Jan and Els shared a remarkable life full of love and adventure. Married for almost five decades, they ended their lives, choosing peace together through duo-euthanasia in the Netherlands, where it's legal but rare. Their decision stemmed from their deep bond and desire to avoid prolonged suffering. Jan, 70, suffered from chronic back pain, while Els, 71, had dementia. They cherished their mobile lifestyle, living most of their marriage [...]
First off, happy Independence Day! Let's talk about a contributor to financial independence. If you've struggled with prescription costs, you might be dealing with a pharmacy benefit manager (P.B.M.). P.B.M.s decide which drugs are covered and how much you pay, acting as middlemen between your insurer and pharmacies. They aim to save money on medications, but sometimes they make you overpay for prescriptions. Most Americans use one of three major [...]
Navigating the complexities of understanding Medicare and assisted living can be challenging. As we age, many of us might need additional support, and assisted living becomes an option. Assisted living offers a structured environment with help for daily activities but comes at a cost. On average, assisted living costs around $4,500 per month, with prices exceeding $6,800 in some areas. Knowing what Medicare covers and exploring other financial options [...]
Eileen Kramer, an extraordinary writer, painter, and dancer, has lived a life overflowing with creativity and joy. At 108 years old, she still dances in front of her mirror, savoring the memories her body holds. Her story teaches us valuable lessons from a life of dancing about staying young at heart and embracing our passions. Eileen’s life began in Sydney in 1914. She grew up in a vibrant, youthful [...]
Let's celebrate the incredible achievements of older athletes and embrace the idea that age is just a number when it comes to fitness. Take Ned Overend, for example, who at 59 years old, won the National Fatbike Championships in Ogden, Utah, competing against much younger athletes. His success is a testament to the fact that staying active and fit is possible at any age. Joe Friel's book, "Fast After [...]
As we grow older, choosing housing can greatly affect our happiness and health. Kathy Fitts, a 68-year-old from suburban Atlanta, chose to move to an age-restricted community in Daytona Beach after feeling isolated during the pandemic. Her new home in Latitude Margaritaville offers numerous activities like bocce, birding walks, and concerts, which she loves. This kind of community, designed exclusively for those "55 and better," promises a bustling lifestyle [...]
Keep Your Brain Healthy by Staying Hands On Getting busy with your hands by doing things like writing, gardening, or knitting is not just fun; it's also really good for your brain and how you feel. Nowadays, we spend a lot of time tapping on screens and pushing buttons, but we might be missing out on the good stuff that comes from doing more with our hands. Dr. Kelly [...]
Happy Leap Day! Aging with zest is a choice, so on this rare February 29th, let's talk about leaping forward! 86-year-old author Margareta Magnusson shares how in her book on the Swedish art of aging exuberantly. Her wisdom? Embrace the chores and challenges of daily life with gratitude, a concept known as "kärt besvär." This attitude transforms nuisances into joys, reminding us to cherish every moment, even those that test [...]
Baby Boomers like Marta and Octavian Dragos are finding themselves in a common predicament: feeling trapped in large homes once filled with family. As empty nesters over 70, the Dragos represent many in their generation struggling with the decision to downsize. Despite wanting to simplify their lives, financial and logistical hurdles make selling and moving harder so Baby Boomers are choosing to stay in their homes. High capital gains [...]
In this deeply moving and personal narrative, we are invited to share in the poignant final moments of Julie, as told by her loving brother. On the eve of her passing, we witness an intimate portrait of sibling love and the profound challenges faced during her battle with cancer. This article not only explores the emotional landscape of saying goodbye to a cherished family member but also delves into [...]
