Author: Jim Miller
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Savvy Senior: How to locate an age-friendly doctor
Dear Savvy Senior, My husband and I are relocating to a nearby state to be closer to our daughter and will need to find a new primary care physician when we arrive. We are both in our late 70s and are interested in getting a geriatrician to oversee our health care going forward. Any suggestions…
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Savvy Senior: What are the early signs of Parkinson’s disease?
Dear Savvy Senior, What are the early signs of Parkinson’s disease? My husband was recently diagnosed after noticing a slight thumb tremor but we’re wondering if we missed any other early warning signs. — Curious Wife Dear Curious, Recognizing the early signs of Parkinson’s disease is challenging because the symptoms are often subtle and/or similar…
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Savvy Senior: Understanding Social Security spousal benefits
Dear Savvy Senior, How do Social Security spousal benefits work? My wife, who’s approaching age 62, has had a few small-paying jobs over the years, but spent most of her time as a homemaker. What is she entitled to? — Primary Breadwinner Dear Breadwinner, Spousal benefit questions are among the most frequently asked and confusing…
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Savvy Senior: Here are the best online will makers
Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend some good online resources for writing a simple will? I’m 70 and divorced and want to get my affairs organized, but I hate paying a high-priced attorney fee if I can do it myself. — Don’t Have Much Dear Don’t, Having a last will and testament is an important…
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Savvy Senior: How to make a home safer and more accessible as you age
Dear Savvy Senior, What simple tips can you recommend for making a home age friendly? My husband and I are in our late-sixties and want to remain living in our home for as long as possible. — Homebody Hanna Dear Hanna, Many older adults, like you and your husband, want to stay living in their…
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Savvy Senior: Is long-term care insurance worth it?
Dear Savvy Senior, My husband and I have been thinking about getting a long-term care insurance policy, but we hate the idea of paying expensive monthly premiums for a policy we may never use. Is long-term care insurance worth it? — Approaching Retirement Dear Approaching, There are two key factors you need to consider that…
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Savvy Senior: Can you get a lump-sum Social Security payment?
Dear Savvy Senior, I’ve read that the Social Security Administration offers a lump-sum payment to new retirees who need some extra cash. I haven’t yet filed for my retirement benefits and would like to find out if this is true. What can you tell me? — Born In 1958 Dear 1958, There is indeed a…
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Savvy Senior: How to stave off cognitive decline as you age
Dear Savvy Senior, Are there any proven strategies to preventing cognitive decline? I have a family history of dementia and worry about my own memory and cognitive abilities as I grow older. — Forgetful at 55 Dear Forgetful, For most people, starting in their fifties and sixties, the brain’s ability to remember names, multi-task or…
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Savvy Senior: Can you get a lump-sum Social Security payment?
Dear Savvy Senior, I’ve read that the Social Security Administration offers a lump-sum payment to new retirees who need some extra cash. I haven’t yet filed for my retirement benefits and would like to find out if this is true. What can you tell me? — Born In 1958 Dear 1958, There is indeed a…
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Savvy Senior: How to stave off cognitive decline as you age
Dear Savvy Senior, Are there any proven strategies to preventing cognitive decline? I have a family history of dementia and worry about my own memory and cognitive abilities as I grow older. — Forgetful at 55 Dear Forgetful, For most people, starting in their fifties and sixties, the brain’s ability to remember names, multi-task or…