Welcome to the Retirement News Articles for the week of January 29th. I had a productive week, producing two posts in addition to this week’s retirement newsletter.
My favorite retirement news articles for the week are:
- Lifestyle, Health and Welfare: Keep Your Brain Young with Music
- Food, Nutrition & Cooking: Try Dolly Parton’s Easy Cornbread Recipe!
- Recreation, Exercise & Hobbies: Easy Exercises Seniors Can do Indoors
Though I am not the author of these Retirement News Articles, I have searched earnestly for quality content that will prove of value and interest to my subscribers. I hope you enjoy these articles and encourage you to comment on not only the content, but with thoughts on what subjects you would like to see in this weekly compilation.
Please note that you can now subscribe to this weekly edition on the upper right-hand portion of my website (or for those viewing this on a smart phone, it should be at the bottom of the page).
Thank you
Mike
Retirement News Articles – Bonus Story
This bonus story is from British world adventurer and author Alastair Humphreys. He has found that he can find adventure, if he just looks for it, right at home. The article is a bit long, but it may encourage you to do some local exploring yourself.
A Single Small Map Is Enough for A Lifetime
Travel for Seniors
Article one shares that it appears that there are a variety of reasons we often sleep better while we “travel”, be it for work or vacation. Some of those reasons can be duplicated at home, while the writer has found that didn’t work particularly well for her.
The second article shares that the original “Seven Wonders of the World”, according to this writer originally penned by Greek historian Herodotus, was perhaps not completely factual, or at least contained some less than first-hand knowledge. Therefore, why not update the list periodically for your own use?
Why Do We Sleep Better at Hotels?
The Seven Wonders of the World to Visit in 2024
Lifestyle, Health & Welfare for Seniors
If you wish to strengthen your body, hit the gym. However, if you’re looking to exercise your brain, turn to music.
Few things stimulate the brain as effectively as music does. If you want to keep your brain active as you age, engaging with music—whether through listening or playing—is an excellent strategy. It offers a comprehensive workout for the brain.
Studies indicate that listening to music not only reduces anxiety, blood pressure, and pain but also enhances sleep quality, mood, mental alertness, and memory. For more on this fascinating subject, turn to article one.
It goes without saying that staying physically active as you age is important to long term health. However, dancing is an especially effective activity, as the second article explains. To quote the article, “When someone dances, art and sport intersect. Because it simultaneously combines physical, emotional, and cognitive stimulation, this intersection may account for the many benefits that dancing holds for older adults. It may just be the kale of exercise.”
Keep Your Brain Young with Music
Food, Nutrition & Cooking
In addition to being a world acclaimed musician, Dolly Parton is also an accomplished chef. This 3-ingredient recipe for cornbread is both easy and tasty. Take a gander (Dolly-speak) at article two to learn more about the cornbread and Dolly’s cooking skills.
Article two provides a very interesting 20-minute recipe for chicken thighs. Note the two-skillet trick with skillet two weighed down with soup cans!?
Try Dolly Parton’s Easy Cornbread Recipe!
Crispy Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Rosemary Recipe
Dolly Parton’s cookbook, Dolly’s Dixie Fixin’s, sells for $240-$400 used. As an alternative, if you like southern food, try this modern take on down-home cooking recipes: * Southern Grit: 100+ Down-Home Recipes for the Modern Cook
Recreation, Exercise & Hobbies
Even exercising for 15 minutes a day can improve health. In fact, as cited by this article from Medicare.org, a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, found that elderly adults who exercised spent 25% less time disabled or injured than those who did not. If this has caught your attention, read further on several ideas on how to achieve better health through exercise, while remaining in the comfort of the indoors.
Are you tired of the cold weather and horrible reruns on TV? Article two gives you some great ideas for easy and inexpensive things you can do to fight the winter doldrums. It should be noted that some of these you can do by yourself, where others can be enjoyed with friends or loved ones.
Easy Exercises Seniors Can do Indoors
Bored? 50 Inexpensive Hobbies You Can Start Right now
Arts, Entertainment, and Reading
Crime movie fan Dwyer Murphy shares his favorite dance scenes from crime movies. To paraphrase his view, “To explore my passions to their logical conclusions, I’ve compiled twelve captivating moments that intertwine the realms of crime and dance. These range from simple steps to elaborate choreographed routines, each possessing a unique and mesmerizing allure.”
For those of you who like to read…or perhaps want to take up this hobby, a book club can be a fun and social way to take reading to new heights. In article two, a “book club pro” tells you how you can start your own book club.
The 12 Greatest, Strangest, Most Transfixing Dance Scenes in the History of Crime Movies
How To Start a Book Club: A Book Club Pro’s Ultimate Guide
Financial Management for Seniors
Article one is a departure from my typical financial management article. However, after producing this blog for almost 10 months now, it is time to throw in a wrinkle. I admit to being in an investment club with friends close to 30 years ago. It was a fun and educational way to learn more about investing, while frankly reducing the risk by both pooling our meager funds together and sharing in the decision making.
I have a long-term care policy for myself. It is not cheap, running about $4,000/year. However, when there is no one else to take care of you or if you become unable to care for yourself, it can be a Godsend. The second article gives some expert advice. For what it is worth, my policy is combined with a life insurance policy, so the proceeds can be used for my care…or cashed out at any time (not at full value until age 90) or lastly, left to a beneficiary.
Should you buy long-term care insurance? Here’s what experts say
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