Health:

• Study Finds Stents Effective in Preventing Strokes: Surgery on blocked neck arteries has long been considered the best procedure for preventing a stroke. Now a large North American study has found that a less invasive approach may be just as safe and effective, but other researchers are not so sure. The New York Times, Feb 26.
• About Half of Senior Citizens Referred to a Specialist Never Get There for Treatment: Just 71% ever get appointments and just 70% of those show up at doctor’s office. Senior Journal, Feb. 26.
• Become a Sexy Senior: Researchers find links between sexual activity and healthy aging for men. Baltimore Sun, Feb 24.
• High blood pressure neglected in U.S.: A critical new report declares high blood pressure in the U.S. to be a neglected disease — a term that usually describes mysterious tropical illnesses, not a well-known plague of rich countries. Associated Press, Feb 22.
• Why We Gain Weight As We Age: It's a pretty common lament, the idea that you just can't eat what you used to. But why is that so? And is it avoidable? There are a number of reasons why we put on the pounds as years go by, but take heart: There are ways to fight back – and win! NPR, Feb 22.
• Two Surgical Methods Equally Successful for Prostate Cancer: Comparison study of open and laparoscopic surgery found few differences in outcome HealthDay, Feb. 22.
• Reducing cardiovascular risk in diabetics: Does lowering your blood sugar reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes? The data are conflicting, but that appears to be the case in some patients, not in others. Los Angeles Times, Feb 22.

Medicine:

• Virtually Everyone Should Get a Flu Shot: CDC: The recommendation will take effect for the next influenza season. HealthDay, Feb. 25.

Mind:

• Hospital Stays May Spur Brain Decline in Seniors: Those admitted more likely to develop dementia than non-hospitalized, study finds. HealthDay, Feb 23.
• Remember Magnesium If You Want to Remember at Any Age: Study finds new synthetic supplement improves memory and staves off age-related memory loss. Senior Journal, Feb. 22.

Personal Finance:

• Retired Early and Still Coming Up Short: Returning to work, at least part-time, may be the best way to avoid drawing down a retirement account too quickly. Here are some options for those who find themselves facing retirement with a depleted nest egg. Money, Feb 23.

Retirement:

• How to Tell if You Are Saving Enough for Retirement: Few Americans know how much money they'll need to save for retirement. Some 44 percent of employed Americans—and even 29 percent of those ages 55 and older—admit they don't know how much money they will need in retirement, according to a recent ING Direct survey. U.S. News and World Report, Feb 26.
• The top 10 places to retire: Plus two bonus towns for you to consider. MarketWatch, Feb 25.

Insurance:

• Long-Term Care You Can Afford: By taking more risk, you can snag a lower premium. Kiplinger's, March 2010.

Travel:

• RV lifestyle can lead to freedom: But there are many logistics to consider. Chicago Tribune, Feb 25.

Xtra!

• 10 Trends in Longevity: The goals of improved health and financial security are to live longer and, presumably, more fulfilling lives. U.S. News and World Report, Feb 26.
• Aging and driving: When is the right time for an older driver to give up the keys? Chicago Tribune, Feb 25.
• Marijuana use up for seniors as Boomers age: The number of people aged 50 and older reporting marijuana use in the prior year went up from 1.9 percent to 2.9 percent from 2002 to 2008, according to surveys from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Associated Press, Feb. 23.

Health:

• Would you know if your heart was in trouble? A "Hollywood heart attack" -- the kind where you collapse to the ground clutching your chest -- is the exception, not the rule. CNN, Feb 18.
• Happiness Protects Your Heart: Those most content reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease, researchers say. HealthDay, Feb. 17.
• Millions missing out on colon cancer screening: Nearly half the people who need potentially lifesaving checks for the nation's No. 2 cancer killer - colorectal cancer - miss them, despite years of public efforts to make colon screening as widespread as tests for breast and prostate cancer. Associated Press, Feb 16.
• Aspirin may help prevent return of breast cancer: Breast cancer survivors who took aspirin after completing treatment were half as likely to die or have their tumors spread around the body compared with survivors who didn't take aspirin, a long-running study of 4,164 nurses showed. USA Today, Feb 16.
• Senior Citizens with High Levels of Vitamin D at Less Risk of Heart Disease, Diabetes: Review of 28 studies finds the vitamin associated with a substantial decrease in cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome for seniors and middle aged. Senior Journal, Feb. 16.
• A good night's sleep study for people over 65: A good night's sleep is important at any age. But what constitutes a good night's sleep for people over 65? USA Today, Feb 15.
• Americans urged to bypass the salt: Now that U.S. salt consumption has risen by 50 percent in 40 years, public health experts and politicians are trying to put the spotlight back on its harmful health effects. San Francisco Chronicle, Feb 15.
• After a Stroke, High Risk for a Recurrence: Aggressive care and follow-up are key to preventing further problems, experts say. HealthDay, Feb. 15.
• Why Do Some People Live So Long? Researchers study centenarians' genes, and lifestyle. ABC News, Feb 15.
• Advance Toward Test for Aggressive Prostate Cancer: Scientists find gene that drives tumor spread, say it could be target for screening. HealthDay, Feb. 15.

Medicine:

• Placebo effect stronger than doctors believed: When it comes to the placebo effect, it really may be mind over matter, a new analysis suggests. Associated Press, Feb 20.
• Controversial Diabetes Drug Harms Heart, U.S. Concludes: Government reports concluded that hundreds of people taking Avandia suffered heart attacks and heart failure, but some said the drug should remain available. The New York Times, Feb 19.
• Generics Face Longer Wait for Approval: American consumers are waiting nearly a year longer for government regulators to approve new lower-priced generic drugs than they did in 2005. The New York Times, Feb 19.

Mind:

• When Seniors Tutor Kids, They Sharpen Their Own Minds As Well: New research suggests it might delay signs of aging in the brain. HealthDay, Feb. 19.

Personal Finance:

• More people can convert to Roth IRAs; is it a good idea? A new law that lets high-income investors convert traditional individual retirement accounts and 401(k) plans to Roth IRAs is generating a lot of business for mutual fund companies — and baffling many investors. USA Today, Feb 19.
• Tax issues confront retirees: A look at tax questions to consider when you retire. MarketWatch, Feb 18.

Retirement:

• Retirement outlook is murkier for some: Some companies' 401(k) plans serve workers better than others. MarketWatch, Feb 18.
• Pension systems on the brink: Five ways to solve the $1 trillion gap in under-funded state retirement systems. MarketWatch, Feb 18.
• 10 Ways Baby Boomers Will Reinvent Retirement: The baby boomers redefined each stage of life as they passed through it. This generation also will retire in a way that is distinct from their parents and will set the standard for generations to come. U.S. News and World Report, Feb 16.

Social Security:

• What You Need to Know About Social Security: Five ways to make sure you get the biggest possible check. Kiplinger's, March 2010.
• Most Senior Citizens Struggling with Smaller Social Security Checks, Cutting Medical Care: Higher Medicare costs combined with no cost-of-living hike in Social Security hits seniors hard; TSCL Still Pushing for Emergency COLA. Senior Journal, Feb. 16.

Grandparenting:

• Camp Grandma is a win-win: In this economy, sending the kids to a grandparent's home may be the solution. And the bonding is priceless. LA Times, Feb 20.
• Suddenly part of a ‘grandfamily’: There are 4.5 million grandparents in America who are raising their grandchildren. LA Times, Feb 20.

Insurance:

• Individual mandate – a sticking point in the healthcare debate: Is forcing people to have insurance a useful strategy to spread the costs, or an ill-conceived notion that would only exacerbate the problem? LA Times, Feb 15.

Caregiving:

• Dangerous caregivers not on list: A federal database fully available to hospitals March 1 is missing disciplinary records from states. Los Angeles Times, Feb 15.

Work:

• Older Entrepreneurs Target Peers: After retirement, new business owners are finding success focusing on customers in their age cohort. WSJ, Feb 16.

End of Life:

• Cut the Lawyer Out of Your Will? Preset forms are fine for simple plans. But complex estate issues may require a pro. Kiplinger's, March 2010.

Xtra!

• Retirees Trade Work for Rent at Cash-Poor Parks: An itinerant army of retirees is realizing dreams of life on the road in a way that benefits struggling state and national parks. The New York Times, Feb 17.
• Elevators Can Bring Injury to Seniors: Researcher urges installation of bigger buttons to stop closing doors. HealthDay, Feb. 15.

Health:

• No cure for heart disease, Bill Clinton's case shows: Bill Clinton has a new lease on life, but there's no cure for the heart disease that has twice forced the former president to get blocked arteries fixed. Associated Press, Feb 12.
• Health Checkup - How to Live 100 Years: A century of life was once a rare thing, but that is changing. Science is slowly unraveling the secrets of the centenarians. TIME, Feb 11.
• Migraine Linked to Increased Heart Attack Risk: Researchers aren't sure why two conditions are connected. HealthDay, Feb. 10.
• Senior Women at High Risk of Bone Fractures After Taking Diabetes Drugs Avandia or Actos: TZDs have previously been linked to bone loss, increasing fracture risk; type 2 diabetes and insulin also increase risk for fractures. Senior Journal, Feb. 10.
• Less Invasive Hip Surgeries Make Inroads: Hip replacement is one of the most successful operations in all of medicine, which prompts many orthopedic surgeons to think, as one leader in the field put it, “Why change something that doesn’t need fixing?” The New York Times, Feb 8.
• High Blood Pressure May Predict Dementia in Some Seniors: Link seen in those with trouble organizing thoughts, but not memory loss. HealthDay, Feb 8.

Medicine:

• Glaucoma Drugs May Play Role in Longer Life: Early death risk drops with use, but other factors may contribute, experts say. HealthDay, Feb 8.

Mind:

• Memory lapses are common and increase with age; when do they signal Alzheimer's? Some call these "senior moments" or "tip-of-the-tongue" experiences. They're mundane for many elderly (and not-so-elderly) adults, but when do they become something more serious? Washington Post, Feb 9.

Personal Finance:

• Are Annuities Being Overhyped as a Retirement Cure-All? Last month the White House recommended immediate annuities as a way to reduce “the risks that retirees will outlive their savings.” Here's why taking that advice might not be a great move right now. WSJ, Feb 13.
• Investors Should Act Their Age: New research suggests simplicity takes on added urgency as we move into our 70s, when stock-picking acumen begins to slip. WSJ, Feb 13.
• Lengthening life spans affect savings plans: Maybe you don't want to hit the century mark, but more of us will, which means that we have to start today to ensure that we have enough money to sustain us in that long retirement. The Dallas Morning News, Feb 8.
• Don't be a financial burden on your kids: Every generation has its challenges. As boomers, one of our biggest is caring for our long-lived parents, providing both physical and sometimes monetary assistance, even as we're putting our children through college and grad school. Money, Feb 8.

Retirement:

• Time to speak up for – or against – annuities: Uncle Sam wants you. Or at least he wants your opinion about your retirement plan. MarketWatch, Feb 11.

Investing:

• A Retirement Strategy for Nervous Investors: How to create a situation where retirees don't have to worry about what stocks will do this year or a few years down the road. The Street, Feb 4.

Social Security:

• Will Baby Boomers Bankrupt Social Security? As the record federal budget deficit draws increasing scrutiny from Washington to Wall Street to Main Street, deficit hawks may take aim at entitlement programs including Social Security. CNBC, Feb 8.
• Rash of retirements push Social Security to brink: Social Security's annual surplus nearly evaporated in 2009 for the first time in 25 years as the recession led hundreds of thousands of workers to retire or claim disability. USA Today, Feb 8.

Xtra!

• Where to Find Free Money: State treasuries are holding nearly $33 billion in unclaimed assets. Some of it could be yours. Kiplinger's, March 2010.

Health:

• Blood pressure - What you can do for yourself: There are two kinds of people in the United States – ones who have high blood pressure now and ones who have a very good chance of getting it someday. Los Angeles Times, Feb 8.
• As Swine Flu Fades, Experts Ponder Next Season: Some believe H1N1 will persist for years to come, but in what form remains unclear. HealthDay, Feb. 5.
• Major Chronic Disease for Senior Citizens, Osteoarthritis, Under Attack by New Initiative: CDC, Arthritis Foundation, Ad Council launch ‘Moving is the Best Medicine’. Senior Journal, Feb. 4.
• Seniors aren't getting vital vaccinations, study finds: The reasons cited for the low vaccination rates were lack of access to the vaccines, limited insurance coverage, misinformation on the Internet about the supposed dangers of vaccines, and inadequate research and development on new vaccines. McClatchy Newspapers, Feb 4.
• Heart deaths, suicides linked to prostate cancer diagnosis: The first few months after a prostate cancer diagnosis may be an especially perilous time for men, but not because of the cancer, new research suggests. Health.com, Feb 2.
• The Miracle of Vitamin D: Sound Science, or Hype? Imagine a treatment that could build bones, strengthen the immune system and lower the risks of illnesses like diabetes, heart and kidney disease, high blood pressure, and cancer. The New York Times, Feb 1.
• Older Adults Need Less Sleep: How much sleep we need is largely a mystery, and sleep seems tougher to come by as we age. Live Science, Feb 1.

Medicine:

• Tattletale pills, bottles remind you to take your meds: If you have problems remembering to take your meds -- or whether you've taken them already -- some high-tech products on the horizon may be able to help you. CNN, Feb 2.
• Stroke Victims Recover Thinking, Learning, Memory by Taking Antidepressant Lexapro: Changes in neuropsychological performance resulted in an improvement in related activities of daily living. Senior Journal, Feb. 1.
• Avastin and Lucentis Equally Effective Treating ‘Wet’ Aged-Related Macular Degeneration: Leading cause of blindness in senior citizens, AMD becoming leading concern. Senior Journal, Feb. 1.

Mind:

• Healthy life and brain help delay dementia: Alzheimer's disease is an incurable illness that gradually destroys brain cells. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia among the elderly. The Memphis Commercial Appeal, Feb 1.

Personal Finance:

• Tips to Avoid Financial Strain With Aging Parents: Staying on track to a comfortable retirement isn't only about taking care of your finances and your health. It might involve taking care of your parents, too. Associated Press, Feb 4.
• Three estate-planning changes coming your way: The Obama administration's proposed budget calls for lots of changes that could affect your estate plans, and ignorance isn't bliss -- it's foolhardy. MarketWatch. Feb 3.
• Uncle Sam wants you to save: Obama proposes ways to help people put aside more for retirement. Indianapolis Star, Feb 1.
• Who Needs to File a Tax Return? Not everyone has to file a return, but some low-income workers, retirees and students should file to collect a refund. Kiplinger’s, Feb 2.
• Tax Tips for Seniors: Whether you're a retiree or somebody helping older family or friends with their taxes, we tell you all the breaks to claim. Kiplinger’s, Feb 1.

Retirement:

• Fifteen Ways to Slash Spending in Retirement: Retirees must adjust to new economic realities. Here, based on suggestions from financial advisers, are strategies to cut costs. Business Week, Feb 4.

Investing:

• The Grandpa Factor - Why Older Investors Risk More: Behavioral economics sheds light on financial decisions and aging. SmartMoney, Feb 5.

Caregiving:

• Resources to Help Manage Care for Aging Parents: The financial strain of caring for older relatives can be devastating without proper planning. Here are some online resources for those who want to put the proper safeguards in place and for caregivers who may be looking for assistance. Associated Press, Feb 4.

Health:

• Grandpa's Broken Hip Appears to Indicate Weaker Bones for His Grandsons: Osteoporosis common in older women; as many as half of all women and a quarter of men older than 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Senior Journal, Jan. 29.
• New Scan May Help Find Aggressive Prostate Tumors: Process is among several that use a variation of MRI technology. HealthDay, Jan. 27.
• Study finds drop in age-related hearing problems: Sweet news for baby boomers: Despite all those warnings that loud rock music would damage their ears, their generation appears to have better hearing than their parents did. Associated Press, Jan 26.
• After Smoking and Fats, Focus Turns to Salt: If he can take credit for nothing else, Michael R. Bloomberg, can rightfully claim to have launched a national effort to help people live more healthfully. The New York Times, Jan 25.
• More Proof Exercise Leads to Healthier Aging: Good for the mind and body, series of studies finds. HealthDay, Jan. 25.
• For Lower Blood Pressure, Low-Carb Diet May Be Best: But for weight loss alone, other plans also work well, studies find. HealthDay, Jan. 25.

Medicine:

• Victoza (liraglutide) Gets FDA Approval as New Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes: Seniors aged 60 with type 2 diabetes are about one-third of all adults with this chronic disease. Senior Journal, Jan 27.

Mind:

• Another blood pressure concern link to dementia: If the cardiologist's warnings don't scare you, consider this: Controlling blood pressure just might be the best protection yet known against dementia. Associated Press, Jan 27.
• Older Brains of Senior Citizens Make Good Use of ‘Useless’ Information in Decision-Making: Older adults show 30% advantage over younger adults; may be the wiser decision-makers because they pick up so much more information. Senior Journal, Jan. 26.
• High blood pressure linked to dementia: Hypertension fuels a scarring that can cause Alzheimer's, research shows. Associated Press, Jan 25.

Medicare:

• Copay increase yields fewer visits to doctors, more to hospitals: Higher Medicare copays, sometimes just a few dollars more, led to fewer doctors visits and to more and longer hospital stays, a large new study reveals. Associated Press, Jan 29.

Retirement:

• Obama's New Rules of Retirement: Saving for retirement could soon get easier, but perhaps also riskier, for many low- to middle-class workers. Smart Money, Jan 28.
• Looking for a fix for retirement security: Obama's proposals don't go far enough, some retirement experts say. MarketWatch, Jan 27.
• Why Baby Boomers Should Rethink Retirement: The word retirement in a decade will be a quaint, charming term that people used to use. U.S. News and World Report, Jan 25.
• Know the best time of year to retire: You may have spent a lot of time thinking about what age to retire, but have you thought about the date? Chicago Tribune, Jan 25.
• More gold for your golden years: Three smart, simple steps to a more financially secure retirement. MarketWatch, Jan 25.

Social Security:

• Social Insecurity: Social Security isn't about to go bankrupt. But some little-known strategies may boost your benefits. Smart Money, Jan 27.

Housing:

• Poor ratings persist for 1 in 5 U.S. nursing homes: One in five of the nation's 15,700 nursing homes have consistently received poor ratings for overall quality, a USA TODAY analysis of new government data finds. USA Today, Jan 28.
• Assisted Living for Aging Parents: Advice on How to Tackle Difficult Conversations About Elder Care Options. ABC News, Jan 28.
• The new retirement home: Luxury living on the golf course? Think again. The economy is forcing changes in where and how retirement homes are constructed. MarketWatch, Jan 25.

Insurance:

• 5 things about life settlements: In some retirement hot spots, such as South Florida, advertising for "life settlements" is ubiquitous. The pitch? Sell us your permanent (cash-value) life insurance policy and you can have a chunk of the death benefit now. Money, Jan 26.
• Democrats Put Stop on Health Overhaul: With no clear path on major health legislation, Democratic leaders in Congress effectively slammed the brakes on the president’s top domestic priority. The New York Times, Jan 26.

End of Life:

• Doctors delay communicating end-of-life care issues with terminally ill patients: Delays may mean patients might not be able to make informed choices early in their treatment. Los Angeles Times, Jan 25.

Xtra!

• Aiding Elderly Drivers: When Is It Time for Aging Parents to Hang Up the Car Keys? ABC News, Jan 27.
• Still sexy at 70! Many seniors report active sex lives, study finds: You're never too old for a little - or a lot - of intimacy, a recent survey of people aged 57-85 found. New York Daily News, Jan 27.

Health:

• Getting older and better: Here's the latest news to help reduce age-related ailments during your golden years. USA Weekend, Jan 24.
• The Risk of Osteoporosis in Men: According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, about 6% of all men over the age of 50 will experience a hip fracture and about 5% will fracture one of the bones of the spine as a result of osteoporosis. Parade, Jan 24.
• American Heart Association lists 7 keys to heart health: Here are the seven secrets to a long life: Stay away from cigarettes. Keep a slender physique. Get some exercise. Eat a healthy diet and keep your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar in check. Associated Press, Jan 22.
• Big Benefits Are Seen From Eating Less Salt: Scientists writing in The New England Journal of Medicine conclude that lowering the amount of salt people eat by even a small amount could reduce cases of heart disease, stroke and heart attacks. The New York Times, Jan 20.
• Shedding Light on Why Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Help the Heart: The greater the consumption, the less shrinkage of chromosome component, research shows. HealthDay, Jan 19.
• Ankles Gain as Candidates for Joint Replacement: As baby boomers enter their 60s and 70s, demand for surgery to replace ankles with artificial joints is expected to grow. The New York Times, Jan 18.
• Erectile Dysfunction Predicts Heart Disease: Experts urge more doctors to ask simple question of male patients. HealthDay, Jan. 18.

Medicine:

• Catching Deadly Drug Mistakes: Medication errors cause at least one death every day and injure approximately 1.3 million people annually in the United States, according to the Food and Drug Administration. WSJ, Jan 19.

Mind:

• Video Gaming Just Might Fight Aging: Experts find physical and mental benefits as people grow old. HealthDay, Jan. 22.
• Drowsiness, Staring, Other Mental Lapses by Senior Citizens May Signal Alzheimer's Disease: Seniors with mental lapses were 4.6 times more likely to have dementia than those without mental lapses. Senior Journal, Jan. 18.

Medicare:

• Medicare Costs More–for Some: Some Medicare beneficiaries are finding their 2010 premiums–which they thought would be frozen at 2009 levels—are actually jumping 15%. WSJ, Jan 19.

Personal Finance:

• Rethink that Roth: 12 traps to avoid when converting to a Roth IRA. MarketWatch, Jan 22.
• 4 smart fixes for your 401(k): With stocks up more than 60% since hitting bottom last March, the red ink is finally fading on the typical 401(k) account. Money, Jan 18.

Retirement:

• 10 Tips for Picking the Right Retirement Spot: Most people retire in the same town where they spent their final working years. But some seek out a new locale with ski slopes or perhaps ocean views. Here are some tips for finding a place that fits your budget and interests. U.S. News and World Report, Jan 22.
• You'll need more than you think: Here's a retirement-saving formula that's right for today. MarketWatch, Jan 19.
• A healthy retirement: Medical expenses in retirement are steep -- are you prepared? MarketWatch, Jan 19.
• Changes to your retirement plan are coming: In wake of stock-market downturn, lawmakers eager to tweak 401(k) rules. MarketWatch, Jan 19.

Caregiving:

• Who Takes Care of Mom? We hear a lot about the costs of taking care of our graying population. But the big story roiling beneath the surface is the psychological crisis among middle-aged siblings who are fuming or fighting over issues involving their aging parents. Time, Jan 22.
• Offering Care for the Caregiver: For all the assertions about the importance of caring in medicine, doctors as a profession have been slow to recognize family members who care for patients at home. The New York Times, Jan 21.
• Tax help in caring for an aging parent: Millions of adult children find themselves looking after aging parents. Tax laws offer some help, as long as you and your folks meet the criteria. Bankrate.com, Jan 19.

End of Life:

• Hospice care helps patients and loved ones: More patients use the service for end-of-life care. But what is it? Los Angeles Times, Jan 22.
• Choices at the end of life: It's a time that can be emotionally and financially draining. Those who've studied the matter say that informed choice can make a difference. Los Angeles Times, Jan 22.

Xtra!

• Why public support for health care failed: Health care proposals lack easy-to-sell benefits, experts say. MSNBC, Jan 20.

Health:

• How to stay healthy during old age… Keep moving: Physical activity is the No. 1 preventive-care tip for seniors. Los Angeles Times, Jan 18.
• Vigor Quest: A growing number of well-off men are injecting a hormone to forestall aging. Does it work — or is it enough that they simply think it does? The Times Magazine, Jan 15.
• Fractures that Plague Senior Citizens Can be Reduced by Taking Calcium with Vitamin D: Large study supports growing consensus that combined calcium and vitamin D is more effective than vitamin D alone in reducing fractures. Senior Journal, Jan 14.
• Healthy Aging, With Nary a Supplement: Each year millions of people fall prey to false promises that this, that or the other formula or fortified food can protect their hearts, prevent cancer, improve memory, strengthen their bones, uncreak their joints, build their muscles, even enable them to burn extra calories without moving. The New York Times, Jan 11.
• Pedometers can motivate users to get in step: The step-tracking gadgets are easy to use and relatively inexpensive. Plus, evidence indicates that they truly inspire people. Los Angeles Times, Jan 11.

