Author: cmshannon2002

Pig butchering– it’s the latest scam in crypto, where scammers with a false identity develop a relationship via text or social media, with victims (“pigs”)- eventually leading them to supposedly invest money in cryptocurrency (they may even send you a fake financial statement showing “earnings”). By the time the victim becomes suspicious, their contact is unreachable- and their money is gone. 

Scams of all sorts are big business, and retirees are often the victims. Unfortunately many criminals today particularly target older Americans.  It has gotten so bad that from 2020, there has been a 62% increase in scams, costing Americans 50 and older 3 billion last year. Scams can take place online, by texting or phone call, or at your front door (such as criminals posing as home repairmen).  Older Americans are great targets because they are polite, trusting, often homeowners, and sometimes have tempting financial savings.

“Congratulations! You are the grand prize million dollar sweepstakes winner! But you have to act fast and just send some advance fees to claim your winnings…”

So says the phone call.  We have all gotten such calls, or variations on them.  I cannot count the number of times I have received recorded messages from the “IRS” demanding immediate payment. The IRS has a specially dedicated phishing@irs.gov to report such fraudulent calls or emails. I always try to report these scams.  It only takes a few minutes and I like to think that it helps the IRS target their impersonators. 

Just how many Nigerian princes need help getting money out of the country?

Schemes take many forms, all of them based on psychological and emotional manipulations. Take the romance scam– you’ve seen this one play out every week on Dr. Phil or other such show, with some unfortunate guest insisting their online boyfriend/girlfriend is bonafide and not just interested in draining their bank account. Romance scammers are skillful to “reveal” something about themselves, to get reciprocating self-disclosures, and create a sense of closeness or even love.  What person can resist someone telling them, “I have not felt so close to someone in so long…” ?

Sweepstakes scams, on the other hand, are based on a person’s FOMO (fear of missing out). The scammers presents this great opportunity (“You’ve won the sweepstakes and are now rich!!!”) But the person has to act fast, to claim that dwindling opportunity for whatever product or winnings. Make note, anything that pressures you to act quickly, without thinking much about it, is probably fraudulent. The best advice to take when someone is pressuring you, is to tell them you will not decide this immediately- they need to send you a letter, and then disengage. No impulse spending allowed here.

“I need you to wire money now…!”

Grandparent scams are particularly ugly, and raise up emotions that replace logic. What grandparent getting a panicky call from someone screaming, “Grandpa, help! I’ve been arrested and need money for bail right now!” is likely to act calmly? You might think that you would not be tricked by this, but it is surprising how many fall for this scam. An example of an awful variation on this was a recent kidnapping scam call that an OC woman received in September 2022 that her son had been kidnapped and money must be paid immediately for his safe return. (https://abc7chicago.com/phone-kidnapping-scam-ransom-spam-calls-california-fbi/12265882/). The scammers, sometimes out of the country, want money wired to them. Their scam is based on speed and fear. If the victim slows down long enough to verify the actual whereabouts of their loved ones, they find them safe. The scammers often use information gleaned from social media to make their calls realistic, and have the crying screaming child supposedly on the call in the background.  

Tech support scams are a recent fraud, compliments of the computer-based world in which we now live. A tech support scammer will call you, saying they are from a well known company, and there has been a (non-existent) problem that you end up paying for them to fix.

Pop-up error messages on your computer are a variation on this scam- do not call the number on the screen!!! I fell for this scam once, with a loudly screaming pop-up message on my computer saying that I had a computer security problem. Thankfully I stopped before spending money to fix something that was never broken, but thinking clearly with your computer making horrible incessant alarm noises is difficult. Legitimate tech companies will never contact you by phone, email or text telling you there is a problem with your computer. You can report tech support scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.  

“This is a call from your bank, we are seeing suspicious bank activity with your account…”

Impersonation scams are especially successful with an older generation that has an ingrained respect for authority, such as the police, the IRS, or Medicare rep. Criminals will actually program their caller ID so that their phone call looks like it is from the Sheriff’s Office, or the Bank of America. Many people, not just seniors, have been bilked out of thousands of dollars by falling for phishing scams of emails or texts, saying for instance that your account is compromised and you need to reset your password. NEVER click the link provided, it enables scammers to access your information or download malware so as to hack into your account. 

So everyone, retirees included, have to make note to think clearly, not react quickly, never give out personal information directly to someone that has contacted you… common sense stuff. The scammers are clever, and play on trusting people that are not thinking that anyone is out to get them. It is sad to have to assume that there ARE people trying to get you, or your money, after all.  

