You may recall that I mentioned in a previous newsletter that my overall focus was going to be around food, nutrition and cooking. I committed, however, to continue the broader content of this weekly newsletter. I will continue to hold to that promise, but this week you will notice I have included 4 articles within the “Food, Nutrition & Cooking” section. Next week, you will see the Travel for Seniors section be reduced to 2 weekly articles. I anticipate this new format will remain consistent for the foreseeable future.
As noted on my inaugural newsletter post, I am not the author of these retirement news 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).
Thank you
Mike
Bonus Story for Retirement News Articles
Here is a story that takes us all back to our childhood. It was not only my sweet tooth that spurred me on to share this article; it was also written by an associate professor at my alma-mater, Colorado State University. This was a win-win for me.
A Brief History of the “Smores”
Senior Housing and 55+ Communities
Ok, enough of those articles about retiring overseas. The first article shares “the best” cities to retire in the US. I placed “the best” in quotes because you can find several articles with the same title and a slightly different list. It is at best, food for thought, but perhaps also a little fun just to read and day dream.
The second article is for those fellow retired engineers or house “geeks” that like to get into the details about their humble abode. Actually, the Bob Vila article is readable for any home-owner or renter and is worth the short read.
Top 10 US Cities for Retirement
Travel
Today’s travel articles are a mixed bag, with one even being an article on the 50 best restaurants in the world. Given that only 2 are in the US, I figure it makes for a good travel article. Second is an article that gives you ideas of the numerous things a vacationer can do for free while traveling. After that, we return state-side, where we have two articles focusing upon top destinations in our home country.
The World’s 50 Best Restaurants
32 Free Things You Can Do During Your Summer Travels
The Most Beautiful Downtown Areas in America
The 32 Top Lake Vacations in the US
Health and Welfare for Seniors
This week, you can read about the comparison of calorie counting vs. intermittent fasting in your challenge to lose weight. The second article, though short, gives you tips on how to find happiness by focusing upon 3 simple, yet important things in life.
Intermittent Fasting About Equal to Calorie Counting for Weight Loss
We Know What Makes People Happy, But Most People Focus Upon the Wrong Thing
Food, Nutrition & Cooking
I am a huge crock pot fan, as it’s so easy and convenient, yet tasty as well. However, article one is highlighted is of special note, due to my finding discussions about lead in crock pots coming up quite often (the lead is due to the glazing used for the ceramic “crock”). Interestingly, the opinions I found within the articles varied widely. The supposedly “unbiased” articles stated that if your crock pot was made after the 1970’s and has no chips or cracks, it is likely safe. However, I found many articles stating that the FDA regulations are outdated and then continued to provide information about lead-free crock pots, as well as a chance to buy them on the spot…perhaps another bias.
Below are the expert opinions upon this subject:
- First and foremost, check your crock pot to make sure the ceramic crock is not chipped or cracked. If it is, it is time to replace the crock pot as the damage increases its risk of leaching lead. I would encourage you to consider buying a lead-free crock pot. I will be the article later this week.
- If you are looking to replace your crock pot or if you use yours frequently (more than once a week), I suggest finding a lead-free crock pot. Again, I will be discussing my “best of” lead-free crock pots later this week.
- If your crock pot shows no damage, it should be safe for continued use. If that satisfactory, you can also consider using a crock pot liner. This article talks about the possible dangers of that alternative as well (is there anything safe anymore?). The article is scary at first, but by the end it shares what you can do to make sure your liners are not exposing you to any nasty chemicals.
Article two provides a list of healthy, yet often overlooked foods. The third article shares the often unique world of the latest culinary craze. A seemingly pesky, annoying bird ends up laying the “golden egg”. Lastly, summer is the time for picnics as well as simpler, more convenient meals. A seasonal favorite is, of course, sandwiches. The final article gives us tips on finding healthier lunch meats.
Is There Lead in My Crock Pot?
Ten Healthy, But Overlooked Foods We Should be Eating
Jacu Coffee: Brazilian Bird Droppings Make it Worth its Weight in Gold
Choosing a Healthier Lunch Meat
Recreation & Hobbies for Seniors
This week, I couldn’t resist coming back to the increasingly popular game of pickleball. I’m so enamored with the game, you will undoubtedly see more stories in the future (rules, equipment and how to find a place to play).
Summer is the time to get out of the house and enjoy the fresh air and weather that the season provides. However, that weather can sometimes be exceedingly hot, requiring that we be diligent in our care and precautions during those high heat, high humidity events. .
Pickelball University-Getting Started
Summer Heat Safety for Seniors
Arts, Entertainment & Reading
The “Literary Hub” makes a claim that The Bay of Noon, by Shirley Hazzard, is a must read. I don’t know about that, but I did enjoy reading a quick history of this author, who was, until this article, unknown to this country yokel. I will definitely take a look at this book.
The second article continues my summer festival theme of the past week, with a slight twist; this time it’s all about the food.
A Must Read? The Bay of Noon by Shirley Hazzard
Best Food Truck Festivals in the United States
Financial Management for Seniors
This week, the financial management articles discuss 3 important behaviors to avoid in retirement and then the best jobs for retirees.
Three Things You Shouldn’t do While Planning for Retirement
Published 07/10/2023