Special Guests Require Retirement Invitations

When you know someone who is going to retire, chances are you will want to hold a celebration for them. Depending on their occupation and the number of years with the company, retirement invitations may be needed to bring special guests to the party. Most family and those planning the party can get by without them, but others you plan to invite will be expecting retirement invitations to the celebration.

The party may, or may not, be a surprise for the retiree, but seeing their name as the subject of retirement invitations can make a person feel special. That is, after all what a retirement party is all about, to make the person leaving feel as though they will be missed. It also gives them the chance to get in their last few words of wisdom before departing the workforce. Most celebrations marking an employee retirement being held at the workplace do not require retirement invitations as word-of-mouth or a notice on the company's bulletin board or website will suffice.

However, some larger companies may want to invite vendors or others from outside the company to join in the party and retirement invitations may be in order. Additionally, the invitations can also indicate whether a retirement gift is appropriate and if not, should state so on the invitation.

Tone Of Party Sets Tone Of Invitation

The type of retirement invitations you use will be decided by the type of party you are hosting for the soon-to-be retiree. If the party is for an overly conservative type person, the invitations should also be conservative. If the person is outgoing and fun-loving, the style of the invitations should reflect that personality. Using a theme for retirement invitations is also quite popular and there are resources for invitations for almost any type of party.

For example, if a person is going to spend the first month of their retirement on a long cruise or tropical vacation, the retirement invitations can have pictures of the destination or other graphics to depict the planned travel. If a person is planning to travel by car or recreational vehicle, perhaps a picture of their vehicle can be included on the retirement invitations.

Photographs used on retirement invitations are also growing in popularity with a picture of the retiree when they first started working for the company, is always a hit, especially for long-term employees. Showing the differences between the new guy and the retiring guy can open the door for plenty of humor at a retirement party.

Hormones and All that Good Stuff in Healthy Aging

Stomach weight is associated with making the arteries age. Your arteries supply blood through out your whole system and if these become blocked it can cause many problems for you. Obesity can lead to a heart attack, memory loss, the skin will wrinkle and strokes can occur too, which is all caused from the blocked arteries. Your diet plays an important role in helping to keep these arteries clear. You need to include a certain amount of goods fats in you diet if nothing else eating nuts for a snack.

Keeping the mind busy and enjoying activity helps the brain and it will help prevent depression, anxiety and stress. Everyone seems to get these three things as we age because we slow down and don't get out enough. It is very important to be with people and get that exercise to keep your mind from thinking and worrying so much.

Watch your diet keeping it in control and enjoy many activities. You'll feel and look better as you age. We can consider all these aspects, yet to find a clear vision of what healthy aging means to you, we have to consider hormones.

The glands produce several hormones, including the Human Growth Hormone. (HgH) Science shows the body produces enough but it doesn't release all of it as we age. The low levels of human growth hormone cause wrinkling of skin, reduction of energy and sexual performance. Gray hair is incurred from hormonal deficiencies. The hormone will also cause increases of body fats, and puts you at the risk of heart disease. You will lose muscle mass from deficient HgH, which can lead to shrinking of bodily organs.


Studies were conducted that shown results from 26 men. These men were between the ages 61 and early 80s. The studies shown that the supplement of Human Growth Hormone slowed the aging process 10-20 years total. After giving HgH, these men showed improvements, which enhanced muscle strength. The skin tone was enhanced as well as the memory. The overall of aging has not been stopped but important signs of maturity are improved.

Vitamin A is known to help the eyes but in recent studies, it was discovered that it is also helps release the human growth hormone. Just remember when buying supplements in a health food store the labels are not always accurate.

When taking any hormone replacement supplements make sure that you consult with your doctor, only he or she knows what is best for you. Since supplements, Vitamins, or replacement therapies may include side effects, you want your doctors advice first before administering these remedies.


Women rely on estrogen to maintain healthy bones. Women need these hormones to reduce the risks of shrinking in bone density. Women will often experience symptoms that form into osteoporosis when estrogen is deficient. Estrogen will often slow as a woman ages, and usually after menopause the woman's lipid levels drop.

This can cause high cholesterol also, since LDL increases. In addition, lipid levels when increased can lead to blocked arteries, or coronary blood vessel/artery disease. After a woman goes through menopause she, starts to age for the reason that the ovaries begin to slow the production of progesterone and estrogen. These major hormones control menstrual cycles, which stop at this point.