So it is good to study up on some of these scams. Knowledge is power, and retirees like us need to stay savvy and informed. But if the variety and amount of scams still makes you feel helpless, take heart. Some folk are fighting the scammers, in some pretty unique ways.

Porch Pirates Vs. Glitter Bombs

Take Mark Rober, a former NASA engineer. (https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2022/mark-rober-glitterbomb.html)  Rober’s reaction to a porch pirate stealing a delivery off his porch evolved into his setting up a tempting delivery that was really a glitter-bomb.  When stolen, the box would explode and not just coat the thief with glitter. The glittery thief would be filmed as well- one such event was viewed some 88 million times on You Tube. That prank raised awareness of scammers with the community and authorities alike.

Not content to settle on porch pirates, Rober and other fraud vigilantes focused on illicit call centers in India, that often target older Americans. The scam fighters got very elaborate, and also used their skills to record their results on the scammer’s own (hacked) closed-circuit TV cameras.  As a result of their scheme, a criminal call center in Kolkata, India, was overrun with cockroaches, rats, a stinky spray AND glitter bombs. When the film was shared with Indian officials, multiple arrests were made, and several call centers were briefly closed down.  

While these creative push-backs cannot beat the 20 million a year international phone fraud businesses, it is a step in the right direction.  Everyone must do their part.

The Department of Justice has a national fraud hotline.  Reporting a scam or attempted scam helps DOJ target where criminals are at work. The National Elder Fraud Hotline is 833-FRAUD-11 or 833-372-8311. 

Ianzito, Christina AARP. (October 4, 2022). Justice Department Intensifies Its Fight Against elder Fraud. 

Are you dreaming of the most affordable and happiest place to retire- but are unsure where to look?

I was.  While I personally like where I live in Southern California, it is a very expensive area.  I always hold the thought that I may have to relocate to a cheaper location at some future point.

To even think about a move, I first prioritized what my most important life considerations are. My budget, the weather, proximity to family, medical needs and access to care are some. 

Then I started to research which are the best places for retirees. Where in the US can retirees get the most affordability, best climate, lowest crime rates, work options, and optimum livability?

“Florida: Senior Citizen Discounts Available“

Some states rank high for retirement. The big one is Florida.  Great Florida retirement cities include Jacksonville, The Villages senior community, Pensacola or Naples. Daytona Beach residents praise their affordable city for its overall resident happiness. College town Gainesville gets kudos from retirees also- it has all the activities and educational options a college town can offer. The city of Ocala is noteworthy for great affordability and health care options. (You might even run into actor John Travolta at some local store as he is an Ocala resident). If you do not mind tourism and its impact on traffic, Orlando offers vibrant activities but is affordable with good medical care too. Nearby Orlando airport is a plus with easy travel access for you and visitors. 

FL gets such high rankings due to its affordability and health care availability. It has no state income tax or tax on retirement income or social security benefits. Home prices are less than the national average, maybe why 19% of all seniors in the US currently live in Florida. Along with affordability, warm Florida meets my good weather criterion for sure.

On the downside, I have heard (facetiously) that the state bird of Florida is actually a bug.  Quite a variety of bugs are a permanent part of Florida life. Annoying mosquitos particularly love Florida humidity and are year-round residents. So any folk that know they are “mosquito magnets” (like me!) should factor that into any decision to move there. Hurricanes and alligators are additional Florida facts of life that might be on the con list for some retirees.

“Arizona: Where Summer Spends the Winter, and Hell Spends the Summer“

Arizona is a state frequently mentioned as a retirement destination. T-shirts emblazoned with “At least it’s a dry heat!” above a skeleton sprawled in the desert, are a funny but accurate reflection on extreme AZ weather though.

Arizona offers some perks to the budget. It exempts Social Security benefits from state income taxes, plus some income from federal and AZ retirement plans. Military retirement income is tax free too.  Until recently AZ had many more affordable housing options. However, median housing costs have risen. Unfortunately Arizona housing is now about 20% higher than the national median. Even so, Sun City, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Prescott, Mesa, Prescott, and Tucson are traditionally some good retirement places.

“New Mexico: Lizards Make Excellent Pets”

New Mexico is a recent newcomer as a popular retirement locale. NM has attractive lower living costs and a warm climate (not Arizona extreme, but 4 seasons, with some snow). Crime is a problem is some areas though, and healthcare costs are high. Placitas, Ruidoso, Santa Fe, Taos, and Santa Fe boast substantial populations of those over 65.

“Virginia Is For Lovers”

Virginia is for lovers, their tourism motto claims, but VA is apparently for retirees too- in cities such as Roanoke or Virginia Beach. Virginia is tax-friendly for retirees. There is no tax on SS, and retirees can deduct up to $12,000 in pension incomes. VA has good hospitals and healthcare, and low crime. But living costs are high and traffic is not so hot.

