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Benefits · Health · Retirement
Kiplinger ·
Retirees often overpay their taxes because they mix up their cash flow, income and actual spending. Understanding the differences can help you stay in control.
Read the full storyKiplinger ·
Investors should look beyond the "automatic" tax deferral of a 1031 exchange and assess whether staying in the landlord game aligns with their long-term goals.
Read the full storyNew York Times · Subscribers
A 91-year-old hiker is on a quest to complete the entire Appalachian Trail. Two journalists, lugging hefty equipment, joined him for a scenic but punishing stretch.
Read the full storyNew York Times · Subscribers
The Trump administration delayed a rule last year that could have sped up the effort to pinpoint the source of the contamination.
Read the full storyWall Street Journal · Subscribers
They lose billions in months and hold quarterly board meetings with their children. Inside the high-stakes, high-reward mindset of the ultrawealthy.
Read the full storyThe city, the county, the neighborhoods
Boston Globe · Subscribers
Three people were rescued after being caught in a possible rip current off Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown on Friday afternoon, with one of them in critical condition.
Read the full storyBoston Globe · Subscribers
At the race, there’s a costume parade, the “smartest nose,” and — of course — the loudest bark.
Read the full storyMassLive · Subscribers
The singer died in April.
Read the full storyMassLive · Subscribers
I told him I’d meet him halfway, but he needs to be truthful or we can’t get this resolved.
Read the full storyMassLive · Subscribers
He had been updating fans about his cancer battle on social media.
Read the full storyWire reports & foreign desks
The Guardian ·
Quake struck Flores region early on Saturday, prompting thousands to seek higher ground for fear of a tsunami A 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Indonesia has killed at...
Read the full storyBBC ·
A spokesperson for Trump's legal team responded to the request accusing the broadcaster of "seeking to harass" the president's family.
Read the full storyThe Guardian ·
Another 10 people in serious condition after bus veers off motorway and overturns Twelve people have died after a bus carrying a group of Polish tourists overturned on...
Read the full storyThe Guardian ·
Kyiv launches what may be its largest attack wave of war, with fire breaking out at warehouse near Russian capital Ukraine has launched one of its largest drone...
Read the full storyAl Jazeera ·
Follow updates from the Community Shield, including the build-up, analysis and live text commentary of the game.
Read the full storyAl Jazeera ·
BBC ·
BBC ·
NPR ·
Axios ·
Boston Globe · Subscribers
NPR ·
Elder Voices
As we get older, things that used to be easy can become very hard. Most parents want to stay in their own homes and keep their independence as long as possible. Because of this, they might try to hide the fact that they are struggling. It is important for families to look for small signs of trouble before a big emergency, like a fall or a fire, happens.
Here are seven signs that your parents might need some extra help at home:
1. They are not grooming themselves like they used to. Watch for things like messy hair, dirty nails, or body odor. You might also notice them wearing the same clothes for many days in a row or putting their clothes on backward. This can happen when bathing or doing laundry becomes too difficult for them to handle alone.
2. They are losing weight for no clear reason. If your parent looks thinner or their clothes seem too loose, they might not be eating enough. This could be because they find it hard to cook, have trouble getting to the grocery store, or simply forget to eat.
3. They use furniture to help them walk. Watch how your parents move around the house. If they are “furniture walking” — which means holding onto walls, tables, and chairs to stay steady — it is a sign that their balance is not good. This makes them much more likely to have a dangerous fall.
4. They forget to turn off the stove. Finding burnt pots and pans or a stove that was left on is a major safety warning. It shows that they are having trouble with memory and focus, which could lead to a house fire.
5. They are confused about their medicine. Missing doses or taking too many pills can cause serious health problems. If they seem confused about which medicine to take and when, they need a better system or someone to help them manage their health.
6. There are new dents or scratches on their car. Driving is often the last bit of freedom a senior wants to give up. However, new marks on the car or a sudden fear of driving at night can mean their vision or reaction times are getting worse.
7. They have piles of unopened mail and unpaid bills. When a parent stops opening their mail or starts getting late notices for bills, they may be feeling overwhelmed. This can also make them more likely to be tricked by phone scams.
How to help gracefully. If you see these signs, talk to your parents in a calm and private way. Instead of telling them what to do, ask them what they think would help. Focus on the idea that getting help — like having meals delivered or fixing tripping hazards like loose rugs — will actually help them stay in their home longer.
You should also make sure they have legal papers ready, like a Power of Attorney, so you can help with their health and money if they ever become too sick to do it themselves. Getting help early is the best way to keep your parents safe and happy at home.
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