s ’ y a d o T Vol.5 No.4
Decision 2016: Feelings vs. Facts
20 Moves That Will Help You -and Your Kids– Retire
Boomer Travel: Favorite Fall Getaways
Remembering Alzheimer’s: Healthy Lifestyle is Key +Anna’s Story
Lifestyle Trendz: Why You Should Not Retire Now
Boomer Healthy Eating:
Fall Fresh Ginger Chicken Wraps
F– Being Old: “SOSS” Last Call to Save Our Social Security! Today’s BoomeR Featuring The Only B2B -Business 2 BoomeR Marketplace!
Up Coming CruisesBook Now! An Eastern Caribbean EduCruise Credit Union Directors Institute 2016 November 6-13, 2016 Christmas Markets on the Danube 2016 Credit Union Leadership Development Symposium December 8-15, 2016 Tulip Time River Cruise 2017 Credit Union Growth Strategies Forum March 30-April 6, 2017 Cuba: Credit Unions, Cigars & Old Cars Credit Union Voyage of Discovery 2017 June 11-18, 2017
2 Today’s BoomeR
This Issue September / October 2016 Volume 5, Number 4
Boomer Travel
5
Favorite Fall Getaways
20 Moves to Help You Retire in Style Social Security
8
’s y a d To Founders: John Vardallas & Alexandra Maragha Editor-In-Chief: Alexandra Maragha
12
Contributing Writers :
Transitioning from the Workforce
Bob Trotter: Social Security Chef Eben Atwater: Healthy Eating
Decision 2016
Advertising: Team
13
Remembering Alzheimer’s 17
For Letters to the Editor, articles and feedback as well as advertising inquiries email Alexandra@TheAmericanBoomeR.com
Study Shows Healthy Lifestyle is Key
The American BoomeR.com
Anna’s Story
18
Lifestyle Trendz
20
John Vardallas CEO/Founder Professional Speaker Business/Lifestyle Strategist Boomer Sage and Blogger JohnVardallas@TheAmericanBoomeR.com (608) 577-8707
Feelings vs. Facts 2016 Presidential Election
Why You Should Not Retire Now
Boomer Healthy Eating
22
Fall Fresh Ginger Chicken Wontons
Old Enough For Sex
24
Today’s BoomeR Vol.5 No.4 Today’s BoomeR is published
Until Retirement Do We Part
New Blog: F-Being Old
Alexandra Maragha Founder & Editor-In-Chief Today’s BoomeR Alexandra@TheAmericanBoomeR.com
26
“SOSS” Last Call Save Social Security
six times (Jan/Feb, Mar/Apr, May/ June, July/Aug, Sept/Oct, Nov/Dec) a year by The American BoomeR.com 769 North Star Drive (Suite 207) Madison, WI 53718 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
The American Boomer @American_Boomer Today’s BoomeR 3
EDITOR’S LETTER
’s y a d To
Humanizing with Courtesy The time we are in is a moment like not other where chaos rules the land. The political spin on almost everything has left us all to look back and realize that the time of “now” will never again be the time of “then”. But why has everything in this great country with all the freedoms instilled in it seem so great and t the same time so ...complicated? Is it due to increasing populations, increasing diversity and a broader scale of demographics where more opinions and background mix everything into a grey haze where everything has become (feature) p. 10Is it due to technology and the “info-age” that has brought every corner of the “over sensitized”? world together through a single smart phone app where everyone can instantly send and communicate and therefore have different views to which they hold instead of being more locally involved? Or is it media and information filtering to which we as consumers are only knowing what we watch at “5,6 and 10” on our local stations or according to our favorite news source only because we like what we hear which has limited complete critical thinking or even momentary evaluation to set in about any issue? The list and speculation could go on and on, much like a political talking head. But while “issues” continue and will always be presented to us and exist, I would like to ask everyone to look deep into what has been lost from the time of “then” and make an effort to bring it to the forefront of the time of “now”; courtesy. As our founding fathers instilled “Life Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness” the most basic element of justice is courtesy. Someone says “please” and another can say “thank you”. No matter what p. 4 the job position or background o service offered, paid or unpaid, or overworked and underpaid, the most calming and meaningful moment in any day is to hear “thank you” and even better to say “thank you” along with other basic exchanges that can make this great country a little less complicated. We are all only human. Thank You, for your time and interest and support from Today’s BoomeR. Enjoy!
p. 12 Alexandra Maragha Editor-In-Chief
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Favorite Fall Getaways TravelChannel.com Editorial Picks travelchannel.com
BOOMER TRAVEL
Get your last-minute traveling in before the holidays and the chill of winter strikes. We share our favorite fall destinations to inspire you to plan your next autumn vacation.
Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia Cabot Trail is a scenic highway located around the rugged, northern coastline of Cape Breton Island. Locally referred to as “Trunk 30,” it passes through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, the Margaree River Valley and along Bras d’Or Lake. Highlights of the drive include the Alexandra Graham Bell National Historic Site in Baddek, whale watching in Pleasant Bay, quaint fishing villages such as Belle Cote and Dingwall, and the North Highlands Community Museum in Cape North. —Kwin Mosby, Managing Producer
Maryland’s Eastern Shore While the Delmarva Peninsula is a regular summer getaway for residents of the mid-Atlantic, I personally love it best in the fall. Filled with farmers markets, local festivals and regional parks, the area always has plenty to do this time of year. Entertain the whole family by picking pumpkins at a roadside stand, or get lost in the Breckenridge corn maze. For a more adult venture, tease your taste buds at the Good Beer Festival or Autumn Wine Festival on your way through Salisbury. Then, make the short drive down to Assateague Island to see the wild ponies gallop along pristine coastline. And of course, no fall trip to the Eastern Shore would be complete without one last crab feast along the Wicomico River. — Matt Dewhurst, Interactive Producer Today’s BoomeR 5
Minneapolis-St. Paul
This forested region south of Paris is a magical bouldering area that everyone should visit at least once. It has enough rock climbing to last a lifetime, and you can spend hours wandering through the forests playing on the amazing sandstone boulders. During this season, you can see the beauty of the fall foliage, which could rival the best locations in the US. I recommend starting each day at a local bakery to enjoy a pain au chocolat (chocolate crossant), and be sure to grab a baguette, some foie gras and a bottle of Bordeaux to snack on at the boulder fields. On rest days, visit the town of Fontainebleau or take the train into Paris for some sightseeing. —Arthur Hsu, Video Project Manager
You haven’t lived until you’ve seen the Twin Cities in the fall. Take a scenic leaf-peeping drive along Minnehaha Parkway in Minneapolis or Summt Avenue in St. Paul, or head down River Road to see the leaves on both sides of the Mississippi River. Go hiking and biking in nearby Fort Snelling State Park and Afton State Park. Sports venues are popular spots in the fall, too. Watch the season wind down for the Minnesota Twins at Target Field; catch a Minnesota Vikings or University of Minnesota Golden Gophers football game at TVF Bank Stadium; and cheer on runners in the annual Twin Cities Marathon. For shoppers looking for a new fall wardrobe, take advantage of the tax-free shopping on all apparel. — Kwin Mosby, Managing Producer Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Cape Cod, Massachusetts The crowds on Cape Cod, like the summer heat, begin to fade in the fall. It’s a great time to explore the cape and enjoy the crisp weather by the sea. I recommend checking out the sites by foot or bike and soaking in the weather on walks along the dunes. While the beach may not be the top priority to visit during the fall, you can enjoy everything from a Cranberry Harvest Celebration to the OysterFest to a Haunted History Tour. While you’re there, check out the Wellfleet OysterFest, a 2-day, family-friendly festival that celebrates the oysters, clams and shell-fishing traditions that the town is famous for. —Kristen Kochanski, Photo Editor