Medicine:

• Tylenol recall expanded to Motrin, Benadryl, more: Johnson & Johnson issued a massive recall Friday of over-the-counter drugs including Tylenol, Motrin and St. Joseph's aspirin because of a moldy smell that has made people sick. Associated Press, Jan 15.
• More Evidence That Statins Cut Stroke Risk: Benefit linked to cholesterol-lowering effect, study suggests. HealthDay, Jan. 14.
• New Anti-Clotting Drug Outperforms Plavix: Trial shows Brilinta boosts patient outcomes with no added bleeding risk. HealthDay, Jan. 13.
• Some Blood Pressure Drugs May Stave Off Dementia: Medications' role against angiotensin appears to be key, study finds. HealthDay, Jan. 12.
• Deals to Restrain Generic Drugs Face a Ban in Health Care Bill: A group of House lawmakers plans to ask Congress to block deals in which they say makers of name-brand drugs directly or indirectly pay generic makers to delay competition from cheaper generic alternatives. The New York Times, Jan 12.
• FDA Approves New Drug for Moderate to Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis: Actemra’s recommended use is limited to patients who have failed other approved therapies because of serious safety concerns. Senior Journal, Jan 12.

Mind:

• Alzheimer's Disease, Where America Stands: One in eight Americans over age 65 will eventually develop Alzheimer's disease. CBS News, Jan 12.
• Loss of Smell Could Be Early Sign of Alzheimer's: In mice, even small amount of amyloid plaques affected olfactory sense. HealthDay, Jan. 12.
• Senior Citizen Exercise Appears to Prevent, Improve Mild Cognitive Impairment: Moderate exercise in late life for men and woman was associated with a 32% reduction in the odds of developing cognitive impairment. Senior Journal, Jan. 11.
• Less Educated at Greater Risk of Dementia But Study Finds Ways to Compensate: Researchers say evidence suggests mental exercises help some more than others. Senior Journal, Jan. 11.
• Before You Quit Antidepressants… Last week, The Journal of the American Medical Association published a study questioning the effectiveness of antidepressant drugs. The drugs are useful in cases of severe depression, it said. But for most patients, those with mild to moderate cases, the most commonly used antidepressants are generally no better than a placebo. The New York Times, Jan 11.

Medicare:

• Chubby Checker Making Senior Citizens Aware It’s Easier to Get Help Paying for Medicare Drugs: The old twister joins Social Security in announcing new “twist” in law making it easier to qualify for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs. Senior Journal, Jan. 11.
• Battling the Medicare fraud 'epidemic': Officials said Medicare pilferage is so widespread, with so much of it never detected, that no one can accurately say how much it costs American taxpayers. But a figure widely used by law enforcement officials suggests a staggering $60 billion a year is stolen from the national entitlement program. NBC News, Jan 11.

Scams:

• Watch out for Haitian Earthquake Relief Fraud: Follow these tips to ensure that your donations go to a legitimate charity. Kiplinger’s, Jan 14.

Grandparenting:

• College savings options for grandparents: A grandparent's college savings generosity knows no bounds, even in hard economic times. Bankrate.com, Jan 14.

Housing:

• Best Nursing Homes - Behind the Rankings: On a given day, 1.5 million people are living in the nation's 16,000-plus nursing homes, and in a typical year more than 3.2 million Americans will spend at least some time in one. That's a lot of families who need to find good care, which is why U.S. News ranks and displays data about nearly every one and updates the information every quarter. U.S. News and World Report, Jan 11.

End of Life:

• Facing End-of-Life Talks, Doctors Choose to Wait: It’s a conversation that most people dread, doctors and patients alike. The cancer is terminal, time is short, and tough decisions loom – about accepting treatment or rejecting it, and choosing where and how to die. The New York Times, Jan 11.

Xtra!

• When to ask your parents for the keys: It can be a tough thing to tell a parent. First, do some research. Second, choose your words carefully. Los Angeles Times, Jan 16.
• Building a meaningful legacy: The size of a nest egg is no measure of a man. MarketWatch, Jan 15.
• Latest Statistics on Fires are Devastating for Older Americans: Seniors Most Likely to Die: Fire safety tips for senior citizens offered by ADT; US Fire Administrations releases data. Senior Journal, Jan. 13.
• Senior Citizens May Be Significantly Shortening Lives by Too Much Time Watching TV: New study focused on television watching but suggests any prolonged sedentary behavior, such as sitting at a desk or in front of a computer, may pose a health risk, too. Senior Journal, Jan. 11.

Health:

• Can New Tests Predict Heart Disease? There’s hope that several new blood tests, called cardiac biomarkers, which take readings of various substances that travel in the bloodstream, may quite accurately predict an individual's risk of heart disease. Parade, Jan 10.
• Why Seniors Really Should Fear Swine Flu: The CDC's vaccination advice for the over-65 set has been misleading. Newsweek, Jan 8.
• Falls can cause serious problems as people age, but doctors have a variety of ways to prevent them: Everyone over the age of 65 is at risk of falls and should take steps to prevent them. New York Daily News, Jan 6.
• Survey Finds Americans Resolved to Improve Health, Senior Citizens Most Likely to Do It: American Heart Association introduces free social media application to help keep exercise, diet commitment. Senior Journal, Jan. 5.
• The Latest Front In the War On Arthritis: Scientists looking for ways to repair damaged cartilage—a leading cause of osteoarthritis—are employing horses to test a new method of tissue regeneration that uses concentrated stem cells. WSJ, Jan 5.
• Americans slow spending on health care: A decades-long boom in spending on doctors, hospitals and drugs slowed in 2008 to its lowest level, even as health care costs accounted for a greater share of the nation's economy, the federal government said in a report released Tuesday. USA Today, Jan 5.

Medicine:

• Genentech says FDA approves Actemra arthritis drug: Biotechnology company Genentech Inc. says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved its new drug to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Associated Press, Jan 9.
• Diabetes Meds May Be Falling Through 'Doughnut Hole': Medicare payment gap prompts some to forego medication, study finds. HealthDay, Jan. 7.
• Study finds medication of little help to patients with mild, moderate depression: Only people with severe depression benefit from antidepressants, says research published in the Journal of the American Medical Assn. Others do better with nonmedical approaches. The Los Angeles Times, Jan 6.

Mind:

• Workouts For Your Brain: Cognitive fitness is a hot concept but can fancy software stave off Dementia? TIME Magazine, Jan 18.
• Nutritional drink, imaging show promise for Alzheimer's: Doctors are already good at diagnosing Alzheimer's disease in a patient with obvious symptoms, which include memory loss, vision problems and confusion. But the cutting-edge research is looking for the brain mechanisms of the condition at its earliest stages, maximizing the potential for intervention. CNN, Jan 8.
• Could Your Cell Phone Help Shield You From Alzheimer's? In mouse study, exposure to electromagnetic field prevented and even reversed brain impairment. HealthDay, Jan. 6.

Medicare:

• Drug Benefit Expanded to 1 Million More Seniors: A 'twist' in law expands prescription drug benefit to 1 million more seniors. Associated Press, Jan 8.
• Many Medicare Enrollment Options Still Open: Although the annual enrollment period for 2010 Medicare elections ended last week, there is a secondary open enrollment window when many choices still can be made. U.S. News and World Report, Jan 6.
• Medicare To Help With Screening For HIV In Older Americans: Once a disease of the young, HIV has made its way into the lives of older Americans. People with the virus are living longer, while some are contracting it later in life. The Hartford Courant, Jan 4.

Personal Finance:

• Tools you don't want to use: Financial-planning software doesn't adequately address retirement risks. MarketWatch, Jan 8.

Retirement:

• 5 Steps to Retire When You Want: Take some tips from these survivors of the meltdown who got their retirement plans back on track. Kiplinger’s, Feb 2010.
• Retirement iPlan: Tips and tools to create your personal retirement plan. Kiplinger’s, Feb 2010.
• The Five Big Questions About Retirement: TIME Magazine, Jan 4.

Investing:

• Where to Invest in 2010: The long-term economic outlook remains gloomy, but stocks should still advance in the coming year. Kiplinger’s, Jan 2010.

Housing:

• Assisted Living More Accessible to Well-Off: Facilities concentrated in areas with greater wealth, study finds. HealthDay, Jan 7.

Insurance:

• How Will Health Care Reform Affect You? Let Us Count The Ways. Newsweek, Jan 4.

Volunteering:

• Volunteer Work May Help the Elderly Avoid Becoming Frail, Other Signs of Aging: Productive activities - specifically volunteering, paid work and child care - prevent the onset of frailty in seniors. Senior Journal, Jan. 8.

Xtra!

• Baby Boomers Still Doing Drugs as Seniors: Need for substance abuse treatment could double by 2020, report shows. HealthDay, Jan 8.
• Is Your ID Safe? A new website lets you discover whether you’re a likely target. Kiplinger's, Feb 2010.

Health:

• What you need to know about multivitamins: In this day and age of food-on-the-go, supplements can add much-needed nutrients to your diet. But a walk down the vitamin aisle at any store could very well make your head spin. Real Simple, Jan 1.
• Heart Attacks More Common in Winter: Exercise caution when shoveling, working out to avoid cardiac emergency. HealthDay, Dec 30.
• Good News in the Daily Grind: Your Coffee May Have Some Health Perks, but Can Brew Trouble in People With Certain Conditions. WSJ, Dec 29.
• New Guidelines Urge A1C Test for Diabetes Diagnosis: Simple blood test may catch type 2 diabetes, prediabetes sooner, with no fasting. HealthDay, Dec. 29.
• Diabetics Less Prone Now to End-Stage Kidney Disease: Reversing decades-long trend, the rate has dropped nearly 4 percent a year since 1996, study finds. HealthDay, Dec. 29.
• As Bones Age, Who’s at Risk for Fracture? The World Health Organization has devised a risk calculator for fractures that, if used properly, could help doctors and patients decide whether to use drug therapy. The New York Times, Dec 28.
• Elderly Report Rising Rates of Disability After 20-Year Decline: More older Americans struggling with chronic conditions, study finds. HealthDay, Dec. 28.

Medicine:

• Tylenol Arthritis Caplet voluntary recall expanded: Johnson & Johnson is expanding a voluntary recall of Tylenol Arthritis Caplets because of consumer reports of a moldy smell that can cause nausea and sickness. Associated Press, Dec 29.
• Ginkgo biloba has no effect on Alzheimer's, dementia: The popular botanical ginkgo biloba does not improve memory nor does it prevent cognitive decline in older people, according to the largest and longest scientific study ever undertaken to look at the supplement. USA Today, Dec 29.

Medicare:

• 5 things to know about Medicare Advantage plans: This time of year you and/or your parents have some critical decisions to make regarding Medicare (enrollment for 2010 runs through Dec. 31). Among them: Should you go with one of the Medicare Advantage (MA) plans offered by private insurers as an alternative to traditional Medicare? Money, Dec 30.
• Retirees Snared by Medicare: As People Work Longer, They Risk Penalties for Missing Deadlines. WSJ, Dec 30.
• Expanding Health Coverage and Shoring Up Medicare: Is It Double-Counting? The issue involves not only technical accounting matters, but also a huge political issue: the impact of health care overhaul on Medicare and its beneficiaries. The New York Times, Dec 28.
• Cardiologists sue Sebelius over Medicare fee cuts: Heart specialists on Monday filed suit against Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius in an effort to stave off steep Medicare fee cuts for routine office-based procedures such as nuclear stress tests and echocardiograms. USA Today, Dec 28.
• The not-so-sweet side of closing 'doughnut hole': Six years after Congress added a prescription drug benefit to Medicare, Democrats in the House and Senate are poised to make a central change that they and most older Americans have wanted all along. Washington Post, Dec 28.
• Seniors worry about Medicare Advantage cuts: Insurers constantly caution seniors that their Medicare Advantage perks such as hearing aids, dental payments and even gym memberships will fizzle if Democrats get their way and cut government subsidies for them. Associated Press, Dec 27.

Personal Finance:

• Roth it right: Six mistakes to avoid when converting to a Roth IRA. MarketWatch, Dec 31.
• Estate tax set to expire Thursday: The tax is poised to expire Thursday, though the House and Senate are expected to pass a reauthorization, possibly retroactive to Jan. 1, next year. USA Today, Dec 28.

Housing:

• Things to Know About Senior Housing in 2010: The nation's growing population of older adults will get some much-needed help for their housing needs in 2010. Associated Press, Dec 31.

Insurance:

• Workers' long-term insurance tucked into bills: Employees would be automatically enrolled unless they opted out. Associated Press, Dec 28.
• Americans would feel varying effects from health bill: The 10-year, $871 billion health care bill approved by the Senate last week would change the way millions of Americans access health insurance — for some more than others. USA Today, Dec 28.

Caregiving:

• At-home technology monitors seniors for safety, preserves privacy: New devices can monitor how well seniors are managing the chores of daily living, aid with some tasks and help avoid any move to a nursing home or assisted-living facility. Associated Press, Jan 1.
• Free Legal Guide for the Seriously Ill Written by American Bar’s Commission on Law and Aging: Guide for caretakers and those who are ill was commissioned by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. Senior Journal, Dec. 29.

Technology:

• Seniors, tech becoming savvier: Many older people learning how to use electronics, which are likewise evolving to meet their needs. Tribune Newspapers, Jan 2.

Volunteering:

• Volunteering May Keep Elderly Stronger: Finding debunks myth that condition is unavoidable, expert says. HealthDay, Dec. 31.

Xtra!

• Help Wanted: Geriatric Docs: Elderly patients are demanding an increasing amount of health care. So why isn't the system keeping up? Smart Money, Dec 30.
• Caution Can Help Keep Elderly Safe During Winter: Hazards exist both indoors and outdoors, experts say. HealthDay, Dec. 29.

Health:

• Prevention efforts can be costly: Stopping disease before it starts may be a noble goal, but don't count on such a strategy to save money. Los Angeles Times, Dec 28.
• 5 tips for getting what you need from your doctor: Come to the doctor's office prepared with your top three concerns and questions, medical experts advise. CNN, Dec 24.
• Are celebrities crossing the line on medical advice? Celebrities, who can command huge audiences, have a special responsibility to get their facts right. USA Today, Dec 22.
• Don't believe medical advice from Internet, celebs when: Consumers are inundated with health advice from a host of sources: movie stars, TV docs and even the Internet. USA Today, Dec 22.
• With cardiac rehab, more is better: Cardiac rehabilitation sessions for elderly people with heart disease can lower their risk of heart attack and help them live longer, new research finds, but fewer than one in five eligible patients bothers to go. HealthDay, Dec 21.
• Myrrh May Lower High Cholesterol: 'Bad' levels down in rats when resin was part of diet, study finds. HealthDay, Dec 21.
• The Virtual Visit May Expand Access to Doctors: NowClinic, a service that connects patients and doctors using video chat, will expand across the country next year, but it is meeting some resistance. The New York Times, Dec 20.

Mind:

• Depressed People Can't Hold Onto Happiness: Novel study found they could feel good, just couldn't sustain positive feelings. HealthDay, Dec 21.

Medicare:

• Deadline for Medicare Changes Fast Approaching: If you're visiting elder family members for the holidays, ask if they've made their decisions about Medicare coverage for next year. The New York Times, Dec 24.

Personal Finance:

• Thinking Hard About Retirement and Death: With 2010 a few days away, there are several tax matters that wealthy investors need to consider next year. The two at the top of the list are whether they should convert their taxable retirement account to a tax-free Roth individual retirement account and how to deal with the uncertainty over the estate tax. The New York Times, Dec 25.

Housing:

• Nursing crisis looms as baby boomers age: America could be facing a nursing shortage that will worsen exponentially as the population grows older. CNNMoney.com, Dec 22.

Insurance:

• Senate Passes Health Care Overhaul Bill: The vote clears the way for negotiations with the House, which passed a broadly similar bill last month, bringing Democrats a step closer to a goal they have pursued for decades. The New York Times, Dec 24.
• New law expands COBRA coverage: Thousands of unemployed workers won't have to worry about starting the new year without health insurance. USA Today, Dec 22.

End of Life:

• Hard Choice for a Comfortable Death: Inducing sleep with drugs near the end of life is a widely- used treatment even as it vexes families and doctors. The New York Times, Dec 26.
• Weighing Medical Costs of End-of-Life Care: Ronald Reagan U.C.L.A. Medical Center is confronting a hard truth. It’s difficult to know which critically ill patients will benefit from its high-intensity approach. The New York Times, Dec 22.

Health:

• How to Manage Your Diabetes: Diabetes affects every part of your body—vision, circulation, nerves, heart, kidneys, and brain. That’s why it’s vital to keep the condition under control. Parade, Dec 20.
• Holding Doctors Accountable for Medical Errors: To improve patient safety, physicians must begin acknowledging their roles in medical mistakes, a medicine professor said. The New York Times, Dec 17.
• Life Expectancy in U.S. Hits New High: Deaths also at all-time low, government report shows. HealthDay, Dec. 16.
• New Stroke Tool May Predict Early Recurrence: Averting second, possibly deadly, attack is long-term goal, researchers say. HealthDay, Dec. 16.
• We Will Be What We Eat: Dietary Changes to Make as You Age: How your diet might protect against 7 common diseases and conditions of aging. U.S. News and World Report, Dec 14.
• Normal Cholesterol Doesn't Guarantee Healthy Heart: Screening for inflammatory marker may spot people in need of statins, researchers say. HealthDay, Dec 14.
• Regular Coffee, Decaf and Tea All Associated With Reduced Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Info more than doubled since coffee first linked to reducing diabetes risk; unlikely just related to caffeine. Senior Journal, Dec. 14.

Medicine:

• Not All Drugs Are the Same After All: There is a gnawing concern among some doctors and researchers that certain prescription generic drugs may not work as well as their brand-name counterparts. The New York Times, Dec 18.
• FDA Approves Generic Aricept to Treat Dementia Related to Alzheimer’s Disease: 7 in 10 prescriptions in U.S. are for generic drugs;. FDA requires generic drugs to have same quality and performance as the brand name drugs. Senior Journal, Dec. 16.
• A prescription for snooping: When your doctor writes you a prescription, that's just between you, your doctor and maybe your health insurance company -- right? Los Angeles Times, Dec 14.

Mind:

• Is It Just the 'Holiday Blues' – Or Are You Depressed? Can't manage to wrap the gifts or mail the cards on time? Dragging your heels yet again to get up and out of bed? If your approach to the 2009 holiday season, or your approach to life these past few months, can best be described as bah-humbug!, it may be time for some serious self-assessment. Parade, Dec 17.

Medicare:

• Medicare Patients Find Fight for Life Against Cancer Unaffordable Due to Drugs Required: Extensive study finds cancer patients can fall in drug program’s ‘donut hole’ almost immediately. Senior Journal, Dec 18.
• Democrats vow to close Medicare 'doughnut hole': Medicare's coverage gap for prescription drugs — $3,610 next year — has steadily gotten bigger since the benefit's inception. But if Democrats have their way on health care overhaul, the dreaded "doughnut hole" will shrink by $500 right away and go away altogether by 2019. Associated Press, Dec 17.
• Democrats Drop Plan To Expand Medicare: Senate Democrats dropped a plan to expand Medicare, winning the support of moderates and the assent of liberals, in another step toward passing health legislation. WSJ, Dec 15.
• Medicare Expands List of Covered Preventive Services to Include HIV Screening Tests: Of over one million estimated to have HIV infection, the CDC estimates about a quarter do not realize they are infected. Senior Journal, Dec. 14.

Social Security:

• Job losses send disability claims soaring: According to the Social Security Administration, which runs the two main federal disability programs, new claims for disability benefits rose nearly 17 percent nationwide in fiscal year 2009, to 3 million. MSNBC, Dec 17.

Insurance:

• Dems get Nelson's vote - GOP excoriates measure: Senate Democrats close ranks in support of bill, overcoming months of internal division and clearing a path for quick Senate passage. Washington Post, Dec 20.
• Long-Term Care Is Latest Issue in Health Care Debate: A new insurance program would help people with severe disabilities, though the benefits could also be used to help pay for nursing homes or assisted living. The New York Times, Dec 13.

Technology:

• Technology becomes friendlier to older generations: A growing array of products and services are made with seniors' needs and preferences in mind. Los Angeles Times, Dec 20.

Volunteering:

• Senior Citizens Improve Brain Functions by Participating in Volunteer Social Service: First study to demonstrate that social service programs can have the added benefits of improving the cognitive abilities of older adults volunteers. Senior Journal, Dec. 15.

Travel:

• Riding the Rails: These short, entry-level trips can introduce you to the pleasures of traveling by train. WSJ, Dec 19.

End of Life:

• Spiritual Needs Rank High as Death From Cancer Nears: Being 'at peace with God' affects medical choices, study finds. HealthDay, Dec. 18.

Xtra!

• The best gifts for retirees: Not sure what to give your favorite retired person? Here are some ideas. MarketWatch, Dec 17.
• Elder abuse is a crime: The Senate Special Committee on Aging estimates that as many as five million Americans may be victims of elder abuse every year. The Tampa Tribune, Dec 17.

Health:

• Menopause Often Means Worsening Cholesterol: Studies also report on statin dosages and lifestyle factors that affect the heart. HealthDay, Dec 11.
• The Imprecision Behind Mammogram Guidance: Recent Research on Breast-Cancer Screening Incorporates Wide Margins of Error; Scientists Defend 'Qualitative Assessment'. WSJ, Dec 9.
• Favorite Drink of Senior Citizens Coffee Appears to Fight Advanced Prostate Cancer: More good news for senior men is FDA consideration of prostate cancer vaccine, Provenge. Senior Journal, Dec. 8.
• Selenium, Omega-3s May Stave Off Colorectal Cancer: Studies find benefits, but others question validity of the link. HealthDay, Dec 8.
• Shedding Light on a Tremor Disorder: The mysteries of uncontrollable shaking, without an underlying cause, are being explored by doctors. The New York Times, Dec 7.
• Cancer status report – new cases, death rates decline: The rates of new cancer cases and deaths continue to fall modestly each year, evidence that the nation has made progress in reducing tobacco use, preventing cancer, finding cancer early and treating it more effectively. USA Today, Dec 7.

Medicine:

• Senior Citizen Hot Button Issue - Drug Importation - Takes Center Stage in Senate: Senate bill sponsored by North Dakota Democrat Byron Dorgan and Maine Republican Olympia Snowe, draws fire from drugmakers. Senior Journal, Dec. 10.
• Bone Drugs May Lower Breast Cancer Risk: Two new studies suggest that bisphosphonate drugs taken to prevent bone loss may help fight breast cancer. The New York Times, Dec 10.
• New Blood Thinner Could Replace Warfarin to Fight Venous Clots: Dabigatran equals older anti-clotting drug, with fewer hassles, study finds. HealthDay, Dec. 7.

Medicare:

• Expanded Medicare won't provide seamless coverage: Think Medicare is a great deal? Better ask grandma first. Senate Democrats are talking about allowing aging baby boomers into the program, but it's far from free. Associated Press, Dec 12.
• The Pros and Cons of Expanding Medicare: Expanding Medicare is not a new idea; previous proponents include Bill Clinton, Howard Dean and even Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus, who once proposed doing it as a temporary measure while health reform is phased in. TIME, Dec 11.
• Many Questions Remain on Expanding Medicare to Buy-In for Younger Americans: Expanded Medicare program could help cover the 4.3 million uninsured Americans in the 55 to 64 age group. Senior Journal, Dec 10.
• Medicare's 'Care Transitions' aims to help seniors not re-enter hospital: One in five Medicare patients winds up back in the hospital within a month — even worse, one in four patients with heart failure. USA Today, Dec 9.
• Senate Turns to Medicare, Medicaid: Negotiators Monday were considering a proposal that would open Medicare to people ages 55 to 64 if they couldn't find coverage elsewhere. WSJ, Dec 8.

Personal Finance:

• Your nest egg's monthly nut: Proposal asks 401(k) plans to provide retirement-income projections. MarketWatch, Dec 10.
• Boomer dilemma - traditional or Roth IRA: If you're a baby boomer trying to save for retirement, the decision between investing in a traditional or Roth IRA isn't easy. Bankrate.com, Dec 7.

Scams:

• CDC Alerts Americans of Fake Email Asking Them to Enroll in H1N1 Vaccination Program: Scam drops code in your computer; claims to be registering for a non-existent state program. Senior Journal, Dec. 7.

Insurance:

• Senators Strike Health Deal: Senate Democrats reached tentative agreement to abandon the proposed government-run health insurance plan at the heart of the Senate's sweeping health overhaul legislation. WSJ, Dec 9.
• Should Long-Term-Care Insurance Be Part of Health Reform? TIME, Dec 8.

Caregiving:

• At a certain age: How to decide if your family needs a geriatric-care manager. MarketWatch, Dec 10.
• Caring for Elderly and Disabled is a Family Affair and an Unpaid Job: Caregivers: Two-thirds are women. The average age is about 48. Almost all—86%--care for a relative. Senior Journal, Dec 9.

Technology:

• Six Million More Seniors Using the Web than Five Years Ago: While people 65 and older still make up less than 10 percent of the active Internet universe, their numbers are on the rise. Nielsen, Dec 10.

Work:

• For Older Workers, a Reluctant Retirement: Even though the U.S. labor market is showing signs of improvement, with a slowing number of job losses and a drop in the unemployment rate to 10% in November, conditions for older workers continue to deteriorate. WSJ, Dec 8.

