Age Matters: Seniors must plan with limited resources
Written by Michael Sandifer
Thursday, 19 November 2009 14:41
Editor’s note: This is the third in a four-part series by Michael Sandifer on senior issues in Greenwich. A new appears each week.
Caregiving underscores the need for the gift of health and adequate finances and for far too many baby boomers, income and assets are woefully inadequate to the task of a comfortable retirement.
EarthTalk: Going green on a budget
Written by the Editors of E/The Environmental Magazine
Monday, 16 November 2009 21:31
Dear EarthTalk: Celebrities and billionaires are shelling out big bucks for cutting edge green-friendly cars like the Tesla Roadster. But what are the rest of us — who live in the budget constrained real world to do about buying a new car that does right by the environment? — M.G., Stroudsburg, Pa.
With so many new energy efficient cars in showrooms today, there’s never been a better time to go green with your next car purchase. A few years ago the Toyota Prius was the go-to model for those with an environmental conscience and up to $30,000 to pay for the privilege of getting 35 to 40 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 45 to 55 on the highway. But today there is such a wide selection of fuel efficient and low-emissions vehicles that even those on a budget can afford to go green.Age Matters: Caregivers are crown jewels
Written by Michael Sandifer
Thursday, 12 November 2009 00:00
This is the second in a three part series on senior issues published exclusively for the Greenwich Post Web site.
Caregivers are the crown jewels in an aging society. Most are people in their 60s and 70s — primarily spouses, but also children and friends. From the last article, we know that Greenwich’s older population at 20% exceeds the national average rate of 12%. Issues of caregiving are especially common here. Residents reaching 80 years old or more represent those most in need of long-term care.Age Matters: Where can seniors find solutions?
Written by Michael Sandifer
Friday, 06 November 2009 14:41
Editor's note: This is the first in an exclusive online series for the Greenwich Post.
Those of us fortunate enough to approach 60 years old and beyond have a lot to be thankful for. Although we may be in various states from life’s slings and arrows, our experiences and knowledge count for a great deal in preparing us for ... what? Getting older?
Greenwich has followed national aging trends and then some. Greenwich is already Connecticut’s sixth oldest town and by next year, it is estimated that more than 20% of its residents will be older than 60, which exceeds the national rate.Did I Say That?
Maybe because I have thousands of books stored in a barn in New Hampshire, or maybe because I have hundreds more at home, piled on the floor and stacked perilously high on my nightstand about to topple, or maybe because I just wanted to be cool, I did the unthinkable — at least the “unthinkable” for a dinosaur who loves the smell and feel of paper.
Growing Up Greenwich
Question: Why was the blonde staring at the orange juice container?
Answer: Because it said concentrate.
Log On with Larry
Dear Larry,
I saw an ad for a technology product called Zeo that claims to help you sleep better. Do you know anything about it? — F.S.
Dear F.S.,
Thomas Edison felt sleep was a waste of time and relied on four hours a night. Albert Einstein insisted he needed nine hours of sleep for his mind to function at peak capacity. You and I would probably be pretty happy if we could consistently manage seven hours every night.Love & Opera
“All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up,” said Pablo Picasso. He was referring to the loss of imagination and wonderment we all experience as we mature into adulthood.
Talking Transportation
We all know what happened when Boston decided to bury its downtown elevated interstate highway, known as the central artery. What was intended to be a seven-year, $2.5-billion project became a 10-year, $14.6-billion engineering nightmare.
Your Wealth
With a Roth IRA, contributions are not deductible, but — beginning at age 59.5 — distributions can be taken income tax free. Also, there are no required minimum distributions (RMD’s) after retirement. A Roth IRA thus contrasts with a traditional IRA, where certain contributions are eligible for tax deduction, but where those pre-tax monies and any gains upon them will be taxed as ordinary income upon ultimate distribution, and where RMD’s begin at age 70.5.
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