Fontainebleau, France 6 Today’s BoomeR
For me, the ideal vacation day ends with sore muscles, dirty hiking shoes and a warm drink while watching the sun set over and alpine lake. That’s why my fall getaway is Jackson Hole, WY. Combine stunning vistas of the Tetons with exciting outdoor activities, take out the tourists, and you have a perfect place to forget that you have to be back at work the next week. —Josh Levin, Digital Operations Manager
Lewes, Delaware This quaint coastal town quiets down a lot after Labor Day, making fall the perfect time to stroll the scenic trails and beaches at Cape Henlopen State Park without the crowds. Enjoy the cooler weather, a canal view and some seafood and pub fare with an outdoor table at
Irish Eyes, followed by some window-shopping in the local boutiques downtown. My husband always likes to get in a round of golf at nearby Baywood Greens, after which we settle in for a few cocktails on the clubhouse deck overlooking the lush landscape of the 18th hole. If beer is more your style, take the 20-minute drive to Milton, DE, where you can tour the Dogfish Head Craft Brewery and visit its tasting room. —Hannah Prince, Digital Copy Editor
pick up a Green Light smoothir from JuiceLand before Zenning out in BFree Yoga’s beautiful studio space. —Sara Gilliam Senior Interactive Producer
New York
My favorite time to visit New York is early autumn, when the air is crisp and you can spend all day outside without melting. Peoplewatch at High Line Park, stroll along the Brooklyn Bridge, or take the New Orleans East River Ferry to Brooklyn with spectacular views of Lower Spend 1 weekend in New Orleans during the fall, and you will quickly Manhattan and the wind in your hair. End the day at Frying Pan, a understand why visiting the Big Easy in autumn is a must. This city multilevel, historic floating bar at Chelsea Piers, for prime sunset keeps locals and visitors busy with countless of events from late viewing with a backdrop of the Hudson River. —Kathleen Rellihan, September through November, including Oktoberfest, the Oak Interactive Producer Street Po-Boy Festival, the Louisiana Seafood Festival and the VooChicago doo Music and Arts Experience, a 3-day Halloween weekend concert It’s understandable why it’s called the Windy City, because once series. New Orleans also hosts costume events, such as Boo at the Zoo at Audubon Zoo, and fun street events on Bourbon and St. Ann winter rolls around, Chicago turns cold, unpleasant (temperatureStreets in the heart of the French Quarter. —Rani Robinson Director wise) and very — you guessed it — windy. But if you’re lucky enough to book a flight for the fall, you’re in for a real treat. Take in a Bears Austin. Texas game at Chicago’s famed Soldier Filed, for join in the family fun Seems as though everyone knows someone who’s moved to Austin picking pumpkins at nearby Heap’s Giant Pumpkin Farm, a 30-acre these days, and Austin City Limits is the perfect excuse to crash at pumpkin patch where you can cut your favorite straight off the vine their place. The 2-weekend music festival inspired by the PBS yourself. And if you happen to find yourself in town in mid– to late concert series has become increasingly popular in its own right, October, take in a few of the upcoming year’s best new movies featuring 100-plus impressive acts, an art market and some of the during the Chicago International Film Festival. —Ben Breslerman, best Austin eats, with vegetarian and gluten-free options, of course. Interactive Producer If you’re looking to detox after 3 days of nonstop bands and BBQ,
Today’s BoomeR 7
20 Moves That Will Help You –And Your KidsRetire Early and in Style MoneyTalksNews.com
Do you daydream about retiring while plodding through your 9-to-5 job? Are you wondering how it is that a neighbor or relative managed to quit working at 59 and go traveling?
?
a million dollars — $463,806 to be precise — by age 65. Even better, over that 45-year period, you’ll only have invested $54,000 of your money to get all that cash in return.
For many people, retirement — never mind early retirement — seems out of reach. The median retirement If you wait until you’re 40 to start saving $100 a month, fund held by people ages 55 and older contained you’ll put in $30,000 of your money and — at that same $104,000 in 2013, according to the U.S. Government rate of return — build a nest egg worth $87,727 by age Accountability Office. 65. Not bad, but wouldn’t you rather have half a million? But don’t let the statistics get you down. With a little focus and self-discipline, you could have enough to retire 3. Don’t leave money on the table early. Here are 20 tips to get you started: If someone tried to hand you $100, would you say no 1. Spend less than you earn
That’s exactly what you’re doing when you fail to take advantage of a 401(k) employer match. Your company is basically giving you money with the only string being that you need to pony up some of your own cash for the retirement fund too.
The formula for retiring early starts with you actually saving money. Social Security alone isn’t enough to have you living the good life during your golden years, and as we’ll discuss later, you’ll want to put off taking that money as long as you can. Some experts recommend you You won’t get rich by passing up golden opportunities like spend no more than 90 percent of the money you make this for extra cash. If your employer offers a 401(k) match, make sure you are taking full advantage of it. and sock away the remaining 10 percent. If you have zero savings right now, concentrate on building an emergency fund in a savings account first. Once your rainy-day fund is full, put that 10 percent you’re not spending into a dedicated retirement fund. 2. Start saving early Thanks to the power of compounding interest, a little money saved now can go a long way at retirement time. But to get the most benefit, you’ll want to start saving as early as possible.
4. Minimize your taxes The rich stay rich, in part, because they’re savvy enough not to let Uncle Sam take too much of their money. When you’re investing your retirement money, be sure to use tax-sheltered accounts such as IRAs and 401(k)s whenever possible. In addition, be smart about which type of account you use.
Traditional retirement accounts let you invest money taxfree now and then pay the piper once you make withdrawals in retirement. Meanwhile, Roth IRAs and Even if you can’t hit that 10 percent goal, every bit helps. Roth 401(k)s tax you now and make the withdrawals Let’s say you’re 20 years old and can manage to put away tax-free. only $100 a month into your retirement fund. Assuming You’ll probably want to discuss with a financial adviser you average 8 percent returns (optimistic, but possible with good investments) you’ll be closing in on having half the best option for your particular situation, but 8 Today’s BoomeR
generally, Roth accounts are preferable for younger investors. In theory, you should be making more when you’re 65 than when you’re 25. As a result, your tax rate now may be lower than the rate you’d pay at retirement. However, if you’re within a few years of retirement, you may want to consider a traditional account to get the tax benefits now.
decisions even in the midst of a crisis.
