What Retirees Really Want
In Life?
Part 2 interview with Age Wave guru Ken Dychtwald, PhD
--Larry Hayes, A050 CEO/Publisher
This is Part 2 of an insightful interview I had with Age Wave guru Ken Dychtwald--psychologist, gerontologist, San Francisco Bay Area resident and best-selling author of 17 books. His latest best seller "What Retirees Want: A Holistic View of Life's Third Age" is available on Amazon.
Over the past 40+ years, Dr. Dychtwald—a Boomer himself who just turned 70—has emerged as North America’s foremost visionary on the lifestyle, health, marketing, economic and workforce implications of the age wave.
Ken, as COVID-19 is disrupting our lives, I’m wondering how you see the different generations handling this public health crisis differently?
Like most people, I’ve pieced my views together from the news, and I’ve also been pouring through many, many reports, polls, and studies and learning from countless intense conversations I’ve been having with experts from many sectors.
Studies from organizations like the Harris Poll are showing that retirees are the least distressed by what’s taking place right now. It’s true that older people are feeling vulnerable because of the likelihood of contagion and its serious consequences and that’s pretty damn scary.
Because so many of our elders in this country live alone and do not have as much comfort interacting through digital technology as their children and grandchildren, this a very difficult combination that can lead to harmful isolation and its effects.
And for those elders who are the most physically and cognitively vulnerable, many of whom are living in nursing homes and similar situations, it’s been a terrible nightmare—for them and for their families.
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ASK LARRY
-"Larry Hayes< CEO/Publisher A050
"Was My Mortgage Refinance Denied Because I'm 80?"
I'm a Retired Homeowner With Excellent Credit, Money in the Bank and No Debt. My Main Income Is Social Security But I Have Other Assets--BM
“Ageism” may be a factor but hard to prove. if Social Security is your main source of income, that may be the reason you were denied --especially if you’re seeking a “no-point, no fee” refinance loan.
It really doesn't matter what your “net worth” is. You could have millions in the bank and still be denied. High credit scores and "no debt" won't win you any brownie points either. In fact, you could be denied even if you've never missed a mortgage payment in your life.
It’s all about having a sufficient “annual income” which many retirees on SS don’t have. Even if comfortably well off, it's hard for retirees to get loans of any kind. Since you don't appear to need extra cash, a reverse mortgage may not be a viable option but keep that in mind if your financial situation should change.
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“At Next Stage, our inspiration comes from you. Your ideas are brought to life by our staff of certified designers and highly skilled production team. As a team, our goal is to help our clients improve how they live in their homes while taking precautions to keep you and our staff safe during this time."
"Let’s talk about how Next Stage can create your dream home. For a virtual consultation, visit nextstagedesign.com or call us at 408.323.5300.”
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Is It
A Crime
To Get
Old?
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The creative genius behind Under Cardiac Arrest comics is John Donaghue, a talented art director from San Francisco. He has created dozens of comics about the frolics and humor of older adults.
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10 Tips For a Healthy Heart
A healthy heart is a good foundation for a healthy life. Physicians Medical Group of San Jose wants you to live a long and healthy life. Following these 10 healthy heart tips is a great way to start:
1. Never smoke. Smokers are 2-4 times more likely to develop coronary artery disease.
2. Exercise regularly. Being physically active can lower your risk of heart disease and improve bone and joint health. Always check with your doctor before starting an exercise plan.
3. Beware of your cholesterol. Too much cholesterol, a fatty substance within your body, can contribute to a heart attack.
4. Sleep well. Getting enough of the right kind of sleep is important.
5. Manage your diabetes. People with diabetes have a far greater chance of having a heart attack or stroke.
6. Control your blood pressure. Consistently high blood pressure can lead to stroke or heart attack.
7. Eat the right things. Diets rich in lean protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats are best.
8. Lose weight if you need to. Carrying around excess weight can increase your risk of heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.
9. Don’t drink too much alcohol. Drinking alcohol can raise your blood pressure and harm your heart muscle.
10. Your mind matters. Depression and stress are serious risk factors.
For more heart healthy tips, please visit Physicians Medical Group of San Jose at pmgmd.com.
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JUST
SOLD!
$480,000
This beautiful 2 bedroom/1 Bath Condo/1 car attached garage in The Villages Golf & Country Club in San Jose, CA just sold for $480,000.
