Silver Threads

Recent Reminisce magazine contributions from readers highlight mothers’ new role as breadwinner, the history of Decoration as it transitioned to Memorial Day and the tradition of wearing a red poppy on that day.

More on tech support fraud fighter Jim Brown and additional AARP articles to help you remain free from 2021’s top scams.

AARP’s April Special Report reveals overwhelming evidence regarding the scope of an international fraud factory responsible for stealing hundreds of thousands from unwitting seniors.

A recent Chinese study determined that those over 60 who napped for a reasonable time performed better on certain cognitive tests than those who didn’t nap. Others say that the benefits of an afternoon nap vary based on length and purpose for napping.

Hobbies and creative pastimes have sustained people and helped them cope with the vagaries of the pandemic. Emotional support chickens, sunrise walks, making jelly and even decorating one’s casket are among the many ways seniors have brought comfort and joy to their lives during this stressful time.

Contributors from the newsletters Bold School and Next Avenue share the pain of grief of as well as their individual ways of assuaging it especially during the pandemic. Tips for helping others cope with grief are offered as well.

AARP's final eight lessons gleaned from the pandemic involve trust, wealth inequality, crowd security, disaster preparedness,enjoying nature, telehealth and city organization.

: In AARP’s Bulletin March Bulletin experts share what they believe we have learned about the pandemic’s impact on seniors and how those lessons can make life better as we recover. Medicine, self-care, ageism, savings, technology and trust are covered in Part 1

COVID restrictions have had a major impact on the dating scene. Articles from AARP offer unique and exciting ways to connect beyond the zoom interview, including picnics, volunteering, exploring waterfalls and more.

Adult children, even those with families have moved back in with parents due to pandemic losses. Other families are opting to use accessary dwelling units, sometimes called granny flats to house aging parents. Both can alter family relationships positively.

Articles from WXXI report on the Green House model of skilled nursing. Small sizes offering residents private rooms and bathrooms and universal workers have kept COVID cases in check.

This week on Silver Threads, three Next Avenue articles highlight the lessons of several LGBTQ elders, a therapist, a priest, a journalist and others who model for all elders resilience , commitment and positivity.

Daniel Kennedy’s docuseries, Healthy Long Life takes us to China, Japan, India, Israel and Mexico while AARP writer Charles Schroeder adds lessons from Hong Kong, the Longest-Living Place on Earth

Recent research has provided three methods to determine who is likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s well before dementia sets in. Studies focused on analyzing blood, changes in written language and observing brain waves during memory tasks all benefited from participants in clinical trials.

Articles from Forbes and Kiplinger address readiness for retirement. Answering seven critical questions, reducing debt and “practicing poverty” will help you decide if you are ready to retire.

Part II of the International Retirement’s Best Places to live includes expat’s description of living in Portugal, Columbia, Panama, Mexico and Costa Rica.

Each year International Living releases its Best Places in the World to Retire. Of the ten countries chosen for 2021 I will be giving you, in part one, an expat’s view of Viet Nam, Malaysia, Malta and Ecuador.

Articles from Atlantic magazine focus on how isolation, ageism and a failure of empathy have taken a tremendous toll on too many older Americans.

Next Avenue asked readers to share special moments, times of resilience, aging in COVID and surprises they have had in aging. Six, all heartfelt and insightful, will be read on this program.

COVID-19 scams selling fake access to vaccines and treatments and IRS scams to steal your money or identity are on the rise.

An AARP special report offers several answers to the question “Who is to Blame for the 100,000 COVID Dead in Long-Term Care?”

Seniors are returning to learning and higher education for many reasons. In addition to traditional degrees, many are acquiring certificates programs that can provide a variety of skills for enjoyment or to enhance employability.

COVID-19 will likely change how we celebrate the New Year. Articles share some celebration history, tips to keep you safe and some very interesting traditional foods.

Reminisce magazine offers memories of Christmas traditions, treasured items, toys and foods and a time capsule of the year 1959.

Two people chosen by Next Avenue as influencers in aging 2020 are Heidi Johnson, who helps older, low income people manage their money and Andrew Saul, Social Security chief who believes customer service is the administration’s top job.

