Happy New Year!
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Welcome to Retirement News Articles for the week of January 1, 2024! Given family health issues, 2023 has been a very difficult year for myself and my family. I therefore have tried to find hope in my faith, which includes the bible verse above from the book of Jeremiah. May we all find comfort in God’s promise for hope and salvation in 2024.
My favorite articles for the week are:
- Bonus Story: How to Celebrate the New Year in Greenland? Terrify Everyone
- Travel for Seniors: The Best Solo Vacations to Take in 2024
- Financial Management for Seniors: 5 Things Seniors Should Include In Their Financial Checklist For 2024:
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).
I also encourage you to check out my other post for the week as well:
Thank you.
Mike
Retirement News Articles – Bonus Story
Two imposing figures emerge from around the corner, one brandishing a harpoon while the other is clad in seal skins and wields a lengthy chain. Their faces are obscured by soot and contorted by tightly wound strings across their noses. Instinctively, you scan for an exit, but your escape is hindered as two more figures, masked and armed with large sticks, swiftly approach. With determined waves of their makeshift weapons, your group breaks into a run.
Yet, there’s no genuine peril here. It’s just another evening in early January in Ilulissat, Greenland, during the annual tradition of Mitaarfik. This unique celebration, spanning the first week of January and culminating on January 6, blends ancient customs with a contemporary flair, intertwining elements of fear and fun, costumes and candy, and Inuit beliefs with modern twists. It serves as a vibrant conclusion to the Christmas holiday festivities.
How to Celebrate the New Year in Greenland? Terrify Everyone
Travel for Seniors
This first article, originally from Conde Nast, lists 7 countries that provide dual citizenship to those of you that have native ancestry from that country. The countries are:
- Ireland
- Germany
- Poland
- Israel
- Ghana
- India
- Italy
My wife’s family has actually begun this process as they have descendants from Italy. The process began two years ago and has yet come to a positive conclusion.
For those of you fortunate or unfortunate enough to begin 2024 “single”, the second article, from Conde Nast Traveler, will be a welcome read. It lists a number of best places to travel for those of you going solo.
7 Countries Where You Can Get a Passport Through Ancestry
The Best Solo Vacations to Take in 2024
Lifestyle, Health & Welfare for Seniors
As this first article from Everyday Health describes, there shouldn’t be much concern for most people (non-diabetic) from natural sugars that are in whole foods such as fruit and vegetables. However, added sugars, which are found throughout a typical American’s diet, are more of a concern. The article describes what signs to look for if you are worried you might be eating too much sugar.
The second article is actually from a consumer trade magazine, GWI. However, though it provides some insights into consumer trends for “consumer professionals”, it also provides some interesting trends for we, the consumer. I recommend reading it as it does give you food for thought.
12 Potential Signs You’re Eating Too Much Sugar
7 lifestyle and wellness trends to have on your radar in 2024
Food, Nutrition & Cooking
The first story, from the Atlantic takes us through the introduction (in 1949) and popularization of pizza in America. It also touches on other Italian food idiosyncrasies in America and the what the future of pizza and food might be given technology, changing tastes and even immigration.
Article two provides a recipe for focaccia bread that demands no special skills and opens the door to marveling at the magic of yeast. Bon Appétit’s Sarah Jampel has made it shockingly easy.
If you’re yearning to fill your kitchen with the aroma of freshly baked bread but feel uneasy about shaping a boule or dealing with a starter, focaccia is the ideal starting point. The article claims this recipe requires absolutely no expertise and offers plenty of opportunities for self-amazement and yeast admiration. Allowing the dough to rise in the fridge for 8–24 hours (perhaps while you’re at work, going for a long hike, or taking a nap) enhances the flavor and makes handling a breeze. If you’re not in the mood for such a wait, let it double in size at room temperature, covered, in 3–4 hours. Even if you decide to skip the garlic butter, you’ll still end up with extraordinary sandwich bread.
Shockingly Easy No-Knead Focaccia
Recreation, Exercise & Hobbies
As you have heard me espouse before, retirement is a wonderful time to explore and find new passions in life. January 1st is of course an especially good time to check out new activities or hobbies to begin the New Year. The first article below gives you numerous possibilities for your next adventure.
Whether you’re a retiree or your cherished senior is seeking engaging activities, article two has a range of options to keep things exciting. Explore these enjoyable pursuits, whether you reside in a senior community or at home. Keep in mind that fostering connections with peers can significantly enhance both mental and physical well-being. Participating in events, forging new friendships, or reconnecting with old acquaintances can profoundly contribute to your overall health and wellness.
The Ultimate Hobby Guide: 50 Hobbies for Seniors
Beyond Bingo: 14 Activities for Elderly People That Aren’t Boring
Arts, Entertainment, and Reading
Check out the most-saved and read articles of the year, from Pocket, plus, the big ideas and great advice that helped them make sense of a wild 2023. You will actually find 5 articles at the link below:
- Pocket’s Best of 2023: Most Read
- 12 Stories That Defined 2023
- Best of 2023: Big Ideas
- Top Authors Share Their Must Reads of 2023
- Best of 2023: Great Advice
The second article, from Vulture, highlights great “car” movies. A car movie doesn’t have to necessarily be solely about a car, but may just have a great chase scene, or as with some, a travel or racing theme.
Discover Pocket’s Top Articles of 2023
The 39 Greatest Car Movies Ever Made
Financial Management for Seniors
You must have learned a few financial lessons during 2023, and it can greatly help ease the financial challenges you may confront in 2024. But before begin to plan for 2024, you must make an initial financial checklist for 2024. A financial checklist can help you keep important events in focus and prepare you to be ready to use your financial resources in the best way. Article one provides some important items that you may want to include in your financial checklist for 2024.
With article two, in a similar vein, two financial advisors provide some ideas of core issues to consider as you plan ahead for 2024.
5 Things Seniors Should Include In Their Financial Checklist For 2024
2 financial experts provide their best money advice going into 2024