Where to retire, When to retire? How much money do I need? How to survive the early retirement? Should I retire or work longer? Should I withdraw my Social Security now or wait?
How Moving Can Help Cope with the
Loss of a Loved One
By: Karen Weeks
Losing
a loved one is a major life event that can leave a person feeling overwhelmed, depressed, and unable to cope.
While tackling some major changes soon after can be a bad idea, some people
feel that a move can actually be helpful. Removing yourself from a situation
that reminds you of your loved one can help you focus on your mental health,
and a new environment will allow you to meet new people and move forward in a
positive way. Boomers Retirement shares a few ideas on how you can
make the most of the benefits of moving after the loss of a loved one.
Reduce the Stress of Buying a Home
Moving
comes with a lot to think about, but if you prepare for the big things ahead of
time, you can reduce the stress associated with finding a new place. One of the
most important parts of a move is finding funding for your home, and there are
many different options when it comes to securing a mortgage. Figure out a budget and do
research to find out which option is best for your needs.
The
last thing you need during this time is to purchase a home with a lot of
problems. Therefore, it’s best to avoid buying a home “as is” even if it
seems like you’re getting a good deal. These homes have major issues, and you
may encounter pest infestations, mold, asbestos, structural problems, and more.
Ask for Help
One
important aspect of moving forward after losing a loved one is deciding how to
deal with the things they left behind. You may be faced with clothing or other personal items of theirs that will make it
difficult for you to consider moving on, so it’s a good idea to ask for help
from a close friend or family member who can help you sort through those
belongings and figure out the best place for them. Donating items to those in need is a great start
because you can be assured that the things your loved one treasured will still
have importance for someone else.
Also,
when it comes to the actual move, don’t try to do everything yourself. You’re
better off hiring professionals to lend a helping hand. You can browse ratings and reviews
and request a quote in advance to make sure you’re getting the best deal, as
well.
Talk to Someone
It’s
a good idea to look for someone you can talk to in your new area about
everything you’ve gone through. A licensed therapist or counselor can help you
get through your loss so you can transition to a new lifestyle more smoothly.
Remember that the goal is not to forget about your loved one, but rather to
make it easier for you to accept that they are gone so you can move forward in
a healthy way.
If
you don’t feel comfortable talking to someone in person, you might look for an online visit for mental health care. With online
treatment, you’ll have access to many more doctors, won’t have to travel
anywhere, and save if you don’t have insurance. It’s also possible to quickly
have prescriptions filled and refilled.
Making
such a major life decision after losing a loved one may seem overwhelming at
first, but it could be hugely beneficial in the long run. Remember to focus on
your mental health and ask for help from the people who are your support system
so you can feel good about your decisions.
I am going to post an article from USA Today. I think it is appropriate for today's atmosphere and
our current world affairs.
Do you feel sad and lonely? Do you feel regret about your past decision in your life?
What if you can do it over again? What would you do or change?
Well, it is not possible, so what do you do?
From my own personal experiences, there is not much you could do, however, it
is best NOT to keep it bottled up inside. (MORE LATER)
I miss everything. I miss everybody': Depression rates for seniors are soaring amid COVID-19
MARC RAMIREZ, USA TODAY
When she retired from her job as a hospital technician in 2011, Johnnie Lilly soon found that she felt lonely. She told herself: I’m going to get out and do something.
That’s how the 79-year-old Texas resident came to work with preschool kids as part of a reading program run by The Senior Source, an older-adult advocacy agency serving greater Dallas.
Then came the COVID-19 pandemic. With many schools and organizations suspending in-person operations as part of a national shutdown, the activity she’d loved was gone.
“It was so enjoyable and enlightening,” Lilly said. “The kids just gave me so much pleasure. I miss them so much. I miss all my babies.”
Even before the pandemic, advocates and health experts had warned of loneliness and social isolation among the nation’s older adult population. Now, nearly two years in, they say government mandates and precautionary measures meant to control the virus by limiting social interaction have taken an emotional, mental and physical toll.
Geriatric workers say rates of depression and anxiety have risen among their clients in that time, and in more severe cases, those conditions have led to cognitive and physical deterioration, or worse.
Snuggle therapy: Seniors get an uplifting visit from a pair of miniature horses
Faith San Severino takes her two miniature horses, Peabody and Petunia, to a senior care home in San Diego for some animal-assisted therapy.