Retirement locations in more clement weather spots are also found in southern states such as North Carolina- Winston-Salem, Charlotte, Asheville, and Raleigh Durham cities are ranked well. 

“Pennsylvania: Land of 10,000 Potholes”

Potholes are a given, in a state that can receive over 100 inches of snowfall annually. It was a shock to me that snowy Pennsylvania has great kudos for retirees (that do not mind the cold weather).  Being a former Midwesterner, I have no poetic illusions about the down side of the fours seasons, especially winter. 

Weather aside, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Harrisburg, Scranton, Philadelphia and York pop up as good for retirees. In fact, some list Lancaster PA as the number one best place to retire. Harrisburg, PA comes in 2nd best.  They are considered affordable compared with other major metro areas. Other living costs are about equal to the national averages but these cities additionally ranked high for health care. Pennsylvania weather is just a major deterrent for me in these places, my arthritis twinges just considering some of them. 

“The Search Goes On…”

Anyway my research continues. Aspiring to retire in the best spot has lots of options. Plus I do want to investigate the greatest retirement spots in the world too. More research on that another time… 

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Recently retired me has started to uncover a whole new world of resources to explore. I am not the only person getting older and dealing with issues. There are 46 million adults age 65 and up in the US alone, facing some of the same problems that I am. So there is help out there, and finding out about available resources is comforting (and empowering too). 

There are specialized groups like AARP (American Association of Retired People at https://www.aarp.org.), National Council on Aging (https://www.ncoa.org), Administration on Aging (https://acl.gov/about-acl/administration-aging.), Senior Corps or AmeriCorps Seniors (https://www.americorps.gov.), National Institute on Aging (https://www.nia.gov.)…. and many more. 

There are groups addressing specific senior issues such as poverty, hunger, or injustice. Justice in Aging (https://www.justiceinaging.org.) is fighting senior poverty through laws. Meals on Wheels is well known for its outreach meal delivery services (https://mealsonwheelsamerica.org.) addressing senior hunger and isolation. Pension Rights Center (https://www.pensionrights.org.) strives to protect and promote retirement security.  Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (https://www.alzfdn.org.) helps seniors and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s/dementia. National Center On Elder Abuse (https://ncea.acl.gov.) works to ensure that all older adults age with dignity and honor.

There are organizations only focused on helping certain segments of seniors. For instance, the Alliance for Retired Americans (https://www.retiredamericans.org.) exists solely for retired trade union members.

Additionally I discovered that there is even an Honor Flight Network (https://www.honorflight.org.)- a network of non-profit organizations that works to honor US veterans with all-expense paid trips to the memorials of the respective war they fought in- how wonderful is that?

For example, in May 2022 Honor Flight Network hosted 85 veterans and their guardian companions on a three day trip to Washington DC to visit military memorials there. 101-year old Army pilot Dudley Gladding was the oldest Honor Flight veteran on that excursion. “I had 40 missions over the Philippines and the Pacific,” he reminisced. Gladding modestly failed to mention that the enemy shot him down on his 31st mission, yet he simply continued on with his brave service. Like so many other veterans of what has been called the Greatest Generation, these free trips to historic sites mean the world to them. They are such a small gift for these surviving veterans’ incredible patriotism. It is wonderful to find such dedicated organizations out there.

For improving skills, there is a non-profit education company called SeniorNet (https://www.seniornet.org.), that specializes in computer and internet education for adults 55+ or for those in need, with impairments, or veterans. Who does not need to improve their computers skills in this tech age?

By the way, there are other classes available (e.g. AARP website) for free too. I have taken a few (e.g. “Remote Workplace”, or “Creative Writing of Children’s Books”). They were fun to do (and I even got Certificates of Achievement for completing them). There are community classes, free or inexpensive out there as well- you just have to look around for all those opportunities.

A whole new world indeed! It is just a Google search of “senior organizations” away. Retired me is so glad there are many resources available in what can sometimes seem a lonely journey as a retiree facing new challenges.

Reach out, there’s a world of help out there.

The proverbial bucket list.  It’s that summary of accomplishments that people often put together as life goals, beyond the day-to-day grind. Such a list might include world destinations, life benchmarks, or personal goals.  A bucket list can have lots of goals on it. They can range from the academic (learn a new language) to philanthropic (obtain school supplies for 1000 needy kids) to experiential (go skydiving).

