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Gray unmarried at a disadvantage?

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Unmarried Boomers Confront Old Age: A National Portrait

by I-Fen Lin and Susan L. Brown, Ph.D.

The Gerontologist (2012) 52 (2):153-165

“The proportion of midlife Americans (aged 45–63) that are unmarried has increased by more than 50% since 1980. Today, one in three Baby Boomers is unmarried. The vast majority of these unmarried Boomers are either divorced or never-married; just 10% are widowed. As Boomers move into older adulthood, the unmarried share will grow as married Boomers continue to experience divorce and widowhood.

The marital status of unmarried Boomers matters. In general, divorced Boomers have more economic resources and better health than widowed and never-married Boomers. Among women, widows appear to be the most disadvantaged as they enjoy fewer economic resources and have poorer health than divorced and never-married women. In contrast, never-marrieds are the least advantaged among men. Despite having relatively high levels of education, never-married men have poorer economic circumstances and are most likely to live alone. Divorced and widowed men are comparatively advantaged. Thus, both the marital status composition and gender of unmarrieds are critical to deciphering the potential risks or vulnerabilities facing this growing group of Boomers.”

“The rise in unmarrieds at midlife has significant ramifications for old age.”

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Single ladies

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Retirement may be dicey for single women 

Sharon Epperson/Laura Sanicola

March 22, 2016

“Across all age groups, women have substantially less income in retirement than men, according to another report from the National Institute on Retirement Security. For women age 65 and older, their income is generally 25 percent lower than that of men. As men and women age, the gap widens to 44 percent by age 80.

As a result, the study found that women are 80 percent more likely than men to be impoverished at age 65 or older. Additionally, women age 75 to 79 are three times more likely to fall below the poverty level than men in the same age group.

Why the disparity? The gap may stem in part from the fact that women live longer on average than men, said Diane Oakley, executive director of the National Institute. In the United States, a woman turning 65 today can expect to live to more than 86. For men, it’s 84.

Women generally still earn less than men during their working years and that could affect their financial situation down the road, said Andrew Simonelli, director of communications and marketing at the Insured Retirement Institute.”

Read the entire article at: http://www.cnbc.com/2016/03/18/women-more-likely-than-men-to-retire-poor.html

Grandparents Day is this Sunday

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Grandparents Day is the First Sunday after Labor Dayimages (4)

“This day has a threefold purpose:

  • To honor grandparents
  • To give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children.
  • To help children become aware of the strength, information and guidance older people can offer.

History:  In 1970, a West Virginia housewife, Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade, initiated a campaign to set aside a special day just for Grandparents.   Through concerted efforts on the part of civic, business, church, and political leaders, this campaign expanded statewide. Senator Jennings Randolph (D-WV) was especially instrumental in the project. The first Grandparents Day was proclaimed in 1973 in West Virginia by Governor Arch Moore. Also in 1973, Senator Randolph introduced a Grandparents Day resolution in the United States Senate. The resolution languished in committee.

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Senior day at Walgreens

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Walgreens Senior Day!

First Tuesday of each month – This month:  Tomorrow, Sept. 6th

Discounts available for 55+ and AARP members.  Balance® Rewards card required.

In Store – 20% regular priced merchandiseBalance(R) Rewards

Online – Extra 15% off medicines and treatments with code 15MAT

Don’t have a Balance Rewards card?  Just ask for one at the register.  It’s easy, free and only takes a minute to complete the process.  Ask for details at your local Walgreens store or check it out at: https://www.walgreens.com/topic/promotion/seniorday.jsp.

God-given gift

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Image result for baptism images“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”  Matthew 28:19-20

My youngest grandchild will be baptised today!  

Baptism is a wonderful God-given gift.  The benefit of baptism is forgiveness of sins and the promise of salvation in Jesus Christ.

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”  Luke 18:16-17

You don’t have to be a young child to be baptised and receive God’s gift.  I was in elementary school when I was baptised and my late father was baptised as an adult.

Weld County Senior Law Day

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September 15, 2016

7:30 a.m.-12:00 noon

University Center, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO

A Public Service Program Offered To All Weld County Older Adults

Each participant will receive a copy of the 2016 Senior Law Handbook, published by the Colorado Bar Association, as well as a comprehensive book of all seminar highlights and local resources. Suggested donation of $5 includes keynote speaker, breakfast, 3 classes and 26 exhibitors.  Free parking is available.

You may call 970-346-6950 for more information and to register or online at:  http://seniorlawday-weldcounty.com/.

Would you like to sit here?

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I was asked this question on August 19th when I boarded a crowded shuttle bus in Rocky Mountain National Park. The young woman from Michigan was willing to give up her seat next to her husband.  At first I was taken aback.  I had never been asked this question before by a young woman.  Did I look like a senior citizen or someone with a disability who needed to sit down?  I turned down her generous offer and politely thanked her.  Instead, I asked if the young children belonging to the family standing in front of me could have her seat.  She said yes and those two little ones cheerfully took her seat.

priority seating

Then I saw the sign by the window about priority seating, which is reserved for seniors and the disabled under Federal Law.  It said riders should give up their seats.  After reading the sign, I still didn’t know what to think.

First, I believe the offer to give up one’s seat on a standing room only bus is a gracious and selfless act.  Second, I’m wondering why the husband didn’t offer his seat.  In the past, men were usually the ones offering their seat to a woman or an elderly person, not a young woman.  Third, when did I start looking like a senior citizen?