Xtra!

• For Elderly in Rural Areas, Times Are Distinctly Harder: The recession and cuts to programs for aging Americans have made growing old in isolated areas even tougher. The New York Times, Dec 10.

Health:

• Do Alternative Cancer Therapies Work? More than 70% of cancer patients use complementary and alternative (CAM) medical therapies, according to a study in the journal Cancer. Parade, Dec 6.
• Knowing What's Worth Paying for in Vitamins: A Vitamin Shoppe location in Manhattan. ConsumerLab.com found products sold by vitamin chains tended to be more reliable than drugstore brands. The New York Times, Dec 4.
• Senate Backs Preventive Health Care for Women: The vote on health benefits for women would override new recommendations that said routine mammograms should begin at age 50, rather than 40. The New York Times, Dec 3.
• May Be Time for Many Senior Citizens to Seek Locations to Get Flu Shot - Seasonal and H1N1: Too many senior citizens failing to get seasonal flu shot; 36,000, mostly seniors, die every years from flu. Senior Journal, Dec. 2.
• In Women, Aspirin Might Ward Off Eye Trouble: Still, taking it for macular degeneration is not advised, expert says. HealthDay, Dec 1.
• Osteoarthritis Annual Health Care Bill is $186 Billion, Will Cripple About Half the Elderly: Out-of-pocket OA expenses nearly 100 percent higher for women than men. Senior Journal, Nov. 30.
• With cancer screenings, 'more is not always better': Women across the USA have been shocked and angered by new advice to get fewer mammograms. Yet experts have been debating the risks of mammograms and other cancer screenings for more than a decade. USA Today, Nov 30.

Medicine:

• Pharmacists are a vital, if under-used, part of healthcare: One physician says their years of training make them 'walking encyclopedias' on drug effectiveness, side effects and interactions. Los Angeles Times, Nov 30.

Mind:

• Like happiness, loneliness is contagious: Loneliness, like happiness, can be contagious, says research out today that shows how feeling lonely can make others lonely, too. USA Today, Dec 1.

Medicare:

• Home Care Patients Worry Over Possible Cuts: Both the House and Senate health care legislation would reduce Medicare spending on home health services. The New York Times, Dec 4.
• Millions may be paying too much for drugs: Seniors have until the end of the year to switch Medicare drug plans to get a better deal. But many will pass up the chance to save hundreds of dollars a year in prescription costs. The Washington Post, Dec 1.

Personal Finance:

• Get Ready for 2010 – the Year of the Roth IRA: New tax rules are about to give more people access to a Roth individual retirement account, one of the most effective vehicles in which to accumulate money for retirement or heirs. WSJ, Dec 6.

Retirement:

• Retirement Planning Mishaps: Retirement planning, with all its moving parts -- finances, families, health care and legal issues -- presents lots of opportunities to get things wrong. WSJ, Dec 6.
• Five ways to rethink your retirement plan: One year after the start of the crash, your 401(k) or IRA is pretty much back to even, according to some studies at least. Now you can get on with the rest of your life, and with planning your future finances. Rather than thinking about how much money you lost, now's a good time to incorporate all the new retirement research and possibly some new products into your plan. MarketWatch, Dec 3.
• 7 Ways to Save Big Bucks in Retirement: Thanks to the stock and housing market crashes, more retirees report that they are scaling back their retirement plans, cutting their spending and hunkering down for fear they will outlive their retirement savings. Walletpop.com, Dec 2.

Insurance:

• Health Reform: What's in It for You? Here's how the House and Senate bills stack up. HealthDay, Nov 30.

End of Life:

• In Hospice, Care and Comfort as Life Wanes: Patients receiving hospice care tend to live longer and die more peacefully than those who get intensive care for their disease after the treatment no longer helps. The New York Times, Nov 30.

Xtra!

• Modern Car Features for the Aging Driver: Some models are a better fit for aging drivers. Here's what to consider when shopping for your next set of wheels. Kiplinger's, Dec 1.

Health:

• Seeking the Best Medical Care Prices: With out-of-pocket expenses rising, it pays to look for better deals. Web sites and insiders’ tactics can help. The New York Times, Nov 27.
• Diabetes Cases Expected to Double in 25 Years: Soaring rates to bring unprecedented medical, economic burdens, study predicts. HealthDay, Nov. 27.
• 10 surprising facts about cholesterol: Like most people, you probably think of cholesterol -- if you think of it at all -- and picture fatty foods and heart trouble. Health.com, Nov 24.
• Ginkgo Won't Prevent Heart Attack, Stroke in Elderly: But the herbal supplement may help ward off peripheral artery disease, researchers say. HealthDay, Nov. 24.
• Chronic Pain Trips Up Seniors: Discomfort contributes to the falls that plague older adults, study finds. HealthDay, Nov. 24.
• Women are insistent on mammograms, poll shows: A vast majority of American women plan to ignore controversial new recommendations about mammograms, a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll shows. The poll also shows that most women sharply overestimate their risk of developing the disease. USA Today, Nov 24.
• Smart Senior Citizens Guide to Flu Season from Geriatrics Center at U. of Michigan: Seasonal flu shot a priority, call doctor promptly if you have flu-like symptoms. Senior Journal, Nov. 23.

Medicine:

• Some Prescription Meds May Raise Seniors' Risks of Falling: Caution needed when taking sedatives, antidepressants, benzodiazepines, review finds. HealthDay, Nov. 24.
• Shifting Vaccine for Flu to Elderly: Federal health officials are trying to shift supplies of the seasonal flu vaccine away from chain pharmacies and supermarkets to nursing homes, hoping to counter a shortage that threatens to cause a wave of deaths this winter among the nation’s most vulnerable population. The New York Times, Nov 23.

Mind:

• A costly diagnosis: Alzheimer's disease takes toll on memories, and money too. MarketWatch, Nov 25.

Medicare:

• Oxygen Rules Pinching Patients: New Medicare rules designed to reduce waste and fraud in medical-equipment reimbursements are driving some home-oxygen suppliers out of business and leaving patients scrambling to find new providers. WSJ, Nov 24.

Personal Finance:

• To Tap or Not to Tap Your IRA: You can skip your distribution this year and save on taxes. Kiplinger’s, Nov 25.

Social Security:

• How Divorce Affects Your Social Security (Or Not): If you were married at least 10 years; aren’t currently remarried; are at least age 62; and your ex-spouse is entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits, you’re eligible. WSJ, Nov 26.

Scams:

• Avoid health care fraud: More than $2.25 trillion is spent on health care in the United States; of that, be?tween $68 billion to $225 billion is lost each year because of health care fraud and abuse. USA Weekend, Nov 29.

Xtra!

• How to Choose a Senior-Friendly Home Telephone: Looking for a practical, senior-friendly home phone for an aging parent or elder loved one? Today there are a huge variety of “amplified” and/or “big button” phones on the market that can help with almost any aging need. NBC, Nov 23.
• Grandma has no computer? Still send her e-mail: A mailbox containing real mail with real family pictures is about as rare these days as a day without e-mail. USA Weekend, Nov 29.

Health:

• 65? Back of the Line for the Swine Flu Vaccine, Pal: Normal flu seasons have accustomed Americans to an “old people first” ethic, but swine flu has reversed that. It’s pregnant women and children first, and in the rush for the lifeboats, elbows are beginning to fly. The New York Times, Nov 21.
• From the Lab, a New Weapon Against Cholesterol: Tiny particles containing gold and other metals may someday help keep cholesterol from building up in blood vessels. The New York Times, Nov 21.
• Group Issues Clarification on Mammography Advice: The federally funded task force that loosened guidelines for breast-cancer screening this week clarified its position Thursday, in response to an intense backlash generated by its new recommendations. WSJ, Nov 20.
• Too Few Older Adults Get Recommended Screenings: Report looks to improve health of this group with better preventive care. HealthDay, Nov. 19.
• Breast Cancer Screening Policy Won’t Change, U.S. Officials Say: The White House emphasized that the new screening standards were not binding on either physicians or insurers. The New York Times, Nov 18.
• Mammography - What to Do Now? Three doctors weigh in on what women should do about the new guidelines. HealthDay Nov. 18.
• Mammogram guidelines spark heated debate: A government panel's recommendation that women under 50 do not need regular mammograms is attacked by oncologists, gynecologists and cancer groups. Los Angeles Times, Nov 17.
• In Reversal, Panel Urges Mammograms at 50, Not 40: The new recommendations, released Monday by an influential group, reverse longstanding guidelines and are aimed at reducing harm from overtreatment. The New York Times, Nov 16.

Medicine:

• Niacin Added to Statin Therapy Fails to Clear Plaque in Senior Citizens Like Earlier Study: Cholesterol levels did improve, but arteries of seniors with coronary artery disease do not show it. Senior Journal, Nov 18.
• Drug Makers Raise Prices in Face of Health Care Reform: Critics say the industry is trying to establish a higher price base before Congress passes legislation that tries to curb drug spending in coming years. The New York Times, Nov 16.
• Heart patients lacking vitamin D more likely to be depressed: People with heart disease and similar conditions who don't have enough vitamin D are more likely to be depressed than their counterparts with adequate levels of the "sunshine vitamin," according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American Heart Association in Orlando. Health.com, Nov 16.
• Study Raises New Questions About Cholesterol Drug Zetia: It was found less effective than extended-release niacin, or Niaspan. HealthDay, Nov. 15.

Medicare:

• Research Medicare Part D options: Seniors need to review their options now to be aware of changes for 2010, including premium increases, new deductibles and alterations in the Extra Help program. Los Angeles Times, Nov 23.
• Choosing the Right Medicare Plan: In past years, most older people just stuck with their existing Medicare drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan during open enrollment, avoiding the dizzying experience of choosing a new one. WSJ, Nov 19.

Personal Finance:

• 7 ways to stretch your retirement income: Most people probably don't expect to outlast their financial assets in retirement. But between the shortage of traditional pensions, paltry savings levels and ever-expanding life spans, many Americans could see their money dry up before retirement ends. Bankrate.com, Nov 19.
• Trim Taxes by Boosting Retirement Savings: Max out your contributions while you can; limits won’t increase in 2010. Kiplinger's, Nov 19.

Retirement:

• Best Retirement Resources: Here are the best web sites to visit before you retire and in retirement. Kiplinger's, Dec. 2009.

Social Security:

• Can We Save Social Security? With Social Security predicted to reach insolvency within 30 years, lawmakers agree that something needs to be done – and fast. Parade, Nov 23.

Scams:

• Don't eat that free lunch: Even post-Madoff, investors still fall prey to scams such as 'free lunch' seminars. MarketWatch, Nov 19.

Housing:

• Attractive and Functional Design Solutions for Aging Homeowners: Making a home suitable for older occupants is becoming a mainstream part of the home remodeling business. Growing numbers of seniors want to remain in their homes as they age, and attractive design solutions for aging in place projects have evolved. U.S. News and World Report, Nov 19.

Insurance:

• Senate Votes to Open Health Care Debate: The Senate voted 60 to 39 on Saturday night to begin full debate on major health care legislation, propelling the bill over a crucial, preliminary hurdle. The New York Times, Nov 21.
• Mammogram coverage won't change, companies say: Insurance companies contacted by USA TODAY say they will continue paying for annual mammograms amid widespread fears that new breast cancer screening guidelines from a federal task force could lead women to lose coverage for those tests. USA Today, Nov 19.
• Senate Health Plan Seeks to Add Coverage to 31 Million: Harry Reid, the majority leader, put forward his version of the health care overhaul on Wednesday, promising it would reduce the deficit while covering most of the uninsured. The New York Times, Nov 18.
• Senate weighs long-term care program: Senate health care legislation expected this week is likely to include a new long-term care insurance program to help the elderly and the disabled avoid going into nursing homes, Democratic officials say. Associated Press, Nov 17.

Health:

• Path to Alternative Therapies Is Littered With Obstacles: Trying unconventional remedies is a bold move, let alone trying to get an insurer to cover the expense and knowing what pills to buy. The New York Times, Nov 13.
• Primary Care’s Image Problem: As few as 2 percent of medical students are pursuing general internal medicine, a trend that could doom efforts at universal health care. The New York Times, Nov 12.
• Wearing a pedometer can be a big step in the weight-loss battle: What if there was a small, inexpensive device that was proven to boost your fitness, help you lose weight and lower your blood pressure? Would you use it, especially if doing so was nearly effortless? The Washington Post, Nov 12.
• Older People at Greater Risk of Swine Flu Death: Cases in Mexico show young more likely to get sick, but elderly more likely to die. HealthDay, Nov. 11.
• For Older Walkers, Faster Is Better: Those who stroll are more likely to die from cardiovascular disease, study finds. HealthDay, Nov. 11.
• Retirement Brings Most a Big Health Boost: It's like turning back the clock 8 years, research shows. HealthDay, Nov. 9.
• Lower cholesterol may lessen risk of some cancers: Most people know that healthy cholesterol levels can help protect your heart. But new research suggests another potential benefit: a lower risk of developing some types of cancer. Health.com, Nov. 9.
• Can Magnetic Therapy Ease Arthritis Pain: For people with arthritis who seek an alternative to painkillers, magnetic straps and bracelets have become a popular option. The New York Times, Nov 9.
• Cataract Surgery Doesn't Worsen Macular Degeneration: Link likely due to fact that both eye conditions are age-related, researchers say. HealthDay,Nov. 9.

Medicine:

• Medicines to Deter Some Cancers Are Not Taken: The few drugs proved to deter cancer are widely ignored, researchers say, while ineffective supplements are used. The New York Times, Nov 12.
• Those with Heartburn Paying Too Much Green for Nexium ‘Purple Pill’ Says Consumer Reports: Report finds no one drug works better than another and all are relatively safe but some far more costly. Senior Journal, Nov. 11.
• Trial drug may help smokers kick butts: Drug maker given $10 million grant to take anti-nicotine vaccine to Phase III clinical trial. CNN, Nov 9.

Mind:

• Early Use of NSAIDs Might Prevent Alzheimer's: Study in mice finds anti-inflammatories don't help those with existing disease. HealthDay,Nov. 10.
• Older People Likely to See Alzheimer’s Risk Increase as Muscle Strength Weakens: Greater muscle strength associated with decreased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment. Senior Journal, Nov. 10.

Medicare:

• Medicare Maze: Trying to figure out which coverage is right for you? These new services can help. WSJ, Nov 14.
• Medicare Part D - What to Expect This Open Enrollment Period: Plans are boosting premiums, adding deductibles and offering little gap coverage. HealthDay, Nov. 13.
• Get the Best Medicare Prescription-Drug Plan for You: This step-by-step guide will help you navigate the Medicare Web site to compare your options. Kiplinger's, Nov 12.
• Reid Mulls Medicare Tax Increase for High Earners: Acting in secret, the Senate majority leader, Harry Reid, put together a package that includes tax increases on the wealthy to finance health plans. The New York Times, Nov 12.

Personal Finance:

• By bequest: The 10 vital things you need to know about inherited IRAs. MarketWatch, Nov 12.
• 3 ways to stretch your retirement dollar: Worried about running out of cash? Here's how you can make your nest egg last longer. Money Magazine, Nov 10.

Social Security:

• Social Security Announces New Feature on Popular Online Benefits Estimator: Will save a half-million seniors a year from going to office to get benefit information. Senior Journal, Nov. 13.

Technology:

• New GPS Tracking Device Helps Elderly Live More Freely While Protected from Wandering: i-TAG along GPS uses global positioning satellites, features geofencing to establish electronic barrier. Senior Journal, Nov. 11.

End of Life:

• Few Americans make end-of-life wishes known: Hospice care has grown from about 25,000 patients in 1982, when Congress approved coverage under Medicare, to 1.45 million people in 2008. Associated Press, Nov 11.

Xtra!

• Post-Depression first - Americans get more money from government than they give back: For the first time since the 1930s, households are paying less in personal taxes than state and federal governments are paying out through transfer programs like Social Security. The Christian Science Monitor, Nov 9.

Health:

• Obesity linked to specific cancers: About 100,500 new cases of cancer are caused by obesity every year, according to the most comprehensive attempt ever to estimate the cancers attributed to extra weight. USA Today, Nov 3.
• Older patients most likely to die from H1N1 influenza: An analysis of more than 1,000 California patients hospitalized with H1N1 flu during the first four months of the pandemic found that infants were most likely to be admitted, and patients 50 and older were most likely to die once admitted. USA Today, Nov 3.
• Seniors May Reduce Risk of Type 2 Diabetes by Half with More Exercise, Less Weight: Modest weight loss or taking anti-diabetic drug for 10 years lowers risk of type 2 diabetes in high risk people of all ages. Senior Journal, Nov. 2.
• Hearing aid guide cuts through the noise: The FDA has just launched an online guide that includes advice on how to get your hearing evaluated, how to choose a device and how to get it properly adjusted. USA Today, Nov 1.

Medicine:

• How Safe Are Popular Reflux Drugs? Experts debate evidence linking acid-blockers to possible bone, heart problems. HealthDay, Nov. 4.
• Senior Citizens Should Avoid Common Pain Relievers When Getting Their Flu Shot: A variety of pain relievers seem to dilute the production of necessary antibodies to protect against illness. Senior Journal, Nov 3.
• Seniors squeezed as doctors shun Medicare: If a proposed 21% cut in payment rates goes through in 2010, it could spark a physician boycott against new enrollees. CNN, Oct 27.

Medicare:

• Scrutinizing Medicare drug plans can bring big savings for seniors: Medicare beneficiaries have an added incentive to shop for the best deal on their drug coverage in 2010. The Dallas Morning News, Nov 8.

Personal Finance:

• Use retirement planning tools at your own risk: Most consider probability of an income shortfall but not how big or small it might be. MarketWatch, Nov 5.
• 5 Tips in Using Retirement Planning Tools: Retirement planning software is available for free on several major investment and retirement websites. US News and World Report, Nov 4.
• Could you be saving too much? You might not even realize you're in the slender slice of the population that is retirement-rich. Bankrate.com, Nov 3.
• Seniors can skip IRA withdrawals this year — or roll one back: Every year around this time, millions of seniors take money out of their individual retirement accounts, even if they don't need it to pay the bills. USA Today, Nov 2.
• The ABCs of Reverse Mortgages: There’s a lot you need to know before taking out one of these loans. Start your research with this primer. Kiplinger’s, Nov 1.

Retirement

• Texas is the new retirement mecca: The Lone Star State's attractions include its low cost of living and no income tax. Los Angeles Times, Nov 7.
• 3 steps to a better retirement: If you're behind on your retirement saving, it's not too late. These three options can help you live a better life in your golden years. Money, Nov 3.

Housing:

• Retirement Alert - Let The Downsizing Begin: New home buyer credit is a boon for boomers and retirees looking to move or trade down. Forbes, Nov 6.
• Average Cost of a Nursing Home Inches Closer to $80,000 a Year: The average cost of a private nursing home room rose 3.3 percent to $79,935 a year and other long-term care costs are up as well. Elder Law Answers, Nov 6.

Insurance:

• Sweeping Health Care Plan Passes House: After a daylong clash with Republicans over a proposal that has been a Democratic goal for years, lawmakers voted to approve the $1.1 trillion, 10-year-plan that Democrats said would provide relief to Americans struggling to buy or hold on to health insurance. The New York Times, Nov 8.
• The Rising Cost of Long-Term Care: You'll pay a steep price for assisted living, a nursing home or a home health aide. That's why insurance is essential. Kiplinger’s, Nov 5.

Technology:

• Watch the Walk and Prevent a Fall: For years, a small group of geriatric experts has studied falls and suggested preventive programs. Most of the work has relied on visits to doctors and self-reported surveys of volunteers. The New York Times, Nov 7.

Work:

• Retirees Return to the Daily Grind: Dwindling savings are forcing some older individuals to reenter the workforce. Kiplinger’s, Nov 1.

Xtra!

• AMA, AARP back House health care bill: The push to overhaul health care received a major boost Thursday as the American Medical Association and AARP endorsed legislation drafted by top House Democrats. CNN, Nov 6.

Health:

• Tai Chi May Help Ward Off Knee Pain in Seniors: Two hours per week can improve osteoarthritis symptoms in older patients, study finds. HealthDay, Oct. 29.
• Sleep Apnea Episodes May Trigger Irregular Heartbeat: Study found 18-fold higher incidence of atrial fibrillation, other arrhythmias. HealthDay, Oct. 27.
• In Treatment, You May Need an Advocate: Nearly all patients need an advocate to negotiate with medical professionals, insurers and others to ensure that they are receiving optimal care. The New York Times, Oct 26.
• New Study Finds Fitness Levels Clearly Decline with Age, a Lot Faster After Passing 45: Exercising, maintaining healthy weight, not smoking associated with better cardiovascular health throughout life. Senior Journal, Oct 26.

Medicare:

• Seniors squeezed as doctors shun Medicare: If a proposed 21% cut in payment rates goes through in 2010, it could spark a physician boycott against new enrollees. CNN, Nov 1.
• Now Is the Time To Weigh Medicare Options: Before the year ends, people have to decide whether to choose a new plan in the program or to change nothing at all. The New York Times, Oct 30.
• Seniors squeezed as doctors shun Medicare: If a proposed 21% cut in payment rates goes through in 2010, it could spark a physician boycott against new enrollees. CNN, Oct 27.

Personal Finance:

• Putting IRA Withdrawals Back Into Your Account: The IRS recently extended the period during which you can put 2009 required minimum distributions back into an IRA without tax consequences. Kiplinger’s, Oct 26.

Retirement

• 4 home repairs before you retire: Delaying inevitable work means inflated costs and greater stress when you can least afford either. Bankrate.com, Oct 30.
• This retirement-plan building block is cracked: Common advice on retirees' income needs is often flawed. MarketWatch, Oct 29.
• Retirement Plans Under Siege: If you are in your 50s you may be familiar with the "sandwich generation" concept — a reference to the squeeze many folks this age find themselves in as they struggle to put their kids through college even as they assume greater financial responsibility for their long-lived, under-saved parents. TIME, Oct 27.
• US recession makes retiring at 65 harder: Retirement study shows nearly half of US households lack money to retire by 65. Associated Press, Oct 27.

Social Security:

• Seniors can boost their Social Security benefits by 're-retiring': People who began collecting Social Security at age 62 and restart their retirement benefits at 70 would get about 76% more a month. The catch is that they must repay what they had already received. Los Angeles Times, Nov 1.
• Gaming Social Security: Increasingly sophisticated retirees are figuring out how to get the most out of the system. Newsweek, Oct 26.

Scams:

• Mind your parents: A grandmother's story highlights pricey scams that hit unsuspecting relatives. MarketWatch, Oct 29.
• Halting elder abuse: Protect yourself against your greedy adult children. MarketWatch, Oct 28.

Housing:

• Nursing Home Costs Now Pressing $80,000 a Year Finds MetLife Market Survey: Survey finds ‘notable increases’ for nursing homes, assisted living, day services and home care. Senior Journal, Oct 28.

Xtra!

• Even Older Americans Get Failing Grade on Their Knowledge About Long-Term Care: MetLife survey finds an average score of just 52% among respondents age 40 to 70. Senior Journal, Oct 28.
• Adopt-A-Senior-Pet Month Good Time for Seniors to Find a Healthful Companion: Pets Are Paws-i-tive says Petfinder.com; help improve seniors health, mood. Senior Journal, Oct 26.
• AARP offering financial advice to those in their 20s, 30s: AARP is trying to shave a couple of decades off its traditional target market with Tuesday's launch of a personal finance website for folks in their 20s and 30s. USA Today, Oct 26.

Health:

• Swine Flu Vaccine Still in Short Supply: Goal of 40 million doses by end of October won't be met, CDC says. HealthDay, Oct. 23.
• Vegetable Symposium Hears that Vegetable Juices are Good Way to Achieve Dietary Goal: Something as easy as drinking vegetable juice can help people increase their vegetable intake and have significant health benefits. Senior Journal, Oct 21.
• In Shift, Cancer Society Has Concerns on Screenings: The American Cancer Society, which has long been a staunch defender of most cancer screening, is now saying that the benefits of detecting many cancers, especially breast and prostate, have been overstated. The New York Times, Oct 20.
• Glucosamine Fails Osteoarthritis Test: Popular supplement doesn't prevent loss of cartilage in knee, study finds. HealthDay, Oct 20.
• Two flu vaccines, twice the number of questions: What you need to know about swine-flu and seasonal-flu vaccines. MarketWatch, Oct 19.

Mind:

• Web Surf to Save Your Aging Brain: Interactivity can help keep older people alert, study suggests. HealthDay, Oct. 19.
• Give Yourself a Boost: Beyond Flu Shots, Many Adults Forgo Vaccines That Could Prevent Potentially Lethal Illnesses. WSJ, Oct 13.

