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Archived Newswires
March 5 – 11, 2012
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Health:
Medicine:
Personal Finance:
- Fix Your 401(k): At too many companies, critics say, the 401(k) plan is in so-so shape. Can savvy employees patch the holes and improve their odds of a secure retirement? SmartMoney, March 9.
- Six tricks to spend less, save more for retirement: If F. Scott Fitzgerald were alive today he might say (though it doesn't quite roll off the tongue) that behavioral finance experts are different from you and me. MarketWatch, March 8.
- Is an annuity in your future? You've done a good job building your 401(k), and retirement is not far off. The question now: how to make sure that nest egg generates sufficient income to sustain you through a retirement that might last two or three decades. Reuters, March 7.
- How low must retirement withdrawals go? After a lifetime of diligently saving, retirees are faced with a new question: How much can they take out during retirement? Reuters, March 7.
- Testing the 4%-a-Year Retirement Rule: The adviser who coined this rule of thumb for withdrawals is watching how it holds up in tough markets. WSJ, March 5.
- The Ins and Outs of Roth 401(k) Plans: Workers haven't embraced this choice, sticking with traditional pretax 401(k)s. But advisers say that for some people, the Roth option is worth a look. WSJ, March 4.
Scams:
- Scams Targeting Older Adults Are On The Rise: Over the last decade, both complaints and financial losses among baby boomers have skyrocketed, and the trend is expected to accelerate as they age, according to a recent report by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. Huffington Post, March 10.
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| NOTE: Articles linked by Senior Newswire may not be published
without consent from the publication or outlet from which they came. |
February 27 – March 4, 2012
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Health:
- Too Many Americans Skipping Colon Cancer Screening: Americans 50 and older who haven't had a colonoscopy screening should get one, experts urge. HealthDay, March 2.
- Older Adults Do Get a Good Night's Rest, Survey Finds: Sleep disturbances, daytime fatigue not a given in later years. HealthDay, March 1.
- Organ donation – you're never too old: There's no defined cutoff age for being an organ donor. In fact, there are many people well up into their 80s who donate. The Oklahoman, Feb. 28.
- Health coaches can change your playbook: They don't carry whistles or bench you after a bad night, but health coaches increasingly are helping patients up their game in terms of wellness. MarketWatch, Feb. 28.
- Knee Replacement May Be a Lifesaver for Some: New research suggests that for some patients, knee replacement surgery can actually save their lives by helping them become more healthy and active. The New York Times, Feb. 27.
- Stents No Better Than Medicine for Stable Heart Disease, Study Says: Three-quarters of the costly procedures may be unneeded, researcher reports. HealthDay, Feb. 27.
Medicine:
Personal Finance:
- Smart Ways for Seniors to Tap Home Equity: Home equity is a major financial asset for older homeowners, and the only sizable asset for many of them. US News and World Report, Feb. 29.
- 4 Ways to Boost Your Retirement Nest Egg: Numerous studies have found that, on average, we haven't saved enough money for our golden years. But how exactly should we go about building a bigger nest egg? US News and World Report, Feb. 29.
Retirement:
- 10 best places to retire in the U.S.: Where are the best places to retire in the U.S.? According to TopRetirements.com, the absolute best cities and towns for older Americans have good weather, access to health care, low property taxes, and a certain "wow" factor. MarketWatch, Feb. 29.
- Workers fear more cuts in retirement benefits: More than half are willing to give up future pay for more income in retirement. USA Today, Feb. 27.
- 5 Ways to Live Large During Retirement: Scaling back your expenses doesn't have to mean sacrificing the good things that make for an enjoyable retirement. US News and World Report, Feb. 27.
Scams:
- More scams are targeting older Americans: Scams, frauds and other financial exploitation schemes targeting older Americans are a growing multibillion-dollar industry enriching the schemers, anguishing the victims and vexing law enforcement officials who find these crimes among the hardest to investigate and prosecute. The Associated Press, March 4.
- Why Elder Financial Fraud Is on the Rise: Fueled by the Internet, the incidence of financial fraud is on the rise. Law enforcement officials and fraud experts expect the trend to continue or accelerate as aging baby boomers increasingly become targets. Forbes, Feb. 28.
- Doctor charged in nation's largest healthcare fraud scam: Dr. Jacques Roy of Texas is accused of bilking Medicare of nearly $375 million by recruiting homeless and other fake patients to sign for care that wasn't provided. Los Angeles Times, Feb. 28.
Driving:
- Safer Over 70 – Drivers Keep the Keys: Many older drivers are taking preventive measures to avoid the awkward conversation with concerned family members about giving up the car keys. WSJ, Feb. 29.
Caregiving:
- The Parent Trap: Meet members of the sandwich generation: raising children, dealing with elderly parents-and sometimes feeling as if they've bitten off more than they can chew. Bethesda Magazine, March - April, 2012.
Extra:
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| NOTE: Articles linked by Senior Newswire may not be published
without consent from the publication or outlet from which they came. |
February 20 – 26, 2012
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Health:
- Researchers Spot Genes Behind Macular Degeneration: The eye disease is a major cause of blindness. HealthDay, Feb. 24.
- Many Elderly Now Bring Companion on Doctor's Visit: Findings might expand definition of patient's medical team, researcher says. HealthDay, Feb. 24.
- Report Affirms Lifesaving Role of Colonoscopy: Although many people have assumed the cancer screening must prevent deaths because it is so often recommended, strong evidence had been lacking. The New York Times, Feb. 22.
- Women less likely to get immediate heart attack treatment: Women having heart attacks are less likely than men to get immediate treatment and more likely to die in the hospital, says a groundbreaking new study that tracked more than 1.1 million patients. USA Today, Feb. 21.
- Family Could Hold Clues to Heart Risk: Doctors often gloss over a key question for assessing a patient's risk for coronary heart disease, according to a new study: What is the patient's family history of cardiovascular illness? WSJ, Feb. 21.
- Hepatitis C deaths on rise – Baby Boomers at risk: Deaths from liver-destroying hepatitis C are on the rise, and new data show Baby Boomers especially should take heed – they are most at risk. The Associated Press, Feb. 21.
- Do seniors really want to know life expectancy? Many elderly people who discuss life expectancy with their doctors may end up getting fewer tests, operations and medications because the short-term risks will exceed any benefit they might get in their remaining time. USA Today, Feb. 20.
- Aging of Eyes Is Blamed for Range of Health Woes: New research supports a largely unrecognized culprit in circadian rhythm disturbances: the gradual yellowing of the lens and the narrowing of the pupil that come with age. The New York Times, Feb. 20.
Medicine:
Mind:
- US drafts plan to fight feared Alzheimer's disease: The Obama administration declared Alzheimer's "one of the most-feared health conditions" on Wednesday as it issued a draft of the nation's first strategy to fight the ominous rise in the mind-destroying disease. The Associated Press, Feb. 22.
- How Exercise Fuels the Brain: Exercise activates countless neurons, which generate, receive and interpret repeated, rapid-fire messages from the nervous system, coordinating muscle contractions, vision, balance, organ function and all of the complex interactions of bodily systems that allow you to take one step, then another. The New York Times, Feb. 22.
Personal Finance:
- Should I have a living trust? What are the benefits of a living trust, and what is the easiest, most cost-efficient way of creating one? USA Today. Feb. 24.
Taxes:
- Tax mistakes that can wreck your retirement: A slew of tax rules are waiting to trip you up when it comes time to move money or cash out your retirement savings – and getting it wrong will cost you. MarketWatch, Feb. 21.
Retirement:
- A Pension-Plan Health Checkup: The most pressing question: How to tell whether your pension plan is well-funded. That's easier to find out than many other things. WSJ, Feb. 25.
- Retirement Strategies For Sugar Daddies and Cougars: While the terms "sugar daddy" and "cougar" can conjure up images of Demi Moore and Hugh Hefner, there are plenty of real life May-December couples that need to plan for, and deal with, their significant age differences during retirement. Forbes, Feb. 24.
- How much does retirement really cost? Most retirement planning exercises begin and end with a simple question: How much income will you need to replace after you quit work? Reuters, Feb. 23.
- Living to 100? That Will Be $3.5M: The average centenarian will spend more than he or she may expect in their later years. Here's where it goes. SmartMoney, Feb. 22.
- Easing your way into retirement (on your own terms): A growing number of fifty- and sixtysomethings who aren't ready to quit work but would like to cut back – in fact, four out of 10 people 50 and older say they'd like to gradually reduce their work hours as they age, according to an AARP survey. MONEY Magazine, Feb. 20.
- 10 Important Ages for Retirement Planning: Keep these ages in mind to boost your retirement benefits and avoid penalties. US news and World Report, Feb. 21.
Long-Term Care:
- A Shift From Nursing Homes to Managed Care at Home: Some nursing home operators are closing facilities and turning to managed care, which is provided at adult day-care centers and patients' homes and can save money for the government. The New York Times, Feb. 23.
Work:
- To Be Working and Happily Retired: Among men and women age 65 to 69, nearly one-third were in the work force in 2011, up from 24.5% in 2000, according to a report from the Employee Benefit Research Institute in Washington. Among those 70 to 74, nearly 19% were working in 2011, up from 13.5% in 2000 and 11.3% in 1990. WSJ, Feb. 26.
Extra:
- Life, With Dementia: Dementia is a fast-growing phenomenon in prisons that many are not prepared to handle. The California Men's Colony is using convicted killers to care for inmates who can no longer care for themselves. The New York Times, Feb. 25.
- 7 Movies About Retirement Worth Watching: As the baby boomers begin to enter the retirement years, the concept of retirement is being explored in a variety of films. US News and World Report, Feb. 24.
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| NOTE: Articles linked by Senior Newswire may not be published
without consent from the publication or outlet from which they came. |
February 13 – 19, 2012
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Health:
Medicine:
Personal Finance:
Taxes:
- Tax-time retirement strategies: Putting aside a little extra money toward retirement in an individual retirement account, or IRA, would seem to be a no-brainer for the vast majority of middle-class Americans. Yet relatively few people contribute to them each year. Reuters, Feb. 15.
Retirement:
- Getting ready to retire? Start by rightsizing your home: If your long-term plan is to keep working, investing and living where you are until the day you retire, and then change your lifestyle and financial life, you are practicing what I call "cliff living" – living one way until you abruptly leave the world of work, then leaping to a whole new level of life and finances. CNBC.com, Feb. 17.
