Source article: https://www.health.com/retirement-depression-binge-drinking-alcohol-study-8776566

A new study reveals a correlation between retirement and increased depressive symptoms in older adults, with heavy alcohol consumption exacerbating this effect. While moderate drinking showed a slight association with reduced depression, the research emphasizes the importance of considering the physical health risks associated with alcohol.

The study highlights the need for better coping mechanisms during retirement and suggests alternatives such as physical activity, balanced nutrition, mindfulness, and social engagement. Limitations include reliance on self-reported data and the inability to distinguish between voluntary and involuntary retirement. Experts recommend seeking professional help if needed.

Originating Article: https://www.thestreet.com/retirement-daily/ask-the-hammer/boost-retirement-savings-multiple-income-streams

Briefing Document: Maximizing Retirement Savings with Multiple Income Streams

Date: October 26, 2023 (Based on the "Publish date" of January 29, 2025, I am using today's date)

Source: "Boost Retirement Savings: Strategies for Multiple Income Streams" - Retirement Daily on TheStreet

Subject Matter Expert: Jeffrey Levine (Financial Expert)

Main Theme: This article focuses on strategies for individuals with multiple income streams to maximize their retirement savings by leveraging different retirement plan options available to them through "unrelated employers".

Key Concepts & Ideas:

1. "Unrelated Employers" Advantage: The central concept is the distinction between income from a primary employer and income from a side business. Because these are considered "unrelated employers", an individual can potentially establish separate retirement plans for each income source. This is key because while the salary deferral limit is coordinated across all plans, the overall contribution limit is not. As the article states, "When an individual has income from separate, unrelated businesses, they can establish distinct retirement plans for each, potentially increasing their overall retirement savings."
2. Retirement Plan Limits: There are two key limits to consider for retirement plans like 401(k)s:

• Salary Deferral Limit: The maximum amount an individual can contribute from their wages. This limit is combined across all plans an individual participates in.
• Overall Limit: The total amount that can be contributed to the plan, including employer contributions. This limit is NOT combined between plans from unrelated employers.

1. Side Business Structures: The legal structure of the side business influences contribution options:

• Sole Proprietorship: Contributions are based on the net profit of the business, adjusted for self-employment taxes.
• S Corporation: Contributions are limited to 25% of the wages paid to the owner-employee.

1. Retirement Plan Options for Side Income: The article discusses two main retirement account options for side business income:

• SEP IRAs: These are simpler to set up and maintain but may have lower contribution limits.
• Solo 401(k)s: Often allow for higher contributions and offer greater flexibility (e.g., Roth and after-tax options). The choice depends on factors such as, "The need to defer additional salary, desire for profit-sharing contributions, preference for investment choices, willingness to handle additional compliance and recordkeeping requirements."

1. Choosing Between SEP IRAs and Solo 401(k)s: There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Levine emphasizes that the choice should be made "on a case-by-case basis, considering the individual's specific financial situation and goals."

• For lower side business profits, a solo 401(k) often allows for higher contributions
• As profits increase (e.g. to $500,000 or more), the contribution limits tend to equalize between SEP IRAs and solo 401(k)s.

1. Gig Economy Relevance: The article acknowledges the rise of the gig economy and emphasizes the growing importance of understanding how to optimize retirement savings across multiple income streams. The article concludes that "...questions about optimizing retirement savings across multiple income sources are becoming increasingly common, highlighting the importance of staying informed about these complex financial strategies."
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Source article: https://www.saintlukeskc.org/about/news/gentle-exercises-cold-days#

This webpage from Saint Luke's Health System promotes gentle exercises for older adults during winter. It suggests simple at-home activities like chair stretches and light strength training to improve physical and mental well-being.

The article also highlights the importance of staying active to combat the "winter blues" and prevent isolation. Finally, it advertises Saint Luke's Senior Life Solutions programs for those experiencing age-related depression or anxiety. Contact information for these programs is provided.

Originating article: https://www.hrdive.com/news/is-caregiving-leave-the-next-frontier-for-paid-time-off/738074/

Caregiver leave is becoming an increasingly important topic for companies to address, as many workers find themselves in the "sandwich generation," caring for both young children and aging parents.

Here's a breakdown of key aspects of caregiver leave:

• The Need for Caregiver Leave: Many workers, particularly those in the sandwich generation, spend a significant amount of time, approximately 50 hours per week, on caregiving. This situation can lead to stress and strain, causing employees to need time off to care for themselves in addition to their caregiving duties.
• Current Legal Framework: The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides 12 weeks of unpaid, protected leave to care for a family member or manage a personal illness. However, this may not be sufficient to address the needs of caregivers.
• Company Responses and Trends:
  • Companies are beginning to look at improving caregiver leave options as they have made progress on parental leave.
  • Many companies are moving towards more flexible and customized benefits and leave policies to accommodate workers. This could include flexible work arrangements, such as adjusting schedules for doctor's appointments or working remotely.
  • Companies are finding that planning for leave is better than dealing with unexpected absences.
• Benefits of Supporting Caregivers:
  • Offering flexible work arrangements and leave can help alleviate stress on employees.
  • It can also reduce the impact on the business by decreasing unexpected absences.
  • Providing caregiving leave is also seen as a matter of equity among employees.
• Legislative Developments:
  • Some states are taking steps to protect caregivers from employment discrimination. For example, as of January 1, 2025, Illinois protects caregivers from employment discrimination in areas such as recruitment, hiring, and promotion. This legislation is seen as a leader in worker protection for family responsibilities.
• Communication is Key: Open communication between employers and employees is essential to finding solutions that work for both parties. Understanding employee needs and working to meet them can lead to positive outcomes for all.
• Beyond Caregiver Leave: Companies are also considering other leave policies such as expanded parental leave, "pawternity" leave and paid leave for military spouses.

