Leslie Newlife

Home is Where the Heart Is: 6 Benefits of In-Home Care for Seniors

Caring for an aging loved one requires making tough decisions, resulting in many sending seniors to live in an assisted living or nursing facility. But rather than placing your senior in the care of strangers, consider the benefits of aging in place. Roughly 90 percent of aging adults prefer to remain within the comfort of their own home, allowing them to live out their golden years with independence and familiarity. By making a few simple adjustments to your lifestyle, you can give your elderly loved one the best experience possible.

Not sure how to care for an aging senior? Here are six benefits of in-home care.

What you need to know about senior home care

Accommodating an aging adult in your home may require some alterations. Between widening narrow hallways for wheelchair access and installing a stairlift system, there are numerous accessibility features to consider. Consider everyday tasks that might become difficult for your senior, like showering or using the stairs, and find creative solutions to ease the process.

Additionally, it’s crucial to consider the financial aspect of home care costs. Determine the expense of medications and health care and take care to factor in your source of income as well as your senior’s.

Encourages socialization

Seniors relegated to the confines of nursing homes often become isolated and depressed. Alternatively, elderly adults who are cared for by family members can maintain a healthy social life. Living in the same space with their family allows them to interact with others regularly, especially if you hire an in-home caregiver. An in-home caregiver will safely administer medications and become another friendly face in your seniors’ life.

Maintains independence

Like anyone, seniors wish to stay as independent as possible for as long as they can. While an in-home caregiver ensures their wellbeing, your elderly loved one can still make everyday decisions themselves in the comfort of their home.

Personalized care

Institutionalized care facilities employ a one-size-fits-all care strategy for the average senior, causing staff to overlook individual needs. Elders who age in place get access to personalized one-on-one care from family members or skilled caregivers. Overall, seniors who receive treatments within their own homes obtain a higher quality of care than those living in long-term facilities.

Promotes mental health

All too often, seniors living in nursing homes become anxious and depressed. Being separated from their family and home takes a mental toll, which causes long-term complications. Those who age in place, however, are more likely to maintain a positive mindset. Surrounded by familiar settings and a caring family, your senior can fully enjoy the blissful aspects of aging.

Saves money

Nursing homes are notoriously expensive and can put your family under severe financial strain. For an affordable solution to your senior’s medical needs, you can hire in-home caregivers for a few hours each week. Even for elders who require more extensive care, skilled caregivers present a cost-efficient substitute to long-term facilities.

Home is where the heart is 

When cared for within their own homes, seniors receive high-quality treatments that ultimately save you money. In-home care also promotes independence and mental health. Within the warm embrace of their friends and family, your elderly loved one will spend their final chapter in comfort.

Fluid on the Brain: Diagnosis and Life Insurance Implications

As adults, we can generally tell when something is off when it comes to our bodies. So why don’t we just go to a doctor?

It’s a genuine question that only gets met with defense and emotionally charged answers. Often going to the doctor doesn’t seem worth the hassle, and between the possible hospital fees and rise of insurance premiums, it can be easier to blame old age.

However, if you’re over 60 years of age and haven’t been feeling like yourself, there could be significant reasons why going without treatment could be life-threatening.

Life insurance tip: Don’t let fees scare you into not going to the doctor. Even if you receive a diagnosis, life insurance companies will likely issue an APS underwriting for life insurance request that makes any payouts difficult to dispute.

Signs There is Fluid on the Brain

You may have heard not to freak out after telling someone the worst-case scenarios you’ve found online; listen to that.

Make time to take a deep breath because when you don’t know what’s going on with your health, you can’t help but worry, making symptoms worse. Ease your mind by starting with the basics. Knowing what signs to be aware of can help you better document how relevant a doctor’s visit may be. 

Fluid on the brain isn’t as easy as spotting a bruise or broken bone, so journal what symptoms you experience when you experience them. Some symptoms of fluid on the brain for adults may include:

  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Sleepiness
  • Irritability
  • Loss of appetite
  • Muscle soreness
  • Loss of bladder controls
  • Feeling the frequent need to urinate
  • Memory loss
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness or trouble walking
  • Declined coordination
  • Vertigo or imbalance that results in falling
  • Seizures

What to Know About Hydrocephalus 

Hydrocephalus is a neurological disorder caused by excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricles of the brain. Usually, the bodily fluid produced to cushion your brain is created and absorbed each day. 

In hydrocephalic patients, the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord is being produced excessively or experiencing a blockage. This results in poor drainage and extreme pressure on the brain, sometimes causing the head to swell.

Causes of Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus can be congenital, brought on by physical trauma, or due to many reasons from aging. Getting a hydrocephalus diagnosis may be difficult since the symptoms related to fluid on the brain coincide with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other neurological disorders.

