A home is most peoples’ single biggest asset, and it holds so much meaning and memories. If a single person enters a nursing home with a house but no money, many people don’t know that the new regulations say that the house is a countable asset, and the person won’t qualify for assistance. ...

Modifications may be necessary to make your home accessible and safe. If you pay for the modifications because it’s your house, it might not make your house more valuable. Sometimes they make your home less desirable when you eventually sell it. You need an open and honest discussion with your folks as to who pays the costs, and it probably makes sense to put it in writing. ...

When you give money to a charity, does it go where you want it to? How can you know if your donation is getting in the right hands? Our legal expert has advice to help direct your charitable giving. ...

One common situation is estate planning for a blended family or an unmarried couple. Here’s an example: A couple remarried in their 50s. They each had children from their first marriage. The husband died 20 years later. He had wanted to provide for his second wife, so he signed a will that stated that all of his assets were left to his wife with the understanding that, on his wife’s death, those assets would go to his children. Read more to find out what happened. ...

When it comes to thinking about our families, it’s helpful to put them into the perspective of a support system. Regarding personal relationships, our families are the first people we learn to socialize with, and therefore we view them as one of the most significant sources of casual support. ...

Pillow... Check. Stuffed bear... Check. Special snack... Check. Legal documents... Uh-oh. When you're planning a sleepover with your grandchild, don't forget the legal stuff. While it rarely happens, when you need medical or legal permission to make decisions on your grandchild's behalf, it's good to be prepared. ...

Finding yourself sick in a foreign hospital is never part of your vacation plans, but you need to consider that possible risk when taking an overseas vacation.If you need a physician’s services after the inpatient stay or an ambulance trip or plane ride home, Medicare will not cover that cost. If the stay is covered, you still need to pay for covered services plus the co-insurance or deductibles you would normally have to pay. ...

 

Volunteering your time and energy helps strengthen your community and helps others. Plus, researchers are finding definitive links between volunteerism and important emotional and physical benefits.

Why Do It?

Volunteering decreases the risk of depression and dementia for both the volunteer and the recipient. It provides increased social interactions and a greater sense of purpose and accomplishment for both. The National Institute on Aging reported that participating in volunteer activities lowers the risk of dementia and other health problems.

Successful aging requires physical activity. Helping with a local sports team or walking as a companion to help another promotes physical and mental fitness. Older volunteers experience greater life satisfaction and increased perceived health.

The anti-depression effects and physical activity also can help reduce stress. This can help boost the immune system, promote better health and cut the risk of disease.

Giving your time to others also can make you feel like you have more time to give. A Wharton College study found that volunteers felt more capable, confident and useful. This feeling boosts self-esteem and makes you feel like you can accomplish even more. Plus, folks who volunteer by giving not only time but also money can feel wealthier, again boosting mental health.

 

Face Time

Social isolation is a major problem for older adults, and volunteerism can help you make new friends and strengthen existing relationships. A strong social network can aid in practicing social skills and aging successfully.

Studies also point out the benefits of intergenerational relationships. Many high school students are encouraged to volunteer to bolster college applications. Seniors who volunteer can engage with this younger generation of volunteers, creating lasting friendships and shared experiences.

Retirement can be difficult for seniors, especially when someone is forced out at a relatively young age. Starting a new “career” by volunteering fills the void left by not having a workplace to go to every day.

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