Welcome to Optimal Retirement Living and Retirement News Articles for the week of December 11th.
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:
- Holiday Traditions
- 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 Nutrition (Information, books, kitchen products)
- Lifelong Learning (Information, books and expert articles)
- Nutrition & Supplements (Information and products)
Retirement News Articles – December 11, 2023
My favorite articles for the week are:
- Bonus Story: Trains & Christmas? What’s the connection?
- Lifestyle, Health & Welfare for Seniors: Understanding Why Holidays Can Be Difficult for Older Adults
- Arts, Entertainment & Reading: The 50 best Christmas movies of all Time
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 past two weeks as well:
Thank you
Mike
Retirement News Articles – Bonus Story
You know me…whenever I get the chance, I am going to plug in a train story!
The connection of trains with Christmas has evolved over time. Originally, it was the often used mode of transportation to get “over the river and through the woods” to grandmother’s house for the holidays. With the advent of toy trains, such as those made by Lionel, the Christmas Train could be brought into every household and was often a most cherished gift not only received on Christmas morning, but every Christmas thereafter as it was set up under the tree as a part of the annual Christmas decorations (this was the case in our home). This article gives us a little more background on Christmas and trains.
Trains & Christmas? What’s the connection?
Travel for Seniors
Not everyone favors winter, yet its tranquility and fewer crowds make it a contender for an exceptional time to travel. Beyond having the appropriate winter attire, the secret lies in immersing yourself in adventures spanning from coast to coast. Here, in the first article from National Geographic, are some prime locations to fully embrace the chilly season.
For some individuals, the ideal Christmas getaway entails embracing winter amidst the snow-covered peaks, nestled by a warm, crackling fire. Meanwhile, others opt to bask in the sun on a distant beach, steering clear of chilly temperatures. No matter where you decide to celebrate “the most wonderful time of the year,” this second article can give you some great ideas of where to go for a perfect Christmas holiday.
The Best Places to Go for Christmas
Lifestyle, Health & Welfare for Seniors
For a variety of reasons, the holiday season can be a challenge for many older adults. This first article cites a study by AARP, which found that 31% of their respondents felt lonely during the holidays. You can learn more in the article on how to help seniors feel more loved and involved in the holiday to help alleviate those feelings of loneliness.
The holidays can be stressful for anyone, but especially for seniors. The reasons can vary, from chronic health issues to the stress of hosting the Christmas feast. Article two, from Silver Sneakers, gives you tips on how reduce that stress and take care of yourself during this chaotic time of year.
Understanding Why Holidays Can Be Difficult for Older Adults
6 Simple Ways to Slash Holiday Stress
Food, Nutrition & Cooking
The first article, from Bon Appetit, provides us a look at the latest restaurant trends. The article not only covers food, but aesthetics, martinis and more.
Few of us really need 100 Christmas cookie recipes. That said, this article from the Food Network gives you 100 to choose from. I would imagine you will easily find either your long lost favorites from your childhood or find new ones that can become a new family holiday tradition.
The Restaurant Trends That Defined 2023
Our 100 All-Time-Best Christmas Cookie Recipes
Recreation, Exercise & Hobbies
As I had mentioned in a previous article on this post, the holidays can sometimes be difficult for seniors. The first article provides ideas for how you can help your loved ones get in the Christmas spirit…or engage in these activities yourself. Remember, it is often more fun when doing it with others, so consider baking those Christmas cookies with your children, grand-children or friends.
Here below, we have a list of 60 holiday activities we can choose from for a happy holiday season. This article seems to focus upon younger family members, but should give those of you who are grandparents ideas of how to enjoy the holidays with family members. Several of these activities are also age appropriate for seniors.
16 holiday Activities for Seniors of all Ability Levels
60 Best Christmas Activities You Can Do All December Long
Arts, Entertainment, and Reading
The first article, from TimeOut, gives us their 50 favorite Christmas movies. The list ranges from the classic to the more modern and silly. You will be sure to find something that suits your tastes.
You can find all sorts of “best of” lists for the holidays, including best songs. I decided to share this one from Country Living as it leans a bit more towards the classics, though it also gives us a wide variety of musical styles and artists.
The 50 best Christmas movies of all Time
79 Best Christmas Songs for Your Ultimate Holiday Playlist
Financial Management for Seniors
This article, from Kiplinger, gives you some ideas of alternative ways to give “money” to your grandchildren. Cash is nice and can be spent by those kids on something “now”. However, a gift with more long term value can also teach children the value of money and reward them when they are adults and more appreciative of the thought behind the gift.
It is not unusual for us to become more particular about the things we buy as we age. The reasons can vary, from the ease of putting on and taking of clothes to the size and weight of that coffee mug. That’s a long-winded way of saying that the focus is now on comfort and value. This article gives you ideas on what to buy your favorite senior to ensure it is something they will use and enjoy.
Five Best Financial Gifts for Grandkids
27 Best Gifts for Seniors They’ll Actually Want