A few forms of hydrocephalus are:

  • Hydrocephalus ex-vacuo: If you’ve ever had to squeeze into an elevator before, that’s kind of what’s happening in your brain. This is when a degenerative disease, like Alzheimer’s, brain tumors, meningitis, stroke, or a traumatic injury causes damage to the brain. These causes trigger the brain to shrink, making CSF fill the space and resulting in a hydrocephalus diagnosis.
  • Non-communication (obstructive) hydrocephalus: This is similar to someone trying to communicate with a poor connection. When CSF drainage is blocked from any of the ventricles, the patient experiences increased pressure within the skull.
  • Communicating hydrocephalus: This cause is like being stuck in traffic. Things are moving, but there’s a backup somewhere causing trouble throughout multiple passageways. Communicating hydrocephalus is when CSF is flowing past the ventricles but becomes blocked after leaving.

How Hydrocephalus Is Diagnosed

For some, getting the right diagnosis is a long journey. My grandmother was told by multiple doctors that she had various degenerative disorders before seeking out a neurologist.

To determine if your symptoms are due to fluid on the brain, a neurologist will order one or more of these tests:

  • Physical examination
  • Ultrasound
  • Intracranial pressure monitoring (ICP)
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Computed tomography scan (CT / CAT scan)
  • Spinal tap / Lumbar puncture 
  • Isotope cisternography

Life and health insurance tip: Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, you cannot be dropped from your health insurance coverage due to a pre-existing condition being diagnosed, and the same goes for life insurance.

If you are already a policyholder, it is illegal for your insurance providers to decline your account after a medical diagnosis.

Living With Hydrocephalus

Unfortunately, there is no cure for hydrocephalus, but treatment options and lifestyle changes can help ease the strain. The first thing you should do is senior safety-proof your home in ways that relate to your most prominent symptoms. 

Lifestyle Changes

The last thing you probably want to think about is more change, but with no medical cure available, making your treatment plan a lifestyle will help you combat your symptoms. 

What we put in is what we get out when it comes to our diet. A list of foods that help increase brain and CSF function is:

  • Honey 
  • Grapes
  • Pineapple
  • Lemon
  • Avocados 
  • Spinach 
  • Kale 
  • Broccoli 
  • Seeds
  • Nuts
  • Beans 
  • Lentils 
  • Brown rice
  • Granola 
  • Oats
  • Salmon
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic 
  • Ginseng 
  • Tea 

What to avoid:

  • Candy
  • Processed foods
  • Chile
  • Coffee
  • Chocolate (raw cacao is fine)
  • Dairy
  • Meat
  • Refined flour
  • Vinegar

Most of all, staying hydrated is key. Water aids both brain function and blood flow, which will help your CSF levels and moderate your symptoms. 

Adjusting your lifestyle to incorporate more of these foods, regulated forms of safe exercise, and meditation will help support the treatment plan you and your doctor choose.

Surgery Options for Hydrocephalus

The word surgery is scary, but without it, fluid on the brain can cause severe complications for both your mental and physical well-being. 

Treating hydrocephalus patients will require surgery, but modern technologies are making brain surgery seem as breezy as getting a root canal. (My grandmother’s words).

The list of medical treatment options is:

  • Shunt – This less intrusive option is what my grandmother chose. It may be available depending on the severity of your case. A shunt is a thin tube with a valve placed in the brain to divert the excess fluid away. Normally the shunt will connect to the abdomen but can be put in other places as well.

For adults, this procedure could be the last major medical step needed to live a healthy everyday life, but the shunt may need adjusting, requiring additional visits.

 

  • Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) – Neurosurgeons will use a camera to drill a small hole under the third ventricle of a patient’s skull, allowing the excess CSF to drain away from the brain.

 

Trust the treatment plan that your doctor suggests, and know that being diagnosed with hydrocephalus isn’t the end to life as you knew it. You can still do the things you enjoy but allow your body time to adjust and recover.

Watching a loved one live with hydrocephalus and go through treatment, I know the storm of emotions you and your family are likely experiencing. I am thankful that my grandmother got a shunt because she is coming back to herself every day.

Fluid on the brain doesn’t have to hold you underwater. Seek out a proper diagnosis right away if you think your symptoms are being caused by hydrocephalus.

Danielle Beck-Hunter writes and researches for the life insurance site, EffortlessInsurance.com. She researched hydrocephalus when hearing of her grandmother’s condition. Knowing that medical reports can be intimidating and confusing, she hopes that this article helps anyone with a loved one diagnosed or who is struggling themselves with hydrocephalus.