“People experienced cognitive decline from having no stimulation, and that has persisted,” said Stacey Malcolmson, Senior Source president and CEO. “For those with underlying mental health conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s, we’ve been finding that that cognitive decline is irreversible.”
Carla Perissinotto, a geriatrician and palliative physician who works with mostly homebound patients in San Francisco, has seen similar patterns with her clients.
“There are people who used to be able to walk, and suddenly, because of weeks in their room, they lost the ability to do so,” she said. “That’s huge.”
Perissinotto served on a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine committee that issued a February 2020 report that found one-fourth of U.S. residents 65 and over said they were socially isolated, while 40% described themselves as lonely.
While loneliness – the subjective feeling of being alone – is a growing global concern for all groups, social isolation, defined as an objective lack of social contact with others, is a particular risk for older adults.
The reasons can be summed up in one word: Loss. As years pass, seniors face loss of life partners and social networks, loss of sight and hearing, loss of travel opportunities, loss of a sense of value to society.
“They’re losing friends as they age,” said Kathleen Cameron, senior director of the National Council on Aging’s Center for Healthy Aging. “They’re no longer in the workplace. They’re experiencing an increase in disabilities like vision impairment, or they may have a chronic illness that reduces their ability to be as mobile.”
The National Academies report linked loneliness and social isolation to poor physical and mental health outcomes, from depression and cognitive decline – including a 50% higher risk of dementia – to higher mortality rates. Among heart-failure patients, loneliness was associated with a nearly fourfold increased risk of death.
With the pandemic, things only got worse.
Like Lilly, many who benefited from the social interaction of a part-time job or volunteer work saw those opportunities disappear. Even as COVID vaccines have led to eased restrictions and reopening of public places, many older adults – who are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill or dying from virus complications – remain hesitant to reenter society.
“You had fully independent people with thriving social lives who found themselves fearful of going outside,” said Meredith Levine, senior director of Jewish Association Serving the Aging, which serves 40,000 clients in New York City. “The initial anxiety has subsided, but this changing world has fostered different anxieties. This isn’t how they thought they would be spending their golden years.”
Advocacy & Services for LGBT Elders, a New-York-based organization known as SAGE, found that calls to its national LGBTQ+ elder hotline increased tenfold during the pandemic, going from 20 to 30 calls a month pre-COVID to more than 200 monthly calls now.
“Anxiety is the number-one concern,” said Sherrill Wayland, the agency’s director of national education initiatives. “People are dealing with a lot of stress.”
Lilly, the retired hospital worker, knows the feeling.
“When it all started, it was awful,” she said. “We were having to stay in, and that was the worst part, listening to the news about how many people were dying. In New York, they had all those trailers full of people; that blew my mind. I went through a phase where I was crying and praying for the families. It was very hard.”
Lilly still dreads going to the grocery store and wears a mask and gloves just to put gas in the car.
“It’s just so scary, it really is,” she said. “Now they’re saying there’s another variant coming. I’m better with it, even if it’s still dangerous. But I miss being able to hug somebody when I go into church. I miss everything. I miss everybody.”
The risks of seclusion and feeling alone
Loneliness has been rising as a global public health concern in recent years. Former U.S. surgeon general Vivek Murthy has called it a “growing health epidemic,” and in the U.K., Britain appointed its first minister of loneliness in 2018.
That same year, the Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness (CESIL) formed in Washington, D.C., to combat what it called an American crisis. With the pandemic, the coalition of consumer groups, community and health organizations stepped up its efforts to raise awareness and push for policy changes that promote interconnectedness.
Advocates say that in addition to exacerbating potentially serious emotional and mental health issues for older adults, pandemic isolation has had other harmful effects, including raising the risk of substance abuse and susceptibility to scam artists who prey on their loneliness.
More secluded and sedentary lives have also unleashed eating binges and aggravated chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes and high blood pressure.
“They’re not watching their diets and they’re not moving enough,” said Deborah Leibensberger, older-adult services director for Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas.
Cameron, of the Center for Healthy Aging, said rates of alcohol and prescription drug use are also up among older adults.
“The pandemic has induced stress in all of us, and sadly substances are something people have turned to,” she said.
For those with language barriers, or from marginalized communities who might not seek out services out of fear of discrimination, isolation can be even more pronounced.
To meet the need, community and faith-based senior organizations pivoted as they ceased their brick-and-mortar offerings: Congregate meals became home deliveries. In-person programming went virtual. Volunteers stopped making home visits and checked in by phone instead.
