Signal Winter 2019 Newsletter

www.alliancecom.net 5 Getting older means different things to different people. Some continue to work, some have strong family and community connections, and some enjoy traveling the world. No matter how you choose to spend your later years, there are online resources to help you enjoy them. Check out these general interest sites for seniors. Support for Seniors Starts Here Senior Living (seniorliving.org ) This extensive site offers information on money, housing, health care, and more. You’ll find articles on senior safety products, transportation and mobility solutions, dating, travel, mental health, insurance, and more. RetireWOW (retirewow.com) Here’s another great resource for finding information on a variety of topics. The site includes sections on activities, financial, health, relationships, and work. In particu- lar, the site promotes “the new retirement” in which more seniors continue to hold full- or part-time jobs. Seniormatch (seniormatch.com) This dating site is designed specifically for those 50 and over looking for dating or activity partners, travel mates, and companionship. As with other dating sites, you enter information about yourself and allow the application to find your match. You can also download the companion app. Senior Forums (seniorforums.com ) Want to chat with other seniors? This is the place to do it. You can join a discussion about a wide variety of topics including military veterans, weight loss and fitness, holidays, enter- tainment, hobbies and crafts, pets, and the outdoors. Technology Guide (ioaging.org/the-2018-guide-to- best-technology-resources-and- tools-for-seniors) This Institute on Aging guide offers a thorough overview of technology for seniors. Tech can help seniors live healthier lives, stay mentally alert, and maintain personal connections. There can be some barriers to learning about technology, which the guide shows how to overcome. What makes a Senior Citizen? Are you a senior citizen? It depends on who you ask, since there’s no single definition. Merriam-Webster defines it as “an elderly person, especially one who has retired.” If you’re looking for an exact age, consider these facts: • At 50 you qualify to join the American Association of Retired Persons (aarp.org) , which is an organization devoted to providing information, advocacy, and discounts for seniors. • Some restaurants and other com- panies offer discounts to those 55 and older. • If you have an individual retirement account (IRA), you may begin making withdrawals without incurring a penalty at age 59½. • Many people retire around age 60. • You can start collecting Social Security benefits at age 62. • You may start using Medicare at age 65. • If you have an IRA, you must begin making withdrawals at age 70½. So, when do you start being a senior? If you’re over 50, pretty much any time you want. QUOTABLE QUOTE: “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” — C.S. Lewis