There are actually mental health benefits to creating a bucket list, providing motivation and inspiration.  It is not surprising that people who identify with a faith or as spiritual, were 95% more likely to have a bucket list (https://www.arraybc.com/benefits).  Some element of faith has to go hand-in-hand with any bucket list.  This is because accomplishing something on such a list involves a faith-filled step out of a comfort zone.

Retirement is a great time to work on bucket list goals (and makes for a wonderfully creative retired life too).  First, a retiree often has more time to focus on a bucket list. And second, retirees often have gained more appreciation of time now. That life benchmark of retirement is a great motivator to work on goals, after looking back and seeing how quickly life has already passed.  

Since I worked in the travel industry for years, my bucket list is heavy on travel-related ambitions. Comedian Bob Hope said it well, “I love flying. I’ve been to almost as many places as my luggage.” Like “Old Ski-Nose” Hope, I have been fortunate to travel the world, often with my luggage. I love travel, and retired me now plans and saves with specific bucket list travels in mind.

Like lots of people, I have viewing the Northern Lights high on my list. The otherworldly Aurora Borealis (“light of dawn”) can be seen well in specific places around the world. Some good viewing spots are Fairbanks, Alaska; Tromso, Norway; Orkney, Scotland; Jukkawjarvi, Sweden; Churchill, Canada; Yellowknife, Canada; Reykjavik, Iceland; Mackinaw City, Michigan; and Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota.   

Economics and ease of getting there are my primary motivators for picking a spot for my Northern Light viewing. I quickly ruled out Churchill, Manitoba.  As fascinating a place as it sounds, its remote location makes getting there complicated.  Plus it is not beyond the realm of possibility that I could be eaten by a polar bear while visiting this “Polar Bear Capital of the World”. So Churchill was off my bucket list quickly. 

Reykjavik, Iceland sounded interesting, as I have never ventured to the island of Iceland (or nearby Norway, Sweden or Denmark either). Reykjavik, Iceland is supposed to be more temperate than people expect, around 50 degrees (10 degrees Celsius) in the summer and 32 degrees (zero Celsius) in winter. Locals do grudgingly admit that wind and rain can somewhat impact their weather. Sorry, I do not care how they spin it, but most photos of Reykjavik look beyond cold. And that is before I would trek to whatever remote locale necessary for good sky viewing.

Distance is also a factor (lots of flying to get to Reykjavik).  Then I stumbled across a foodie program showcasing Iceland’s favorite national dish of fermented shark called hakarl. Eating Icelandic hakarl was described like consuming a jellied cube of ammonia. It smells so bad it has to be kept in sealed jars. Call me a wimp, but I crossed Reykjavik off my bucket list. 

Fairbanks, Alaska seems like a good spot for Northern Light viewing.  Who would not like a place that has panning for gold, dog sledding AND a Santa Claus House at North Pole AK?

Mackinaw City in Michigan sounds charming, and has the Headlands International Dark Sky Park for best viewing.  (Who knew there are actually over 60 dark sky parks in the US?) Voyageurs National Park in International Falls, Minnesota is a more complicated destination- you must BYOB (“Bring Your Own Boat”).

Anyway, my research continues. I am sure I will find a wonderful spot for viewing gorgeous Northern Lights. Just make sure to keep your own bucket list going, whatever your aspirations are.  It is good for the soul.

“The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.”   Ernest Hemingway

The world apparently (physically) broke something in me recently, and boy, did it hurt.

Degenerative discs, pinched nerves… these were clinical medical words bandied about later that did not even remotely express the immediate overwhelming pain I first experienced. My previous ongoing arthritic aches did not even compare to this.

Chronic pain is a horrible fog when it descends. It totally immobilizing a person, taking over every aspect of life. But the pain lifted enough to give me some ability to literally move toward improvement.

I am blessed with options- with Medicare and a secondary supplemental insurance. So I carefully hobbled off to medical-land.

Doctor visits, MRI’s, physical therapy- all have helped to arm me with knowledge, support, and strategy. My daily exercises worked almost magically. I am hopeful that continuing them diligently will restore most of my mobility and stamina once more, to a reasonable semblance of active life. The pain has dulled to a constant literal “pain in the butt” now- actually my low back/hip area. 

Pain resulted in some good effects on me. I became more aware of numerous people around me, both young and old. Many deal with a lifetime of medical conditions and chronic pain regularly. Good health is a wonderful gift that I have often taken for granted- but no more. I am appreciating it every day now.

I also appreciate more than ever the numerous employees in the health care industry. There are the nurses, office staff, physician assistants, physical therapists, and doctors, to name just a few. They routinely greatly and positively impact the patients and families whose lives they touch. Their training and expertise give hope and aid to many. (This was especially true for me at my recent low point). I do not think they often get the respect and appreciation they deserve. More importantly, they usually deal with people when they are at their worst- not fun work conditions at all!

