MATURE MARKET HEADLINES POSTED 12/31/98
Timing of Childbirth Linked to Longevity
The older you are when you bear your children, the longer you are likely to live. Yes, postponing the start of your family just might help you reach a ripe old age, according to research findings reported in the December issue of Nature.
Rudi G. J. Westendorp of Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands, and Thomas B. L. Kirkwood of the University of Manchester, UK, use a unique database to show that the timing of reproduction is linked to longevity, at least, in the British aristocracy. British aristocratic families turn out to provide an ideal database for testing this "reproduction - longevity" theory. That's because they are reasonably homogeneous, and unlikely to have been affected by the kinds of social deprivation that interfere with the chances of a long life. Their genealogical records go back, in some cases, more than 1,200 years, and they have been published and computerized. In short, they are an ideal study group.
Using the records of the aristocracy, the researchers show that age at first childbirth is lowest in women who died early and highest for women who died at the greatest ages. But when only post-menopausal women were considered (aged 60 and over), those who had had the fewest children, and waited longer to have their first child, lived the longest. These findings show that human life histories do indeed involve a trade-off between longevity and reproduction.
This new research may help vindicate today's babyboom generation who have often been criticized for being too materialistic. For example, they often postpone the start of a family until the nest is ready. First, establishing their careers. Then gathering all the trappings of success ... stately home, fashionable wardrobes, stylish car. Then, and only then, starting their family. All this meant postponing childbirth until later in adulthood. Well, despite the critics, it seems like the boomers have had it right all along. And they've managed to boost their longevity, too. I guess that's why boomers are trend-setters.
See related articles in the AgeVenture archives.
"Gerontologists Seek Longevity Prescription"
"Is Longevity An Equal Opportunity Event?"
AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com
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Top Myths on Retirement Plans: IRAs, 401(k)s
Medicare is changing. Drastically. And soon. This January, in fact. If that's not enough to boggle your mind, there are hundreds of retirement planning firms vying for your patronage. Then there's all those retirement planning options offered by your employer. IRAs. 401(k)s. Mutual funds. It's enough to give even the best of minds a mental hernia. So do yourself a favor. You have to start somewhere. Begin by getting the lowdown on typical retirement plans. To help you along your way, Nolo Press has published "IRAs, 401(k)s & Other Retirement Plans" by Twila Slesnick and John Suttle (Nolo Press, 1998, $21.95) who offer hundreds of enlightening tips about retirement plans. Here's a dozen of 'em designed to boost your Retirement IQ and jump-start your planning.
- 01. Can you take money out of your 401(k) BEFORE you retire?
Most 401(k) plans allow you to borrow money from the plan. Some will even let you take out money for special circumstances, like paying for medical expenses.
- 02. If you take money out of your IRA before you are 59 1/2 must you always pay a penalty?
There are many ways to get money out of your IRA without paying a penalty. You can take the money in installments over your life-expectancy no matter how young you are. You can also take money out for certain college expenses or to help buy a first home.
- 03. When making withdrawals from your IRA, must you take cash? Or can you take shares of stock or corporate bonds or certificates of deposit?
You are permitted to take "property" such as stock shares or corporate bonds out of your IRA instead of selling them first and taking the cash. This rule is helpful when you want to continue to hold certain securities.
- 04. Is it a good idea to name your "estate" as beneficiary of your 401(k) or other retirement plan?
Naming your estate as beneficiary limits the options your heirs will have for taking money out of your retirement plan after you die. For example, your spouse might not be able to roll over the plan into his or her own IRA.
- 05. Can you change the beneficiary of your IRA after you turn 70 1/2?
You can always change your beneficiary. It's up to you to decide who gets your money after you die. However, you might not be able to change the method for computing how much money must come out of your IRA each year.
- 06. After age 70 1/2, are you required to take money out of your 401(k) every year?
If you continue to work past age 70 1/2 you are not required to take money out of your 401(k) until you actually retire.
- 07. After age 70 1/2, are you required to take money out of each IRA you own?
If you own several IRAs, a special rule allows you to total the amount that you are required to take from each IRA and then take the grand total from just one. Or you can take the total from several IRAs in any amounts you like.
- 08. If your children are the beneficiaries of your 401(k) or other retirement plan, can they roll over the plan into their own IRA when you die?
A spouse is the only beneficiary who is ever allowed to roll over your retirement plan into his or her IRA. No other beneficiary may do so, not even your children.
- 09. If you children are the beneficiaries of your IRA, must they take all the money out of the IRA immediately after you die and pay taxes on it?
With careful planning by you when you complete your IRA beneficiary form and again when you reach age 70 1/2, your children should be able to spread distributions out over a number of years, possibly even over their own life-expectancies.
- 10. Can distributions from a Roth IRA be delayed indefinitely?
Although you are not required to take distributions from your own Roth IRA during your lifetime, all beneficiaries except your spouse must begin taking distributions after you die.
- 11. If you convert your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA and then withdraw some or all the converted amount in the next couple of years, are those amounts subject to income tax?
Converted amounts are never subject to regular income tax after the year of conversion. You already paid the tax. However, they might be subject to an early withdrawal penalty if you take the money out too soon after the conversion and you are under age 59 1/2.
- 12. Once you reach age 70 1/2, must you take a specific amount out of your IRA each year, no more, no less?
The amount that you are required to take out of your IRA after age 70 1/2 is a "minimum" required amount. You may take more, but you may not take less.
