June 8, 2015

Your weekly link to grown-up news and information from newspaper and

magazine publications, news organizations and web resources nationwide.

IN THIS ISSUE

Health

Medicine

Medicare

Money

Retirement

Social Security

Legal Issues

Scams

Housing

Caregiving

Travel

End of Life

HEALTH:

5 Commonly Misdiagnosed Conditions in Older Adults: Certain diseases are often mistaken for others. Know the differences. Next Avenue, June 3.

Will You Die in 5 Years? This New Test May Tell You: If you're brave enough, you can learn your risk of death - and all it takes is a few questions. Good Housekeeping, June 4.

CDC Tweaking Flu Vaccine for Better Protection: Having acknowledged that the 2014-2015 flu vaccine was mismatched to the circulating influenza strains, U.S. health officials have ramped up next season's shots for broader protection. HealthDay, June 5.

Your Body's Witching Hours: Researchers are finding that circadian rhythms drive virtually every system in the human body, from circulation and cognition to metabolism, memory and mood. And they play a big role in determining when we are most vulnerable to disease. WSJ, June 1.

6 Steps to a Long and Healthy Life: How long we live is often in the hands of our genes. But researchers have established that certain attitudes and behaviors promote health, and will give us a better chance of living out our full life span. US News and World Report, June 1.

Why Exercising Harder Isn't Always Better: If you overdo it, you could increase your risk for injury. A well-balanced exercise regimen is the key to optimal health. Next Avenue, May 31.

MEDICINE:
'Female Viagra' Is Backed by an F.D.A. Panel: The vote on flibanserin by an advisory panel to the Food and Drug Administration follows two rejections and a campaign for the drug's approval. CNN, June 4.

MEDICARE:

Six Questions to Ask When Switching to Medicare: The hand-off from employer health insurance to Medicare can be one of the trickiest challenges you will face in managing your retirement. Reuters, June 4.

Medicare Patients, Beware This Costly Surprise: Days spent in the hospital as an outpatient, rather than being officially admitted, can leave Medicare patients with bigger bills. Kiplinger's Retirement Report, June 2015.

MONEY:

11 Money Tips for Older Adults: As we age, we must be even smarter about our financial choices. US News and World Report, June 3.

Reverse Mortgage Ads Confuse Consumers: Ads for reverse mortgages contain confusing, incomplete and inaccurate statements that can pose serious risks to older Americans, results of a new federal study showed Thursday. USA Today, June 4.

A New Way to Help Your Parents Stay in Their Home: Pros and cons of the new reverse mortgage program for families. Next Avenue, June 5.

Should You Roll Over Your 401(k) to an IRA? Most workers don't do anything with the money in their 401(k) when they switch jobs or retire. That could be a big mistake. CNBC, June 4.

Most Older Americans Fall Short on Retirement Savings:

How bad is America doing when it comes to retirement savings? The Government Accountability Office looked into the question, and its answer is sobering. CNBC, June 3.

3 Ways To Boost The Odds Your Savings Will Last A Lifetime: A recent report by the Insured Retirement Institute shows that only 27% of baby boomers are very confident they will have enough money to see them through retirement. Real Deal Retirement, June 1.

Playing Catch-Up At 50 (Or Older): Are you farther along in your career than you are in your retirement planning? If so, you're not alone. Real Deal Retirement, June 1.

When it Comes to Retirement Income, Dividend Stocks Beat Bonds: Imagine you are running a pension plan for one. Your goal isn't only to save enough, but also to buy assets that match your future liability-which is your need for retirement income. MarketWatch, June 1.

A Better Way to Tap Your Retirement Savings: 'Dynamic' withdrawal strategies give retirees more flexibility than the venerable 4% rule. But they come with a catch. WSJ, May 31.

RETIREMENT:

5 Ways to Transition Into Retirement: Some retirees are choosing part-time jobs or self-employment instead of full-time retirement. US News and World Report, June 5.

10 Best States for Retirement: We rated all 50 states and the District of Columbia based on quantifiable factors that are important to many retirees. Kiplinger, June 2015.

60% of Americans Have to Retire Sooner Than They'd Planned: So, your goal is to work until you're 65, then head to a condo in Florida where you can spend afternoons on the golf course. But sometimes reality doesn't gibe with your plans. USA Today, June 2.

5 Best Tips from My Time at USA TODAY: Here are the best retirement tips I've heard and written about over the last 2� years. USA Today, June 2.

How to Make the Most of Longer Lives: As

thousands of baby boomers each day surge into their 60s and 70s, it's time to focus on enriching lives, not just lengthening them; on providing purpose and productivity, not just perpetuity. WSJ, May 31.

SOCIAL SECURITY:

How to Profit From a Spouse's Social Security Benefits-Even After Divorce: A big surprise about Social Security for many people is the payoff they can get by claiming benefits based on their spouse's earnings. But a bigger surprise is in store for some people: how large those benefits can be even if you're divorced. Money, June 5.

Can Social Security Be Garnished? If creditors and debt collectors are hounding you for money, you may wonder: Can Social Security be garnished? Bankrate.com, June 1.

The Most Popular Ages to Sign Up for Social Security: Here's how your retirement benefit changes depending on the age you claim it. US News and World Report, June 1.

LEGAL ISSUES:
Estate Planning Takes Time: Estate planning may not be top of mind for busy boomers focused on planning their own retirements and helping their adult children launch their careers. But waiting until the last minute could backfire for your family. MarketWatch, June 1.

SCAMS:
My Family's Elder Financial Abuse: If you think elder abuse scams only happen to lonely, memory-addled old ladies who get taken by charming strangers, then think again. Next Avenue, June 4.

HOUSING:

More Seniors Are Being Buried by Housing Debt: Of all the financial threats facing Americans of retirement age - outliving savings, falling for scams, paying for long-term care - housing isn't supposed to be one. The Associated Press, June 2.

Homeowners Get Ready to 'Age in Place': People in their 50s and beyond are retrofitting houses, building additions or constructing new digs with age-friendly features. WSJ, May 31.

How to Compare and Locate Senior Housing Options: There's a wide array of housing options available to seniors, but what's appropriate for you or your elder loved one will depend on their needs and financial situation. The Huffington Post, June 1.

CAREGIVING:
Who America's Caregivers Are and Why It Matters: A new report finds most are working women putting in a lot of time. Next Avenue, June 4. Don't Let Dementia Derail Financial Goals: Millions of Americans suffer from some form of dementia, including Alzheimer's, and their loved ones and caregivers need to understand their particular financial planning challenges and needs. USA Today, June 7.

TRAVEL:

Seniors on the Go: 2015 Summer Senior Discount Roundup: If you're 60 years old or over, depending on where you are, you qualify for a senior discount on many travel services. Chicago Tribune, June 2.

Travel in Retirement Without Ruining your Nest Egg: For many people, having time to travel is one of the best perks of retirement. But if you're not financially prepared, you won't be able to afford the jet-set life you crave. NerdWallet, June 7.

END OF LIFE:
How To Let Go When a Loved One is Dying: Even after the conversations are held and legal documents completed, reaching acceptance that a person is dying is a difficult path for the individual who is ill as well as for their family members. PBS Newshour, June 5.

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