Men rely on testosterone to maintain their youth. This hormone controls a male's sex drive, facial hair growth and so on. We all have our hormones that perform many actions, yet in some instances we need replacement, especially as we grow old. Sometimes replacing the hormones will slow the aging process, thus promoting healthy aging.

Keeping Vigil over a Dying Loved One

Keeping vigil over a dying loved one is one of the most difficult things you will ever have to do in life. However, it is a rite of passage for both you and your loved one. If possible, communicate together what your loved one's wishes are regarding their last days. Give them as much control over the remainder of their lives as possible.

Chronic illness means that you have likely talked with your dying loved one about their last wishes. However, if the illness is sudden, you want to make sure that advances directives such as a living will are already in place. That way, when an accident or sudden illness occurs, both parties are prepared and know what should be expected.

In advance, you should have mapped out care for your dying loved one. Here are some of the things you should have talked about:

1. Hospice care - This type of care is usually for end of life care to make your loved one more comfortable. Some people call it "waiting to die" health care. A health facility or even your home can serve as hospice care.
2. Hospital care - Designate when and when not to resuscitate. In addition, in terms of serious illnesses, you might want to dictate when the respirator or feeding tubes be removed.
3. Nursing homes - These facilities always have care staff on duty. Your dying loved one may choose to have their care administered in this type of place to ease the burden of family members with their personal care.

Cost plays a factor in any scenario with a dying loved one. Decide how much you can afford to pay and determine what insurance will cover. Try and come up with a game plan before your dying loved becomes too incapacitated to make their decisions. All the decisions laid out in advance eases the burden of the caregiver and allow all parties to make peace with the impending death without worrying about if you are going against their wishes.

Dying is not on a specific timetable. Therefore, if you are the caregiver, do not feel that you must be by your loved one's side 24/7. This not only compromises your health but also is unrealistic. Ask a family member or friend to sit with your loved one periodically and take a break. Use the time to sleep, run errands and just decompress and come to terms with your own feelings. Your loved one would understand and not want you to jeopardize your own health.

Even when your loved one may be incoherent or comatose in the last days, do not stop talking to them. At some level, they can likely sense that you are there. Not only will you appreciate those last moments, but it is also a good time to make peace with their passing and prepare yourself for when it does actually happen. By being by your loved one's side, you are respecting and paying honor to the life they have led too.

Treatment Options for Elderly Depression

Individuals who are 65 or older and diagnosed with clinical or major depression can be treated with a good outcome. Statistically 80% of those diagnosed with clinical depression have effectively been treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy and/or electro convulsive therapy (ECT) successfully at the age of 65 or older.

Medications used in the elderly who suffer from depression generally fall into one of four categories of antidepressant medications. These categories are tricyclics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), or norepinephrine & serotonin reuptake inhibitors (NSRIs). No matter the age of the individual with depression in order for the medication to be effective it must be taken at the correct dosage (quantity and timing) with no missed or skipped dosages. The pharmacist or doctor in charge of the individual should advise accidental dosages as to how to handle the next dose. The patient placed on antidepressant medication therapy should never take himself or herself off the medication without the supervision of a doctor. The elderly individual is especially at risk for failure to take medication properly and should have some kind of backup system (person who checks up on them) or a device that will remind them to take their medication. Statistically as much as 70% of those who are elderly and diagnosed with depression will fail to take their medications properly.

Medication in this category (antidepressants) does usually have side effects when taking them. The doctor prescribing the treatment should advise the patient of the side effects that may be experienced to prepare the elderly patient of the possibility and what to do when it occurs. This is a major reason for not taking medication properly. Side effects when experienced can be handled by the doctor prescribing the medication. The patient should immediately notify the doctor's office so that they can be given instructions as to what to do. The patient should be initially instructed not to discontinue the medication unless instructed to do so. When side effects are a problem for the patient, the doctor can adjust the dosage or change the medication to another antidepressant. There may also be the possibility of splitting the dosage and taking half the required dosage in the morning and half at bedtime to lessen certain side effects.

Electro convulsive therapy (ECT) has also been shown to be an effective treatment in combination with medication therapy or psychotherapy in any combination of the 3 types. ECT can be used safely and with efficacy when administered by medical professionals. There is too much misinformation circulating about ECT. This misinformation is to partly to blame for this therapy being underused, unavailable or simply ignored.