I have gained such extreme respect for any person that has to daily deal with even worse chronic pain than my paltry back issue. Extra empathy for those caretakers in their lives that aid them goes without saying too. Sometimes we do well to become aware that people around us may have major issues that weigh heavy on their lives. Giving the benefit of the doubt in the majority of our daily interactions is a much better choice than impatience or judgment. You do not always know what a person has to tackle every day. 

Since I have been using a cane, it has become a catalyst to conversations with many people about exercises, acupuncture, supplements and the like.  The cane has much the same effect as walking a dog does.  People will easily approach and speak to other dog owners, when they would never initiate a conversation with some solo walker. So it is with using a cane- conversations and medical suggestions flow easier, and I have gotten some great ideas from various people I have met. Visits to medical-land create a comaraderie amongst its sojourners. 

My medical folk also had to repeatedly say that my condition was likely “age-related” (since I had not just had a trauma or accident that would have caused the initial pain). I guess it is just the authoritative medical proclamation that I am now officially old. 

Thanks for the reminder… not.

A few weeks ago, I read a recent study “Longevity and the New Journey of Retirement” by Ken Dychwald and Ken Cella (https://www.agewave.com/what-we-do/landmark-research-and-consulting/research-studies/longevity-and-the-new-journey-of-retirement.)

In this 2019 study, more than 11,000 North American adults were analyzed. This research was looking for patterns in people’s retirement experience. The overall focus was on those key ways to thrive. 

The study found that retirement has four stages:

Stage 1: Anticipation (approx. 10 years or less before retirement)

Stage 2: Liberation/Disorientation (0-2 years after retirement)

Stage 3: Reinvention (3-14 years into retirement)

Stage 4: Reflection/Resolution (15+ years after retirement)

Knowing these stages in retirement has been a helpful start in my own retirement journey. I am recognizing emotions and beginning to deal with issues.

I apparently immediately jumped into retirement at stage 2- the disorientation stage.  My initial disorientation was a combination of the unexpected covid lockdown environment plus my sudden change to a retiree. Feelings of liberation seeped in gradually.

It was my own fault that my stage 1- anticipation for retirement- never really happened.  I truly expected to work my job much longer. So actual retirement came unexpectedly upon me like the biblical “thief in the night.” My lack of anticipation was due to my lack of planning. Other than putting a 401k in place, I had not been proactive about my retirement. Because retirement planning made me feel overwhelmed and unsure, I avoided doing much. A little proactivity would have made my retirement a much easier transition now. 

Now I am in the reinvention stage of retirement life.  I have been learning how to order my schedule, enjoy my social life, make some new plans, and pursue writing.  I have recently begun job-hunting for a part-time job to offset rising costs. 

Some of these actions that I have now taken happily reflect this article’s tips for thriving. In order to thrive, successful retirees deliberately choose and cultivate 5 habits. So therefore I am:

1. Attending to my health

2. Staying socially engaged

3. Having a clear sense of purpose

4. Mindfully managing my money

5. Constantly reevaluating/correcting my actions to meet my goals and dreams.

Retired me has some time before I get to the reflection/resolution phase of retirement. Hopefully, writing this blog will chronicle my retirement process in all its good, bad, and ugly phases. I may be able to better reflect on it all as time goes on.

There was an obvious but key finding revealed in this study. Retirees who had planned beforehand, emotionally and financially, were able to enjoy retirement more fully. So any readers that are on the cusp of retirement- take note.  The more planning ahead you do now, the more relaxation and fun you will have later in your retirement. 

But keep reading, there is hope. The study does reveal positive ways for the not-so-proactive retirees among us to cope too.

The article first listed four types of planning retirees.  There were purposeful pathfinders, who were the most active and engaged- they had prepared and saved well, starting early in their lives, on average at age 34. (Really? I find that degree of planning ahead incredible…!)

There were the relaxed traditionalists, who had also planned and were focused on resting, relaxing and enjoying life.

Then there are the challenged yet hopefuls– they got a late start with saving and planning, and though mostly satisfied in retirement, are facing challenges. (I think I fall into the challenged yet hopeful group…)

The final group were the regretful strugglers.  These are the retirees that may have planned little. These retirees struggle with financial and health issues. Some people unfortunately struggle financially or health-wise throughout their lives. Their “survival cycle” results in not much proactive planning ahead for retirement years. 

