SeniorTruth

I have recently received letters and e-mails about the difficulties and frustrations in finding employment, particularly if you are a “bit older.”

Therefore, this week I would like to share a newly published report by David DeLong, commissioned by the MetLife Mature Marketing Institute,  titled,  “Buddy, Can You Spare a Job?”  The title is a takeoff from the Depression-era song, “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” written in 1931.  Read more »

Question: I recently read a number of ads and promotions about quick fixes to health problems. At age 74, I have osteoarthritis, peripheral neuropathy, a heart condition and bad knees. Are these short-cut remedies of any value?  Read more »

Work experiences can serve as a starting point in creating that next chapter of life.  James Birren, the founder and former dean and executive director of USC’s Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center said it well, “You don’t know where you are going if you don’t know where you have been.” Read more »

Question: As a young retiree (56 years old and female) I am at a point of considering which way to go in my life.  Can you address some of the issues of being a young retiree?  We don’t exactly fit in with a lot of retiree and senior-citizen groups, but we do have things in common.  Thank you for the information.         Read more »

Since Medicare’s open-enrollment window runs from November 15 to December 31, it’s time to decide to keep, switch or modify your current Medicare plan. Be sure you understand any new options for covered services and evaluate their pros and cons.  Here’s a quick review: Read more »

Question: I have been reading a lot about seniors working in retirement.  As a 72-year old educated woman with lots of skills, what do I need to understand about this new time?  I may need to return to work.   Read more »

Question: As a successful engineer, program manager and expert witness, I have always experienced excitement and pleasure from work throughout my life.  This past January, as a 70-year old woman, I decided to take a sabbatical (also known as retirement) from my consulting practice.  It has taken me eight months to clear my desk.  I have yet to find anything that brings me a sense of purpose, pleasure and excitement.  Where do I begin?        Read more »

Question: My grandfather needed $2,000 cash, but couldn’t get to the bank. At my suggestion, he wrote a check out to me. When I got to the bank, the teller refused to cash it. Did I do something wrong? Read more »

Question: I am a full-time working woman in my early 70s, with gray hair and a rather robust figure. I feel that my young female office mates in their 30s and 40s are somewhat patronizing. When I wear something they consider fashionable, they make a big fuss – too big a fuss. I also feel excluded from their “chatter” although they are polite. I’ve been at my job 20 years; they are the newcomers. We just are different and they don’t get it. How do I get comfortable with this? Read more »

Question: I just retired from a law practice and love every minute of my new freedom.  The daily tennis games, books groups and lunch with friends make this time of life just terrific.  My problem is that my husband, a small-business owner, won’t discuss any part of retirement.  He has made no plans and just keeps coasting with no hobbies or outside interests. How can I get him to even discuss the subject?   Read more »