- New Strategies to Ease Into a Secure Retirement: New strategies to design the lifestyle you want and make sure you have the money to pay for it. Kiplinger, March 2012.
- Lack of financial literacy can hurt retirement: Experts often point to poor financial decision-making as a cause of the retirement security crisis. The problem has become more critical as we've moved away from professionally managed pensions and toward do-it-yourself defined contribution plans. Reuters, Feb. 16.
- The Cost of Living Longer – Much Longer: Number crunchers are dead set on figuring out how long you will live. For those saving for retirement, it's the $27 trillion question. SmartMoney, Feb. 14.
- How Long Should I Work Before Retirement? Delaying retirement can significantly boost your nest egg. US News and World Report, Feb. 13.
Caregiving:
- New Resources for Caregivers: Caring for an elderly relative isn't just costly and time-consuming-studies show it could even harm your own health. Now, some companies and nonprofits are rolling out free and low-cost professional help for family caregivers. WSJ, Feb. 18.
- The increasingly male face of caregiving: Men's role in tending to loved ones with Alzheimer's, dementia soars amid evolving views on gender roles, longer lives. Chicago Tribune, Feb. 14.
Work:
- What Retirement? Seniors Are Getting Back To Work: At 75, many people imagine they'll be retired and spending their time playing cards or on a golf course. But according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of working seniors is actually on the rise. In fact, it's more than doubled since 1990. NPR, Feb. 13.
Extra:
- Help prevent elder abuse: Elder abuse is an immense and often hidden problem that all Americans need to be aware of so they can recognize it, and know what to do if they suspect a problem. The Oklahoman, Feb. 14.
- U.S. seniors missing out on $20 billion of benefits: Millions of seniors in the United States are missing out on more than $20 billion in aid that could help pay for food, medicine and heating, simply because they don't know it's there, according to a report released on Tuesday by organizations that advocate for seniors. Reuters, Feb. 14.
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| NOTE: Articles linked by Senior Newswire may not be published
without consent from the publication or outlet from which they came. |
February 6 – 12, 2012
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Health:
Medicine:
- New Attack on Alzheimer's: The skin-cancer drug bexarotene has improved mental and social ability and restored the sense of smell in mice bred with a form of Alzheimer's disease. WSJ, Feb. 10.
Personal Finance:
- Boomers turn home equity into 401(k) funds: The financially savvy are truly different from the rest of us. Know why? They get to use the tax code to their advantage in ways most other folks can't or don't or won't. MarketWatch, Feb. 9.
- Is the 4 Percent Rule Viable? A fresh look at the 4 percent retirement-withdrawal rule. SmartMoney, Feb. 6.
- 4 Ways New Annuity Rules Will Help Retirees: The White House last week strongly endorsed annuities as a needed but missing piece of Americans' retirement plans. Insurance companies and annuity trade groups had something nice to say about Washington regulators for a change. And the new rules just might set in motion some interesting retirement-plan changes. US News and World Report, Feb. 6.
Investing:
Housing:
Caregiving:
- Helping your parents stay out of the nursing home: Aging parents and their children sometimes disagree over the issues of safety versus independent living. Here are steps you can take to make your parents' home safer. Los Angeles Times, Feb. 6.
- Talking to aging parents about changes: Children of aging parents should tread carefully when talking to them about lifestyle changes to ensure their safety and well being, experts say. Los Angeles Times, Feb. 6.
Extra:
- Putting your pet in your will: While we may consider our pets family members, our legal system considers them property. And because estate law prohibits us from leaving property (money, real estate, etc.) to property, we must instead provide for our pets through human intermediaries who possess tools such as bank accounts, opposable thumbs and discretion when it comes to treats. Bankrate.com, Feb. 6.
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| NOTE: Articles linked by Senior Newswire may not be published
without consent from the publication or outlet from which they came. |
January 30 – February 5, 2012
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Health:
Medicine:
Personal Finance:
- An Annuity Can Still Make Sense: Investors approaching retirement and worried about the negative effect of a volatile market on their savings might want to give annuities a closer look-even though ultralow interest rates currently make that purchase a tough decision. WSJ, Feb. 5.
- New Treasury Rules Ease 401(k) Annuity Purchase: The Treasury issued several new regulations intended to make it easier, and maybe cheaper, for middle-class people in retirement to transfer the money they accumulated in their 401(k)s into an annuity that would guarantee monthly payments until they die. The New York Times, Feb. 2.
- Unraveling the mystery of 401(k) disclosures: Sometime this year your 401(k) quarterly statement will arrive, as usual, in your mailbox. What won't be usual, however, is what's inside the envelope or email. That's because the quarterly statement will feature not just the usual mumbo jumbo that you're accustomed to reviewing (or not), but a whole lot more. MarketWatch, Feb. 2.
- 401(k) Plans Step Into the Sunshine: The rules governing America's most popular retirement vehicle are about to change, and that could mean huge savings for millions of workers building nest eggs for the future. WSJ, Jan. 31.
- Don't outlive your savings – how annuities can help: An immediate annuity or a deferred income annuity may protect you against the risk of outliving your assets. Just be sure to take the time to understand them before buy. Money Magazine, Jan. 31.
- Reverse Mortgages – Big Potential, Small Results: Reverse mortgages should be a breakout product of demographic destiny. US News and World Report, Jan. 30.
Taxes:
- Tax Tips for Retirees: Many people don't realize that the IRS still takes a bite after their working days are done. US news and World Report, Feb. 1
End of Life:
- The Pearls Are Mine! As older parents approach death, they often leave lengthy to-do lists for their children. Here's how to deal with your parents' stuff while preserving family harmony and finances. WSJ, Feb. 4.
Extra:
- Winter Can Pose Hazards for Seniors: For those with mobility problems, snow and ice can leave them stranded at home. HealthDay, Feb. 4.
- The Pet Problem: A pet trust is a little-known legal option for the elderly and caregivers worried about what will happen to beloved animals following the deaths of their owners. The New York Times, Feb. 3.
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| NOTE: Articles linked by Senior Newswire may not be published
without consent from the publication or outlet from which they came. |
January 23 – 29, 2012
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Health:
- Too Few Americans Getting Screened for Common Cancers: National targets for breast, cervical and colon malignancies still not being met. HealthDay, Jan. 26.
- Put health screenings on this year's schedule: As your 2012 calendar starts to fill, think about making appointments for health screenings you know family members need this year. USA Today, Jan. 25.
- Key to aging well? Keep your bones strong: Osteoporosis, a condition that causes the bones to become brittle, afflicts about 44 million Americans, and estimates suggest half of women and up to 25% of men over age 50 will break a bone because of it. USA Weekend, Jan. 23.
- Too many tests? Routine checks getting second look: Recent headlines offered a fresh example of how the health care system subjects people to too many medical tests – this time research showing millions of older women don't need their bones checked for osteoporosis nearly so often. USA Today, Jan. 23.
- Stem Cell Treatment for Eye Diseases Shows Promise: A treatment that improved the vision of two women with forms of macular degeneration could be a breakthrough for regenerative medicine after a recent setback. The New York Times, Jan. 23.
Medicine:
Personal Finance:
- What Should You Do With Your 401(k)? New retirees must decide how they want to handle their retirement savings. Keep it in the company plan? Or roll it over into an IRA? WSJ, Jan. 29.
- Retirement saving – don't shortchange the later years: A retirement savings plan that assumes you'll spend less in your later years doesn't take into account the potential for unexpected health care and other costs. Money Magazine, Jan. 27.
- Easy Ways to Calculate Required Minimum Distributions: Retirees are required to take required minimum distributions from IRAs and 401(k)s after age 70½. Follow these guidelines to make sure you withdraw the right amount. Kiplinger, Jan. 26.
- How to Save Enough for Retirement: Most Americans realize they aren't saving enough for retirement. According to the nonprofit Employee Benefit Research Group, about 1 in 4 workers describe themselves as "not at all confident" about retirement. US News and World Report, Jan. 24.
- Boomers' $3 trillion nest egg: Americans aged 62 and older had accumulated $3.19 trillion in home equity by the end of the third quarter of 2011. MoneyWatch, Jan. 23.
Retirement:
- Baby Boomers Plan Their Retirement Careers: Retirement for the baby boomers is likely to be far different from what their parents experienced. US News and World Report, Jan. 27.
- Retirement in America is 'endangered': President Barack Obama, in his State of the Union speech, didn't really touch on the subject near and dear to the hearts of millions of Americans – the State of Retirement in the U.S. MarketWatch, Jan. 26.
- You say Orlando, and I say Sedona: As couples near retirement, some are finding their ideas of how to spend their golden years don't agree. The Chicago Tribune, Jan. 25.
- 7 Steps to Reach Your Retirement Goals: Whether retirement is decades away or just around the corner, it's difficult for many retirement investors to determine whether retirement dreams are actually attainable goals. But this is no time to stick your head in the sand because retirement is coming. US News and World Report, Jan. 24.
- Do You Need Life Insurance in Retirement? As you age, the idea of life insurance seems increasingly unnecessary. US News and World Report, Jan. 24.
- Seniors decide retirement doesn't suit them, keep working: More Baby Boomers are working past conventional retirement age. A trend fueled by an uncertain economy, improved health in older life and an understanding that staying engaged leads to a better sense of well-being. USA Today, Jan. 23.
Technology:
- Family Bonding Around TV Via Skype: Tely Labs' telyHD turns Skype video chats into room-size experiences, involving whole families or groups of friends on each end-seeing each other, chatting and sharing photos in high definition. WSJ, Jan. 26.
Travel:
- How to find senior airfare discounts: While senior airfare discounts are not nearly as common as they used to be, there are a handful of carriers that still offer them. The Oklahoman, Jan. 24.
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| NOTE: Articles linked by Senior Newswire may not be published
without consent from the publication or outlet from which they came. |
January 16 – 22, 2012
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Health:
- Osteoporosis Patients Advised to Delay Bone Density Retests: A new study is asking whether frequent bone density measurements make sense for the majority of older women whose bone density is not close to a danger zone on an initial test. The New York Times, Jan. 18.
- What if the Doctor Is Wrong? Some Cancers, Asthma, Other Conditions Can Be Tricky to Diagnose, Leading to Incorrect Treatments. WSJ, Jan. 17.