Mortality concerns during COVID-19 have led to an escalation in discussions and decisions about estate planning. Articles offer encouragement to have the difficult decisions with family about wills, durable power of attorney and health care proxies.

Seniors share how they have benefited from talk therapy for dealing with current life issues as well “old baggage”. Teletherapy during COVID 19 and the benefits of laughter are also discussed.

A series from Harvard Pilgrim Health describes new research on “ageotypes”, four specific ways in which certain people age. It also profiles individuals who have navigated the challenges of aging.

Articles highlight six strategies to better serve residents, staff and families in How to Fix Senior Living by Next Avenue’s Richard Eisenberg.

The second portion of the New York Times article, Elderly and Homeless: America’s Next Housing Crisis explores the many contributing factors to the problem and shines the light on those who are working to help the needy.

The scale of economic insecurity among U.S. seniors often goes unnoticed and is amplified as a result of COVID-19. Articles offer personal stories, distressing statistics and some targeted solutions to both problems.

Medicare Open Enrollment is a time to assess your plan to see what is new and determine if you want to change. Also, find out more about Joe Namath’s free Medicare Advantage Plan.

Articles focus on the health benefits of vitamins C and D for boosting immunity in seniors, with support from Dr. Fauci, authority in the battle against COVID-19.

Experts in several fields offer insights into a post-vaccine world for seniors and pundits view the 2020 election.

Articles from Next Avenue, The East Hampton Star, CNN and CBC share stories of seniors who are still singing opera and sharing with others while professionals send singing telegrams to those in senior residences.

Articles from 55+ magazine gives voice to women and men in their pursuit of justice. Nancy Dubner’s focus is on women’s rights and three black artists share their passion for racial justice.

AARP’s July article offers research showing that joy is hardwired into our genes and that music has an especially healing effect during these stress-filled COVID-19 times.

AARP’s article, The Changing American Table tells us how science and technology have changed what we eat and the way we produce our food. It offers a timeline from Campbell’s Mushroom Soup in 1934 to meals kits delivered to your door today.

AARP’s August Bulletin published its annual “99 ways to save” feature for savings offering tips from experts on groceries, cleaning, technology, gardening and more

Recent research relating to Alzheimer’s Disease has offered some surprising findings for seniors. Studies show flu and pneumonia vaccines may lower Alzheimer’s risk, as could getting good quality sleep.

An August 4 Washington Post article reports that many nursing homes that have been cited for fraud have received pandemic relief (CARES) money with little or no oversight.

Journalist Richard Harris and others share their concerns, fears, hopes and experiences being grandparents to biracial grandchildren.

AARP articles offer resources to help spot inaccurate news and fake political ads and posts on social media.

Author Richard Richmond shares his and others’ experiences to help us see that while we can’t escape life’s essential problems, we can change our understanding about them and enjoy the process

Articles from the June 55+ magazine offer several things to consider when planning for retirement finances. Advice on long term care, downsiz ing, credit card debt and bad money habits.

New York Times reports some nursing homes have evicted vulnerable residents to make room for customers who can generate more revenue, especially covid-19 patients. On the other hand US News and World Report’s annual Best Nursing Home ratings provide data driven resources for querying nursing homes.

AARP June/July magazine highlights Alan Alda, his love of science, surviving polio, living with Parkinson’s disease and life during the pandemic. Celebrities including YoY o Ma, Savannah Guthrie and others give us a peek into their quarantine time at home.

Articles offer history, updates, progress and “not yets” regarding the White House Conference on Aging and the Older Americans Act as well as what the future holds for senior healthcare.

Articles provide information on programs that help elders benefit from connecting with younger generations as pen pals, “grandkids on demand” and college students helping low-income elders achieve healthier and safer independent living.

Next Avenue articles offer ways seniors are persevering during the pandemic. They share on grief, daily life, acts of kindness and silver linings as well as reviving relationships and maintaining a since of community.

An earlier program focused on the empty next syndrome. This week, we look at another family dynamic, when aging parents move in with their adult children. Articles offer some of the ramifications of multigenerational household dynamics including some personal stories.