massive heart attack, resisting all efforts at resuscitation or, peacefully pass away in my own bed, unaware that anything has changed.

Today, I adhered to my care plan by undergoing a blood draw and submitting a urine sample. Soon, my doctor will assess the test results and compare them to those from six months ago. If everything remains unchanged, I will consider myself fortunate and maintain the current state of affairs. However, if the numbers deviate from what is expected for someone my age, it could indicate that I am heading towards potential issues. Will I experience a sudden downfall or encounter a significant obstacle? Only the passage of time will reveal the answer. But, as always. I will try to maintain a positive outlook throughout this process. ….









Here Are 5 Ways
to Help Fill
Costly Holes in
Your Retirement Plan






To find out, Athene polled 730 people in or near retirement about their financial planning for their post-career lives. Many of them, ages 55 and older, have the basics covered. But it’s another story when it comes to more complex money issues, such as how to safely withdraw money from savings and managing the cost of long-term care.

Here are five ways to help address potential gaps in your retirement planning: 

Safely draw from retirement accounts

It’s possible to spend 30 or more years in retirement. And one complex decision is how to tap IRAs, 401(k)s and other investment accounts — where most people hold their retirement savings — without depleting this money too quickly. 

Our survey found that 46% of pre-retirees and 27% of retirees haven’t devised a withdrawal strategy.

Read more   





New GOP House Speaker
Mike Johnson Has Proposed
Trillions in Cuts to Social Security
and Medicare



BY JAKE JOHNSON

The newly elected Republican speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives has previously proposed trillions of dollars in cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid and suggested that slashing the programs should be the top priority of Congress.

During his tenure as chair of the Republican Study Committee (RSC) between 2019 and 2021, Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) helped craft budget resolutions that called for roughly $2 trillion in Medicare cuts, $3 trillion in Medicaid and Affordable Care Act cuts, and $750 billion in Social Security Cuts, noted Bobby Kogan of the Center for American Progress.

Alex Lawson, executive director of the progressive advocacy group Social Security Works, said in a Wednesday statement following the speakership vote that the budget proposals released by the Johnson-led RSC also endorsed raising the Social Security retirement age, lowering annual cost-of-living benefit increases, and advancing privatization efforts.

Read more   





Scientists studying
oldest woman in the world, 116,
to develop cures for diseases



By Charlie Jones

Scientists are studying the oldest person in the world - a 116-year-old woman - in an attempt to discover the secrets to a long life and to develop cures for ailments.

Maria Branyas, who was born in San Francisco, has few health complications apart from hearing and mobility issues. She has no cardiovascular problems which often plague old people and no memory issues.

She has gathered a number of followers on X (formerly Twitter ) where she's recalled beating Covid, surviving the Spanish Civil War and even a deadly earthquake in the US.

Dr Manel Esteller, director of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC-CERCA) and a professor of genetics at the University of Barcelona, said: "She’s incredible."

Read more  



Sleeping less than 
five hours a night
can raise depression risk,
 study suggests



By Hannah Devlin

Sleeping less than five hours a night could raise the risk of developing symptoms of depression, research suggests.

The link between poor sleep and mental ill health is well known, but it has been unclear which problem tends to come first. Now scientists have found evidence that consistent short sleep at night can be a precursor to developing depressive symptoms.

“We have this chicken or egg scenario between suboptimal sleep duration and depression. They frequently co-occur, but which comes first is largely unresolved. Using genetic susceptibility to disease we determined that sleep likely precedes depressive symptoms, rather than the inverse,” said Odessa Hamilton, a PhD candidate at UCL and first author of the research.

Read more  




11 ESSENTIAL THINGS 
TO CONSIDER
BEFORE STARTING 
A BUSINESS IN YOUR 60S



BY DOUGLAS WINSLOW COOPER

Many people hope to own their own business, but very few do. In addition, women around the world are hesitant to become entrepreneurs because they feel they lack confidence and resources.

A successful European businessman, Patrick Gruhn, published a fine book a few years ago, Good Business, written primarily for his daughter. However, his ideas apply to would-be entrepreneurs of all ages.

Gruhn favors cooperation versus competition in business. Believing that women tend toward nurture and men toward battle, he wants to see more women in entrepreneurial positions.

Read more  








Too Many Springfields?

Does the US have too many Springfields? Some are saying yes after a tragic mix-up last week involving two different Springfields and Trader Joe’s.

On Thursday, a newspaper in Springfield, MO, wrote that a Trader Joe’s was opening in the city after a TJ’s spokesperson confirmed “plans to open a new store in Springfield.” But shortly after, the spokesperson had to apologize, saying she thought the paper was in Springfield, VA, where the store is actually opening, in a major disappointment to the Missouri Springfieldians who had long requested a Trader Joe’s.

This saga offers an opportunity to point out that Springfield is not the most common city name in the US. That would be Franklin, followed by Clinton, Madison, and Washington in a three-way tie for second, per the USPS.








NEXT BLOG
FRIDAY MARCH 1, 2024
©2024 Bruce Cooper









-30-

*************

A



THIS BLOG IS BEST VIEWED IN
LANDSCAPE MODE


PUBLISHED EVERY MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY




Monday, February 26, 2024


Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com


 “Being single is about celebrating 
and appreciating 
your own space that you’re in.” 
– Kelly Rowland








Why do we talk about
older people so negatively?




BY STACY TORRES


While pundits debate President Biden’s cognitive fitness for office and the possible motivations behind prejudicial language contained in special counsel Robert K. Hur’s classified documents report, the rest of us have a different problem: the “elderly.”

Older people themselves aren’t the issue, but the way we talk about them is. We must change the language our society uses to describe older adults.


Read more  





The One Thing You Should
Never, Ever Do if 
You're Over 60
and Want to Keep 
Your Heart Healthy




By Beth Ann Mayer

There's a reason the heart is nicknamed the "ticker." It helps us keep on ticking, hopefully well into old age. However, if your birthday cake is pretty crowded these days, you may be at a higher risk of developing heart disease. 

The National Institute on Aging states that people 65+ have a higher risk than their younger peers of experiencing heart health issues, including strokes and heart attacks.

You may not love this news, but there are reasons our heart health can start to decline as we get up there in age.

"As we get older, there is stiffening of the artery, accumulation of plaque in the arterial walls, and changes in heart muscles leading to cardiovascular disease," explains Dr. Bernardo Acevedo-Mendez, MD, FACP of North Shore University Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center.

