Top 5 Reasons to Retire in Connecticut

Connecticut is not a typical retirement state, although some seniors who have lived in Boston or New York City like to move out to the countryside for retirement. Many seniors also stay here to be closer to family also. One thing is for sure, Connecticut is not a state for retirees who need to live on a tight budget. Taxes are some of the highest in the country and home prices are up there as well. In spite of the high costs, Connecticut still offers several valuable reasons for seniors to live here. Connecticut is conveniently located between Boston and New York for those who like to enjoy jaunts to the city now and then. There are many quality hospitals and medical centers here Read More

Winter Safety Tips for Seniors

Winter can be a beautiful time of year, however, a winter wonderland can be a hazardous for seniors. Knowing the precautions to take and the symptoms of trouble can help you enjoy the coming season. Read More

'twas the Night Before Christmas

I don't know about you but I always enjoy this well known poem written by Clement Clarke Moore in 1823.
That sure was a lot of Christmases ago!

'Twas the Night Before Christmas  'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there. The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads. And Mama in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap. When out on the roof there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, tore open the shutter, and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow gave the lustre of midday to objects below, when, what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer. With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick. More rapid than eagles, his courses they came, and he whistled and shouted and called them by name: "Now Dasher! Now Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Donner and Blitzen! To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall! Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!" As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky so up to the house-top the courses they flew, with the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too. And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof the prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew in my head and was turning around, down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound. He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot. A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, and he looked like a peddler just opening his pack. His eyes--how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, and the beard on his chin was as white as the snow. The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, and the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath. He had a broad face and a little round belly, that shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly. He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, and I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself. A wink of his eye and a twist of his head soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread. He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, and filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk. And laying his finger aside of his nose, and giving a nod, up the chimney he rose. He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, 'ere he drove out of sight, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!" A Brief Note about the Author and the Poem Clement Clarke Moore's famous poem, which he named "A Visit From St. Nicholas," was published for the first time on December 23, 1823 by a New York newspaper, the Sentinel. Since then, the poem has been reprinted, translated into innumerable languages and circulated throughout the world.

Top 100 Most Popular Dog Names

Most of us put a lot of thought into naming our new dog or puppy. We realize our dog's name will speak volumes about our own personality, insights, or sense of humor.

And what a great way of revealing just a tidbit of information about yourself to passers-by. Did you hear about the woman at the dog park who was heard calling, "Bella, here Bella!" by a fellow Twilight fanatic, thus sparking a conversation and friendship between the two dog lovers? All because of the name she chose for her dog! See List.

Famous People who were born in, lived in or currently live in Connecticut

Not surprisingly with its long history and proximity to New York, a good many famous people were born in, lived in or live in Connecticut today. To make it easier to find someone in whom you're interested, we broke the list of famous people in or from Connecticut down by categories. See list.

The 12 Days of Christmas? That'll Cost You a Record $101,119.84

Every year, the wonderfully dorky economists with PNC bank celebrate "The 12 Days of Christmas" the way only wonderfully dorky economists could. They calculate what it would actually cost for your true love to buy 12 drummers drumming, 11 pipers pipers piping, and so on, all the way down to the partridge in the pear-bearing tree. Read More.

Hottest Christmas Gifts 2011

Are you ready for Christmas? How about shopping?
To help you with choosing gifts for your family and friends, I have composed a list of the hottest Christmas gifts for 2011 below. I am really just focusing on two categories here, electronics for adults (and teens) and toys for kids  Read More.

The Thanksgiving Story

Most stories of Thanksgiving history start with the harvest celebration of the pilgrims and the Native Americans that took place in the autumn of 1621. Although they did have a three-day feast in celebration of a good harvest, and the local natives did participate, this "first thanksgiving" was not a holiday, simply a gathering. There is little evidence that this feast of thanks led directly to our modern Thanksgiving Day holiday. Thanksgiving can, however, be traced back to 1863 when Pres. Lincoln became the first president to proclaim Thanksgiving Day. The holiday has been a fixture of late November ever since. However, since most school children are taught that the first Thanksgiving was held in 1621 with the Pilgrims and Indians, let us take a closer look at just what took place leading up to that event. Read More

Turkey for the Holidays-Turkey Facts

Turkey Facts 

By the University of Illinois Extension

• Ben Franklin,in a letter to his daughter, proposed the turkey as the official United States bird.
• In 2008, the average American ate 17.6 pounds of turkey.
• 88% of Americans surveyed by the National Turkey Federation eat turkey at Thanksgiving.
• Turkey consumption has increased 108% since 1970.
• Since 1970, turkey production in the United States has increased nearly 300 percent.
• In 2009, 250 million turkeys are expected to be raised in the United States.
• In 2007, 271,685,000 turkeys were produced in the United States.
• The turkey industry employees 20,000 to 25,000 persons in the United States.
• In 1970, 50 per cent of all turkey consumed was during the holidays, now just 29 per cent of all turkey consumed is during the holidays as more turkey is eaten year-round.
• In 2006, Turkey was the # 4 protein choice for American consumers behind chicken, beef and pork
• In 2007 42.6% of turkeys were sold to grocery stores and other retail outlets, 23.5% sold in commodity outlets, 17.7% sold to foodservice outlets and 8.5% were exported.
• The average weight of a turkey purchased at Thanksgiving is 15 pounds.
• The heaviest turkey ever raised was 86 pounds, about the size of a large dog.
• A 15 pound turkey usually has about 70 percent white meat and 30 percent dark meat.
• The wild turkey is native to Northern Mexico and the Eastern United States.
• The male turkey is called a tom.
• The female turkey is called a hen.
• The turkey was domesticated in Mexico and brought to Europe in the 16th century.
• Wild turkeys can fly for short distances up to 55 miles per hour.
• Wild turkeys can run 20 miles per hour.
• Tom turkeys have beards. This is black, hair-like feathers on their breast. Hens sometimes have beards, too.
• Turkeys’ heads change colors when they become excited.
  