- Upper Normal Blood Pressure Linked to Heart Risk in Men: Those with levels in the high end of the normal range may later develop irregular heartbeat, study says. HealthDay, Jan. 17.
- Walking Clubs Offer Senior Citizens a Simple, Free Way to Better Health, Fitness: American Heart Association adds another national program to promote walking as most effective physical activity. SeniorJournal.com, Jan. 17.
- Daily Aspirin Is Not for Everyone, Study Suggests: Nearly a third of middle-aged Americans regularly take a baby aspirin in the hope of preventing a heart attack or a stroke or lowering their cancer risk. But new research shows that aspirin is not for everyone, and that in some patients this so-called wonder drug is doing more harm than good. The New York Times, Jan. 16.
- Go ahead, run into old age: Several studies suggest that running does not lead to joint injury. So growing older doesn't have to mean abandoning the exercise, so long as you're careful. Los Angeles Times, Jan. 16.
- Lifelines for People With Hearing Loss: Hearing loss, a disability currently untreated in about 85 percent of those affected, may be the nation's most damaging and costly sensory handicap. The New York Times, Jan. 16.
Medicine:
Mind:
- New Insight Into Aging Brains: Nearly a quarter of the changes seen in a person's intelligence level over the course of a lifetime may be the result of genetic factors, an innovative genetic analysis has shown. WSJ, Jan. 19.
- How Exercise May Keep Alzheimer's at Bay: A new study from the Archives of Neurology suggests that for some people, a daily walk or jog could alter the risk of developing Alzheimer's or change the course of the disease if it begins. The New York Times, Jan. 18.
- GPS Devices in Shoes a Growing Solution to Wandering Alzheimer's Patients: GTC sets goal on worldwide network, ships more miniature GPS devices to Aetrex Shoes. SeniorJournal.com, Jan. 18.
- U.S. launches national war on Alzheimer's: Alzheimer's, which is a form of dementia that causes progressive loss of intellectual and social skills, is the only disease among the top killers for which there is no prevention, cure or treatment that will slow its progression. USA Today, Jan. 17.
Personal Finance:
- Protecting retirement savings for the long haul: Drawing down retirement savings can seem scary in volatile markets, especially when the markets drop like they did in 2008-2009. USA Today, Jan. 21.
- Why boomer widows are financially at risk: With life-expectancy rates being markedly different between the sexes – on average, women live five years longer than men – it means that waves of women among the 78-million-member boomer generation are finding themselves having to grapple with financial matters alone. Reuters, Jan. 20.
- Amid Squeeze on Home Equity, A Revival for Reverse Mortgages: Converting home equity into cash has been a challenge for homeowners since the real-estate downturn, but a growing number of lenders are quietly reviving a loan for seniors that does just that: the reverse mortgage. WSJ, Jan. 17.
Taxes:
- Investors, prepare for tax headache on cost basis: Investors who buy and sell stocks have a new tax form and new reporting rules to contend with this year when they do their tax returns – and some tax pros say the new rules could cause confusion. MarketWatch, Jan. 19.
- What's the Tax Advantage of 401(k)s? Tax reform is high on the nation's agenda. While Republicans and Democrats may disagree about the extent to which tax increases should be part of the deficit reduction effort, they generally agree that a broader base and lower rates for the federal income tax would promote fairness and boost economic growth. SmartMoney, Jan. 18.
Retirement:
- To maximize retirement benefits, know the rules: When the oldest baby boomers start turning 66 this year, they'll be eligible to file for full Social Security benefits. But pollsters say many Americans plan to work well past that age, reflecting tough economic times and a general desire to reshape the idea of retirement. Reuters, Jan. 18.
- How to get your affairs in order: Organizing your important papers and personal information is a smart move and a great gift to loved ones. The Oklahoman, Jan. 17.
- Biggest retirement planning mistake? Doing nothing: It's the time of the year when investors set the goal to open a retirement account, start saving more and start planning for the future. USA Today, Jan 16.
Caregiving:
- Alzheimer's heaps unparalleled stress on caregivers: 70 percent of Alzheimer's patients live at home and are being cared for by about 15 million unpaid family members and friends. USA Today, Jan 16.
- As baby boomers retire, a focus on caregivers: A study released last week found that Americans caring for aging and chronically ill relatives reported higher levels of stress, poorer health and a greater tendency to engage in unhealthy behaviors to alleviate stress than the population at large. CNN, Jan. 16.
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| NOTE: Articles linked by Senior Newswire may not be published
without consent from the publication or outlet from which they came. |
January 9 – 15, 2012
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Health:
- Starting Early for Heart Health: Controlling Blood Pressure Over Time Beats Playing Catch-Up Later. WSJ, Jan. 10.
- Your thyroid is a little gland with big effects: An estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease. USA Weekend, Jan. 12.
- Glaucoma Week Aims to Make Seniors More Aware of Second Leading Cause of Blindness: Older Americans at high risk of this 'sneak thief of sight' says National Eye Institute. SeniorJorunal.com, Jan. 11.
- Interactive Tools to Assess the Likelihood of Death: Researchers have identified new assessment scales to determine the likelihood of death within six months to five years, helping doctors avoid overtesting and overtreatment of older patients. The New York Times, Jan. 10.
- Grief Is a Real Heartbreaker, Study Finds: Stress, anxiety may increase heart attack risk in the weeks after a loved one's death. HealthDay, Jan. 9.
- Low-Dose Aspirin to Prevent First Heart Attack or Stroke? Not So Fast: Modest benefits might not outweigh bleeding risk, evidence review suggests. HealthDay, Jan. 9.
- 5 tips to reduce your risk of arthritis: It hurts when you walk or climb the stairs, slice meat or brush your teeth – that's the reality of arthritis. USA Weekend, Jan. 9.
Medicine:
Personal Finance:
- Focus on Cash Flow for Retirement: Retirement savers are often discouraged by the large number they get from retirement savings calculators and financial advisers. US News and World Report, Jan. 12.
- Take steps now to help build a retirement nest egg: Most investors understand the importance of saving for retirement and would like to save more. But the constraints of financial obligations, like rent, the mortgage and other bills, consume a growing percentage of most peoples' take-home pay. USA Today, Jan. 10.
- Teachers' 403(b) Plans See Big Changes: These programs are becoming more like corporate 401(k) plans as school districts respond to revised rules. WSJ, Jan. 9.
Investing:
Social Security:
- When a Divorce Pays Off: If you are one of the thousands of baby boomers who help their parents with their finances, reviewing their Social Security benefits ought to be at the top of your list. WSJ, Jan. 14.
- E-payments rapidly phasing out paper checks as an option: Even in this fast-paced, high-tech electronic age, some of us prefer letters to e-mails, phone calls to texts, and one-on-one conversations – ideally, over a cup of tea – to Skype. USA Today, Jan. 10.
Extra!
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| NOTE: Articles linked by Senior Newswire may not be published
without consent from the publication or outlet from which they came. |
January 2 – 8, 2012
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Health:
- Prostate Cancer Screening Shows No Benefit: Updated findings from one of the largest studies of prostate cancer screening show that the commonly used P.S.A. blood test did not save lives, although questions remain about whether younger men or those at very high risk for the disease might benefit. The New York Times, Jan. 6.
- Health care reform you can expect in 2012: There's a busy year ahead for health care reform as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly referred to as the Affordable Care Act, continues to reshape America's health care system. It became law in 2010. Bankrate.com Jan. 6.
- Report Finds Most Errors at Hospitals Go Unreported: The Health and Human Services study said that caregivers often do not recognize what harms patients. The New York Times, Jan. 6.
- Chronic Heartburn a Growing Problem in U.S.: Frequent bouts of heartburn and reflux constitute a real medical condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. And if left untreated, GERDs can lead to bleeding or ulcers in the esophagus, a buildup of scar tissue that makes swallowing difficult and, in extreme cases, esophageal cancer. HealthDay, Jan. 5.
- Could Daily Aspirin Harm Seniors' Eyes? Study found possible association between drug and age-related macular degeneration. HealthDay, Jan. 5.
- In US, Hospital Round Trips More Common For Heart Attack Patients: In the U.S., hospitalized heart attack patients go home sooner than in other countries. They are more likely to return to the hospital within a month of being discharged. NPR, Jan. 4.
- Why Placebos Work Wonders: From Weight Loss To Fertility, New Legitimacy For 'Fake' Treatments. WSJ, Jan. 3.
- Spinal Manipulation, Home Exercise May Ease Neck Pain: Medication appeared least effective treatment in small study. HealthDay, Jan. 2.
Mind:
- Study shows memory loss can start as early as 45: Loss of memory and other brain function can start as early as age 45, posing a big challenge to scientists looking for new ways to stave off dementia, researchers said Thursday. Reuters, Jan. 5.
- Giving Antidepressants a Boost With a Vitamin: Deplin, a Prescription Form of Folate, Is Increasingly Used for Patients With Resistant Cases of Depression. WSJ, Jan. 3.
- New Clues as to Why Some Senior Citizens May Be Losing Their Memory: Elderly with silent strokes scored worse on memory tests, even if hippocampus was normal size. SeniorJournal.com, Jan. 3.
- 4 Vitamins That Strengthen Older Brains: Higher blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin D and vitamin E are associated with better mental functioning in the elderly, a new study has found. The New York Times, Jan 2.
Personal Finance:
- Don't Let Your Grown Kids Ruin Your Future: Baby boomers, who were notorious for prolonging their own adolescences well into their 20s and beyond ("Seinfeld," anyone?), are feeling the financial sting now that their own offspring have their hands out. WSJ, Jan. 8.
- How to Make Your 401(k) Plan Work Harder: Most of us continue to neglect our 401(k) plan. WSJ, Jan. 8.
- Do You Need an Annuity? An annuity is designed to provide you with a monthly income each and every month until you die. US News and World Report, Jan. 6.
- 7 resolutions for retirees in 2012: Retirees may be past the days of resolving to work out more or buy fewer $4 coffees. Yet when it comes to money in particular, resolutions may be even more important for those living on fixed income. The Associated Press, Jan. 5.
- 8 Steps for Building Solid Estate Plans: Here are steps estate experts advise clients to take to minimize the chance that their wills might trigger legal disputes. US News and World Report. Jan. 5.
- How to Get Financial and Retirement Advice on a Budget: Who can you turn to these days for occasional financial advice without tying yourself down to a particular financial planner or spending a fortune? The Oklahoman, Jan. 3.