Read more  




Changing The Way
Doctors Talk To Patients
About Dementia





By Howard Gleckman


Too often, physicians are reluctant to give patients a diagnosis of dementia, even when cognitive testing shows memory loss or other symptoms. And when doctors do provide a candid diagnosis, they may send their patients and their families home without any guidance for what to do next. No practical advice. No sense of hope. And too often, not even any empathy.

That needs to change. And to help improve the way doctors talk to patients and their families about dementia, a team at the University of Florida School of Medicine led by Dr. Melissa Armstrong have identified best practices for physicians to communicate a dementia diagnosis to patients and their families. Their results were published in the journal Neurology Clinical Practice (paywall), the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology and accompanied by a largely supportive editorial (paywall).

For Any Physicians

The project included physicians, a person living with dementia, family caregivers, and advocates. The result was a set of specific, actionable recommendations. For now, these are only suggestions, and not formal clinal guidelines. But Armstrong says she and her research partners are looking to incorporate the ideas in training programs for medical residents and other young doctors.


Read more  





Lawrence O'Donnell Ends
The Argument On
Biden's Age, Period

Why would we want to fire someone 
who is doing a damn good job?





By Conover Kennard

The attacks on President Biden's age in the media have been unfair. There is only a three-year difference in age between the GOP frontrunner (let's face it, Lumpy will be nominated) and the President, and yet, only one is being asked to step down. I'm looking at you, Ezra Klein. Why would we want to fire someone who is doing a damn good job?

Biden is the most forward-thinking President in recent history and is keeping his promises. Student debt is being forgiven, infrastructure week is here, and Biden is not giving unneeded tax breaks to the wealthiest. He was old when we elected him, so it's no surprise that he's old now, three years later. But he's getting the job done. And he's out fundraising Trump by far, and without selling tacky sneakers.

MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell took a hammer and absolutely nailed in on the ageist attacks. "The job is to make decisions, not speeches," he said. "History writes about the decisions. That's what matters."


Read more  





Study says 
some cognitive skills
in elderly Americans 
improve with time




By Mallika Marshall, MD




We often hear about cognitive decline as we age but a new study says some cognitive skills may actually improve with time.

With the 2024 election looming, there has been a lot of discussion about whether older candidates are mentally fit to serve as president. But according to an article in STAT News, there is some data to suggest that in many ways, we get wiser as we get older.

In fact, a study in 2012 found that elderly Americans were better at recognizing multiple perspectives, acknowledging the limits of their personal knowledge, and understanding the importance of compromise. And while short-term memory tends to wane with age, learned experience helps the elderly avoid certain pitfalls in life, like saying or doing the wrong thing. They also tend to be more emotionally stable, calmer when making decisions and are better able to navigate social conflict.

So don't assume just because someone is 75 or 80 years old that they're losing their marbles. Instead, remember that with old age, comes great wisdom.

Read more  





Are our fears of
saying ‘no’ overblown?






By Julian Givi & Colleen P. Kirk


Everyone has been there. You get invited to something that you absolutely do not want to attend – a holiday party, a family cookout, an expensive trip. But doubts and anxieties creep into your head as you weigh whether to decline.

You might wonder if you’ll upset the person who invited you. Maybe it’ll harm the friendship, or they won’t extend an invite to the next get-together.

Should you just grit your teeth and go? Or are you worrying more than you should about saying “no”?

Read more  











If you happen to be a baby boomer, you've experienced the atomic age throughout most of your life. Additionally, you've also lived with the constant fear of nuclear destruction for nearly the same amount of time.

The era known as the "Atomic Age" began roughly when the U.S. deployed an atomic bomb on Japan, specifically on August 6th, 1945, just a few days before I came into this world. It would take another 4 years (August, 1949) for our main adversary, the Soviet Union, to detonate their first A-bomb, introducing a threat to humanity that still persists today.

Have you ever paused to contemplate this? There have been numerous instances where we have all sensed that our world could end suddenly. The only thing preventing complete devastation for our species is the mutual decision to refrain from using nuclear weapons to settle disputes. Up to this point, the Russian leadership, despite their intimidating behavior, have been rational actors. The same can be said for our own leaders. However, the situation has changed. The threat of nuclear war is no longer limited to rogue nations like North Korea, but also includes the two major global powers. The idea of Mutually Assured Destruction, which once served as a deterrent, may soon lose its effectiveness. In fact, it is already happening right in front of us.

Make no mistake. Vladimir Putin is not your old-line Khrushchev-era Russian. Unlike those old hardline Commies whose tenure in office could end faster than you can say dasvidania, Putin holds absolute power over the government. He is, in all sense of the word, a dictator. A dictator who has no problem eliminating any rivals with the stroke of a pen (or most likely, a phone call). And who is his biggest fan? America’s own wannabe tyrant Donald “I’ll be a dictator on my first day in office”, J. Trump. Honestly, do you trust either of those two with the nuclear launch codes?

Back when we were kids, we used to engage in "Duck and Cover" drills, where we would seek shelter under our school desks, protecting our heads until given the signal to emerge. Back then, we had faith that these flimsy one-inch wooden desks would shield us from the devastating impact of a nuclear bomb. Regrettably, there are still individuals who cling to this belief. Some of these individuals may even be supporters of Trump, who, if he were to decide on employing a nuclear weapon against China or the A-rabs, would do so without considering the potential consequences of retaliation from his ally Vlad. The MAGA movement often exhibits a lack of political awareness and understanding of global issues.

As members of the baby boomer generation, we have faced difficult times throughout our lives. Apart from a brief period after WWII, we have not known real peace. Despite this, we have always had faith in our government and leaders. Unfortunately, that trust has waned in today's society. Our leaders now seem more focused on their own agendas or the interests of a specific group of supporters, rather than the well-being of the entire nation. The outcome of this year's presidential election is more than just choosing our next leader; it could have a profound impact on the future of the world as well ....








How does technology
impact nutrition management
in older adults?




By Tarun Sai Lomte


In a recent study published in Nutrients, researchers reviewed existing evidence on the use of technology in managing the nutrition of older adults.

In the United States (US), 25% of the population is aged ≥ 65, and many cannot use technology. However, studies report that computer-based assessment systems and assistive robots can improve nutrition awareness in older populations.

Physiological changes in musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological systems are part of aging and major factors in age-associated chronic illnesses.

An optimal diet can enhance lifespan and independence and reduce healthcare costs. Health status may vary among older people; technology could help manage this variability and the nutrition care process. Government-funded meal and health support programs are intended to address the nutritional status of older people.