• Canadians consumed 138.6 million kg (Mkg) of turkey in the year 2005.
• Six hundred seventy-five million pounds of turkey are eaten each Thanksgiving in the United States.
• Turkeys can see movement almost a hundred yards away.
• Turkeys lived almost ten million years ago.
• Turkey feathers were used by Native Americans to stabilize arrows.
• Baby turkeys are called poults and are tan and brown.
• Turkey eggs are tan with brown specks and are larger than chicken eggs.
• It takes 75-80 pounds of feed to raise a 30 pound tom turkey.
• In 1920, U.S. turkey growers produced one turkey for every 29 persons in the
• U.S. Today growers produce nearly one turkey for every person in the country..
• The turkeys produced in 2007 together weighed 7.9 billion pounds and were valued at $3.7 billion.
• United States turkey growers will produce an estimated 271 million turkeys in 2008.
• Forty-five million turkeys are eaten each Thanksgiving.
• Twenty-two million turkeys are eaten each Christmas.
• Nineteen million turkeys are eaten each Easter.
• 29% of turkeys consumed in the United States are consumed during the holidays.
• Male turkeys gobble. Hens do not. They make a clicking noise.
• Gobbling turkeys can be heard a mile away on a quiet day.
• Minnesota, North Carolina, Arkansas, Missouri, Virginia, California, Indiana, South Carolina, Pennsylvania and Iowa were the leading producers of turkeys in 2008.
• Minnesota is expected to raise 45.5 million turkeys in 2009.
• Illinois produced 2.8 million turkeys in 2007.
• A 16 week old turkey is called a fryer. A five to seven month old turkey is called a young roaster and a yearling is a year old. Any turkey 15 months or older is called mature.
• The ballroom dance the "turkey trot" was named for the short, jerky steps that turkeys take.
• Turkeys don’t really have ears like ours, but they have very good hearing.
• Turkeys can see in color.
• A large group of turkeys is called a flock.
• Turkeys do not see well at night.
• A domesticated male turkey can reach a weight of 30 pounds within 18 weeks after hatching.
• Turkeys are related to pheasants.
• Commercially raised turkeys cannot fly.
• Wild turkeys spend the night in trees. They especially like oak trees.
• Wild turkeys were almost wiped out in the early 1900's. Today there are wild turkeys in every state except Alaska.
• Turkeys are believed to have been brought to Britain in 1526 by Yorkshire man William Strickland. He acquired six turkeys from American Indian traders and sold them for tuppence in Bristol.
• Henry VIII was the first English King to enjoy turkey and Edward VII made turkey eating fashionable at Christmas.
• In England, 200 years ago, turkeys were walked to market in herds. They wore booties to protect their feet. Turkeys were also walked to market in the United States.
• For 87% of people in the UK, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a traditional roast turkey.
• Turkey breeding has caused turkey breasts to grow so large that the turkeys fall over.
• June is National Turkey Lover’s Month.
• Since 1947, the National Turkey Federation has presented a live turkey and two dressed turkeys to the President. The President does not eat the live turkey. He "pardons" it and allows it to live out its days on a historical farm.
• The National Thanksgiving Turkey has been the Grand Marshall in the Thanksgiving Day Parade at both Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida for the past four years.
• The five most popular ways to serve leftover turkey is as a sandwich, in stew, chili or soup, casseroles and as a burger.
• Eating turkey does not cause you to feel sleepy after your Thanksgiving dinner. Carbohydrates in your Thanksgiving dinner are the likely cause of your sleepiness.
• 50 percent of U.S. consumers eat turkey at least once per week.
• According to the 2002 census, there were 8,436 turkey farms in the United States.
• Turkey has more protein than chicken or beef.
• White meat has fewer calories and less fat than dark meat.
• Turkeys will have 3,500 feathers at maturity.
• Turkeys have been bred to have white feathers. White feathers have no spots under the skin when plucked.
• Most turkey feathers are composted.
• Turkey skins are tanned and used to make cowboy boots and belts.
• The costume that "Big Bird" wears on Sesame Street is rumored to be made of turkey feathers.
• Israelis eat the most turkeys.....28 pounds per person.
• The caruncle is a red-pink fleshy growth on the head and upper neck of the turkey.
• Turkeys have a long, red, fleshy area called a snood that grows from the forehead over the bill.
• The fleshy growth under a turkey’s throat is called a wattle.
• Giblets are the heart, liver, and gizzard of a poultry carcass. Although often packaged with them, the neck of the bird is not a giblet.
• Turkey eggs hatch in 28 days.
• The Native Americans hunted wild turkey for its sweet, juicy meat as early as 1000 A.D.
• Turkey feathers were used to stabilize arrows and adorn ceremonial dress, and the spurs on the legs of wild tom turkeys were used as projectiles on arrowheads.
• Number of places in the United States named after the holiday’s traditional main course. Turkey, Texas, was the most populous in 2005, with 492 residents; followed by Turkey Creek, Louisiana (357); and Turkey, North Carolina (269). There also are nine townships around the country named “Turkey,” three in Kansas

Sources: National Turkey Federation, U.S.D.A., United States Census Bureau, Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, British Turkey Information Service, Canadian Turkey Marketing Association

Farmers' Almanac Winter outlook for 2012

So what’s in store for the coming winter?