6. Stay informed about your investments
Married couples also have access to other Social Security strategies that can maximize their overall benefits. For example, one spouse can file for Social Security benefits and then immediately suspend payments. Doing so opens the door for a husband or wife to claim spousal benefits, as long as that person is 62 or older.
8. Put off Social Security Wait as long as you can to file for Social Security. While you can file for Social Security benefits as early as age 62, you’ll get a lot more money if you can wait until you’re 70.
Once you hit your full retirement age (which depends on when you were born) you can get an 8 percent bump in 5. Take a little risk your benefits for every year you wait to start receiving You could put all your money in bonds and sleep well at payments. However, you’ll want to file by age 70 because night knowing you’ll probably never lose any of it. But with there is no benefit to waiting longer than that. that approach, you’re not going to retire a millionaire either. Stocks and real estate are where the money is to be You may be worried you’ll have one foot in the grave at made, but then there is always the risk of the real estate or age 70, but don’t fret. According to Social Security actuarial data, at age 70, you should still have an average of 14 to 16 stock market (or both) crashing. Take heart, though, in years left to spend it. knowing that stocks and real estate have historically appreciated in the long run. 9. Maximize your spousal benefits
Don’t mistake taking a risk with being dumb. A smart risk may be investing in an emerging market fund. A dumb move may be pouring your life savings into a speculative currency. How do you know the difference? By researching available investments, weighing your options and selecting the amount of risk that works for your situation. For example, those nearing retirement age should minimize their level of risk, while recent college grads can be more daring because time is on their side. 7. Break free from the herd When the stock market plummeted a few years ago, too many people freaked out and sold their investments.
The couple can use the spousal benefits to supplement their income until age 70, at which time the suspended claim can be activated and benefits will begin at the bonus rate as outlined in the strategy above. Fidelity has more on this option, as well as other ways married couples can make the most of their Social Security benefits. 10. Maximize your income potential
You know what? Those people took a bad situation and made it even worse. Many sold their investments right when the market was bottoming out, and then they missed the rebound. The people who are going to retire rich are those who snatched up stocks at bargain-basement prices in 2009 and then saw their value climb by double digits in the following years. Same thing goes with the housing market. When the bubble burst, the smart people were the ones who were buying houses, not selling.
If you want to retire early, you need to maximize your earnings. That means no more settling for a dead-end job that pays pennies. Look for ways to increase your income, which can, in turn, increase the amount of money you are saving for retirement. Consider these options:
Does your current field offer some form of credentialing that could increase your chances of a raise or opportunities to transfer to a higher-paying position?
It’s easy to follow the herd, but if you want to be rich, you need to keep a cool head and make rational money
Is there someone in your workplace who could serve as a mentor and help advance your career?
Today’s BoomeR 9
Are you eligible for one of the government-funded workforce development training programs?
one or two children due to the high cost of raising them. Others keep their families small because they feel fulfilled and happy with producing only a couple of outstanding new Did you start a college program and never finish it? Will citizens. those credits transfer? Remember, it isn’t just a question of whether you can feed Could you use an online degree program or vocational and clothe more than one or two children. Family size can classes through a community college to earn a degree also affect: or upgrade your skills? Your mortgage. A two-bedroom starter home won’t be Can you relocate to an area with a lower cost of living large enough for your version of “The Brady Bunch.” while maintaining your existing wages? Your car payment. You cannot tote five kids in Regardless of which option you choose, don’t fall into the a compact car. student loan trap. If you do decide to go back to school, look for ways to make college affordable and try to pay as Your food and clothing bills. Hand-me-downs only take you go rather than going into debt. you so far. And of course there’s all the activities kids do, from sports clubs to music lessons. 11. Marry/partner with the right person 14. Don’t keep up with the Joneses That special someone’s love gives you such a thrill, but, remember, love won’t pay the bills. Although it’s not Why should marketing experts determine how you live? unheard of for people to ask about credit scores on the first Champagne tastes on a Kool-Aid budget will translate into date, it might be considered a bit tacky. debt that might keep you from ever retiring. However, talking about other goals and about money management can be fine fodder for ongoing getting-toknow-you chats. As the relationship heats up, you need to talk frankly about finances. If the object of your affections is vague about future plans or careless about spending, ask yourself whether you want to do all the heavy lifting when it comes to cash.
That’s especially true when it comes to cars. Maybe you want a sweet ride that leaves others in the dust — and makes them feel envious to boot. The higher cost of a luxury or sports car plus the higher cost of auto insurance will siphon tens of thousands of dollars from your wallet, and that’s money that could otherwise be growing in your retirement accounts.
After you’re married, stay that way: Divorce costs a lot.
15. Plan to base fixed expenses on Social Security benefits
12. Don’t have kids too early
Regardless of whether you file early or file late, once you start collecting Social Security, let your benefits dictate your lifestyle.
An unplanned pregnancy can take a major toll on your finances, and also on your emotional well-being. That is especially true if it turns out that the person you thought was Mr. or Ms. Right is the wrong fit.
Hopefully, you have plenty of cash in your retirement fund. But there can be risk involved if that money is invested in stocks and mutual funds. Your returns can fluctuate and, Even if you plan to wait to have children, remember that no heaven forbid, the market could crash, taking your fund birth control is 100 percent foolproof. That’s another balance with it, at least temporarily. reason you need to be on the same financial page with your beloved. The more organized your finances are, the more On the other hand, Social Security is the old reliable of likely you will be able to cope with an unplanned retirement money. Yes, there are concerns about its longpregnancy. term solvency, but it has a strong history of delivering benefit payments month after month, even during 13. Consider a smaller family government shutdowns. “How many kids should we have?” is a good question to Since Social Security could be your most reliable source of discuss before you get married. Some people opt for only 10 Today’s BoomeR
income in retirement, we recommend you make sure all your fixed and essential expenses can be paid out of that monthly amount. That means your combined housing, transportation, utilities, food and insurance costs should be no more than your Social Security check.
return and grow. Those who could not wait lost not only the principal but also the money they would have gained in the upswing.