Read more   




Latest bed sensor innovations
are from outer space, literally




By Aaron Dorman

The film “2001: A Space Odyssey” concludes with an old man sitting in bed, about to transform into a star child.

While not quite as dramatic, a new sensor for bedridden seniors has been derived from technology initially used to help build and repair the International Space Station. 

The bed sensor, named Smart Bed Occupant Sensor or BOSFAL, is built into an innovative, flexible mat that is intended to go on top of a mattress and can detect deformations in the material caused by the bed user’s movements. The goal is to address comfort and positioning in the bed to reduce the incidence of bed sores. 

Bedsores and pressure injuries are a common concern with seniors. Around 11% of nursing home residents develop pressure ulcers, which often demand further treatment, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Learn more  




3 Positive Changes Seniors
on Social Security
Can Look Forward to in 2024



By Maurie Backman


- Social Security's rules can shift from one year to the next.
- While it will get harder to qualify for Social Security
 in 2024, on a positive note, benefits are going up.
- Seniors also get more leeway to earn money while collecting benefits.


While not every change coming in the new year is a positive one, these factors are all a plus.
Although Social Security has been around for many decades, the program's rules aren't set in stone. Rather, they can change from one year to the next. But that doesn't mean every Social Security change that comes down the pike is a positive one.

In 2024, it will become harder for workers to qualify for Social Security. That's because eligibility for benefits hinges on earning a certain number of lifetime work credits. And in 2024, the amount of earnings needed for a single work credit is increasing.

The wage cap for Social Security taxes is also getting a lift in 2024. Higher earners may not like the fact that beginning next year, wages of up to $168,600 will be taxable for Social Security purposes. That's an increase of $8,400, compared to the $160,200 cap that's in place for 2023.

Read more   




Should Retirees
Pay Off All of Their Debt?

Before you put a match to your mortgage, 
think about whether 
you will have enough liquid assets for
 emergencies — and routine expenses





By Terri Williams

America, by and large, is a country in debt. Total household debt in the U.S. rose to $17.05 trillion in the first quarter of 2023, according to the latest data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Mortgage balances were at $12.04 trillion, auto loans were at $1.56 trillion and credit card balances stood at $986 billion.

Debt-free living is the goal of many retirees (as well as many people who are still working). But is this really the best use of your funds? Here are some factors to consider if you're a retiree thinking of paying off all of your debt.

Interest Rates Rule: 

The interest rate on the debt is always a consideration — whether it's your home, car, credit card debt or other type of loan. "If the debt carries a high interest rate, such as credit card debt, it's usually a good idea to pay it off as soon as possible to avoid accumulating more interest," says Kortney Ziegler, CEO and founder of WellMoney and a Stanford University Fellow.

Read more    


  

5 EASY TIPS FOR
TAKING BETTER PICTURES
WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE


BY KARIN VAN MIERLO

Smartphone photography is often associated with quick and easy snapping away. That’s because you can just walk around, point at something, click – and there’s your photo! 

I’d like to take a different approach to smartphone photography. It is amazing that modern technology has put a camera in the back pocket of so many people. But I also know that it takes a lot more than the push of a button to make a photo that has meaning. 

Wouldn’t it be great if by just a few adjustments you could elevate your smartphone photos from a simple record of the events and people in your life to photos that tell a story, have meaning, and are still beautiful to look at years from now?

Learn more   








U.S. leads the world in ‘solo aging’

The United States has the greatest number of seniors – those aged 60 and older – living alone, or “solo aging,” than in any other area of the world, according to a Pew Research Center study: 27% of adults over the age of 60, compared to an average of 16% in the 130 countries studied. 

The study found many older adults in the Asia-Pacific and Sub-Saharan Africa regions live with extended family members – 50% and 51%, respectively – followed closely by the Latin American and Middle East-North Africa regions, 41% and 39% respectively. In the U.S., only 6% of older adults live with extended family. 

MORE 









NEXT BLOG
WEDNESDAY FEB. 28, 2024

©2024 Bruce Cooper







-30-

*************





THIS BLOG IS BEST VIEWED IN
LANDSCAPE MODE


PUBLISHED EVERY MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY




Friday, February 23, 2024



Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com



“The baby boomers owe a big debt of gratitude to the 
parents and grandparents - who we haven't given enough 
credit to anyway - for giving us another generation.”

Steven Spielberg








Jimmy Carter’s one year in hospice
sparks conversation about
hospice care myths

A former U.S. president has changed the idea of hospice care
 after it’s been one year since he’s been living with assistance.






A former U.S. president has changed the idea of hospice care after it’s been one year since he’s been living with assistance.

Former president Jimmy Carter’s one year in hospice has cleared misconceptions that people might have about what hospice care really is.

The 39th United States president lives in hospice care in his Georgia home and completed one year of the service on Sunday. The amount of time Carter has spent in hospice care questioned some of the myths that revolve around the topic.

Hospice care is a service for people with illnesses who choose whether or not to continue treatment for their illnesses, according to the National Institute on Aging. Illnesses often seen include cancer, cardiac failure, Alzheimer’s, end-stage dementia and pulmonary patients. The institute states eligible people for hospice care generally live 6 months or less.


Read more  




What to do about debt 
in retirement





A growing number of older adults are in debt in retirement, according to the 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances from the Federal Reserve. Among people ages 65 to 74, the share with debt rose to 65% in 2022, up from 50% in 1989 (the first time this question was asked). For people 75 and over, 53% report holding debt in 2022 versus 21% in 1989. This is a big challenge, since people’s income in retirement is traditionally limited. But there are strategies for tackling your balance sheet later in life.

Take note: Not all debt is bad debt. “It’s not necessarily the worst thing to have,” says Jack Heintzelman, a certified financial planner in Boston. If it’s debt that earns you a tax deduction, he says, like a mortgage, it may be fine to hang onto it while you give your money elsewhere a chance to grow.

Read more  





Meet the 'Beatlemania boomers.'
They face a looming 
retirement crisis





By Daniel de Visé



The youngest baby boomers, born in the era that spawned Beatlemania, face a looming retirement crisis, researchers have found.

"Late boomers," Americans born between 1960 and 1965, have less retirement wealth, and much less retirement savings, than either older boomers or “war babies,” generations born between 1942 and 1959, according to a recent paper from the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College.

To compare wealth, researchers examined different generational groups at the same age range, adjusting for inflation.

