Walking Significantly Reduces Chance Of Early Death

Three older women are holding pink dumbbells.


Walking just 4,000 steps per day can significantly reduce your risk of an early death, according to a new meta analysis of studies.  “The more steps you walk, the better the effects on your health, and significant mortality reductions,†author Dr. Maciej Banach, deputy editor-in-chief of the European Society of Cardiology, told a reporter.  Anything below 5,000 steps per day is considered a sedentary lifestyle.  “We showed that every increase of steps by 1000 steps/day is associated with a 15% reduction in the risk of dying from any cause, and every increase by 500 steps/day is associated with a 7% reduction in dying from cardiovascular disease,†said Banach.

Pebble Beach, CA Early Alzheimer’s Disease Is More Common Than One Might Think

A close up of some blue and yellow cells


A new report from The Alzheimer’s Association found that 12-18% of adults 60 and older have “mild cognitive impairment†while more than 1 in 10 older adults have early stage memory or cognitive problems.  Many doctors and patients “think that it might be normal aging, and that’s something that needs to be addressed,†Maria Carillo, chief science officer of the Alzheimer’s Association, told USA Today.   “They can be diagnosed, and a delay of a diagnosis can be harmful,†she said.  Sadly, a survey of 801 primary care doctors found that 72% had difficulty differentiating normal aging from cognitive impairment.  And 60% of doctors were unfamiliar with using tests such as spinal taps or brain scans that measure disease markers such as amyloid or tau.

Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Can Devastate The Whole Family

A doctor and patient looking at a book


The Alzheimer’s Association has been running a number of interesting stories in recognition of National Family Caregivers Month.  A recent story featured a 56-year-old woman named Ricci Sanchez who was chief operating office of a large hospital when she realized she was coming down with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease. She was relying on sticky notes just to get through the day.  She was referred to the Nantz National Alzheimer’s Center where she enrolled in the Longitudinal Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease (LEADS) study.  Her husband of 36 years, Andy, is now his caregiver—he previously was a caregiver for both of his parents.  His father, who passed away in 2017, had dementia, while his mother, who passed away in 2020, had Parkinson’s disease. What a sad way to end what are supposed to be your golden years.

 

https://www.alz.org/blog/alz/november-2021-(2)/my-care-partner-my-life-partner-navigating-alzheim?WT.mc_id=enews2021_12_08&utm_source=enews-aff-20&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=enews-2021-12-08&utm_content=homeoffice&utm_term=Story1

Pebble Beach, CA Exercise Is Critical For Those With Early Onset Alzheimer’s

A close up of some blue and yellow cells


We have written repeatedly on our blog about the importance of proper nutrition, social interaction and exercise is key to keeping the mind and body healthy for seniors.  A new study from Arizona State University Edison College of Nursing and Health Innovation had participants either ride a stationary bike or do stretching exercise for six months.  Those who took part in the regular exercise program had significantly less memory loss than those who don’t follow a particular exercise regimen.  The results were published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s disease. Regular readers of my blog know that both my father and grandmother had this terrible disease when they passed away.  There are wonderful people at our local chapter of Alzheimer’s Association in Ryan’s Ranch.  They also have a 24-hour hotline if you need support at 800-272-3900.

Mistakes People Make When Taking Social Security : By Derek Baine

A blue and white logo of the social security administration.


The Wall Street Journal recently ran a story entitled, The Biggest Mistakes People Make With Social Security, and in the number one position was thinking they will die young and opting to take early Social Security.  For the typical American between the ages of 55 and 64, the present value of their lifetime stream of Social Security payments amounts to about 60% of their retirement assets, according to Boston College’s Center for Retirement.  And it’s true for the wealthy, not just middle and low-income retirees.  “If you have a high-earner couple who earned the max and don’t claim until 70, you’re talking about getting the better part of $100K per year,†says Alicia Munnell, the center’s director.  “You have to be very wealthy before you don’t consider that important.â€Â  If you claim Social Security at the age of 70 rather at the age of 62, your benefit will be at least 76% higher.  That’s a lot of money over what could be decades of retirement!

https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-biggest-mistakes-people-make-with-social-security-11620561601

Think Twice Before Taking Early Social Security

A blue and white logo of the social security administration.