Ideally, retirees should have enough cash in emergency savings to cover expenses for at least six months — and keep it If you have no debt, no mortgage and a paid-off car, paying super safe, in an FDIC-insured savings account or moneyall fixed expenses with Social Security should be doable. market account. Some financial advisers also recommend keeping two to three years’ worth of expenses in cash or To help you get there, we have plenty of tips on Money short-term investments, for a downturn with legs. Talks News regarding how to get out of debt and reduce your monthly expenses. 19. Pay off your debt 16. Start planning now
In your grandparents’ era, entering retirement with no debt was the goal. Today, mortgages are bigger and life is more One of the best ways to ensure you’ll have enough money complicated, if not more expensive. It’s terrific to have all in retirement is to start planning early. But, whether you’re debt, mortgage included, erased when you retire. 20 or 60, get on it! All your income, in that case, is available to support you. Planning for retirement is about more than counting You can live on less. Your expenses are predictable, which dollars; it’s also about visualizing the life you want to lead. counts for a lot when you’re on a fixed income. The security To plan properly, you need to have a good idea where you feel from being debt-free may be priceless. you’d like to live and what activities you want to do. You’ll also want to calculate your life expectancy and your But there are different schools of thought on this today. expected Social Security benefits as part of the planning Certified Financial Planner Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz, process. Retirement planning can seem overwhelming, but president of the Charles Schwab Foundation, tells don’t let that stop you from diving in. Start putting away a Huffington Post readers that the type of debt matters: little money each month, even if you’re not sure it’s Debt that is low cost and potentially tax deductible, such as enough. a mortgage or student loans, may actually work in your 17. Account for your medical insurance favor. But high-cost consumer debt — things like car loans and, especially, credit card balances — can really derail you Waiting for Medicare keeps many people working until at if you’re not careful. If you cannot retire debt-free, at least least age 65. You’re in luck if you have a retiree medical eliminate credit card balances, auto loans and other debt plan or insurance through your spouse. that represents consumption. Otherwise, take a look at the Affordable Care Act, also 20. Have a backup plan known as Obamacare. You might be able to pair a high-deductible plan from HealthCare.gov or your state In this era of economic uncertainty, early retirees need a insurance marketplace with a tax-free Health Savings strong backup plan. You’ll have a longer time span to Account. Or think about moving abroad for a while to take finance without working, increasing the risk of surprises. No advantage of lower health care costs in some countries. doubt you’ve read stories of early retirees who faced unexpected expenses in retirement and had to return to 18. Be sure to have emergency savings to last for six work. You can’t plan for every eventuality, of course. But months you should have a concrete idea of how you’ll survive if Remember 2009, when the value of the stock market your plans fall through. plunged? It wasn’t a time when retirees wanted to be Maryalene LaPonsie, Donna Freedman and Ari Cetron withdrawing from retirement accounts. Those with sizable contributed to this post. This article was originally published on emergency savings had a buffer. Those who could wait out MoneyTalksNews.com as '20 Moves That Will Help You Retire Early and in Style'. the recovery probably saw the value of their investments Today’s BoomeR 11
Social Security:
Transitioning Out of the Workforce For Medical Reasons? Social Security can Help
By Bob Trotter, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist
When a person becomes disabled, it can be a very
The names, addresses,
stressful time in their life. There are many questions
phone numbers, and
and unknowns when you have to transition out of the
dates of visits to your doctors
workforce due to medical issues. While an employer
may offer short or long-term disability, most people faced with a disability will file for benefits with Social
The names of medications that you take and medical tests you’ve had
Marital information
Security. In addition, if you plan on applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability payments, for people with low income who haven’t paid enough in Social Security taxes to be covered, we will ask you questions about:
Your current living arrangement, including who lives there and household expenses
All sources of income for you and your spouse, if applicable
If you’re facing life with a disability and don’t know where to start, we encourage you to visit our website
The amount of your resources, including bank account balances, vehicles, and other investments.
at www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityssi. You can apply for benefits on our website; it’s the most convenient
You can view our disability starter kit at
way. Additionally, you can contact us at 1-800-772-
www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/
1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit your local office if
disability_starter_kits.htm.
you wish to apply for disability benefits. When applying Remember, we are there when you might be faced for benefits, you should be prepared to answer a
with one of the hardest obstacles of your life. Social
number of questions including:
Security helps secure today and tomorrow with critical
When your conditions became disabling:
benefits for people with severe disabilities, not just
during retirement. Learn more at
Dates you last worked
www.socialsecurity.gov. 12 Today’s BoomeR
Decision 2016: Feelings vs. Facts By Alexandra Maragha, Today’s Boomer
Today’s BoomeR 13
The 2016 Presidential Election. Maybe conflicting thoughts could run through the mind of someone when they think about this election (in a way more than any other previous election) when it comes to the process, the issues, the politics, the candidates, the party and maybe last, but hopefully not least, the country. Something remarkable is happening among the shift of social values, expectations and norms, to where everything is questioned, examined, and popularized and politicized as truths and as distractions so other realities can quietly continue unnoticed.
higher level and awareness, while at the same time, the only reason to do so is to use that reason for advantage. This election, there are many feelings that are being perpetuated based on the issues that face many groups, communities, and organizations that stand for those individuals. But when is a feeling the basis for fact to be ignored?
The rhetoric that plays out in any election between candidates is usual and a custom of the American election process, and the messaging and feeling of how we come to know our candidates is based on a sense of trust and the The complexity of the political environment is no longer overall feeling that one gets in evaluating someone to “black and white”, or even “left or right”, as to what side support. No candidate is ideal weather it be based on a someone is on, but rather, is being molded to encompass personal and character evaluation, or agreeing with the the feeling that to take a “side” is not complete or experience and policies that they have or have not supreflective of what stance or position represents a complete ported. But the most important factor to which any whole. candidate should be evaluated is also deeply lost and misconstrued during any election process and the simple Issues have been broken into cherry picking where as facts or main fact that a candidate presents is overcome by citizens, we are presented with an event or a position or a feelings and emotional appeals to simply gain votes. status that has always existed, but simply because of an emotional moment, it is brought to become an issue, only No matter what the political climate is at any moment, it is to further another overall agenda and those who take a the best to always know and be responsible as a “side”, are only fooled for a moment to feel that they are participating citizen in the democratic process to be aware completing and participating in that moment and the issue of the policies that each candidate plans to execute, and is then solved. also the platforms of each party and how those representing such parties will be held accountable to Reform only comes from complete discussions that lead to uphold their affiliations through that ultimate true actions within policy making environments of local or representation of holding office as a member of such national scales. When an issue is presented, it implies a political party. part of it is broken, because a fraction of it does not satisfy the needs of all to which that specific issue includes. To While Today’s Boomer does not endorse a specific delve a little deeper, we have become a “bandwagon” candidate, we endorse truth to be presented so boomers society and culture to where one issue that affects some, and citizens alike can make a truthful informative decision. becomes an issue that affects all, and at the same time, While other candidates exist for other political parties, becomes less likely to be truly solved and come to a they have not reached the qualifications to become resolution about that issue that only affects some. nationally recognized among a strong tradition of a dominant two party system, leaving only two candidates While political and social changes encourage and create to be fully examined based on the likelihood of them forums where all voices can be allowed to participate and taking office. These candidates are Democratic presidential be heard, those who do cherry pick issues, seem to only nominee and former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, further their own agendas by getting involved into issues and Republican presidential nominee, Donald J. Trump. that truly do not concern them, but rather a parallel exchange occurs where the one who is not affected As finding the truth about the issues each candidate creates awareness, they are able to elevate the issue to a presents and feels is most important, it is important to 14 Today’s BoomeR
examine specific views and policy that will be supported by each candidate. For Baby Boomers, the issues of healthcare including Social Security, and Medicare are important as boomers age, retire and make decisions about entering into “Work-Tirement” or if they are fiscally capable of a smooth retirement where their means are able to support both life circumstances and luxuries they may or may not face. The facts on these issues in particular will now be presented as stated according to each of the candidate’s websites. With debates to take place between each of these candidates and now only weeks left for voters to make their decisions, truth and facts will become lost among the slinging of emotional appeals for each candidate to solidify or sway those who are unsatisfied or on the fence to settle. Don’t let emotional feelings dictate a factual point Social Security and Medicare is specifically outlined by that a candidate will be held accountable for. No one was Clinton with the position that “We must preserve, protect ever blamed for a feeling because it is subjective and and strengthen these lifelines” as explained on conditional, but facts are the object that motivates actions hillaryclinton.com along with another detailed outlines for and thus, brings solutions to be formulated, presented and plans on healthcare related issues including “An end to executed. This election, stick to the facts and be Alzheimer’s disease”, “Austism”, “Disability rights”, accountable, just as those who choose to lead and are “Healthcare”, which includes her position on Universal chosen will be held accountable for the facts that Healthcare, “Mental Health”, and “Paid family and medical encompass themselves and what they represent. leave”. Hillary Clinton gives a vivid outline according to her “fact sheet” titled “Hillary Clinton: A Champion for America’s Seniors” her plan includes “expanding Social Security, defending Medicare, investing in the caring economy and ending Alzheimer’s.”