In Dallas, Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas now utilizes a grant-funded device that gives clients access to senior-specific TV programming such as chair yoga, concerts, lectures, cooking and travel shows.
“That has been widely popular,” Leibensberger said. “It’s like having an older-adult center in your TV.”
More common are efforts to maintain contact with clients through regular phone or video check-ins.
Thousands of Americans reach retirement age
every day. They are Baby Boomers, and they, more than any generation before,
want to remain in their own space throughout their senior years. However, being
completely independent is not always possible. Thankfully, there are many
alternatives to help seniors age not just in place but in community, where they
will have access to support and services for all of their years. Here’s what
you should know courtesy of Boomers Retirement.
What is
Aging in Community?
Aging in community is simply the idea of
staying as self-sufficient as possible while taking advantage of tools to
remain healthy and safe. Dr. Bill Thomas explains that aging in place becomes
more about utilizing social capital and less on financial
stability.
The
World Around You
One of the biggest obstacles for older adults
is transportation. If it is no longer safe for you to drive, you may need to
consider other ways you can get around. While it’s true that Medicare can get
you to the hospital in case of an emergency or near-emergency, it does not
offer services to get you back and forth from regular doctors appointments or
for other errands that you have to run. Medicare Advantage, however, plans
often do provide transportation coverage. So, make a point to review your
current policy and make any changes necessary to ensure that you receive all of
the benefits you may need as you age.
Another significant issue is the affordability
of living alone. Consider looking for a 50-plus roommate to help keep costs
down. There are plenty of widows and divorcees who would rather share a home
than to struggle physically and financially. Mother Nature Network contributor
Starre Vartan notes that there are services that can pair you with a like-minded Boomer roomie. Before you take
this step, make sure to perform a thorough background check on anyone with whom you are
considering sharing your living space.
Safety
at Home
Now that you’ve taken care of transportation
and affordability, you will also want to bear in mind the livability of your
property. Being safe at home may require making a few modifications to
compensate for mobility, cognitive, or vision impairments. Added lighting along
the stairs, grab bars in the bathroom, and wider doorways
can all help. Caregiver support site DailyCaring goes into a great deal of
details on how to modify your home room-by-room in this guide.
Carefully consider what safety improvements
you can make outdoors as well. For instance, cracks in your walkway should be
filled, and loose planks in your stairs should be replaced. If you’ve got a
tree or large branch that’s in danger of falling on your home, you’ll want to
get it removed. As you search for “tree
work near me,” it’s always a good idea to read testimonials from
past customers. Sites like Angi offer customer feedback and can inform you of
any tree removal services offering discounts in your area. Always ask for an
estimate and referrals before hiring.
The
Village Is Vast
More than just relying on your friends,
family, and Medicare amenities, many areas now offer senior-specific networks
known as a village model. A village model is essentially a network of older
adults who look out for one another. Instead of being independent, those within
a village community model are interdependent.
They rely on one another for support and often have a single coordinator, who
is a paid employee, that can do things like schedule get-togethers and even
screen contractors. Perhaps the biggest benefit of a village community is that
it can stave off isolation, which is a common issue that contributes to
depression, alcoholism, and even suicide within the senior community.
No matter where you or your aging loved one
chooses to live in their senior years, you should all know that you have
options. While independent and assisted living homes are certainly a valuable
asset for those who need hands-on help, aging in place and within your own
community is an affordable and enjoyable alternative that makes sense for many
seniors. Before you make a decision, do your research and know the pros and
cons of each option.
Seniors make up a big part of the population. In fact,
Senior Living notes there are roughly 47 million seniors living in the United
States, and that number will soon go up as the baby boomer generation
approaches the defining age of 65. With numbers like that, some experts fear we
could face a serious health crisis.Yet
while those statistics may sound daunting, modern technology provides older
adults with advantages previous generations couldn’t enjoy.
Boomers Retirement invites you to read on for
some of the many ways today’s seniors can put tech to work for better
well-being.
Smartphone Apps
Perhaps the most convenient way to utilize technology for
senior health is to download helpful apps to your smartphone. Here are a few
favorites:
●Fabulous is a motivational health app that
lets users set goals and gives daily reminders to encourage them to make a
routine out of their most healthy habits.
●The GoodRx app can help seniors find discounts on
prescription medications, and most pharmacies these days have their own
downloadable app so seniors can order their refills in a matter of seconds.
●The Red Panic Button app lets users summon anyone
in their emergency contact list simply by pressing one easy button.
