April 4, 2016

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

magazine publications, news organizations and web resources nationwide.

IN THIS ISSUE

Health

Mind

Medicare

Money

Taxes

Retirement

Investing

Social Security

Legal Issues

Housing

Caregiving

HEALTH:

Waistline May Predict Heart Disease Better Than Weight: When it comes to heart health, a pear-shaped body, which is heavy in the hips, may be better than an apple-shaped body, which carries more weight around the belly. HealthDay. April 2.

Exercise Makes Our Muscles Work Better With Age: A study of athletes in their 80s found that on a cellular level, their muscles resembled those of people decades younger. The New York Times, March 30.

Do-It-Yourself Blood Pressure Checks Can Help Spot Heart, Stroke Risk: Compared to doctor's office, morning readings at home better assessed odds of trouble. HealthDay, March 28.

MIND:
When Dementia Upends a Marriage: Inside the Emotional Journey: Dementia's toll goes beyond the patient. Family members who step up to care for these patients often feel overwhelmed due to the increased stress and responsibility. USA Today, April 1.

MEDICARE:
Medicare Opens New Push on Hip, Knee Replacement: Medicare launches an ambitious experiment changing how it pays for hip and knee replacements in an effort to raise quality and lower costs. Associated Press, March 31.

MONEY:

How to Know if You're Saving Enough for Retirement: The retirement lifestyle you hope to lead plays a big role in the amount you need to save.

US News and World Report, April 1.

9 Perks of Getting Older: There's an upside to aging, from getting tax breaks to discounts at your favorite stores. Kiplinger, March 31.

Nearly Retired? Ask 3 Questions to Keep your Money Safe: No matter when you decide to retire - or what happens in the financial markets - there are a few questions that financial advisors say you should be able to answer to help make sure your retirement money will last as long as you live. CNBC, March 30.

4 Ways to Tell if you're Financially Ready for Retirement: Do you have enough money to retire? That's not an easy question to answer, but there are some ways to tell if you're on track. USA Today, March 30.

Smart Strategies for Making Your Money Last in Retirement: These simple spending rules can help defend against a bear market. Money, March 29.

The Big Misconception That May Be Sabotaging Your Retirement: A recent survey homed in on a crucial issue when it asked this simple question: Which is more important in preparing for a successful retirement: saving or investing? RealDealRetirement.com, March 29.

6 Ways to Get Help Paying Your Medical Bills: Don't get overwhelmed by unpaid medical bills-try these smart strategies to lower your balance. Grandparents.com, March 28.

Millennials' New Retirement Number? $1.8 million (or more!): Millennials have more than enough financial worries. Now they can add about 2 million more to their list. USA Today, March 29.

TAXES:

When it Comes to Taxes, it is Good to be Retired: Tax day is

April 18th this year, and it will be an unpleasant day for millions of American working households. But cheer up: your tax situation likely will lighten up a bit when you retire. Reuters, March 31.

Tax Rules for Family Caregivers: A guide to what you can and can't deduct, plus traps to avoid. Next Avenue, April 1.

How Do I Calculate My Social Security Taxes? Some people have to include their benefits as taxable income. Are you one of them? The Motley Fool, March 29.

RETIREMENT:
The Average American Plans to Retire at 66 or Older; This Is When They Really Call It Quits: The mismatch between intention and action is pretty surprising. The Morley Fool, March 28. 4 New Realities of Retirement: Here's how retirement will be different for the baby boomers. US News and World Report, March 27.

INVESTING:
The Best Investment for Baby Boomers May be in Themselves: Identifying the best investment opportunities is easy in hindsight. USA Today, March 30.

SOCIAL SECURITY:
Should I Suspend My Social Security Benefits? Suspending benefits can mean more money later, but it isn't the best move for everyone.The Motley Fool, April 1.

LEGAL ISSUES:
The Consequences of Dying Without a Will: If you die without a will, what happens to your assets will be determined by the state you reside in. March 28.

HOUSING:
Should Retirees Rent or Own? The decision could have a big impact on having enough money for the last years of life. WSJ, March 27. Affordable Places to Buy a Retirement Home in 2016: You can enjoy a higher quality retirement when housing costs less. US News and World Report, March 29.

CAREGIVING:

Aging Parents at a Distance Who Aren't Really 'Just Fine': On your next visit, look for these clues to know when to step in and seek help. US News and World Report, March 30.

Finding Support for Seniors Facing Challenges Living Alone: Help is available - half the battle is pulling it all together. US News and World Report, March 30.

The Difficult, Delicate Untangling of Our Parents' Financial Lives: When my in-laws became too incapacitated to handle their own affairs, my wife and I took over. A year and a half later, we're still trying to figure it all out. WSJ, March 27.

Caregivers Often Give Up Necessities to Cover Alzheimer's Costs: Many skip food and health care, cut back work hours or quit jobs to care for loved ones, survey shows. HealthDay, March 30.

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