While Donald Trump does not have an outline regarding the specifics of Social Security and Medicare, the Republican presidential candidate has a broader outline for healthcare reform that includes the following points under his single issue titled “Healthcare Reform to Make America Great Again: All of these points are outlined at donaldjtrump.com. The facts to which both candidates present their issues, can create a greater idea as to how each candidate will form a greater presidential term picture on the basis of the promises and visions that they hold and wish to create for this country and those within. It is important to note upon visiting the websites of each candidate, Clinton outlines her vision on the basis of 39 issues that she has outlined and addressed on her position and how she will execute and enforce her stance on each. Trump has outlined seven issues to which he plans to execute if he becomes president.
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Hillary Clinton: Position on “Medicare, Social Security, Ending Alzheimer’s” 1. Expand Social Security – not cut or privatize it. Clinton will fight against Republican efforts to raise the retirement age or privatize Social Security, which is a major payout to Wall Street that will jeopardize the system. Clinton will also expand Social Security for those who need it most and are treated unfairly by the system, including women who are widows and those who took significant time out of the paid workforce to take care of their children, aging parents, or ailing family members. Finally, to ensure Social Security continues for future generations, Clinton will ask the highestincome Americans to contribute by paying more. 2. Defend Medicare. Clinton will fight against Republican threats to end Medicare as we know it by privatizing or “phasing out” the program. She knows that these efforts could shift millions of seniors into private plans that would dramatically raise costs for those relying on basic Medicare. Clinton’s plan will also continue to reward quality and improve value in Medicare by building on delivery system reforms that began as initiatives and pilot projects under the Affordable Care Act. 3. Invest in the caring economy. Family members can spend as much as $5,000 or more in expenses related to their elders’ care, but in many cases they receive no tax deduction or credit. Clinton will offer a 20 percent tax credit to help family members offset up to $6,000 in caregiving costs for their elderly family members, allowing caregivers to claim up to $1,200 in tax relief each year. Additionally, she will allow hard-working Americans to receive credit toward their Social Security benefits when they are out of the paid workforce because they are acting as caregivers. 4. Make a cure for Alzheimer’s possible by 2025. The signature piece of Hillary Clinton’s commitment to target and defeat the diseases of our day is a groundbreaking investment in research to prevent, effectively treat and make possible a cure to Alzheimer’s disease by 2025. www.HillaryClinton.com
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Donald Trump: Position on “Healthcare Reform” 1. Completely repeal Obamacare. Our elected representatives must eliminate the individual mandate. No person should be required to buy insurance unless he or she wants to. 2. Modify existing law that inhibits the sale of health insurance across state lines. As long as the plan purchased complies with state requirements, any vendor ought to be able to offer insurance in any state. By allowing full competition in this market, insurance costs will go down and consumer satisfaction will go up. 3. Allow individuals to fully deduct health insurance premium payments from their tax returns under the current tax system. Businesses are allowed to take these deductions so why wouldn’t Congress allow individuals the same exemptions? As we allow the free market to provide insurance coverage opportunities to companies and individuals, we must also make sure that no one slips through the cracks simply because they cannot afford insurance. We must review basic options for Medicaid and work with states to ensure that those who want healthcare coverage can have it. 4. Allow individuals to use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Contributions into HSAs should be tax-free and should be allowed to accumulate. These accounts would become part of the estate of the individual and could be passed on to heirs without fear of any death penalty. These plans should be particularly attractive to young people who are healthy and can afford high-deductible insurance plans. These funds can be used by any member of a family without penalty. The flexibility and security provided by HSAs will be of great benefit to all who participate. 5. Require price transparency from all healthcare providers, especially doctors and healthcare organizations like clinics and hospitals. Individuals should be able to shop to find the best prices for procedures, exams or any other medical-related procedure. 6. Block-grant Medicaid to the states. Nearly every state already offers benefits beyond what is required in the current Medicaid structure. The state governments know their people best and can manage the administration of Medicaid far better without federal overhead. States will have the incentives to seek out and eliminate fraud, waste and abuse to preserve our precious resources. 7. Remove barriers to entry into free markets for drug providers that offer safe, reliable and cheaper products. Congress will need the courage to step away from the special interests and do what is right for America. Though the pharmaceutical industry is in the private sector, drug companies provide a public service. Allowing consumers access to imported, safe and dependable drugs from overseas will bring more options to consumers.” www.Donaldjtrump.com
Remembering Alzheimer's: Best way to combat Alzheimer's is a healthy lifestyle, studies show By Karen Weintraub, Special for USA TODAY Lifestyle choices remain the best way to prevent and reduce symptoms of Alzheimer’s, according to another failed drug trial and a five-day-long international conference.
group, but it’s possible that the two drugs – which were hoped to work better in combination – actually cancel out each others’ benefits.
“That’s science. You find things that you have to explain and then you move forward,” Gauthier said at a Wednesday Living a healthy, non-smoking, socially active and interesting life morning news conference. He said he doesn’t think the remains the best way to prevent dementia, confirmed several improvements happened by accident, because he’s seeing some studies at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, of the same benefits among similar patients in another clinical which is just ending in Toronto, Canada. trial that is expected to report results in September. But the failure of LMTM is another disappointment in a field that “desperately needs new therapies,” said David Knopman, a clinical neurologist at the Mayo Clinic, who moderated the news briefing. Other presentations at the conference offered more reason for hope. On Sunday, researchers presented preliminary results from a small trial showing that 11-14 hours of “brain training” designed to increase volunteer’s processing speed, cut their risk of dementia nearly in half over a decade. The computer training program, Double Decision from BrainHQ, costs $96 a year. There are no medications that can prevent the fatal disease, or extend the lives of the more than 5 million Americans currently suffering from Alzheimer’s, though one class of drugs, cholinesterase inhibitors such as the drug Aricept, can delay or reduce symptoms in some people. The latest trial failure shows that another approach to treating Alzheimer’s will not be the long-sought answer, and raises concerns about the idea of using multiple drugs to treat the disease, which robs people of their memories and ability to function in the world.
