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March 16, 2015
Your weekly link to grown-up news and information from newspaper and
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IN THIS ISSUE

HEALTH:
CT Scans Might Spot Heart Risks More Clearly in Patients With Chest Pain: New research suggests that CT scans may help doctors do a better job of diagnosing heart disease in patients with chest pain, compared to standard tests. HealthDay, March 15.

7 Surprising Things That Age You: Your habits and genes can shape how gracefully you age - and how soon you die. US News and World Report, March 11.

Could the Future Be Finger-Stick Free for Diabetics? A lot of excitement surrounded the announcement from Apple that its new watch will be able to monitor blood sugar levels. Has Apple figured out a way for folks with diabetes to check their blood sugar without the dreaded finger stick? HealthDay, March 13.

Pain, Poor Sleep: Relationship Goes Both Ways: Anyone who has ever struggled for sleep while recovering from injury or surgery knows that pain can ruin a good night's rest. But fewer people may know that the relationship between sleep and pain seems to go both ways. USA Today, March 8.

The Far-Reaching Effects of a Fall: Older people are the most frequent victims of serious falls. Here are some ways to prevent them. The New York Times, March 9.

How to Get Good Dental Care for Lots Less (Maybe for Free): Taking care of your teeth these days can take a big bite out of your budget. This is especially true for the 108 million Americans who don't have dental insurance and are stuck paying full out-of-pocket expenses every time they visit a dentist. Bottom Line Personal, (posted online March 9.)
MEDICINE:
7 Common Drugs That Are Toxic for Your Brain: These widely used medications can be especially harmful for older adults. Next Avenue, March 5. 
MIND:
Exercise's Effect on Brain May Boost Mobility in Old Age: Staying physically active as you age may ward off brain damage that can limit mobility. And you don't need to run marathons, researcher says. HealthDay, March 11.

Brainpower Peaks in Different Ways as People Age, Study Finds: Emotional intelligence best in middle age, overall knowledge base highest for seniors. HealthDay, March 10.
MEDICARE:
Private Medicare Plans Must Keep Updated Doctor Directories In 2016: Starting next year, the federal government will require health insurers to give millions of Americans enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans or in policies sold in the federally run health exchange up-to-date details about which doctors are in their plans and taking new patients. Kaiser Health News, March 9.
MONEY:
Eight Rules for Savvy Annuity Buyers: Baby boomers are buying a record number of annuities - insurance products that offer guaranteed lifetime income - and in so doing are taking a wise step toward mitigating the fear of running out of money in retirement. MarketWatch, March 12.

4 Serious Retirement Plan Errors to Avoid: Don't let these 401(k) and IRA mistakes ruin your retirement finances. US News and World Report, March 9.

So You've Maxed Out Your 401(k)? Here's Where Else to Save: If you still have money you want to save after filling up your 401(k), our research shows that you should follow this pattern. MarketWatch, March 9.

Women: Start Talking About Money and Retirement - Now: Ladies, it's time to talk. Specifically, the time is now to start talking with your friends and family about money. Too few of us do it. MarketWatch, March 11.

How to Pump Up Retirement Income By As Much As 30%: Worried you won't have enough for a comfortable retirement? If you're willing to spend down your assets, as well as take a few other steps, you could boost your annual income. MarketWatch, March 9.

Want Your Money To Last A Lifetime? Forget the 4% rule, Monte Carlo simulations and lifetime consumption hypotheses. If you want a model for how to spend down your nest egg without running out of money too soon, visit Manhattan's Grand Central Station at rush hour. RealDealRetirement, March 9.

This Is Possibly the Single Greatest Retirement Mistake You Can Make: In spite of not saving nearly enough for retirement, Americans could be making a far greater retirement mistake that's killing their ability to retire by a certain age, or comfortably, on their own terms. This mistake involves being too conservative with their retirement portfolio. The Motley Fool, March 8.

6 Easy Ways Retirees Can Cash in on the Sharing Economy: Whether renting out a car or an extra room in the house, retirees can generate some extra income with an Internet-based side business. Kiplinger, Feb. 2015.
RETIREMENT:

How much will health care cost in retirement? The average annual out-of-pocket health care cost for a household between 65 and 74 years old is $4,383, which accounts for 11% of total household spending. Cheat Sheet, March 14. 

 

How Ready Are You for Retirement Risk? The more you know about risk the more likely you'll be ready for retirement. MarketWatch, March 14. 


Retirement Reality: 7 Charts You Need to See: With stagnant wages, rising living expenses, and an overall sluggish labor market, numerous obstacles face workers trying to save for retirement. Wall St. Cheat Sheet, March 14. 


The 10 Best States to Grow Old In: These states have strong income security, higher life expectancy, good education and lower crime rates. MarketWatch, March 13. 

The 3 Key Retirement Numbers You Need to Know: Remembering them can help you ensure your vision for retirement. Next Avenue, March 12. 

4 Ways to Retire by Age 55: Do you have big plans for retirement? Here's how to make them happen. MarketWatch, March 12.

Disastrous Trends Impacting Future Retirees: Spending more may be good for the economy but it's a lousy way to save for retirement. MarketWatch, March 12.

28 Retirement Mistakes People Make: Retirement planning can be incredibly tricky for two reasons: First, there are a wide and varying number of factors that affect your retirement planning, and second, no two people's retirement needs are the exact same. The Motley Fool, March 11.

50 Affordable Places to Buy a Retirement Home: Your retirement savings will last longer in these low-cost retirement spots. US News and World Report, March 9.

The Average American Retires at This Age. Will You? Retirement is an important milestone in everyone's life, and most people plan for years in anticipation of the day on which they leave their jobs for the last time. The Motley Fool, March 9.
SOCIAL SECURITY:
File and Suspend: Smart Social Security Plan? If you already started Social Security benefits, can you change your mind? Yes. With a little trick called "file and suspend," you can put your benefits on hold and restart them later to maximize retirement income. AdviceIQ, March 14. 
LEGAL ISSUES:
Essential Legal Documents All Seniors Should Have: These documents will make sure your wishes regarding your estate are legal and clear, and will help minimize any conflicts and confusion with your family and your health care providers if you become seriously illness or when you die. The Huffington Post, March 9.
HOUSING:
The Rub: Remodel or Move? Baby boomers are often choosing to live in places outside the usual retirement spots - or stay where they are and remodel their homes. The New York Times, March 11. 
TECHNOLOGY:
Technology Helps Seniors Remain at Home: A variety of gadgets help the elderly keep their independence and age in place. Kiplinger's Retirement Report, March 2015. 
VOLUNTEERING:
Rotary and Peace Corps Find Renewed Relevance With Older Volunteers: Old-line volunteer organizations are stepping in to deliver opportunities for retirees to stay connected and give back. The New York Times, March 13. 
END OF LIFE:
The Trouble With Advance Directives: Even a patient's seemingly specific instructions for care can be less than direct, or unavailable when needed. The New York Times, March 13.
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