Medicare:

• GOP Defeat of Bill to Fix Problem in Medicare Physician Pay Devastating to Doctors, Seniors: Doctors face 21% pay cut from Medicare in 2010; same annual quandary Democrats tried to fix; senior citizens many find it harder to get a doctor; AMA issues new list of states with problems. Senior Journal, Oct 22.
• Medicare Says Over 70 Percent of Senior Citizens Will Not See Part B Increase in 2010: CMS lays out the fees and charges seniors will see in 2010 for basic Medicare; mostly impacts those with higher incomes. Senior Journal, Oct 21.
• Medicare Premiums to Rise 15 Percent as Costs Jump: The basic Medicare premium will shoot up next year by 15 percent, to $110.50 a month, federal officials said Monday. The New York Times, Oct 19.

Personal Finance:

• Help for Retirement Savings from Uncle Sam: The feds are doing what they can to keep the savings rate up and to get folks to preserve their nest egg after retirement. Kiplinger’s, Oct 21.
• Fixing Troubled Mortgages for the Elderly: Senior citizen facing home foreclosure rescued by unusual reverse mortgage transaction. WSJ, Oct 21.
• Turning a lifetime of savings into income: The way you withdraw from your portfolio will determine how much income you will have in retirement. Here are a few options. Money, Oct 20.

Retirement

• Our retirement system? In the middle of the pack: U.S. is No. 6 in ranking of 11 countries' retirement-income systems. MarketWatch, Oct 22.
• Boomers, Seniors Can Live Better by Planning a Retirement that Includes Some Type of Job: Those who keep working in retirement enjoy better health, but do best mentally staying in original field. Senior Journal, Oct 22.
• Group seeks answers for retirement 'crisis': And only 4% of middle-income married couples who don't have a pension and are nearing retirement are likely to have enough money to last their lifetime, according to a new report by Ernst & Young. USA Today, Oct 20.

Social Security:

• Boost Your Social Security Benefits: These strategies will help you make the most of your benefits. Kiplinger's, Oct 21.
• Democrats and Republicans Support $250 Senior Stimulus: There is bipartisan agreement in Congress to cut seniors on Social Security checks. U.S. News and World Report, Oct 19.

Insurance:

• Long-Term Care Annuities to Go Tax Free: Long-term-care annuities go tax-free on Jan. 1. What you need to know. Smart Money, Oct 13.

Caregiving:

• Some nursing home elderly get futile care: A surprising number of frail, elderly Americans in nursing homes are suffering from futile care at the end of their lives, two new federally funded studies reveal. Associated Press, Oct 14.

Technology:

• No Elder Left Behind: Researchers Say Designers Can Close Tech Gap for Senior Citizens: Extra time and effort required to learn a new skill are among the reasons older adults are less motivated to learn new skills. Senior Journal, Oct. 23.
• Seniors finding social networking exhilarating: Social media are giving seniors a voice, and for a generation that has sometimes felt isolated and overlooked. The Dallas Morning News, Oct 12.

Work:

• Many Americans Now Plan to Work Past 67: About two-thirds of American workers now believe they'll have to delay their retirement by at least one year, with 27% expecting to work at least five years longer than planned because of the debilitating economy and stock-market losses, according to a new survey. TIME, Oct 22.

Health:

• For a Healthier Retirement, Work a Little: Part-time or temporary work can stave off disease and decline, study finds. HealthDay, Oct. 16.
• Are Commercial Genetic Tests Worth Taking? Experts cautious about validity, usefulness of some on the market. HealthDay, Oct. 14.
• Minimally Invasive Radical Prostatectomy Has Advantages, But Higher Rate of Complications: MIRP, especially with robotic assistance, increased from 1% to 40% of radical prostatectomies from 2001 to 2006,despite limited data on outcomes and costs. Senior Journal, Oct. 14.

Medicine:

• Many Americans Still Leery of Swine Flu Vaccine: But experts say it's as safe as the shot for run-of-the-mill seasonal flu. HealthDay, Oct 13.
• Give Yourself a Boost: Beyond Flu Shots, Many Adults Forgo Vaccines That Could Prevent Potentially Lethal Illnesses. WSJ, Oct 13.

Mind:

• Senior Citizens Reduce Depression with Internet Use, Can Save on Nation's Health Care Bill: Getting more seniors Online could trim billions from US health costs, says Phoenix Center. Senior Journal, Oct. 15.
• Memory May Not Be First Thing to Go for Those Heading for Alzheimer’s Disease: Some of the earliest signs of preclinical AD may occur on tests of visuospatial and speeded psychomotor skills. Senior Journal, Oct. 13.

Medicare:

• Nearly 65? Time for the Medicare Maze: Medicare offers many coverage choices, but the selections made when enrolling could save you money in the long run. The New York Times, Oct 14.
• Choosing a Policy to Cover What Medicare Doesn’t: Consumer advocates urge retirees to find the health care plan that suits them when supplementing Medicare. The New York Times, Oct 14.
• Time for Senior Citizens to Review Medicare Drug Coverage: Center for Medicare Advocacy: Changes cause beneficiaries to shoulder more of the cost of their prescription drug coverage - private companies change plans every year. Senior Journal, Oct 12.

Personal Finance:

• Retirement contributions same for 2010: IRS decides to keep retirement contribution limits same for 2010. Associated Press, Oct 15.
• Do-it-yourself wills online: Generating your last will and testament can now be done by typing a few answers to questions posed on an Internet site. Bankrate.com, Oct 13.
• Popular reverse mortgage cuts loan limits: FHA takes action to keep HECM program operating. Boston Globe, Oct 7.

Retirement

• Retired early ... and getting scared: When early retirement isn't working out, these fixes might help you get back on track. Money, Oct 13.

Social Security:

• Do seniors on Social Security deserve that raise next year? Elected officials seem eager to raise Social Security payments for seniors, even though inflation has been flat. It could lead to larger costs in the future, some analysts warn. The Christian Science Monitor, Oct 16.
• Social Security makes it official - No COLA: First year without a cost of living increase since 1975. Associated Press, Oct 15.
• Make your Social Security choice wisely: Calculating the best age to take Social Security benefits is tricky, but critical. MarketWatch, Oct 15.

Insurance:

• Long-Term Care Annuities to Go Tax Free: Long-term-care annuities go tax-free on Jan. 1. What you need to know. Smart Money, Oct 13.

Caregiving:

• Some nursing home elderly get futile care: A surprising number of frail, elderly Americans in nursing homes are suffering from futile care at the end of their lives, two new federally funded studies reveal. Associated Press, Oct 14.
• Independent Living Solutions for Aging Senior Citizens a Booming U.S. Industry: Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS) popping up nationwide, states getting involved with creating necessary standards for the industry. Senior Journal, Oct. 5.

Technology:

• Seniors finding social networking exhilarating: Social media are giving seniors a voice, and for a generation that has sometimes felt isolated and overlooked. The Dallas Morning News, Oct 12.

Xtra!

• Will you live to 100? Consider the odds, take a test: Today's babies will be tomorrow's centenarians. A new report says that reaching the age of 100 may become ordinary for most American babies born since 2000. How will living for a century affect our kids? And what quality of life awaits those who live this long? McClatchy Newspapers, Oct 14.

Health:

• Shingles raises stroke risk by 30 percent: As if getting shingles isn't painful enough, researchers reported on Thursday that adults who get the rash have a 30 percent greater risk of developing a stroke than other adults. Reuters,Oct 8.
• Senior Citizens Lead Decline in Opposition to National Health Care Reform: New Associated Press poll finds opposition by seniors dropped from 59 to 42 percent in a month; nation now evenly split. Senior Journal, Oct 7.
• Microsoft Launches Site to Help Consumers Decide if They Have H1N1 Flu, What to Do: H1N1 Response Center hopes to keep patients at home with self-assessment based on material from Emory University. Senior Journal, Oct 7.

Mind:

• Mediterranean Diet May Help Prevent Depression: Lower incidence seen in Spanish study. HealthDay. Oct. 5.

Medicare:

• Some Medicare Rates to Rise: What is going to happen to rates for Medicare Part D prescription-drug plans next year? Can I switch plans? Kiplinger's, Oct 8.

Personal Finance:

• Increase Your Retirement Income: This new money-for-life strategy creates both guaranteed income and growth potential. Kiplinger's, November 2009.
• Earn 4% on Your Savings: Move your money to a higher-yielding account without sacrificing safety. Kiplinger's, November 2009.
• How to rebuild an investment portfolio after recession's hit: One year after the collapse of Lehman Bros., the average stock mutual fund is virtually unchanged. The question now: How to rebuild your retirement plan and recover from the bear market that began nearly two years ago. USA Today, Oct 6.
• Steady savers gained over 5-year period: But average 401(k) balance among consistent savers fell 24% in 2008. MarketWatch, Oct 6.

Retirement:

• House of tomorrow: How home equity should figure -- or not -- into your retirement planning. MarketWatch, Oct 8.
• How much you'll need in retirement: Conventional wisdom says you need 80% of your pre-retirement income. But ensuring a comfortable retirement will take more than just a rule of thumb. Money, Oct 8.
• Want to Retire Comfortably? Go ahead. But you'll need at least $338,000 in savings and a clean bill of health. Newsweek, Oct 7.
• Why It's Time to Retire the 401(k): Last year's market wipeout showed the vulnerability of the popular retirement-savings accounts. But the data are telling us that even in the long run, consumers need better options. Time, Oct 7.
• 7 retirement account mishaps that cost big: In times past, workers received pensions and didn't need to worry about funding their retirement. As a life phase, retirement was generally much shorter as well. Bankrate.com, Oct 6.
• Americans plan to work through retirement: Forget about a leisurely retirement of golfing and cruising around the world. The retirement of tomorrow will be all about working. Bankrate.com, Oct 6.

Social Security:

• More Economic Relief Being Sought for Seniors: AARP last week sent a letter to Congressional leaders asking them to approve emergency one-time payments of $250 to seniors. U.S. News and World Report, Oct 7.

Scams:

• Reverse-mortgage abuses: Seniors being pressured to buy dubious products could spawn another subprime-style crisis. San Francisco Chronicle, Oct 6.

Housing:

• Unique Havens for an Aging America: Naturally occurring retirement communities keep seniors connected and in their homes. U.S. News and World Report, Oct 7.

Caregiving:

• For One Senior, Medicaid Provides Model Care: Doctor suggested signing up for Medicaid to pay the $80,000 a year bill for her long-term care. Senior Journal, Oct. 5.
• Independent Living Solutions for Aging Senior Citizens a Booming U.S. Industry: Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS) popping up nationwide, states getting involved with creating necessary standards for the industry. Senior Journal, Oct. 5.

Work:

• Powerful Congressional Leaders Offer New Legislation to Protect Older Workers: Judiciary Committee opens hearing on how ‘bare majority’ of Supreme Court has made it more difficult to prove age discrimination in workplace. Senior Journal, Oct 7.

Xtra!

• Seniors to benefit from health care reform: As Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, Herb Kohl is charged with investigating many of the issues that affect older Americans. Everything from long-term care, the rights of older workers and affordable senior housing falls under the committee's purview. Bankrate.com, Oct 9.
• Boomer Consumers Are Consuming a Lot: Companies that continue to ignore the over-50 set do so at their peril. Barron’s, Oct 8.
• 2010 - The best year to die? Next year, for one year only, the federal estate tax is to drop to zero, thanks to a GOP bill passed in 2001. MSN, Oct. 1.

Health:

• Daily Dose of Vitamin D Helps Prevent Falls in Seniors: Supplements of 700 to 1,000 IU linked to reduced risk, study finds. HealthDay, Oct. 2.
• What to know about getting H1N1 vaccine: Next week, the long-awaited H1N1 vaccine is expected to arrive. At least three of the four vaccine makers have begun shipping their products to undisclosed distribution centers. CNN, Oct. 1.
• Older Women May Sleep Better Than Men: But many think they get less sleep than they actually do, study finds. HealthDay, Oct. 1.
• Mini-Stroke Found to Precede 1 in 8 Strokes: Expert urges reliance on other predictive tools, but not all agree. HealthDay, Sept. 29.
• Plan Your Ideal Walking Workout: Make every step count, no matter how often you hit the pavement. Real Simple, Sept. 28.
• Men Not Being Told Enough About PSA Tests: Pros, cons of cancer screen not understood, research shows. HealthDay, Sept. 28.

Medicine:

• Seniors Need Pneumonia, Seasonal Flu Shots: CDC Advisory Committee recommends single dose of PPSV23 (23–valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine) for all senior citizens. Senior Journal, Oct. 1.
• Anti-Aging Drug Closer to Reality: Scientists extend lifespan of female mice and thwart diseases of old age in both sexes. HealthDay, Oct. 1.
• A Rule on Eye Treatment Is Likely to Cost Millions: Medicare is putting in place a new policy that may sharply curtail the use of the cancer drug Avastin as a treatment for eye diseases. The New York Times, Oct. 1.
• Prescriptions now biggest cause of fatal drug overdoses: Addiction to prescription painkillers — which kill thousands of Americans a year — has become a largely unrecognized epidemic, experts say. USA Today, Sept. 30.

Mind:

• Uncertainty Surrounds Testing for Alzheimer's: Early diagnosis is helpful, but no sure-fire test exists, experts say. HealthDay, Oct. 2.
• Rather Than Worry About Dementia, Forget About It: The number one concern of middle-aged adults - the potential specter of having a disorder that causes you to lose your ability to remember that changes you as a person. Washington Post, Sept. 29.

Medicare:

• How health care overhaul could change Medicare: The congressional plans for health care overhaul could mean a major restructuring of Medicare. Dozens of changes are being proposed in hopes of transforming the program from one that rewards doctors for each procedure they do into one that improves people's health and keeps them out of the hospital. Associated Press, Oct. 2.
• Seniors Worry As Medicare Advantage Is Threatened: For more than 40 million senior citizens, questions about plans to overhaul the nation's health care system come down to one word — Medicare. NPR, Oct. 1.
• Millions in fraud, drug abuse clogs Medicaid: As Congress debates the government's role in health care, a report out Wednesday finds that state and federal officials failed to detect millions of dollars in Medicaid prescription drug abuse. USA Today, Sept. 30.
• Your Guide to Maximizing Medicare: Choosing the best coverage options could save you hundreds of dollars a year. US News and World Report, Sept. 29.

Personal Finance:

• Retirees benefit from 2009 distribution exemption: Relief from required retirement account distributions helpful but temporary. Associated Press, Oct. 2.
• The Risks and Rewards of Reverse Mortgages: Such loans can be a nice tool for seniors who grasp their features and drawbacks. US News and World Report, Oct 2.
• How Long Will It Take to Recover Your Investment Losses? Rebuilding may not take as long as you think. US News and World Report, Oct. 1.
• Conversion confusion: Roth IRA conversions open to all soon, but some savers confused about options. MarketWatch. Sept 29.

Social Security:

• Boost Your Social Security Benefits: These strategies will help you make the most of your benefits. Kiplinger's, October 2009.
• Social Security collectors up 19%: More than 2.6 million retired workers entered the Social Security system, up from 2.2 million in fiscal 2008. USA Today, Oct. 1.
• An October Surprise for Seniors? Brace yourself for no increase in your Social Security check next year. And some seniors’ checks may even shrink. Kiplinger's, Sept. 30.
• Early retirements strain Social Security system: Big job losses and a spike in early retirement claims from laid-off seniors will force Social Security to pay out more in benefits than it collects in taxes the next two years, the first time that's happened since the 1980s. Associated Press, Sept. 28.

Travel:

• Retired? How to Travel on a Budget: 9 ways to see the world without breaking the bank. US News and World Report, Sept. 30.

Work:

• Working retirement: Retirees often rely on earned income to get by, but don't count on holding down a job. MarketWatch, Oct. 1.

End of Life:

• After a Death, the Pain That Doesn’t Go Away: Each of the 2.5 million annual deaths in the United States directly affects four other people, on average. The New York Times, Sept. 28.

Xtra!

• Majority of Babies Will Live to 100—How Will They Do It? Rising life expectancy means more of us will live not only longer but better through our senior years. US News and World Report, Oct. 2.
• Most Babies Born Today Will Live 100 Years, Scientists Say: More than half of babies born today in rich nations will live for 100 years as earlier diagnoses and better treatment of illnesses such as heart disease extend lives, scientists estimate. Bloomberg, Oct. 2.
• Financial worries dog older workers; confidence falls: Faced with increasing job losses, worries about having enough money for retirement and continued difficulty in paying for basic items such as food, those ages 45 to 64 are one worried group, a survey released Tuesday by AARP shows. USA Today, Sept. 30.
• Mexico launches programs for seniors as nation ages quickly: Long known for big families with numerous children, Mexico is going gray. USA Today, Sept. 29.

Health:

• New Treatments Hold Hope for Failing Eyes: As the U.S. ages, macular degeneration rates are expected to swell. HealthDay, Sept. 27.
• A Burst of Technology, Helping the Blind to See: Research based on advances in technology and biology is raising hopes for progress on one of science’s holy grails. The New York Times, Sept. 26.
• Studies Find PSA Screening Unreliable: Men need to know pros, cons to make informed choice about prostate cancer test, experts say. HealthDay, Sept. 25.
• Lack of Vitamin D Linked to High Blood Pressure: Effect seen 15 years later, researchers report. HealthDay, Sept. 24.
• The Long Search for Fibromyalgia Support: It can take years for fibromyalgia sufferers to find a diagnosis, and a doctor. The New York Times, Sept. 23.
• Too Much Salt Takes a Blood-Pressure Toll: The aging of the population isn’t the only reason Americans are seeing their blood pressure rise. The New York Times, Sept. 21.
• How to Solve 9 Sleep Problems: Expert advice for anyone who tosses and turns at night. Real Simple, Sept. 21.
• Flu Can Raise Chances of Heart Attack: Vaccine reduces risk of deaths related to heart disease, study shows. HealthDay, Sept. 21.
• Senior Citizens Should Get Regular Flu Shot Now, H1N1 Shot After Younger People: Studies show the risk for H1N1 Flu infection among persons age 65 or older is less than the risk for younger age groups. Senior Journal, Sept. 21.
• Cold? Flu? H1N1? How can you tell the difference? According to the CDC seasonal flu and H1N1 symptoms consist of fever, more painful body aches, dry cough, diarrhea and severe fatigue. It's hard, without testing, to tell apart the seasonal strain of flu from the H1N1 variety. CNN, Sept. 21.

Medicine:

• Prostate cancer treatment may spark heart problems: A common treatment for prostate cancer may slightly increase patients' risk of heart problems, new research says. Associated Press, Sept. 22.

Mind:

• Researchers Seeking Alzheimer Patients for Phase Two Clinical Trial of Gene Therapy: Historic gene therapy trial to treat Alzheimer's disease underway at Georgetown. Senior Journal, Sept. 23.
• Global Alzheimer's cases expected to rise sharply: The 2009 World Alzheimer's Report, released today, estimates 35 million people worldwide are living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. The figure is a 10% increase over 2005 numbers. USA Today, Sept. 21.
• Money Problems May Signal Alzheimer's: Money Management Problems May Be Early Sign of Alzheimer's Disease. WebMD Health News, Sept. 21.

Medicare:

• House Votes to Block Increase in Medicare Part B Premiums: Millions of Medicare patients would not face increases in their monthly premiums next year under a bill passed by the House on Thursday. Associated Press, Sept. 24.
• Medicare Makes Patients Happy, But Can It Last? Many of the nation's most satisfied health care consumers are recipients of an existing government health plan – Medicare. Senior Journal, Sept. 22.

Personal Finance:

• How to make your money last: There are ways to guarantee you won't run out of income, regardless of what the market does next - but you'll have to make some tradeoffs to do so. Money, Sept. 21.
• Putting the eggs back in the nest: Rebuilding your retirement portfolio requires careful planning. MarketWatch, Sept. 21.

Retirement:

• No country for old men, or women: Some pension systems are better than others, but all countries struggle to offer benefits. MarketWatch, Sept. 23.
• Retirement? Good luck with that: The destructive effects of the financial crisis may be waning, but your retirement account won't soon forget. Savers lost 40% or more in the downturn -- a collective $2.1 trillion disappeared from 401(k) and IRA assets in 2008 alone -- and while the recent stock-market recovery may feel good, it's done little to stem a mounting crisis in the retirement system in the United States. MarketWatch, Sept. 21.

Social Security:

• Broken promises: Social Security benefit cuts or higher taxes are coming, sooner or later. MarketWatch, Sept. 22.
• The Social Security Catch-22: The dreaded earnings test can reduce Social Security benefits today, but you'll get beefed-up benefits tomorrow. Kiplinger’s, Sept. 2009.

Scams:

• Living trusts scams: Very few people need more than a will and should look into this more expensive way of transferring assets. CNN, Sept. 22.

Caregiving:

• When Elder Care Problems Escalate, You Can Hire an Expert: Caring for an elderly parent is draining. When it gets especially tough, you may feel that you need the equivalent of a case worker. The New York Times, Sept. 25.

Work:

• The right way to unretire: Has a portfolio swoon put a crimp in your comfortable lifestyle? Maybe it's time to get a job. Try these techniques to help you land one that works for you. Money, Sept. 22.

Xtra!

• Oldest man offers diet advice for long life: So what does the world's oldest man eat? The answer is not much, at least not too much. Great Falls Tribune, Sept 23.
• With medical, lifestyle gains, centenarians' numbers grow: As the number of centenarians grows, so do expectations that perhaps all of us can aspire to reach the century mark. Pittsburg Post-Gazzett, Sept. 22.
• Driving Specialists for Senior Citizens Behind the Wheel: Driving Rehabilitation Specialists Help Families Decide When It's Time for Elderly Drivers to Sop Driving. ABC News, Sept.21.

Health:

• Dramatic Breakthroughs in Cancer Treatment: Powerful new research is under way to catalog all the ways that a good cell can go bad. Physicians are beginning to use that knowledge to look at people’s DNA and predict their cancer risk. Parade, Sept. 20.
• Vaccine for Swine Flu Is Ahead of Expectations: Nearly all the early doses will be a nasal spray not recommended for pregnant women or people with health problems, federal officials said. The New York Times, Sept. 18.
• Middle-Age Heart Risk Factors Shorten Men's Lives: Smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol cut 10 years of life, study finds. HealthDay, Sept. 17.
• Walking in your 80s extends, improves life: Even in the "oldest old," a little physical activity goes a long way, extending life by at least a few years for people in their mid- to late 80s. Associated Press, Sept. 15.
• FDA Approves 4 Swine Flu Vaccines: Agency expects first batches to be available within a month. HealthDay, Sept. 15.
• With Soap and Water or Sanitizer, a Cleaning That Can Stave Off the Flu: A host of recent studies finds that hand-to-face contact has a surprising impact on health. The New York Times, Sept. 14.

Medicine:

• Medications That Lower Breast Cancer Risk Carry Other Dangers: Analysis notes tamoxifen, raloxifene can up chances of other cancers, clots. HealthDay, Sept. 14.

Mind:

• Could Your Symptoms Be Depression? Fatigue. Insomnia. Loss of appetite. Aches and pains. Patients who come to my office with these symptoms usually assume they're suffering from an ailment that's simply physical. Parade, Sept. 20.
• Arts allow Alzheimer's patients to live in the moment: An art or music experience is another way to give Alzheimer's patients a vehicle to express themselves, to communicate feelings they might not be able to share verbally anymore. USA Today, Sept. 15.
• Difficulties with Routine Activities Associated with Faster Progression to Dementia: No demographic, cognitive or neuroimaging variables predicted this progression. Senior Journal, Sept. 14.

Medicare:

• How the overhaul could alter the popular but costly Medicare Advantage: Cuts in private plans’ subsidies could force changes on seniors. Las Vegas Sun, Sept. 20.

Personal Finance:

• Five ways to make your nest egg last a lifetime: Challenging the conventional wisdom on retirement savings. MarketWatch, Sept. 17.
• 4 steps to a worry-free retirement: When your retirement goals seem harder to reach, it can be tempting to load up on stocks. There's a better way. If you look at all of your resources, it's easier to find the right balance between safety and risk. Money, Sept. 16.
• 5 Reasons to Convert to a Roth IRA: After waiting nearly four years, a new group of American workers is about to have access to the Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA). SmartMoney, Sept. 15.
• 4 steps to undo a Roth IRA conversion: If you converted your traditional IRA to a Roth last year and are having second thoughts, there's still time to undo the conversion and get a refund of the taxes you paid. With the Oct. 15 deadline approaching, you need to act quickly or lose your opportunity to undo -- or recharacterize -- your Roth IRA back to a traditional IRA. Bankrate.com, Sept. 15.

Retirement:

• Given Up Hope on Retirement? Despite the economy, you can play catch-up with your investments. Here's how. Newsweek, Sept. 19.
• Older Americans Have Clearly Changed Retirement Plans Due to U.S. Financial Crisis: University of Michigan gathered data from over four thousand age 51 and older for study. Senior Journal, Sept. 17.
• Short-Distance Moves Make Retirees Happier: Research contradicts idea that seniors need to cling to their homes. Forbes, Sept. 14.