People who had more complex jobs, remained socially active and avoided depression were also more resilient to the ravages of Alzheimer’s, other new research confirmed. The studies presented at the conference have not yet been published or peer reviewed, so their conclusions are considered preliminary. Previous research has also supported the importance of eating a Mediterranean diet, exercising by taking 8,000-10,000 steps a day, sleeping at least 7-8 hours a night, and moderating stress, said Massachusetts General Hospital Neurologist Rudolph Tanzi.
The trial of the drug currently called LMTM, made by TauRx, included more than 890 patients from the US, Europe and elsewhere. Overall, the drug showed no benefit compared to typical treatment, which includes cholinesterase inhibitors.
“Try to learn something new and hang out with people you like, who don’t expect too much of you and stress you out,” said Tanzi, also a professor at Harvard medical School and co-author with Deepak Chopra of Super Genes. Bottom line, said Gary Small, director of the longevity center at the University of But the 15% of patients who weren’t on these medications before taking LMTM saw a surprising benefit, according to Serge California, Los Angeles: Even without new miracle drugs, there’s a lot people can do to reduce their risk of developing Gauthier, Director of the Alzheimer's Disease Research Unit at Alzheimer’s, and if they develop the disease, to slow its McGill University in Toronto. progression. Their brains shrank one-third less than participants taking either just cholinesterase inhibitors or both LMTM and the inhibitors, “When I start these [cholinesterase inhibiting] medicines early, when I combine them with a healthy active lifestyle, people do he said, marking the first time any drug has shown such a quite well,” he said. benefit. It’s not clear why LMTM would work only in this small Today’s BoomeR 17
The Personal Side to Alzheimer’s Anna’s Story By James Richards When we look back upon our childhood it is often through a blurry lens that tends to focus on happy times and can distort reality. My sister, Anna, and I grew up in a small, northern Wisconsin town. My father worked a number of semi-skilled jobs; one included shoveling coal at a local power plant. My mother worked at a cash register in a grocery store. My parents started their married life in a modest trailer and then moved to a series of bungalows and starter homes. We had a low-income lifestyle, but we weren’t aware of it at the time as most of our friends were in a similar situation. We didn’t lack for anything, but we didn’t have much beyond the basics. Anna was a happy child with many friends and had plans about the future that young girls often have. Her dream was to become a history teacher and live in Manhattan. At the age of 16, she started to work diligently to fund her dreams through a number of part-time jobs; selling tickets at a movie theatre then as a clerk at a jewelry store. Childhood experiences are often defining moments that etch memories in our psyche that follow us throughout 18 Today’s BoomeR
our lives. One such experience was the day Anna had an appointment with her high school guidance counselor to talk about her future. She was excited and looked forward to the meeting. After the meeting, I noticed that Anna was sad. The guidance counselor’s advice was to be realistic and forget about teaching history. “Keep your jewelry store job and find a husband,” he said. Unfortunately, it was a common bit of advice given to girls in the 1950s. Anna didn’t abandon her dreams, even though my dad said that he lacked the money for a four-year education, but he could afford nursing school. Anna attended nursing school and earned a three-year degree and moved to New York. She continued her education and earned two master’s degrees as well as a Ph.D. After many years of teaching, she retired as a tenured professor and returned to work as a part-time nurse. The high school counselor’s advice was disregarded, but served to motivate her. But it begs the question: How many young girls received similar career advice and followed it? Early Onset Alzheimer’s At the age of 62, Anna was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. Her descent into the disease was a slow, but sure journey. She realized that that she was no longer able to work and retired on disability. Her journey reminds one of the movie, “Still Alice,” about a professor
at Columbia who is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and has to retire. Anna continued with an active social and family life with her husband and daughter. She participated in a support group for Alzheimer’s and they still travelled. Her husband became her caregiver, as is the case with many families in a similar situation. He was also able to hire caregivers to help Nancy with bathing, dressing and using the bathroom. It is a sad reality that care for an Alzheimer’s patient is prohibitively expensive. A residential care facility, for instance, typically costs from $80K to $100K annually. The last time I saw Anna was at an Indian restaurant in Manhattan, where I met her and her husband in for lunch. She had a caregiver to help her with eating and using the bathroom. Anna’s conversation with me had devolved into just a few words but she still had a happy countenance. This was probably the most remarkable feature of her Alzheimer’s journey—her ability to maintain a cheerful attitude toward life despite her illness. Her husband said that her sunny disposition has continued, but as her Alzheimer’s journey continued, she sometimes became agitated. As is the case with many caregivers, the task of taking care of an Alzheimer’s patient can become over-whelming. Her husband finally decided that he could no longer provide adequate care for Anna. He found a residential facility that accepted Alzheimer’s patients. The facility seems to be a good fit. In photographs and videos, she still has that bright smile. During the past year, Anna fell and broke a hip. She was given physical therapy, but she was either unwilling or unable to participate in the exercises. Anna now uses a walker or wheelchair and is no longer mobile. Anna is 74 years old and has had Alzheimer’s for about 12 years. Her speech is limited to only a few words and she is unable to recognize most people from her past life. I wonder about Anna’s inner being. I remember a kind and generous older sister who taught me much about life. It is a long and sometimes sad journey that she continues to follow. But she is in a comfortable and safe place. Perhaps that’s all we can ask. Today’s BoomeR 19
BoomeR Lifestyle Trendz: Boomers continue into “Work-Tirement” Why You Should Not Retire Now The Motley Fool; Dan Caplinger, Selena MAranjian, Brian Stoffel, Jason Hall, And Brian Feroldi
Retirement increased the chance of developing clinical depression by 40%.
Retirement increased the likelihood of having a diagnosed physical condition by 60%.
Retirement decreased the probability of rating yourself as being in “very good” or “excellent” on self-assessed health exam by 40%.