However, the main hopeful point of this study is that whatever planning group that a retiree falls into, it is never too late to improve. This study has made me take some clear-eyed looks at my retired life and plans. I am making steps to improve and thrive. 

“The bottom line is that older workers have gone back to work.” (Alicia Munnell, director of the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, to the NY Times).  

This statement summarizes what is now trending in 2022.  It has been dubbed the Great Unretirement. According to Labor Department data, 1.5 million would-be retirees have already recently returned to jobs. Another 68% of the newly retired are actively considering returning to work. (Https//:www.fortune.com/2022/06/07/great-unretirement-recently-retired-workers-consider-returning-to-jobs/)

I am not totally shocked by the so-called Great Unretirement trend. I was among those 8 million workers that the covid pandemic sidelined out of the workplace. In 2019, the covid pandemic’s impact on businesses changed everything.  My entire industry was at risk for an extended period, with no positive end result guaranteed.  It seemed a good time to cut my losses and leave. Back then, what was happening was described as the Great Resignation.  Millions of us left our jobs. 

A Great Resignation Becomes A Great Unretirement

But life has gone on, and pandemic impacts are easing.  The cost of living is very much higher now- a fixed income is quite a hardship. Inflation is at its highest level since 1981. There are rising prices of gas, food, and everyday expenses. The stock market has been very volatile.  I, along with many retirees, have watched in horror as 401(k) balances plummet. (https://www.cnbc.com/2022/05/05/unretirement-is-becoming-a-hot-new-trend-in-the-sizzling-us-labor-market.html).

Also changing work environments are making a return to work more attractive. Companies are embracing remote workforces, for instance. That technology offers a chance to earn without time spent in a daily grueling commute. In addition, employers are offering other incentives to entice people to work for them.

Finally who could forget about those wonderful health insurance costs that employment brings? Health insurance coverage is usually crucial the older a person gets. Those younger retirees that are not yet eligible for Medicare are returning to those jobs that provided them with health care. 

Retired, Not Expired?

A final factor making a return to work attractive is senior loneliness/isolation.  This factor was likely aggravated by the covid lockdowns. But retirees returning to work are sometimes driven by the need for social interactions and significance.  Maybe a retirement luxury of not needing an alarm clock anymore loses its luster when too much loneliness sets in. I have to say that I do not miss the work so much as I miss my fellow co-workers and our “water-cooler” interactions. Missing those relationships is not surprising.  A person works with co-workers for 40 hours a week, often for years- and likely spends more time with them than with spouse or family. Losing those social interactions can be isolating.

So will the Great Resignation become the Great Unretirement for me? I am actually starting to job-hunt for something part-time to supplement my income. They do say that in retirement, there’s no more rat race, but less cheese. But sometimes there’s a trade-off when a little extra cheese is needful. 

I can’t find my phone…again… And I think I left it on silent. If I had a penny for every time I have misplaced my phone or my keys, I would be a wealthy woman. 

I can amusingly share with my friends our commonality of losing things as we age. But I think the laughter masks a niggling fear. What would I do if I started getting senile, or if my daily functioning became drastically impaired? It’s horrific to consider. And it is made all the more menacing when I exhibit forgetfulness or other troubling declines.  Could it mean I have dementia?

Dementia is a blanket term used for various diseases, injuries, and neurochemical imbalances affecting memory and care abilities. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, making up to 60-80% of all dementia cases.

Alzheimer’s is a condition that particularly affects millions of older people- some 5.8 million people in the US aged 65 and up have Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

(https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/Alz-Greater-Risk.html#:~:text=Current%20estimates%20are%20that%20about,65%20with20%younger-onset%20%Alzheimer’s. 

Symptoms range from forgetfulness and declining social skills, to thinking so impaired it interferes with daily functioning (and necessitates long-term care).  Women get Alzheimer’s more than men. There is increased risk for Alzheimer’s as one ages. Family history/health issues such as high blood pressure or head injuries raise your likelihood for it too. 

All hope is not lost- I found some ways a person can battle the Big D.  There is a Jan 15, 2021 article by Novos that spells out proactive steps: (https://novolabs.com/14-tips-to-reduce-your-risk-of-dementia-and-alzheimers.

1. Diet can improve brain health. (Why is it always diet?!?) Blue and red fruits, herbs, green leafy veggies, omega-3 fatty acids, olive oil, some tea/coffee, reduced sugar and starch are all dietary steps that can combat dementia.

2. Exercise is crucial. (Why is it always exercise too?!?) Exercise releases all kinds of healthy substances to the brain.

3. Medical check-ups can reduce or prevent high-blood pressure, diabetes, or hypertension for instance. All these conditions impact brain health. 