- 6 Ways to Retire Without a Mortgage: Admit it. Whether you're 35 or 65, the prospect of retiring without a mortgage is an attractive one. Kiplinger, January, 2012.
Extra!
- A Community Time Bank: A city program called the Reach Service Exchange Network helps residents age in place. The New York Times, Jan. 5.
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December 26, 2011 – January 1, 2012
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Health:
- Preventive care – it's free, except when it's not: President Obama's health overhaul encourages prevention by requiring most insurance plans to pay for preventive care. But there are confusing exceptions. The Associated Press, Dec. 31.
- New Year's resolutions in the works? Small steps are best: If you're aiming to get healthy in the new year, be realistic about the changes you can make in diet and exercise. Often, starting small can lead to big things. Los Angeles Times, Dec. 31.
- The risks of anti-aging medicine: Some unproven treatments for anti-aging are risky hormone therapies and fad diagnoses. Health.com, Dec. 28.
- The High Cost of Failing Artificial Hips: Medical and legal experts estimate the hip failures may cost taxpayers, insurers, employers and others billions of dollars in coming years, contributing to the soaring cost of health care. The New York Times, Dec. 27.
- How to find, research doctors who accept Medicare: Depending on where you live, finding a new primary care doctor or specialist that accepts Medicare patients can be challenging. The Oklahoman, Dec. 27.
- If Your Teeth Could Talk: The Mouth Offers Clues to Disorders and Disease; Dentists Could Play Larger Role in Patient Care. WSJ, Dec. 27.
- Sodium-Saturated Diet Is a Threat for All: Maybe you think you don't have to worry about salt. After all, you don't have high blood pressure, you're not overweight and you exercise regularly. Well, think again. The New York Times, Dec. 26.
Medicine:
- FDA clears Pfizer vaccine for adults over 50: The Food and Drug Administration says it has approved Pfizer Inc.'s best-selling Prevnar 13 vaccine for use in preventing pneumococcal disease in adults age 50 and older. USA Today, Dec. 31.
Mind:
- Senior moment – or just mulling a response? Many seniors are actually just as mentally agile as younger people, they just focus on accuracy rather than speed when making a decision, new research says. MSNBC, Dec. 29.
- 'Silent Strokes' Linked to Memory Loss in Elderly: More memory woes noted in seniors who had experienced these events, researchers say. HealthDay, Dec. 29.
- Vitamins, Omega-3s May Keep Brain From Shrinking: Healthy seniors with higher levels of certain nutrients did better on thinking tests, researchers say. HealthDay, Dec. 28.
- Know the Signs of Alzheimer's: Early diagnosis benefits patients and their families, experts say. HealthDay, Dec. 28.
Personal Finance:
Retirement:
- 5 Tips for a Healthier Retirement: As you age, your physical health plays an increasing role in your financial health. US News and World Report, Dec. 29.
- 3 Ways the Recession Changed Retirement: The past few years brought about a sea change in how Americans view retirement. Back in 2007, many thought they'd be set at age 65 with money from that house they planned to flip, and flush retirement accounts from a stock market that just wouldn't quit. But the recession changed all that. SmartMoney, Dec. 27.
Social Security:
- When Should You File for Social Security? Although Social Security has been around for more than seven decades, most Americans admit they really don't have a basic understanding about the rules that affect the size of their retirement benefit. Fox Business, Dec. 29.
- Payroll tax cut raises worries about Social Security's future funding: By extending the payroll tax cut, Congress and the administration have quietly made a critical change in how Social Security is funded – one that some in Washington worry could undermine the program's foundation if lawmakers keep renewing the tax break. Washington Post, Dec. 29.
Extra!
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December 19 – 25, 2011
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Health:
- Opting to track, not treat, early prostate cancer: John Shoemaker visited six doctors in his quest to find the best treatment for his early stage prostate cancer – and only the last one offered what made the most sense to the California man: Keep a close watch on the tumor and treat only if it starts to grow. USA Today, Dec. 20.
- Treating High Blood Pressure May Add Years to Life: Study found those who took blood pressure meds lived a day longer for every month of treatment. HealthDay, Dec. 20.
- Seniors benefit most from 'exergames,' experts say: Games are good to motivate those who are really sedentary. CNN, Dec. 20.
- Winter holidays are peak time for heart attacks: It's the grimmest of holiday statistics: Heart-attack deaths peak on three days of the year, and one of them is Christmas. The other two are the day after Christmas and New Year's Day. USA Today, Dec. 19.
- Knee Pain Plagues Many Women Over 50: Overweight, previous injury, arthritis predicted persistent discomfort, researchers found. HealthDay, Dec. 19.
Personal Finance:
- IRA Heirs Do's and Don'ts: Managing an inherited IRA correctly could help enlarge an inheritance. But making a mistake that disqualifies the account from its tax-deferred status could trigger a big tax bill and possibly penalties-and quash its growth potential. WSJ, Dec. 24.
- How can I keep my standard of living throughout my retirement? How much should you have in a 401(k) or other retirement accounts at various ages relative to ensure your standard of living throughout retirement? CNNMoney, Dec. 22.
- 4 Reasons Boomers Need Bigger Nest Eggs than Their Parents: People often ask how baby boomers compare with their parents in terms of being prepared for retirement. The easiest way to answer that question is to look at the ratio of wealth to income from the Survey of Consumer Finances. SmartMoney, Dec. 21.
- How to Make Your Nest Egg Last Longer: When it comes time to tap savings, use the tax code to your advantage. WSJ, Dec. 19.
Retirement:
- When Divorce Unravels Your Retirement Plans: Whatever its other benefits, divorcing later in life is one of the worst financial moves you can make. Here are steps to take to protect yourself. WSJ, Dec. 24.
- How much do you need to retire? If you can't answer that question, you're in good company. Just 46 percent of U.S. workers say they have tried to calculate how much they need to save for a comfortable retirement. The Oklahoman, Dec. 20.
- 12 Retirement Resolutions for 2012: These tips will improve your retirement readiness. US News and World Report, Dec. 19.
Housing:
Travel:
Work:
- Oldest Baby Boomers Face a Jobs Bust: Many older Americans fear they will be working well into their 60s because they didn't save enough to retire. Millions more wish they were that lucky: Without full-time jobs, they are short of money and afraid of what lies ahead. WSJ, Dec. 19.
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December 12 – 18, 2011
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Health:
Personal Finance:
- Design a retirement action plan: Retirement can be some of the most rewarding years of your life, if you properly plan. A big problem? Many don't save enough, or at all. USA Today, Dec. 15.
- Dividend Stock Guide for Boomers: Firms that supply boomers with steady dividends will be in high demand. SmartMoney, Dec. 15.
- Keep an eye on advisers and retirement funds: If ever there was a story that reminds us about the need to be constantly vigilant about our retirement money, it would be this one. MarketWatch, Dec. 14.
- Annuities are a retirement option, but be wary of fees: You've stuffed money into your 401(k). You've funded your IRA. But retirement is near, and you're so nervous about the market you don't know what to do. USA Today, Dec. 13.
- Money-smart retirement – 9 tips for sound spending: Retirement tests everyone's money skills. Seniors have to stretch savings over as much as three decades, face steep health care costs and have few ways to make up for any shortfall. The Associated Press, Dec. 13.
Retirement:
- 7 Financial Tips for Snowbirds: These banking, insurance and home maintenance moves will keep your finances in order while you're away. Kiplinger, Dec. 16.
- 5 Ideas to Beef Up Your Retirement Plan: If you already have a retirement plan in place, you are well ahead of the typical person with an investment account. But you need to monitor and update your retirement plan as you progress through your career to make sure you are still on track. Here are five ideas to strengthen your retirement plan. US News and World Report, Dec. 14.
- Retirement Planning In A Changing World: The traditional retirement – leaving work at 65, moving somewhere warm and spending your golden years winding down – is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Investopedia, Dec. 13.
- Couples Retirement Counseling: How much time have you and your partner spent talking about your respective expectations and hopes for retirement? SmartMoney, Dec. 12.
Investing:
Caregiving:
- Wage Protection for Home Care Workers: The Obama administration proposed regulations on Thursday to give the nation's nearly two million home care workers minimum wage and overtime protections. Those workers have long been exempted from coverage. The New Work Times, Dec. 15.
End of Life:
- Many surgeons don't discuss end-of-life care: Many U.S. surgeons fail to discuss their patients' wishes in case a risky operation goes awry, and even more would not operate if patients limited what could be done to keep them alive, a survey found. Reuters, Dec. 16.
- Heiring Grievances: Leaving your kids different amounts of money could make perfect sense. But it also could have unintended consequences. WSJ, Dec. 12.
Extra!
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December 5 – 11, 2011
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Health:
- Why Observing Prostate Cancers Is Gaining Ground On Surgery: A federally convened panel of experts says most men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer should be offered the chance to put off treatment in favor of medical monitoring of their condition. NPR, Dec. 7.
- Parkinson's & dance – an unusual partnership unites: Dancing, because it's accompanied by music, may offer benefits beyond other types of exercise for Parkinson's patients, including socialization for people otherwise isolated by their disease. The Associated Press, Dec. 7.
- More older Americans have knee pain, replacement: Older Americans are increasingly complaining of aching knees, and getting those knees replaced, even though X-ray evidence of knee arthritis is not on the rise, a new study finds. Reuters, Dec. 6.
- Bigger Roles for Chaplains on Patient Medical Teams: Chaplains are coming into the mainstream of patient care, as new research shows positive spiritual guidance and discussion can help improve a patient's medical outcome. WSJ, Dec. 6.
Medicine:
Personal Finance:
- The Pitfalls of Inherited IRAs: It's much more complicated than you might expect. Here's how to handle it smoothly. WSJ, Dec. 10.
- Time picking a financial adviser is time well spent: To find a reliable broker, adviser or financial planner, experts say, there are some guidelines that can help you avoid the financial pitfalls. USA Today, Dec. 6.
- 11 Retirement Benefit Changes Coming in 2012: Expect more 401(k) fee disclosures and bigger Social Security checks next year. US News and World Report, Dec. 5.
- Many have little to no savings as retirement looms: After a vicious decade of no growth for the stock market, including two 401(k)-eating bear markets and persistently sky-high unemployment, more Americans are finding themselves in their 50s and 60s with practically no money saved for retirement. USA Today, Dec. 5.