For the winter of 2011–12, the Farmers’ Almanac is forecasting “clime and punishment,” a season of unusually cold and stormy weather. For some parts of the country, that means a frigid climate; while for others, it will mean lots of rain and snow.


The upcoming winter looks to be cold to very cold for the Northern Plains, parts of the Northern Rockies, and the western Great Lakes. In contrast, above-normal temperatures are expected across most of the southern and eastern U.S. Near-normal temperatures are expected in the Midwest and Far West, and in southern Florida.

A very active storm track will bring much heavier-than-normal precipitation from the Southern Plains through Tennessee into Ohio, the Great Lakes, and the Northeast. Because of above normal temperatures, much of the precipitation will likely be rain or mixed precipitation, although, during February, some potent East Coast storms could leave heavy snow, albeit of a wet and slushy consistency. Read More.

Some Favorite U.S. Vacation Spots

So you're looking for a change of scenery for a few days. Nothing too crazy, someplace that's just a few hours away by car or plane. Basically, somewhere new that's just far away enough from the usual routine. Here is a list of some of our favorite U.S. destinations that we think might do the job. The list currently includes only the most popular places. We're adding new ones all the time, so check back soon if your favorite spot isn't on here yet. Read More.

Is It Worth Keeping Old Magazines?

Almost everyone has a few of them tucked away in a chest or drawer in the hopes that they will be worth something eventually. Is it really worth keeping old magazines? LoveToKnow Antiques recently interviewed magazine expert Clifford Aliperti, an online dealer of vintage magazines about whether keeping magazines was a good idea. Learn where to find old magazines and what makes them collectible in this informative interview. Read More.

Seniors must make decisions on Medicare earlier this year

NEW HAVEN — Medicare officials are reminding recipients that decisions on what plans are best for their individual situations need to be made within a longer, but earlier, time-frame this year.

There are also more benefits, choices and reduced costs connected to the plans, and a rating system on the health plans and the 30 Medicare Advantage drug options.

Traditionally, the annual decisions on the plans were made later in the year. This year, the window in which to make a choice was extended to seven weeks, beginning Oct. 15, but ending Dec. 7.

Dr. Jaye Weisman, regional director for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, in a phone interview Friday, said that the cost of the Part D drug options range from $15.10 a month for Humana Walmart-Preferred to $110.20 for Humana Complete.

The new public rating system goes from 1 star, which indicates poor quality, to 5 stars for excellent quality.
Read More.

Life Begins at 50 Senior Fair at the Wallingford Senior Center

Visit the Senior GO TO Guide booth at the beautiful Wallingford Senior Center, Friday November 4 from 10 am to 3 pm

WALLINGFORD - Senior citizens and other adults interested in geriatric care will experience a full day of seminars and vendors at the "Life Begins at 50 Senior Fair" at the Wallingford Senior Center Friday November 4 from 10 am to 3 pm.
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Free seminar topics include practical retirement strategies, the ABC's of estate planning, medication management and health care decision-making.

Breakfast and lunch will be sold at the center. The Record-Journal is sponsoring the event along with the Greater Meriden and Quinnipiac chambers of commerce. Read More.

4-Hour Driver Safety Course Offered in Connecticut by AARP

Quick, in Connecticut, how far must you stop behind a school bus with flashing lights? Where should you place your hands on the steering wheel? How far from the steering wheel should you sit?

If you have forgotten the answers to these questions or think they haven’t changed since you first got your driver’s license, you are a prime candidate for the AARP Driver Safety Program’s 4-hour course.

Over the past 30 years, the traditional 8-hour AARP Driver Safety Program has provided instruction to more than 12 million participants seeking to refresh their driving skills. Now the course is available in Connecticut in a 4-hour version.

Learn how to reduce traffic violations, crashes, and chances for injuries; update your knowledge of recent changes in laws and car design; develop safe driving strategies to compensate for age-related changes. The new 4-hour course also stresses the importance of periodically monitoring your own and your loved ones’ driving capabilities. An exhaustive workbook offers self tests and quick tips to challenge any complacency that has crept into your driving over the years.

“This new 4-hour course is a great way for drivers to refocus on safety especially as they get ready for the vacation season,” says Joe Quinn, Connecticut AARP Driver Safety Coordinator. “Each of us needs to take responsibility for keeping up our own driving skills and monitoring those of family members, whether young or old. The new 4-hour AARP Driver Safety course is a one-stop way to do it.” In addition, if you are age 60 or older, state law mandates a minimum discount of 5% off your liability insurance for at least 2 years when you take a safe-driving course.

The AARP Driver Safety Program 4-hour course has been in use since 1995 and is currently offered in 23 other states. The 4-hour course offers the same valuable information as the 8-hour course, utilizes the same Participant Workbook and video, and provides the same insurance discount. The fee for the course remains the same - $14 with a $2 discount for AARP Members.

Find more information on local courses or access the interactive online course, or call 1-888-227-7669.

What are the most popular car colors?

Car dealers desperate to shed inventory might want to buy some white paint.

That's because 20% of North America's car buyers drove off in white vehicles this year. Black and silver were also popular--17% of buyers preferred these shades. Blue ranked fourth (13%) and gray rounded out the top five (12%). Read More.

Connecticut Travel Bargains

Here is a short list of bargains you can find traveling in Connecticut as reported on

the Yankee Magazine Web site. Read More.