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The Villages is one of the best kept bargains in senior living housing in the San Francisco Bay Area--the only active adult 55+ community in Silicon Valley. Home to over 4,000 residents living in 2,300 condos and single family homes scattered throughout 550 secluded and scenic areas. Gated community for your privacy and safety. Many activities and fun things to do. Prices from $400,000 to $1,000,000+.
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Take a tour with me and receive a $25 gift card! For an appointment, please call me at 408.274.8766 and discover why
The Villages is a wonderful place that I call my home.
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Want To Know How To Access The Piggy Bank Within Your Home?
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Is a Reverse Mortgage right for you? Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn what we can do for you.
Reverse Mortgages Only 650.591.4400. Your LOCAL Reverse Mortgage resource since 2004. Judy Schwartz, CA DRE 01761198/NMLS 319524
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Black Swan Meets The "Perfect Storm"
--Evelyn Preston, The Money Lady
No one can dispute that 2020 wins the title: Year of Change—A Black Swan meets the Perfect Storm! The worldwide health Pandemic, countrywide social protests and massive job losses have completely upended America’s “business as usual.” And perhaps “We ain’t seen nothing yet!” A divisive election looms and its outcome could include tax changes that will affect everyone. Seniors, especially, need to be alert and aware.
Q: How much could retirement income be affected by a new Congressional majority with a more progressive slate?
Tax rates will most likely be expanded and current low capital gains rates could rise significantly that will impact investment income and cut into savings.
Q: Should seniors counting on Social Security and Medicare benefits be concerned due to all the recent costs and bailouts?
Whatever party wins in November, the “trillions” used to offset COVID’s massive unemployment, keep people housed and businesses afloat and help states cope with costs will add to the growing deficit. Senior entitlement programs are constantly discussed as one area where cuts could help reduce the greatly increased U.S. debt.
Q: Are there other changes floated that might adversely affect senior retirement planning?
With current laws, most estate planning is structured to reduce taxes in order to pass on assets (home, business, farm) to heirs, a hard fought-for legacy that could be radically altered.
Q: Best general advice for coping with economic unknowns and “maybes”?
Don’t panic or believe social media “experts.” Never rush to make piecemeal changes. Revisit your personal goals, review your long range plans and choices to date and especially acknowledge your individual risk-tolerance level. Economic changes might be the catalyst to seek professional advice. Also, this is a “mattering moment” to discuss financial fallout and fixes within the family.
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Evelyn (Evie) Preston is a financial columnist for The Scoop and has worked as a financial advisor for over 25 years. She can be reached at 650.494.7443. Her book: Memoirs of The Money Lady is available at eviepreston.com.
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Snippits
COVID-19 Discounts?
If you haven't asked your utilities provider for a COVID-19 discount, you may be missing out on savings up to 20%. Not only should you contact your gas, electricity and water providers but also your cable TV, telephone and Internet providers as well. Even without being asked, many auto insurance companies are giving discounts to their customers.
If you feel comfortable taking a vacation, don't forget to ask your travel agent and hotel for a discount. Hotels--like most businesses--are hurting and many may give you a free night, depending upon length of stay.
Takeaway? Always ask for a senior discount. Especially COVID-19.
FREE Caddyshack Digital Movie
Remember Caddyshack? Starring Chevy Chase and Rodney Dangerfield, Caddyshack is a classic sports comedy--one of the
most quotable, best films of all time. Fun to see over and over.
And it's FREE for the first 10 people who respond to Publisher Larry Hayes by email: [email protected].
Familiar With Next Avenue?
Part of the PBS network, Next Avenue is public media's first and only national journalism service for America's older adults. Check it out for some outstanding articles and stories on a host of relevant and timely topics including COVID-19. https://www.nextavenue.org/
GOT NEWS?
What's happening in your life or business? Send us "Snippits" of news
(up to 50 words) that you think may help older adults enjoy longer, healthier and more meaningful lives.
What To Submit? Any interesting news and human interest stories dealing with retirement, health, housing, money and travel including
new products and technology. Personal items welcome including Help/Job Wanted, House Sharing, For Sale and Companionship.
Share The Scoop with your friends, family and colleagues. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome. Reach me at [email protected] or call me direct at 408.921.5806.
Keep Smiling! And Keep Moving!
P.S. The Scoop reaches over 100,000 boomers and seniors in the
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