ElderAuthority.com

“Novel & Complex?” Bah! (Part 2 of 2)

(Continued from Part 1 of 2)
Couples Manage Stress Better
Fortunately, when I am melting down in terror, David stays solid.  Last night he pulled me back from a meltdown by reminding me that me have moved into a place that is “absolutely fabulous and magical”. Then he sat me down on the sofa in front of the roaring fire, put a drink in my hand, and fed me chicken soup.
Today, he told me (with exhausted eyes) he could not possibly do all the work waiting on his desk until the… More

“Novel & Complex” Brain Activity? Bah! (Part 1 of 2)

The Center for Brain Health recommends activities that are ‘novel & complex’ to improve brain health.  But they also tell us to avoid multitasking, quiet your mind, manage stress, and get lots of sleep.  As a 59-year-old baby boomer who is unpacking in her new home in Ann Arbor, MI, while trying to sell her house in Dallas, TX, I find it difficult to follow this advice.  I worry for my brain.
Save Me From “Novel & Complex”
My “novel &… More

How Does Social Security Work?

It is Easy to Get Help
Social Security has a lot of different options, but it is very good at communicating and administering benefits.  If you have worked all of your career and have contributed consistently to Social Security, the process is very simple. Your Social Security Benefit is based on how many years you have worked and how much you contributed during that time.
At the Social Security website (www.ssa.gov) you can find information and project what your retirement… More

How to Apply for Social Security Retirement Benefits

You can apply for Social Security Retirement Benefits in two ways: a) In person at your local Social Security Office, or, 2) Online through the government website, www.ssa.gov.  I strongly recommend doing it online.
The following video is boring but very clear.  It walks you through exactly what you have to do to apply for Social Security Retirement Benefits online.… More

Pay Attention to This Social Security Tip (if you are married)

I just learned something new about Social Security.  Listen up.  It could make a huge difference in how much benefit you and your spouse receive over your lifetimes.
Social Security Filing Age Really Matters
The age when you start claiming benefits greatly impacts the total amount of benefit you will receive.

You can start receiving Social Security benefits as early as age 62.  Try to avoid making this choice.
You can receive 100% of your benefit at age 66. Every year afterward… More

Gadgets for Seniors Who Want to Remain Independent

This report appeared on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams on July 9, 2012. Every day new technologies are being introduced to help us remain in our homes longer.  Don’t assume there is nothing out there to help with the problem you are trying to resolve.… More

RETIREMENT HOME ADVENTURES

RETHINKING TRADITIONAL RETIREMENT
Because the “new economy” has erased much of their retirement savings, many baby boomers are exploring bold new notions of just how to match their desires for a retirement home against the hard realities of savings and expected retirement income.  For some, that bold notion is: Pack up and move overseas where retirement dollars can be stretched farther.
STRETCHING RETIREMENT DOLLARS
A recent study reported in U.S. News & World… More

AFFORDABLE SENIOR HOUSING WITH A JOB OR A CHANGE

Here are some random thoughts on affordable senior housing.  You don’t have to live in a dreary subsidized apartment in an urban complex.  There are all sorts of ways to have new adventures while living frugally.
COMPANION CAREGIVER
If you are alone and in decent physical shape yourself, consider looking into becoming a companion caregiver.  With our aging population, there is a groundswell of older folks who need someone to live with them and provide a wide range… More

ELDERCARE IMPACTED BY “NEW” MEDICARE PATIENT LIMITS

Here is an issue I had not considered before.  My thinking was triggered by a short “Letter to the Editor” in the Dallas Morning News.  It was written by Josh Thomas of Plano, Texas.

“NO LONGER ACCEPTING NEW MEDICARE PATIENTS”
Mr. Thomas points out that there are fewer doctors accepting Medicare; however, the larger issue is that there are fewer doctors accepting new Medicare patients.
I remember being shocked several years ago when I received a… More

RETIREMENT HOMES: FIND ONE THAT FITS

The term “retirement home” causes many to shudder. There are many variations on what makes for a good retirement home.  Look around and find a version you like.
Growing up in Michigan, all I heard about retirement homes and retirement living consisted of having a winter escape home down in Florida.  Sure, as a kid I knew plenty of older people who no longer worked.  But that seemed different.  Looking back now, I see that even then, I saw a difference between being… More