Why is this happening if retirement is suppose to be your chance at living the good life? One likely explanation is working provides us with a strong social outlet that can simply disappear once you Many people wait a lifetime to be able to quit spending the majority of their waking time at work, and for some, the idea of retire. That can ultimately lead to boredom, especially for those delaying retirement for one more day is inconceivable. Yet there that lack the means to travel or take up new hobbies. are some good reasons why you might want to think about It’s also worth pointing out that working often forces you to use working a bit longer rather than retiring right now. Below, we’ll your brain to solve problems, which can be good for your mental share some of those situations with you, with the idea of health, and for many the daily commute can be a source of deciding whether they apply to you and whether they make forced exercise. sense in prompting a change to your retirement planning. Bigger Social Security Checks Retiring at a market top can be devastating to your nest egg Selena Maranjian: One good reason to delay retiring is that you Brian Stoffel: It seems counterintuitive, but retiring at a market can increase the size of your Social Security checks by doing so. top can be the worst thing for the sustainability of your nest egg. Most of us can collect our full retirement benefits beginning at Retirees following the 4% rule will take out 4% of their nest egg age 66 or 67, but for every year beyond our full retirement age in year one, and increase that amount ever year for inflation. that we delay starting to collect them (up to age 70), they will But if the market drops by 20% in the first year, while inflation increase by about 8%. So by waiting from age 67 to 70, you can nudges up 2%, you’ll be stuck withdrawing 5.3% of what’s left in make your benefits about 24% bigger! year two. That money will disappear from your retirement account forever — meaning a huge opportunity lost for growth. That’s kind of a big deal. Consider, for example, that they average monthly benefit was recently about $1,348 per month, Of course, 20% drops could happen at anytime, so why should or about $16,000 per year. Increasing that by 24% will result in a investors today be so worried. Fellow Fool Morgan Housel $1,672 monthly benefit, or about $20,000 for the year — a calculated that 20% drops occur once every four years, and 15% meaningful $4,000 increase. drops every two years. The last time we experienced either was Here’s a significant caveat, though. For those who live lives of the Great Recession...over seven years ago! average length, delaying retirement to increase monthly checks That’s not to say that you absolutely shouldn't retire right now. isn’t really worth it. As the Social Security Administration has But you need to be aware of the risks associated with a move explained, “If you live to the average life expectancy for right now. someone your age, you will receive about the same amount in lifetime benefits no matter whether you choose to start Working longer is good for your health receiving benefits at age 62, full retirement age, age 70 or any Brian Feroldi: You may not realize it, but staying on the job a age in between.” In other words, for those who live average little bit longer could not only benefit your wallet, but it may also lifespans, it’s pretty much as wash. After all, if you delay until be good for your overall health, too. age 70, you’ll get bigger checks, but fewer of them — 36 fewer, A groundbreaking study was released in 2013 by the Institute of if you delay from age 67 to 70. (Note, too, that you can start Economic Affairs and it contained some pretty shocking collecting at age 62. You’ll receive smaller checks, but more of information. The study showed that retirement has a negative them — and that, too, will essentially be a wash for average impact over the medium and long term on a person’s physical lifespan folks.) and mental health. Plenty of us stand a good chance of living longer-than-average Consider some of the findings: lives, though, and of you think you might grow extra old, 20 Today’s BoomeR
delaying your Social Security checks can be a smart move. Preserving your savings for a shorter retirement Dan Caplinger: Basic math is one simple reason why choosing not to retire right now can be a smart move. If you retire early, you end up taking two financial hits: one in the form of not getting an income from work, and the other from the increased expenses that many people see in retirement. Although some experts point to the potential to reduce your costs by retiring, many people find that the pent-up dreams they’ve had to enjoy their free time result in an increase in what they have to pay. By contrast, if you’re a bit short on retirement savings, working longer beyond your expected retirement age can give you two advantages over those who retire. You can use your salary to cover your immediate expenses, preserving your savings for the future. Also, because you’ll be retired for a shorter period of time, you won’t need to save as much money in order to preserve your standard of living. Not being able to retire purely for financial reasons can be a difficult thing to face emotionally, especially if you’re ready to quit after a long career. Nevertheless, in order to make sure you have enough financial resources to last throughout your retired years, staying at work can be the best way to ensure your financial security for the long run. All of the Above Jason Hall: My colleagues all make great point, and frankly the best reason not the retire just yet is “all of the above.”
The reality is, based on a lo of the financial data that’s available, far too few people are really prepared to retire in their mid-60s. Between median retirement savings balances, rising mortgage debt levels for the 50-and-above crowd, and Social Security benefits that could pay substantially more by staying in the workplace a few more years, the financial incentive alone to keep working Is pretty significant. Selena and Dan describe these realities well, and Brian Stoffel does an excellent job pointing out the risks of retiring near a market peak if you don’t have a substantial enough nest egg to carry you through a market downturn early in retirement. At the same time, Brian Feroldi’s description of the dark side of leaving work, and how it can harm your mental and physical health, is something many retirees never even consider. But the reality is, these things compound one another. Retiring without the proper financial resources is bad enough. Couple that with the loss of purpose, routine, and social interaction that many retirees don’t adequately replace when they leave their jobs, and what started out as a happy, independent retirement can quickly turn into social isolation that’s further limited by a fixed, often inadequate income. So before you retire, make sure you have a big enough margin of safety in your retirement savings, and also consider how you’ll replace the lost social engagement and sense of purpose you’ll lose when you leave your career behind. You may discover that not retiring — just yet — will actually lead to a happier, healthier, and wealthier life.
if your retirement income will cover your living expenses. Only one-third of Boomers save enough of what they need to retire By John Vardallas, CEO/Founder TheAmericanBoomer.com at their income level. The "three-legged stool" of retirement income consists of personal savings, Social Security and pen1. Estimate Your Spending Habits-Give Yourself A Financial sions, has now been expanded to "five" to include maintaining Check Up It's a fallacy to assume that your spending habits will dramatically decline during retirement. Many retirees travel and good health and job skills/competencies. pursue other activities that keep themselves occupied. The first If you have a pension or 401K, calculate your benefits. The step in retirement planning is to get an estimate of your expens- Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation guarantees pensions and lists names of people that have unclaimed money due es—your annual cost of living. There are several ways to do them. You can find the list at www.pbgc.gov. Also, add in the this. costs of caregiving, weather it be supporting children through Keep a journal of everything you spend for a few months. education or life circumstances, to caring for aging parents and Compile your years expenses via cancelled checks, bills, and their healthcare and living costs, all of these can be overlooked, cash withdrawals. so it is better to overestimate, than assume everything will fall into place. Determine your take-home pay over a period of time. CalAdd up all of your personal savings and determine how much culate what you've saved—what's left will give you an idea you can withdraw each year. Make sure to determine any other of what you are spending. expenses you'll likely have during your retirement. All of these 2. Retirement Income dynamics will re define retirement and may call for us Boomers After you've estimated your expenses, you'll need to determine to stay engaged in work beyond our Golden Years.
Tips on a Successful “Work-Tirement”
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BOOMER HEALTHY EATING: Ginger Chicken Wontons with Fresh Fall Vegetables
Recipes and Photos from Chef Eben Atwater
www.urbanmonique.com
Being a tease the other night, I posted some Instagram pics of dinner, and ended up with a lot of y’all asking for a recipe, so here it is. If I’m gonna tease, I gotta come across thereafter. So here’s that dish – Ginger Chicken Wontons with Summer Vegetables. This is a recipe that I literally threw together when some amazing sugar snap peas came ripe in Monica’s garden. You can often find really nice ginger chicken wontons for sale locally, but they’re also pretty easy to make at home, if you’ve got the time – They can certainly be made in less than half an hour with store bought wonton wrappers. In a non-reactive mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and knead by hand to thoroughly incorporate. The key to making wontons is to have a nice, open prep space; arrange all the components so that they’re right at hand, then get after the production. Wonton wrappers are square, which messes some folks up – don’t let it, it’ll work out just fine. Spoon a heaping teaspoon of the ginger chicken mixture into the center of a wrapper. Dip a finger tip into the ice water, and then run the wetted finger tip along the top and right edges of the wrapper. Now get hold of the lower left corner of the wrapper and pull it up over the filling to the top, right corner. Smooth out the wrapper so that all the air is squished out and the wrapper is tight all around the filling.
