The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
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By Kylle’ D. McKinney Alabama Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Some people who receive monthly Social Security benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments may need help managing their money. When we receive information that indicates you need help, we’ll work with you to find the most suitable representative payee to manage your benefits. A representative payee is someone who receives your monthly benefit payment on your behalf and must use the money to pay for your cur...
We tend to think of fat as nothing more than extra baggage, something that slows us down, makes our jeans fit tighter and, if we're being honest, messes with our confidence in the gym and bedroom. At most, we acknowledge that extra weight contributes to heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues, but we take comfort in our plans to lose it 'someday.' The problem is that as we age, "someday" moves further to the horizon and what worked when we were younger—a week on Whole 30 and incline t...
Social Security imposter scams continue to be widespread across the United States. Scammers use tactics to deceive you into providing sensitive information or money. If you receive a suspicious letter, text, email, or call, do not respond. We will NEVER: · Text or email images of an employee’s official government identification. · Suspend your Social Security number. · Threaten you with arrest or other legal action unless you immediately pay a fine or fee. · Require payment by retail gift card,...
Despite concerns about inflation and overall preparedness, Americans are looking forward to retirement, according to new survey research Wealth Enhancement conducted this year. 77% of Americans expressed positive emotions such as happiness (45%) and gratitude (37%) when asked how they feel when they think about retirement, according to the study of 1,000 U.S. adults. For those already in their golden years, 90% don't regret retiring when they did and 33% say it's even better than expected. Key...
For a variety of reasons, from telomere attrition to epigenetics, our bodies and minds can become less agile over time. This can increase our risk for many diseases and ailments, including Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, cancer, and bone loss, reports SaveHealth, a prescription savings website. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia and results in a continuous decline of cognition, social skills, and behavior. Alzheimer's is associated in part with age, and is much more common...
For older Black people in America, the golden years often come with a harsh reality: They are more likely to suffer from chronic illnesses, be sicker in old age, and die younger than their white counterparts. In 2018, Black Americans' average life expectancy was 74.7 years, four years less than the overall average of 78.7. However, a drop in life expectancy during the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated racial disparities among mortality rates: Black people were expected to live 70.8 years,...
As more people retire in a community, they change the dynamics within those local economies. This can mean that spending shifts: What was once spent on gasoline for the commute, or lunch out near the office may now be spent on more personal interests and expenses. Similarly, retirement trends can open up local jobs for younger generations. It may also shift the tax base, as retirees in some places may receive a break on their property taxes and income may move from earnings to Social Security...
As baby boomers continue to retire in droves, they are likely to consider downsizing their living arrangements to accommodate their new lifestyles. While they have the highest portion of wealth among all generations, they may no longer need to pay to be close to work in a busy and expensive city center, or may no longer desire to maintain large homes and yards. Often seeking out a familiar community, warm weather, and other amenities, baby boomers may also be looking for the best bang for their...
There's a world of opportunity beyond the borders of the United States. For decades, many Americans have looked overseas, seeking both fulfilling and cost-effective retirements. From picturesque beach towns to bustling cultural centers, finding the best place to retire for you depends on a few key factors: your lifestyle, your budget, and your priorities. In this article, Wealth Enhancement explores eight great places for Americans to retire abroad, and highlights what each place has to offer....
When Karen Sicner and her husband John made the decision to relocate from metro Atlanta to build a new home on a two-acre homesite in rural Sylva, North Carolina, moving closer to their daughter and her family in Tennessee was a major factor. Since then though, they've discovered that there are other perks connected to trading city life for country living that have nothing to do with getting geographically closer to family, The Daily Yonder reports. "I've been downtown (Atlanta) today and it's...
There is a wide variety of lifestyle options for wheelchair users, and that remains true into retirement age. One of the more supportive and comfortable living situations for a wheelchair-bound senior is an assisted living community. But this has not always been the case. Until the early 1990s, federal laws protecting the rights of people with disabilities were not always enforced. However, in 1990, the federal government passed the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, which overhauled the...
If you or someone you love and care for experiences a substance use disorder, you are not alone. People may have navigated addiction for decades or experienced these challenges later in life. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 17% of adults over the age of 65 live with substance use disorders. Seniors with substance use challenges can benefit from assisted living facilities, or ALFs. Viable options include facilities that support senior addiction treatments...
As America's population ages, rates of Alzheimer's disease diagnoses are rising. One consequence of the degenerative brain disorder is wandering, which can be dangerous—and sometimes deadly—for those struggling with short- and long-term memory loss. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia and is characterized by a loss of cognitive function over time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, individuals with the disease may show signs of memory loss, poor jud...
