Welcome to the Retirement News Articles for the week of February 19th. I managed to produce two posts this week in addition to this week’s retirement newsletter:
My favorite retirement newsletter articles for the week are below.
- Lifestyle, Health & Welfare: The Benefits of Music on the Mind and Body of Older Adults
- Food, Nutrition & Cooking: Which Fast Food Chain Makes the Best Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Biscuit?
- Arts, Entertainment & Reading: The Night the Beatles Invented Fun
Beatles Books:
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 article, from the Guardian, gives us a look at the world’s smallest living creatures. For some of you, I am sure this will redefine your definition of “cute”.
Meet the world’s amazing tiniest creatures
Travel for Seniors
As article one shares, twenty million people flew to Istanbul last year. For a long list of possible reasons, Istanbul was the go-to destination for international travelers last year. Though the article does not go into more depth about the attraction of Istanbul, it does provide a list of the top 5 international travel destinations and how post pandemic travel has skyrocketed.
Article two, from Smithsonian Magazine, makes a compelling case for traveling to Kyrgyzstan, a small Central Asian country full of natural wonders. They anticipate it could be the next go to “adventure destination.” Why not give it a try before the crowds begin to build?
This City Was the World’s Most Visited in 2023
Is Kyrgyzstan the Next Adventure Travel Destination?
Lifestyle, Health & Welfare for Seniors
As most of us have read, muscle mass declines as we age. Article one discusses a study that shows cycling (albeit, at a brisk pace and long distance) was able to slow or nearly eliminate this decline. The article also discusses how the immune system deteriorates with age as well, but that exercise, such as cycling, can help to slow this process.
Article two, from Banner health, shows music has a strong impact on the well-being of older adults, benefiting their emotional, mental, and physical health. Here’s how:
- Mood Boost: Listening to favorite music brings joy and nostalgia, improving mood and emotional well-being.
- Stress Reduction: Engaging with calming melodies lowers stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation.
- Cognitive Improvement: Music stimulates the brain, aiding memory, attention, and language skills, especially beneficial for those with cognitive decline.
- Pain Relief: Music therapy complements pain management, distracting from discomfort and fostering a positive outlook.
- Social Connection: Music creates shared experiences, strengthening social bonds and reducing feelings of loneliness.
- Motor Skills: Music activities, like dancing, enhance coordination and motor skills for those with physical limitations.
- Quality of Life: Incorporating music into daily life, whether actively participating or listening, substantially enhances overall well-being.
Working with health care providers, integrating music through personalized playlists or events, and collaborating with music therapists, can positively impact older adults’ lives. In conclusion, recognizing and incorporating music’s benefits into care plans can make a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors and their caregivers.
Here’s How Cycling Can Slow Down the Aging Process
The Benefits of Music on the Mind and Body of Older Adults
Food, Nutrition & Cooking
Even for serious home cooks, there are some things that are mystifying or for which you can find conflicting information. This article, from Pocket Worthy, provides answers for several of these cooking mysteries.
I try my best to advocate healthy eating and healthy living on this website. That said, occasionally, we all succumb to a rushed morning schedule or a weak moment and need to “grab a bite” quickly. For those rare instances, article two and the related slide show is for you. Notice that the “next” button switches to the bottom of the screen after the first slide?
Which Fast Food Chain Makes the Best Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Biscuit?
Recreation, Exercise & Hobbies
Article one, from the Mayo Clinic, is full of ideas how you can stay active, even during cold, miserable weather. The recommendations are simple and straight forward, but help you stay fit while it is blowing snow outside (or not).
Article two provides a list of plants that not only will be fun to grow and easy to care for, but improve the indoor air quality as well. What more could be asked of a hobby?
Ways for seniors to remain active during winter
The Best Indoor Plants to Keep the Air Clean in Your Home
Arts, Entertainment, and Reading
Sixty years ago, on February 9, 1964, The Beatles made their iconic American debut on The Ed Sullivan Show, captivating a record-breaking 73 million viewers who tuned in to witness John, Paul, George, and Ringo for the first time. This marked the largest audience any musicians had ever faced. As the United States was introduced to these confident young musicians, exposed to their revolutionary electric sound, and crucially witnessed a theater filled with ecstatic girl fans screaming in delight, the world forever changed. Within the first ten seconds of their opening song, where Paul crooned, “close your eyes and I’ll kiss you,” the collective enchantment was instantaneous. As article one is quick to claim, millions of people across the nation fell in love at precisely the same moment. This is an especially interesting and almost humorous story as the writer compares the Beatles to the other acts lined up with the Beatles. What a contrast!
Article two is from a retirement community, but gives you a list of their residents’ 10 favorite books. I am always looking for a good book, and this list contains several that would prove to be of interest to me.
The Night the Beatles Invented Fun
10 best books for seniors: A list of residents’ favorites
Financial Management for Seniors
I just loathe tax season, though I know it is a necessary evil. I sometimes think the idea of a flat tax is “spot on”, but I can only imagine what that would do to the tax industry. If you fear an IRS audit as much as I do, article one is a must read.
Article two, from US News and World Report, provides some common and not so common ideas to make your dollars go further in retirement. Admittedly, you will have read “around” a few advertisements for related services.
Making These 6 Tax Mistakes Could Trigger and IRS Audit. Here is How to Avoid That
20 Practical Ways Seniors Can Cut Expenses
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