A decade ago, at ages 51 to 56, the average “late boomer” had about $280,000 in combined wealth from Social Security, pension benefits and 401(k)-type retirement plans, in inflation-adjusted dollars. The calculation covers households in the middle 20% by wealth.

Read more  




If you want to age in place 
in retirement,
experts say these are the things
you should consider




By Lorie Konish



KEY POINTS

- Most adults want to stay in their homes as they age.
But many don’t properly plan to do so.
Here’s how experts say you can fix that.

Most adults ages 50 and up — 77% — want to stay in their homes long term, according to AARP.

Yet many are putting off the necessary improvements and upgrades to their homes to make that possible.

“People might say, ‘I want to age in place as the default plan, because that’s what I’m already doing,’” said Carol Chiang, CEO of Evolving Homes, a company providing personalized consulting for individuals and families who want to age in place.

Read more  




Baby boomers are approaching
'peak burden' on the economy





By Jennifer Sor

The baby-boomer "time bomb" is finally upon us, economists say.

All boomers will be at least 65 soon, the generation's point of "peak burden" on the economy.
Future generations can take solace in the fact that no boomer-size generations are in the making.
A time bomb has been ticking in the US.

It's the baby boomers, who as they age are approaching their "peak burden" years in regard to their drag on the economy and the resources of younger generations.

Read more  




Food and longevity

People on this island in Italy 
live to 100
—here’s a look at their diet 
for longevity





By Raeleen D’Agostino Mautner

Sardinia, Italy is one of the world’s five “Blue Zones” — or places around the world where an unusually large number of people live to 100 or longer.

For these vibrant Sardinian senior citizens, what they eat plays an important role in longevity. But you don’t need to live in Italy to get these culinary health benefits.

Here’s how to eat like a Sardinian for a longer life:

1. Use Sardinian-inspired ingredients
Meat is used sparingly, and much of the food in Sardinia is locally grown, and generally free of pesticides, hormones, dyes or sugars.

Here’s exactly what you’ll find on a typical Sardinian menu:...

Learn more  








Despite that there are nearly 200 other residents and probably 100 staff members at the A.L.F. And nobody is more than a few yards away from another person at any given time, it is unfortunate that there are still many lonely and isolated individuals here. The reasons for this vary greatly among the people who experience it. However, there are some common underlying causes that affect many older individuals.

Social isolation and loneliness are often overlooked as serious public health risks that impact a significant portion of the adult population. While social isolation can contribute to feelings of loneliness, it's important to note that some individuals actually prefer solitude (such as hermits). On the other hand, having social relationships does not guarantee protection against loneliness, as the quality and meaning of those relationships are crucial. Even in the best of circumstances, many people still experience feelings of loneliness. Shockingly, around 24% of Americans aged 65 and older who live in the community are considered socially isolated, and a significant number of adults in the United States report feeling lonely (35% of adults aged 45 and older, and 43% of adults aged 60 and older).

Our activities staff here put in a lot of effort to fight loneliness by arranging games, parties, movie nights, and the beloved Ice Cream Social day. It's a bit disheartening though, because despite their best efforts, some residents choose to keep to themselves and ignore the fun happening around them.

When I first arrived here, knowing that this would most likely be my home for the rest of my life, I must admit I felt a deep sense of abandonment and loss. For weeks, I secluded myself, finding solace in books, TV, and sleep. But soon enough, I realized that this was not the person I wanted to become. I didn't want to be that bitter old man who nobody cared to speak to. So, I made a conscious decision to seek out like-minded individuals or at least those with a sense of humor. Let me tell you, it wasn't an easy task. Most residents seemed to have lost their joy of living a long time ago. However, after some time, I managed to find a small group of three or four people who truly understood me. They laughed at my silly jokes and had their own opinions on the world around us. Some of them are still my friends to this day, but sadly, many have passed away. It's a harsh reality one must face in such an environment.

If you're reading this, chances are you already have the skills and determination to make the best out of any situation you find yourself in. And if, in the future, you ever need long term care, you'll know to surround yourself with trustworthy individuals. It may not be easy though, as many older people are wary of overly friendly people. Just be patient and soon enough, you'll have more friends than you know what to do with.

***

Another weekend is here, and for some, it'll be filled with sunshine and happiness. For others, it might be a bit gloomy and chilly. But don't worry, spring is just around the corner (March 19th). Hang in there! …..

*We use “A.L.F.” as an abbreviation for Assisted Living Facility. A.L.F's serve persons who are medically eligible for nursing home placement but serves them in a less medically intensive, lower cost setting







Unlocking Independence:
The overlooked option in elder care –
Level 1 Assisted Living





Her husband gone, Paula moved thousands of miles away from her children and grandchildren to live with her aged mother, who refused to leave her own home. Although healthy and rational, her mother can no longer take care of it—or herself. 

Many years ago, Alfred promised his wife he would never put her in “one of those places.” Gradually, after she stopped being able to dress herself, cook or remember where she put things, he took on more of their daily tasks. One day, when he was in the next room folding laundry, she fell and broke her hip. He was physically unable to care for her after that, and she ended up in a nursing home anyway. 

These names have been changed to protect the innocent. Not innocent as in not guilty; innocent in the sense of unaware—of missed opportunities and future consequences.

Read more   




Doing your homework on
home health care company
during search process




BY STEVE MARK

If you’ve reached the point when your loved one needs in-home health care, there are a myriad of items you’ll have to have answered. Nadine Glatley, owner of Rent-A-Daughter, offers a must to-do questionnaire list when shopping for help.

“These are the first questions most families ask and they are important for families to know,” Glatley said. “First, of course, is how much the service costs. They want to know how long you’ve been in business. They want to know, ‘Are you licensed, bonded and insured in the state of Ohio?’ That’s very, very important.

“They want to know what kind of caregivers we have, and if we have companionship all the way to the end of life. They want to know about training, and if our aides are experienced in dementia care, or even Parkinson’s. Those are very good questions worth asking.”

Read more   




Does chicken soup really help
when you’re sick?

A nutrition specialist explains what’s 
behind the beloved comfort food




By Colby Teeman


Preparing a bowl of chicken soup for a loved one when they’re sick has been a common practice throughout the world for centuries. Today, generations from virtually every culture swear to the benefits of chicken soup. In the U.S., the dish is typically made with noodles, but different cultures prepare the soothing remedy their own way.

Chicken soup as a therapy can be traced back to 60 A.D. and Pedanius Dioscorides, an army surgeon who served under the Roman emperor Nero, and whose five-volume medical encyclopedia was consulted by early healers for more than a millennium. But the origins of chicken soup go back thousands of years earlier, to ancient China.