Insurance:

• Planning for the Long Term: The national health-care debate is ignoring long-term care, but you shouldn't. SmartMoney, Sept. 18.
• Average family health insurance policy: $13,375, up 5%: An average family health insurance policy now costs more than some compact cars, and four in 10 companies will likely pass more of that expense on to workers, according to a closely watched survey of businesses released Tuesday. USA Today, Sept. 15.

Caregiving:

• Taking Care of Parents Also Means Taking Care of Finances: Caring for aging parents can quickly cause an unexpected financial squeeze, and put the savings of adult children in jeopardy. The New York Times, Sept. 18.

Work:

• Should you work in retirement? Thinking of working a bit longer and delaying your retirement? Mind the pitfalls. True, postponing retirement can have its advantages -- you can delay tapping your 401(k) nest egg and may even add to it while you're working. Bankrate.com, Sept. 14.

End of Life:

• The Case for Killing Granny: Rethinking end-of-life care. Newsweek, Sept. 14.

Xtra!

• States Helping Aged Leave Nursing Homes: A growing number of states are aiming to disprove the notion that once people have settled into a nursing home, they will stay. The New York Times, Sept. 18.

Health:

• Swine flu shots may start in early October: The nation's first round of swine flu shots could begin sooner than expected, with some vaccine available as early as the first week of October, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said Sunday. Associated Press, Sept. 13.
• Swine Flu Trials Continue to Point to 1-Dose Vaccine: U.S. reports unusually high flu activity, most of it swine variety. HealthDay, Sept. 11.
• After a Diagnosis, Someone to Help Point the Way: Patient advocates can help research treatment options, sort out insurance claims and open doors to specialists. The New York Times, Sept. 11.
• Colon Cancer Screenings Still Too Low: Even when Americans have health care 'safety net' in place, rates barely budge, report finds. HealthDay, Sept. 8.
• Virus May Drive Some Prostate Cancers: Testing for XMRV might help spot more aggressive disease, experts say. HealthDay, Sept. 8.
• New techniques slow progress of age-related vision loss: Until recently, people with age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of severe vision loss in Americans older than 60, had few treatment options. But now, thanks to new research and advancing technology, there are more vision-saving choices. CNN, Sept. 7.

Medicine:

• Get Your Vaccine for Seasonal Flu, Experts Urge: The regular winter scourge poses a potential threat, just like swine flu. HealthDay, Sept. 10.
• Swine flu vaccine - just one dose should do: Early results from the first trial of a pandemic flu vaccine suggest that just one dose is likely to provide "robust" protection from the new H1N1 flu, researchers said Thursday. USA Today, Sept. 10.

Personal Finance:

• As boomers pull out funds, will they pull down markets? CBO says financial markets won't suffer as millions retire, but some disagree. MarketWatch, Sept. 10.
• How to talk money with Mom and Dad: The market's plunge has damaged your parents' nest egg. Will that affect your own plans? You'd better find out. Money Magazine, Sept. 10.
• Annuities - Boring Is Better: An income stream for life? If only it were so simple. How to shop for the right annuity. SmartMoney, Sept. 8.

Retirement:

• Why Boomers Will Retire More Comfortably Than Their Parents: This generation still has a lot to look forward to despite financial strains. U.S. News and World Report, Sept. 10.
• Best Places to Retire 2009: This is a fantastic time to buy the home to which you’ll retire, whether you’re a month or a decade from saying sayonara to the office. That’s because home prices in some sought-after retirement havens have plunged about 50% since the market peak, nearly double the national average. You might actually be able to afford a town you once only fantasized about, especially if you’ll be moving from a high-cost area. Money, Sept. 9.

Social Security:

• Poor Social Security Knowledge Has Big Costs: Social Security is the primary source of retirement income for most Americans. Given its importance and central role, you'd think people would take the time to understand the program. And, of course, you'd be wrong. U.S. News and World Report, Sept. 9.

Insurance:

• Bristling at Health Plan to Cover Early Retirees: Within the battle over President Obama’s health care overhaul, critics of organized labor have latched onto a little-noticed provision in the legislation already circulating in Congress. The provision would cost $10 billion in federal money to subsidize employer-sponsored health plans covering early retirees, as a bridge to Medicare. The New York Times, Sept. 9.

Xtra!

• You've got mail – unfortunately: Have you ever stopped to figure out how much time you waste sorting through and throwing out your junk mail? For me, it's at least five minutes a day. That's more than two hours a month, or a whopping 50 days over a 50-year adult lifetime. MarketWatch, Sept. 10.
• Study Suggests Hairstylists Can Help Identify Senior Citizens in Need of Health Services: Hair stylists are in a great position to notice when their older clients are starting to suffer from depression, dementia, or self-neglect. Senior Journal, Sept. 8.
• Obama faces a generation gap on healthcare reform: Older Americans worry that healthcare reform will affect Medicare. Younger Americans, who often lack good health insurance, are more supportive. The Christian Science Monitor, Sept. 8.

Health:

• How to Manage Dental Costs, With or Without Insurance: Prevention and planning can save patients a lot of money, as can spacing out procedures and using dental school clinics. The New York Times, Sept. 4.
• Keep Your Flu Shots Straight This Fall: What you need to know about vaccinations for swine flu, regular flu. HealthDay, Sept. 2.
• Growing Evidence that Waist-Hip Ratio Better than BMI to Predict Elderly Persons Health: UCLA study finds no association between all-cause mortality and BMI or waist circumference; the link was only with waist-hip ratio. Senior Journal, Sept. 1.
• Medical testing in your home: Forget the office visit. Home-health exams can save time and money, and give patients some control. Los Angeles Times, Aug. 31.
• Prostate Cancer Over-Diagnosed: The result is over-treatment for many men, researchers say. HealthDay, Aug. 31.

Medicine:

• Statins Before Vascular Surgery Cut Deaths, Complications: Problems halved in patients getting blood-vessel repairs done, study finds. HealthDay, Sept. 2.
• Oldest Heart Patients May Get Most From Warfarin: In atrial fibrillation study, blood-thinning drug best for those at highest risk of stroke. HealthDay, Aug. 31.

Mind:

• Researchers Identify Genes Affecting Alzheimer's Risk: Two European research teams have identified three genes that affect a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, the most common cause of dementia in the elderly. Washington Post, Sept. 6.

Medicare:

• Health Bill Would Cut Drug Spending for Many on Medicare, Budget Office Says: Premiums would rise, the Congressional Budget Office estimated, but many beneficiaries would see total drug spending decline. The New York Times, Aug. 30.

Personal Finance:

• 7 steps to a 2010 Roth IRA conversion: If you have funds in an individual retirement account, converting them into a Roth IRA in 2010 presents an unprecedented opportunity to sock away tax-free retirement income. Bankrate.com, Sept. 1.

Retirement:

• A call to savings: Obama announces new moves aimed at getting workers to save for retirement, MArketWatch, Sept. 5.
• Optimists Make Better Plans for Retirement: Fidelity Investments has been taking a closer look at how investors' moods impact their financial decisions. TheStreet.com, Sept. 4.
• Paying for health care in retirement: Chronic medical conditions may put a crimp in this couple's early-retirement plans. Money, Sept. 3.
• Debt consumes senior citizens in retirement: Golden years in the red. Associated Press, Aug. 31.

Insurance:

• Obama Aides Aim to Simplify and Scale Back Health Bills: White House officials are looking for ways to simplify and scale back the major Democratic bills, lower the cost and drop contentious but nonessential elements. The New York Times, Sept. 2.
• Health care overhaul's quandary - Costs vs. fairness: For years, insurers have charged older customers far more than younger ones, in part because of older residents' higher use of medical services. Now, as Congress wrestles with a health care overhaul aimed at covering the majority of the 46 million uninsured, that discrepancy is one area targeted for change. USA Today, Aug. 31.

Work:

• Workforce Graying but Majority of Senior Citizens Work Because They Want To, Pew Finds: 93% of the growth in the U.S. labor force from 2006 to 2016 will be among workers ages 55 and older. Senior Journal, Sept. 3.
• A Reluctance to Retire Means Fewer Openings: To the long list of reasons American companies aren’t hiring — business losses, tight credit, consumer retrenchment — add the fact that many of their older workers are unable, or afraid, to retire. The New York Times, Sept. 2.

Xtra!

• Hidden pockets of elderly said to be in poverty: The poverty rate among older Americans could be nearly twice as high as the traditional 10 percent level, according to a revision of a half-century-old formula for calculating medical costs and geographic variations in the cost of living. Associated Press, Sept. 4.
• Companies' pension problems could hit taxpayers: Retirement-plan crisis means bailout of PBGC, though years away, is likely. MarketWatch, Sept. 3.
• Mexico's health care lures Americans: As the United States debates an overhaul of its health care system, thousands of American retirees in Mexico have quietly found a solution of their own, signing up for the health care plan run by the Mexican Social Security Institute. USA Today, Aug. 31.

Health:

• Viagra and Its Ilk Aren’t the Only Treatments Around: For some, the pills don’t work. And even if they do, there are more cost-effective ways to treat a problem that grows more common with age. The New York Times, Aug. 28.
• New blood tests find heart attacks more quickly: A new generation of blood tests can quickly and reliably show if a person is having a heart attack soon after chest pains start — a time when current tests are not definitive. Associated Press, Aug. 27.
• Whole Grains, Bran May Fight Hypertension in Men: New findings replicate similar data for women. HealthDay, Aug. 28.
• Getting cheaper, better healthcare at home? House calls to vulnerable patients, which can reduce hospital admissions, may be key to reform. Los Angeles Times, Aug, 25.
• Women More Prone to Die in Month After Heart Attack: But factors other than gender may be to blame, researchers say. HealthDay, Aug. 25.
• Hypertension Linked to Thinking Problems in Middle Age: Increases in diastolic pressure lead to decreases in cognition, study shows. HealthDay, Aug. 24.

Medicine:

• New Anti-Clotting Drug Beats Plavix: Brilinta prevents heart attacks and improves survival, researchers say. HealthDay, Aug. 30.
• Treating COPD Early Improves Outcomes: New drug might slow the destructive lung condition, studies show. HealthDay, Aug. 27.

Mind:

• Obese Senior Citizens Face Increased Risk of Alzheimer’s Due to Loss of Brain Tissue: Obese elderly had lost brain tissue in the frontal and temporal lobes, areas of the brain critical for planning and memory, and other areas. Senior Journal, Aug. 25.

Medicare:

• Medicare Says Demonstration Projects Proving Paying for Quality Health Care Pays Off: CMS’ goal is to transform Medicare from a passive payer to an active purchaser of higher quality, more efficient health care. Senior Journal, Aug. 26.
• Medicare Prescription Drug Program Has Exceeded Expectations, Says New Study: 'Most seniors now have prescription drug coverage that allows them to buy drugs at a reasonable cost'. Senior Journal, Aug. 24.

Personal Finance:

• How Retirees Can Spend Enough, but Not Too Much: A formula that helps retirees raise or lower their withdrawals depending on the performance of the stock market. The New York Times, Aug. 28.
• Cut off from savings? Contribution limits for 401(k)s and other plans may decrease next year. MarketWatch, Aug. 27.
• 7 ways to stretch your retirement income: Most people probably don't expect to outlast their financial assets in retirement. But between the shortage of traditional pensions, paltry savings levels and ever-expanding life spans, many Americans could see their money dry up before retirement ends. Bankrate.com, Aug. 25.

Retirement:

• 10 top rural retiring areas: The rural population ages 55 to 75 will increase by 30% between 2010 and 2020. Where will they go? MarketWatch, Aug. 25.

Insurance:

• Elderly have their own worries on health overhaul: Older Americans, who vote at a higher rate than other age groups, also hold deeper concerns than others about proposed health care changes, surveys have shown. The Washington Post, Aug. 27.
• GOP Offers Health Rights for Seniors: Republicans are targeting older Americans worried about Obama's plans with a "seniors' health care bill of rights." WSJ, Aug. 25.

End of Life:

• Most Believe in Patients Right to Die but Few Have Living Wills, Pew Research Finds: 84% approve of laws saying medical treatment that is keeping a terminally ill patient alive can be stopped if that is what the patient desires. Pew Research Center, Aug. 27.

Health:

• You Can Control Your Health: Even if you have been given a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or GERD, you may be able to affect the progress of the disease. Parade, Aug. 23.
• U.S. life expectancy up to nearly 78: The increase is due mainly to falling death rates in almost all the leading causes of death. The average life expectancy for babies born in 2007 is nearly three months greater than for children born in 2006. Associated Press, Aug. 19.
• Today’s Senior Citizen Turning Age 65 Can Now Expect to Live to Almost 84: Life expectancy reaches all-time high as death rates reach all-time lows, new report shows. Senior Journal, Aug. 20.
• Herb Shows Potential for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Study compares ancient remedy to modern drug, but not the most common, experts say. HealthDay, Aug. 19.
• Sleep Apnea Raises Risk of Death, Especially for Men: Major study links disordered breathing to deadly cardiovascular complications. HealthDay, Aug. 18.
• The ins and outs of affordable dental care: More than 30% of Americans didn't visit a dentist last year, a recent Gallup poll found -- and 57% of adults ages 35 and older have untreated tooth decay. Los Angeles Times, Aug. 17.
• Doctor shortage looms as primary care loses its pull: The number of U.S. medical school students going into primary care has dropped 51.8% since 1997, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). USA Today, Aug. 17.

Medicine:

• Newer Drug Beats Tamoxifen for Older Breast Cancer Patients: Letrozole boosted survival and should be first-line treatment. HealthDay, Aug. 19.
• Tests Begin on Drugs That May Slow Aging: Excitement among some researchers has picked up with the apparent convergence of lines of inquiry involving genes and restricted diets. The New York Times, Aug. 17.

Mind:

• Brain workouts - Do they sharpen our thinking? The brain is more complicated than muscle, and keeping it busy doesn't necessarily make it stronger. Los Angeles Times, Aug. 24.
• Healthy habits to help prevent Alzheimer's: Lifestyle factors -- specifically, good diet and exercise -- can lower one's risk of developing the disease. Los Angeles Times, Aug. 17.

Medicare:

• Where Elderly Back Obama, Health Bill Anxiety: Some in Florida fear that health care reform would reduce the Medicare benefits they depend on. The New York Times, Aug. 20.
• End-of-life counseling had bipartisan support: One of the most heated flash points in this year's health care debate — permitting Medicare to pay for end-of-life counseling — started out as a rare example of congressional bipartisanship. USA Today, Aug. 17.
• Lack of Medicare Appointee Puzzles Congress: To some, trying to remake the health care system without a Medicare administrator is like fighting a war without a general. The New York Times, Aug. 17.

Personal Finance:

• Fixing a stock-heavy retirement account: Make sure your retirement accounts are well diversified based on your age, needs and lifestyle. Money, Aug. 20.
• Make your own pension: Annuities are a good option for retirees -- if insurers make a few changes. MarketWatch, Aug. 19.
• New ways to shelter your retirement: With a Roth IRA, you won't have to worry about changes in rates and brackets, and neither will your heirs. Fortune, Aug. 19.
• Money tips for older Americans: Four strategies to keep your retirement secure. MarketWatch, Aug. 17.

Retirement:

• Retiree Tax Heavens (and Hells), 2009-2010: Federal taxes will be about the same no matter where you live, but state and local tax burdens can vary greatly, especially if you’re retired. Kiplinger.com offers an exclusive interactive map to point you to which states will take the smallest—and biggest—bites out of your assets in retirement. Kiplinger’s, August 19.

Social Security:

• Millions face shrinking Social Security checks: Next year marks first time in a generation that payments won't increase. Associated Press, Aug. 23.

Insurance:

• Insurance debate turns to co-op issue: Some lawmakers are eyeing cooperatives as a model that could drive down costs and improve care quality. USA Today, Aug. 20.
• The new health care term: co-ops: Cooperatives emerge as an alternative to the controversial public plan, mainly because they wouldn't be government controlled. San Francisco Chronicle, Aug. 18.

End of Life:

• At the End, Offering Not a Cure but Comfort: Palliative care specialists, doctors who manage patients’ last months, study how to deliver a grim prognosis, and they do it again and again. The New York Times, Aug. 19.
• Palliative Care for Patients with Advanced Cancer Improves Quality of Life and Mood: Not much change in days they spent in the hospital or the severity of their symptoms. Senior Journal, Aug. 18.

Xtra!

• AARP loses members over health care stance: About 60,000 senior citizens have quit AARP since July 1 due to the group's support for a health care overhaul, a spokesman for the organization said Monday. Associated Press, Aug. 17.
• Older people, too, knock back 5 drinks at a time: Binge drinking has become nearly synonymous with college students, but a study out today shows a significant, worrisome level of binge drinking among those age 50 to 64 as well. USA Today, Aug. 17.

Health:

• Battling inflammation, disease through food: Though it's an emerging field, proponents of anti-inflammatory diets point to growing evidence that foods like vegetables and fish can ease an overactive immune system. Los Angeles Times, Aug. 17.
• How well you age can depend on you: Aging is how fast your cells wear out; that starts when they divide. St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Aug. 13.
• 4 healthy choices to change your life: You can lower your risk of several chronic diseases by 80% if you exercise, eat well, don't smoke and avoid obesity, a study finds. Los Angeles Times, Aug. 11.
• 'Revolutionary' use for aspirin? May help colon cancer patients: One of the most promising treatments for colorectal cancer could be sitting in your medicine cabinet. USA Today, Aug. 11.
• Aspirin fights heart attacks, but daily doses aren't for everyone: Although aspirin can fight blood clots that can cause heart attacks and strokes, high doses can increase the risk of bleeding. This can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding and strokes caused by bleeding, known as hemorrhagic strokes. CNN, Aug. 12.
• Optimism Good for Heart and Longevity: Less cardiovascular disease, fewer deaths among the cheerful, study finds. HealthDay, Aug. 10.
• A Primer on the Details of Health Care Reform: It can be difficult to sort fact from fiction in the raucous debate over health care reform. Here is a guide to the main issues. The New York Times, Aug. 9.

Medicine:

• New Screening Could Lead to More Potent Cancer Drugs: Researchers have discovered a way to identify drugs that can specifically attack and kill cancer stem cells, a finding that could lead to a new generation of anticancer medicines and a new strategy of treatment. The New York Times, Aug. 13.
• New osteoporosis drug shown to reduce spinal fractures: The drug, called denosumab, blocks production of cells that break down bones. In two studies, spinal fractures were reduced by two-thirds in women ages 60-90 and in men getting prostate cancer therapy. Los Angeles Times, Aug. 12.
• Oral Drug Ups Survival in Advanced Prostate Cancer Cases: But no reduced death risk in patients with localized disease, research shows. HealthDay, Aug. 11.
• Suicide Risk With Antidepressants Falls With Age: Study reiterates that young are most vulnerable. HealthDay, Aug. 11.

Mind:

• Mediterranean Diet Plus Exercise Lowers Alzheimer's Risk: Older adults who ate healthy and remained active were protected, study finds. HealthDay, Aug. 11.

Personal Finance:

• Making Seniors More Money Savvy: Here are some experts' top personal-finance tips for seniors. WSJ, Aug. 16.
• Is a Roth IRA Right for You? New rules beginning in 2010 will allow higher-income holders of traditional IRAs to convert to a Roth IRA. But it pays to run the numbers first. BusinessWeek, Aug. 13.
• Let's make a deal -- on your life-insurance policy: Life settlements' cash payout may be appealing, but buyer beware. MarketWatch, Aug. 12.
• Workers' 401(k) balances move higher: Average account balance rises, but many younger workers don't participate. MarketWatch, Aug. 12.

Retirement:

• Repair. Rebuild. Retire: Use our action plan to get your savings back on track. Kiplinger's, September 2009.

Social Security:

• Social Security to Pay More Than $500 Million in Back Benefits; Stop Unlawful Suspensions: More than 200,000 people eligible for benefits again through court settlement. Senior Journal, Aug. 12.

Housing:

• Senior-proof your house now so you don't have to move later: Nine of 10 people older than 50 plan to remain in their homes for as long as their health allows, an AARP survey has found. But most older homes weren't built to accommodate the frailties of old age. Dallas Morning News, Aug. 13.

Insurance:

• White House Appears Open to Insurance Co-ops: The Obama administration sent signals on Sunday that it has backed away from its once-firm vision of a government organization to provide for the nation’s 50 million uninsured and is now open to using nonprofit cooperatives instead. The New York Times, Aug. 16.
• Many seniors aren't sure healthcare system needs repair: Convincing this influential group of voters that there is a need for change is proving to be an uphill battle, as a meeting at a Denver retirement center demonstrates. Los Angeles Times, Aug. 12.
• A New Lease on Life Insurance: That term or cash-value policy you bought to protect your young family could cushion your retirement as well. Kiplinger's, September 2009.

End of Life:

• End-of-life decisions: Unfounded fears of government-sponsored 'euthanasia' obscure the real need for planning ahead. Baltimore Sun, Aug. 9.

Xtra!

• Older drivers unaware of prescription risks: Many older drivers who take medications that could affect their performance behind the wheel are unaware of the risks associated with those drugs, according to a new study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. USA Today, Aug. 12.
• Go West, Old Man, Where Senior Citizens Feel Younger at Heart: Pew Research Center Social & Demographic Trends finds two-thirds of Westerners ages 65 and older say they feel younger than their chronological years. Senior Journal, Aug. 10.
• The Truth About Death Panel in Health Care Reform Bill: ABC takes a close look at end of life proposal. ABC News, Aug. 10.

Health:

• Seniors Remain Wary of Health-Care Reform: Administration Aims to Reassure Older Americans Fearful of Losing Access to Care. Washington Post, Aug. 9.
• In U.S., No Comeback Seen for Hormone Therapy: Experts say risks of long-term use still outweigh possible benefits. HealthDay, Aug. 9.
• A Guide Through a Medical Wilderness: When you’re ill, it’s good to have someone in your corner to see errors in medical bills, argue for lower fees and appeal coverage denials. The New York Times, Aug. 7.
• Studies Question Using Cement for Spine Injuries: Two new studies cast serious doubt on a widely used and expensive treatment for painful fractures in the spine. The New York Times, Aug. 5.
• Midlife Heart Risk Factors Linked to Later Dementia: High cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes and smoking raise Alzheimer's risk. HealthDay, Aug. 4.
• Study Shows Seed Implants a Suitable Prostate Cancer Treatment Option for Older Men: Prostate cancer treatment ‘outcomes are impacted by disease-related risk factors but not by age. Senior Journal, Aug. 4.
• Garlic for a Healthy Heart? Much has been made of the benefits of eating garlic, but often left out of the discussion is what kind of garlic to eat. The New York Times, Aug. 3.

Mind:

• Mental Activity Seems to Keep the Brain Vital: Rapid memory loss may be delayed by stimulating activities, study finds. HealthDay, Aug. 9.
• Mental health, happiness improve with age, studies say: Aging has its upsides in terms of mental health and happiness, according to researchers speaking at the American Psychological Association meeting here. USA Today, Aug. 7.
• Number of Americans taking antidepressants doubles: The number of Americans using antidepressants doubled in only a decade, while the number seeing psychiatrists continued to fall, a study shows. USA Today, Aug. 4.

Medicare:

• Guided Care Program Could Save Medicare $15 Billion a Year on Chronically Ill Seniors: Studies say Guided Care improves quality of patients' care, reduces family caregiver strain and improves physicians' satisfaction with chronic care. Senior Journal, Aug. 7.
• Seniors defend Medicare plan Obama calls 'wasteful': One of the largest spending cuts Congress could rely on to pay for an overhaul of the nation's health care system comes from a Medicare program President Obama has called a "wasteful" subsidy for the health insurance industry. USA Today, Aug. 4.
• Medicare benefits vary widely by region: Average payment differs by as much as $3,400, depending on where you live. MarketWatch, Aug. 3.

Personal Finance:

• How to Handle Your Aging Parents' Finances: Five tips on planning Mom and Dad's financial future. U.S. News and World Report, Aug. 7.
• Conversion question: Answers to 12 frequently asked questions about converting to a Roth IRA. MarketWatch, Aug. 6.
• Reverse Mortgages – What should you know before applying? The number of reverse mortgages backed by the government jumped nearly 20 percent in March and April alone from the same period in 2008. Boston Globe, Aug. 5.
• Reverse Mortgages to the Rescue: New reverse-mortgage rules let you squeeze more cash from your house and even buy a new home. Kiplinger's, Aug. 2009.

Retirement:

• Plenty of reasons to worry: Despite market rally, retirement plans still have far to go to recover losses. MarketWatch, Aug. 4.

Housing:

• Not-For-Profit Nursing Homes Fare Better in Studies: Quality of care higher than in for-profit residences, review finds. HealthDay, Aug. 5.