- How to Catch Up With Your Savings: It may not be easy for late starters to catch up on retirement savings, but it's not a lost cause. WSJ, Dec. 4.
Taxes:
- Retired? Here's how to cut your tax bill: As many seniors learn, retirement can be as stressful and as frustrating a time as any when it comes to paying taxes. With 401(k)s, traditional and Roth IRAs, as well as Social Security benefits and working wages, there's plenty to calculate on a tax return. CNBC.com, Dec. 10.
Retirement:
- A Year-End Retirement Checklist: As 2011 comes to a close, we need to take this opportunity to wrap up some retirement planning loose ends. Here are some retirement planning tasks to complete before the holidays. US News and World Report, Dec. 8.
- The Benefits of Staying Put in Retirement: Pulling up a lifetime of stakes and retiring where it's warm and sunny may be a tempting prospect. But think again. Kiplinger, Dec. 6.
- The Most Tax-Friendly Places to Retire Abroad: You don't want to organize a new life overseas around the tax code, but sometimes lower taxes can converge with a pleasant retirement locale. US News and World Report, Dec. 5.
Housing:
- A Slow Exodus From Nursing Homes: If you've helped an older relative move into a nursing home in the past year, you've likely heard a nurse or administrator pose The Question: "Do you want to talk to someone about the possibility of returning to the community?" The New York Times, Dec. 6.
- Industry Pushes Lower-Cost Reverse Mortgages: The HECM Saver cuts upfront costs dramatically. US News and World Report, Dec. 6.
Work:
- Cruising past 'retirement age,' some enjoy their jobs enough to work into 70s, 80s, 90s: U.S. Department of Labor statistics show that the number of people 75 and older who work full or part-time has risen from about 487,000, or 4.2 percent, in 1990, to 1.2 million, or 6.9 percent, last year. The Associated Press, Dec. 6.
Extra!
- Baby boomers looking for love online: A study conducted for OurTime.com, a dating site catering to baby boomers, found unmarried people over 50 consider companionship more important now than they did during their 20s. But it's often difficult to find a good match through traditional connections such as friends. CNN, Dec. 8.
- For the Families of Some Debtors, Death Offers No Respite: When you die, your debts usually die with you. Surviving family members rarely have a legal obligation to pay unless they co-signed a loan, such as a mortgage or credit card. That leaves lenders in the lurch. But debt collectors have found a way to help lenders get their money anyway. WSJ, Dec. 5.
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November 28 – December 4, 2011
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Health:
- It Could Be Old Age, or It Could Be Low B12: Low levels of the essential vitamin can bring on symptoms including muscle weakness, fatigue, shakiness, unsteady gait, incontinence, low blood pressure and depression. The New York Times, Nov. 28.
Medicine:
Mind:
- Supplements for depression – what the research reveals: What science shows about omega-3 fatty acids, folate, SAM-e and St. John's wort. Los Angeles Times, Dec. 5.
- Non-Fried Fish Might Help Ward Off Alzheimer's: Older fish eaters have larger brain volume, less risk for the disease, study finds. HealthDay, Nov. 30.
- Can you reduce your risk of Alzheimer's? It's the second-most feared disease after cancer, an estimated 5.4 million Americans are living with it, and there's no cure: We're talking about Alzheimer's disease, a type of dementia that causes a steady decline in memory, thinking and behavior. USA Weekend, Nov. 28.
Medicare:
- Medicare to pay for obesity prevention: Medicare announced Tuesday it will pay for screenings and preventive services to help recipients curb obesity and the medical ailments associated with it, primarily heart disease, strokes and diabetes. USA Today, Nov. 29.
- Medicare in America: 'It has to get better': Everybody's talking about making health care less expensive. But to do that, says departing Medicare chief Donald Berwick, first it has to get better. Money, Nov. 29.
- Big Drug Hikes in Some 2012 Medicare Plans: Medicare beneficiaries have until only December 7 to make choices for their 2012 insurance plans. The good news for 2012 is that Medicare premiums will be lower for many people. The bad news is that some insurers have changed how they charge for certain prescription drugs. US News and World Report, Nov. 28.
- Medicare back on the brink over cuts to doctors: It's become a symbol of sorts for the federal government's budget dysfunction: Unless Congress acts before Jan. 1, doctors will again face steep Medicare cuts that threaten to undermine health care for millions of seniors and disabled people. The Associated Press, Nov. 28.
Personal Finance:
Retirement:
- Retirement: Make your savings last as long as you do: The decline in traditional pensions means most retiring Boomers will have to rely on income from savings and Social Security. Even before the stock market slammed millions of 401(k) plans, most workers weren't saving enough to maintain their standard of living in retirement. USA Today, Dec. 1.
- 7 ways to tweak your retirement plan for 2012: Even the best-built retirement plan needs a periodic check-up, so here's a list of seven tips, tweaks and reminders for the year ahead. Reuters, Dec. 1.
- Retirement rules of thumb don't always apply: The upcoming new year may find you far less confident than you were going into 2000. Stock returns have been wretched. You may be able to save less, either because you're squeezed by the cost of living, or because you've had to take a lower-paying job. USA Today, Nov. 29.
Driving:
- A Contract to Stop Driving: The continuing battles over car keys – including how long older drivers can safely operate automobiles, under what conditions, when it's time to stop and who gets to decide – have come up many times here. It's one of the toughest issues families confront. The New York Times, Nov. 30.
Caregiving:
- Tips and resources for long-distance caregivers: In today's mobile society, caring for an elderly parent from afar has become increasingly common. In fact, the National Institutes of Health estimates that there are around 7 million Americans who are long-distance caregivers today. The Oklahoman, Nov. 29.
Extra!
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November 21 – 27, 2011
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Health:
- Mediterranean-ish diet tied to better heart health: Once again, eating a diet based on fish, legumes, vegetables and moderate amounts of alcohol is linked to lower chances of dying from a heart attack, stroke or other vascular "events," according to a new study. Reuters, Nov. 25.
- Low vitamin D linked to heart disease, death: In people with low blood levels of vitamin D, boosting them with supplements more than halved a person's risk of dying from any cause compared to someone who remained deficient. Reuters, Nov. 25.
- Heart patients prefer longevity over quality of life: When an elderly person's chronic disease is impossible to cure, many doctors might assume that patient would chose to improve the quality of his or her remaining life rather than to extend it as is. Reuters, Nov. 25.
- As more get old, experts advise: Move it: Genetic researchers say they are getting closer to developing new drugs to help older people age well. USA Today, Nov. 21.
Medicine:
Personal Finance:
- Would an immediate annuity work for you? In its simplest form, an immediate annuity is a contract with your insurance company. You pay the insurance company a lump sum – say, $100,000 – and the insurance company agrees to pay you a monthly amount for life. USA Today, Nov. 25.
- How Much Do You Have To Save for Retirement? People often ask how much they have to save for a secure retirement. The answer depends on a number of factors. SmartMoney, Nov. 23.
- 8 Tips for Turning Your Nest Egg Into Retirement Income: When it comes to retirement planning, we spend most of our financial lives focused on how much to save and where to save it. But when we retire, it's a whole different ball game. Forbes, Nov. 23.
Housing:
- New Barriers To Reverse Mortgages: Changes are in store for the way reverse mortgages are processed that might make it more difficult for some borrowers to qualify. SmartMoney, Nov. 22.
Work:
- Boomers look to 'encore' careers: Larry Hara, 56, an engineer at Intel in Cupertino, Calif., isn't ready to retire, but he wants a break from his high-pressure job. Like many Boomers, he wants to use his talents to make a difference. USA Today, Nov. 21.
Extra!
- Extended families are making a comeback: An increasing number of extended families across the USA are under the same roof, living together either permanently or temporarily. Sometimes these arrangements are multigenerational, with adult children, grandchildren or an elderly parent sharing quarters. USA Today, Nov. 23.
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November 14 – 20, 2011
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Health:
- Eye care coverage and services for retirees: Many retirees are confused with what Medicare will and won't cover when it comes to eye care. Here's a breakdown of how Medicare handles different types of vision care services, along with some additional tips that can help you get affordable care when needed. The Oklahoman, Nov. 15.
- A Watch-and-Wait Prostate Treatment: With controversy raging over whether men should be screened for prostate cancer with the PSA blood test, the experience of one man in his 80s suggests an alternative to a simple yes-or-no response, as well as options for prevention and treatment that men of all ages might consider. The New York Times, Nov. 14.
- Federal Agency Aims To Make Seniors Sweat: A new federal program sets out to help seniors make exercise more a part of their daily lives. SmartMoney, Nov. 14.
Medicine:
Personal Finance:
Retirement:
- Delaying retirement: 80 is the new 65: A quarter of middle-class Americans are now so pessimistic about their savings that they are planning to delay retirement until they are at least 80 years old – two years longer than the average person is even expected to live. CNNMoney, Nov. 16.
- 5 Retirement Killers to Avoid in Your 50s: Even people who put off retirement planning for most of their career will think about the inevitable when they are in their 50s. US News and World Report, Nov. 16.
- Out-of-state retirement slows down: Aging Baby Boomers who dreamed of retiring in the sun near Florida beaches or Arizona deserts have hit a speed bump: the bad economy. USA Today, Nov. 15.
- 7 retirement-planning myths to dispel: Planning for retirement is tough enough these days; living in retirement can be even tougher. That's why it's important to avoid being misled by the growing number of myths surrounding the difficult job of preparing for and living in a financially comfortable retirement. Bankrate.com, Nov. 14.
Housing:
- Aging in place: a little help can go a long way: According to surveys, aging in place is the overwhelming preference of Americans over 50. But doing it successfully requires both good fortune and support services. The Associated Press, Nov. 20.
- A New Kind of Nursing Home: The nursing home tends to conjure up visions of big, institutional buildings with rows and rows of identical rooms, trays full of lackluster food and an acrid smell of disinfectant. But a new company is trying to change that – creating intimate homes for nursing home residents. SmartMoney, Nov. 15.
- New Options For Gay Retirees: Demand for gay and lesbian senior facilities is growing as are the choices. SmartMoney, Nov. 14.
Caregiving:
- Family Caregiving Needs Likely to Soar: Whether you are an older American or have parents or family members who are getting on in years, you need to be aware that the burdens of long-term caregiving will increasingly fall more heavily on families and friends. US News and World Report, Nov. 17.