Best iPad Apps and iPad Settings For Seniors

Here are some of the best iPad apps for seniors.  The amazing thing about the iPad is that it can be used by so many people of all ages. A toddler can be using it to learn how to put letters together while adults can use it for business.  Another demographic that can really benefit are senior citizens.  Here are some ways they can use the iPad. Read More

Why Seniors Love iPads

These days, tablet computers are skyrocketing in popularity, particularly among the senior set. Although mini-computers and thin laptops like the Macbook Air provide excellent portability and function, something about swiping fingers on a screen has appealed seniors to become one of the largest users of the iPad. Here’s why: Read more.

An iPad showing its home screen

The iPad (pronounced /ˈaɪpæd/ eye-pad) is a line of tablet computers designed,

Edit Stats Delete

Free state sponsored Forum on Long-Term care Insurance

FREE forums and OPEN to the public.   Sponsored and presented by the State of Connecticut.  No insurance sales or solicitations will be allowed. 

The Missing Link in Retirement Planning
Why and When to Consider Long-Term Care Insurance

If you are 40 years of age or older and plan to have assets of at least $75,000 (excluding your car and home)... by attending this forum you will gain a better understanding of: 

• the risks and costs of home care and nursing home care and why it's important to consider these factors in retirement planning,
• what you need to know before you buy long-term care insurance and,
• how it can add to your long-range financial security with the State's innovative program, the Connecticut Partnership for Long-Term Care.

Forums run from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Registration begins at 5:30 PM - Walk-ins are welcome as space is available.)  

OCTOBER 26, 2011

Edith Wheeler Memorial Library

733 Monroe Turnpike

MONROE

Stratford Senior Health & Wellness Fair

 Don't miss this years
Senior Health & Wellness Fair
at the Stratford Baldwin Center
1000 West Broad Street, Stratford
Thursday October 6
10:00 am- 2:00 pm
Hosted by Senator Kevin Kelly
Representative Laura Hoydick
Representative Larry Miller
Read more





Read more.

Vermont Fall Foliage Reports

"Foliage is nearing peak color on the mountainsides of the Northeast Kingdom and at higher elevations down the spine of the Green Mountains. Read More.

• 

Senior Nutrition The joy of eating well and aging well

The joy of eating well and aging well Share RSS Food for thought: Think healthy eating is all about dieting and sacrifice? Think again. Eating well is a lifestyle that embraces colorful food, creativity in the kitchen, and eating with friends. For seniors, the benefits of healthy eating include increased mental acuteness, resistance to illness and disease, higher energy levels, a more robust immune system, faster recuperation times, and better management of chronic health problems. As we age, eating well can also be the key to a positive outlook and staying emotionally balanced. You are the boss when it comes to food choices. Read on for tips on how to supercharge your life with the right food. Learn more.

From the FBI: Common Fraud Schemes That Target Seniors

Here are some tips from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)  on how you can protect yourself and your family from fraud. Senior citizens should especially be aware of fraud schemes. Read more.

Seniors Should Get Their Flu Shots

This is the start of flu season, and I urge all senior citizens to get their lifesaving flu and pneumococcal shots.  Flu and pneumococcal disease are particular problems in the Hispanic community where the adult immunization rate is far below the national average. Read More.

Boomers and Beyond Expo September 29 at the Trumbull Marriott

Save the Date! For the 6th Annual Cumulus Media St. Vincent's Medical Center Boomers and Beyond expo from 9am to 3pm at the Trumbull Marriott. Meet over 50 great vendors who will help you take the guesswork out of the aging process. St. Vincent's Medical Center offers health screenings throughout the day, including body fat analysis, depression screening, balance assessment, and cholesterol and glucose testing (fee applies). Plus, schedule your mammogram with the St. Vincent's mobile mammography unit by calling the Women's Imaging Center at St. Vincent's Medical Center at 203-576-5500. (Most insurance accepted - for the uninsured, Swim Across the Sound will cover fee for those who qualify.)

And, there will be great seminars throughout the day! Seminar topics include dental health, presented by Dr. Phillip DeJesus; managing your finances, presented by Capital Wealth Management; new developments in clinical research, presented by Angelo Termine of Associated Neurologists of Southern Connecticut; and the best ways to keep your heart healthy while maintaining your busy lifestyle, presented by Wesley Village's registered dietician Tina Miller. Don't miss a special free fall planter arrangement class presented by Benedict's Home and Garden.

Plus, meet your favorite WICC DJ's, broadcasting live all day long. See you there!

Warning Signs of Stroke

Learn the many warning signs of a stroke. Act FAST and CALL 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY at any sign of a stroke. 

Click here to learn more from the National Stroke Association.

One-Day Cancer College featuring Hoda Kotb, co-host of NBC's Today Show

Hoda Kotb, co-host of NBC’s “TODAY” and a breast cancer survivor, will be the keynote speaker at Bridgeport Hospital’s One-Day Cancer College, Saturday, Sept. 17, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., at the Trumbull Marriott, 180 Hawley Lane. The free event will also include lectures on a variety of cancer-related topics by nearly 20 Bridgeport Hospital physicians and other clinical experts. Post-event opportunities include a book signing by Kotb at 2:00 p.m. and the MetLife presentation, “Coping with Cancer Finances,” 2:30–3:30 p.m. Event is Free but advance registration is required.
Date:	9/17/2011
Time:	9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Fee:	Free
Location:	Trumbull Marriott
	180 Hawley Lane
	Trumbull
Contact:	1-888-357-2396

Life Expectancy Calculator

 The Living to 100 Life Expectancy Calculator uses the most current and carefully researched medical and scientific data in order to estimate how old you will live to be. Most people score in their late eighties... how about you?

The calculator asks you 40 quick questions related to your health and family history, and takes about 10 minutes to complete.