Tips for Moving Your Dog to an Assisted Living Facility

You don’t need to give up your canine companion when you move into an assisted living facility. Keep your dog by your side as you care for your own health by moving out of your home and into an assisted living option that allows you to maintain your independence. While you’ll still need to take the same precautions with your pup that you would moving anywhere else, there are also some extra tips for moving your dog to an assisted living facility.

Before You Choose an Option: Check If It’s Pet Friendly

Sadly, not every assisted living option for seniors will be a pet-friendly one. Before you begin finalizing your big move, check to make sure that it’s a pet-friendly assisted living facility. Whether you’re living in a large building with other seniors or a quaint home, the care services may have rules against pets or restrictions on certain kinds of pets.

Read the fine print of their rules before deciding to live there. Call the facility if you have any concerns or questions about your dog’s residency.

Have Someone Care for the Dog During the Move

Dogs tend to stress out when they notice a big change is on the way. Stressed dogs may bolt out the door while you and your family move boxes and furniture out of the home. Avoid the chaos of a chase by finding somewhere for your dog to stay during the busiest parts of the move.

Your family may normally take care of the dog for you, but if they’re helping you move, then they may not be an option. Consider researching local boarding services and giving your pup a vacation at the local doggy hotel.

Slowly Introduce Your Dog to Their New Environment

Adjusting to life in assisted care is a slow process, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. Introduce your dog to your new caretakers with treats. Your new assistants may enjoy meeting your dog and providing treats whenever they visit you.

Keep a reminder of your old home out for your dog—if they had a favorite bed or if they liked their kennel, keep it somewhere so they can have a safe space. The right tips for moving your dog to an assisted living facility are different for every dog. Some dogs adjust instantly to their new home with new people to meet, while others may feel anxious. Be patient with them and provide them with plenty of love, walks, and treats.

Tips for Seniors to Stay Safe Behind the Wheel (and Save Money!)


Today’s seniors are living longer and fuller lives than previous generations. They’re more active and independent than ever before, delaying retirement, traveling the world, and enjoying their grandchildren. They’re basically doing what they want when they want. 

And nothing says independence more than being able to drive.

But there are a lot of factors to consider for elders who want to stay behind the wheel, including safety and costs.

We’ll share tips on how you can continue to drive safely, what discounts you can get — such as AAA car insurance discounts — and what car insurance companies are best for seniors.

How can seniors drive safer?

Despite the stereotypes about older drivers, the statistics actually look pretty good.

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), older people now keep their licenses longer and make up a larger proportion of the population than in past decades. Between 1997 and 2018, the number of licensed drivers 70 and older jumped 65 percent. And the proportion of that population with licenses increased from 73 percent to 83 percent.

Despite these growing numbers, fewer older drivers died in crashes and fewer were involved as drivers in fatal collisions during 1997-2018 than in previous decades.

Specifically, 4,973 people 70 and older died in car crashes in 2018. This is 15 percent fewer than in 1997, when deaths peaked, even though the population of people 70 and older rose. The rate of fatalities per capita among older people has decreased 46 percent since 1975.

Here are helpers for staying on the right side of those statistics.

Evaluate Your Driving Skills

A good starting point to work on delaying “driver retirement” is to have your driving reviewed. 

Don’t rely on the Department of Motor Vehicles to do that. Only two states (Illinois and New Hampshire) require a road test for seniors (at age 75). Beyond that, 22 states have a shortened renewal cycle, and 18 states require a vision test as well as set age limits on mail or online renewal.

Contact your county or city office on aging, the Veterans Administration and other rehabilitation facilities, occupational therapy driver rehabilitation specialist, or even your local hospital. There are several community resources available to conduct a formal driving assessment. This is a comprehensive driving evaluation by a trained professional, which can take two to three hours.

If you’re showing problems, don’t despair. An assessment can include flexibility exercises to keep you in good driving shape. You’ll also learn about assistive equipment that can help you drive longer, such as a pedal extender, panoramic rear-view and side-view mirrors, a seat lift, spinner knobs, and a seat belt extender.

Depending on the extent of any impairments, you may be able to continue driving but with restrictions, such as only driving during the day, driving within a certain distance of your home, or banning freeway driving.

But be aware of the signs to stop driving for older adults, including if you’ve noticed slower reflexes, deteriorating eyesight, chronic pain, getting lost, mixing up the pedals, and difficulty understanding traffic signals. You certainly don’t want to endanger yourself or others.

Hopefully, these problems haven’t impacted your driving abilities yet. But it’s still important to assess your capabilities and brush up on safety tips often.