Psychosocial treatment is used widely in all age groups to treat depression but is especially important when treating an elderly individual who has depression. Psychosocial therapy allow the individual to learn new coping skills for dealing with life crises, or to develop new social support systems that will benefit their ability to overcome the depression that has stymied their healthy well-being. An understandably large number of elderly live alone as a result of divorce, spousal death, adult children moving away etc. and this puts them at risk for not having an adequate support system in place for when illnesses befall them such as depression. Psychosocial treatment gives elderly patients the skills needed to grow their support system and to enable them to ask for help when it is needed instead of remaining in isolation and a state of suffering.

Retirement Party Ideas: Do You Know Someone About To Retire?

If you know someone who is looking to retire, especially if they've been in their current occupation for a long time, the best thing you can do for that person is to throw them a retirement party using one or more retirement party ideas. There are many retirement party ideas to choose from, it all depends on the person, the occupation, the length of time they've been there as well as who will be attending. Just remember to make it tasteful for all of those involved and make sure it's a party to remember as it's supposed to represent a transition from the working world to the retirement phase of life.

Search The Internet

You can do an internet search for various retirement party ideas. For instance, if you have a person who has been with the company for thirty years and they have been an integral part of that business, invite all their coworkers and friends and create a slide show or some other medium that will highlight the growth they've made throughout the years. It's both funny and heart wrenching to see how people evolve over the years. The slide show idea is great because it can be set to music, it can be humorous and it can be kept by that person to give them something to hold onto so that they'll remember their retirement party for many years.

Other retirement party ideas include throwing them a surprise party. Tell everyone in the office not to mention the fact that the person is retiring. When a person retires, it's a big step and they are going to want to know that they'll be missed, that they made a difference and that their absence will actually cause a rift amongst the staff. When no one says a thing, however, the retiree will begin to think that everyone forgot and when you finally spring that surprise party on them, they are all the more surprised.

There are many more retirement party ideas, too many to list here, but the best ones are tailored to the person, to the profession, the length of time at the company as well as who will be in attendance. Just make sure that everyone has a good time and that the person who is retiring becomes the star and takes center stage, even if only for that one moment. For the retirement party ideas are there for that person's honor and they are in place to tell that person that they will indeed be missed. They meant a lot to the staff, to the company and the retirement party ideas should be well thought out to convey that message.

Who are the Elderly at Risk for Depression?

Just who are the individuals who are elderly and at the highest risk for depression? What can they do to overcome their risk factors for depression?

One category of individuals at risk for elderly depression is women over 65. There is not much they can do about being female or being over 65; so for them the risk cannot be minimized. They can however understand what other factors may put them at risk for depression and try to avoid or minimize those factors.

Other factors that may put the elderly at risk for depression are:

* Biological factors including hormonal changes as those that occur during menopause and genetic factors such as having a family member who has suffered from depression.

* Relationship stresses including maintaining a relationship that is strained or having recently gone through a divorce; having a close relation such as a son or daughter in harm's way such as serving in the military in a conflict zone.

Elderly at most risk for depression are those who live alone, or who spend most of their time alone. Also at risk are those who have experienced recent loss of a loved one, spouse, son or daughter, or even friend.

Individuals at risk for depression are:

* Those elderly persons who are on medications that may have a side effect of depression.

* Health problems especially those where there is a disfigurement such as a breast removal, or limb amputee are especially prone to depression.

* Certain medications can trigger bouts of depression or they may elevate the degree of depression felt by the individual.

* Elderly individuals, who eat alone, do not participate in-group functions, or who are not members of senior community centers are also at risk.

* Poor diet in the elderly can make depression worse.

* Those who have suffered losses and are now lacking in companionship and also suffer from physical ailments or long-term illnesses are at special risk for developing depression

Individuals at risk for depression often deny that they are sad, lonely or are grieving. Very few individuals are willing to admit when they are not in control of their life.

When determining who are the ones at risk for depression, it is important not to confuse grief with depression. Grief is a natural feeling following a major life change such as leaving a cherished home or when suffering the loss of a loved one through divorce, death, move or even an extended separation like when a son or daughter is called into military service. Grief is a reaction to normal losses or hardships that we all face in life. Elderly have lived longer than those who are younger and thus have experienced life changes and hardships more often. These normal periods of grief will lift as the individual adjusts and adapts to the situation or event by way of coping skills or a support system. When grief is extended past what is typically considered to be normal than it may be a sign that the individual is heading into what can then be termed as "clinical depression".