TAKE THE CALCULATOR

Senior Exercise and Fitness Tips--5 Myths about Exercise and Older Adults

How to Gain Energy and Feel Stronger

Share	RSS

Thinking about how to begin a fitness routine? Good for you! As you grow older, leading an active lifestyle is more important than ever. Regular exercise helps seniors maintain health, boost energy, and improve

confidence.
The good news is—no matter your age, your health, or your fitness level—you can benefit from moving more. Whether you are generally healthy or are managing an illness, there are big and small ways to get more active and boost your fitness level. Read more

10 Signs of Alzheimer's

Memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging. It may be a symptom of Alzheimer's, a fatal brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. Every individual may experience one or more of these signs in different degrees. If you notice any of them, please see a doctor. Learn how Alzheimer's affects the brain and take the Brain Tour.

Senior Living: Sleep Sliding Away

by Maria LaPiana

Ann R. of Fairfied was just on the other side of 50 when she first became aware of her sleep. It happened while she was awake.
“I noticed I was dragging all day. I had no energy, and had to take a nap every single day,” she remembers. “It got so I didn’t want to run errands and I started avoiding people because I was too tired to talk to anyone. It got worse. I found I was eating all the wrong things just for the sugar boost.”
It wasn’t until Ann started snoring (“My husband told me it was getting louder but I didn’t believe it until I started waking myself up during the night”) that she put two and too-little sleep together.
She saw her primary care physician and was tested “for all kinds of things—anemia, low blood sugar, etc.” But when those tests all came back negative, they began to explore the possibility that she might have a sleep disorder. Consequently, she saw a specialist who performed a series of diagnostic tests, including overnight observation in a sleep “lab.”

 http://www.connecticutmag.com/Connecticut-Magazine/August-2011/Senior-Living-Sleep-Sliding-Away/

How retirees spend their days

Watching television is the second-most-popular activity -- after sleeping.

Many people dream about how they will spend the eight or more extra hours per day they will have once they no longer need to go to work. However, Americans between ages 65 and 74 spend only about 1.7 more hours per day on leisure activities than the population as a whole, according to the most recent American Time Use Survey, released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics last week.

Instead, most older Americans spend their extra free time lingering slightly longer over everyday activities like meals and household chores, and they watch considerably more TV than the population as a whole. Here is how Americans spend their time in retirement:

http://money.msn.com/saving-money-tips/post.aspx?post=cd3ede34-5e49-45ef-992a-856a547fa87c

Growing Efforts to Address the State's Aging Population

Connecticut’s infrastructure isn’t the only thing that’s aging. According to the AARP Public Policy Institute, 19.6 percent of Connecticut’s population is between 50 and 64 years old. Those aged 65 to 84 comprise 11.8 percent of its population — slightly higher than the national average of 11 percent. And 2.6 percent of the state’s population is 85 and older, compared with 2 percent of the United States for the same age group.

Sponsored by Patch

You can read read the full article at PatchStamford.com

Thoughts on Retirement

There are many views about retirement. Here are some of them.
Edited by Peter J. O’Connell, Editorial & Research Associate

The trouble with retirement is that you never get a day off. –Abe Lemons

When a man retires and time is no longer a matter of urgent importance, his colleagues generally present him with a watch. –R.C. Sherriff

O, blest retirement! friend to life’s decline—
How blest is he who crowns, in shades like these.
A youth of labor with a life of ease!
--Oliver Goldsmith

The challenge of retirement is how to spend time without spending money. –Anonymous

Retirement is wonderful. It’s doing nothing without getting caught at it. –Gene Perret

Don’t simply retire from something; have something to retire to. –Harry Emerson Fosdick

There’s never enough time to do all the nothing you want.—Bill Watterson

Retirement without the love of letters is a living burial. —Seneca

Retire from work, but not from life. –M.K. Soni

Retirement is like a long vacation in Las Vegas. The goal is to enjoy it to the fullest, but not so full that you run out of money. –Jonathan Clements

Retirement at 65 is ridiculous. When I was 65, I still had pimples. –George Burns
Retirement is the ugliest word in the language. –Ernest Hemingway

The best time to start thinking about your retirement is before the boss does. –Anonymous

The key to retirement is to find joy in the little things. –Susan Miller

Enjoy every retirement day as if it were your last, and one day you will be right about it. –Anonymous

Retirement, when every day is Saturday! –Anonymous

I’m not retiring from life, just a job. –Anonymous

Retirement: World’s longest coffee break. –Anonymous

Retirement is wonderful if you have two essentials—much to live on and much to live for. –Anonymous

Retirement: When you stop lying about your age and start lying about the house. –Anonymous

The worst thing about retirement is having to drink coffee on your own time. –Anonymous

When some people retire, it’s going to be mighty hard to tell the difference. --Anonymous

The question isn’t at what age I want to retire; it’s at what income. –George Foreman

One of the problems of retirement is that it gives more time to read about the problems of retirement. --Anonymous

There is a whole new kind of life ahead, full of experiences just waiting to happen. Some call it “retirement.” I call it “bliss.” –Betty Sullivan

An elegant sufficiency, content,
Retirement, rural quiet, friendship, books,
Ease and alternate labour, useful life,
Progressive virtue and approving heaven!
--James Thomson

There’s one thing I always wanted to do before I quit—retire! –Groucho Marx

Retirement is a time to make the inner journey and come face to face with your flaws, failures, prejudices, and all the factors that generate thoughts of unhappiness. Retirement is not a time to sleep, but a time to awaken to the beauty of the world around you and the joy that comes when you cast out all the negative elements that cause confusion and turmoil in your mind and allow serenity to prevail. –Howard Salzman

As in all successful ventures, the foundation of a good retirement is planning. –Earl Nightingale

These are some views of retirement. What are yours?

