Category: Adventurous retirement
June 29, 2023 -- While any kind of travel is usually high on many people’s retirement bucket lists, a walking or hiking trip a particularly good idea for those looking for an active experience. Walking tours are the perfect Goldilocks adventure option for people of retirement age. Easier and less risky than bike tours, they provide plenty of action and adventure. They are perfect for folks who crave the outdoors and nature, but don’t want to experience new worlds from a seated position on a bus or boat.
Your editor has just returned from a hiking trip in the Dolomite Mountains of Italy - a fabulous adventure. Much of this mountainous region of northeastern Italy has been made into National parks, and the area has now been declared a World Heritage Site.
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Published on June 28, 2023
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Category: Retirement Planning
June 23. 2023 — Everywhere you turn these days there is talk about AI, Artificial Intelligence. Many fear that it will take over journalism, the arts, and just about everything else, resulting in millions of people could be out of work. It certainly sounds scary. But other experts think it could be represent the most revolutionary tool since the invention of the personal computer. In just one example, doctors are finding they can use it write reports, saving them time to actually connect with their patients.
So, how much do you know about AI? Can ordinary people use it for something productive, or is it just a menace? And for heaven's sake, how do you use it? To help answer those questions, we have prepared this article.
Lucy Burdette was intrigued enough to get a free AI account. On our behalf, she did a little test to see what would happen if we asked it to answer this simple question for Topretirements:
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Published on June 23, 2023
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Category: Financial and taxes in retirement
June 14, 2023 - A study on retirement by the World Economic Forum found considerable unease about retirement issues in various age groups. Health and income issues were prevalent among its Pulse Poll respondents. The report was focused on how individuals, companies, and government will respond to longevity and people living longer lives.Here are some of the key findings in the Understanding Longevity Study
Many people, especially women, are worried about having enough money in retirement. Some 55% of women are willing to admit they don’t understand their financial situation.
Health concerns are a big concern as people age. Many are worried they will have to become caregivers.
Men are more likely to be looking forward more to retirement than women.
The "bank of mom and dad" is flipping - in more cases younger people might have to support their parents - instead of the other way around. (Interesting, another study we came across found that many baby boomers are blithely spending money, while younger folks are having to pinch pennies)
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Published on June 15, 2023
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Category: Active adult communities
June 12, 2023 -- Finding your best place to retire can be a challenge. There are 1000's of towns across the world, with way more than that 55+ or active adult communities, that might be a good fit for your retirement. True, you can trim down the list of possibilities by price and geography, but even then your list can be daunting. One of the best retirement tools ever is the so-called "Stay & Package", which we will explore here.
Also called "Discovery" packages, they typically involve lodging and include a number of bonuses, like free or discounted golf, use of a golf cart, use of amenities, meals, chance to meet residents, etc. The price is discounted from what the package would normally cost, and usually entail an orientation or sales pitch. They are a great way to experience a community going beyond a quick tour, and without having to rent or buy a home. Obviously a few days in a community will not uncover all of its quirks and advantages, but it does offer a tangible experience.
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Published on June 11, 2023
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Category: Best Retirement Towns and States
Updated June 10, 2023 -- These 13 great places to retire in the Pacific Northwest could convince anyone any that they make for the best places to retire. We happen to agree, and have many friends who are enjoying their retirement lifestyle in this growing region. For the purposes of this article we have a loose interpretation of that Pacific Northwest geography: including here the States of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, western Montana, along with Canada's British Columbia.
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Published on June 10, 2023
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Category: Medicare
June 7, 2023 -- It has finally happened. For the first time, more people are enrolling in Medicare Advantage Plans than Original Medicare. The extra benefits and lower (sometimes zero) premiums are just too attractive. Not everyone is convinced, however.
In January 2023, half of the 30 million people with both Medicare Part A and Part B were enrolled in a private plan. The transition to private plans has been rapid - in 2008 only 19% were enrolled. Medicare Advantage's growth has happened because of a number of factors, including the attraction of the extra benefits they typically offer: vision, hearing, and dental services, and lower out-of-pocket spending. Medicare Advantage plans are more inclusive, as they do not need a separate Part D prescription drug plan or supplemental coverage.
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Published on June 7, 2023
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Category: Downsizing
June 7, 2023 - Now in their 80s and 90s, our friends Jane and Jack knew that they were going to have to downsize from their 3 bedroom townhome. They both had health problems, and the stairs to the upstairs MBR was becoming a problem for Jack's knees. But, they had a LOT of stuff, which pretty much kept them frozen for years.
Jack had hundreds of tee shirts from tennis tournaments he had played in. Thousands of recordings -- in vinyl, CD, and cassette. Hundreds of books. Cases and cases of nice wine. And confidential records from his psychology testing practice. Every wall of the home was crowded with original artwork. Did we mention that Jane was a successful potter, with a basement full of beautiful pottery? It was hard to part with anything. Downsizing was not going to be easy.
Then the health problems got really serious. Both of them fell, and one or the other had a cancer scare and cardiac issue. They simply could not live there anymore. Fortunately, a nearby Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) accepted them.
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Published on June 6, 2023
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Category: Best Retirement Towns and States
May 31, 2023 — Condo boards in Florida are reeling from a one-two punch. Quotes for insurance renewals are literally through the roof, and that is if the condo association can get coverage at all. Year to year rate hikes of 50% are common. The Jade Winds condo complex in…
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Published on May 30, 2023
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Category: Best Retirement Towns and States
By Yolande - Topretirements Member
Editor's Note: Yolande was kind enough to share her impressions of this popular retirement destination in southern Utah. You will see she has concluded it is not for her, but she did share 30 positive reasons (see end of article) why others might like retiring here. We have condensed her comments due to space limitations.
May 23, 2023 -- As for St. George, this place sucks! I've never lived in a more BORING place in my entire life! If you're an outdoors person than it's great, but I'm not. I don't hike or bike. My beach cruiser is in storage because I don't live near any bike paths. It's not for people like me. I like the arts, opera, ballet, museum exhibits, concerts and guess what? None of that exists here. If that's your source of entertainment SG is not for you. Don't get me started on the lack of medical care and inability to find doctors. That's another nightmare story.
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Published on May 22, 2023
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Category: Best Retirement Towns and States
May 17, 2023 -- Pickleball is exploding in popularity among all groups, but especially with people of retirement age. Participation almost doubled in 1 year, going from 4.8 million players in 2021 to 8.9 million in 2022, according to the Sports & Industry Association.
With that amazing growth comes the accompanying challenge—where can you retire where it's easy to find pickleball playing companions and get a court when you want to play? To help answer that question, we have assembled a list of the best pickleball places to retire in the country. While researching these destinations, we discovered that many retirees are also exploring other leisure activities that complement their active lifestyles. One trend that stood out was the growing popularity of platforms where people can ohne Verifizierung online spielen. These platforms offer a convenient way for retirees to enjoy games without the hassle of lengthy sign-up processes, fitting seamlessly into their relaxed and flexible schedules. By integrating both physical and digital recreation options, these communities are truly catering to a well-rounded lifestyle for retirees.
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Published on May 16, 2023
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