- Home for the holidays? It may be time to talk elder care: The over-the-river-and-through-the-woods trip to grandmother's house is prime time to also assess Mom and Dad's health before a crisis occurs, aging experts say. USA Today, Nov. 15.
Work:
- The Benefits of Working Longer: When it comes to saving for retirement, many Americans are playing catch-up. If you – or a relative – are among them, here is some good news: The belt-tightening required may not be as painful as you might think, provided you are willing to delay retirement for a few years. WSJ, Nov. 20.
End of Life:
- Most boomers don't have living wills: Most people don't want to think about death, much less plan for it – especially when they feel healthy and young in their middle-age years. The Associated Press, Nov. 16.
Extra!
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November 7 – 13, 2011
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Health:
Medicine:
- Plan Would Delay Sales of Generic for Lipitor: Pfizer is offering to give discounts on Lipitor to pharmacists who keep filling prescriptions with the name-brand drug once generic competition begins. The New York Times, Nov. 11.
- A Neglected Vaccine: In recent years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been steadily expanding its recommendations for the age groups that should receive a single dose of what's now known as T.D.A.P., short for tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis. The New York Times, Nov. 9.
Personal Finance:
Social Security:
- New Social Security formula could cut benefits, raise taxes: Just as 55 million Social Security recipients are about to get their first benefit increase in three years, Congress is looking at reducing future raises by adopting a new measure of inflation that also would increase taxes for most families – the biggest impact falling on those with low incomes. The Associated Press, Nov. 7.
Long-Term Care:
- Long-term-care costs: What's next? The CLASS Act is dead, and that's going to create problems not just for the seven in 10 seniors who eventually will need help with eating, dressing and bathing, but for their unpaid family caregivers and whole lot of other Americans as well. MarketWatch, Nov. 10.
- Why You Need A Plan For Long-Term Care: When it comes to dealing with long-term care needs, the sooner a person starts thinking about their needs and their strategies for meeting those needs, the better the slate of options. Investopedia, Nov. 7.
Work:
- More boomers working past retirement: So much for kicking back at the lake house, long afternoons of golf or pretty much anything baby boomers had dreamed about in retirement. For many, the plan now calls for logging more hours at the office and renewed worries about money, according to a new poll. The Associated Press, Nov. 10.
End of Life:
- Funeral planning on a budget: Planning your funeral in advance is a wise move. Not only does it give you time to make a thoughtful decision on the type of service you want, it also allows you to shop around to find a good funeral provider, and it will spare your kids the stress of making these decisions at an emotional time. The Oklahoman, Nov. 8.
Extra!
- Aging Americans stay home with aid of 'villages': The desire of Americans to live at home instead of moving into retirement or assisted-living communities – known as "aging in place" – has always been strong. AARP surveys consistently show that nearly 90 percent of people 65 and older want to stay in their homes as long as possible. The Associated Press, Nov. 13.
- Are Older Americans Better Off? Two reports this week draw conflicting pictures of older Americans' economic well-being. The Pew Research Center says that they are better off than they used to be, especially relative to the young. The Census Bureau says that, by a new and more nuanced measure of poverty, children are doing better than we thought, but older people are doing worse, especially because of medical costs. The New York Times, Nov. 9.
- No Pension? You May Still Owe $30,000 On One: Pension accounts for state and local government workers are underfunded by $4 trillion, according to one recent analysis. If America's households were to split that tab today, each would have to kick in $34,000. SmartMoney, Nov. 8.
- U.S. wealth gap between young and old is widest ever: The typical U.S. household headed by a person age 65 or older has a net worth 47 times greater than a household headed by someone under 35, according to an analysis of census data released Monday. The Associated Press, Nov. 7.
- 10 Things Baby Boomers Won't Say: The aging Me Generation is still putting itself first. SmartMoney, Nov. 7.
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October 31 – November 6, 2011
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Health:
- Boomers' aging casts light on geriatrics shortage: The American Geriatrics Society says today there's roughly one geriatrician for every 2,600 people 75 and older. Without a drastic change in the number of doctors choosing the specialty, the ratio is projected to fall to one geriatrician for every 3,800 older Americans by 2030. The Associated Press, Nov. 6.
- Study Suggests Way to Slow Aging: Scientists said they delayed or prevented such changes as cataracts and the fat loss that leads to wrinkles by clearing out "senescent" cells from mice. WSJ, Nov. 3.
- Physical inactivity linked to breast, colon cancer: More than 90,000 new cancer cases a year may be due to inactivity and prolonged periods of sitting, new study shows. USA Today, Nov. 3.
- Light drinking linked to increased breast cancer risk: Drinking as few as three to six glasses of wine per week may increase a woman's lifetime risk of breast cancer by 15%, according to an analysis by Harvard researchers. Los Angeles Times, Nov. 1.
- A Reminder on Maintaining Bone Health: Some 10 million Americans have osteoporosis, and 34 million more with low bone mass are at risk of developing this silent disease. The New York Times, Oct. 31.
- Reckoning With the Sun: After summertime travels, it's critical to check for changes in your skin. WSJ, Oct. 31.
- Happiness linked to longer life: Being happy doesn't just improve the quality of your life. According to a new study, it may increase the quantity of your life as well. Health.com, Oct. 31.
- A Nip and a Tuck: The 65-plus crowd is signing up for cosmetic surgery, but may not recognize the risks. WSJ, Oct. 31.
- Tool Lets Patients Give Hospitals a Checkup: A new online tool from Medicare can help you evaluate some of the care that hospitals in your area provide to patients. SmartMoney, Oct. 31.
Medicine:
Personal Finance:
- Buried under your dead relative's debt? Death is a fact of life, and when someone dies, the deceased's family naturally may wonder what will happen to his or her mortgage, auto loan, credit card bills, unpaid income taxes and other debts. Bankrate.com, Nov. 2.
Investing:
- How to invest so your money lasts in retirement: Many people worry about whether their savings will last for their entire retirement. If the savings do last, it's a success, but if they don't, it could be considered a failure. MarketWatch, Nov. 1.
Social Security:
- Can Social Security be garnished? If creditors and debt collectors are hounding you for money, you may wonder: Can Social Security be garnished? The answer is: It depends on who you owe money to. Bankrate.com, Nov. 2.
Housing:
- Assisted living options – what you need to know: Assisted living facilities are residential communities that offer different levels of health or personal care services for seniors who want or need help with some daily activities – anything from cooking to transportation to dressing and bathing. The Associated Press, Nov. 3.
- Making Nursing Homes Look Like Homes: The Green House concept is the most comprehensive effort to reinvent the nursing home, including the way medical care is delivered. The New York Times, Oct. 31.
Long-Term Care:
- How to Prepare for Your Long-Term Care Needs: If living longer is one of the great success stories of medicine and lifestyle changes, failing to plan for later-life care is one of the great failures. US News and World Report, Nov. 1.
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October 24 – 30, 2011
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Health:
- Considering When It Might Be Best Not to Know About Cancer: Cancer experts say a snowballing body of evidence shows that the number of cases that can be helped by early detection through widespread screening are small in number. The New York Times, Oct. 29.
- Aspirin may cut colon cancer risk by 60%: Taking two aspirins a day reduced the risk of colorectal cancer by more than 60% in people with a family history of the disease, a large study shows. USA Today, Oct. 27.
- U.S. Health Officials Urge Lifestyle Changes to Cut Stroke Risk: Million Hearts initiative aims to reduces strokes, heart attacks by 1 million in five years. HealthDay, Oct. 27.
- Secrets of long life sought in DNA of the elderly: Scientists think DNA from very old healthy people could offer clues to how they lived so long. And that could one day lead to medicines to help the rest of us stay disease-free longer. The Associated Press, Oct. 26.
- Lung cancer screening with X-rays isn't beneficial: Routine chest X-rays do not prevent lung cancer deaths, not even in smokers or former smokers, according to a big government study challenging a once common type of screening. USA Today, Oct. 26.
- Best Foods for Older Diabetics: Eating healthy is important for everyone, but it's even more important for the nearly 26 million Americans who have diabetes – half of whom are older than 60. The Oklahoman, Oct. 25.
- Yoga, stretching may ease chronic back pain: People who suffer from chronic back pain may find some relief in yoga or intensive stretching, but neither form of exercise appears to be more effective than the other, a new study suggests. Health.com, Oct. 24.
- Mammogram's Role as Savior Is Tested: A new analysis offers a stark reality check about the value of mammography screening. The New York Times, Oct. 24.
Medicine:
Personal Finance:
Retirement:
- Want to Retire Early? You Don't Need Riches: Secrets to Retiring Early: It's Not Just for the Rich One in five Americans plans to retire before age 65, according to a new study, and they're not just the ultra-wealthy. Daily Finance, Oct. 28.
- The Costs of Living Longer – Retiring Frugally vs. Finding Love: Planning for a comfortable retirement takes foresight, a lifetime of saving money and little familial luck. But planning for love? That might cost you. Daily Finance, Oct. 27.
- Retire Here, Not There: Forget Eugene, Ore., and Naples, Fla. These less-known gems offer lower prices and peppy economies. SmartMoney, Oct. 26.
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October 17 – 23, 2011
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Health:
Personal Finance:
Taxes:
- A Tasty New COLA for 2012: Washington is bumping up Social Security payments and a slew of tax breaks and tax-bracket thresholds, in order to adjust for inflation. WSJ, Oct. 22.
Long-Term Care:
- What next for long-term care after CLASS act folds? The Center for Retirement Research at Boston College (CRR) says about one-third of Americans turning 65 this year will need at least three months of nursing home care sometime during their lives. Reuters, Oct. 17.
Technology:
- When You're Hurt, Lost or Just Scared: The 5Star Responder from GreatCall Inc. is a 1.8-ounce gadget with a speaker, microphone and a large button that calls an always on-duty agent. WSJ, Oct. 19.
Extra!
- Fire safety tips for seniors: According to the U.S. Fire Administration, people older than 65 are twice as likely to die or be injured in a home fire than those younger. For those older than 75, the risk nearly triples. But with a little awareness and a few precautionary tips, seniors can help protect their property and themselves. The Oklahoman, Oct. 18.
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October 10 – 16, 2011
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Health:
- U.S. Heart Disease Rates Keep Falling: But certain populations still lag behind trend, especially in the South, experts warn. HealthDay, Oct. 13.