Some Thoughts to Ponder

• The nicest thing about the future is that it always starts tomorrow.
• Money will buy a fine dog, but only kindness will make him wag his tail.
• If you don’t have a sense of humor, you probably don’t have any sense at all.
  
• I’ve reached the age where the happy hour is a nap.
  
• A good time to keep your mouth shut is when you’re in deep water.
  
• How come it takes so little time for a child who is afraid of the dark to become a teenager who wants to stay out all night?
  
• Why is it that at class reunions you feel younger than everyone else looks?
  
• Scratch a dog, and you’ll find a permanent job.
  
• There are worse things than getting a call for a wrong number at 4 AM. It could be a right number.
  
• Think about this. . . No one ever says “It’s only a game” when his or her team is winning.
  
• The trouble with bucket seats is that not everybody has the same size bucket.
  
• Money can’t buy happiness—but somehow it’s more comfortable to cry in a Cadillac than in a Kia.

Update on Reverse Mortgages

New options have lower fees.
by Thomas Gerrity, Publisher

In late 2010 the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) announced a modified version of its Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM)--better known as a reverse mortgage. The change is aimed at addressing the major complaint seniors citizens have when considering reverse mortgages--the up-front cost.
All reverse mortgages are insured by the federal government. They allow older homeowners--age 62 or older--to tap into the equity in their homes to cover living expenses, health care costs or any purpose, while continuing to live in their homes without having to make the payments that are required with a traditional mortgage or equity loan. The loan is repaid with interest when the homeowner dies, sells the house or moves out for 12 months or more. The homeowner is obligated to continue paying property taxes and homeowner’s insurance.
The new option is known as the Reverse Mortgage Saver, while the traditional reverse mortgage is now called a Reverse Mortgage Standard. Borrowers using the Saver option will receive about 10% to 20% less in proceeds than with the Standard--but at a significantly cheaper cost.

Lower fees
With all federally insured reverse mortgages, you pay an up-front mortgage insurance premium to cover any losses from the mortgage. The premium is not based on the loan amount, rather it's based on the home's appraised value or the government's lending limit of $625,500--whichever is lower.
For the Saver, the initial insurance premium is 0.01% of the home’s appraised value, while it remains 2% for the Standard. That’s a big difference. For example, for a mortgage backed by a home valued at $300,000, the up-front premium on a Saver would be $30, while the Standard premium would be $6,000.

Smaller loans
The amount of available proceeds for which you can qualify with a reverse mortgage depends on your age, appraised home value and current interest rates. The older you are, and the more valuable your home (and the less you owe on your home), the more funds you qualify for.
A senior homeowner will qualify for a smaller loan with the Saver option than with the Standard Reverse Mortgage. The lower up-front insurance premium comes with a reduction in the amount of money that can be borrowed. By reducing the amount that can be bowered, the FHA believes there will be less chance for losses to the program. which occur when the amount borrowed exceeds the value of the home.
According to AARP's reverse-mortgage calculator, a 72-year-old living in Fairfield with a home worth $300,000 could get a lump sum of about $151,000 from a fixed-rate Saver or a lump sum of about $191,000 from a fixed-rate Standard.

Fixed rate vs. adjustable rate
A borrower can choose an adjustable rate for either type of mortgage. The initial proceeds are lower with an adjustable-rate mortgage. The same 72-year-old borrower would receive an initial amount of about $161,000 with the adjustable-rate Saver and about $116,000 with the adjustable-rate Standard.
With a fixed rate, you must take the full lump sum that you're eligible to receive. But for some seniors, the full draw of a fixed-rate reverse mortgage could be more money than they need, and interest on the full amount begins to accrue from the day that the mortgage is signed. Adjustable-rate reverse mortgages give you more control over the amount borrowed. These loans give you the option of taking the money as a line of credit, which you can tap as you need, or receive in monthly payouts. This can reduce the interest charges significantly.

Other fees
In addition to the initial insurance premium, other up-front costs include a loan origination fee of 2% on the first $200,000 of the apprised value of the home and 1% on the balance, with a cap of $6,000.
A Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) guarantees that if the company that manages your account goes out of business, the federal government will step in to ensure that borrowers still have access to their loan funds. MIP also guarantees that the borrower never will owe more than the home is worth. The premium is 2% of the maximum amount of the loan or the home value, whichever is less, plus an annual premium of 0.05% of the loan balance.
Service Fee Set-Aside. The service fee set-aside is an amount of money deducted from the available loan proceeds at closing to cover the projected costs of servicing the loan.
Federal regulations allow the loan servicer to charge a monthly fee between $30-$35. The amount of money set aside is determined largely by the borrower's age and life expectancy. Generally, the set-aside can amount to several thousand dollars. Note: The servicing set-aside is just a calculation and not a charge. The only amount added to your loan balance is the monthly servicing fee of $30-$35.
Appraisal Fee: $300-$400
Closing Costs: Same as with a regular home mortgage, including attorney fees.

Having a pet can help keep you healthy

By Gail Darrow, Senior GO TO Guide

We all have heard that people with pets live longer and healthier lives. Is it true? Research shows that a loyal companion, whether a dog or a cat, can make your senior years healthier and happier. They even may help lower your blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides.

For example, petting a cat or dog can release the body’s natural painkiller hormone endorphins. Pets help us feel relaxed and calm, and that state of mind often creates a less stressful life than that of those without a furry companion.

Rebecca Johnson, Associate Professor at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction (ReCHAI), says, “Pets provide unconditional love and acceptance and may be part of answers to societal problems, such as inactivity and obesity.”

