Retirement News Articles – June 19, 2023

Introduction to Optimal Retirement Living

Optimal Retirement Living and optimalretirementliving.com is focused upon providing information, education and products relevant to retirees.  The areas of focus (and initial products) are as follows:

• Access to Health Information (Expert links and books)
• Outdoor Recreation (biking, hiking, camping, walking, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing)
• A Healthy Lifestyle (Information, books and related products)
• Cooking and Diet (Information, books, kitchen products)
• Lifelong Learning (Information, books and expert articles)
• Nutrition & Supplements (information and products)

Retirement News Articles – June 19, 2023

We are in week two of my weekly curated list of interesting retirement news articles dealing with a variety of issues of interest to retirees. You may note that I added lifestyle to the first article category as I decided “housing” to be a bit narrow for a weekly newsletter. In addition, I will begin to post 4 articles on travel, as that seems to be a hot topic both on the internet and in the minds of retirees.

As noted on my inaugural post, I am not the author of these articles, but have searched earnestly for quality articles 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). Once you subscribe, you will receive a verification email from mike@optimalretirementliving.com.

As an introduction to my website, I encourage you to check out these “formative” posts as well:

Optimal Retirement Living

Thank you

Mike

Senior Housing and 55+ Communities

The first article does indeed touch on housing, but of the vacation home variety. Within my home state of Colorado, during the COVID pandemic I noticed a sizable increase in both the volume and pricing of mountain homes and real estate. It has become so crazy, that it is not unusual to see a 2,500 sf home in the mountains to be priced well above $1.2 million. Well, as you will read, with the increase in interest rates and the still present whispers of a possible recession, demand has decreased significantly.

The second article is short but may intrigue those who are both looking for a fun place to visit, or perhaps a fun location in which to retire.

Why Nobody Is Buying Vacation Homes Anymore (msn.com)

2023’s Most Fun States in America (wallethub.com)

 

Travel for Seniors

As I mentioned last week, I am a train buff. The first article focuses upon the best scenic train rides in the US. The second is a related follow-up article on the most beautiful places to visit, also in the US, during your lifetime. It’s time to start checking off that bucket list!

The second two articles take on a cultural focus. For those well-traveled, you quickly learn how diverse the cultural norms are across the globe. In addition, when traveling abroad, being unfamiliar with your surroundings can get you into trouble. These two articles give you a glimpse into that reality and hopefully help you to keep your dignity, if not your life.

Best Scenic Train Rides in the US: Trips & Vacations to Take By Train – Thrillist

50 Most Beautiful Places In The US To Visit In Your Lifetime (busytourist.com)

20 Things to Never Do in France (msn.com)

The Most Dangerous Cities in the World

Health and Welfare

The first article describes eleven foods or nutrients that are critical and recommended for your heart health. The second article is of special interest to me. As a young and middle-aged adult, I naturally stayed hydrated. Without thinking about it, I would drink the recommended 48-64 ounces of water a day. However, I have noticed that I no longer do that and have no idea why? This article provides an insight into how to prevent, detect and treat dehydration in older adults.

Best Ways to Nourish Your Heart (webmd.com)

Q&A: How to Prevent, Detect, & Treat Dehydration in Aging Adults (msn.com)

 

Food, Nutrition & Cooking

After reading the first article, I finished it with a smile. Admittedly, I have found myself taking the easy way out on occasion and cooking not fresh vegetables, but frozen vegetables. My personal favorite is the mixed green peas, green beans, carrots and corn. Come to find out, frozen vegetables are not only convenient, but a healthy alternative. The second article is a quick read on healthy eating habits for your heart.

Fresh vs. Frozen Vegetables: Are we giving up nutrition for convenience? (eatingwell.com)

What is the Best Diet for Older Adults

Recreation & Hobbies

For those able to do so, walking is great exercise for seniors, especially if it can be done in the outdoors. I felt compelled to also share an article for those not as fortunate as to be able to walk. Beyond the exercises shared for those with mobility issues, it would beneficial if a friend or loved one could take you outdoors, if not for a trip in your wheelchair or walker, then a ride in the country side could also brighten your day and give you exposure to sunshine and fresh air.

Walking – The benefits for older people

Exercises for those with limited mobility

Arts, Entertainment, and Reading

I have always enjoyed reading…perhaps it was the story I read as a child of Abraham Lincoln reading by firelight at night. When I retired, one of the first things I did was take a trip to the library and find their “classics” section. What I found was one small bookcase with approximately 100 books that were considered to be a quintessential reader’s bucket list. I did make a small dent on that list, but still have many more to read. I’ve read that a book club can be a welcome addition to a retiree’s intellectual and social life. Hence, that is the reason for the first article.

A skill I have yet to master in retirement is to remember to ask for the senior discount. I would imagine I have missed dozens of opportunities since retiring. Article two is an attempt to re-frame my focus on that practice.

Best Book Clubs for Seniors

Entertainment Discounts for Seniors

 

Financial Management for Seniors

The first article is a great, concise list of ideas of things to do in retirement. The second discusses social security benefits and the consequence of taking your benefits at the earliest possible age.

25 Things to Do When You Retire (usnews.com)

What is the maximum benefit for someone retiring at 62? (msn.com)