So, with cold and flu season in full swing, it’s worth asking: Is there any science to back the belief that it helps? Or does chicken soup serve as just a comforting placebo, that is, providing psychological benefit while we’re sick, without an actual therapeutic benefit?

Learn more   





What the 2023 
America’s Health Rankings
Reveal About Senior Health




The United Health Foundation has released its 2023 Senior Report, which provides an in-depth look at the health of older adults. This is the eleventh Senior Report released, creating a rich data history that allows for the review of older adult health progresses and setbacks.

The 2023 report examines key measures that impact Americans as they age, including the availability of communal support, access to health care resources, and specific health issues like cognitive impairment. Individual state summaries are also available, providing a benchmark that organizations can use when setting goals. The report also includes valuable information for senior care communities.

The report utilizes data from multiple sources, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Mapping Medicare Disparities Tool. Many of the measures include data from 2021, so the report reflects some of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Early Death....

Read more   




This Is the Surprising Truth
About the Future of
Social Security




By Chuck Saletta



KEY POINTS:

Social Security's trust funds are expected to empty in 2034, slashing benefits by around 20%.

The program's status as the "Third Rail" of American politics makes it hard to get a fix in place until the situation is truly dire.


Higher taxes, lower benefits, or some combination of both are likely in the future for that critical retirement program.

Social Security is often called the Third Rail of American Politics. It earned that nickname because it acts to politicians somewhat like the power-carrying third rail of an electrified train: touch it, and your political career dies.

With that kind of reputation, you might think that the program is in fairly good shape. On the surface, with about $2.833 trillion in its trust funds as of the end of August, 2023, it would certainly seem that way. Unfortunately, the surprising truth about the future of Social Security is that if Congress does nothing, those trust funds are expected to empty by 2034, cutting benefits by around 20%. 

Read more   








BOOMERS STAYING PUT

According to a report from real estate brokerage Redfin, nearly 40% of baby boomers (people born between 1946 and 1964) have been in their current homes for at least 20 years as they wait for mortgage rates to come down. That’s up from 24% in 2012. Another 16% have stayed between 10 and 19 years. Meanwhile, the average US homeowner has lived in their house for 12 years, almost twice as long as in 2005, Bloomberg reported. The Great Boomer Dawdling is largely to blame for the market’s inventory shortage, making it harder for younger first-time buyers to find a home.






NEXT BLOG
MONDAY FEB. 26, 2024
©2024 Bruce Cooper









-30-

*************





THIS BLOG IS BEST VIEWED IN
LANDSCAPE MODE


PUBLISHED EVERY MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY




Wednesday, February 21, 2024



Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com




“My doctor told me to stop having 
intimate dinners for four. 
Unless there are three other people.”

 Orson Welles







Health care costs climb for retirees.
See how much they need to save,
even with Medicare




By Medora Lee

What would you and your spouse do with $351,000 when you retire?  

That may sound like a nice nest egg, but you may need every penny just to cover health care costs in retirement, including Medicare premiums and drugs after insurance pays its part, according to recent research. 

And that figure is conservative, the research notes. 

Americans already lack retirement savings. A New York Life survey of 2,202 adults last month showed only 4 in 10 have a nest egg, even though 74% expect to retire at 64. That shortfall means many retirees may find their golden years tarnished by financial stress.  


Read more  



Why Your Joints
Ache More in 
Colder Weather —
And What to Do About It




By Taneia Surles,

Have you ever noticed that your joints ache more when the temperatures start to dip?

You’re not alone. A handful of surveys and studies show that individuals with the most common form of arthritis — known as osteoarthritis, which affects nearly 33 million U.S. adults — experience more joint pain in colder weather. And the reason isn’t straightforward.

Here’s a look at why your joints may be crankier in colder weather — and what you can do to help alleviate the discomfort.

Dips in air pressure and physical activity:

One reason for more seasonal soreness may have to do with the change in barometric pressure, or the measurement of air pressure in the atmosphere.

Read more  




Independent living residents
seek same rights as
assisted living residents




By Kimberly Bonvissuto



Independent living residents in Washington state, through a series of proposed bills, are hoping to gain access to the same rights and services afforded their assisted living counterparts.

SB 5640 would establish a residents’ rights work group to recommend a bill of rights for “nonresidents,” people (independent living residents) who live in unlicensed rooms within an assisted living community in Washington state. Currently, nonresidents may receive certain services from an assisted living community, but they are not afforded the same services and protections as residents.

The Independent Living Residents’ Work Group would be charged with creating a bill of rights that would allow nonresidents to have a process to resolve disputes regarding contracted services with assisted living owners and management.

Read more  





Free College Tuition
for Seniors by State 2024





Most states have a program for senior citizens to take college classes for free. The only states that do not have this program are Arizona, Idaho, Indiana, and South Dakota. However, even in these states, seniors can take classes for a greatly reduced cost at many universities.

Some states, Colorado, Louisiana, and Tennessee, allow people to take advantage of this free tuition at the age of 55. The rest of the states begin free tuition for those between 60 and 65 years old. Some states do charge registration or program fees, but these programs allow senior citizens to take college classes for close to nothing.

States With Good Free-Tuition Programs:

California -
The Californian state university system is one of the most popular programs for senior citizens. Although it is typically viewed as a time to relax and take things slow, seniors shouldn't need to fight the stigma of being bored or feeling unneeded in their older age. With years of experience behind them in specific fields, seniors may feel it is time to pursue other passions now that they may have more time to dedicate to their projects.

Read more  








READING OPTIONS
WHEN SIGHT IS AN ISSUE





BY PAM LAMP

Thanks to an issue with my right eye, I struggle to read an actual book. As problems go, it’s a tiny one. It’s also solvable. 

I read newspapers and magazines on a tablet. For books, I rely on my trusty Kindle. With both devices, I can adjust the font size, lighting, and contrast. I know I’m not the only one who has difficulty navigating traditionally published and printed books.

We’re lucky to live in a time where we have so many choices for our reading pleasure…

Large Print Books-

The good news? Large print books are in demand, so they do still exist. The bad news? They are expensive for publishers to print and customers to purchase. In recent years, publishing houses have offered fewer and fewer large print options in their catalogs. “The choices are becoming more precious,” said one bookseller.

Learn more  








On May 17th, 2009, I parked my car in front of my apartment building, not realizing it would be the final time I would ever drive it. The following day, I found myself in a local hospital receiving treatment for an illness that would eventually require surgery, altering my life forever.