In a study sponsored by ReCHAI, “Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound and Stay Fit for Seniors’” a group of older adults was matched with shelter dogs, while another group of older adults were partnered with a human walk buddy.

For 12 weeks participants were encouraged to walk on an outdoor trail for one hour, five times a week.

“The older people who walked their dogs improved their walking capabilities by 28 percent,” said Johnson.

“They had more confidence walking on the trail, and they increased their speed.

“The older people who walked with humans only had a 4 percent increase in their walking capabilities.

“The human walking buddies tended to discourage each other and used excuses such as the weather being too hot,” Johnson added.

Many seniors who live alone can feel lonely and depressed. A pet is a great way to help one feel less alone and more protected. Pets not only provide companionship but also security.

And pets are very good listeners. They keep secrets and are great snugglers.

Send us a picture of your pet, and we will post it on our Web site.    

"Where's Dad's password list?"

by James Gust
Senior Editor, Merrill Anderson Co., Inc.

Estate planning in the digital age
The first step in estate planning is compiling an inventory of all current assets. Financial records, life insurance policies, real estate interests, bank accounts, brokerage accounts, retirement accounts, collectibles . . . the list is extensive and can be exhausting. In the digital age, this first step needs to include more than paper.

More people are managing some portion of their financial life on personal computers and online. Some have online business interests. Many more will have digital files related to their finances or careers stored on their computers. In rare cases, such files can prove incredibly valuable — witness the unpublished novel discovered by Michael Crichton’s heirs.

The key to unlocking the value of digital assets is access. An estate plan today should include a digital inventory and the means for accessing all such assets.

The digital audit
Here are a few of the basic issues that can come up when estate planning for digital assets.

    • Computer access codes. Power-on passwords and user account passwords may be required. Advanced users may have encrypted files or storage devices, such as external hard drives. A list of passwords should be useful, but it may need to be updated periodically.

    • Financial information and accounts. Some people use programs such as Quicken® or Microsoft  Money® to manage their finances. Others rely upon online banking or brokerage services, which usually will have another layer of password protection. Credit card issuers may also offer online access to account data. Finally, those who do their own taxes with the help of their computers, using programs such as TurboTax® or Tax Cut®, may have stored digital copies of old tax returns.

    • E-mail. An e-mail account is a convenient way to contact a network of friends. Once again, the family will need to know the password to access the account. Some Internet service providers will give the password to appropriate family members with a simple phone call, but Yahoo!, for example, insists on a court order.

    • Social networks. Neither MySpace™ nor Facebook® will provide a member’s password to family members when a member dies. They instead give the family the option of closing the page or leaving it up, as is, as a memorial to the member, where friends and family can still leave messages.

Business issues
For people who have been conducting online businesses, there are more areas of concern.

    • Domain names. Online businesses have domain names that will need to be protected, the rights renewed regularly. A few domain names develop significant independent value.

    • Online sales accounts. If goods or services are being offered on eBay®, Craigslist or other Internet service providers, some provision should be made to follow up on any pending sales.

    • Web pages and blogs. Most personal Web pages and blogs are of interest only to family members, but there are some that can generate ad revenue. Whether the account can be transferred at death depends upon the policies of the hosting company. Once again, passwords and user names will be needed for access.

    • Avatars from virtual worlds. Online virtual worlds, such as World of Warcraft and Second Life®, have evolved to the point that they have real-world repercussions. For example, a World of Warcraft character that had become powerful through extensive experience was sold for about $9,500 in 2007. Similar “real-world” transactions have been reported for Second Life®. At a minimum, if one has built up a stack of a game’s virtual currency, it would be a shame to let it go to waste.

Do you recognize yourself here? Do your loved ones know how to access your accounts in case of emergency? If not, this might be a good time to make that information available and share it with your estate planning professional as well.

Ponzi schemers

In 2008, Bernie Madoff acquired the distinction of having run the largest Ponzi scheme of all time. In a Ponzi scheme, investors are promised outsized returns to attract money into a pool. Early investors are paid their returns from the contributions of the latecomers, because there are no underlying investment assets earning anything.

Madoff’s genius, and one reason his scam lasted so long, is that the returns he promised were not remarkably high. Rather, they were remarkably steady, and thus seemed safe to prospective investors. Madoff-generated losses are estimated from $21 billion to $50 billion. Why the wide range? In part because the profits taken out by the early investors are still being “clawed back,” to put all the duped investors on an equal footing. Also, losses of phantom income from the fictitious account statements are not quite the same as losses of contributions to principal.

As bad as Madoff “made” the year 2008, by some measures, 2009 was even worse for investors. In 2008, 40 Ponzi schemes collapsed, while in 2009, more than 150 fell apart, according to an analysis by the Associated Press. More than $16.5 billion evaporated in 2009 from such frauds.

The surge in failing Ponzi schemes may be due in part to heightened awareness and investigations. The FBI boosted the number of agents working on securities fraud from 429 to 651 in 2009. They opened 2,100 securities fraud investigations in 2009, up 20% from the prior year. The SEC now dedicates 21% of its enforcement workload to Ponzi schemes, compared to just 9% as recently as 2005. The result has been an 82% jump in the number of restraining orders for securities fraud cases.

The recession also contributed to the failure of Ponzi schemes. In down times, it becomes harder to attract new investors, and early investors may increase their demand for withdrawals, putting the scam into a vice. Warren Buffett observed that, when the tide goes out, we get to see who has been swimming naked. Those who run Ponzi schemes are the most naked of all.