Tips for Safe Driving

  • Know your limitations: This will help you retain your driving independence for many years.
  • Avoid driving during peak hours: Spare yourself the anxiety of driving during the morning and evening rush.
  • Avoid driving at dark: Nighttime driving gets harder even in middle age, with the lights seeming bigger and brighter. Nighttime also diminishes the distance you can see. 
  • Avoid driving in bad weather: Precipitation can not only obscure your view, but ice, snow, and sleet can make roads slicker and your car harder to control.
  • Stick to familiar roads: Driving on the roads you know will certainly lessen your chances of being surprised by and having to react to blind spots, bumps, and bends. 
  • Note any changes in medication before driving: The side effects of individual prescription medications as well as interactions between medicines might impair driving. Talk to your doctor about this. AAA also offers Roadwise RX, in which you can record your medications and get feedback on how they, as well as your over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, interact with each other and can affect safe driving.
  • Avoid talking on the phone while driving: It’s a good rule of thumb for all drivers to restrict cellphone use. Distracted driving is a problem for all ages, but older drivers are more likely to be distracted while driving. 
  • Keep your gas tank full: In addition to keeping your fuel pump and your fuel line in good working order, running out of fuel at highway speeds can be hazardous as brakes and power steering can be lost.
  • Pack an emergency kit: You never know how long it may take help to get to you if you’re in an accident or break down.
  • Maintain your car: Consult your owner’s manual on appropriate times for checkups, including oil changes, filter replacements, tire rotations, radiator check, and brake pad inspection. This will lessen problems from developing unexpectedly and from being severe, which can mean the difference between an inconvenience and a catastrophic accident or fire. Keeping your car in good condition will also save you money on repairs.
  • Wear your seatbelt: While older drivers are more likely to wear seatbelts, make sure it’s the proper fit. Get help determining that from CarFit, a program that promotes safe driving and mobility among older drivers by focusing on safety, comfort, and fit. It was created in collaboration with AAA, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Go online to see how you can take part in a checkup.

How do seniors rate with car insurance?

The irony of being a senior driver is that although you have extensive driving experience, at a certain age insurance rates often start to go up.

Insurance companies justify higher rates for seniors because they pose a greater risk of being critically injured or killed during a crash. Poor sight and hearing as well as cognitive problems may impair driving capabilities, and the possibility of prescription medication can alter a driver’s perception.

How to Lower Senior Car Insurance

In addition to continuing to benefit from the variety of car insurance discounts available to most drivers, including multi-policy discounts, seniors should also keep an eye on low-mileage and age discounts, as well as discounts for certain memberships such as AAA and AARP.

When you retire or semi-retire, let your insurance company know. As you’re no longer commuting or commuting less, the reduced time behind the wheel can mean a lower rate.

Also, some states have a law that mandates an automobile insurance discount for anyone completing an approved driver improvement course.

The Best Car Insurance Companies for Seniors

Fortunately, seniors have some great choices when it comes to car insurance companies, thanks to a few that have decided to reward years of safe driving.

Your best bet is to compare rates among these companies. Even though each insurance company uses the same basic factors to determine rates, price points can vary as well as the number of discounts and the percentage of each discount. 

Here are a few options for the best auto insurance companies for seniors.

The Hartford/AARP: AARP’s partnership with The Hartford has created one of the best insurance programs available to seniors. Its 50+ AARP-branded insurance program has a 12-month locked-in rate, a guarantee that you won’t be dropped as long as you pay your premium, and a vanishing deductible, in which your deductible decreases every year you remain accident-free.

The program also offers discounts for passing a defensive driving course. It even has a benefit called RecoverCare, providing home assistance after an accident. The company also has additional insurance policies for boats, golf carts, and classic cars.

Geico: Known for low rates overall, this company is very senior-friendly. It also offers a guaranteed renewal program to drivers over 50 called Prime Time. They have a good range of discounts that include defensive driving course completion and special discounts for retired government employees and veterans.

USAA: If you’re a veteran, USAA provides some of the best-value senior’s car insurance in the country. In addition to low premiums, strong coverage, and excellent customer service, if you’ve been insured by USAA for 40 years, you’re eligible for a special senior bonus payment that goes toward your insurance premiums.

Allstate: Pricing and the large number of discounts help make Allstate a great deal for seniors. Discounts include a senior’s discount if you’re 55 or over with a safe driving record, and for safety features and security features. 

 

Karen Condor writes and researches for the car insurance comparison site, CarInsuranceComparison.com. She is an insurance expert who has worked with seniors to help them find the best coverage for their needs.

Important Topics To Discuss With Aging Loved Ones

It can be tough to address certain topics with your aging loved ones. If the conversation involves a parent, it can get intense as you discuss the things that are monitored as a child—autonomy and independence. If it’s a spouse, challenging discussions can bring up a lot of sad emotions. Still, there are important topics to discuss with aging loved ones regardless of your relation.

Whether It’s Still Safe for Them To Drive

You may be concerned over your loved one’s driving ability due to the daunting statistics about aging and driving. It can be tough to express your concerns over whether your loved one should be driving, especially if they’re the same person that taught you how to drive several years back.