Caregiving:

• 'Ask Medicare' seeks to cut red tape for caregivers: A new Web site that gives easy access to people taking care of elderly relatives, and provides information and links to services that are important to caregivers. CNN, Aug. 3.

Technology:

• Facebook: Boomers Keep Coming: Researcher iStrategyLabs just released new numbers on Facebook user demographics, and one figure stands out: the number of members who are 55 and older grew 25% in the last month alone. BusinessWeek, Aug. 7.

End of Life:

• Hospice Care Eases the End for Loyal Pets: Increasingly, loving owners are choosing it for their animal companions. HealthDay, Aug. 6.

Xtra!

• Loneliness is increasing -- and it can harm your health: Being lonely isn't bad for you, but staying lonely is. USA Today, Aug. 6.
• Elder Abuse, Neglect Make Early Death Far More Likely: Finding illustrates need to report suspected problems, expert says. HealthDay, Aug. 4.

Health:

• Senior Citizens on Low Priority for H1N1 Flu Shots Due to Signs that Younger More Vulnerable: CDC advisors do urge seniors to be at the top of the list of seasonal flu vaccinations. Senior Journal, July 30.
• People Over 60 at Risk for 'Silent Stroke': High blood pressure and other factors play role, study says. HealthDay, July 27.
• Men Who Have Prostate Cancer Surgery Do Well: But study didn't determine value of any treatment vs. watchful waiting. HealthDay, July 27.
• Marriage Ends, Health Declines: Study links divorce and widowhood to poorer health. HealthDay, July 27.

Medicine:

• Americans spend $34 billion a year on alternative medicine: While Americans may complain about the high cost of health care, they're still willing to shell out roughly $34 billion a year out-of-pocket on alternative therapies that aren't covered by insurance, a new study shows. USA Today, July 30.

Mind:

• Treating depression can be hit or miss: Doctors have more than 20 medications to choose from. But finding the right one is a process of trial and error. Los Angeles Times, Aug. 3.
• Protein Clumps May Appear Years Before Memory Problems: Discovery could help in Alzheimer's prevention efforts, researcher says. HealthDay, July 29.

Medicare:

• Seniors uneasy over Medicare cuts in overhaul: Democrats are pushing for Medicare cuts on a scale not seen in years to underwrite health care for all. Many seniors now covered under the program don't like that one bit. Associated Press, July 30.
• Democrats Push Health Care Plan While Issuing Assurances on Medicare: President Obama tried to sell his health care plan to older Americans amid an outpouring of fear about Medicare cuts. The New York Times, July 28.
• No reduced Medicare benefits in health care reform: President Obama tried Tuesday to alleviate senior citizens' concerns about health care reform, saying his plan will maintain Medicare benefits and allow people to keep the coverage and doctors they now have. CNN, July 28.

Personal Finance:

• Guarantee a comfortable retirement: If you're concerned that income from Social Security and pensions might not be enough to give you the retirement lifestyle you want, consider an immediate annuity. Money Magazine, July 28.
• Credit card debt rises faster for those 65 and older: Cash-strapped older Americans are racking up credit card debt faster than other consumers amid dwindling retirement portfolios and rising medical costs, a study shows. USA Today, July 27.

Retirement:

• The new ‘retirement’ plan – just keep working: With nest eggs crushed, retirees rely on a paycheck — if they can find one. MSNBC, July 28.

Social Security:

• The next great bailout - Social Security: In Washington these days, the only topics of discussion seem to be how many trillions to throw at health care and the recession, and whom on Wall Street to pillory next. But watch out. Lurking just below the surface is a bailout candidate that may soon emerge like the great white shark in Jaws: Social Security. Fortune, July 30.

Insurance:

• Health Bill Clears Hurdle, and Hints at Consensus: Landmark legislation approved by a House committee shows the beginnings of a political consensus to cover more Americans and give them new rights with insurers. The New York Times, July 31.
• New Poll Finds Growing Unease on Health Plan: President Obama’s ability to shape the debate on health care appears to be waning as opponents portray the effort as a government takeover, according to a Times/CBS News poll. The New York Times, July 29.

Travel:

• CDC’s Annual Yellow Book of Useful Tips on Healthy International Travel is Out for 2010: CDC Health Information for International Travel, also known as ‘Yellow Book’ has new section on medical tourism (traveling for medical treatment). Senior Journal, July 30.

Work:

• When the golden years include a commute: Some are opting to work into their 70s, 80s and beyond. MSNBC, July 29.

End of Life:

• Presidential order: Suggestion that everyone have a living will is a good one. MarketWatch, July 30.

Xtra!

• Senior Citizens Must Stand Up to Lies that Health Reform Bill Will Allow Government to Kill Them: Right-wing stoops to new low in attacks on health reform to protect profits of insurance companies. Senior Journal, Aug. 1.
• Senior Citizens Offered Free Counseling on Reverse Mortgage by Council on Aging: Seniors age 62+ can schedule a free reverse mortgage counseling session through September 30, 2009 – free brochure online now. Senior Journal, July 31.
• Nap Time – Popular with Many Americans but Daily Ritual for Most Senior Citizens over 80: Pew Research Center finds napping popular at bottom and top of income scale. Senior Journal, July 29.
• Old world: Aging populations around the globe raise profound questions. MarketWatch, July 27.

Health:

• Are Clinical Trials Safe? Sometimes it takes an experiment to make you well. Parade, July 26.
• Buying a Hearing Aid? You’ve Got a Lot to Learn: Costs and the ability to pick up sounds are just two factors to consider when shopping for a device. The New York Times, July 24.
• Studies Affirm Value of Healthy Lifestyle: Those who ate right, exercised lowered chances of cardiovascular trouble. HealthDay, July 21.
• Fractures Associated with Osteoporosis Jumped 55 Percent from 1995 to 2006: Osteoporosis is primarily a disease of elderly women: about 90% of those with injuries. Senior Journal, July 21.
• Institute on Aging Sounds Alarm for Danger to Senior Citizens from Summer Heat: Risk of serious heat-related problems increases with age; tips seniors should know. Senior Journal, July 21.
• Considering Longer Chemotherapy: There is a growing push for cancer therapy even when it is not urgent. The New York Times, July 20.

Medicine:

• Beta-Blockers Tied to Higher Cataract Risk: But the finding shouldn't affect use of the popular blood pressure drugs, experts say. HealthDay, July 23.

Mind:

• ACE Inhibitors May Hold Down Dementia as Well as Blood Pressure Says New Study: 13 million may have dementia by 2050; delaying dementia even one year would have a substantial impact on public health. SeniorJournal, July 23.
• Biomarkers May Predict Alzheimer's: Proteins in spinal fluid may help diagnose disease early, study shows. HealthDay, July 21.
• New Alzheimer's Treatment Could Be on the Horizon: Potential of immune system treatment is 'exciting,' expert says. HealthDay, July 20.

Medicare:

• It's time to tweak Medicare's drug coverage: Since 2006, some 45 million Americans have had the opportunity to enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription-drug plan. And since that time, policymakers, adult caregivers and many others have wondered whether these plans are a good deal or not. MarketWatch, July 24.
• Seniors saving more on prescriptions in Medicare drug plan, but challenges remain: Medicare's 3-year-old prescription drug plan has largely met its main goal of making lifesaving medicines more affordable for seniors, a new report found. Associated Press, July 22.
• Medicare took one year; overhaul to take nearly 10: President Lyndon Johnson signed the Medicare law on July 30, 1965, and 11 months later seniors were receiving coverage. But if President Barack Obama gets to sign a health care overhaul this fall, the uninsured won't be covered until 2013 — after the next presidential election. Associated Press, July 20.

Personal Finance:

• A Boot Camp to Prepare for Retirement: Eight drills to determine if your finances are healthy enough for you stop working — and to help get them on track if they’re not. The New York Times, July 24.
• Counting on Social Security? Don't: You need a retirement-income plan, and you need to save more. MarketWatch, July 23.

Retirement:

• Can you still afford to retire? We try 5 financial calculators: Last year's stock market free fall has left a lot of folks wondering whether they'll ever be able to retire. But assuming you don't want to work until you drop, is it possible to get back on track? USA Today, July 23.
• Don't carry your mortgage into retirement: Time was when everyone retired debt free, or at least without a mortgage. Now many people retire while still paying that monthly home-loan bill. But should you? MarketWatch, July 22.

Caregiving:

• Caregivers, too, need time away: When an elderly relative being cared for at home can't go on vacation, what's a caregiver to do? USA Today, July 23.

Work:

• Facing retirement: '70 is the new 65': The recession is keeping some older workers on the job beyond the time they intended to retire. Chicago Tribune, July 26.
• Jobs Scarce for Oldest Workers; Consider Entry-Level, Internships, Moving, Self-Employment: CareerBuilder survey finds 63% age 55 and older laid off in the last 12 months have applied for jobs below the level at which they were previously employed. Senior Journal, July 22.
• Senior workers delay retirement: For older workers forced to stay in the rat race longer, finding employment is no easy task. CNNMoney.com,July 22.

Xtra!

• Liberal and Conservative Democrats Feud Over Bill: House Democrats feuded openly over health care Friday before shaking hands on a deal that guaranteed only that they would keep negotiating, wrapping up a week in which consensus on a sweeping overhaul of the nation's health-care system seemed to diminish by the day. Washington Post, July 25.
• Obama Moves to Reclaim the Debate on Health Care: President Obama sought to convince an increasingly skeptical American public that proposed changes to the health care system would benefit them and strengthen the economy. The New York Times, July 22.
• A cane is a weapon, not a crutch, in self-defense: You can stop many attacks just by knowing how to swing a cane. USA Today, July 21.
• Starting to get crowded in 100-year-olds' club: Once virtually nonexistent, the world's population of centenarians is projected to reach nearly 6 million by midcentury. That's pushing the median age toward 50 in many developed nations and challenging views of what it means to be old and middle-age. Associated Press, July 20.
• Elder Boom Will Be Felt Worldwide: Population older than 65 could reach 1.3 billion by 2040. HealthDay, July 20.

Health:

• Family doctors - an endangered breed: As more medical students shun primary care for higher-paid specialties, experts warn of a severe imbalance that could cripple the nation's health care system. CNNMoney, July 18.
• Senior Citizens Have Less Dementia if They Eat Omega-3 Rich Fish, Finds 7-Nation Study: Results inconclusive on impact of dementia risk from eating meat. Senior Journal, July 17.
• America’s Best Hospitals: Today, U.S. News and World Report released its annual list of the country’s best hospitals, ranked by various specialties like cancer care, heart treatment and children’s health. The New York Times, July 16.
• A New Understanding of Glaucoma: Glaucoma isn't simply an eye disease, experts now say, but rather a degenerative nerve disorder not unlike Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. The New York Times, July 15.
• Excess Weight Speeds Up Osteoarthritis: Rapid loss of knee cartilage directly linked to being overweight in study. HealthDay, July 14.
• Heavy Alcohol Drinking Spurs High-Grade Prostate Cancer, Stops Prevention by Finasteride: Four or more drinks on 5 or more days per week doubles risk of high-grade prostate cancer. Senior Journal, July 13.
• Living a longer life: whose advice helps? For decades, longevity gurus have touted their plans. But have they delivered? Los Angeles Times, July 13.

Medicine:

• Acetaminophen - The dark side of pain relief: Tylenol and other drugs are safe when taken as directed. But treating them lightly can bring liver failure. Los Angeles Times, July 20.

Mind:

• Gene raises Alzheimer's risk, but testing for it doesn't raise anxiety: Adult children of Alzheimer's disease patients don't suffer psychological distress when told they carry a gene that increases their risk of the disease, researchers report Thursday. USA Today, July 15.
• Healthy Diet, Exercise Keeps Mind Sharp As You Age: New research finds eating healthy, moderate activity are protective. HealthDay, July 14.
• Moderate Drinking Might Guard Against Alzheimer's: But only among those who are not cognitively impaired, study finds. HealthDay, July 13.
• Dementia Increasing Among the 'Oldest Old': Those over 90 have highest rate, new study finds. HealthDay, July 13.

Medicare:

• For disabled, two-year wait for Medicare 'devastating': Under current law, however, those with disabilities aren't eligible for Medicare until two years after they begin receiving Social Security disability insurance checks. The Dallas Morning News, July 19.

Personal Finance:

• Three Free Financial-Planning Tools: These new interactive Web sites give you advice -- some better than others -- to help you reach goals. Kiplinger's, July 14.
• New reverse mortgage aids seniors: Seniors can buy a home with a reverse mortgage, keep their existing home and save big bucks. Bankrate.com, July 13.
• Back home, needing help: How parents can protect wallets from adult children. MarketWatch, July 13.
• Best Ways to Raid Your Retirement Accounts: When you have to tap your nest egg early, the key is to minimize the tax bite. Kiplinger's, July 13.

Retirement:

• Phased retirement a good idea? Some companies let workers ease into retirement. But look out for these potential drawbacks. Bankrate.com, July 15.

• Camp Grandparents: Some grandmas and grandpas become alternative to summer camp in recession. Chicago Tribune, July 14.

Housing:

• Making Home a Safer Place, Affordably: If older people choose to remain in houses where they are comfortable, there are many ways to shore up their homes’ safety. The New York Times, July 17.
• Nursing-Home Ratings Earn Mixed Reviews: Nursing homes say the information, from homes as well as from state inspection reports, misleads families and patients. The Washington Post, July 14.

Insurance:

• American Medical Assoc. endorses House Dems' health bill: The American Medical Association on Thursday endorsed a liberal health overhaul bill that includes a public insurance option, a bold step for a traditionally conservative group with a checkered past on health reforms. Associated Press, July 17.
• New products aim to sweeten long-term-care insurance: Insurers' hybrid offerings may ease the bite of long-term-care policy premiums. MarketWatch, July 16.
• Health Care Vote Illustrates Stubborn Partisan Divide: The party-line Senate committee vote showed a lack of political consensus on a major policy overhaul. The New York Times, July 15.
• House Health Plan Outlines Higher Taxes on Rich: House Democratic leaders took a big step toward guaranteeing health insurance for most Americans on Tuesday as they unveiled a bill that detailed how they would expand coverage, slow the growth of Medicare, raise taxes on high-income people and penalize employers who do not provide health benefits to their workers. The New York Times, July 14.

Caregiving:

• How to Help Your Aging Parents Without Going Broke: From making their daily life easier to affording in-home care, here's the (money) wise guide you need. Good Housekeeping, July 2009.
• The Long-Distance Caregiver: Hire a care manager or assemble a network of helpers if your parent lives far away. Kiplinger's, July 14.

Volunteering:

• Older volunteers called to the Peace Corps: Two years ago the Peace Corps sought volunteers who could bring more skills and experience. Those recruiting efforts resulted in a 44 percent increase in applications from people older than 50. The Arizona Republic, July 19.

End of Life:

• 5 Ways to Make Good Choices About a Funeral: Planning a farewell service is tricker than ever, so think ahead. SmartMoney, Jul 13.

Xtra!

• Elderly drivers in fewer accidents than others: Statistics don’t discourage push to change law. Boston Globe, July 19.
• How falls affect older people: During his vacation in the Italian Alps, Pope Benedict XVI, 82, fell and broke his wrist. On Friday, doctors operated to realign the fractured bones. In older adults, falls are the leading cause of deaths caused by injuries. Associated Press, July 17.
• Help stop scam artists from fleecing elderly: Fraud is bad enough, but when you have family members or caregivers who are financially abusing their elderly relatives or patients, that's downright despicable. The Philadelphia Inquirer, July 16.
• Senior Citizens Being Urged to Choose and Use Walkers and Canes Carefully: Proper fit and use may prevent some of the 47,000 annual ER visits by elderly who fall. Senior Journal, July 14.
• AAA Launches New Web Site to Promote Senior Driver Safety and Mobility: Provides safety and mobility information, tools and resources for older drivers and their families. Senior Journal, July 14.
• Are Seniors Being Targeted as Bad Drivers? Tougher licensing rules for older drivers are being seriously proposed in Massachusetts following a rash of tragic auto accidents involving older drivers. U.S. News and World Report, July 13.

Health:

• If red wine's good, are resveratrol pills even better? Resveratrol supplements are a prime example of how hope, buzz and profit can distort science. Los Angeles Times, July 13.
• Exercise and longevity: Slow aging and feel better through exercise. Scientific research proves it. Los Angeles Times, July 13.
• Fewer calories equals a longer life -- At least in monkeys: Cutting daily calorie intake by 30 percent may put the brakes on the aging process, have beneficial effects on the brain, and result in a longer life span, according to a new 20-year study of monkeys published in the journal Science. CNN, July 9.
• More Mammograms May Mean More 'Harmless' Cancers: Experts stress, though, that screenings remain vital. HealthDay, July 9.
• 'Double failure' at USA's hospitals: Too many people die needlessly at U.S. hospitals, according to a sweeping new Medicare analysis showing wide variation in death rates between the best hospitals and the worst. USA Today, July 8.
• Mini-Strokes May Cause Vision Loss: Hong Kong researchers implicate silent infarcts in glaucoma. HealthDay, July 7.
• For America's aged, surgery at any price? Should a 97-year-old man undergo an expensive, dangerous open-heart operation to repair a lethal tear in a main artery of his heart? Philadelphia Inquirer, July 6.

Medicine:

• Antibiotic Delayed Aging in Experiments With Mice: A new star has appeared in the field of drugs that delay aging in laboratory animals, and are therefore candidates for doing the same in people. The New York Times, July 8.
• Reasons Not to Panic Over a Painkiller: Few drugs are more ubiquitous than acetaminophen, the pain reliever found in numerous over-the-counter cold remedies and the headache drug Tylenol. The New York Times, July 6.

Mind:

• Gene May Help Predict Timing of Alzheimer's Onset: Discovery of TOMM40 adds to understanding of disease development. HealthDay, July 12.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acid Falls Short in Alzheimer's Trials: No significant benefits seen with DHA, either in terms of prevention or treatment. HealthDay, July 12.

Personal Finance:

• Reverse Mortgages: While the recession hasn't spared any age group, it's been particularly brutal for older Americans who were counting on their (now shrunken) nest eggs to last through their retirement years. Time, July 20.
• Set yourself free: Financial freedom is within reach, if you adopt specific strategies to get there. MarketWatch, July 9.
• Does laddering make sense now? In a prolonged low-rate environment, what can investors do to beef up their earnings? Bankrate.com, July 8.
• 5 keys to automatic retirement plans: Are you putting money into a 401(k) without even knowing it? Automatic enrollment plans allow an employer to take a portion of your paycheck and put it into a 401(k) on your behalf. Bankrate.com, July 7.
• Reverse mortgage can help seniors buy new home: Your home is not your piggy bank. However, there is a reward for those who did build equity in their homes: In their senior years, their home can provide a monthly stream of tax-free income, or a lump sum of cash to spend as they wish, while remaining safely in their home. Or it can provide a source of financing for a new, smaller home. Chicago Sun-Times, July 6.
• Target reassessment: Target-date funds were roundly criticized after crash -- how are they doing now? MarketWatch, July 6.

Retirement:

• Many couples diverge on retirement planning: They may have vowed to stick together in sickness or in health, but that doesn't mean married couples have talked much about their financial plans for retirement. The Dallas Morning News, July 9.

Social Security:

• Collect Now, or Later? Timing Your Social Security Benefits: Waiting until full retirement age or even later to collect benefits can result in a larger check — but sometimes collecting early makes more sense. The New York Times, July 10.
• Payback -- Making Money Off Social Security: Americans give the government interest-free loans with their salary withholdings. There's a way to turn the tables. TheStreet.com, July 10.

Work:

• Older Workers Edging Out Younger Ones: Employers experience mixed blessings in the trend. Kiplinger’s, July 9.

End of Life:

• Sisters Face Death With Dignity and Reverence: For end-of-life care, a group of convent sisters rely on social networks rather than aggressive medical care. The New York Times, July 8.
• The Caregiver’s Last Expense: Funerals mark a sad turning point in the emotional lives of families and, often, an end to years of caregiving. But they are also a major expense, often undertaken by stricken loved ones ill-prepared to make major financial decisions. The New York Times, July 8.

Xtra!

• Couple show age is no barrier in track and field: At an age when most people are content to be spectators, O'Connor is striving to run faster, throw farther and jump higher. She is entered in seven events this week at the USA Masters Outdoor Track and Field Championships, which begin today in Oshkosh, Wis. USA Today, July 8.
• States seek tests for older drivers: A looming "gray wave" of Baby Boomers expected on the nation's highways over the next two decades has prompted states to launch programs aimed at allowing seniors to keep driving as long as they can without endangering themselves or others. USA Today, July 6.

Health:

• Exercise Tips to Keep Boomers on Their Feet: Taking simple precautions can help prevent pain and injury, doctors say. HealthDay, July 4.
• Predicting the Return of Prostate Cancer Improved by Results from John Hopkins Study: May also help resolve the debate on when, and in what form, secondary treatments should occur. Senior Journal, July 2.
• Few survive cardiac arrest, even with hospital CPR: You don't have to be Michael Jackson to have this problem: The odds of surviving cardiac arrest after getting CPR in a hospital are slim and have not improved in more than a decade, a big Medicare study concludes. Associated Press, July 1.
• Democrats Back on Track with Health Care Reform but Questions Still Loom: Long-term care provision in Senate Health Reform Bill corrects problem that Medicare does not cover long-term care. Senior Journal, June 29.
• Study Warns of Hazards for Elderly Using Walking Aids: About 47,000 older Americans are treated in emergency rooms each year from falls associated with walkers and canes, according to a study that suggests that there is room for improvement in the use and design of walking aids. The New York Times, June 29.

Medicine:

• Suicide Warnings for 2 Anti-Smoking Drugs: Federal drug regulators warned Wednesday that patients taking two popular drugs to stop smoking should be watched closely for signs of serious mental illness, as reports mount of suicides among the drugs’ users. The New York Times, July 1.
• Questions Linger Over Pharmaceutical Industry Agreement to Cut Costs for Health Reform: The deal includes $30 billion to lower seniors’ drug costs in Medicare, 23% off drugs for Medicaid. Senior Journal, July 1.
• FDA Panel Urges Ban on Vicodin, Percocet: Also recommends dosing limits for OTC painkillers that contain acetaminophen, like Tylenol or Excedrin, because of link to liver damage. HealthDay, June 30.

Mind:

• Living Alone Increases Odds of Developing Dementia: Losing a partner through divorce or death in middle age may triple the risk, study shows. HealthDay, July 2.
• J&J takes on Alzheimer's disease with $1B stake in Elan: Johnson & Johnson, making a big jump into the risky but potentially lucrative field of Alzheimer's disease, is taking a major stake in Irish biopharmaceutical company Elan, investing up to $1.5 billion initially. Associated Press, July 2.

Medicare:

• Medicare’s Mixed Legacy: The government can lower medical costs, but may limit innovation. The New York Times, July 4.
• Medicare can Cost More Than Seniors can Afford but Help is Available for Low Income: Medicare Interactive explains how these programs work, offers assistance. Senior Journal, July 2.
• With Medicare Plan, Drug Spending May Be Up: Researchers suspect overuse as a cause, but note that other costs are down. HealthDay, July 1.

Personal Finance:

• Retired? Flex your investing muscle: The right asset allocation isn't a one-size-fits all portfolio. Here's how to find the one that's right for you. Money Magazine, July 2.
• Reverse Mortgages Leave Seniors at Risk, GAO Says: HUD Defends Programs' Safeguards. Washington Post, June 30.
• Picking the Right Target-Date Fund: Target-date funds have come under fire in recent months for failing to shelter investors, especially those near retirement, from the market maelstrom. The New York Times, June 28.

Retirement:

• 5 ways to age gracefully: Despite its reputation, aging doesn't have to be a miserable process. Though some factors -- our parents and the genes we inherit from them -- may be out of our control, we can greatly influence how we enter the golden years by doing simple things, aging experts say. Chicago Tribune, July 5.
• Can You Afford to Retire? After watching their savings evaporate and their net worth plunge, many are giving up on retirement planning. But there are ways out of this mess without winning the lottery. Business Week, July 2.

Social Security:

• Social Security Payments Could Shrink for Some: It looks like Social Security will not provide a cost-of-living adjustment to beneficiaries in 2010. But health-care costs continue to rise, and Medicare Part B premiums -- which are designed to cover about 25% of the total costs of Part B -- are also expected to go up. Kiplinger's, July 2.
• Social Security report says dead people still receiving checks: The Social Security Administration has continued to pay millions of dollars in benefits to dead people, and other elderly U.S. residents are at risk of losing badly needed aid because they're improperly recorded as deceased, federal investigators warn in a new report. McClatchy Newspapers, July 1.
• Senior Citizens May Not Get Social Security COLA for Years Says Kaiser Medicare Brief: No Social Security increase also means higher Medicare Part B fees for many seniors says the analysis. Senior Journal, June 29.
• Disabled and seeking benefits: How to make your best case for Social Security payouts. MarketWatch, June 29.

