HEALTH:
Does COVID-19 Vaccine Shopping Make Sense? Anywhere you go these days (if you go anywhere), you can't help but overhear people swapping vaccine stories. Initially it was, "Did you get your shot?" But as three different vaccines became available in the U.S., the talk has shifted to which vaccine — and a lot of armchair analysis of which is "the one" to get. Next Avenue, May 5.
 
U.S. COVID Outlook Shows Big Improvement by July: Six research teams asked to project future COVID-19 trends have concluded that new infections will drastically drop in July and continue to fall through September. HealthDay, May 5.
'Prediabetes' Raises Odds for Heart Attack, Stroke: Prediabetes -- where blood sugar levels are high, but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes -- is not something you should dismiss. HealthDay, May 5.
 
Failing Kidneys Could Bring Higher Dementia Risk: Even a mild reduction in kidney function has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and infections, and there is growing evidence of a relationship between the kidneys and the brain. HealthDay, May 7.
Telemedicine Is a Tool — Not a Replacement for Your Doctor’s Touch: The pandemic has demonstrated that virtual medicine is great for many simple visits. But many of the new types of telemedicine being promoted by start-ups more clearly benefit providers’ and investors’ pockets. Kaiser Health News, May 6.
MIND:
Trouble Managing Money May Be an Early Sign of Dementia: Long before they receive a dementia diagnosis, many people start losing their ability to manage their finances and make sound decisions as their memory, organizational skills and self-control falter, studies show. Kaiser Health News, May 5.
MONEY:
8½ Birthdays That Can Affect Your Retirement: You hit a bunch of milestones birthdays later in life, and many of them have to do with retirement. Knowing these age milestones can help you better prepare for life after work. Nerd Wallet, May 5.
 
Are You Still Chasing the Almighty Dollar, Even Though You Have Plenty to Retire? In our experience, many have saved enough money to retire comfortably. Yet too many worry about their money running out and want more. Maybe it’s time to ask yourself “How Much Is Enough?” Kiplinger, May 6.
 
Parents Are Sacrificing Their Own Financial Wellness to Support Their Adult Children, Survey Finds: Many American parents are financially supporting their adult children at the expense of their own financial wellness. CNBC, May 5.
Saver's Credit: A Retirement Tax Break for the Middle Class: Saving for retirement is even more rewarding if your earnings are low enough to qualify for the Saver's Tax Credit. For 2021, single filers with adjusted gross income of $33,000 or less may be eligible. Taxpayers married filing jointly must have an AGI of $66,000 or less. Kiplinger, May 3.
 
Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage in Retirement? Experts Weigh in on Whether to Cut That Debt: It’s one of those debates that rarely seems to have a clear-cut winner: Should retirees pay off their mortgage or continue making those monthly payments? The answer — probably somewhat annoyingly — is that it depends. CNBC, May 2.
What Will Healthcare Cost You in Retirement? Prepare to Be Shocked: Healthcare gets more expensive by the year. This investment tool could make your future medical costs easier to manage. The Motley Fool, May 8.
 
7 Steps to Take Now to Catch Up on Retirement Savings: Even if your finances weren’t devastated by the pandemic recession, many Americans have not yet started saving. Here’s what you can do. The New York Times, May 8.
RETIREMENT:
You'll Probably Have to Retire Earlier Than Planned, Research Finds. Here's How to Prepare: Most people don’t want to work their whole lives, but financial necessity leads many of us to plan on a late retirement. Money, May 4.
SOCIAL SECURITY:
What's Your Strategy for Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits? Deciding when to start taking your Social Security benefits can have significant financial consequences. Here are some of the factors you should think through. Kiplinger, May 6.
 
What Is the Maximum Possible Social Security Benefit in 2021? The average monthly Social Security payment for retirees was $1,551 in March 2021. But many retirees receive over $3,000 per month from the Social Security Administration, and payments could be as much as $3,895 in 2021. U.S. News & World Report, May 3.
 
3 Honest Mistakes That Cost People Social Security Benefits Every Day: A single choice could cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost benefits. The Motley Fool, May 3.
Nearly Half of Retirees Aren't Receiving Their Full Social Security Benefits -- Here's Why: When you're nearing retirement, it's essential to determine how much income Social Security will provide. These retirement benefits are guaranteed to last for life and will probably be an important source of funds once you're no longer getting a paycheck. The Motley Fool, May 7.
 
Social Security Beneficiaries Urged to File Tax Returns to Get Missing Stimulus Checks: If you receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits and are still waiting on a stimulus check, you should file a tax return as soon as possible in order to get your money. CNBC, May 5.
LEGAL ISSUES:
Bill and Melinda Gates Are Getting Divorced. So Are Increasing Numbers of Older Americans: Divorce among middle-aged and older adults is so popular now that researchers like me have a term for it: gray divorce. NBC, May 5.
CAREGIVING:
The Time for Paid Family Leave for Family Caregivers Is Now: Why these Influencers in Aging urge Congress to pass the president's new proposal. Next Avenue, May 3.
LONG-TERM CARE:
Covid Forces Families to Rethink Nursing Home Care: Even with vaccines, many older people and their relatives are weighing how to manage at-home care for those who can no longer live independently. The New York Times, May 6.
TECHNOLOGY:
Looking to Pick Up Some New Tech Skills? There Are Many Online Classes: There are many different technology teaching tools available to older adults that can help you learn new tech skills so you can better utilize your devices. The Oklahoman, May 4.
 
Will the Government's New Broadband Subsidies Close the Digital Divide for Older Americans? Who'll get the discounts aimed at making the internet more affordable and accessible. Next Avenue, May 6.
 
The Best Cell Phone Plans for Seniors: Owning a smartphone can be expensive, especially once you include texting, data and mobile hotspot connections. However, many communication companies have a variety of options and prices to accommodate different needs, including phone plans designed specifically for senior citizens. U.S. News & World Report, May 5.
WORK:
5 Freelance Jobs That Are In Demand Now: It's a trend that's unlikely to cool anytime soon and suggests a number of work opportunities for people over 50. Next Avenue, May 5.
 
Why Some Older Workers Fared Worse During Covid-19 Than the Great Recession: It’s no secret that the Covid-19 pandemic has hurt workers of all ages. Yet when it comes to older workers — those ages 50 to 62 and up — some may have fared worse than they did during the Great Recession. CNBC, May 3.
 
What a Higher Minimum Wage Would Mean for Older Workers: Teens are far from the only ones who earn the minimum wage in America. Next Avenue, May 4.
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