Welcome to the Retirement News Articles for the week of December 18th. It’s been another hectic week with family health issues, so I have no other posts other than this weekly newsletter. I hope you are getting your Christmas shopping done and of course encourage you to check out my product pages for last minute ideas:
My favorite articles for the week are:
- Bonus Story: Voices of the First World War: Over By Christmas
- Travel for Seniors: The 32 Best Places to Spend Christmas Around the World
- Food, Nutrition and Cooking: 11 Traditional Holiday Dishes From Around The World
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
One of the most popular sayings of 1914 was that the war would be ‘over by Christmas’. In this podcast, some of those who experienced the first months of war explain just how wrong that prediction was. Bill Haine joined up early on. He remembered the mood in Britain when he did so. This article, from the the Imperial War Museum is part of a long series on the the “Voices of World War I”.
Voices of the First World War: Over By Christmas
Travel for Seniors
The first article gives us ideas for where to get out of the cold. I don’t know about you, but we haven’t experienced much cold weather in Ohio. That said, I know back in my real home state of Colorado, they have already had plenty of snow and cold.
Article two is for those fortunate enough to be able to spend the holidays “on vacation”. Conde Nast Traveler provides you with a list of 32 best destinations, ranging from several locations within the US, Mexico and Canada to more exotic locales in Europe, the Middle East, South America and Asia.
Escape the Cold in These 7 Places Where It’s Summer Right Now
The 32 Best Places to Spend Christmas Around the World
Lifestyle, Health & Welfare for Seniors
Article one explains that a primary source of vitamin D is sunshine. Especially as you age or the weather turns cold, your exposure to the sun decreases. The article also shares that not many foods are high in vitamin D, also contributing to the chances of vitamin D deficiency, which can lead to several types of illness, including dementia.
The second article takes on a more positive theme, spending holiday time with your grandchildren. Not surprising, several of the fun activities involve cooking or baking as well as crafts.
10 Illnesses Linked to Vitamin D Deficiency
12 of the Most Amazing Christmas Grandparent Activities
Food, Nutrition & Cooking
Article one is a definite sign of the times. It explains that those foods that you used to be fond of actually do taste worse now than they used to…it is not your imagination. The maddening thing is this is due to a phenomenon Business Insider calls “skimpflation”. Manufacturers, in order to squeeze out more profit, are modifying their recipes, often reducing key ingredients and replacing them with water and other useless but cheap replacements. It’s enough to start a consumer revolution (that’s mentioned in the article as well)!
Article two is much more pleasant, taking us across the globe on a tour of holiday dishes served throughout the world.
Everything Tastes Worse Than It Used To
11 Traditional Holiday Dishes From Around The World
Recreation, Exercise & Hobbies
If you have read my newsletter before, you know I am all about the outdoors and exercise. However, article one gives us the low down on how we can play a popular game of pickleball indoors during the cold weather months. Do a quick search and you will be surprised to find out how many indoor courts you might find in your area.
Especially for the winter months, exercise, or resistance bands, can be a senior’s best friend. They are extremely easy to use and safer than free weights. In addition, they are light and can go anywhere. I take 1-2 pairs with me whenever I am traveling overnight. Article two is a good primer on using the bands and how to select ones that are right for you.
What You Need To Know About Indoor vs. Outdoor Pickleball
The Beginner’s Guide to Exercise Bands
Arts, Entertainment, and Reading
Article one is my way of helping out as you think about stocking stuffers for the grandchildren. This article, from Real Simple, provides a quick review of 30 classic Christmas books for kids.
Article two is from a fellow blogger, Janssen at Everyday Reading. She has personally picked these out and I am sure there is one just for you.
30 Classic Christmas Books for Kids
Financial Management for Seniors
It’s that time of year when we have to think about taxes, though I do my best to make sure it doesn’t ruin my Christmas spirit! This article gives advice on financial moves to make before the New Year and new tax season. I apologize that this article includes a bit of marketing from financial service providers…
The second article is in the “for your information” category, as there is nothing any of us can do about the recent Social Security COLA. That said, it does give you a heads up that this COLA did not keep up with inflation…so be ever mindful of your budget for 2024.
3 Smart Money Moves Seniors Should Make for 2024
Social Security: Nearly Two-Thirds of Seniors are Unhappy with 2024 COLA
* Affiliate Disclosure: What are affiliate links?
Purchases are made on external affiliate company websites: When a reader clicks on an affiliate link located on www.optimalretirementliving.com to purchase an item, the reader buys the item from the seller directly (not from optimalretirementliving.com). Amazon and/or other companies pay optimalretirementliving.com a small commission or other compensation for promoting their website or products through their affiliate program.
Note: “As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”
Prices are exactly the same for you if your purchase is through an affiliate link or a non-affiliate link. You will not pay more by clicking through to the link.