Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Can Routine Vaccines Reduce Dementia Risk as You Age? What Else Lowers Your Risk?


 Unlike most topics which are covered here, I was hesitant to discuss the subject of vaccines because they have become so controversial.  However, the October 2023 AARP Bulletin reported on an interesting study about the relationship between vaccines and dementia.  It may or may not affect your decision to stay up-to-date with your routine vaccinations, but it may help some people make a thoughtful decision.

The core discovery from Paul E Schulz, an M.D. and Professor of Neurology, as well as the Director of the Neurocognitive Disorders Center at the McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Center in Houston, said "There is the potential fringe benefit of vaccination, which is reducing the risk of Alzheimer's."

Fascinating, to say the least!

Of course, this does not mean that everyone who gets vaccinated for the flu and other diseases will never get dementia.  It also does not mean that everyone who decides against being vaccinated will definitely develop dementia.  It only means that getting regular vaccinations for common illnesses like the flu, Covid and Shingles will improve your odds of avoiding dementia.  

Researchers have long observed that our behaviors during our adult lives play a significant part in determining whether or not we will have dementia in later years.  Getting our vaccines may be just one more factor we need to consider. 

What are the Facts About Vaccines and Dementia Risk?

Researchers such as Schulze from the University of Texas, as well as other researchers around the world, have made the following observations:

1.  People who get vaccinated for the flu and other infectious diseases are less likely to get dementia. They speculate that it might be because, when you get sick from the flu and other infections, we become more likely to get dementia. They aren't certain, but they have observed that there seems to be a relationship between vaccines and dementia which indicates that vaccines appear to offer a substantial protection to the brain.  

2.  When they compared two groups of 935,887 patients each, in the U.S,  researchers learned that those who had at least one flu vaccine over a four year period were 40% LESS likely to develop Alzheimer's, compared to people who were not vaccinated.  The more vaccinations the patients had received, the better off they were.  It does appear that vaccines are causing people to be protected against some types of dementia.

3.  The flu vaccine was not the only vaccination which seemed to protect against dementia. When elderly people received the Shingles vaccine in Wales, the group who were vaccinated had about a 20% lower dementia risk over a seven year period compared to those who were not vaccinated against Shingles.

4.  When Schulze and other researchers at the University of Texas studied the effects of a variety of vaccines, including those for shingles, pneumococcal pneumonia, and the Tdap vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough), they discovered that those who were vaccinated against these diseases also had a lower rate of dementia. 

5.  Virologist Robert T. Schooley, an M.D. and infectious disease specialist at the University of California in San Diego, also noticed that people who have chronic inflammation from diseases such as HIV show signs of faster cognitive decline.  This indicates that diseases which seem unrelated to Alzheimer's may still play a factor in developing dementia.

6.  It seems that using vaccines to avoid a wide variety of diseases can play a significant role in avoiding dementia.   

What Else Can You Do to Reduce Your Dementia Risk?

Researchers at the University of California in Irvine, the Cleveland Clinic, as well as others, have also discovered additional ways to avoid or postpone dementia.  Sometimes they are called the Six Pillars of Brain Health. These include:

1.  Eat a healthy diet with a "plant-slant."  Good examples are the Mediterranean Diet and the MIND Diet.

2.  Get regular exercise, at least 150 minutes a week, to increase the blood flow to your brain.

3.   Exercise your brain with activities such as reading books and working puzzles in order to slow down cognitive decline.

4.   Get at least seven hours of sleep each night to help your brain "cleanse" itself and remove the toxins that build up during the day. 

5.   Have regular physical exams and follow your doctor's instructions in order to stay as healthy as possible.  In particular, you want to do whatever you can to avoid strokes, heart disease and similar problems which can have a devastating effect on your brain.  Since Covid-19 has been shown to increase your risk of a stroke or heart attack in the following months, getting the Covid-19 vaccine is another way in which vaccinations could have a protective effect on your brain and lower your dementia risk.