Power of Positive Thought in Seniors

Getting older and retiring is no reason to quit on life and curl up and die. Shake off that self-pity and "woe is me" mentality and find power in positive thinking. Positive thinking is a powerful thing and yes, mind over matter does sometimes work, especially if that "matter" is your body! Some people as they age are so full of life and grab life's experiences by the horns. These are the people who always seem so healthy and robust. Well, that is no coincidence. Older adults who get sick or prone to injury are often those who don't get out as much or socialize and meet new people or have new experiences.

There are been many research studies on the power of positive thinking and how it can make the difference between leading a more robust life or one where you are just existing between doctor appointments. Sure, your genetic history and previous lifestyle play a part in how your retiring years will play out. However, there is something to the power of positive thinking.

These research studies compared older adults with physical weaknesses like weight loss, fatigue and a slower gait against other older adults who seemed more robust. The more robust group was questioned in-depth on a variety of subjects, actions and emotions. The frailer group showed less positive thinking and optimism than the active, robust group who always seems to have positive views to share about their feelings and life in general.

The most popular guess as to why the heartier group is affected more positively than the other group is that positive thinking kick starts certain chemical processes in the brain which sparks those neural pathways into overdrive. In other words, the power of positive thinking could all boil down to a chemical reaction within the body. When you think about it, what happens when you are happy or excited? Your heart pumps a little faster and your body is flooded with extra oxygen which can give you a temporary high.

Positive thinking can definitely boost a person's overall health from brain functions to extra oxygen in the blood. Intellectually, physically, socially and psychologically ... these are all ways that positive thinking can trump anything else. Did you know that you do not expend any more energy on positive thoughts or even on negative ones? Therefore, why waste time being negative and seeing the darker side of things when you can be happy and enjoy the sunshine?

If positive thinking and anticipating the good in life does not come naturally to you, you will have to start small and work your way up to a better disposition. Learn to enjoy the little things in life like the sunrise or the giggle of a little baby. Consciously think happy thoughts and before you know it, you will be happier with those happy thoughts that come unbidden to you. Life, especially during retirement, is more enjoyable if you have a happy disposition about it. Life is one big comedy and it is up to you to see the humor in it all.

Vitamins for aging skin

When you get to be on the older side, one of the first telltale signs is aging skin. Wrinkles and laugh lines can seem to appear out of nowhere, and once you have them, it can be difficult to take them away short of having surgery. To that end, it is important to take care of yourself in order to make sure that you age well and that your appearance remains healthy and firm. In this article, we'll inform you about some types of vitamins and nutrients that you may want to consider taking in order to keep your skin healthy and youthful.

Vitamin A is a key nutrient that can be helpful when it comes to maintaining skin beauty. It can be found in many of the foods that we eat, including eggs, organ meats, dairy products, carrots, and broccoli. This substance helps the body to produce more collagen which is helpful for keeping skin firm and strong.

Vitamin C is also an important vitamin to take when you are considering your skin health. It helps the skin to heal quicker and protects your body against the harmful rays of the sun, so it is a must-have, especially for those who live in sunnier areas. There are many different fruits and vegetables that contain enough Vitamin C in them to ensure that you are getting your recommended daily intake.

Vitamin E works to help the skin to become more rehydrated. It also helps to spur along the healing of the skin, and you can get it from many different food sources, including many different types of seeds and nuts as well as vegetables such as spinach or asparagus.

Another non-vitamin nutrient that you should ensure that you are getting enough of is

While you can get significant doses of these types of vitamins from food, you may also want to consider actually applying them to your face and skin. There are plenty of different moisturizing lotions that are available for sale that contain Vitamins A, C, and E, helping you to maintain your skin health regimen in one easy step.

known as lycopene. It is a type of antioxidant that is found in many different foods that have a pigment that is similar to red. To that end, tomatoes and watermelons contain significant levels of lycopene. In addition to having the healthful antioxidant effect, lycopene works as a sort of natural skin block which helps to protect your skin to a level of about SPF 3.

Nobody likes aging, but unfortunately it is just a part of life that has to happen. If you eat smart, live a healthy life, and ensure that you are getting the right nutrients, you will be able to keep nature from doing to much damage to you. Simple dietary changes can accomplish serious results in terms of benefits to the skin with the proper nutrition. Do your best to get plenty of exercise to help keep your body in shape and to keep fat cells at bay which may speed along the aging process.

What Not to do When You Want to Achieve Healthy Aging

Some people thrive on lists of things to do. Here is a list of things not to do when you want to achieve healthy aging. The list includes lifestyle habits, activities and coping mechanisms.

