October 19, 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

Politics

Retirement

Social Security

Legal Issues

Housing

Caregiving

Long-Term Care

Technology

End of Life

Extra

HEALTH:

Do Annual Physicals Do More Harm Than Good? Some doctors say annual physicals are unnecessary. Others argue they're a good chance for doctors and patients to build trust. CNN.com, Oct. 16.

5 Ways Seniors Can Prepare for a Doctor's Appointment: Doctors are busy and their schedules are full. When seeing a doctor for the 1st time, preparation is the key. Bankrate.com, Oct. 16.

The Best Way to Get Rid of Foot & Leg Cramps: They can be extraordinarily painful, and you probably don't know how to ease them. Here's what you should know. Grandparents.com, Oct. 14.

Blood Pressure Readings Get a Demotion: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force suggest that prior to starting any treatment, elevated blood pressure readings taken in the doctor's office should be confirmed by a number of similar readings from outside the clinic. Next Avenue, Oct 12

More Than 23,000 People Wind Up in the ER Each Year Due to Dietary Supplements: Most patients were young adults, children or the elderly. Washington Post, Oct. 14.

MEDICINE:
4 Ways to Get Cheaper Medications as Drug Prices Soar: About one-third of Americans have been hit by an unexpected price increase in their medications during the past year, according to a recent poll by Consumer Reports. The Fiscal Times, Oct. 13.

MEDICARE:

Guide to Getting the Most Out of Medicare, 2015: You could pay more in premiums or miss out on benefits if you don't know the rules. We tell you everything you need to know. Kiplinger's Personal Finance, Nov. 2015.

Everything You Need to Know about Medicare's Open Enrollment: Medicare's

annual open enrollment period begins on Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7. During this period, all Medicare beneficiaries are free to select new plans. PBS Newshour, Oct. 14.

Check Your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, Then Check It Again: Many Medicare participants could save money on premiums and total drug costs by switching plans, but most don't. In a typical year, nine out of 10 drug plan enrollees stay with their current plan, because comparing options is a chore. The NY Times, Oct. 14.

MONEY:

8 Money Moves to Make Before Retirement: If grades were given to Americans saving for retirement, many would get an F. CNBC, Oct. 16.

6 Ways to Avoid Outliving Your Retirement Nest Egg: It may be the biggest worry of retirement: How do you ensure that you don't run out of cash before you run out of breath? Kiplinger, Oct. 2015.

Can Garnishments Be Put on Social Security or Pension Income? Your Social Security and pension income is protected from creditors...well, from most creditors. The Motley Fool, Oct. 16.

3 Things You Should Know Before Rolling Over an IRA: For many people, an IRA rollover can be a great way to broaden their potential investments and consolidate accounts in one place. Just keep a few things in mind. The Motley Fool, Oct. 13.

4 Mistakes That Can Sabotage Your 401(k): With its attractive tax breaks and automatic payroll deductions, a 401(k) can be a highly effective tool for building a nest egg that can support you throughout retirement-provided you use it correctly. Real Deal Retirement, Oct. 12.

POLITICS:
Retirees' Futures Hinge on Candidates' Plans for Social Security: Democrats are calling for higher-income workers to pay more in payroll taxes, while Republicans' proposals focus on cutting benefits. The New York Times, Oct. 16.

RETIREMENT:

The Key to a Good Retirement Plan is in your Mind's Eye: Begin by picturing yourself five years into your retirement. How old are you? Where are you? USA Today, Oct. 17.

Five Unexpected Shocks That Could Hurt Your Retirement: When it comes to retirement, planning is everything. But even for the best planners, the unexpected happens. The Washington Post, Oct. 17.

10 Best Places to Retire on $100 a Day: These cities provide a desirable quality of life at a very affordable price. US News and World Report, Oct. 13.

SOCIAL SECURITY:

No Benefit Increase for Social Security Next Year: As expected, the Social Security Administration announced Thursday that some 65 million Social Security recipients will not receive a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2016. USA Today, Oct. 15.

Tips for Social Security Recipients Worried About No COLA for 2016: Social Security recipients worried about the news Thursday that there will be no cost-of-living-adjustment for 2016 have a lot to think about. USA Today, Oct. 15.

Cost-of-Living Adjustment Needs Adjustment: It is official: Seniors will not get a cost-of-living adjustment in Social Security benefits in 2016. This is setting off a fresh debate about the program's inflation formula and its impact on Medicare premiums. Reuters, Oct. 15.

LEGAL ISSUES:
No Kids? You Still Need an Estate Plan: A will is just as important for those without children, and it can easily be overlooked. US News and World Report, Oct. 14.

HOUSING:
Should You Rent or Buy a Home in Retirement? There are some real advantages to renting - and retirees and pre-retirees often don't take time to think through those advantages. Next Avenue, Oct. 13.

CAREGIVING:
Reasons Self-Care Is Essential for Caregivers: It might seem noble to give all your attention to a loved one, but being a martyr can backfire. US News and World Report, Oct. 15. When Should Children and Retiring Parents Have 'The Talk'? Estate planning, living wills and health-care proxies are all topics that retirees need to talk about with their family. MarketWatch, Oct. 15.

LONG-TERM CARE:

New Push to Stop Overuse of Antibiotics in Nursing Homes: Up to 75% of prescriptions are incorrect as heath officials open a new front in war on overuse. WSJ, Oct. 12.

It Takes a Village - and Lots of Money - to Care for a Parent with Dementia: Long-term care could break almost anyone's bank. Genworth Financial's 2015 Annual Cost of Care study shows that for one year, the median costs nationally for a private room in a nursing home total $91,250, while a semi-private room is $80,300. USA Today, Oct. 17.

TECHNOLOGY:
Why the New Social Media Fans Are Over 65: As older Americans discover tech's power to connect, they flock to it. Next Avenue, Oct. 16.

END OF LIFE:
How to Plan an Affordable Funeral: With the average cost of a full-service funeral running over $10,000 today, many people are seeking alternative options to make their final farewell more affordable. The Huffington Post, Oct. 12.

EXTRA:
Income Inequality Grows With Age and Shapes Later Years: The socioeconomic divide helps determine who gets to grow old, researchers have found. Living longer, high earners take home more in federal benefits. The New York Times, Oct. 12.

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