While apps are simple to use, they are typically powered by
complex programming. Seniors should know in advance that many feature-rich apps
require more power, memory, and speed to run well than some older smartphones
provide. If it’s time to find a more suitable phone, there are plenty of plans
and models that are up to the task, and some
service providers allow trade-ins of older models for discounts on new ones.
Remember that buying a new phone may require some other
purchases since your current phone case or charger may not be
compatible with newer smartphone models
Smart Home Devices
For the simple purpose of making life easier, CNET notes smart home devices are a great way for seniors
to utilize technology in their homes. Bluetooth speakers equipped with AI
assistants, like the Alexa-enabled Amazon Echo, make it easy for people to
create grocery lists, set alarms and reminders, check the weather, and play
music, just by simply talking to the device.
Another suggestion is to hook up a Smart Hub with smart door locks, light bulbs, and
thermostat, so seniors can control just about everything in the home without
even standing up. The possibilities are nearly endless!
GPS
One of the biggest technological advances in recent history
is the development of GPS for public use. For people suffering from memory
ailments like Alzheimer's and dementia, GPS services can be utilized to locate a
person in the event that they wander off and get lost. GPS sensors can be worn
as bracelets or be added to clothing or shoes, so loved ones can be located
quickly before they can hurt themselves. It’s an unobtrusive way to boost
safety and peace of mind.
Medicare Open Enrollment
Beyond the home environment and daily life, healthcare also
involves routine care from medical professionals. With that in mind, seniors
must remember that the Medicare Open Enrollment period is from October 15
through December 7 each year.
During this time, seniors can change from Original Medicare
to Medicare Advantage or vice versa. They can also switch Medicare Advantage
and Medicare Part D plans. Sometimes seniors find a reduction in their out-of-pocket
expenses by switching plans, and it can mean broader healthcare coverage.
AARP points out the benefits provided through Medicare Advantage
are more extensive than ever, so many seniors find it’s worth making
comparisons to see if they can come out ahead. Technology steps in to help here
as well, since those who wish to make changes can do so online, and those who
do not want changes do not need to do anything as plans will auto-renew.
Seniors of today have more health-related advantages than
any previous generation. Thanks to technology, seniors can utilize these tips
to improve their daily routine, stay safe and more independent, and check their
Medicare plan. With just a bit of tech at their fingertips, it’s a chance for a
happier and healthier life.
Looking
for guidance as you navigate senior life as a boomer? Then subscribe to Boomer Retirement today for tips on tackling senior
conundrums and learning to enjoy this new chapter.
Your golden years can be your years of golden
opportunities! Adding to your skill set
and increasing personal growth is a terrific fountain of youth. Thanks to the internet, there is a wealth of
options available.
Why you
should be learning
One of the best things you can do to keep your
mind sharp as you age is to keep it active.
Just as physical exercise benefits your body, mental exercise benefits
your brain. According to studies cited
by Psychology Today, choices you make in how you
live can maintain your brain’s resilience and ability to age well. You can actually boost your brain’s health
and slow cognitive aging with mental, physical,
and social activity. There is every
indication that not only can you learn new things as you age, it’s actually
good for you!
Exploring
possibilities
The internet is a deep well of information,
and you are likely to find resources for virtually anything you would enjoy
exploring. Contemplate what topics
interest you, and then start surfing! Choose
something fun and exciting, perhaps something you always wanted to learn about
but haven’t had the chance to. You don’t
need to worry about grades and deadlines, so this is your opportunity to do
anything you would enjoy. Here are some
options that we really like:
Home Projects. You may find that making certain home improvements
can actually be quite enjoyable, especially if they're a source of
entertainment. For example, if you have
space in your backyard for a fire pit, you may want to consider installing one,
as it can also boost the appearance of your outdoor space. You can create one yourself by following online
step-by-step guides, and there are different types of fire pits you can choose
from, such as in-ground and tin. Gather
the necessary materials and get building!
Art. Being creative offers benefits to your wellness, reducing depression
and helping you feel happier and more productive and increasing social
connections. Experts note the impact is so powerful it
might even reduce many health care and medical needs. Class Central suggests exploring free online
courses at the Museum of Modern Art for information that is relevant, creative,
and inspiring. Selections are rich and
varied, with courses on everything from fashion to photography to understanding
abstract painting. It’s sure to get your
creative juices flowing!
Music. If you’ve always loved
music but have never been able to pursue it, now is a better time than ever.
