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🏖️55 & UpSides #0020: Beach vacay poll | Digital detox? | How to battle dementia?

Author

Ronnie Mac James
December 18th, 2024

First time reading? Get your free subscription here. This newsletter’s goal is the extinction of information overload for folks like me who are aged 55 & up. Easily unsubscribe below if you got here by some interwebs mishap.
 
Good morning 55&UpSiders - check out these Christmas ads from the 60s (things have changed a lot compared to today).
Here’s what I’m covering for you today…
  • Poll: Beach Vacations
  • Curated topics affecting us & Good News stories
  • Pros & Cons of a Digital Detox
  • Feature Story: Steps To Battle Dementia
  • Face The Facts (& do something about ’em)
  • 🍩Reply to this email with “donut” for a chance to win a Dunkin Donuts gift code! (congrats to Tammy T., last week’s winner)
  • Word of the day is “Agelast” - see what it means here
 
 

Poll: What’s your favorite thing about going to the beach?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

 
 

Curated Countdown

 
🕙  These 6 In-Laws Are Ranked The Worst In History

🕘  Study: Blood Pressure Ups & Downs Hurting 55+ Folks’ Thinking?

🕗  Are You Richer Than Your Friends?

🕖  What Drink This Doctor Recommends For Losing Belly Fat?

🕕  Avoid These Holiday Pet Scams

🕔  Video: Man Shows Holiday Spirit To Deer Trapped On Frozen Lake

🕓  Survey: What’s On Your Future Tech List For 55+ Folks?

🕒  Watch How Scambaiters Make Life Miserable For Scammers

🕑  Missing Yellowstone Already? Top 10 Episodes Ranked Here

🕐  Video: Europe’s Missing Trillions

Up next, the upsides of a digital detox…
 
 

Why Do A Digital Detox?

 
Digital Detox
See the results of studies tracking people taking a break from their digital devices & how they felt afterward.
 
 

Feature Story

 

Steps To Battle Dementia

 
Not gonna sugar-coat it. There are no quick-fixes for this disease. There are steps to help fight it off & make life a little easier when dealing with it, though.
 

The problem is...

  • Dementia is a growing issue for many older adults, affecting memory & daily life
  • Age, genetics, lifestyle, & environment can increase risk
  • If not addressed early, dementia can lead to a lower quality of life & higher healthcare costs
 

5 resources that can help you

 

How you can get involved to help

  • Join clinical trials through groups like the Cure Alzheimer's Fund
  • Volunteer with local dementia organizations to make a difference
  • Organize or take part in fundraisers like the Walk to End Alzheimer's
 

Roadblocks

  • Many people aren’t aware of how they can help prevent dementia
  • Sticking to healthy lifestyle changes is not easy (I know myself!)
  • Some communities lack access to solid support resources
 

Upsides & ways to beat roadblocks

  • New research is uncovering ways to prevent dementia effectively
  • Try the MIND diet: focus on fruits, veggies, whole grains, & lean proteins
  • Get moving with at least 150 minutes of exercise each week
  • Keep your social life active & engage in hobbies or learning new things
 

Takeaways

  • Look after your heart; it’s linked to brain health—exercise & manage blood pressure
  • Don’t forget regular vision & hearing check-ups; they matter too
  • Stay socially engaged & keep your mind active to support cognitive health
  • Use technology as an assistant to help care for loved ones with dementia

Coming up below: How Social Security has lost its buying power & proven tips for senior travel savings…
 
 

Face The Facts (then punch ’em in the nose)

Know the facts so you can overcome or take advantage of them.

 
5) Social Security benefits lost 20% of their buying power since 2010

4) Seldom-used ways to manage blood pressure include acupressure, biofeedback, & music therapy

3) 46% of retirees use travel rewards as their top method for saving money on trips

2) 28% of retirees stay with family or friends to reduce travel costs (451 Alliance)

1) Share of U.S. adults in middle-class households fell from 61% in 1971 to 50% in 2021 (Pew Research)

👊Let’s punch overly expensive travel in the nose.

Ways to keep travel costs low:
  • Do off-season travel for lower prices for accommodations & activities, plus fewer crowds
  • Travel mid-week for cheaper flights (Tuesdays/Wednesdays) & book flights 70+ days in advance
  • Book places with kitchens to save on meals
  • Ask for senior discounts on hotels, car rentals, attractions, & transportation
  • Look for cheaper senior perks like lifetime national park passes
 
 
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The upside’s always worth looking for,
Ronnie Mac James
Ronnie Mac James

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