- Vitamin E pills raise prostate cancer risk, study suggests: Vitamin E supplements significantly increased the risk of prostate cancer in healthy men even after they stopped taking them, scientists reported Tuesday. USA Today, Oct. 12.
- Should I get screened for that? Here's what you should know about the four most common types of pre-symptom cancer screenings, including the leading experts' recommendations and what the test involves. CNN, Oct. 10.
- Prostate Test Finding Leaves a Swirl of Confusion: For men living with a diagnosis of prostate cancer, the news that the P.S.A. test does more harm than good has been unsettling and confusing. The New York Times, Oct. 10.
- Dietary Supplements May Harm Older Women: Iron, vitamin B6 and others might increase the risk of death, researchers say. HealthDay, Oct. 10.
- Chocolate Could Be Sweet Defense Against Stroke: Swedish study found women who ate more lowered their risk by 20%. HealthDay, Oct. 10.
Medicine:
Medicare:
- How to Compare Medicare Advantage Plans: Follow this step-by-step guide for using Medicare's Plan Finder tool to search for the best all-in-one medical and drug coverage. Kiplinger, Oct. 14.
- Clock Starts Ticking Saturday for Medicare Enrollment: The holiday shopping season seems to start earlier every year. This year, Medicare's open enrollment season also begins – and ends – earlier than ever. Kaiser Health News, Oct. 13.
- For Medicare plans, reaching for stars means more revenue: Nine Medicare Advantage plans scored top marks on the five-star government rating system for 2012, up from only three plans this year, according to new figures posted by Medicare on Wednesday. Kaiser Health News. Oct. 13.
- Slow start for Medicare wellness visits: Preventative medicine was a guiding principle behind the new federal health reform law, but one provision aimed at that – free annual "wellness visits" for seniors – remains a largely unused benefit, federal data show. USA Today, Oct. 12.
- How to Pick the best Medicare Drug plan for you: Because Medicare's prescription drug plans can change their costs and benefits from year to year, comparing Part D plans every year during the open enrollment season (which is now Oct. 15 to Dec. 7) is always a smart idea. Here are some tips and resources to help you find the best drug coverage at the lowest price. The Daily Record, Oct. 11.
Personal Finance:
Caregiving:
- Helping Aging Parents Manage Their Money: Children who are now in their 40s and 50s may need to start thinking about helping their aging parents manage their money, in the final stage of their lives. This can be difficult in some cases, but there are things that can be done to ease the process. Investopedia, Oct. 11.
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October 3 – 9, 2011
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Health:
- U.S. Panel Says No to Prostate Screening for Healthy Men: Giving healthy men P.S.A. blood tests for prostate cancer does not save lives and often leads to treatment that can cause needless pain and side effects, a government panel said. The New York Times, Oct. 6.
- Surgery Rate Late in Life Surprises Researchers: Surgery is surprisingly common in older people during the last year, month and even week of life, researchers reported Wednesday, a finding that is likely to stoke, but not resolve, the debate over whether medical care is overused and needlessly driving up medical costs. The New York Times, Oct. 5.
- New flu vaccine for seniors may offer better protection: There's a new extra-strength flu vaccine in town called the Fluzone High-Dose, and according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it offers superior protection to a regular flu shot. The Oklahoman, Oct. 4.
- Vigorous exercise boosts vitamin D while lowering heart risk: Vigorous exercise significantly improves several risk factors for heart disease, including boosting vitamin D levels, a new study shows. USA Today, Oct. 4.
- Mild Strokes May Have Hidden Effects: High rates of depression, sleeplessness common, study shows. HealthDay, Oct. 3.
Medicine:
Medicare:
- Some Medicare plan prices drop – now is time to shop: If you're a senior on Medicare – or if you help out aging parents with their money matters – it's time to get ready to shop. The annual enrollment period for Medicare prescription drug and Advantage managed care plans is about to begin, and it's one of the best opportunities of the year for seniors to save money. Reuters, Oct. 5.
- Include Medigap in Your 2012 Medicare Review: Supplemental insurance policies can help close coverage gaps that exist in basic Medicare. US News and World Report, Oct. 5.
- How to Compare Medicare Policies: State programs can help you pick a plan over the phone or in person. Kiplinger, Oct. 4.
- Understanding Your 2012 Medicare Enrollment Statements: Every year, existing Medicare beneficiaries receive massive statements from their insurers setting forth the terms of next year's coverage, including premiums, coverage details, and any changes from the current year's Medicare. US News and World Report, Oct. 3.
- 5 ways to trim Medicare costs: Reining in the expanding program would be unpopular, politically difficult. USA Today, Oct. 3.
Personal Finance:
- IRS Clarifies Estate-Tax Rules: The IRS has just released the first guidance on the "portability" of the $5 million estate-tax exemption. Here's what families need to know. WSJ, Oct. 8.
- 5 Ways to Make the Best of Your 401(k): Many plans are making improvements but still aren't up to par. Here's how to improve yours. SmartMoney, Oct. 7.
- That 401(k) loan may cost more than you realize: It might not be the bank of first or last resort, but it's a bank nonetheless. About one in four investors borrow money from their 401(k), but, while such loans have some benefits compared to other sources of credit, they also can hit your retirement savings in unexpected ways. MarketWatch, Oct. 6.
- How Much Should I Save For Retirement? We all know we need to save for retirement, but how much? There is no magic number, and that's why it can be hard to know if you're on target, especially amid the stock market tumult of the past few years. Fox Business, Oct. 4.
- 10 Ways to Tap Your IRA Early Without Penalty: There are a variety of ways to access your retirement savings before age 59½. US News and World Report, Oct. 3.
- That Retirement Calculator May Be Lying to You: Anyone who puts even minimal elbow grease into retirement planning is well aware of "the number," the anxiety-producing seven-figure sum online calculators and financial advisers say you'll need to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle after your career ends. There's a far smaller number that deserves more attention now – the rate of return at the heart of that calculation. Bloomberg, Oct. 3.
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September 26 – October 2, 2011
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Health:
- Breast cancer – Treatment is no longer one-size-fits-all: Nearly 30 years ago, when Judy Macon was diagnosed with breast cancer, she had surgery followed by radiation and chemotherapy to destroy the malignant cells left behind. The chemo she got was essentially the same as for any other woman with breast cancer. Los Angeles Times, Oct. 1.
- Diabetes again linked to colon cancer risk: People with diabetes have a somewhat increased risk of colon cancer, an international study said – but the reasons for the connection, and what should be done about it, remain unclear. Reuters, Sept. 29.
- Slightly raised blood pressure, pre-hypertension linked to stroke risk: While high blood pressure is considered the most important risk factor for strokes, new findings target even slightly high blood pressure as a danger. USA Today, Sept. 28.
- Saw Palmetto Doesn't Help Enlarged Prostate: For users reporting benefits, it's a classic placebo effect, experts say. HealthDay, Sept. 27.
- New Views Of Hormone Therapy in Menopause: The 25 million American women turning 50 in the next decade face a vexing decision: Hormone replacement therapy? Or not. WSJ, Sept. 27
- Keeping knees pain-free and flexible: Knee replacement surgeries are expected to soar as baby boomers try to stay active longer, but self-care treatments can help with pain, restore mobility and delay or eliminate the need for surgery. USA Today, Sept. 26
Medicare:
- Medicare Enrollment: If you're a Medicare beneficiary, it's already time to start shopping around. The federal program's annual open-enrollment period kicks off Oct. 15. WSJ, Oct. 2.
- Ways to Save During Medicare Open Enrollment: In normal years, few seniors change their Medicare elections in the program's annual open enrollment period. According to studies of past consumer choices, sticking with existing coverage plans may be a comfortable choice. But it costs consumers billions of dollars and saddles many with inferior health coverage at a bad price. US News and World Report, Sept. 28.
- Your guide to Medicare open enrollment for 2012: If you are one of the 48 million beneficiaries of Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people over 65, you have some decisions to make – and soon. Fox Business, Sept. 26.
Personal Finance:
- Roth Regrets? Still Time to Change: Some retirement savers might rue the big tax bill that came from their decision to convert a traditional individual retirement account to a Roth IRA. But those who made a conversion in 2010 still have a couple of weeks left to undo their decision. WSJ, Oct. 2.
- Top 5 Underestimated Retirement Expenses: Depending on your personal circumstances, here are five areas you may incur expenses that exceed your expectations. Investopedia, Sept. 29.
- Professional 401(k) Advice: Worth the Cost? In recent years, 401(k) participants have embraced products and services that include professional investment advice. SmartMoney, Sept. 27.
- Best ways to draw down retirement accounts: It's not what you earn, but what you keep. That old adage is true when saving for retirement and it's equally important – if not more so – when it comes to withdrawing money from your various accounts earmarked for retirement. MarketWatch, Sept. 29
- 401(k) savers who get advice get higher returns: People who sought help earned 3% more. MarketWatch, Sept. 26.
Retirement:
- For Retirees, the Allure of College Towns: Why some retirees prefer bricks and ivy to sand and putting greens. US News and World Report, Sept. 30.
- An Active Retirement is Not Just Keeping Busy: An active retirement is not just keeping busy, but engaging in quality activities that make your life worthwhile. US News and World Report, Sept. 30.
- Forget the Sunbelt – Colder Areas Top New List of Best Cities for Seniors: While sunny locales in the West and South often top retirement destination lists, a new survey of the best places for older residents found that many colder-weather areas actually offer the highest quality of life for seniors. US News and World Report, Sept. 29.
- Federal retirement plans almost as costly as Social Security: Programs for ex-federal workers face a multitrillion-dollar shortfall nearly as big as Social Security's. USA Today, Sept. 29.
- Triple Threats to Retirement: The way we approach retirement planning has changed forever. Pre-retirees today are faced with a new triple threat to retirement security and many will need to take drastic measures to revise their strategies. Forbes, Sept. 29.
- Are retirement calculators useful in this volatile economy? Properly used, good retirement calculators – by which I mean ones that rely on probabilities as opposed to simply extrapolating a constant return – can help you get a better handle on your retirement prospects. MONEY Magazine, Sept. 28.
- Retirement – Reality Not As Rosy As Expectations: According to a new poll, life in retirement is better or the same as it was before, but it is worse for a substantial minority in key areas, including health and finances. NPR, Sept. 27.
- 5 Tips From Early Retirees: Practical steps average people can take to leave the workforce early. US News and World Report, Sept. 27.