If your loved one’s sight or mobility has become severely hindered with age, you’ll need to bring your worries forward. Tread the conversation lightly so as not to offend your loved one. Remember that it will likely be just as tough for your aged loved one to talk about as it is for you.

Whether They Have Any Pre-Arrangements

Death can be a harrowing subject, but it’s a natural part of life—making it an important topic to discuss with aging loved ones. Determining whether there are any pre-arrangements is a critical step when making final arrangements for a loved one and can make the process a whole lot easier for those overseeing plans while grieving a loss.

When talking about your loved one’s final wishes, it may be appropriate to bring up whether they have a completed will or trust. Without a will or trust, your loved one’s assets are put through probate. Often, a large portion of their estate’s value is lost in taxes and court fees.

Whether They Need Long-Term Care

Many aging adults have a difficult time admitting they can no longer care for themselves. It’s a hard realization to come to, which is why you might become responsible in initiating a conversation about long-term care.

Together, you and your loved one can peruse through nursing homes and senior care facilities online. Ask your loved one about any requirements they have for their future location, as you want to optimize their quality of life however possible.

Whether Their Health Issues Are Being Taken Care Of

Some people are more defiant than others when it comes to being proactive about their health. If your loved one does not seek routine medical checkups for their existing conditions, it may be necessary to start a dialogue on the importance of monitoring their own health. Criticizing their inattention to their health won’t be helpful—provide your loved one with guidance and referrals to medical facilities or professionals they can go to.

If your loved one has a degenerative disease, such as dementia or Parkinson’s, you should educate yourself on the condition as much as possible. Speaking with medical professionals and reviewing medical blogs can provide a better idea of what to expect and how to prolong symptoms when possible.

How to Live Your Best Life as a Senior Citizen

Just because you are entering your golden years doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying life. In fact, nowadays, there are more ways than ever to live your best life even after becoming a senior citizen. Here are some great ways to remain financially healthy during this time of your life.

Use Discounts to Your Advantage

Once you’re officially a senior citizen, there are all sorts of discounts offered to you. Whether they are a percentage discount at the local grocery or free coffee at a restaurant meal, don’t be shy about taking advantage of them. Individually, they may be small savings but they add up to quickly to a much larger amount.

Have a Plan for Outstanding Debt

You have made it this far and have probably been responsible for your financial matters. Why have multiple loans and other payment obligations hanging over your head? Now is the time to get a personal loan that you can use to pay off all of those other debts and combine everything into one monthly payment that is easy to manage. Remember, don’t just take the first loan offered, save time by searching offers online. You can save money by looking at all of your options as well as they will all vary in interest rates.

Don’t Spend Your Retirement All at Once

It may be quite tempting to spend your retirement funds however you wish, whenever you want. However, this is also a sure way to end up broke. When drawing from your retirement fund, set it up so it withdraws on a regular schedule just as if it were a regular paycheck. Think of it as your retirement paycheck. This ensures that you have spendable money coming in, but that you also do not leave yourself in financial duress.

Be Honest with Yourself

As we age, there will almost certainly come times when we need help. If you are finding that you need help around the house or that your home is getting to be a bit too much to live in anymore, be honest with yourself about it and look for viable solutions. Perhaps buying a condo in a structured living community would best suit your needs. If health is becoming a concern, a live-in caretaker may be what you desire the most.

Stay Up on Healthy Habits

Retirement is not a time when you should become a couch potato. While it’s fun to have lazy days every now and then, you should also be sure to get in healthy activity as much as you can. Whether it be structured exercise classes or simply walking to your favorite places, staying active not only means you may feel better, but you may end up with fewer doctor’s bills as well.

Take Vacations

Even though you are retired doesn’t mean you’ll always be on vacation. That’s why it’s important to actually get one in once or twice a year. Of course, every vacation doesn’t have to be a trip to the Bahamas. It could be something as simple as visiting family or even getting away to a neighboring state for a few days. Whatever makes you happy is the name of the vacation game.

Best Tips for the Ever-Changing World of Retirement

Retirement ain’t what it used to be. The baby boomer generation has seen to that.

Americans born between 1946 and 1964 have been upending traditions since they were young, so why stop now? Their redefinition of retirement is not only supported by statistics, but I‘ve personally seen it in action time and again.

For nearly a decade, I coordinated a senior travel club and loyalty program for a community savings bank in suburban Boston. I became close with many of our members, who confided in me about their retirement concerns and experiences.

One woman spent her final year of work being so excited by her upcoming retirement, only to lament a mere three months into it that “All my friends want to do is go out for a big lunch every day. I’m gaining weight, I’m spending money, and I’m bored.”