In summary, caregiver leave is an emerging area of focus for companies, with many seeking to better support their employees who are balancing work with caregiving responsibilities. This includes offering flexible work options and better leave policies that can benefit both employees and employers.

Source article: https://happiful.com/sandwich-carers-more-likely-to-experience-a-decline-in-mental-health-and-physical-health

In this episode , the cited UK article explores the unique challenges faced by "sandwich carers"—individuals juggling the responsibilities of caring for both young children and aging relatives. With over 1.3 million people in the UK taking on this dual caregiving role, new research from University College London reveals the toll it takes on their mental and physical health, particularly for those providing extensive unpaid care. It also discusses the financial, emotional, and professional pressures they face, along with practical tips to find support, access resources, and prioritize self-care.

Tune in to learn how sandwich carers can navigate these demanding roles while maintaining their well-being.

Main Themes:

• Challenges of grocery shopping for people with limited mobility: The document highlights the difficulties individuals with mobility issues face while grocery shopping, emphasizing tasks like bending, reaching, and carrying heavy bags.
• Strategies and tools to improve accessibility: The briefing doc focuses on various tools and strategies to enhance the shopping experience for people with mobility challenges, ranging from in-store assistance to utilizing assistive devices.
• Kroger Boost program as a solution: The document presents Kroger Boost as a potential solution for seniors and individuals with mobility limitations, offering convenience and cost-effectiveness.

Most Important Ideas/Facts:

Challenges:

• Grocery shopping requires a significant amount of physical exertion, posing challenges for people with limited mobility.
• Older shoppers and individuals with disabilities may face additional difficulties in navigating stores and handling groceries.

Solutions:

In-store strategies:

• Customer service assistance: Seek help from store employees for retrieving items and carrying groceries.
• Mobility scooters and carts: Utilize available in-store mobility aids for easier navigation.
• Non-peak hours shopping: Shop during less crowded times to avoid tight spaces and ensure better assistance availability.

Assistive devices and tools:

• Extender grabbers: Essential for reaching high or low shelves without straining.
• Backpacks: Offer a hands-free carrying solution for lighter loads.
• Grocery bag holders: Facilitate carrying multiple bags at once.
• Dolly carts: Ideal for transporting heavier groceries, with options for stair climbing.
• Baskets: Provide a convenient way to carry items within the store and to the car.
• Specialized shopping bags: Lotus Trolley Bags for organized cart loading and easy transport, foldable bags for sturdiness, mesh produce bags for easy access.
• Cup and phone holders: Attach to carts or walkers to free up hands.

Kroger Boost Program:

• Subscription service offering free delivery and fuel savings: Available in two tiers: Boost by Kroger Plus ($59/year for next-day delivery) and Boost by Kroger Premium ($99/year for same-day delivery).
• Benefits for older adults: Increased convenience and accessibility due to free delivery, eliminates the need for physical store visits, consistent access to fresh groceries.
• Challenges: Limited availability in certain areas, potential difficulties for seniors unfamiliar with online ordering platforms.

Key Quotes:

• Cathy Ellis, retired physical therapist: "Grocery shopping can have extra challenges for older shoppers and folks with limited mobility... [suggesting] going to customer service to ask for assistance when grocery shopping in person and utilizing the mobility scooters or motorized shopping carts available for use."
• Jim Wynne, Certified Orthotist and Prosthetist: "... recommends finding out when your store is less crowded and grocery shopping at non-peak hours... fewer people and carts in the aisle can give you more room to safely move around without feeling rushed or pushed."

Article Source:

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/products-grocery-shopping-easier-older-adults-limited-mobility_l_677ecdb3e4b018662a3babd4

Source Article: https://woc1420.iheart.com/featured/woc-am-local-news/content/2025-01-15-illinois-changing-driving-test-rules-for-seniors/

Illinois lawmakers are debating the proposed Road Safety Fairness Act, which aims to raise the age for mandatory driving skills re-tests for seniors from 79 to 87. Supporters highlight lower crash rates among older drivers, while opponents argue the extended gap between tests could pose safety risks. Join us as we unpack both sides of this controversial proposal and its potential impact on road safety.

A summary of 3 articles on the topic of assisted living for older adults.

When is it time to consider this option. How technology can help not only residents but also staff at assisted living communities.

Article Sources:

https://www.foxnews.com/health/3-signs-aging-loved-one-may-ready-assisted-living

https://www.care.com/c/how-to-talk-to-a-parent-about-moving-long-term-care/

https://www.mcknightsseniorliving.com/news/smartphone-technology-helps-therapists-prevent-falls-in-senior-living-residents/