Senior Life

News & information for the seniors in our community

SOCIAL SECURITY COLUMN

Ring in the new year with a COLA

By Becky Whitlow, Social Security district manager in Springfield

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[December 18, 2013]  SPRINGFIELD — Many people ring in the new year with Champagne. People who receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income get to ring it in with a COLA. This year, more than 60 million Americans are receiving a 1.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment, known as a COLA, in their monthly benefit payment.  (Click here for the rest of the story.)


Are you prepared for what you'll find when you visit your parents this holiday season?

Warning signs that a person needs daily assistance & tips for planning for it

The holidays and their aftermath are the busiest time of year for long-term care admissions, says expert Chris Orestis.  (Click here for the rest of the story.)


In observance of Caregivers Awareness Month, state reminds families about resources to assist them

Department on Aging administers the Family Caregiver Support Program

SPRINGFIELD — Increasing numbers in the aging population have led to an increased need for caregivers. The term "caregiver" refers to anyone who provides assistance to someone else who needs it. Though a caregiver can be anyone, it is often a family member who steps in to provide extra support and attention for an elderly loved one.  (Click here for the rest of the story.)


Financially surviving the golden years

Expert offers tips to maximize money for an aging population

Americans are living longer these days, from an average 47 years in 1900 to more than 78 years as of 2010. We are also experiencing a deluge of adults reaching retirement age now, with 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 every day. (Click here for the rest of the story.)


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Archived articles



'Gravity' and the long-term care crisis

By Chris Orestis

I recently went to see the movie "Gravity," starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney. It is a fast-paced, exciting thrill-ride from start to finish. After we left the movie and I replayed the life-threatening events that unfolded on the screen, I could not help but begin drawing comparisons to the long-term care funding crisis currently unfolding in America today.  (Click here for the rest of the story.)


Social Security announces 1.5 pct benefit increase for 2014

BALTIMORE -- Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits for nearly 63 million Americans will increase 1.5 percent in 2014, the Social Security Administration announced last week.  (Click here for the rest of the story.)


Your will: the overlooked bucket-list item

Financial expert explains the vital importance of this document

Of the trendy terms to come around in the past decade, "bucket list" remains among the most useful, says retirement planning expert Jeff Gorton. (Click here for the rest of the story.)


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