Two women who became best friends driving school buses for years made a pact not to retire, declaring the job was the perfect amount of money and amount of time for what they wanted to continue to do — mainly summer travel.

One couple told me they were holding out on retirement until their daughter’s babies were school aged, because they didn’t want “to be expected to babysit full time.” As they put it, “We deserve to have our own lives.”

These are just a few of the many examples of people who’ve discovered they actually don’t enjoy full-time retirement.

Now let’s take a look at the reasons retirement is being redefined. Then we’ll share ways that you can customize yours — and how much it helps when you know your retirement benefits.

Why Retirement Is Different Now

Advances in health and medicine, the state of the economy, the changes in our culture, and the opportunities brought on by technology are several of the factors impacting the retirement revolution.

#1 – Seniors Are Living Longer

The most common retirement fear? Outliving your income. This is a valid concern, as a large percentage of the 76 million American baby boomers are expected to live 10 to 25 years longer than their parents.

Today’s boomers are also faced with expanding income insecurities. In addition to having less investment safety than the greatest generation, they’re taking on student debt to help their children or grandchildren while dealing with rising costs, including medical expenses.

Seniors have been turning to credit cards in order to pay for basics, racking up long-term, high-interest charges. The Federal Reserve reports senior consumer debt has risen by over five hundred percent in the past 20 years — a number expected to rise given the pandemic-fueled lockdowns leading to high unemployment and lower income for Americans 50 and older.

Also, many of today’s retirement-age adults are able to work longer. According to a National Health Interview survey in 2017, when asked to rate their overall health, 82 percent of adults 65 to 74 described it as excellent (18 percent), very good (32 percent) and good (32 percent). By contrast, 18 percent described their health at fair (14 percent) or poor (4 percent).

#2 – Jobs Are More than Work

Many who are retirement age want to work longer. And working is good for your mental and physical health. The mental stimulation and problem solving helps maintain thinking skills. The social engagement attached to a job helps stave off chronic disease. 

And while today’s information economy has made jobs less physically demanding, any activity attached to a job can lead to both better health and sharper thinking skills.

In addition, more boomer women have been more likely to be in the labor force throughout their lives than their mothers and grandmothers, and they, like boomer men, can come to define themselves by their professional life.

#3 – Retirees Have More Job Opportunities

The internet and the independent contractor/gig economy is a boon for retirees. Whether you’re still passionate about your career, want to try a different career, desire to pursue your passion, or simply want to supplement your nest egg, there are many available options to do so.

If you’re a people person, there’s independent consulting, substitute teaching, part-time coaching, or renting out a room via outlets such as Airbnb.

If you love to drive, you can still keep your flexible schedule by becoming an independent contractor delivery driver. You decide how busy you want to be. You work when you want and how long you want. 

Just be sure to check in with your car insurance company about delivery driver insurance. Some delivery companies, like Postmates, do have an insurance policy, but most don’t.

If you prefer to work from home, all you need is a computer and internet access. There are a variety of online income opportunities like being an online tutor, virtual assistant, or virtual call center representative. You could even monetize your hobby by selling on Etsy.

Many boomers have become internet entrepreneurs as a new way to “retire.”

How to Get the Most Out of Your Golden Years


Coming into your retirement years is an exciting but challenging time. Let’s heighten the fun and lower the stress with some essential retirement planning tips.

#1 – Discuss Your Retirement Goals

Do you want to stay in your home or downsize? Do you want to travel or spend your winters as a seasonal vacation home? Do you want to stay in your job, explore a new career, or dedicate yourself to volunteering?

Take the time to take a frank look at what you want to do. Then you can look into the practicalities of pursuing your desires.

#2 – Review Your Retirement Benefits

Setting your goals should include taking a look at what you have financially and seeing how much more you may need.

To retire comfortably, your retirement income should be about 80 percent of your pre-retirement salary. For example, if your salary is $50,000 annually, then your retirement income should be $40,000 annually.

So dig out that paperwork or go online and gather information on your 401(k)s, investments, and other savings. Do a little research regarding your Social Security benefits. See how much your retirement benefit will be. Your year of birth determines what’s called your full retirement age, when you’re able to receive your full retirement benefits.

You can start your Social Security benefits as early as age 62, but the benefit amount you receive will be less than your full retirement benefit. For example, if you were born in 1962 and take early retirement, your monthly check will be about 70 percent of the full benefit you would receive if you wait until your full retirement age of 67.

Many people don’t know they can continue to work and still get retirement benefits. Earnings in, or after, the month you reach age 70 won’t affect your Social Security benefits. But before age 70, your benefits will be reduced if your earnings exceed certain limits.