6.   Socialize, socialize, socialize.  We need human connections, stimulating conversations, and a sense of being a part of a community in order to keep our brains operating at their best. 


Find this at: DeborahDianGifts.etsy.com (Ad)
Many people believe that having a sense of gratitude can also help keep your brain healthy.  Being grateful for what we have and for the people in our lives is a good attitude to have for healthy mental health, and when working to maintain positive relationships with friends and families.  

You may want to get yourself something like this engraved bracelet, available in steel, gold or rose gold finishes, as a reminder of the importance of gratitude in your life.  You can personalize it with a name or significant date on the back.

Look for it and a wide variety of other gifts and jewelry at my Etsy Store, DeborahDianGifts at:

DeborahDianGifts.etsy.com (Ad)

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If you are interested in learning more about saving money, financial planning, Social Security, Medicare, where to retire, common medical issues as you age, travel and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

You are reading from the blog: http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credits:  Etsy and Pixabay

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Earn Extra Money During Retirement - Tips for Earning When You are Barely Scraping By


Retirement is often seen as a well-deserved break from the daily grind, a time to relax, travel, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. However, for many retirees, financial concerns can cast a shadow over this period of life. The good news is that there are various ways to earn extra money during retirement, allowing you to supplement your income, pursue your passions, and maintain your financial independence. Let's explore some creative and practical ways to earn extra income during your retirement years.

Part-Time Work

One of the most straightforward ways to boost your income during retirement is by taking on part-time work. Many retirees find fulfilling roles in areas like retail, customer service, consulting, or tutoring. You can leverage your decades of experience and expertise to land positions that suit your interests and availability.  

If you decide on working part-time with the public, such as working in retail, it could also help you postpone dementia!  Research shows that expanding the amount of time you spend socializing has a positive effect on our brain health.

On the other hand, if you want to stay close to home for health or other reasons, it is possible to earn extra money doing things such as tutoring online.  If you have experience teaching math, reading or other skills, this could be an excellent way to increase your income safely from home, and work your own hours.  Just promote your new business through friends, flyers, a website, or local sites like Nextdoor.  

Freelancing and Consulting

If you have specialized skills or knowledge in your field, consider freelancing or consulting. Platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr can connect you with clients seeking your skills. This allows you to work on projects at your own pace while earning extra income.  Many people turn to these sites to get help with projects they are unable to complete on their own.  As a result, if you are good at graphic art, setting up webpages, or have other computer skills, you may find you can earn a nice extra income through these sites.

Another way you can profit from freelancing is to write your own book and upload it to the free website called CreateSpace.  This is an Amazon affiliated company which allows writers to create their own books, and list them for sale on Amazon.  You determine the sales price and the amount of profit you will earn from a sale.  I have several books listed on Amazon, including my most popular book, "Your Guide to a Fabulous Las Vegas Wedding." (Ad)  I wrote it after several friends and family members were married in Las Vegas, and a number of people asked me questions about it. You can write fiction or non-fiction, and it costs you nothing upfront to have your book published on demand.  Amazon takes a portion to cover their printing costs, and you keep the profit. 

Rent Out Your Space

If you have extra space in your home, consider renting it out through platforms such as Airbnb. This can be a profitable way to use your home and earn extra cash without a major commitment.

However, do not just limit yourself to renting out your house. If you do not want to deal with having strangers in your home, consider renting out space in your garage, shed or basement for storage. Many people would love a place to store an extra car, use as an artist's studio, or for similar purposes.

Pursue Your Hobbies

Learn more at deborahdiangifts.etsy.com (Ad)

Retirement is an excellent time to focus on your passions and hobbies. Whether it's photography, painting, crafting, or gardening, you can turn your hobbies into profitable ventures. You can sell your creations online through platforms like Etsy or teach workshops and classes in your community.  This is an excellent way to sell your home crafts, including artwork, knitting, or woodworking.