After spending months in a hospital bed, the thought of driving no longer crossed my mind. It was strange how something I had been doing for nearly 50 years suddenly lost its significance. But that's just how I felt. I understand that for many people, the idea of giving up driving is unthinkable. Some may even react with hostility at the mere suggestion. However, when is the right time to hand over the keys? It's a difficult decision for many of us seniors.

I had a few reasons for calling it quits on my driving days. The first one was pretty straightforward - I didn't have a car anymore, and even if I did, I couldn't afford to keep it. Buying a new one was out of the question. The second reason was more technical - my license had expired, and I needed to make a trip to the DMV to renew it. But the biggest reason for me hanging up the keys was that I didn't feel confident in my ability to drive safely anymore. My eyesight wasn't what it used to be, my reflexes had slowed down, and my hearing wasn't great (even though it's not a driving requirement). I'm actually deaf in one ear, and I think it's important to have all your senses sharp when you're cruising down the highway at 70 mph. But how do you know when it’s time. There are signs.

There isn't a set age when someone becomes "too old" to drive. However, as people get older, their physical and mental skills might decline, impacting their driving abilities. Some signs that someone might be too old to drive include:

1. Slower reaction time
2. Poor eyesight or hearing
3. Trouble remembering or following traffic rules
4. More frequent near misses or accidents
5. Feeling anxious or scared while driving
6. Struggling to check blind spots by turning their head or neck

It's crucial for seniors to regularly evaluate their driving skills and have honest conversations with family members or healthcare providers about whether it's time to reduce or stop driving. Ultimately, safety should always come first when deciding if someone is too old to drive.

The official reasons for why elderly individuals should stop driving are just the tip of the iceberg. We might justify it by saying we need our cars for errands, social visits, or volunteering. But deep down, losing the ability to drive signifies a loss of independence and a reminder of aging. It forces us to rely on others, similar to our teenage years when our parents chauffeured us around, much to our embarrassment.

Unfortunately, the moment will come when you have to pass on the keys. It's better if it's your choice and not someone else's. The only comfort is knowing you made the right decision. You can also find solace in the fact that you were able to drive during a time when cars had character and names like GTO, Charger, T-bird, and 442. …













5 REASONS WHY
ADOPTING A PET
IN RETIREMENT
MAY BE RIGHT FOR YOU





BY MOLLY WISNIEWSKI

Socialization is fun, and many reports state that remaining active and social as older adults can keep us healthy and help us to live longer. But what happens when it’s no longer just as simple as hopping in the car and going?

Isolation is a genuine and even dangerous reality to the aging community. Without proactive solutions, many people could easily find themselves in this position. Adopting a pet can help you give back to your community and has the added benefits of keeping you company!

Are there benefits to getting a pet after retirement?

For those of us who want to gallivant around the world, adopting a dog or cat may not be the best option – unless you have someone who can watch them while you are away.

Learn more  




A Senior’s Guide to
Financial Scams
(And How to Avoid Them)

Many financial scams specifically target seniors. 
Knowing what the warning signs are for each of these 
scams can help you avoid falling for them.





Edited By Kim Borwick


Increasingly more technology in our day-to-day lives has brought more opportunity for scam artists to increase the amount and type of scams they perform. From pretending to be a loved one to posing as a government employee, there are many ways scammers can trick you into giving up confidential personal and financial information.

No matter how new, attractive or promising a scam may sound, the result is always the same: you lose money. Knowing the warning signs will help you avoid being scammed, thus protecting the money you’ve worked long and hard for.

Why Are Seniors Susceptible to Financial Scams?

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, seniors account for more than $3 billion in annual losses due to fraud. While they aren’t the only ones falling for these scams and losing money, there are a few reasons seniors can be susceptible to them.

Read more   




How Mediterranean diet
and exercise can help
older adults with body fat,
muscle mass





Researchers report that older adults who followed a lower calorie Mediterranean diet and increased their physical activity had improvements to body composition.

When people age, their body composition changes with an increase in total fat and a reduction in lean muscle mass.
Experts say the Mediterranean diet has numerous health benefits.

A lower calorie Mediterranean diet coupled with physical activity may reduce body fat and prevent muscle loss in older adults.

That’s according to new research Trusted Source published in the journal JAMA Network Open.

In their study, researchers reported that study participants who followed the Mediterranean diet and increased their aerobic physical activity had an improvement in body composition.

Read more   





How Hearing Loss
Affects the Mental Health
of Older Adults





A new survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Lexie Hearing finds 64% of older adults, aged 50 and older, report hearing difficulty, but only 14% have tried hearing aids and nearly a quarter have never had a formal hearing test.

The online survey measured hearing care attitudes and behaviors of more than 1,000 adults aged 50 and older in the U.S. nearly a year after over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids were made available by the FDA.

Those who report having hearing difficulties cite a range of negative impacts on their overall and mental health, relationships, and day-to-day lives. Specifically:

Read more   




At What Age Do You
Become A Senior Citizen?





By Jennifer Lagemann

According to the U.S. Census, there are more than 55 million people over the age of 65 in the U.S.[1]

While many people have come to equate age 65 with the term “senior citizen,” it’s a distinction worth exploring—or perhaps debating. For some, it could simply mean reaching retirement age. Meanwhile, others may see becoming a senior citizen as a period of life defined by exploring new interests, spending more time with loved ones or rediscovering old passions. Regardless, there are specific milestones that signify you’ve reached that special age.

Read on to explore various landmarks, benefits and perks available to a person in their golden years—and at what age they’re up for grabs.


Read more   



11 Things You Can Do Online
Via the Social Security Website





By Shawna Brown


The Social Security Administration (SSA) website hosts a wealth of online tools that offer you convenient access to benefits information. To make the most of these tools, simply create a my Social Security account online. It is free to set up a mySSA account.

More than 65 million people are currently collecting Social Security benefits. Whether or not you are already receiving these benefits, there are numerous services you may be able to take advantage of through the SSA website. These include the following:

Determine whether you are eligible for Social Security – in less than 10 minutes.

Apply for Social Security benefits (Gather all the details that you’ll need to complete the application process, including your bank account information, recent employment history, your Social Security number, your spouse’s Social Security number, and the names of your eligible children).

Check on the status of your application.

Update changes to your name, phone number, email address, or mailing address.

Replace your Social Security card if you’ve misplaced it, damaged it, or have had it stolen.

Review your Social Security statements (View a sample statement).