If you’re under 65, $1 in benefits will be deducted for each $2 in earnings above the limit. If you’re 65-69, $1 in benefits will be deducted for each $3 in earnings above the limit.

The limits increase each year as average wages increase. Contact Social Security to ask for the latest limits.

Subtracting your Social Security benefits from that 80 percent rule of thumb will show you how much you need from other sources. For example, continuing with the $40,000 annually, if you and your spouse will collect $2,000 a month from Social Security, or $24,000 a year, you would need about $16,000 from your savings.

#3 – Hire a Financial Advisor

Financial concerns are the most common source of conflict for couples. Add to that the big decisions you have to think about when you’re planning your retirement, and you may want some extra help.

The best way to assess your retirement benefits relative to your retirement goals is to get an outside perspective from a professional, preferably a financial advisor that specializes in working with seniors. 

A financial advisor can help you strategize how to best use your retirement funds and tackle any challenges you face, such as how to adjust your budget to take care of remaining debt.

#4 – Connect With Your Family

Family support during your retirement decision-making process can also profoundly influence your wellbeing. Your family can be a great help in assisting you with what you want to do, or even present new and improved ideas that make your retirement even more enjoyable.

If you want to retire and simply play golf and sit by the beach, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. But for the boomers who still want to contribute to society and the economy, remember that you’re in good company. 

About the Author:
Karen Condor is a finance expert who writes and researches for FreeAdvice.com, a legal and insurance information site.

Using Your Life Insurance Policy to Pay for Long-Term Care

It might be hard to make choices about your life insurance, especially if you are a senior. These policies can affect whether you are eligible for Medicaid. The premiums for them could subtract from your income in your golden years. Then you may not be able to cover the cost of elder assistance or living expenses. When you’re older, you might want to abandon or cash in your policy, but that’s not the only option. You could pay for long-term care and still qualify for Medicaid while having enough left for your living expenses.

Cashing in Your Insurance

If you need funds right away, the best option might be either cashing in the policy or borrowing against the cash value. Your policy type will determine which option is better. When you need to take money out of your policy, you can find the cash value in seconds. Then you can make the best decision.

Getting a Long-Term Care Benefit Plan

You can convert your life insurance into a long-term care benefit plan called life care benefit plan. Anyone who has a valid policy can turn it into a financial account that’s pre-funded. It will distribute a certain amount of money each month so you can pay for long-term care. Unlike insurance, these plans are Medicaid qualified assets.

The idea is to transfer the ownership of that insurance to someone who can administer the benefits. You will no longer own it, meaning it does not count against you when qualifying for Medicaid. Your administrator will pay the premiums each month and pays you each month, based on the policy value. You can use the funds to help with assisted living, home care, nursing home expenses, or other costs that might come up. Usually, the benefit is worth less than the policy’s face value but more than the cash surrender value. You may not have heard of the process before, but it’s not that common. Many people don’t know about the option is available to take advantage of. Remember that long-term care benefit plans are not the same as long-term care insurance.

Converting Life Insurance: The Pros and Cons

It might seem like the choice is obvious, but there are some benefits and drawbacks of converting your policy. Of course, some of the advantages include not having monthly premiums and adjustable payout amounts. Each payout doesn’t count against you if you want to qualify for Medicaid since each goes to your provider. If you pass away before the benefits are paid to you, the remaining balance can go to your beneficiary of choice.

However, you need to be able to use long-term care immediately when applying for the benefit plan. The requirement is usually to need the assistance within the first three months of applying. That’s because you aren’t getting the payments directly – they are going to the provider. But if you have a smaller amount of insurance, such as less than $10,000, you may find it better to give it up for the cash surrender value.

What Are Life Settlements?

A life settlement is an agreement between an individual who owns a life insurance policy and a third party who agrees to provide the owner with cash in return for the policy.

The potential benefits of life settlements are great for individuals who can no longer afford to pay the premiums on a life insurance policy and for third-party investors who are looking to profit from the purchase of a life insurance policy. The drawbacks of a life settlement are that the policy owner might not be able to qualify for a new life insurance policy and the policy owner may be giving up an opportunity to build a death benefit.

The buyer of the life insurance policy transfers all the rights and responsibilities of the life insurance policy to the third party buyer. This buyer is typically a third party trust, a family member, or a group of investors. For example, imagine you own a life insurance policy with a death benefit of $300,000, and the life settlement buyer is a third party trust that has assumed responsibility for the insurance policy. The third party trust may even pay all the future premium payments on the policy to you. This life settlement reduces your monthly life insurance premiums, enabling you to pay off debt, save for retirement, or invest in your retirement or other goals. Life settlement investors receive a return, which can vary greatly.

Who benefits from a life settlement?

