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Join the Senior Surge in Physical Fitness
Tweet Share on Facebook June 11, 2010 Comment (8)Seniors are sweating a lot of things these days, but in at least one case, this is a good thing. People in their 60s and 70s are demanding much higher levels of physical fitness facilities and programs. At neighborhood gyms and retirement communities across the country, a pronounced fitness and wellness trend is making itself felt. The physical and mental benefits of vigorous exercise have become increasingly clear in recent years. So has the linkage with fitness and diet. Lastly, the social benefits of fitness and wellness classes are being recognized as a powerful benefit as well as a marketing tool to get seniors into pools and onto treadmills, bikes, and cross trainers.
[See 15 Tasks to Become Retirement Ready.] -
5 Ways to Join the Personal Technology Party
Tweet Share on Facebook June 9, 2010 CommentMost Americans are part of the digital revolution, whether it be the new iPad, the latest smartphone, or any number of other electronic communications devices. Most older Americans are not, and the widening digital divide is worrisome. Fewer than 40 percent of people aged 65 and older used the Internet last year. Adoption rates for more sophisticated communications tools are correspondingly smaller.
[See Join 560 Million "Skypers" Making Free Calls.] -
Talk About End of Life Wishes Now
Tweet Share on Facebook June 7, 2010 Comment (2)There are clear steps to making informed decisions about how you or your loved ones want to be treated in the event of life-threatening illnesses or accidents. Professionals who work with elderly people approaching the end of their lives say that regular discussions with caregivers, friends, and family must occur. Unless people are heard, their wishes can't be understood and shared with others. Most importantly, everyone around the individual needs to remember that it is her wishes, not theirs, that should drive decisions.
[See Long Term Care Costs Cheapest at Home.] -
Annuity Buyers Seek Safety, Risk Guarantees
Tweet Share on Facebook June 4, 2010 Comment (1)Annuities may include a dizzying array of insurer promises and product features. We'll cover some of them but if you're seriously interested in an annuity, you probably should seek out a financial adviser with experience in annuities. Much of the information here was obtained via reports and interviews from experts at the Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) and another trade-supported organization called LIMRA.
[Before proceeding, you should read the first part of this series.]
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What You Need to Know About Annuities
Tweet Share on Facebook June 2, 2010 Comment (5)Be honest. When you see the word "annuity," does your brain quickly look for an escape route to a more enjoyable topic? That's OK. I won't take it personally. And annuities can be tough sledding. But properly understood and used, annuities can be a great addition to a retirement plan. So, arm yourself with your favorite caffeinated beverage, and let' s take a tour of Annuityville. Much of the information here was obtained via reports and interviews from experts at the Insured Retirement Institute and another trade-supported organization called LIMRA.
With interest rates at historic lows and many people still recovering from steep investment losses, the safe and predictable returns of even a ho-hum fixed annuity can look enticing. In many respects, Social Security payments are like an annuity, although one that has very attractive cost of living increases. A lot of folks would like to have more retirement income that is that safe. So, annuities are receiving a lot of attention these days. What should you be looking for?
[See How Deficit Reduction Will Affect Seniors.]