4. Managing drugs such as antihistamines or antidepressants can decrease the risk for dementia. 

5. Be social– it is healthy for your brain. 

6. Relax or meditate to combat stress. 

7. Do not hit your head.  Be careful- injuries can increase dementia risk.  

8. Sufficient sleep is vital to brain health. 

9. Take nutrients for your brain. B vitamin complex, zinc, and vitamin D are all good for the brain. There are supplements you can take to slow down the actual aging process as well (e.g. glycine and fisetin).

10. Improve your gut. Surprisingly gut health is closely connected to your brain. Ditch the unhealthy foods- you know which ones they are. (Again I ask, why is it always diet?)

11. Challenge your brain. Read, do puzzles or games, learn a new language, tackle hobbies, take up an instrument, volunteer… There are endless options.

12. Stop smoking. 

13. Be happy/avoid stress.  Release those endorphins! Be grateful and forgiving. Let go and do not control. Don’t compare yourself to others. Be giving. All of these and many more are “happy” choices that are brain-healthy too. 

Most of these tips are common sense and positive things people of all ages can do. But especially for us retirees, using these tips can help in battling the Big D! 

Now by the way, where did I put my keys?

Retired me is looking for every possible way to save money. So now I am trying to break into the secret world of the super shopper.  Many super shoppers are already aware of some of the following tips I’m discovering, but it is all brand new to me.  With more time on my hands, and a big incentive to stretch my dollars, I am researching this shopping/saving in earnest, and finding it fascinating. 

The big box stores like Sam’s Club, Costco, or Smart and Final are looking much better as I try to maximize my money.  Though these stores automatically offers some savings, here are ways for even better savings when shopping there.

Go in with a friend to split the costs. 

My friend and I buy bulk items such as toilet paper or paper towels together, for instance, then split the cost of an already reduced product. Splitting the cost of a bulk item like this also helps with splitting the storage of it too. Not everyone has a garage or space for huge bundles of paper towels, toilet paper, or napkins!

It is best to write a shopping list and stick to it.

Do not be an impulse buyer– it will gobble up the savings you seek. All stores are arranged quite deliberately (to maximize their profits). Super shoppers say it is best to go directly to the center or back of the store, and work your way forward along the aisles.  Those showy Point Of Purchase (POP) displays are usually up front. POP displays are designed to tempt consumers into distracted- and more expensive- buying. Bypass this common trap by choosing a different shopping route, and stick to your list.

No Dawdling Allowed!

Stores know that statistically the longer you are in the store, the more you tend to buy- so do not dawdle. It may be fun to spend a lot of time exploring, but be mindful about it. Maybe you should set a time frame of how long you plan to shop, so as not to become part of that overspending statistic.

Look for the secret codes.

Most Costco prices end in $.99, $.49 and so forth, and those are usually regular priced items. Costco super shoppers know to look for the $.97 marking indicating a mark-down. Do not necessarily rush to purchase that $.97 marked item if there is a large inventory that might lead to a lower price later though!

Also Costco super shoppers know that if there is an asterisk on the price tag in the upper right corner of the sign, that item will not be restocked. This may be your Costco clue to buy it while you can.  Instant Rebates, Energy Rebates, or Manufacturers Instant Rebates on Costco items are worth looking for as well (Rapoport,Len. May 6, 2020- https://www.toughnickel.com/frugal-living/Secret-price-codes-that-will-save-you-money-at-costco).

Costco price tags that end in .49, .89 or .79 indicate that they are special promotional offers straight from the manufacturer. If you like those items, snap them up while you can! (https://www.popsugar.com/family/Costco-Price-Tag-Meaings-46334250.)

Sam’s Club has codes too- a yellow price tag at Sam’s means the product is always in stock and will not go on sale. A price tag at Sam’s ending in a penny (e.g. $.91) means it is not just on sale but a clearance item. Sam’s also has store labels with letter codes in the lower left next to the product number code. There are five- N (Never Out), A (Active), C (Clearance), S (Seasonal), and O (One Time Buy). These clues can help you decide if or when you should buy an item.

By the way, other stores besides the big box stores also have their shopping codes. Yellow tags at Walmart indicate items at their markdown limit that likely won’t drop further. $.99 indicates full-price, prices ending in .93 are clearance and marked down from original price. 

Get savings with a store’s credit card.

I have not tapped into this savings trick yet, but will soon, just based on the astounding rising gas prices. Costco for instance has their own Visa card (Costco Anywhere Visa card by Citi), and you can get 4% cash back on gas at Costco for the first $7000 per year, and then 1% after that- plus 2% back on all Costco purchases, in-store or online. Sam’s Club has their own gas credit card too- Mastercard by Synchrony Bank. That card give 5% cash back on the first $6000 in fuel per year, then 1% afterwards, plus 1%-3% cash back on dining and other purchases. 