It could be any entity or person that uses the premium as additional income. For example, it could be an individual or an institution. Any person who currently receives a pension as per the current scheme will be able to benefit from the proceeds of the policy. 

What type of policy is bought in a life settlement? 

Any type of life insurance policy will be bought in a life settlement. They are segregated into two categories: whole life and term life. Wholesale policies are bought in a wholesale life settlement. Term life policies are bought in a term life settlement. 

Why sell a life settlement?

When you die, your family often has to fight in court to get all the assets from your estate. Then they have to go through probate court to get the assets. But if you sell your life insurance policy to a third party, you don’t have to worry about these potential pitfalls. You can take the cash and get the cash payout while your heirs can concentrate on taking care of the survivors. If you’re selling your life insurance policy for less than you paid for it, this might not be your best choice. The problem is that if you sell your policy for more than you paid for it, you’ll get less in the settlement than you sold it for.

Summary

Life settlements are considered one of the best long-term investment option for a couple to invest on a long-term basis. Investors are always willing to shell out high returns for a guaranteed asset on a recurring basis. Find a reliable Life Settlement Broker today who offers you life settlement investments within your pocket.

What Do the New Blood Pressure Guidelines Mean for Your Health?

As we age, we face a myriad of unique challenges regarding maintaining our overall general health. Not only do we need to focus on eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, but we also have to be aware of our own body’s resilience and the damaging effects of a poor diet or lifestyle on our wellness.

One of the most important things we can do to help promote longevity as seniors is to take a closer look at our blood pressure. High blood pressure, also known as “hypertension,” claims nearly a half-million lives each year. Furthermore, it can lead to serious complications such as a stroke and heart disease — the leading causes of death for Americans.

Problems Caused By Hypertension

Unfortunately, high blood pressure can be a silent killer, as the cumulative damage can gradually take its toll on you over the years. While it may not be immediately lethal, the damage can already be done, long before you even start to notice it.

Some of the more devastating complications that can arise from uncontrolled hypertension can include:

  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Kidney disease
  • Heart failure
  • Angina (chest pain)
  • Aneurysm
  • Dementia
  • Vision loss
  • Death

However, by maintaining a healthier diet and engaging in gentle fitness, you can help prevent these issues from occurring. Please note that you do need to speak to your healthcare provider before making any major changes to your diet and exercise regimen, though.

The New Diagnostic Guidelines

Generally, as we age, our blood pressure tends to go up. Nevertheless, health experts firmly recommend that you try to keep that number lower for your overall health. What may have been a normal, healthy blood pressure reading in your 20s or 30s can be quite dangerous in your 50s, 60s, and older.

In 2017, the American Heart Association (AHA) — alongside ten other reputable heart health organizations — made changes to the previously accepted blood pressure guidelines. Previously, the diagnosis for hypertension was measured at 140/90 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury) for patients under the age of 65. For those of us over the age of 65, it was 150/80 mm Hg.

Now, though? Any reading over 130/80 mm Hg, regardless of age, is considered high. The previously accepted criteria for health is now considered Stage 2 hypertension, and a reading of 180/120 mm Hg is now recognized as a hypertensive crisis.

The Importance of Testing

As research changes and evolves, so will the guidelines from our health professionals. Indeed, the importance of regularly checking your blood pressure cannot be overstated. For example, in the past, one of the leading causes of death for women was cervical cancer. A simple cervical health screening, though, can help detect the early stages of this lethal type of cancer.

Just like Pap smears save lives, so do routine blood pressure checks. Unlike a Pap smear, though, you do not need to schedule a doctor’s appointment to monitor your blood pressure. You can keep tabs on it from the comfort of your own home, with a basic blood pressure cuff. They are generally quite affordable, but they can still offer a profound benefit to your wellbeing.

Staying Healthy No Matter Your Age

If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, there are a few things you can do to help lower it. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to help you manage it. They may also recommend that you change up your diet and try to sneak some exercise into your day-to-day routine. You may be told to find ways to manage your stress. It is possible that they may also advise that you lose weight.

Certain diets have been shown to help lower your blood pressure, such as the DASH diet. The DASH diet (“Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension”) has been shown to help reduce your blood pressure and help maintain healthy levels. It focuses on lowering sodium and eating foods that are rich in nutrients like magnesium, potassium, and calcium.

Fortunately, by making these key changes to your diet and lifestyle, you can possibly reduce and even reverse some of the damage that chronic hypertension may have caused to your body. For instance, if you smoke, it is always a good idea to stop. Not only can you help lower your blood pressure, but you can also help prevent your risk of developing smoking-specific cancers.

Healthcare has advanced significantly over the years, and today’s seniors can still live equally rich and rewarding lives as their younger counterparts. By focusing on maintaining healthy blood pressure levels, you can look forward to better health at all stages of your life!