May 6, 2024

Written By:

Brian Goldman

Retirement Specialist, Financial Adviser

May 2024 Newsletter

There are important reasons why so many seniors choose to age at home. Examples include independence and proximity to beloved surroundings. Please take some time during this glorious month to review this month's newsletter which includes information on planning to "age in place", a delicious recipe, and much more!

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Getting Ready to Age in Place

Wanting to age in place (at home) is certainly a trend among seniors.

But as with any important life change, wanting to do something and being able to carry through with it can be two very different things.

When you decide to age at home, there are important preparations and plans that need to be made. Now is the time to prepare, before you need lots of care.

So, think about the kinds of help you need now and might need in the future. Learn about home-based care and other services.

And your bathroom should be a focus.

Are there grab bars for safety? Do the floors present slip dangers?

Further, consider any stairs in your home and decide if they may present trip risks.

Plus, review any illnesses you have and the types of care that need to be available nearby.

Reports say nearly 80% of seniors want to age in place (Forbes Health).

Is a Fixed Indexed Annuity Right for You?

There are many ways to generate an income stream in retirement. And recently, fixed indexed annuities have become popular with seniors (U.S. News and World Report).

Fixed indexed annuities, sold by insurance companies, can provide guaranteed returns. while earning interest based on the performance of a specific “indexes.” The S&P 500, for instance.

Like most annuities, fixed indexed annuities are likely to feature tax-free compounding.

Further, research has shown that they may offer the possibility of consistent returns over long periods of time.

At American Senior Benefits, thanks to our knowledge and experience, we’ve built a track record for helping seniors understand the "ins and outs" of annuities.

I can help you determine if a fixed indexed annuity might be right for your needs. Contact me today for information.

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A fixed indexed annuity may also offer an optional guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit. Contact me for details.

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Arthritis Month

May is Arthritis Awareness Month, an opportunity to learn about the different types of arthritis and their causes, symptoms, and treatments.

Arthritis symptoms include:

Joint pain.
Joint stiffness, especially in the morning.
Swelling.
Reduced range of motion.

Here’s some positive news about arthritis pain. Some food may help reduce arthritis pain. These include Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, fatty fish (e.g., like salmon and tuna), and garlic (Arthritis Foundation).

The Joys of Senior Dogs

Are you considering adding a dog to your life? How about an older pup?

Many people report great experiences with a senior dog in the house. And some pet adoption and rescue programs specialize in placing senior dogs with senior people.

There seem to be many advantages to welcoming an older pet.

Older dogs are more likely to be housebroken and have good “doggie manners” (The Animal Foundation).

Dogs can easily live to be 10 –15 years old. So, even an older dog may have many good years ahead.

Older dogs have already reached their full-grown size.

Older dogs are likely to need less supervision.

Remember: older dogs need love and care too!

Good Taste, Good Health

Spring Puttanesca Pasta

Here’s a seasonal twist on classic puttanesca (from Naples). It features fresh chiles, spring onions, green olives, and arugula.

INGREDIENTS:

1 lb linguine
2 med spring onions
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
6 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 (2-oz) can of flat anchovy fillets in oil, drained
1 tbsp finely chopped jarred Calabrian chiles
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 cup Castelvetrano olives, pitted and coarsely crushed
1/4 tsp black pepper
3 cups loosely packed baby arugula
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

DIRECTIONS: Heat olive oil in large, high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add spring onion bulbs, garlic, anchovies, capers, and chiles. Cook, stirring often, until spring onion bulbs are softened, and anchovies dissolved.

Add wine and cook. Stir often, until almost evaporated, 2 - 3 min. Stir in olives and spring onion greens. Cook, stir often, until heated through. Season with black pepper.

Add cooked pasta and reserved cooking liquid to skillet. Bring to a simmer over med-high; cook, tossing vigorously, until pasta is al dente and coated in a light sauce. Fold in arugula and parsley. Divide evenly among 4 bowls. Serve immediately.

SOURCE: Food and Wine

DID YOU KNOW THIS ABOUT MAY?

May 5, 1961: Alan Shepard became the first American in space.

May 10, 1994: Former political prisoner Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as president of South Africa.

May 17, 1792: Merchants and brokers established the New York Stock Exchange.

May 24, 1844: Telegraph inventor Samuel Morse sent the first official telegraph message.

SOURCE: The History Place

May Birthdays: Dwayne Johnson (May 2), Audrey Hepburn (4), Emmit Smith (15), Joan Collins (23)

SOURCE: Famous Birthdays

Senior Financial Glossary

"Weak hands" is a term often used to describe traders and investors who lack conviction in their strategies or lack the resources to carry them out.

A "white shoe firm" is an old-fashioned term for the most prestigious, well-established businesses and companies in elite professions.

Wage assignment means taking money directly from an employee's paycheck in order to pay back a debt obligation.

In the bond market, a weighted average credit rating describes the average value of all bonds in a given bond fund.

A waiver of coinsurance clause refers to language in an insurance policy that spells out conditions under which policyholders do not have to pay a portion of a claim.