Things You Should Not Do if You Expect to Live to 100:

* Avoid all contact with healthcare professionals

* Chain smoke several packs of cigarettes a day

* Have multiple sex partners and forget to take precautions like wearing condoms

* Ignore body signs like pain, discolorations and loss of mobility

* Eat like there is no such thing as obesity or moderation

* Forget to take your vitamins and mineral supplements, or better yet throw the bottles out

* Sit around all day doing absolutely nothing of value

* Avoid all human contact and never marry or form other lasting human attachments

* Inactivity slowly destroys our body systems, so ignore this information and remain a couch potato, you look good in rolls of fat and stretched out clothing

* Crave what is unnatural and chemically altered

* Throw away all home exercise equipment, you never use them anyways and avoid all exercise programs and fitness clubs like the plague

* Live life large by participating in risky activities like bungee jumping, racing cars, and rodeo riding.

The sure way to not live a long and healthy life is to ignore healthy habits like eating nutritious meals, healthy snacks, and taking dietary supplements. When you live for the moment that may be all you have. Planning for your future ensures that you have the chance to have one. Avoiding unnecessary physical risk and unhealthy exposure to disease and injury gives you the chance to have a healthy body that can continue to function as it was intended. Listening to the signals your body gives you concerning how it is functioning assures that you receive medical, dental or mental healthcare in time to prevent serious complications. Exercise is your friend and contributes to the healthy conditioning and function ability of your body. Abstaining from sex or having only one sexual partner assures that you will have the ability to avoid many of the sexually transmitted diseases that can shorten your lifespan. Understanding your family health history can aid you in taking preventative measures that will lower your risk for these diseases. Keeping your annual health screenings can help you to detect the early signs of any diseases that you are at risk for based on your family history. Make sure that your healthcare team is well aware of what these family risk factors are. You can live a long life if you practice healthy habits like bodily cleanliness, avoiding excessive eating, stay away from social drugs, tobacco products and alcohol.

One important issue that all of us must be aware of is our ability to understand and monitor our body. Our body gives us many clues as to how it is functioning. Pain, discoloration, swelling, loss of function; these are all warning signs that our body uses to communicate with us so that we can address these needs and restore our body to health. Ignoring these signs can lead to disease, or further injury. Our mental health is closely related to our physical health, so be sure to seek help if stress becomes overwhelming or we notice signs of depression in others or ourselves.

Avoiding the Breaks of Retirement (and Osteoporosis)

Osteoporosis is not just an old person's disease; however, it is no secret that primarily women in their retirement years are most often diagnosed. Men can get this bone thinning disease as well. As you get older, your bones do tend to weaken and thin although osteoporosis is not the normal progression. The problem is that many people do not take precautions before this disease develops.

It is important to note that the reason many women develop osteoporosis is because menopause robs them of the estrogen that helps protect the bones from becoming brittle. That is not the sole cause though. These are some additional factors that weigh in when diagnosing osteoporosis:

1. A lifetime of low calcium intake contributes to weak bones as does a vitamin D definciency.
2. White and Asian races are the primary ones that dominate the world of osteoporosis.
3. Bad vices like alcohol addiction and smoking contribute to this disease.
4. A genetic history of osteoporosis makes a person more likely to develop it too.
5. Chronic illnesses, diseases and even medications can cause osteoporosis.

Retirees take note: osteoporosis does not normally present any symptoms. Most people don't know they have it until they break a bone. Cartilage wears down and bones weaken to the point where even a vertebra might collapse. Perhaps the one indication is a gradual loss of height which most people would not recognize.

Preventing and Treating Osteoporosis

Even before you head to the golden years of retirement, you should be taking precautions. However, if you haven't really thought about it and a recent bone density test shows that you are in the beginning stages of this disease, there is plenty that you can do to halt its progression in its tracks. Regular doctor check-ups and screenings are important as are a healthy diet and some type of physical activity every day. These things will also protect you in other areas of your life as well.

* Exercise - Thirty minutes per day is optimal. Weight and strength training are great for preventing osteoporosis as well as exercises that promote better balance. Yoga, walking, Pilates and even dancing are healthy for you.
* A diet rich in vitamin D and calcium are important. Milk, dark leafy veggies, yogurt, soy products, certain fish like salmon and low fat dairy are all great sources. Of course, supplements may also be needed to get the correct daily allotment.
* Yearly screenings for bone density are important, especially after age 50. And if you started menopause early, the screenings should start even sooner.
* Make your home more secure and remove potential hazards that could cause you to fall. Add handrails, secure carpeting, add skid proof mats to the shower and tub and tucking away cords all help. Having good lighting in your home can also help you see obstacles in your path.

