Welcome to the Retirement News Articles for the week of April 29th.
My favorite articles for the week are:
- Bonus Story: The Big Burnout: Life on the Front Lines of America’s Wildfires
- Travel for Seniors: These Historic Rail Journeys From New York City Revive the Golden Age of Travel
- Food, Nutrition and Cooking: Plant-Based Doesn’t Always Mean Healthy
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
Being from Colorado, I am all too familiar with wildfires, having even experienced the first day of the East Troublesome Creek fire in 2020. Sadly, these fires seem to be more common and larger every year. This article tells the story from the front lines.
The Big Burnout: Life on the Front Lines of America’s Wildfires
Travel for Seniors
Traveling up the Hudson on the 20th Century Limited is definitely near the top of my bucket list. This short article gives a brief introduction to the excursion and its inherent popularity.
Article two, from Nerd Wallet, gives us a rundown on American travel trends. It seems Japan and Central America are seeing the largest increases. In addition, travel numbers are exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
These Historic Rail Journeys From New York City Revive the Golden Age of Travel
Where Americans Are Traveling in 2024: By the Numbers
Lifestyle, Health & Welfare for Seniors
In article one, from Scientific American, findings in a 2021 study raise the possibility that shifts in gut bacteria help drive the aging process—and that protecting these microbes could help people lead longer, healthier lives. More research needs to be done, but the immediate recommendation is to eat healthy and exercise (surprise, surprise). In addition, if possible, minimize use of medicines, especially antibiotics. If an antibiotic must be taken, they recommend a targeted antibiotic in lieu of broad spectrum.
Many people associate heart disease with obvious symptoms, like chest pain. But there are some not-so-obvious connections, like swollen feet or bleeding gums, that should also merit a heart check from your doctor.
Gut Bacteria Change as You Get Older—and May Accelerate Aging
Surprising Physical Signs of Heart Disease
Food, Nutrition & Cooking
Article one, from The Conversation, tells us that a plant-based diet isn’t necessarily healthier and often not as nutritious as traditional diet including meat proteins. Plant-based meat substitutes are often high in sodium, ultra processed and aren’t that healthy. An example is The Impossible Burger, a popular and impressive meat-free mix of soy, potato proteins, coconut and sunflower oils. Its calorie count and saturated fat levels mirror a McDonald’s quarter-pounder, and it has six times more sodium. The article has much more to say if you are on or are considering a plant based diet.
In article two, from Everyday Health, they reveal health-promoting secrets to prepare and “round out” your bowl nutritionally. There are right ways and wrong ways to prepare this breakfast staple (alas, sugar is a likely culprit).
Plant-Based Doesn’t Always Mean Healthy
Recreation, Exercise & Hobbies
OK, it’s clear that this week, the Recreation, Exercise and Hobbies theme is walking…
Article one, from Domino, states that “while the Centers for Disease Control doesn’t specifically recommend this exact number of steps per day, it does suggest getting at least 30 daily minutes of moderate physical activity and refraining from being sedentary. While there might not be a magic number to help up your fitness game, 10,000 steps is a great goal to have if you want to be more mindful of your health”. The article tells you what happens to your body and health when you meet these goals.
Article two (x 2), from National Geographic, is, like me, quick to tout the health benefits of walking. However, they stress that walking is best done with the right shoes. Read further if you are in the market for new walking shoes.
What Happens When You Walk 10,000 Steps Every Single Day
The Best Walking Shoes for Men
The Best Walking Shoes for Women
Arts, Entertainment, and Reading
Article one, from National Geographic, opens with the following by-line “The German capital has no shortage of world-class wonders to discover in its museums, from contemporary art to awe-inspiring reconstructions of Ancient Greek monuments. Here’s how to discover the very best on a walking tour of the city.”
Article two, from a retirement community provider, shares that an important factor for maintaining cognitive health is mental stimulation, particularly engagement in creative activities. In the article, they review some of the evidence for the benefits of creative activities for elderly individuals, as well as some ideas for easy activities that you or your loved ones can engage in.
A walking tour of Berlin’s best museums
Why Creative Activities Matter for Seniors
Financial Management for Seniors
Think 65 Is the Best Age for Social Security? Motley Fool, author of article one, wants you to reconsider. The article stresses that just because you will enroll in Medicare at 65, it does not require that you also begin taking your Social Security benefits as well. Though we all have different circumstances, waiting to 70 does maximize your monthly benefits.
The case for life insurance is larger dependent upon whether you have dependents…in other words, someone for whom you are financially responsible. In addition, life insurance can pay off your debts, such as a mortgage, so your family don’t have to wrestle with the debt. Article two, from Retirement Living, helps you determine how much coverage you may need.
Think 65 Is the Best Age for Social Security?
How Much Life Insurance Do I Need?