In 2024, Congress made significant strides in addressing the growing challenges posed by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias with the passage of two landmark laws: the NAPA Reauthorization Act (P.L. 118-92) and the Alzheimer's Accountability and Investment Act (P.L. 118-93). Together, these bipartisan measures build on over a decade of progress, ensuring a continued national focus on advancing Alzheimer's research, improving care systems, and supporting affected families and dementia...
Older people across the U.S. say their health declined between 2021 and 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Americans 65 and older in 34 states reported higher rates of "fair" or "poor" health when interviewed as part of the CDC's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey, so Northwell Health partnered with Stacker to see which states have seen the biggest declines. The population of adults over age 65 in the U.S. has experienced extraordinary growth. They...
Despite their reputation as a financially privileged generation, millions of baby boomers are slipping through significant cracks in the U.S. retirement system. A new source of financial strain on retiree budgets is homeowners insurance premiums, which have skyrocketed by 20% between 2021 and 2023. Between 2024 and 2030, 30.4 million Americans will turn 65. More than two-thirds of this final baby boomer cohort will be "financially challenged" in retirement, according to the Alliance for Lifetime...
Retirement will likely be the most significant expense of your lifetime, which means saving for retirement is a big job. This is especially true if you envision a retirement that is rich with experiences such as traveling through Europe or spending time with your grown children and grandkids. A retirement savings plan can help you achieve these financial goals and stay on track. There are all types of retirement plans to help you build your wealth, from 401(k) to Individual Retirement Accounts,...
The older adult population in the United States is rapidly increasing as baby boomers continue to age. In 2020, the population of people over 65 grew almost five times faster than the total population during the century from 1920 to 2020, according to the 2020 Census. As more people contemplate old age, nursing homes or in-home care with trusted family members quickly come to mind. However, an alternative approach that began in San Francisco's Chinatown community is growing in popularity....
The COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point for nursing home care in America. It amplified the dire needs of the nation's vulnerable older adults and spurred families to effect change. Four years later, nursing homes are struggling. They're hurting for funding, under-regulated amid labor shortages, and facing lawsuits from residents' family members alleging lapses in care are causing early deaths. Even after engaging with facility administrators over safety and accessibility concerns during the...
Americans are living longer—and it's changing the makeup of state and nationwide populations. Northwell Health partnered with Stacker to examine the growing number of Americans aged 100 and over and how it breaks down by state. Over the last century, the proportion of Americans aged 65 and older has increased dramatically, from 1 in 20 in 1920 to 1 in 6 in 2020. The Population Reference Bureau says this trend is likely to continue as Census projections suggest the number of Americans 65 and abov...
Social Security Administration policy updates that expand access to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in line with the law went into effect on September 30, 2024. The agency no longer includes food in In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) calculations, has expanded its rental subsidy policy exception, and has expanded the definition of a public assistance household. "These changes will help more people access crucial SSI benefits," said Martin O'Malley, Commissioner of Social Security. "By...
Power of attorney documents give one or more people the right to act as your agent when you're unavailable, incapacitated, or otherwise indisposed. Beyond more general types of POAs, specialized versions exist to address specific situations, such as real estate transactions or end-of-life care decisions. Depending on the power of attorney you choose to use, you can protect yourself financially, make business dealings more convenient, or ensure that your wishes are taken care of if you're...
Retirement will likely be the most significant expense of your lifetime, which means saving for retirement is a big job. This is especially true if you envision a retirement that is rich with experiences such as traveling through Europe or spending time with your grown children and grandkids. A retirement savings plan can help you achieve these financial goals and stay on track. There are all types of retirement plans to help you build your wealth, from 401(k) to Individual Retirement Accounts,...
As the American population ages, more families are turning to skilled nursing facilities to help look after their loved ones. Skilled nursing facilities, or SNFs, are staffed by trained medical professionals who care for people requiring nursing, medical, or rehabilitative services. Most people in SNFs have been discharged from the hospital but cannot safely return home, often due to an inability to move on their own or perform medical treatments. In addition to caring for older adults, SNFs can...
For many, retirement is the reward after decades of working and raising a family. The coronavirus pandemic also helped many realize that time could be fleeting. About 2.6 million more people than expected retired during the pandemic for various reasons, including health and safety and increases in asset value, according to an analysis by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Still, deciding where to spend that precious time can be tough. Stacker compiled a list of the 50 best places to retire...