- Ten Tips for a Financially Sound Retirement: If saving for retirement was a struggle before the financial crisis of 2008, imagine how lost jobs, flat wages, underwater mortgages, higher energy and food costs, and local and state tax hikes have combined to make the goal even harder. CNBC.com, Sept. 26.
Grandparenting:
- How to help fund your grandkids' retirement: Funding Roth IRAs for your grandkids when they're young is a smart move and an incredible gift to their financial future. And you don't have to be rich to do it, either. The Oklahoman, Sept. 27.
Housing:
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September 19 – 25, 2011
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Health:
- Never Too Old to Quit: While the rate of smoking in those over age 65 is smaller – a bit over 8 percent – than it is in the younger population, more than 22 percent of whom smoke, older smokers are much less likely to try to stop. The New York Times, Sept. 23.
- Food for thought: can fish lower your stroke risk? People who eat fish a few times each week are slightly less likely to suffer a stroke than those who only eat a little or none at all. Reuters Health, Sept. 23.
- CDC Urges Americans – Get Your Flu Shot: Supplies are plentiful and the vaccine is a good match for circulating strains, officials say. HealthDay, Sept. 21.
- Depression increases risk of stroke, study says: People with depression are more likely to have a stroke than their mentally healthy peers, and their strokes are more likely to be fatal, according to a new analysis published this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Health.com, Sept. 20.
- Yes, You Are Getting Shorter: Height loss is a natural part of aging. Losing too much height too rapidly, however, can signal a high risk for hip fractures, spinal fractures and even heart disease, particularly in men, several recent studies have found. WSJ, Sept. 20.
- Predicting Sex Life After Prostate Cancer: Treatments for prostate cancer leave a high percentage of men unable to have a normal sex life, research shows. The New York Times, Sept. 20.
- Osteoporosis can be a 'silent killer': A woman's risk of breaking a hip is equal to her combined risk of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer. And breaking a hip is the ticket to dependence: daily routines stop, freedom of movement becomes a memory, and the ability to work or tussle with grandchildren is lost. USA Today, Sept. 19.
- More Evidence Links Diabetes, Dementia: Findings point up another reason to keep blood sugar levels in check, researchers say. HealthDay, Sept. 19.
Medicine:
- Tylenol in short supply as flu season looms: Tylenol, a staple of the American medicine cabinet, may be hard to come by this fall because of a slew of recalls – but that's all the more reason to take a closer look at the cold and flu medications you stock at home. MarketWatch, Sept. 19.
Personal Finance:
Politics:
- Obama's debt plan may hit your retirement: If you're wealthy or you receive Medicare, President Obama's proposal to cut the federal deficit could very well either raise your taxes or cut your benefits. MarketWatch, Sept. 21.
Retirement:
- 4 Fears About Retirement: Retirement scares me. Part of it is the financial side of things and the nagging question of will I have enough to last throughout my entire retirement. But what scares me just as much is what will I do when I retire? US News and World Report, Sept. 23.
- Retirement-Planning Paralysis – How to Snap Out Of It: The deer-in-headlights feeling that many people in their 50s and 60s are experiencing as approach retirement is understandable, considering the extreme market volatility, stagnant economy and talk of pruning Social Security and Medicare in Washington. But there are retirement-planning decisions within your control – and it's important to get past the fear malaise to think through them. SmartMoney, Sept. 21.
- Raising the Retirement Age – A Reflection of Our Evolving Economy: Fiscal realities and the way we work have changed the way Washington looks at retirement. US News and World Report, Sept. 21.
Housing:
- The Case for Downsizing Your Home: A lot of boomers want to wait til the housing market improves before downsizing, but the savings of a smaller home make long-term sense. SmartMoney, Sept. 21.
Long-Term Care:
- Long-term-care insurance – most still don't buy in: A growing number of people are aware they may face steep nursing-home and other long-term-care costs as they age, but few are willing to purchase long-term-care insurance, according to a new survey of California residents. MarketWatch, Sept. 21.
Technology:
- High-tech gadgets for low vision: Whether seniors need a cellphone, alarm clock, thermostat or another gadget, chances are there is one available to help people who have limited vision. The Oklahoman, Sept. 19.
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September 12 – 18, 2011
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Health:
Medicine:
- Push underway to cut drugs for dementia patients: Antipsychotics are meant primarily to help control hallucinations, delusions and other abnormal behavior in people suffering from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, but they're also given to hundreds of thousands of elderly nursing home patients in the U.S. to pacify aggressive and paranoid behavior related to dementia. The Associated Press, Sept. 14.
Mind:
- Certain 'Senior Moments' May Signal Mental Decline: Getting lost in familiar places, trouble following a group conversation are red flags, study finds. HealthDay, Sept. 15.
- U.S. Prepares a National Plan for Alzheimer's: An estimated 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer's or similar dementias. It's the sixth-leading killer. There is no cure; treatments only temporarily ease some symptoms. Barring a research breakthrough, those numbers will worsen steadily as the baby boomers gray. The Associated Press, Sept. 14.
- Insulin may slow Alzheimer's, study finds: Inhaling it through the nose twice daily seems to slow symptoms of memory loss. More study is needed, but researchers are encouraged. Los Angeles Times, Sept. 13.
- Many Alzheimer's Cases Go Unrecognized: Late diagnosis hinders even the limited treatments available, experts say. HealthDay, Sept. 13.
- Fear of Antidepressants Keep Many From Disclosing Depression: Study finds nearly 25% hide symptoms from doctor for fear of being prescribed such medications. HealthDay, Sept. 13.
Personal Finance:
- Money Issues of Surviving Spouses: The immediate challenge is handling the logistical issues that crop up in the days and weeks that follow a spouse's death. At the same time, care needs to be taken to avoid making decisions or missteps that will prove complicated or perhaps impossible to undo years down the road. WSJ, Sept. 18.
- Don't Join the Ostrich Generation: Amid the Choppy Markets, Too Many Soon-to-Be Retirees Have Avoided Making Key Decisions. Here's What to Do-Right Now. WSJ, Sept. 17.
- 5 checkpoints on your race to retirement: Everyone likes to keep score. It's a way of telling whether we're making progress or not, of whether we are winning or not. But when it comes to retirement, many people don't have a sense of how well they're doing or even if they're in the race. MarketWatch, Sept. 16.
- A Two-Step Plan That Strengthens Your Nest Egg: If you can afford to wait for Social Security, you could generate immediate cash by buying a fixed annuity that guarantees monthly payments. The New York Times, Sept. 16.
- Can Empty Nesters Still Afford to Splurge? When their kids strike out on their own, many boomer parents seize the chance to splurge on themselves. Are they putting their retirement at risk? SmartMoney, Sept. 14.
- 6 ways to save in retirement: Plunging markets, depressed home values, lost jobs: There are lots of reasons to worry about retirement. Money Magazine, Sept. 12
- Reverse mortgages don't always work: The government-insured program, which is available to homeowners who are 62 and older, has helped many seniors tap their home equity for living expense. But it's not a lifeline for everyone. USA Today, Sept. 12.
- How to Catch up After a Retirement Savings Break: After an employment gap, here's how to resume a retirement savings plan. US News and World Report, Sept. 12.
- 10 Things Pension Plans Won't Tell You: Yes, they still exist. And some of them toy with taxpayer money. SmartMoney, Sept. 12.
Retirement:
- 25 Best Places to Retire: Each of these towns offers amenities galore for the post-work crowd – plus a cost of living that's pretty darn sweet. Money Magazine, Sept. 15.
- The Company You Keep: Many older Americans are planning their retirements in more detail, from their new communities to the hometown friends they want to bring with them. The New York Times, Sept. 16.
- Coming Together to Make Aging a Little Easier: Volunteers for the Caring Collaborative provide each other with short-term care, like meal and prescription delivery and hospital visits. The New York Times, Sept. 16.
- Are You on Track to Retirement? A majority of employees across all age groups and income brackets have never run even a basic retirement projection to see if they're saving enough to reach their goals. In fact, many aren't even sure what their goals are. Forbes, Sept. 14.
- 7 financial risks of retirement: The market is just one thing that can wreak havoc on your retirement savings. Bankrate.com, Sept. 12.
Investing:
Scams:
- How to detect and prevent telemarketing scams: According to FBI reports, there are around 14,000 illegal telemarketing operations that steal more than $40 billion from unsuspecting citizens each year – most of whom are over the age of 60. The Oklahoman, Sept. 13
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September 5 – 11, 2011
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Health:
- Eating well key to aging well: As you get older, your dietary needs change. And what you eat has a lot to do with how you feel – both physically and emotionally. Miami Herald, Sept. 9.
- How to Prevent Falls: Falls are a big concern for millions of elderly Americans and their families. In the United States, roughly one-third of the 65-and-older population will suffer a fall this year, often with dire with consequences. KFOR-TV, Sept. 9.
- New Health Care Law Creating Big Savings for Senior Citizens: Through July about 1.3 million with Medicare save on donut hole drug discounts; 18.9 million get free preventive care. SeniorJournal.com, Sept. 8.
- 5 ways to haggle down big medical bills: If you're struggling with health-care costs in general or a specific medical or hospital bill, consider talking with an often-overlooked potential ally – your doctor. MarketWatch, Sept. 6.
- Healthy Living Can Cut Chances of Developing Diabetes: Study finds risk can be reduced up to 80 percent, researchers say. HealthDay, Sept. 5.
Medicine:
Mind:
- Routine Chores Might Help Keep Dementia at Bay: Study found seniors who expended most energy on daily duties less likely to have mental declines. HealthDay, Sept. 6.
- When Lapses Are Not Just Signs of Aging: Who hasn't struggled occasionally to come up with a desired word or the name of someone near and dear? I was still in my 40s when one day the first name of my stepmother of 30-odd years suddenly escaped me. I had to introduce her to a friend as "Mrs. Brody." The New York Times, Sept. 5.
Personal Finance:
Retirement:
- 5 Steps to a Secure Retirement: It's time to size up your plan. You may be in better shape than you think. Kiplinger, Oct. 2011
- Too Much Debt to Retire: More Americans are reaching their 60s with so much debt they can't afford to retire. SmartMoney, Sept. 7.
- Some 403(b) retirement plan advice for teachers: As teachers across the country brace themselves for playground duty, homework assignments and kids who fall asleep in class, many find themselves with one more thing to worry about: retirement security. USA Today, Sept. 5.
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