Many people take Social Security at the earliest possible time rather than waiting until their official retirement age, which can cost them over $100K over the remainder of their lifetime.  Recessions and a jump in early Social Security claims go hand-in-hand, according to the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College.  According to Chicago’s Becker Friedman Institute, there’s been a 7% increase in the number of Americans who retired after the pandemic.  Edgar Freeberg, 66, said he had planned on waiting until he was 70 to claim Social Security.  “I was going for the 70 thing,†he told USA Today.  But after his job was outsourced, he felt he had no other choice.  Statistics show that filing at age 62 the average household loses out on about $111,000 in lifetime benefits.  Here in Monterey, Social Security payments top the national average by a high margin in the wealthier pockets like Carmel and Pebble Beach.  But if you are not on the high end of the wage earning spectrum, it may pay to wait to file.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/09/29/social-security-took-checks-early-because-covid-you-get-do-over/3567304001/

Pacific Grove, CA Think Twice Before Taking Early Social Security

A blue and white logo of the social security administration.


Many people take Social Security at the earliest possible time rather than waiting until their official retirement age, which can cost them over $100K over the remainder of their lifetime.  Recessions and a jump in early Social Security claims go hand-in-hand, according to the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College.  According to Chicago’s Becker Friedman Institute, there’s been a 7% increase in the number of Americans who retired after the pandemic.  Edgar Freeberg, 66, said he had planned on waiting until he was 70 to claim Social Security.  “I was going for the 70 thing,†he told USA Today.  But after his job was outsourced, he felt he had no other choice.  Statistics show that filing at age 62 the average household loses out on about $111,000 in lifetime benefits.  Here in Monterey, Social Security payments top the national average by a high margin in the wealthier pockets like Carmel and Pebble Beach.  But if you are not on the high end of the wage earning spectrum, it may pay to wait to file.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/09/29/social-security-took-checks-early-because-covid-you-get-do-over/3567304001/

Carmel, CA New IRA Retirement Tool With No Early Withdrawal Penalties


With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing a number of Americans to be laid off, many people are taking a close look at 72(t) plans, which allows you to withdraw money without the usual 10% penalty, even if you are below the age of 59.5 years old.  Dubbed 72(t) plans, they give you a series of equal payments taken at least annually.  The duration of the plan must be at least five years or until the person reaches 59.5 years, whichever is longer.  Talk to your tax planner, Monterey County Bank or one of our other local banks about this option.  Another possibility which was made as part of the Cares Act is an exemption to coronavirus-related distributions as another exception.  If you are interested in this option, act quickly as it’s only available until year end.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/early-ira-withdrawals-can-be-penalty-free-11607004008

Monterey, CA New Hope For Identifying Early Stage Alzheimer’s And Dementia

A nurse is helping an elderly woman to get out of her wheelchair.


There has been a dearth of good news on the Alzheimer’s front lately, but now researchers are saying Artificial Intelligence (AI) has a new use—detecting early-stage Alzheimer’s and dementia.  Scientists can use AI tools that analyze typing speed, sleep patterns and speech to detect signs of dementia.  They can even use virtual assistants like Amazon Echo that can record the way we type, search the Internet and pay bills.   Cognitive changes can appear years before memory lapses become apparent so the use of AI is very hopeful.  Regular readers of my blog know that both my father and grandmother passed away with Alzheimer’s disease.  It’s a terrible condition that can rock the whole family.  If you or a loved one are struggling with the disease, I encourage you to contact our local chapter of Alzheimer’s Association in Ryan Ranch.  They are wonderful, caring people.  They also have a 24-hour hotline if you are in distress, call 1-800-272-3900

https://www.wsj.com/articles/ai-may-help-identify-patients-with-early-stage-dementia-11604329922?mod=djem10point