The internet can help you with every part of the process, from buying your
instrument to taking lessons. For example, if you’ve always wanted to learn to
play the trumpet, you can check out online instrument reviews
and pick the best trumpet for you. Then, you can search the web for an
in-person instructor, or take individual or group online lessons on sites like YouTube and
8Notes. The internet makes it possible for you to take up this hobby without
ever having to leave home!
Nutrition. Looking to learn more about improving your well-being through
food? Monash University offers a free
online course called “Food as Medicine” throughout the year. This terrific program offers information on
how food can boost health, fight chronic disease, and prevent illness. You also learn how to evaluate what is in
food and recognize good choices for your health and well-being.
Language. According to some studies, no matter how old you are, there
are benefits in learning a new language.
Also, for many adults, learning a new language can be easier than for children,
since you already have a foundation of grammar and structuring words to build
on. You can find free language courses online that cover a range of
fluent levels.
Photography. According to some researchers, learning digital photography
is particularly valuable, engaging your mind in ways that offer a superior
memory boost over activities like doing word puzzles and other less engaging
mental exercises. Harvard University
offers a free, self-paced program.
Live
and learn! Make
your golden years even brighter by adding online learning to your
lifestyle. Broadening your skills and
exercising your brain is healthy and fun.
Decide what you would like to learn, and get surfing!
How Your Golden Years Can Be Your Best Years — Even on a Fixed Income
Living on a fixed income is commonly seen as being limited in the lifestyle you live. While it’s true that this can be the case, it doesn’t have to be. By budgeting, eliminating debt, and making a few other moves, you can live a restriction-free, fulfilling life in your golden years. If you want to know more about how to live well on your fixed income, read on for some practical tips from Boomers Retirement.
Make a budget you can stick to.
The first part of thriving on a fixed income is creating a budget. And to make a budget that you can stick to requires you to be realistic about all of your expenses. So, list all of your fixed expenses, including your mortgage or rent, insurance, groceries, and utilities. Then, subtract those expenses from your total monthly income (from all sources). This will show you how much money you have left for discretionary spending.
At the very least, creating a budget should show you where you can make adjustments so that you can make the most of your money, even if that means undergoing a major life change to free up your finances for other things.
Knock out debt.
There’s no getting around it: debt is a killer. If you are straddled with debt, there’s little opportunity for you to spend money on the things that bring you happiness. The first thing you need to do in order to enhance your budget is to work toward eliminating your debt. Pay off your credit cards as soon as possible, and avoid using them in the future unless you can comfortably make the monthly payments. This will help you avoid the staggering interest rates that come with them.
Consider working.
Along with tackling your debt, think of ways that you can pad your income. If you are able to work, look around town for part-time opportunities. Chances are there are a number of organizations and companies that will value your experience. This could mean picking up shifts at a local coffee shop, restaurant, art museum, or even at a company that specializes in the industry in which you spent your career.
Another thing to consider is going freelance. The freelance market is massive, and it includes almost any industry you can think of. For example, if you have customer service experience, you can use your skills as a freelance customer service agent. If you are a retired teacher, you can teach remotely in a part-time capacity. Even if your experience is in engineering, accounting, or consulting, you can find work-from-home opportunities through online job boards.
See where you can cut.
Finally, evaluate your budget and figure out where you can cut expenses. For example, if you live in a house that is much too big for your lifestyle, downsizing could save you a ton of money on mortgage, insurance, utilities, and taxes. Or, if you’re leasing a car every few years, you could save big by purchasing a late model or used car and driving it until it quits. Also, reassessing how you buy and use groceries can be a major money-saver.
Try your hand at starting your own business.
For many retirees, adjusting to life on a fixed income can be difficult, even if you have no trouble sticking to your budget. Sometimes, you just want to enjoy a little more flexibility and a larger financial cushion. You can accomplish this by starting a side hustle right from your home! Many retirees find fulfillment in small business ownership.
Perhaps you’re already excited about a particular business idea. Once you’ve decided on a name, you’ll need to go about filing for a business entity in your state. After all, you need to make sure that your personal assets are protected, and naturally, you’ll want to find ways to save during tax season. If you’re not quite sure how to approach this process, don’t worry - you can work with an online formation service if you have lots of questions.
Just because you’re on a fixed income doesn’t mean your life has to be limited or unrewarding. Draw up a realistic budget, work toward eliminating all your debt, look for employment opportunities, and cut expenses where possible. Implementing these tips can help put you in a better position to flourish in your golden years.
For more valuable resources and insight into retirement life, be sure to bookmark