See more  










Adults Rate Their Primary 
Health Care Providers Highly

A short AARP survey revealed that nine in 10 (91%) U.S. adults ages 50 and older see a primary health care provider when they are sick, injured, need advice, or need a checkup. And nearly nine in 10 (87%) said they had visited their provider in the last year; three-quarters were able to get an appointment on their preferred date and time.

Adults were also asked about aspects of their most recent visit to their primary health care provider. Overall, on their most recent visit, most adults 50-plus had a positive experience with their provider, but even more adults 65-plus rated their visit positively. More than nine in 10 (93%) adults 65-plus said their provider explained things in an easy-to-understand manner, but eight in 10 (83%) adults 50–64 said the same thing.

Additionally, when judging the amount of time spent with them during their visit, significantly more adults 65-plus compared to adults 50–64 said their provider spent enough time with them (90% vs. 78%). Overall, seven in 10 (72%) adults 50-plus said their primary health care provider was prepared for the visit and had all their needed medical information. A comparison by age group revealed, however, that significantly fewer adults in the younger 50–64 age group felt their provider was prepared compared to adults in the 65-plus group (65% vs. 80%).

MORE:   









NEXT BLOG
FRIDAY FEB. 23, 2024
©2024 Bruce Cooper








-30-

*************





THIS BLOG IS BEST VIEWED IN
LANDSCAPE MODE


PUBLISHED EVERY MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY




Monday, February 19, 2024




Email: TheSeniorLog@Protonmail.com



“Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; 
wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.”
Miles Kington







Bad News
for Social Security Recipients:
Slowing Inflation Means
a Smaller COLA in 2025




By Vance Cariaga

Inflation is a double-edged sword for Social Security recipients. When inflation goes up, it cuts into the buying power of seniors who are on a fixed income. But it also leads to a higher cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that will boost next year’s Social Security payments. When inflation goes down it’s easier to pay the bills — but it leads to a lower COLA the following year. That’s how things are shaping up for 2025.

Although it is still early in 2024, recent inflation trends could mean a much smaller Social Security COLA next year. The Senior Citizens League (TSCL), a nonpartisan seniors advocacy group, estimates that the 2025 COLA will be 1.75% in 2025 based on the January inflation report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The report, issued this week, showed that the January CPI-W (Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers) rose 2.9% from the previous year. That’s the index used to determine the annual COLA increase.

Read more  




Black and Hispanic
older adults in
‘Forgotten Middle’
are ‘worst off’




By Lois A. Bowers


.
Trends in home ownership and equity, income, health and other issues indicate that millions of middle-income Black, Hispanic or rural older adults may not have the financial resources they need to pay for senior living and healthcare expenses as they age in the coming years, according to the findings of a new study from NORC at the University of Chicago.

The information must be considered in future policies, say those affiliated with the research.

“Policymakers, as well as the healthcare and senior housing communities, have substantial work to do to ensure that race does not become a hindrance to aging well,” Sarita A. Mohanty, MD, MPH, MBA, president and CEO of the SCAN Foundation, said in a statement.

Read more  




Reducing unnecessary testing
or treatments in older patients




When a doctor ordered a routine prostate screening for an 80-year-old man -; as doctors often do -; a dramatic yellow alert popped up on the electronic health record with dire warnings. 

It flashed: "You are ordering a test that no guideline recommends. Screening with PSA can lead to harms from diagnostic and treatment procedures. If you proceed without a justification, the unnecessary test will be noted on the health record." 

This was the strategy Northwestern Medicine investigators tested to see if they could move the needle on the stubbornly persistent practice of ordering unnecessary screenings for older adults. Doctors got the message.

Read more  




Will My Retirement 
Plan Withdrawals
Impact My Social 
Security Benefits?





By Maurie Backman .



KEY POINTS:

- If you claim Social Security before reaching full retirement age, earnings from a job could result in having some benefits withheld.

- Withdrawals from a retirement plan won't affect your monthly benefit amount.

- The higher income that results from retirement plan withdrawals could leave you paying taxes on Social Security.


Gearing up to tap your IRA or 401(k)? Here's what you need to know about your Social Security income.
Many people work really hard to amass savings for retirement. So if you have a nice pile of cash in your IRA or 401(k), you may be hesitant to start tapping it right away. After all, you want that money to last.

Read more  





More Americans support
government assistance
for care of older adults





Prior to the pandemic, the majority of American adults thought that families should be responsible for the daily care of older adults—and that families should cover the cost of this care.

But there is a small sea change in that way of thinking, says a University of Michigan researcher.

U-M demographer and sociologist Sarah Patterson, along with Adriana Reyes of Cornell University, used data from the General Social Survey to determine how Americans' attitudes toward elder care have changed over time. The data was drawn from about 2,400 survey respondents aged 18 and older.

Read more  







Can Any Beauty Treatment
Even Come Close To Botox?

------
Many treatments today claim to be better than Botox.
But is that even possible? Skin care experts weigh in.




By Jamie Davis Smith.

TikTok influencers love to claim they’ve found an at-home skin care treatment that’s better than Botox in terms of erasing lines and wrinkles. It’s tempting to buy into these “miracle” treatments because Botox is expensive and invasive. Plus, it’s an attractive option for anyone who doesn’t want to inject a neurotoxin into their face.

Some purported Botox alternatives going viral on TikTok, like flaxseed, are low-risk because they are inexpensive and their potential side effects are minimal. Other ones, like LED light therapy, require investing a lot of money even though the results are uncertain.

We asked some top skin care experts whether any at-home treatment could match Botox’s results.

Learn more  











I always make it a point not to mock or diminish those individuals who have encountered misfortune. It's not only disrespectful, but also because, if it weren't for the grace of fate, I could easily be in their shoes. The reasons behind why some people face life's hardships while others enjoy financial stability, wealth, and good health remain unknown. It's more about the circumstances we find ourselves in rather than anything we did or had control over. Trying to make sense of it all is simply a futile endeavor. However, when considering the recent events involving the former president, it becomes almost necessary (and even a bit amusing) to imagine how different life in the United States would be if he, or we, had made different choices.

Every fantasy has a kernel of truth. Our "What if" story started on June 16th, 2015, when Donald J. Trump, a businessman, TV reality host, and self-proclaimed "very smart man," descended the escalator of Trump Tower in New York and declared his intention to run for President of the United States in the 2016 election. And, as the saying goes, "the rest is history." It's also Trump's initial significant blunder in the realm of "what if." Just imagine the endless possibilities if he had never entered the race. It's mind-boggling! Everything for the next 8 years changes. 