However, the first line of defense needs to be educated and skeptical investors. As the attempted bombing of an airliner at Christmas reminds us, the government can’t provide the entire solution for any problem. Investors need to be aggressive in investigating those to whom they plan to entrust their money. For example:

• Don’t take promises of extraordinary investment returns at face value. If the promoters knew an easy way to make a fortune, why would they share the secret?

• Don’t be hustled by high-pressure tactics. The investment world is not going to run out of good opportunities in the next 20 minutes.

• Beware of those who claim that they’re doing you a favor because you’re a member of a certain organization, church or professional group.

Residence, for tax purposes

by James Gust
Senior Editor, Merrill Anderson Co., Inc.

Hedge fund manager Julian Robertson and his wife reside part-time in New York City. In 1999, while Mrs. Robertson was battling cancer, Mr. Robertson did not keep track of his daily comings and goings, and so he paid New York City income taxes for that year.

In 2000, he took a different approach, employing his staff and a complicated, computerized calendaring system to track his whereabouts throughout the year. At the end of 2000, all but four days were clearly documented, with 183 days spent within New York City and 179 days spent outside of it. The remaining four days were ambiguous, and a trial ensued. Phone records and travel vouchers were examined in detail, and testimony was taken from witnesses. (Only New York City income taxes, not those of New York State, were at issue in this case.)

According to the Court, “Any day the petitioner was physically present in New York City, even for five minutes, was a ‘New York City’ day unless he was in transit between two points outside New York City.”

The judge’s ruling, running to 77 pages, held that during the four disputed days, Robertson was not in New York City. As a result, he did not owe any New York City income tax for that year, a savings for him of more than $27 million.

The case points out the importance of excellent records when it comes to resolving residency questions in tax disputes.

The death tax angle

Residency and taxation questions are not of concern only to the super-rich, such as the Robertsons. State death taxes (estate taxes, inheritance taxes, or both) vary widely around the country. Some states have eliminated their death taxes; some have matched the federal exemptions; still others have “decoupled” from the federal estate tax-exempt amounts. These latter states may impose significant death taxes on estates too small to be subject to federal estate tax.

The issue is especially thorny for families that own property in more than one state. They may be subject to death taxes in each of the states where property is situated. In rare cases, more than one state may claim the authority to impose death taxes on the entire estate.

If there is a chance that your estate might be subject to avoidable taxation, be sure to consult with your tax advisors about your tax planning choices. These may include, as for the Robertson family, documenting your primary residence for tax purposes.

Niagara Falls: Twenty Trivia Facts for you

You've probably heard of Niagara Falls but how much do you really know about it? You will learn about twenty trivia facts about the Falls. You will discover the answers to these questions and more - How tall is it? How deep is it? How high is it? What does it comprise of? Who owns it? How much does it erode? How much water flows over it? Where is it? What's gone over it?

Here are some interesting facts about Niagara Falls, mostly taken from Metromap Publication's Street Map Guide to the Regional Municipality of Niagara:

    1. The Falls at Niagara cannot claim to be the highest or the widest in the world, or even to have the greatest flow of water. The Iguazu Falls on the Paraguay-Brazil-Argentina borders surpass Niagara Falls on all three counts. But Niagara's are the world's most popular.

    2. From the water level to the crest, the American Falls are 182 feet high, the Horseshoe 176 feet high.

    3. Ten percent of the water flows over the American and Luna Falls, 90% over the Horseshoe Falls.

    4. There are actually three Falls: American (Rainbow), Luna (Bridal Veil) and Horseshoe.

    5. The U.S. owns all, or part, of all three, while most of the Horseshoe Falls belong to Canada. Niagara Falls is located 23 miles northwest of Buffalo, New York and 79 miles southeast of Toronto, Ontario.

    6. Today 50% of the Niagara River never makes it to the Falls: it is diverted for power. This percentage increases to 75% at night and in the winter months.

    7. The Falls have eroded an average of 3.78 feet/year since 1842. Since the beginning there has always been a large spread of water on the approach to the Falls.

    8. The Niagara River is not a river it is a strait.

    9. One and a half million gallons of water flow through the Niagara River every second, or one cubic mile every week.

    10. The Falls have taken 12,000 years to erode the seven miles from Queenston Heights, where they began, to their present position. But the Falls separated around Goat Island only 600 years ago.

    11. The Niagara River drains 255,000 square miles of mid-continental North America.

    12. With power requirements and anti-erosion measures, erosion has been reduced to less than one foot a year.

    13. The whirlpool is 126 feet deep at the water level. The water spins around in a counterclockwise direction.

    14. The water depth of the lower rapids is 45 - 60 feet, with currents of up to 30 m.p.h.

    15. The drop from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario is 330 feet depending on seasonal water levels.

    16. Seven people have gone of the Horseshoe Falls in a barrel. Four lived, three died.

    17. Only two living things have been seen to go over the Falls safely without special protection - a dog over the American Falls in the 1800's and a boy over the Horseshoe Falls in 1960.

    18. Five large boats and innumerable small ones have gone over the Falls, many with people in them.

    19. A free swimmer has never conquered the lower rapids.

    20. Before his death in 1942, the famous Red Hill saved 28 people from death over the Falls and salvaged 149 bodies of those that didn't make it. He accumulated more lifesaving medals than anyone else in the world.

    As you can see, many facts have been compiled about Niagara Falls over the years but at least you probably now know considerably more than you did before about this amazing spectacle. You can either tell others that are planning to visit the Falls what you have learned, or you can plan to see it yourself now that you are an expert on the subject!

    Keith J. Valentine has been traveling throughout the UK, Europe and North America for years. For more on travel, tips and a free e-zine, please visit 101 Easy Articles at http://www.EasyArticles4u.com.