A Patient’s Guide to Skin Cancer: The American Cancer Society reports that cancers of the skin are by far the most common type of cancer. So, it’s important that you know the basics on symptoms, diagnosis and treatment to help as you battle the disease. U.S. News & World Report, February 12.

 

Supplement Makers Touting Cures for Alzheimer’s and Other Diseases Get F.D.A. Warning: The agency warned 12 dietary supplement companies to stop marketing such products for disease treatments. The New York Times, Feb. 11.

Could Diet Sodas Raise an Older Woman's Stroke Risk? In a study that tracked nearly 82,000 postmenopausal women, those who drank two or more diet drinks per day saw their overall stroke risk rise by 23 percent, compared with those who consumed diet drinks less than once a week. HealthDay, Feb. 14.

Benefits of Pilates: Strength and Stability: Core strength and stability are at the center of Pilates, which works the whole body to improve posture, balance, flexibility and strength. Learn what it is, and how to find the right class and instructor for you. Next Avenue, Feb. 15.

Osteoporosis Often Missed in Elderly Men: Osteoporosis is typically thought of as a woman's disease, but elderly men are also prone to bone loss -- even though they often aren't treated for it. HealthDay, Feb. 15.

Dialysis Is a Way of Life for Many Older Patients. Maybe It Shouldn’t Be: So-called conservative management can ease symptoms without dialysis in some people with kidney disease. But many of them are never given the option. The New York Times, Feb. 15.

Protect Your Aging Eyes From Macular Degeneration: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an incurable eye disease that affects millions of older Americans, but there are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk. HealthDay, Feb. 15.

6 Steps for Creating a Retirement Budget: For many retirees, the fear of running out of money is their greatest worry. They don’t know how to stretch their Social Security benefit to pay all their bills, or they are uncertain about how often, or how much, they can dip into their individual retirement account or other retirement savings. U.S. News & World Report, Feb. 14.

Don't Make These Mistakes When Your Spouse Passes Away: The stress can be enormous when a spouse passes away. It's generally a bad time to make financial decisions. You will want to avoid making major changes during that time, if you can. U.S. News & World Report, Feb. 15.

 

Have Outstanding Medical Debt? You're Not Alone: Americans of all ages have medical bills they've yet to cover. Here's how to manage those payments and avoid a similar fate going forward. The Motley Fool, Feb. 13.

Here’s What Happens to Your Money and Debt After You Die: Most debts get passed on to any surviving family members after someone passes away. If you do nothing to plan for this inevitability, the state in which you live will decide how your estate should be handled. Bankrate.com, Feb. 12.

 

3 Real-Life Hurdles for Retirees and How to Overcome Them: These three overlooked risks could derail your retirement when you least expect it. Here's how to plan for these potential debacles. The Motley Fool, Feb. 11.

How to Invest Unneeded Social Security Benefits: It will be hard for many to imagine, but some retirees don't really need their Social Security benefit. There are ways to put the money to work for you and your family. U.S. News & World Report, Feb. 11.

 

Retirement Planning Is Different for Women. It Just Is. Here's Why: With a longer lifespan and often less time building a nest egg, the stakes for women are higher in retirement, but these challenges don't have to sideline your planning. Kiplinger, Feb. 11. 

10 Simple Ways Baby Boomers Can Catch Up on Retirement Savings: Almost 40 percent of adults 55 and older have less than $50,000 in retirement savings and about one-third have less than $10,000 saved. GoBankingRAtes.com, Feb. 11.

This Is the One Big Tax Change Every Senior Should Know About in 2019: Tax season is underway. And, since this year represents the first time most Americans are filing since Congress overhauled the tax code in late 2017, there’s a lot that’s new. Money, Feb. 13.

Retirement Spots With Year-Round Nice Weather: Some retirees want to escape brutal winters, while others can no longer tolerate sweltering summers. In a few locations in the U.S., it is possible to avoid both extreme heat and cold. U.S. News & World Report, Feb. 11.

6 Reasons You're Getting a Smaller Social Security Check: Most workers are eligible to create a my Social Security account and get a personalized estimate of their future Social Security payments at various ages. However, your Social Security benefit could end up being less than the amount listed on your statement. U.S. News & World Report, Feb. 11.

 

10 Ways to Increase Your Social Security Payments: The amount of your Social Security payments depends on your earnings history and the age you sign up for benefits. Try these strategies to maximize your payments. U.S. News & World Report, Feb. 12.

Have You Talked to Your Spouse About Social Security? Here’s Why You Should: Even if you've saved consistently for retirement, there's a good chance Social Security will wind up serving as a major source of income for you down the line. Couples who coordinate on Social Security stand to get more out of it. The Motley Fool, Feb. 16.

 

When to Expect Social Security Checks: Claiming your Social Security payments is a retirement milestone. But not everyone receives their Social Security check on the same date. U.S. News & World Report, Feb. 13.

Restricted Application Social Security Strategy Is on Its Way Out: If you're a boomer turning 66 in 2019, you should take advantage of this claiming strategy to boost your retirement income. Kiplinger, Feb. 11.

 

Could Social Security's COLA Be Zero in 2020? In 2019, most Social Security beneficiaries are enjoying their 2.8% COLA, which is the largest percentage raise in seven years. But another big raise doesn't look to be in the cards for 2020. The Motley Fool, Feb. 11.

No Children? Why You Still Need an Estate Plan: Someone has to inherit your assets, and if you don't decide, state laws will do it for you. That means your awful Great Uncle Ed may inherit, while your beloved cousin Mary may get nothing. That's only one reason to get busy. Kiplinger, Feb. 11.

Scams Cheat Older Americans Out of Almost $3 Billion a Year. Here's What to Watch For: One in 10 Americans age 65 or older who lives at home will become a victim of abuse. Seniors lose an estimated $2.9 billion annually from financial exploitation. CNBC, Feb. 13.

Elder Financial Abuse: Why Banks and Advisers Are Stepping Up: If you’re worried about your parents becoming victims of elder financial abuse, you’ll be cheered to hear that financial advisers, brokers and banks are taking serious steps to detect and halt the fraud. Next Avenue, Feb. 12.

Seniors Aging In Place Turn To Devices And Helpers, But Unmet Needs Are Common: About 25 million Americans who are aging in place rely on help from other people and devices such as canes, raised toilets or shower seats to perform essential daily activities. But a substantial number don’t get adequate assistance. Kaiser Health News, Feb. 14.

Six Careers Worth Going Back to School for — Even if You're Over Age 40: Burned out at your current job? Stuck in an occupation you never wanted? Are you looking for a change now that you've hit middle age but are afraid it's too late to shift careers? CNBC, Feb. 14.

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