It is easier to earn money on these platforms than you think.  For example, the writer of this blog also has an Etsy store and, within a few months, started making regular sales.  My shop is deborahdiangifts.etsy.com (Ad) where I design and sell a variety of gift items, including jewelry, t-shirts, mugs and more.  I don't even have to make or ship the items myself.  I simply design them on the website of a dropshipping company which will make the products on demand, after they are ordered, and ship them to the buyers.  It is a fun way to use your artistic talents to earn extra money.  

Online Content Creation

The digital age offers countless opportunities for content creation. If you're tech-savvy and enjoy writing, blogging, making videos on YouTube, or even starting a podcast, you can generate income through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.  If you like to write or create content, and you are passionate about a topic, you may be able to earn extra money in this way.

Share Your Knowledge

Your wealth of life experiences can be valuable to others. Consider offering coaching, mentoring, or life advice services. Many people are willing to pay for guidance from those who have navigated similar life challenges.

Invest Wisely

While not an immediate source of income, investing wisely can yield returns that supplement your retirement income. Consult with a financial advisor to create an investment strategy tailored to your needs and risk tolerance.  Try not to use your retirement savings, or even live on the income it produces, for as long as possible.  You want to use the power of compounding to increase your future income as much as possible, so you have it when you really need it. 

Online Surveys, Market Research and Online Games

Completing online surveys and market research can provide a small but consistent source of income. Many companies pay for your opinions on various products and services.  In addition, downloading free apps like Solitaire Cash and Bingo Cash can make it possible for you to win money which is paid to you securely through PayPal, Apple Pay, or directly into your bank account.  (However, in the interest of safety, I recommend that you not give them your bank account information until you are comfortable with these apps and their security. In addition, never sign up for a site that charges you to participate.)

Pet Sitting or Dog Walking

If you love animals, then pet sitting or dog walking can be a delightful way to earn extra income. Websites like Rover and Wag! can connect you with pet owners in your area.  Check with the Small Business Administration in your area to make sure you are following all the necessary legal requirements. 

Sell Unwanted Items

Decluttering your home not only creates a more comfortable living space but can also help you earn extra money. Sell unwanted items through garage sales, online marketplaces like eBay, or local classifieds.  If you have spent years accumulating more items in your home than you will ever use, retirement is a good time to begin to let go of some of them.  It will simplify your life and could help earn you some money.

See If You Qualify for Public Assistance

If you are really struggling financially, you may also qualify for some types of public assistance.  For example, you might be able to get SSI (Supplemental Security Income), if your Social Security benefits are extremely low. You might also be eligible for SNAP (food stamps) or housing vouchers.  If you are not old enough, yet, for Medicare, you may be eligible for a low cost medical insurance plan through the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).  If you are struggling to buy food and pay for your other expenses, find out about the food banks in your area.  They could help you stretch your food dollars much further. 

Conclusion

By exploring these creative ways to supplement your income, you can continue to live comfortably and pursue your dreams during your retirement years. Remember, the key is to find a balance that allows you to enjoy both your newfound freedom and financial stability. So, go ahead and explore the opportunities that suit your interests and skills, and unlock the potential for a fulfilling and financially secure retirement.


Order from DeborahDianGifts.etsy.com 

As mentioned above, I have set up an Etsy store as a fun way to help others and supplement my own retirement income.  One example is the lovely anniversary necklace you can see shown here.

You can even have the custom message on the card inside the gift box personalized with whatever message you would like to share with a loved one.  Just let me know what you would like it to say.  I also carry a beautiful line of affordable engraved jewelry in my shop.

 You can check it all out at:

  DeborahDianGifts.etsy.com (Ad)

You will find a wide selection of lovely jewelry, including items which can be engraved with a special name, date or short slogan.


Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us. You will receive a weekly email with the most current post.

If you are interested in learning more about retirement, Medicare, Social Security, common medical issues as we age, financial planning, where to retire and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission to support this blog, at no extra cost to you.

You are reading from the blog: http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit: Pixabay and Etsy.com