Insurance:

• Many With Insurance Still Bankrupted by Health Crises: Health insurance is supposed to offer protection — both medically and financially. But as it turns out, an estimated three-quarters of people who are pushed into personal bankruptcy by medical problems actually had insurance when they got sick or were injured. The New York Times, June 30.

Caregiving:

• Caregivers: Alzheimer's Other Victims: When Children Become Caregivers, Strain and Resentment Can Take Devastating Toll. ABC News, June 30.

Work:

• Older job seekers struggle to overcome age barrier: Older job seekers struggle to overcome age barriers as 55-plus jobless rate hits record. Associated Press, July 2.
• 6 Tips for Starting a Business After Age 50: Boomers' experience puts them in a better position than most to succeed. U.S. News and World Report, June 29.

Xtra!

• Few see themselves as 'old,' no matter what their age: If you've been telling yourself you're not old yet, you fit right in. USA Today, June 29.

Health:

• New Treatment for Cancer Shows Promise in Testing: A new method of attacking cancer cells, developed by researchers in Australia, has proved surprisingly effective in animal tests. New York Times, June 28.
• Constipation May Lead to Other Problems: Hemorrhoids, incontinence and more can result, research shows. HealthDay, June 28.
• In Old Age, Friends Can Keep You Young. Really: Going to the ballpark, visiting friends and playing bingo are simple diversions for many of us. But for the elderly, these social pastimes may play a critical role in preserving their physical and mental health. Time, June 23.
• More heart patients getting cholesterol levels under control: More people who are trying to lower their cholesterol are actually succeeding in getting their low-density lipoprotein, or bad cholesterol, down to healthy levels. CNN Health, June 23.
• Eat Well, Live Longer: Age-old advice to eat healthy pays off in longevity, study finds. HealthDay, June 23.
• Social Activity Keeps Elders Young, Agile: Seniors who don't socialize regularly risk losing motor function, researchers say. HealthDay, June 23.

Medicine:

• PARP Drugs May Be Miracle Cure for Cancer Suggests Success with Breast, Ovarian, Prostate Cancer: NEJM editorial says PARP inhibitors may point to a new direction for anticancer drugs. Senior Journal, June 25.
• AARP to Endorse Offer Of Drugmaker Price Cuts: AARP, the nation's largest seniors lobby, will give its blessing today to an offer by drug manufacturers to contribute $80 billion over the next decade to reduce the cost of comprehensive health reform, in part by discounting the price of Medicare prescriptions. Washington Post, June 22.

Mind:

• Clues to Alzheimer's Spotted Earlier in Disease: Researchers found biomarkers in patients with only mild memory problems. HealthDay, June 24.

Medicare:

• President Obama Promises Doughnut Hole in Medicare Drug Program Will Get Smaller: President says agreement has been worked out with pharmaceutical industry for 50% discount. Senior Journal, June 22.

Personal Finance:

• Smart Ways to Access Your Housing Wealth: Using the equity in your home as a long-term tool to enhance your retirement is a common goal. Doing so wisely is the focus of an uncommonly sound report by MetLife's Mature Market Institute. U.S. News and World Report, June 25.
• Guaranteed Income for Life: Stretch your retirement savings with an annuity. Kiplinger's, July 2009.

Retirement:

• Retire, and be happy: The seven keys to a successful retirement. MarketWatch, June 25.
• 80% of couples disagree when it comes to retirement planning: If the economic downturn has forced you to rethink your plans for retirement, it's a good idea to discuss your concerns with your spouse or partner. USA Today, June 22.
• The Retirement Dilemma: Keep Working? Americans nearing retirement have too much debt and nowhere near the savings they need to live comfortably for 20-odd years. BusinessWeek, June 22.

Social Security:

• 6 Ways to Maximize Your Social Security Payout: These strategies can help you get the highest possible Social Security checks in retirement. Us> News and World Report, June 22.

Insurance:

• How to Minimize Long-Term-Care Insurance Premiums: Choosing the proper benefit period plays a big role in how much you'll pay for a policy. Here's what you need to know to get the right amount of coverage. Kiplinger’s, June 25.

Caregiving:

• Family Caregiving on Contract: The elderly mother wanted to avoid a nursing home and remain in her house in Kansas City, but she needed hands-on help. The daughter, a nurse at a local hospital, was willing to shoulder responsibility for her mother’s care but couldn’t afford to lose income by substantially scaling back her work schedule. The New York Times, June 25.

Technology:

• Senior Citizens, Older Baby Boomers Lead Charge to High-Speed Internet: Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project finds broadband use finally on the move. Senior Journal, June 24.

Work:

• Staying on the job - for (a healthy) life: About 5.1 percent of Americans 80 or older, or 511,000, were in the workforce last year, up from 3.7 percent five years earlier and 3.1 percent in 2000, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The numbers are certain to rise as people live and remain active longer – and must stretch their often-fixed incomes. The Associated Press, June 27.

Xtra!

• World's 65 and older population to triple by 2050: The world's 65-and-older population will triple by mid-century to 1 in 6 people, leaving the U.S. and other nations struggling to support the elderly. Associated Press, June 23.

Health:

• Breakthrough News In Prostate Cancer: It's one of the most common cancers in men, so if a simple blood test tells you whether you have it or not, you take the test, right? Not necessarily. Parade, June 21.
• Urge Older Adults to Take Advantage of Medicare Diabetes Screening Benefit: Approximately seven out of 10 adults, age 65 or older, have diabetes or pre-diabetes, and of those people with diabetes, almost half don't know it. HealthNewsDigest.com, June 20.
• Carotene that Makes Carrot Orange is in New Supplement that Slows Age-Related Macular Degeneration: New supplement introduced today appears so slow down AMD, the leading cause of blindness in elderly. Senior Journal, June 19.
• Almost Half of Those Over 60 Die While Waiting for Kidney Transplant: Study highlights need to get on list quickly, experts say. HealthDay, June 18.
• Have a Purpose in Life? You Might Live Longer: Longevity joins physical, psychological health as potential benefits. HealthDay, June 16.
• Chemo treatment may remove wrinkles as well: Patients who undergo therapy for precancerous skin lesions already get a big benefit. Topical creams can remove the lesions without surgery, dramatically reducing their risk of skin cancer. USA Today, June 16.
• Obama's Health-Care Plan: What It Means for You: Cuts to Medicaid and Medicare spending could have mixed consequences. SmartMoney, June 16.
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration Halted by Blocking Protein to Stop Blood Vessel Growth: Protein CCR3 a new target for diagnosis and treatment of AMD, the most common cause of blindness in senior citizens. Senior Journal, June 15.
• Colonoscopy Risks Increase With Age and Illness: Other screening methods for colon cancer may be safer for some older patients, researchers say. HealthDay, June 15.
• Alcohol’s Good for You? Some Scientists Doubt It: Maybe moderate drinkers are just healthier to begin with. The New York Times, June 15.

Mind:

• DIY Alzheimer's test is fast and accurate: Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is important and the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) is the standard way of detecting the condition. But a new study from Cambridge, UK, suggests that there might be a better way, with a simpler test. Health and Age, June 19.

Medicare:

• Drug companies may narrow Medicare coverage gap: The White House, key lawmakers and the pharmaceutical industry are negotiating a possible deal to have drug companies pay for narrowing a gap in coverage in the prescription drug program for Medicare. Associated Press, June 19.
• Medicare Advisory Group Urges Change in Incentives to Strengthen Program, Promote Quality Care: MedPAC report focuses on changing payment system incentives to reward value, not volume. Senior Journal, June 15.

Personal Finance:

• What Your Spouse Must Know about Investing: Even if you're fit as a fiddle, make sure that your spouse would know how to handle the following issues if something were to happen to you. Morningstar, June 18,
• Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You? Since the credit and housing meltdown largely removed private reverse mortgages from the market, home equity conversion mortgages (HECMs) - federally insured reverse mortgages - have been growing steadily. U.S. News and World Report, June 17.

Retirement:

• Retirement can be sore point for couples: Survey finds many spouses hold differing ideas of what they'll be doing. Baltimore Sun, June 21.
• You can still retire rich...really: Yes, you may have to work longer, and you definitely have to save more. But today's lower stock prices will lead to bigger gains in the long run. Fortune, June 17.
• Retirees may well worry about health-care reform: Retirement health-care costs are steep -- are you prepared? MarketWatch, June 17.
• For Boomers, recession is redefining retirement: They grew up during a time of cultural change, and now are being forced to redefine retirement at midlife. USA Today, June 16.
• Retirement - How much should you save? Ask yourself these two questions before you decide how much you'll need when you retire. Money Magazine, June 16.
• Is $1 Million Enough to Retire? A senior financial adviser at Ameriprise says it's enough for only a modest retirement. U.S. News and World Report, June 16.

Housing:

• 5 ways to cover assisted living expenses: If the time comes when you can no longer manage daily living in your own home or with family members, an apartment in an assisted living facility could be the next best thing. Bankrate.com, June 17.

Caregiving:

• Their Parents' Keepers: As the elderly live longer, with more serious ailments, children step up to the difficult task of care -- and often find it unexpectedly rewarding. The Washington Post, June 16.
• Father’s Day May be Good Time to Consider if Dad Needs Help He Won’t Ask For: Recent studies show men don't seek psychological and physical help as easily as women. Senior Journal, June 15.

Xtra!

• Town sets off on healthy path practicing 4 keys to longevity: Fit and tanned, National Geographic explorer Dan Buettner has spent recent years traveling the globe, analyzing cultures where people live long, healthy lives, teasing out the secrets behind their enduring well-being. USA Today, June 15.

Health:

• Following the Money in the Health Care Debate: The nation spends roughly $2.5 trillion every year on health care, nearly a fifth of the American economy. Here is a primer on what the medical establishment stands to lose or gain as Congress engages the issue. The New York Times, June 13.
• Here's a twist to managing back pain: The answer to managing nagging back pain might prove counterintuitive. USA Today, June 9.
• 60% of cancer patients try nontraditional medicines, supplements: Most herbal and dietary supplements have not been tested rigorously enough to say whether they can help or harm cancer prevention or treatment. However, some non-traditional approaches show promise for easing symptoms. Associated Press, June 8.
• There might be a better way to screen for prostate cancer: Nation's oncologists are told that an experimental blood test could boost the accuracy of screenings. LA Times, June 8.
• Alternative medicine goes mainstream: People turn to unconventional therapies and herbal remedies for everything from hot flashes and trouble sleeping to cancer and heart disease. Associated Press, June 7.

Mind:

• Questionnaire May Help Spot Early Dementia: Experts caution that do-it-yourself test still needs doctors' interpretation. HealthDay, June 10.
• Alzheimer's and Even Mild Dementia Hasten Death: But researchers determine that race has no bearing on life expectancy in such cases. HealthDay, June 9.
• Exercise, Education Keep You Sharp in Old Age: Study finds healthy, active lifestyle stems mental decline. HealthDay, June 8.

Personal Finance:

• U.S. regulator sounds alarm about reverse mortgages: Reverse mortgages could be the next subprime mortgage product to experience rapid growth while taking advantage of a vulnerable segment of the population. Reuters, June 8.
• How to avoid the 'death tax': The smart use of gifts and trusts can help you pass on more of your money to your heirs. Fortune, June 4.

Retirement:

• A Retirement Timeline: There are variety of retirement rights of passage you should take advantage of at different ages. Here’s a retirement timeline. U.S. News and World Report, June 12.
• New times call for new tools: Retirement-planning software needs an overhaul. MarketWatch, June 10.
• Honey, we need to talk: Since start of financial crisis, more couples disagree over their retirement plans. MarketWatch, June 10.
• The safety of your pension: Can you count on those monthly pension checks from your former employer? Five things you need to know. Money, June 8.
• Will Your Retirement Be Worse Than Your Parent’s Was? It’s nice to think that there were good old days when grandma and grandpa retired to Florida with enough income to pay all their bills and even travel. But that idyllic retirement only existed for a minority of Americans. US News and World Report, June 8.

Social Security:

• Seniors, Boomers Back at Work May Find Gold in Social Security's ‘Claim and Suspend’: Center for Retirement Research at Boston College issues report on how to increase Social Security in future years. Senior Journal, June 10.
• Can the Government Afford Retirement? Social Security is in better shape than Medicare, but a wave of baby boomer retirements will change the equation. Business Week, June 8.

Scams:

• Medical Problems Could Include Identity Theft: Increased use of electronic medical records surely means a rise in ID theft, and many don’t know yet that they are victims. The New York Times, June 12.
• How to Avoid Medical I.D. Theft: Here are the steps you need to take to avoid medical identity theft — and what to do if you suspect you’re a victim. The New York Times, June 12.

Caregiving:

• Long-term care comes out from the shadows: But chances for much-needed widespread improvements unclear. MarketWatch, June 11.

End of Life:

• Dying With Dignity: End-of-life care is stuck where it was a dozen years ago -- with untreated physical and emotional stress. Smart Money, June 11.

Xtra!

• Life expectancy could be topic in health care debate: Despite spending more money than any other country on health care, the United States does not lead the world in life expectancy, a long-known fact that some experts say could raise more questions in the health-care reform debate. CNN, June 11.

Health:

• The Healing Power of Sleep: Your mom was right. You need your sleep--maybe more than even she knew. Parade, June 7.
• Body of lies - Patients aren't 100% honest with doctors: When patients aren't truthful, misled doctors may give a wrong diagnosis or treatment. LA Times, June 8.
• Cost-Effective Ways To Fight Insomnia: Sleep problems afflict millions of people, but there are measures people can take. And a new mattress isn’t necessarily one of them. The New York Times, June 5.
• Want to Stop Cancer? You Can, Experts Say: Lifestyle changes have been shown to lower odds, even for those at higher risk. HealthDay, June 3.
• Elderly Faring Better Than Expected With New Flu: The elderly may have some immunity to the new AH1N1 flu virus if they were exposed to similar viruses in decades past. The New York Times, June 2.
• Mini-Stroke Can Mean Major One Within Hours: If full-blown stroke occurs, it often comes within a day, study shows. HealthDay, June 1.
• Vaccine Shows Promise in Treating Cancer that Likes Attacking Senior Citizens: Melanoma: Currently, the vaccine only can be given to half of those with melanoma because it has to match a patient's tissue type. Senior Journal, June 1.

Medicine:

• Avandia Raises Risk of Heart Failure, Fractures: But study found diabetes drug didn't increase chances of heart disease, death. HealthDay, June 5.
• Slump Pushing Cost of Drugs Out of Reach: Even with low-cost generics and discounting by big chains, many Americans still find themselves unable to afford their prescription medications. The New York Times, June 3.
• Will Cost of Arthritis Drugs Soon Be More than Medicare, Senior Citizens Can Afford? Insurance companies in Medicare Part D are shifting more of cost to seniors, Medicare. Senior Journal, June 2.
• Commonly Used Medications May Produce Cognitive Impairment in Senior Citizens: Study of older adults in progress to see if the long term use of these drugs is linked to irreversible cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer disease. Senior Journal, June 1.

Personal Finance:

• Target-date funds: a favorite of hands-off investors: Workers with 401(k)s still should monitor funds. Baltimore Sun, June 7.
• Target-date funds under the microscope: Regulators to examine funds' pitfalls -- of which there are many, some experts say. MarketWatch, June 4.
• Does Your Adviser Make the Grade? Even if you've lost a bundle, don't be too quick to dump your financial counselor. Kiplinger’s, June 2009.

Retirement:

• Mortgage crisis robbing seniors of golden years: The worst economic crisis since the Great Depression has slashed home values and triggered an unprecedented surge in foreclosures across the nation. It's also taking an especially harsh toll on an often overlooked demographic: seniors who are retired or nearly so. USA Today, June 5.
• Should Saving for Retirement be Required? It’s no surprise that it is difficult for Americans to save for retirement. Only roughly half the population even has any sort of retirement plan. U.S. News and World Report, June 5.
• Look who's stalking your retirement: If creditors are on your back, your money may be safer in a 401(k). MarketWatch, June 4.

Social Security:

• Banks can tap Social Security to cover bounced-check fees: In a verdict that could have far-reaching implications for elderly and disabled bank customers, the California Supreme Court ruled this week that banks can tap Social Security benefits in bank accounts to cover bounced-check fees. USA Today, June 5.

Grandparenting:

• They love being grandparents, but call them something else: As the youth-obsessed baby boomers advance, albeit reluctantly, into the next phase of their lives, they are embracing grandparenthood with the same gusto they have expressed for everything else, be it exercise or adventure travel. Boston Globe, June 2.

Insurance:

• Obama Open to a Mandate on Health Insurance: President Obama said Wednesday that he was receptive to Congressional proposals that would require Americans to have health insurance and oblige employers to share in the cost. But he said there should be exemptions for people who cannot afford insurance and for small businesses in general. The New York Times, June 3.

Caregiving:

• Downturn Puts a Chokehold on Those Caring for Family Members: Cuts in government and nonprofit services are forcing caregivers to assume even more care-related expenses. The New York Times, June 6.
• States May Take New Look at Requiring Adult Children to Pay for Aging Parents: Boomers could get caught by laws already on books in thirty states. Senior Journal, June 3.

Work:

• Unemployment Jumps to 9.4 Percent, Highest Level Since August, 1983: Are Older Workers Being Targeted? ABC News, June 5.

Xtra!

• Suicide After Age 70? Not As Rare As You Think: Unfortunately, no. Medical data indicates that seniors, especially men, aged 75 and above have the highest suicide rates of all age groups in most industrialized countries. The San Francisco Chronicle, June 4.
• Wait times to see doctor are getting longer: They say patience is a virtue, but for those who need health care, it's a necessity. And if you live in an urban area, you could be waiting several months to get an appointment with specialist or family doctor. USA Today, June 3.

Health:

• New Blood Test Significantly Increases Accuracy of PSA Screening for Prostate Cancer: Greatly reduces false-positives in prostate cancer screening that often require a biopsy of the gland to check for tumors. Senior Journal, May 28.
• Value of Taking Aspirin to Cut Heart Risk Varies: For those with no history of heart disease, risks may outweigh benefits, research suggests. HealthDay, May 29.
• Proper Nutrition for Senior Citizens: Why we eat what we eat and what you should be eating. Senior Journal, May 27.
• Special exercise plans urged for arthritis, heart patients: Doctors need to outline special exercise plans for people who have both heart disease and arthritis, a new report in The Journal of American Medical Association says. USA Today, May 27.
• U.S. Cancer Death Rates Continue to Fall: Report finds 19.2% drop among men, 11.4% among women in past 15 years. HealthDay, May 27.
• Many Elderly Falls Due to Inner-Ear Imbalance: By age 60 and older, inner-ear imbalances strike more than half of all Americans. Time, May 26.
• Statins Can Help Prevent Second Stroke: New study strengthens prior research on the cholesterol-lowering drugs. HealthDay, May 25.

Mind:

• Puzzling Out 10 Alzheimer's Myths: Experts Try to Remove Foggy Information From a Confusing Illness. ABC News, June 1.
• Playing catch-up with Alzheimer's: When Pete Townshend of The Who wrote "My Generation," the 1965 Baby Boomer anthem containing the memorable lyric "I hope I die before I get old," he'd probably never heard of Alois Alzheimer, the German physician who described Alzheimer's disease in 1906. Chicago Tribune, May 27.
• The Alzheimer's Project a Must See: If you missed The Alzheimer's Project -- the multi-part HBO special on Alzheimer's disease and caregiving, you can still watch it for free online. About.com, May 27.
• Why Chimps, Monkeys Don't Develop Alzheimer's: Study shows the plaques in non-human primates differ from those in humans. HealthDay, May 25.

Medicare:

• Medicare benefits slated to change: Big changes are coming to Medicare benefits received through some private plans, so experts urge participants not to wait for enrollment season this fall to learn what they'll need to do. LA Times, May 25.
• Fix is hard for Medicare, Social Security finances: Medicare and Social Security will go broke sooner rather than later because of the recession. With millions of baby boomers beginning to leave the work force, the cost of these popular benefit programs threatens to swamp the government in debt in the coming years if nothing is done. Associated Press, May 25.

Personal Finance:

• 10 ways to rate your financial adviser: In the wake of such big losses, many investors are looking for someone to hold accountable. That has placed financial advisers under the microscope. Bankrate.com, May 26.

Retirement:

• Retire debt-free: Four things to consider about your retirement and your debt. MarketWatch, May 28.
• Most Middle-Aged Adults Are Rethinking Retirement Plans: In the midst of a recession that has taken a heavy toll on many nest eggs, just over half of all working adults ages 50 to 64 say they may delay their retirement -- and another 16% say they never expect to stop working, according to a national survey by the Pew Research Center's Social & Demographic Trends Project. Pew Research Center, May 28.

Social Security:

• 6 options for stabilizing Social Security: Most analysts expect lawmakers to approve a combination of tax changes and benefit changes so that workers and beneficiaries share the cost of stabilizing Social Security over the next 75 years. The Dallas Morning News, May 30.
• The Recession May Be Causing Baby Boomers to Claim Social Security Early: The Social Security Administration reports a surge in early retirement claims this year. US News and World Report, May 29.
• When Should You Collect Social Security? Many Americans Begin Collecting Benefits Too Early, Costing Them Dearly. ABC News, May 26.

Housing:

• Where To Live As We Age: A new model of eldercare may soon change the way our nation cares for its older citizens. Parade, May 31.

End of Life:

• Video May Help People Make End-of-Life Choices: Seeing what life might one day be like can be powerful, study says. HealthDay, May 29.
• Talking Frankly at the End of Life: “Death” and “dying” are words that can echo in a room long after they are said. The New York Times, May 28.
• Avoiding the Call to Hospice: What if I told you about an organization you could call when your elderly parent became so seriously ill that it appeared unlikely she’d recover? New York Times, May 26.

Xtra!

• The Most Dangerous Room in the House? Where are seniors most likely to be injured? Many experts believe it's the bathroom. The New York Times, May 28.
• Take a Road Test of Your Driving Skills: By 2030, according to U.S. Census Bureau data cited by AAA, one in four drivers will be age 65 or older. US News and World Report, May 28.

Health:

• Vitamin D May Help Keep Aging at Bay: Researchers speculate that brain might benefit from supplements. HealthDay, May 22.
• Older people have new-flu antibodies: Older people who may have been exposed to the flu before 1957 appear to have some protection against the new H1N1 virus spreading worldwide, unlike younger people, a federal official said Wednesday. USA Today, May 20.
• Only 10% of Seniors Use Free Medicare Diabetes Test, Olympia Dukakis Campaigns for More: Award-winning actress, husband Louis Zorich join diabetes products company to launch Ask.Screen.Know after tests finds Louis has type 2 diabetes. Senior Journal, May 20.
• Malnutrition may be common among older adults: Up to one in six older adults living on their own may not be getting adequate nutrition, a study from Sweden suggests. Reuters, May 18.
• New Options Offered for Sleep Apnea: No 'magic bullet,' experts say, but alternatives may help some. HealthDay, May 18.

Medicine:

• Study Reiterates Eye Risks Linked to Flomax: Men should be aware of dangers if taking prostate drug, experts say. HealthDay, May 19.

Mind:

• At the Bridge Table, Clues to Lucid Old Age: A study of people 90 and over without a trace of dementia is altering understandings of the aging brain. New York Times, May 21.

Personal Finance:

• Do You Have The Skills to Manage Your Money? As the economy struggles to regain its footing, cutting costs has become a national pastime. If you've been paying a financial adviser to manage your money, you might be tempted to do it yourself. TheStreet.com, May 22.
• Direct yourself to a regular IRA: Many investors are probably better off avoiding self-directed IRAs. MarketWatch, May 21.
• 4 ways retirees can battle inflation: Inflation erodes buying power faster for older Americans, but there are ways for those entering their retirement years to push back against the squeeze. MSN Money, May 21.
• Rethinking your estate plan: A smaller net worth and bigger worries about your kids' finances (not to mention uncertainty about taxes) have major implications for your estate plan. Money Magazine, May 18.

Retirement:

• Early retirement claims increase dramatically: Instead of working longer as the economy worsens, more Americans are calling it quits before age 66. The ramifications could be profound for the retirees, families, government and social institutions. LA Times, May 24.
• What The Pension Insurance Deficit Means for Your Retirement: The government agency that insures private sector pensions and pays out benefits if they fail posted a $33.5 billion deficit for the first half of 2009. U.S. News and World Report, May 20.

Social Security:

• Let Them Go Bankrupt, Soon: Solving Social Security and Medicare. Newsweek, May 23.
• The right's Social Security scare tactics: Libertarians and conservatives react to the latest undramatic report on the trust fund's health by marshalling frightening, meaningless numbers. Salon.com, May 19.
• Senior Citizens Now Receiving $13 Billion in Stimulus Money from Social Security; All Due in May: Seniors who do not receive $250 payments by June 4 should contact Social Security; those in care facilities receiving Medicaid are not included. Senior Journal, May 18.

Xtra!