The bottom line is that a life of clean living is the best preventative measure there is against suffering from osteoporosis in retirement. However, with proper doctor's care and preventative measures, you can halt this disease in its tracks.

What Not To Do When A Loved One Has Elderly Depression

When your loved one has been diagnosed with elderly depression, you may be tempted to go out of your way to do things for her or him. In the same way, you may also act in some ways that are brought on by the depression your loved one evidences, but in some cases your actions can do more harm than good.

Here is a list of what not to do when a loved one has elderly depression:

* Do not treat your loved one like an invalid. It may be tempting to take over tasks to make life for that person easier and more enjoyable, but if your loved one is capable of performing the task for her or himself, taking it away from her or him robs the person of a sense of accomplishment.

* Refrain from being judgmental; do not scrutinize your loved one's attempt at making lunch for you (which may end up in a burned mess of eggs and potatoes) or going for a walk (only to turn back at the first corner) and instead focus on the accomplishment that even the gesture itself provides.

* Do not vent your frustration by making sarcastic comments or yelling at the person. The damage you are doing to the person affected by elderly depression is impossible to quantify, but it will be substantial.

* If you are tempted to become critical of your loved one, do not give in to that temptation! Instead, go out of your way to find loveable qualities about the elderly person and in your mind highlight them at every opportunity.

* Do not ignore a worsening of the symptoms. In the same vein, do not ignore glaringly obvious side effects that may be occurring because of the medications your loved one is taking. Instead, make a note of the things you observe and bring them to his or her attention.

* Never ever accuse the elderly patient of being an attention seeker when she or he talks about suicide, but instead take it as a credible threat that must be dealt with immediately.

* Do not offer assistance in ways you cannot fulfill. Do not promise to take over your loved one's shopping, if you can barely get yours done. Do not offer to come and clean her or his house every week, if you have a family to take care of yourself and can barely get through your own chores. Instead, hire someone you trust to come in for some light housekeeping - perhaps at both of your homes!

* Do not allow others to pump you for information and do not betray confidences. If friends, family members, neighbors, and store clerks want information about your loved one's illness, kindly suggest that they should invite her or him out for tea, or give the person a call to see if they will be invited over. Whatever information your loved one is willing to share with others is up to her or him and not your concern.

Common 401(k) Mistakes

Believe it or not there are many mistakes that can be made along the way when it comes to financial retirement savings and investing. Unfortunately a good many of these mistakes center around the 401(k), which can be a tremendous boost to your retirement plans when used properly in order to build your portfolio. The problem is that the mistakes are often the only things we hear when it comes to retirement plans and investing. I suggest begin with the mistakes so that we can move along to better information and advice in the near future.

The first and perhaps largest mistakes that people make when it comes to 401 (k) plans is not signing up. Yes you heard that right. What people do not understand is that this is something your employer offers so that you can have some security for your future. It is a manner of saving money for your future that shouldn't be overlooked or taken for granted. Even a bad 401 (k) plan is better than no 401 (k) and with strict regulations those are few and far between. More importantly, if your company offers to match the funds in your 401 (k) plan not taking them up on that offer is literally tossing money in the garbage can.

The next big mistake when it comes to your 401 (k) is risking too little. Rewards come with risk. If you aren't taking any risks with your investment then you are by and large throwing money down the drain. In addition to that, it is nearly impossible to meet your retirement goals without taking some risks, and some hits along the way. This doesn't mean you should be reckless but along the way you are going to need to take some calculated risks in order to receive the bigger payouts that most of us hope for when investing in their retirement funds.

Risking too much. There are many risks involved when investing in the stock market. There are a few that deserve a little more mention than others. First of all, stocks present a fairly large risk, particularly to the uninitiated. While it is true that great rewards are most often the product of great risks you do not want to risk the bulk of your retirement by investing it all in stocks. Another thing you want to avoid doing if at all possible is investing in your company stock. We've seen too many lives destroyed when companies go under taking the financial stability of their employees along with them. Many companies offer incentives to employees for investing in their stock, which may be tempting but I recommend investing as little as possible in your company stock whenever possible as this could lead to problems down the road.