Ginger Chicken Wontons 1 Pound ground Chicken 1 large Egg 1/4 Cup Spring Onions, fine diced 1″ fresh Ginger, minced 2 cloves Garlic, smashed and minced 1 tablespoon Hoisin Sauce 1 teaspoon Sea Salt 1/2 teaspoon ground Pepper 1/2 teaspoon Chinese Five Spice powder 3″ to 4″ wonton wrappers Small bowl of ice water
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Dip your finger tip back into the ice water and dab that onto the right corner, then grab that corner and bring it around to the left one, and give them a pinch to seal everything down – viola, you got a wonton, (or, for that matter, a tortellini.) So, now it’s cooking time, which means it’s time to decide what to add to your wontons. We had those amazing peas as our center piece, so I chose other stuff that complimented that, and here’s the drill. If you’ve got one, use a cast iron frying pan for this.
Ginger Chicken Wontons With Summer Vegetables 1 Cup Sugar Snap Peas 1 Cup Chicken Stock 1/2 Cup Cherry Tomatoes, sliced roughly 1/4″ thick slices 1/4 Cup Sweet Red Pepper, rough chopped 1/4 Cup Sweet Onion, rough chopped 1/8 Cup fresh Cilantro, chiffonade 1 Tablespoon fresh basil leaves, chiffonade 1 small lemon, halved 1 large clove garlic, smashed and minced Sea Salt Fresh ground Pepper Peanut Oil to coat the pan Put a cast iron frying pan on medium high heat, and coat the bottom of the pan with peanut oil. When the pan is up to heat, add the onion and peppers. Season lightly with sea salt and pepper, and continue cooking until the onions begin to turn translucent. Add the garlic and sauté until the raw garlic smell dissipates. Transfer the aromatics from the pan into a small plate and set aside. Add oil to recoat the bottom of the pan and allow that to heat through.
Add the wontons and sauté on one side for about a minute. Use a wooden spoon or fork and flip the wontons, and sauté for another minute or so until golden brown. Add the chicken stock and allow to heat through. Once the wontons and chicken stock are simmering, add the peas and tomatoes, reduce the heat to just maintain the simmer, and sauté for about another 3-4 minutes until the veggies are heated through. Add the basil and cilantro, stir to incorporate and a heat through. Squeeze the juice from the halved lemons and stir to incorporate. Taste the jus and adjust seasoning with sea salt and fresh ground pepper. Allow everything to heat thoroughly through. Serve piping hot.
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Old Enough for Sex : ‘UNTIL RETIREMENT DO WE PART” The Rise in Grey Divorce By RetireeRebels.com
and they are facing divisions Divorce is not what people associate with retirement. and disagreements that have In all other age categories, divorce is trending down, gone unresolved for years.” but rates for boomers over age fifty have doubled One more surprising aspect of since 1990. the rising divorce rate among older boomers is that it’s women who are initiating sixty percent of “grey “This is another big shift in today’s retirement picture,” according to Mary Helen Conroy, co-founder divorces.” of the podcasting website, RetireeRebels.com “Many people are deciding --along with all the other changes retirement brings to their lives-- they want out of their marriages.”
“Women are more likely to be worse off financially after a divorce, yet that prospect has not deterred them.” Conroy suspects many of these women continued to hold down the traditional caregiving side of the relationship, and don’t want a future that includes more of the same.
One out of every four divorcees today is over age 50, and one out of every ten people experiencing divorce “A woman today is still more likely to have supported today is over age 65. the man in his career, been the primary child raiser, “We’re seeing people living longer, healthier lives, and if needed, taken care of aging parents. That and for the most part that’s great,” says woman may look at her aging husband, and say, no RetireeRebels.com co-founder, Carol Larson. She sees way, no more. Now it’s my turn to have a life.” this as another consequence of the baby boomers “We’re also looking at a number of women who are new perspective on aging. well educated, have supported themselves, had “One of the downsides of living up to three decades fulfilling careers, and see retirement as an past retirement age is looking at a long-time partner opportunity to pursue new ambitions on their own,” and saying, ‘No, I do not want to spend another thirty Larson added. years with this person.’” Either way, a spouse suddenly announcing s/he wants Another big surprise for researchers was the majority out of a long-time marriage can be a shock. But it of divorces are not sought by people in their second doesn’t have to be that way according to the Retiree or third marriages as expected, but among first and Rebels. Retirement today requires that a couple open long-time marriages. a dialogue about their visions for their long-time “What we’re seeing are divorces among people who future together. have been together thirty, forty, sometimes over fifty “Men and women often have vastly different years,” said Conroy. “But in that time they’ve grown expectations of retirement. In surveys men often apart, or the juice has gone out of the marriage.” want to maintain the status quo of their lives. But “Retirement is also the time when couples no longer have the distraction of their jobs to put off dealing with problems,” Larson adds. “Often the kids are gone, they’re home alone together for the first time, 24 Today’s BoomeR
women are more interested in leaving a legacy, whether in good works or finances,” Mary Helen Conroy explained. “That can be a big divide for a couple looking at twenty to thirty more years
together.”
That drive for individual happiness also seems to be “People often focus on the money you need to retire, behind the break up of so many long-term marriages. and that’s incredibly important, especially now when Couples who find they want different things out of retired life, and do not see age as a barrier to finding most new retirees will need or want to continue new happiness. working to some degree,” Larson offered. “But the big question is ‘what are we going to do with our “We are seeing changes being driven by grey divorce. lives?’ And that’s too important not to talk about Couples may simply live separately. New living early and often.” That question rarely came up when systems are being designed, businesses started to life expectancies were shorter, and the average help older people find compatible co-housing, and American died within five years of retirement. But cooperatives that help people on fixed incomes live baby boomers are now focusing on what will make less expensively,” Conroy pointed out. “It’s funny to them happy in this stage of life; whether that’s think boomers are bringing back the communes of travel, work, starting a new career, becoming an the 1960s!” artist or a community activist. “This is the tip of the aging iceberg,” Larson “The boomers are rejecting the notion that at retirement they are done contributing to society, done using their skills and abilities, done growing, or done having fun,” Conroy said, noting that boomers spearheaded several of the last century’s social revolutions, such as Civil Rights and Feminism.
concluded. “Boomers started retiring in 2011, that’s when this revolution really picked up steam. The rest of society is finally starting to notice that grandma and granddad are pursuing new dreams and opportunities, and more often now, doing it separately.”
“Boomers do not respond well to being told that can’t do something for any reason. In the past that was race or gender. Today they are rebelling against being told they’re too old,” Larson said. “Ageism is the next social battlefield.”
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