It's hard to say for sure who would have been Hillary Clinton's Republican opponent if she didn't have to go up against Donald Trump. Some potential candidates who were seen as strong contenders for the Republican nomination at the time included Senator Ted Cruz, Senator Marco Rubio, Governor Jeb Bush, and Governor John Kasich. In a hypothetical situation where Trump didn't run, any of these candidates could have emerged as the Republican nominee. Considering that many of them were not as well-known and not a match for Mrs. Clinton, it's safe to assume she would have most likely won by a large margin and become our president for at least one term and probably two. What would have changed?

No matter who was president, COVID would have reached our shores. However, the way it was handled and the rapid spread could have been addressed differently, potentially saving thousands of lives. Trump's failure to acknowledge the seriousness of the situation and his refusal to listen to public health officials played a significant role. During a White House meeting, he optimistically claimed that the virus would disappear miraculously. He also suggested, without solid scientific evidence, that warmer weather would halt its spread. Even after realizing the gravity of the health crisis, he neglected to wear a mask, unintentionally spreading misinformation and contributing to the virus's transmission. Trump should be held accountable and face justice for these actions alone.

Despite the COVID crisis being a significant "What if" moment, it's important to acknowledge that there were other events that wouldn't have occurred if Trump hadn't been president. The emergence of the MAGA movement, along with the presence of white supremacists, anti-immigrant sentiments, anti-science beliefs, and pro-lifers, would have likely diminished. Our government institutions would have experienced a greater sense of civility, and there wouldn't have been an insurrection or allegations of a stolen election. All of these changes, and possibly more, would have taken place if Hillary had become president instead of Trump. 

Alright, that's how things could have been different for our country. But what about Trump himself? What are some of the "what if" moments for him? How would things have changed if he hadn't made some of the foolish decisions he did? I'd venture to say that almost everything he's facing now - the charges, allegations, fines, hearings, trials, and appeals - would have been less severe or not pursued as aggressively if he had just accepted his defeat gracefully. Even the documents he took to Florida, if he had simply apologized and admitted his mistake, things might have turned out differently. But no, his ego and arrogance led him to where he is now - facing heavy fines, indictments, bankruptcy, and potential jail time.

I understand that looking back, it's clear to see how things could have been different and it's tempting to imagine how events would have unfolded if certain variables were taken into consideration. But it's undeniable that a significant portion of what we've witnessed over the past 8 years can be attributed to Trump's actions. He is aware deep down that he is accountable for his own errors, and this is something he genuinely detests about himself….









AGEISM AND
THE FITNESS CLOTHING INDUSTRY




BY STEPHANIE RAFFELOCK

Most people, if not everyone, recognize the benefits of exercise. An entire industry has been built around promoting proactive health, with both food and drug commercials emphasizing diet and exercise.

It seems, however, that the companies that promote exercise the most are the fitness clothing lines like Athleta, REI and Lululemon.

These companies have been great in showing us inclusiveness with diversity of body types, ethnicity, moms and kids, etc. But if you are over 60, evidently you don’t exercise… or at least that’s what the ads portray.

Learn more  




Older Adults Who Disagree With
Deprescribing Medication 
More Interested
in Additional Communication,
Alternative Strategies



By Gillian McGovern


According to the authors, identifying the degree of disagreement with physicians’ deprescribing recommendations can improve the communication among older adults and their physicians.

Key Takeaways

1. Rating Level of Disagreement: Enrolled participants received 1 of 2 possible vignettes and rated their agreement on a scale from 1 to 6, with 1 being “strongly disagree” and 6 meaning “strongly agree.” Participants who responded with a score of 1 to 3 were included in the study.

2. Factors Influencing Disagreement: The study identifies various factors that contributed to participants’ disagreement with deprescribing recommendations, including doubts about deprescribing, valuing medications, fear of complications, and the need for additional communication and information prior to deprescribing.

3. Different Views in Deprescribing: Compared to participants who strongly disagreed with deprescribing recommendations, participants who disagreed were more likely to be interested in additional communication, alternative strategies, or consideration of medication preferences.

Read more  .





U.S. gets a C+ in retirement,
on par with Kazakhstan and
lagging other wealthy nations




BY AIMEE PICCHI

Many Americans are anxious about their ability to save enough to fund their retirement, yet the problem may not only be with their own ability to sock away money, but the way the U.S. system is designed. That's according to a new report which give the nation's retirement approach a C+. 

The not-so-great rating places the U.S. retirement system on par with nations such as Kazakhstan, Colombia, Croatia, France and Spain, according to the new Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index, which was released Tuesday. Meanwhile, the strength of retirement systems in many other wealthy, developed nations, such as the Netherlands, Iceland, Denmark and Israel, far surpassed the U.S., with all four receiving A ratings. 

The U.S. system is based on a two-pronged approach: Social Security and private pension plans such as 401(k)s. But many Americans fall through the cracks, such as the roughly one-half of workers who lack access to a retirement plan through their workplace. Social Security, meanwhile, only replaces about 40% of income for the typical worker when they retire, which means many older Americans struggle financially. 

Read more  




Take Charge Of Arthritis
Before It's Too Late:
Importance Of Home Healthcare




By Tavishi Dogra |Updated

Arthritis affects over 210 million people in India alone. While arthritis is often associated with ageing, it can lead to significant pain, disability, and a diminished quality of life. Dr. Vishal Sehgal, President of Portea Medical, shares that understanding the symptoms, treatment options, and care strategies is essential to help individuals take charge of their arthritis before it is too late.

Understanding Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent form, primarily affecting older individuals. It occurs when the protective cartilage cushions the ends of the bones and wears down over time, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced joint flexibility. If left untreated, it causes the immune system to mistakenly attack healthy joint tissues, leading to inflammation, pain, and joint deformity.

Recognizing The Symptoms....

Read more    
.



Legal Options for Victims
of Nursing Home Abuse:
Seeking Justice 
and Compensation



By Gail Willowby


Nursing homes are facilities where elderly or disabled individuals receive care when their families can’t provide it. But do they really get the care they deserve? 

Being home to almost thousands of older adults, at times, they are the breeding ground for abuse and neglect. They don’t turn out to be the safety havens we hope for! 

There is no denying that the nursing home care system is derailing. Here, we’re talking about a whopping 50% increase in the number of senior citizens in need of nursing home care by 2023.

Read more  
.














NEXT BLOG
WEDNESDAY FEB. 21, 2024
©2024 Bruce Cooper









-30-

*************