ff942d02-6a8c-4c4d-a62d-1410c273e637 image

February 3, 2025

Your weekly link to retirement and aging news from

trusted newspaper, magazine and digital news publications.

HEALTH:

Should We All Stop Drinking Alcohol? Is drinking that dangerous? According to a report from former U.S. Surgeon, alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of cancer behind tobacco and obesity. Next Avenue, Jan. 29.

Why, Exactly, Is Alcohol So Bad for You? The tide has largely turned against alcohol. Drinking, at least in moderation, was once seen as a harmless—or even healthy—indulgence that could strengthen your heart and even lengthen your lifespan. But in many scientific circles, consuming virtually any amount of alcohol is now seen as toxic. Time, Jan. 28.

How to Assess Your Heart Health: Heart disease is the No. 1 killer in the U.S., accounting for about 25% of all deaths across the country. But it can be managed or even avoided, and doing so starts with understanding what happens to the heart throughout the aging process and learning to assess your heart health. U.S. News & World Report, Jan. 31.


Regular Flossing Can Prevent Strokes: Flossing is associated with a 22% lower risk of clot-caused stroke, and a 44% lower risk of a stroke caused by blood clots traveling from the heart, results show. HealthDay News, Jan. 31.

Should You Take a Multivitamin? Research is mixed on the value of multivitamins. However, if your diet lacks fruits and vegetables and your nutrient intake is consistently low, multivitamins can help fill in gaps. U.S. News & World Report, Jan. 28.

 

Your Gut Microbes May Impact Your Ability to Handle Stress: A new UCLA study finds that people who are resilient to stress tend to have healthy gut microbiomes. Next Avenue, Jan. 28.

10 Tips to Live to 100: Basic healthy habits can help you reach the golden age of 100 and beyond. Here are tips from experts as well as two centenarians on aging healthily. U.S. News & World Report, Jan. 31.

MIND:

12 Questions to Ask Yourself and Your Doctor To Maintain Brain Health: Many people worry about their future brain health. So many, in fact, that the American Academy of Neurology suggests that everyone consider 12 factors that influence long-term brain health. HealthDay News, Feb. 1.


Cholesterol Changes in Seniors Linked to Brain Health: Seniors whose cholesterol levels spike and plummet year-to-year could be at increased risk of dementia and failing brain health, a new study suggests. HealthDay News, Jan. 30.

These Settings Aren’t Real. But for Dementia Patients, What Is? Fake nurseries and town squares seem to comfort patients. But some experts wonder whether they are patronizing, even infantilizing. The New York Times, Feb. 1. (🔒Subscription may be required.)

MEDICARE:

Retiring in 2025? 4 Things to Know About Medicare: There are millions of older Americans who rely on Medicare for health coverage. And if you're retiring this year, you may be gearing up to enroll as well. But it's important to know the ins and outs of how Medicare works. The Motley Fool, Jan. 28.

 

On Medicare and Need Telehealth? You Have Three More Months to Use These Services: All Medicare beneficiaries still have access to telehealth services until March 31. Starting April 1, you must be located in a rural area for most telehealth services. Kiplinger, Jan. 27.

MONEY:

The Hidden Costs of Retirement: Why Your Expenses May Be Higher Than You Think: There’s a widespread rule of thumb that retirees need about 70% to 80% of their pre-retirement income. However, this guideline overlooks the potential for inflation and increased spending in other areas like travel, hobbies and especially health care. U.S. News & World Report, Jan. 31.

Top Financial Tips for 2025: Each new year arrives with its own risks and opportunities, perhaps none more than 2025. The new administration in Washington has promised radical changes, which may translate into opportunities for investors. Next Avenue, Jan. 29.

 

If You’re Nearing Retirement, these 2025 Changes Could Affect Your Finances. Here’s What to Know: Starting in 2025, there’s a higher 401(k) plan catch-up contribution for workers ages 60 to 63. Plus, there are new rules for inherited individual retirement accounts and boosted Social Security benefits for certain public workers. CNBC, Jan, 25.