Finally, the worst thing you can do for the health of your 401 (k) is borrow against it. There are so many ways in which this could go wrong and the penalties for this are more than a little prohibitive. They are designed to be that way so that you will use the funds for their intended purpose. If you absolutely have no other option is the only way I would recommend borrowing against your 401 (k) and I would seriously consider selling a kidney before doing that.

When it comes to your financial retirement, 401 (k) mistakes can be far more costly than you may realize. Work to avoid these common mistakes and you should be well on your way to a successful retirement.

Long Term Retirement Planning

We all know that sooner is much better than later when it comes to planning your retirement. The more money you sock away and the longer that money has to grow and work for you, the better the position you are in to enjoy your retirement to its fullest. With this in mind, you need to approach all of your retirement investments as long-term rather than quick turnover investments.

It is often tempting to risk it all for the promise of a high return on your investment but you must remember that with great reward comes great risk and most of the time your security is simply not worth that particular risk. There are several different types of long-term investments that you may find to be reasonable and even attractive investments.

Bonds are a popular long-term investment. These are very much like bank issued CDs with the minor exception that bonds are issued by the government. There are many kinds of bonds and you should research them all before committing to one over another. If you select the right bond you might find that given enough time your bond will double in value over time.

Mutual funds are another popular investment for long-term investors. These are pools of money that are combined in order to invest in stocks, bonds, and other short-term investment ventures including securities. These funds are handled by the fund manager who decides where and how the money will be invested. This leaves you to reap the rewards that his or her experience will bring in for you over time.

Stocks are another popular option for those interested in long-term investing. It should be noted that investing in stocks is much riskier than investing in mutual funds though the payouts when things go well are often much more substantial. If you decide to delve into the realm of stock market investment you should be aware that every transaction costs money, that you need to thoroughly research the ins and outs of this type of investing, and that you are taking a substantial risk with your retirement investment. You should also be absolutely certain that you thoroughly research the companies in which you plan to invest and only invest in companies that are well established and showing strong potential for future growth.

With any major financial decision you should consult your financial advisor for guidance and advice. His or her job is to help you turn your limited investments into as much money as possible in order to secure your future and your retirement. The guidance that a good financial advisor can provide when it comes to long term investing is invaluable and should not be discounted or taken for granted any more than the advice you would receive from a doctor or an attorney.

My favorite type of long-term investment is real estate. While there are those that will argue that the return on this investment is too minimal to save for retirement I would argue that the fact that properly maintained and rented units will pay for themselves over time making them pure profit when the time comes to sell or simply to maintain a monthly income throughout your retirement. The more rental properties you own the better your financial position and the more options you have when the time comes to sell those properties. Real estate is one field in which fortunes are made and lost on a regular basis. Rental property is the safest bet for most when it comes to long-term investment and the most significant return on investment. There are options that go well beyond buy and hold when it comes to real estate. If this doesn't excite you perhaps rehabbing property or the even more speculative field of pre-construction investing will offer more appeal.

Long-term investments will be the primary fuel for your financial retirement funds and plans. You need to carefully consider the best possible option for your needs and work towards you financial goals.

Living Healthy and Long while Aging

Excise has proven to keep a body fit. Exercise helps them to live a long productive life. As we grow older, the bodily functions decline. If a person fails to stay active in their lifetime, the aging process speeds up full force ahead. If you work out when you are young, you will feel good for a long time to come.


Exercise should include cardiovascular workouts. Aerobics is a great workout that helps you to work the heart. The workout will increase your heart rate as well as pump your blood so that it flows smoothly to the heart. You will also need to build strength to prevent injured joints. You may enjoy weightlifting to achieve a resistance workout.

Studies have shown that those working out with weights can live a long and productive life. Experts conducted a study while dividing three clusters of men, which one group had a higher resistance since they lifted weights. The second group failed, as did the third grouping of men, since these people had little activities going in their life. The cluster of men where asked to walk a great distances and at a particular length. During the study experts found that those who worked out had lower cholesterol levels. Those who did not workout had a higher level of cholesterol. According to the experts and study results resistance workout can enforce freedom of blood flow and increasing improvement of overall strength.


Weightlifting has proven to boost metabolism, which gives person energy. In addition, the workouts will strengthen the muscles and provide you with the will to carry on through life while enjoying endurance. Those who fail to workout should be alert that the density of bones decrease. Once the bones density decreases the blood will slowly channel to the heart, which puts you at risk of heart disease.