• Japan, San Marino top the globe in long lives: Sierra Leone's men have lowest life expectancy — just 39. MSNBC, May 21.
• Body of Evidence: Volunteers tested in a 50-year-long Baltimore study provide invaluable data on the aging process. Washington Post, May 19.
• Senior sex - It happens, but can be risky: When older people start dating, they run into many of the same heart-pounding issues as the young, trying to decide when it’s time to talk — and when to make love. Chicago Sun-Times, May 19.

Health:

• Framingham Heart Study follows the beat in new directions: The 60-year-old initiative has revolutionized the understanding of cardiovascular disease. Its new goal? Predicting attacks. Los Angeles Times, May 18.
• In patients' hunt for care, doctor database 'a place to start': Created for USA TODAY by the Santa Fe medical information firm Qforma, the database lists about 6,000 specialists in the treatment of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and asthma from more than 300 communities across the USA. More doctors in other specialties will be added in coming months. USA Today, May 15.
• Clearer Vision After Cataracts: At least three out of five people over age 60 will eventually develop cataracts. The New York Times, May 15.
• An Aid to Tailoring Prostate Cancer Treatment: Study identifies factors to help decide how aggressive therapy should be. HealthDay, May 15.
• Spit test shows promise in diagnosing, monitoring diabetes: A painless new method for detecting diabetes, using saliva, holds promise, suggests research presented Friday at the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) annual meeting in Houston. USA Today, May 15.
• Studies find two new methods for curbing nausea of chemotherapy: Ginger, a home remedy for helping an upset stomach, and a cocktail of anti-nausea drugs both reduced vomiting and sickness in cancer patients. Los Angeles Times, May 15.
• Many seniors who've had stroke don't tell docs later: Many seniors who've had a stroke fail to report that fact, say researchers who recommend the use of MRI scans rather than patient self-reporting to determine stroke history. USA Today, May 13.
• Acupuncture, Real or Fake, Eases Back Pain: Study found it worked even when treatment didn't break the skin. HealthDay, May 12.
• Senior Citizens Do Not Remember Strokes or Do Not Know They Had Them, Study Indicates: Just 11.9 percent reported a history of stroke but MRI evidence shows 31.4 had one. Senior Journal, May 11.
• More Sunlight May Provide Senior Citizens with Lower Risk of Heart Disease, Diabetes: Prevalence of dangerous metabolic syndrome found among those with low vitamin D levels. Senior Journal, May 11.
• Antioxidants Blunt Exercise Benefit, Study Shows: Vitamins C, E block creation of free radicals that promote insulin sensitivity, researchers say. HealthDay, May 11.
• Seniors Often Misstate Stroke History: Study suggests MRI scans better than questionnaires for evaluations. HealthDay, May 11.
• Omega 3 from Fish, Nuts, Olive Oil Associated With Reduced Risk of Age-Related Blindness: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is the leading cause of severe vision loss among those older than 65 in the developed world. Senior Journal, May 11.

Mind:

• Irregular Heartbeat Tied to Alzheimer's Disease: Atrial fibrillation raised risk for dementia, study shows. HealthDay, May 15.
• Working with an open mind: Brain-fitness games join workplace, as well as senior center, arsenals. MarketWatch, May 12.
• Unforgettable TV - HBO's Alzheimer's Project: Alzheimer's is a tough disease on all levels. The often lengthy process of seeing a loved one's personality and memories literally disappearing before your eyes is upsetting to everyone and devastating to some. U.S. News and World Report, May 12.

Medicare:

• Medicare's 'No' on Virtual Colonoscopy Stirs Expert Debate: Some see it as reliable, less invasive option; others say agency was right to reject coverage. HealthDay, May 13.
• Medicare Hospital Trust Headed for Deficit in 2017: ‘Should trouble anyone who is concerned about the future of Medicare and health care in America,’ HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. Senior Journal, May 12.

Personal Finance:

• Inflation hits hard when you can least afford it: Four ways older Americans can deal with higher inflation rates. MarketWatch, May 13.
• Longevity Planning Now: Could this be the TIP-ing point to your retirement? Forbes, May, 13.

Social Security:

• Social Security healthier than your 401(k): The nation's financial and economic crisis provided a stress test for the nation's public and private retirement system. CNN, May 14.
• Insolvency for Social Security and Medicare Is Seen Closer: Even as Congress hunted for ways to finance a major expansion of health insurance coverage, the Obama administration reported Tuesday that the financial condition of the two largest federal benefit programs, Medicare and Social Security, had deteriorated, in part because of the recession. The New York Times, May 12.
• What Social Security's Underfunding Means for Your Retirement: The baby boomers will get their payouts, but what about the rest of us? U.S. News and World Report, May 13.

Caregiving:

• Caring for Your Parents: How to Reclaim the Good Old Times: If you're one of the 34 million or so Americans who are caring for an older relative, I offer my deep respect, and the following suggestions. Oprah, May 2009.
• Basic Medicare Information Targeting Caregivers Added to NHSeniorHealth.com: ‘A caregiver who is knowledgeable about Medicare can be an informed advocate for an older loved one’. Senior Journal, May 13.

Technology:

• Easier E-Mail for the Older Generation: Jackson Hughes, a scientific software developer in Georgia, decided nearly 10 years ago it was time his grandparents learned to use e-mail to keep in touch with their 4 children and 11 grandchildren scattered about the country. The New York Times, May 15.

End of Life:

• Families learn to say goodbye to the dying: After learning that death is nearing, some people avoid talking about the inevitable. CNN, May 12.

Xtra!

• Not a Good Time to Be Middle-Aged: In this recession, it is better to be old. Being young has some advantages, too. But being in the middle of the spectrum — in your 30s or 40s — seems to be the worst place to be. The New York Times, May 15.

Health:

• High Blood Pressure is Number One Reason Older Women Seek Medical Help: Hypertension number one treatment for women from age 45 up; Hyperlipidemia a distant second. Senior Journal, May 7.
• Obama Administration Might Recommend Three Flu Shots for Americans This Fall: Two would be aimed at the swine flu circulating the globe. HealthDay, May 6.
• CDC says few people in U.S. over 50 hit by new flu: The new H1N1 flu virus appears to be fairly widespread in the United States and seems to be hitting mostly younger people, with very few cases reported in people over 50, U.S. health officials said on Sunday. Reuters, May 4.

Medicine:

• Dangerous Drug Interactions Endanger Senior Citizens Taking Multiple Medications: University of Michigan geriatrics pharmacist offers tips for seniors to protect themselves. Senior Journal, May 5.
• Senior use of psychiatric drugs spikes: About 15% of elderly Americans had prescriptions for psychiatric drugs in 2006, double the percentage a decade earlier, according to an analysis of federal databases out today. USA Today, May 4.

Mind:

• Study Finds Memory Less Efficient Very Early in Alzheimer’s; Suggests Training Can Help: When learning new things, people with early symptoms find it harder to separate what's important from what's not. Senior Journal, May 4.

Medicare:

• Medicare Advantage Plans to get $11.4 Billion in Extra Pay for 2009, Up 34 Percent from 2008: Since introduced by Bush administration in 2004, MA plans have been paid $43 billion extra: 13% more than fee-for-service plans. Senior Journal, May 4.

Personal Finance:

• Seniors to Start Receiving $250 Economic-Recovery Checks: But here's the dirty little secret about these one-time payments: Working seniors will have to pay the money back next spring. We explain why and how. Kiplinger, May 7.
• Plan Your Finances with Two New Tools: Given the market’s upward move over the past two months, maybe you’re finally ready to take a close look at your financial future again. Money, May 7.
• Recoup Your Lost Savings: Use our new calculator to find out how long it will take to regain what you had before the markets tanked. Kiplinger's, May 6.

Retirement:

• 10 Ways to Find More Retirement Income: According to conventional wisdom, retirement income is a stool with three legs: Social Security, personal savings, and employer-provided retirement plans. Unfortunately, it's a heck of a wobbly stool. Motley Fool, May 8.
• Stress-test your retirement: In anxious times, one way to feel more secure about your nest egg is to plan ahead. Money, May 6.
• Does America need a new retirement system? We may need help, but don’t necessarily trust someone else to save us. MSNBC.com, May 5.

Scams:

• Scammers Target Social Security: With the federal government set to dole out some $13 billion in economic-stimulus funds to Social Security recipients this month, various state and federal agencies are warning retirees to be on their guard against scams. WSJ, May 10.

Housing:

• More older Americans choose age-based communities: People 55-and-older cite family ties, efficient homes as reasons for moving. MarketWatch. May 6.
• Seniors at home in co-housing: Silver Sage Village in Boulder, Colo., is a housing project called co-housing which has existed on a small scale in the USA for years. USA Today, May 4.
• Caught in a Housing Crunch: Retirement communities offer special deals to seniors who face a tough time selling their homes. Kiplinger's, May 4.

Caregiving:

• Marilyn Daniel's Reward: She works long hours for low wages as a home health aide -- a job so demanding and underappreciated that others leave in droves. So why hasn't she? The Washington Post, May 10.
• Not All Caregivers Are Stressed and Depressed: Some discover satisfaction in challenging role, survey finds. HealthDay, May 8.
• Caring for ill, elderly has reward — a longer life: Aiding ailing family may reduce death risk and boost attitude, studies find. MSNBC.com, May 5.

Volunteering:

• Seniors Who Volunteer May Live Longer: Altruistic activities could cut the death risk in half, study finds. HealthDay, May 8.

Work:

• Older workers embrace career change, less stress: Less pay, fewer benefits, lower prestige — and greater job satisfaction. Associated Press, May 7.

Health:

• Scientists see this flu strain as relatively mild: Genetic data indicate this outbreak won't be as deadly as that of 1918, or even the average winter. The Los Angeles Times, April 30.
• Stay safe from swine flu with 3 simple steps: As the number of swine flu cases grows, President Obama called on Americans Wednesday to help halt the disease's spread by remembering to wash their hands. USA Today, April 30.
• Suffering a senior moment? It might be lack of vitamin D: Forget your keys recently, can't remember where you put your reading glasses and feeling a little blue? It could be that the planets are out of alignment, but a better explanation might be that you're not getting enough vitamin D. St. Louis Post-Dispatch, April 30.
• Drink a Little Wine, Live a Little Longer: Study finds half a glass each day boosts men's life expectancy by five years. HealthDay, April 30.
• U.S. cancer diagnoses will jump 45 percent by 2030: The number of new cancer cases diagnosed each year will jump 45 percent in the next two decades to 2.3 million up from 1.6 million in 2010, affecting many more older adults and minorities, U.S. researchers predicted on Wednesday. Reuters, April 29.
• Prostate Disease Website Launched by Harvard Med School to Help in Decision-Making: New site provides multiple perspectives on how best to treat prostate disease. Senior Journal, April 28.
• Lifestyle Factors Tied to Older Adults' Diabetes Risk: As population ages, even small changes affect incidence, study finds. HealthDay, April 28.
• Inside Out: Unlike Standard Colonoscopy, an Invasive Procedure Performed Under Anesthesia to Find And Remove Polyps, Virtual Colonoscopy Involves a Simple Scan. But Is It as Effective? The Washington Post, April 28.
• Urological Group Breaks with Major Medical Groups to Recommend Regular Prostate Testing: AUA wants individualized PSA testing starting at age 40; American Cancer Society and others oppose routine prostate cancer testing. Senior Journal, April 27.
• Shortage of Doctors Proves Obstacle to Obama Goals: Obama administration officials, alarmed at doctor shortages, are looking for ways to increase the supply of physicians to meet the needs of an aging population and millions of uninsured people who would gain coverage under legislation championed by the president. The New York Times, April 26.

Medicine:

• Prostate cancer risk slashed with new drug: Avodart lowered chances of diagnosis by 23 percent after four years of use. Associated Press, April 27.

Mind:

• HBO Puts Alzheimer’s Under the Microscope: “The Alzheimer’s Project” is a curious hybrid of science and emotional stories about patients, their families and caretakers. The New York Times, May 1.
• Drink Away Dementia? Study shows one to two drinks daily may lower risk of cognitive decline in older adults. HealthDay, May 1.

Medicare:

• Study Finds Medicare Patients Get Different Care than People with Private Insurance: Study of over 40,000 kidney cancer patients shows insurance coverage affects quality of care - docs take Medicare patient' kidney out. Senior Journal, April 27.

Personal Finance:

• Cash on hand: Strategies for tapping your assets in the most tax-efficient way. MarketWatch, April 29.
• 50 million retirees to get $250 checks in May: More than 50 million retirees can expect to receive $250 payments from the government in the next few weeks as their share of the economic stimulus package enacted in February. Associated Press, April 29.
• Variable Annuities' Warning List Grows: Variable annuities can offer tremendous benefits -- a long as investors heed the warnings. TheStreet.com, April 28.

Social Security:

• Social Security Is Not Expected to Rise: For the first time in more than three decades, Social Security recipients will not get any increase in their benefits next year, federal forecasts show. The New York Times, May 2.

Housing:

• Family matters: When older Americans move, family is big reason why. MarketWatch, April 30.

Insurance:

• Is Longevity Insurance Right for You? With life expectancies on the rise, millions of people are now facing the challenge of how to support themselves into their 80s, 90s, and even beyond. U.S. News and World Report, May 1.
• How Much Long-Term-Care Coverage Do You Need? Everyone who has enough money to afford the premiums should at least consider buying long-term-care insurance, no matter how much savings you have. Kiplinger's, April 30.
• Make Sure Your Insurer Pays Up: Long-term-care paperwork can be overwhelming. Here's how to cut through the red tape. Kiplinger's, May 2009.

Work:

• Pink Slips Replace Gold Watches: Older workers have stopped retiring, but more are being laid off. Forbes, April 30.

Xtra!

• Looking for Heroes? Many of Them Are in the AARP Generation: Perhaps 100 years ago, when life expectancy was about 50, there weren't so many older people around, and they didn't have much of a future. But today, as people live longer, healthier lives, the 50-plus generation has a future. The Washington Post, April 21.

Health:

• When Medical Bills Outpace Your Means, Seize Control Swiftly: Health care debt can grow swiftly when people are sick or underinsured. Here are some ways to manage that debt more effectively. The New York Times, April 24.
• Too Few Screened for Abdominal Aneurysm, Study Says: Potentially life-threatening condition often goes undetected until rupture. HealthDay, April 24.
• Fatty Fish May Cut Heart Failure Risk in Men: Study finds benefit from consuming just one serving a week. HealthDay, April 22.
• 'Silent' heart attacks more common than thought, study says: Although many people think of a heart attack as a painful, sometimes fatal event, there are some heart attacks that go entirely unnoticed. CNN, April 21.
• To drink or not to drink: Should you raise a glass to your health? Moderate drinking can be good for your heart. But for women, drinking alcohol raises the risks of breast cancer. CNN, April 21.
• Older Men Need to Take Closer Look for Melanomas: If you can't examine your own back, have a loved one take a look, study says. HealthDay, April 20.
• What Are Friends for? A Longer Life: Many people overlook a powerful weapon in the quest for better health: their friends. The New York Times, April 20.
• Outgoing Nature Could Get You to 100: Sunnier, non-neurotic types may live longer, study suggests. HealthDay, April 20.

Medicine:

• Statins Guard Against Prostate Cancer: Other studies found they also reduced chances of erectile dysfunction. HealthDay, April 26.
• Drug Deals Tie Prices to How Well Patients Do: Think of it as product guarantees by the drug industry. Pressed by insurance companies, some drug makers are beginning to adjust what they charge for their drugs, based on how well the medicines improve patients’ health. The New York Times, April 22.

Mind:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs don't cut dementia risk, they raise it: Millions of people who use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen and ibuprofen, shouldn't bank on the drugs helping them ward off dementia.USA Today, April 23.

Personal Finance:

• You can count on it: Annuities with guarantees can be useful retirement products -- but heed the risks: MarketWatch, April 22.
• Wise Moves for a Year With No RMDs: The chance to skip a required minimum distribution in 2009 may open up other opportunities. Kiplinger's, April 22.

Retirement:

• 8 tips on paying for health care in retirement: Workers who retire before they qualify for Medicare at age 65 often face the steepest health care costs. The average cost of premiums for employer-provided coverage for retirees under 65 is $13,308 a year, according to a Towers Perrin survey. Chicago Tribune, April 22.
• Strategizing a retirement rebound: So you've lost a lot of your savings. You're not alone. Now you need to pick an asset allocation strategy that will help you recoup those losses. CNNMoney.com, April 21.
• 5 Big Financial Changes for Retirees in 2010: Retirees should start getting ready now for major changes next year that will affect their income and health expenses. USNews.com, April 21.
• 10 Sources of Retirement Income: Most working Americans have only one source of steady income: their job. In retirement you are likely to have a patchwork quilt of several income streams. US News and World Report, April 20.

Insurance:

• People shut out of COBRA have few insurance options: The federal COBRA law only covers companies with 20 or more workers. Thirty-nine states and Washington, D.C., have "mini COBRA" laws that require small companies to allow departing employees to continue their group coverage. USA Today, April 23.
• Dealing without health insurance: The reality of losing a job and the health insurance that went with it is daunting for people accustomed to employer-sponsored plans. Bankrate.com, April 22.

Caregiving:

• Caring for the Caregiver: Caregiving is an important and stressful job. Most folks enter into it from an emotionally fragile place where their worst fears can be, and often are, realized. If you are caregiver and want to survive this life stage, you must surrender your uncertainty about what to do and commit yourself to acting on a well thought out plan. HealthNewsDigest.com, April 26.

Work:

• Rethinking Retirement - The Age Barrier: Expert Advice On How To Look For A Job When You're Over 50. CBS, April 21.

Xtra!

• Make Room For Granny: Economic Downturn Fuels Rise In Multigenerational Homes. CBS, April 23.
• One in 50 Americans Lives With Paralysis: Survey shows spinal cord injuries much more common than thought. HealthDay, April 21.

Health:

• Scientists Spot Stroke Genes: Chromosomal region contains two suspect variants that raise risk for brain attack. HealthDay, April 15.
• Boomers learn to work, and play, around arthritis: The number of people -- that's one out of six -- who have some form of arthritis. USA Today, April 14.
• Nearly 18 Million Will Have Macular Degeneration by 2050: But newer treatments could reduce related blindness by almost 35%, study suggests. HealthDay, April 14.
• Heart Disease and Depression Up Heart Failure Risk: Use of antidepressants makes little difference, study finds. HealthDay, April 13.
• Economic woes leave diabetics skimping on care, risking lives: Diabetics are increasingly risking life and limb by cutting back on — or even going without — doctor visits, insulin, medicines and blood-sugar testing as they lose income and health insurance in the recession, an Associated Press analysis has found. Associated Press, April 13.

Medicine:

• Impotence drugs don't harm men's vision: The erectile dysfunction drugs Cialis (tadalafil) and Viagra (sildenafil) didn't appear to damage vision in men who took the medications daily for six months, according to a drug company study. HealthDay, April 19.
• Acetaminophen, Cholesterol Drugs May Help Fight Stroke: Statins could help prevent attack, while painkiller might minimize damage, studies find. HealthDay, April 14.
• Promising Test for Dendreon’s Prostate Cancer Drug: A prostate cancer drug developed by the Seattle biotechnology company Dendreon prolonged the lives of men in a decisive clinical trial, the company announced Tuesday morning. The New York Times, April 14.

Mind:

• Type 2 diabetics more susceptible to dementia: People with diabetes who have low-blood sugar episodes serious enough to land them in the hospital have a higher risk of being diagnosed with dementia later in life, new research suggests. USA Today, April 14.

Personal Finance:

• New reverse mortgage limits give seniors lifeline: More homeowners to benefit from $625K loan ceiling. Boston Globe, April 15.
• Time to Convert to a Roth IRA? Has your traditional IRA dropped in value? Do you expect to pay higher federal income tax rates on your withdrawals in future years? If you answered yes to both questions, you have a golden opportunity to convert all or part of your IRA balance into a Roth IRA. Smart Money, April 15.
• Rethinking Your 401(k) Plan: The recession and market meltdown that has whacked all types of investments has added fuel to the debate about the need to fix the current 401(k) system. Smart Money April 14.

Retirement:

• Retirement confidence plummets: Feeling insecure about retirement? You’re not alone. Americans’ confidence in being able to enjoy a financially comfortable retirement has hit an all-time low. CNNMoney.com, April 14.
• 10 Ways to Lower Retirement Costs: You won’t need to defer retirement dreams with these frugal strategies. U.S. News and World Report, April 13.

Technology:

• All in the Facebook family - older generations join social networks: While online social networks like Facebook, Twitter and MySpace are known hang-outs for younger adults and teenagers, older generations in recent months have been taking to the medium at a faster rate than any other age group, according to industry reports. CNN, April 13.

End of Life:

• The Funeral - Your Last Chance to Be a Big Spender. Even in a tough economy, people in the funeral business have something that executives in many other industries don’t: a guaranteed, and expanding, pool of customers. The New York Times, April 18.

Xtra!

• Just Say No to Aging? A provocative new book from a Harvard psychologist suggests that changing how we think about our age and health can have dramatic physical benefits. Newsweek, April 14.

Health:

• Researchers on Path to Discover Link Between Diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease: Mount Sinai researchers discover novel mechanisms that might causally link type-2 diabetes to Alzheimer's. Senior Journal, April 10.
• Those 50 and older most vulnerable to food illnesses: Scientists have found, to their surprise, that people 50 and older are the most vulnerable to illness and death from food-borne illnesses. USA Today, April 9.
• How To Live To 100: Pick your parents well, exercise into old age and eat your veggies. Forbes, April 7.
• How To Stop Worrying About Aging: A holistic approach to your health can help you obsess less about expensive products and procedures aimed at fixing flaws. Forbes, April 6.
• Back Pain Moves Most to Choose Hands-On-Therapy: Chiropractor, Massage, Acupuncture: Over fifty-percent of those given a prescription drug received an opioid pain reliever, despite the fact that there is very little research to support their use, finds Consumer. Senior Journal, April 6.

Medicine:

• New Prostate Cancer Drug May Hold Promise: Researchers apply for large-scale testing after 'very promising' early results. HealthDay, April 7.

Mind:

• Tests help determine how long to keep the car with Alzheimer's: Scientists are creating tests to show when it's time for people with early Alzheimer's disease to stop driving. Associated Press, April 8.
• Cognitive Behavior Therapy Helps Older Adults with Anxiety Reduce Worry, Improve Mental Health: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is common in late life, with prevalence up to 7.3 percent in the community. Senior Journal, April 7.

Medicare:

• U.S. Reduces Subsidies for Private Medicare: The federal government made good on its plan to cut 2010 payments for private Medicare plans, whittling the subsidies to health insurers sooner than the industry originally expected. WSJ, April 7.

Personal Finance:

• "My Retirement Savings Are Gone": The solution - Trim expenses and keep socking away cash. Kiplinger's, May 2009.
• Retirement Switch - From 401(k) to IRA: Deciphering rules on 401(k) withdrawals and IRA contributions can be tricky. ABC News, April 7.
• How To Tap Retirement Funds Penalty-Free: In a pinch, you may be able to get your money early, but watch out for traps. Forbes, April 7.

Retirement:

• Strapping in for a bumpy retirement ride: Here are 10 major retirement risks -- and tips on how to manage them. MarketWatch, April 8.
• 7 Myths About Marriage and Retirement: New research overturns common rules of thumb. U.S. News and World Report, April 7.
• 8 Tips for an Affordable Retirement Abroad: Living on $18,000 to $25,000 a year? It's possible. U.S. News and World Report, April 6.
• 10 Ways to Get and Keep Healthcare Benefits in Retirement: Twenty years ago, 66 percent of companies provided retiree health benefits, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. By 2007, that percentage had fallen by half. U.S. News and World Report, April 6.

Social Security:

• Social Security's Surplus Disappearing Fast in Downturn: Federal budget worrywarts (myself included) have been fretting for years about the arrival of the Dread Fiscal Year 2017, when Social Security was projected to start becoming a drag on federal finances. TIME, April 9.

Scams:

• Feds, State Agencies Crack Down on Mortgage Modification, Foreclosure Rescue Scams: Seniors and other consumers need to know how to identify these scams; FTC gives examples. Senior Journal, April 6.

Insurance:

• Make Sure Your Insurer Pays Up: Long-term-care paperwork can be overwhelming. here's how to cut through the red tape. Kiplinger's, May 2009.

Caregiving:

• Home-Based Program Extends Seniors' Lives: Combo of physical therapy, household changes added 3.5 years on average, study found. HealthDay, April 7.

Work:

• How Old Is Too Old to Work? Economic woes add a twist to the age-old question. HealthDay, April 10.

Xtra!

• 'You're going to die the way you live': The idea that dying well is as important as living well gained cultural currency last year when Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University, delivered a final lecture a month after learning that his pancreatic cancer had spread and was inoperable. LifeWIre, April 7.
• World's oldest person celebrates 115th in LA: The world's oldest known living person celebrated her 115th birthday Monday. Associated Press, April 6.