There you have it. Just enough information to get you through your next cocktail party debate with your annoying know-it-all brother-in-law. If you print out these dozen tips and stick them in the vest pocket of your dinner jacket, then my money's on you to win any IRA debate, hands-down. However, for the long-term, I suggest that you run, not walk, to your nearest bookstore or library and get a copy of the "essential" reading in this valuable retirement planning resource book. "IRAs, 401(k)s & Other Retirement Plans" by Twila Slesnick and John Suttle (Nolo Press, 1998, $21.95).
See related articles in the AgeVenture archives.
"SAVER Act Promotes Retirement Planning"
"Gap Between Retirement Planning and Action"
"Don't Myth Retirement"
AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com
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Smart Home Technology for Senior Living
On February 22 and 23, 1999, an international conference on smart homes &
telematics will take place in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. The conference is
organized by a new foundation called Smart Homes, in co-operation with the
Province of North Brabant. Access to telecommunications will be provided for disabled and older people during the conference which is supported by the European Union.
Smart home technology, also called domotics is the integration of technology and
services inside the house with the purpose of enhancing the quality of life
of the resident through better safety and security, comfort, technical
management and communication. The integration of the various sensors and
actors into a smart home network can be realized through an extra twisted
pair network in the house, via the TV cabling network or via the existing
power network, all in combination with or without wireless media.
Wide-scale introduction of smart home technology has up to now be impeded
by lack of standardization, high cost and unawareness of the possibilitie
at architects, installers, project developers and residents. These barriers
are gradually taken away by the convergence of the three major
European bus systems. Also, costs of technology and installation are
substantially decreasing. Various target groups on the market are gradually
becoming aware of the existence of smart home technology via the different
media. At present time, in the Netherlands like in Belgium, a number of
demonstration projects is realized in service flats for senior citizens.
Such demonstration projects with hundreds of smart houses give a large
experience in the various aspects of real practice implementation at the
lowest costs.
At the conference, on the first day, a general review of the state of the
art of technology, user-interfaces and social context will be given. On the
second day, in three parallel sessions, issues like infrastructure, new
applications, market issues, user requirements, teleservices and access to
the information society will be discussed in more detail.
Mr. Jacques Santer, chairman of the European Commission, will address the
conference and open the exhibition. The exhibition will be open for the
conference participants on Tuesday afternoon and for the general public on
Wednesday 25 February. For more information and registration: http://www.smart-homes.nl or telephone +31 497514984 or fax +31 497518542
See related articles in the AgeVenture archives.
"Help With Homework Helps Home Work Well"
"A Home You Can Live With"
"Home Is Site For Sears Eyes"
AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com
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Cosmetic Dentistry Improves Face Value
These days, more senior citizens are keeping their teeth longer, due largely to improved dental care. However, over time other dental issues arise that can affect health and appearance, namely abrasion of the teeth at the root surface and gingival recession.
"When a person has areas of abrasion, it's harder to maintain and keep teeth clean, and this compromises the health of the gum area," says Dr. Dean Lodding, and accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. However, with the help of cosmetic dentistry, seniors can enjoy a youthful, healthy, attractive smile.
As people age, surface tooth enamel wears and the gums recede, exposing the root surface. The root surface is covered by a material called cementum, which when exposed, is very sensitive. This condition can be the result of either abrasion or erosion. Loss of tooth structure due to mechanical wear is called abrasion. This is most commonly seen as a "notched area" on the tooth right at the gum line. Cosmetic dentistry uses adhesive bonding techniques to restore teeth to a more natural appearance and protect teeth where harmful wear and exposure have taken place.
According to Dr. Lodding, "Adhesive dental materials allow dentists to bond on all three components of the tooth. We have always been able to bond to the enamel, the outer tooth surface, now we can bond to the other tow components, dentin and cementum, giving a greater capacity to save the tooth structure. We can also add on to the tooth structure to change the color and provide modifications in shape, form, and alignment."
The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) is an international organization providing a forum for excellence in education and credentialing in the art and science of cosmetic dentistry. For more information about cosmetic dentistry, contact the AACD at 1-800-543-9220.
See related articles in the AgeVenture archives.
"Teeth Tips Address Elder Dental Concerns"
"Brush With Crisis Extracts Aid From Teeth"
"Her Teeth Are Like Stars, They Come Out at Night"
AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com
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Help for Grandparents Who Raise Grandkids
70,000 Illinois children are being raised by their grandparents", according to Illinois Department on Aging Director, Maralee I. Lindley who recently announced "seed grant" monies to establish local support groups to help grandparents meet the challenges of raising their grandchildren.
Grandparents who take on this caregiver role often need guidance when it comes to their grandchildren's education, or with issues relating to custody, benefit eligibility, child care, and updating parenting skills. "Support groups", says Lindley, "offer a common ground where grandparents can seek and share this information with each other".
Funding to assist grandparents raising grandchildren was identified as a high priority in Illinois Governor Jim Edgar's FY 1999 budget. Currently, there are 17 active support groups in Illinois, and the new seed grants will make it possible to establish 39 new support groups in additional 26 counties. The individual seed grants range from $1,000 to $2,000 each.
"Reasons why we see growing numbers of grandparents serving as primary caregivers to their grandchildren relate to everything from parental drug and alcohol abuse to child abuse, mental health issues, incarceration and death of a parent," says Lindley. In addition to the support groups, the state office on aging has published a resource guide for grandparents raising grandchildren. For additional information, contact the Illinois Department on Aging, 421 East Capitol Avenue, #100, Springfield, IL 62701-1789. E-mail: ilsenior@age084R1.state.il.us
See related articles in the AgeVenture archives.
"National Grandparent Daze Seems Inevitable"
"Faith Is Tie That Binds Elders to Grandkids"
"Boomerang Grandparents"
"10% of Grandparents Don't Visit Grandkids ... they raise them full time."
AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com
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