How to Claim the Saver's Credit: Low- and moderate-income workers who save for retirement in a 401(k) plan or individual retirement account could qualify for the saver's credit. This retirement savings credit can be claimed in addition to any tax deduction you earn by contributing to a traditional retirement account. U.S. News & World Report, Jan. 27.

Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Before Retirement? When deciding whether to pay off your mortgage before retirement, consider your finances, priorities and peace of mind. Kiplinger, Jan. 31.


A Guide to the FIRE Movement: Those who dream of quitting their jobs before the traditional retirement age may have heard of FIRE, which stands for “financial independence, retire early.” U.S. News & World Report, Jan. 31.

TAXES:

Ease the Tax Bite When You Tap Retirement Accounts: Savvy retirees tap retirement accounts with a tax plan. Each type of account may have different tax rules and rates, so know before withdrawing funds. Kiplinger, Jan. 27.

RETIREMENT:

Rating the Best Places to Retire Lists: If you're thinking about relocating in retirement, you might be tempted to check out one of the many Best Places to Retire in America lists. If so, buckle up. Next Avenue, Jan. 27.

 

12 Great Places to Retire in the Midwest: Affordability, ample activities and quality healthcare make these midwestern cities appealing to retirees. Kiplinger, Jan. 28.

Where to Retire: Living in Panama Offers Stability and Charm: Retirees living in Panama enjoy urban amenities and a chill lifestyle for ex-pats. Kiplinger, Jan. 31.


What Is the Best Time of Year to Retire for Tax Purposes? Knowing when to retire involves more than just throwing in the towel and collecting Social Security. U.S. News & World Report, Jan. 30.

How to Retire Early Due to Disability or Caretaking: If you must retire early due to disability or to care for a loved one, these six steps can make it work financially. Kiplinger, Feb. 1.


Should You Retire at 62? Five Tips to Know You're Ready: To retire at 62, kick the tires to see if your retirement plan is a classic car or a jalopy. Kiplinger, Jan. 27.

SOCIAL SECURITY:

Don’t Miss This Social Security Benefit for Older Parents: If you had children later in life, they might be entitled to Social Security benefits when you retire. U.S. News & World Report, Jan. 29.

 

Social Security Fairness Act Retroactive Payments and 2025 Increases Are Delayed: Over three million retirees who worked in the public sector, or are entitled to spousal or surviving spousal benefits, will see delays as the SSA manually adjusts benefits as a result of the Social Security Fairness Act. Kiplinger, Jan. 29.

LONG-TERM CARE:

If You Think You'll Never Need Long-Term Care, You're Probably Wrong: Many Americans have watched long-term care play out for a parent or grandparent. But many of us seem to be in denial about whether we might need long-term care ourselves, and about what it costs. USA Today, Jan. 29.

 

Mass Deportations Spell Trouble for Some Families Needing Long-Term Care: What experts think President Trump’s sweeping policy could mean for care at home, in nursing homes and in assisted-living centers. Next Avenue, Jan. 28.

TECHNOLOGY:

The Best Cell Phone Plans for Seniors in 2025: Two of the most important features in determining our top pick were helpful elements like senior discounts and physical store availability for in-person support. Business Insider, Jan. 29.

WORK:

How to Stop Ageism from Tanking Your Retirement: More older workers report instances of ageism. Here's how you can stop age discrimination before it affects your career and retirement savings. Kiplinger, Jan. 30.

EXTRA:

The Scientific Fight Over Whether Aging Is a Disease: An improving scientific understanding of the biology of aging is leading some scientists, doctors and entrepreneurs to argue that aging is a disease. WSJ, Jan. 27. (🔒Subscription may be required.)

0847e694-f9aa-46ff-8cc1-89e8dd606bb2 image

The Senior Newswire relies on support from readers like you. Please make a donation to the Savvy Senior Foundation so we can continue to provide you news and information on a range of issues that matter most as we age. All donations are tax deductible!


Thank you!

View as Webpage

X Share This Email
LinkedIn Share This Email