Weightlifting has proven to decline the risks of high cholesterol. In addition, working out will slow the aging process. When weightlifting however, one should go at their own pace. It is unwise to lift more weights that you can handle. If you are working toward resistance, keep the weights low and the repetitions up. Repetitions on low-density weight scales will suffice, unless you plan to become the next bodybuilder. When working out you should have someone with you in the event the weights are too strong. Having support at your side will protect you from injuries.

Dieting to live a healthy aging life:

When aging begins in our youth, we start to lose fibers, vitamins, and other nutrients. In addition, the dying cells increase while the living cells decrease. For these reason you, want to add supplements or vitamins to your daily diet. A person should incorporate at least 30 grams of healthy fibers in their diet daily. Fiber will help reduce risks, such as heart disease.


Changing your diet now can help you stay on schedule as you age. Some people find it difficult to change their diet, since they are use to fast foods, or unstable meal plans. You want to set a scheduled diet, eating three healthy meals daily.

You will notice improvement by making your diet a goal, plan, and scheduled duty.

We need to make many changes as we are aging to live a longer lifespan. When setting your diet consider grains, fibers, proteins, and so on. Eat plenty of veggies and fruits whenever feasible. Veggies and fruits are known to reduce the risks of diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease and even cancer. Fibers will assist in keeping your cholesterol and sugar level in accord with its natural intention.

Banning Insomnia from your Retirement Years

Don't assume that a lack of sleep is part of getting older. Insomnia is not necessarily a fact of life as you head to retirement or old age. You need sleep just as much as you did when you were 20 years young. Sleep rejuvenates the body creating an alert brain and restful body. However, when you encounter sleeping problems there are steps you can take to combat the problem and regain a restful night's sleep.

Yes, some insomnia is a fact of life as you age. However, repeated sleepless episodes are not. Don't take this problem lying down. Examine your lifestyle from diet and exercise down to the pillow you use to pinpoint your problem.

Normal sleep habits of the older adult

Knowing what is normal in regards to sleep can help you more accurately pinpoint any insomnia issues. As you grow older, your body does not produce as many chemicals which tell your body when to sleep and when to wake. Certain hormones and substances like melatonin naturally decrease with age. Therefore, your internal clock gets reset and you find yourself in bed earlier and getting up earlier too.

Lighter sleep, staying asleep and frequent waking up is characteristic of most sleep routines as you age. This is fairly normal. What is not normal is staying up all night, not being able to even fall asleep, or getting enough sleep and still dragging the next day. These are signs of insomnia.

Medical conditions that cause insomnia

Many older adults have health problems which can contribute to insomnia. Chronic pain conditions like arthritis, cancer and osteoporosis can make falling asleep rather difficult. They can also wake up frequently because you cannot get comfortable.

Incontinence, diabetes, prostate trouble or urinary tract problem all will wake you up at night to go to the bathroom. Frequent potty trips can definitely interrupt sleep and making falling back asleep difficult.

Breathing difficulties due to asthma, hypertension, pulmonary disease and even sleep apnea can cause insomnia. Breathing issues can prevent you from falling into deep REM sleep, which is the cycle that promotes rest and healing.

Medications that cause insomnia

Many times, it is not the medical condition itself causing the sleep problems, it is the medication used to treat it. Decongestants for allergies and colds can make it difficult to fall asleep. Many hypertension drugs like beta blockers, calcium channel blockers and even blood thinners can cause sleep problems.

Sometimes, it is a matter of timing. Ask your doctor if you can change your medication schedule. If you are drinking caffeine or even alcohol, these can adversely react with the medication, causing insomnia. Check with your doctor and read over the counter labels for other possible drug culprits.

Change in lifestyle

A new diet or exercise plan could be an issue with sleep problems. Your body may also not recognize when it is night and day. Therefore, you will want to get out more and experience the sunshine as well as sunsets. Your body will need to retrain to recognize night and day. A lack of physical activity could also account for insomnia. Have you changed your pillows or thread count on your sheets? Sometimes, the minutest changes can make a difference.

Solving the problem

You can try changing your diet and exercise routines. Aromatherapy works sometimes too. Relaxation techniques, warm baths and a cup of warm milk are options. However, some people's insomnia persists despite a number of changes or remedies. A doctor can help with your sleep problem through various sleep aids or sleep medication.

Keep chipping away at the problem until you find a solution to your insomnia. Don't give up and just accept less sleep and rest. There is a solution out there for you. You just have to find it.