Be patient with your shopping. 

All stores try to lure you in with a “sale” so it truly pays to avoid impulsive buying.  Some deals are just not for you, no matter how good they are. But if you are positive that an item is for you, you can still spend smart. Check that item’s price code to get some insight. (For instance, does it have that tell-tale asterisk showing it will not be restocked when it runs out? Or is it a regular priced item with a huge inventory of stock?) You can use such clues to pace your spending. It may be possible for you to return and buy that item later, when your budget can better handle it.

So armed with some of these tips, I am going to explore the box stores with a new eye.  We will see if I can join the ranks of skillful super shoppers who know how to stretch a dollar and SAVE, SAVE, SAVE.

Thoughts>Feelings>Actions

I personally am striving to incorporate the Latin principle “Cogito, ergo sum” (I think, therefore I am) less as a philosophical proof of existence. I want this motto instead to be my way to achieve better thinking. It is really more like- As I think, therefore I am. My thoughts, good or bad, come first. My thoughts order my feelings, and then my actions. I must recognize my thoughts, and make literal thoughtful changes (regarding my ongoing retirement and aging).

Thoughtfully Choose Thoughts

I am striving to choose my thoughts wisely- truthful and positive ones. In Christianity, this process is not just some choice I merely make in my own human strength-and then I must struggle to accomplish with my own human energy. No, I believe as a Christian that this process is part of being renewed in the spirit of your mind (thoughts and attitudes). This process is spoken about in Ephesians 4:23. (“…to be made new in the attitude of your minds…”). God spiritually empowers and changes the thinking of His followers as we let him. 

I Battle Depression

Particularly during covid isolation, I fought depression and struggled to maintain my emotional positivity. My faith was instrumental in this- knowing that my life has many purposes kept me emotionally grounded. I am aware of some of these purposes, and some purposes are unfolding and being revealed to me over time. And as I have said previously, during covid, I watched the amount of time I spent on TV, internet and social media- so as not to indulge in too much criticism, negativity, and pessimism. Toxic subject matter leads ultimately to toxic thinking- impacting life, health, sleep, and relationships.

“The More That You Learn, The More Places You’ll Go” (Dr. Seuss)

I also continue to keep reading- to keep sharp, to learn, to get new ideas and positive perspectives. No weird dark fantasies or horror books for me right now- I need a more hopeful thoughtful perspective on life. Though I must confess here that I cannot abandon my beloved science fiction author Ray Bradbury. I am still re-reading his “The Martian Chronicles” and “Fahrenheit 451” with great joy.

I Keep Laughing

Humor books are my dependable go-to- there’s truth in them, along with some wit and laughter (e.g. books by Dave Barry or Erma Bombeck). I can now thoroughly relate to Dave Barry’s age-related books about turning 50 or 60 (e.g. “Dave Barry Turns Fifty”). His “Lessons From Lucy: The Simple Joys of an Old, Happy Dog” illustrate that a critter can deal with old age much better than many supposedly smarter humans.

I Keep Solving

Then there’s my fave New Mexico mysteries by Tony Hillerman and his daughter Anne- they transport me to a land of desert enigmas.  Classic Queen of Crime Agatha Christie is back on my list, inspired by recently seeing the movie of her book “Death on the Nile”.  Histories such as US travel tale “On the Road with Charles Kuralt” or US history of the West “Blood and Thunder” by Hampton Sides fill in when I need some non-fiction. 

The New Stage

Furthermore, there are so many books on my list that sound interesting for my new stage of life! One such book is “Somewhere Towards the End” by British author Diana Athill.  I hear that she provided clear-sighted views of her aging journey (which was a long one, as she lived to 101). “The Art of Growing Old: Aging With Grace” by psychotherapist Marie de Hennezel is on my reading list too… There are many others as well- so many books, so little time.

“Without libraries…we have no past and no future.” (Ray Bradbury)

I found it sad that most public libraries were shuttered due to covid. This was when we all needed the input found in good books the most! Of course, you could still order library books online and pick them up remotely out front. But this distant processing does not fully substitute for the wonderful freedom of perusing library shelves inside an actual brick-and-mortar library building.  There a searcher can find unanticipated reading treasures, or stumble into unexpected research directions with some newly-discovered topic. Inspiration and knowledge always await inside a library. 

Back to Thoughts>Feelings>Actions

But back to the betterment process in my thinking. (As) I think, therefore I am…changing.