Work Less, Enjoy More: Retirement With a Side of Work

Often, people think about work and retirement as two opposite sides of a coin. It does not need to be one or the other. Sometimes, people wish to continue earning money in retirement. This can be a helpful way to assist with your growing needs at this stage. About Aging Parents has plenty of great advice and tips to help people better navigate the golden years. 

There are many different types of work that you can pursue in retirement, from consulting to entrepreneurship. The best type of position for you depends on how much time, energy, and resources you want to devote to it. 

Determine Your Interests and Availability  

There are many factors to consider as you think about taking on a job during retirement. One of the first things to consider is how many hours you wish to devote to working. Do you want a full- or part-time job? The type of job you want is another point of consideration, as well as where you want to work — some seniors appreciate the social aspects of working, so a public setting is best, but those who prefer to work independently may wish to take on a work-from-home or freelance position. 

 If you have expertise in a certain subject, it may be lucrative to take on a position as a consultant or advisor. You could also set up a home-based business in which you can use these skills to earn money. An example could be a retired teacher offering consultation for curriculum planning. 

Hobbies can also make a great sideline business — maybe your passion for baking can become an income-earner for your retirement years. There are endless ways to earn money during retirement, so be sure to choose something that you enjoy. If you are setting up a business, it may be wise to think about its structure and create a plan that works with your lifestyle. 

Structure and Formation 

The way you arrange your work schedule, the type of work you choose to do, and how you function in this new role are important factors, whether you work for someone else or opt to start your own business. Working during retirement looks quite different than it did when you were working in a full-time career, and it is important to maintain boundaries to prevent you from taking on too much. 

New business owners may find it practical to consider filing as a Limited Liability Company or LLC. With this type of formation, you can keep your personal assets safe, as well as enjoy a great deal of flexibility. There are different regulations for business owners, depending on what state you live in, but you can work with a formation company like Zenbusiness to take care of the process for you. It may be tempting, as a new business owner, to devote excess time and energy to tasks like this but be sure to set limits to prevent burnout. 

Make Your Work Sustainable 

Whether you opt to work for someone else or start your own business, keep in mind that sustainability is crucial. Seniors who are working need to make sure they are taking time for themselves. Participate in self-care daily. Remember, you cannot give water from an empty well — your physical and emotional resources need to be replenished. 

Retirement can be scary, especially when you have financial concerns to think about. Working in your golden years is more than possible and can even be a viable part of your master plan in your senior years. But rather than stretch yourself too thin, consider how to develop a business or work schedule that takes your entire life and needs into account.

Image link: https://pixabay.com/photos/elders-retired-people-old-elderly-401296/ Image credit: Pixabay.com

This is a guest post from Annabelle Harris.

Annabelle Harris is a 67-year-old writer, wife, mother, and grandmother. She started blogging nearly a decade ago when she was still facing the prospect of retirement and old age. She was terrified and needed an outlet for her thoughts, fears, and uncertainties. It was through her first blog that she found the support of a community that truly helped her through the process of aging.

Thank you Annabelle

 

Navigating the COVID-19 Vaccine Process

The COVID-19 vaccine is now becoming available to others outside the healthcare industry, but it can seem like a dangling carrot with no real access. So how can you navigate the COVID-19 vaccine process? It won't be available from you primary care provider (PCP) because of the strict cold storage requirements. But some large healthcare organizations such as Kaiser Permanente, CVS, and Walgreens are able to safely store and provide it. Sites such as Disneyland or sports stadiums are allowing use of their parking lots for drive-up inoculations.

Find Information Online

The best possible means of getting truthful and transparent information is through your county public health department. Trying to reach them by phone may be almost impossible, so you will likely need to access them online and it may be a slow process because literally millions are trying to access as well. Be patient but persistent!!  You may need a family member or friend to do this for you. Your local Senior Center also may be able to assist you.

A Google search for your specific county health dept. would look like: XXX county public health department. And then search for COVID-19 vaccine information. It might be front and center. Or you may need to start with your state health department website. Go directly to the government websites and please don't fall for any scams!!!!!  DO NOT pay anyone to help you access a vaccine! You can sign up to receive emails with updated information.

FREE Vaccine

The vaccine is free of charge, and you should NOT be asked for insurance information. Vaccines are provided on an APPOINTMENT ONLY basis. Don't just show up!

Some counties or vaccine sites are charging a fee to administer the vaccine and charging your insurance for this fee. This is questionable as to whether it should be allowed. But you might have to provide your insurance info or pay a small fee - be prepared. Hopefully this is not the case in your county. 

Why Delays?

There is a shortage of vaccine in many areas. The health department or other providers will only take appointments that they can fulfill. This is why it may appear that there are no appointments. Keep checking daily. More vaccine arrives each week and appointments will open up. You can also sign up for updates or alerts to notify you of available appointments. Understand that this process is under construction and evolving as quickly as possible to be efficient and get everyone vaccinated. It was not a well though out plan and in many cases dumped on the local health departments just a couple of weeks ago with little to no notice!

President Biden will also enact the Defense Production Act to ramp up production of the vaccine to meet the need for all Americans needing/wanting the vaccine. 

Is it Safe & Effective?

Multiple pharmaceutical companies and independent research agencies have been focused on corona viruses for years. The common cold is caused by a corona virus and for YEARS researchers have been trying to cure the common cold.

The COVID-19 vaccine is not like your typical vaccine. It does NOT contain COVID-19 virus!!! It will NOT give you COVID!! It's basically an immunity booster. It contains a protein that hates COVID and will kill it off if your body becomes infected. 

You will need two doses to become 95% protected. The second dose is given 21-28 days after the first dose depending on the manufacturer. When you receive your first dose you'll be notified how and when to get your second dose. Register for any website they tell you to follow. Some will make daily check ups for the first week.

Getting Your Vaccine

Once you have your appointment, arrive on time and allow yourself time to get into line. This will vary depending on your own habits. Running late will possibly lose you your appointment so be prepared to arrive early. Your appointment time will likely have a group of people assigned the same time and you'll be ushered to check in and then wait in another line, or possible be seated. Pharmacies and clinics offering the vaccine may have fewer people at each appointment to avoid crowding issues.

Once you receive your vaccine, you'll be directed to a waiting area to sit for at least 15 minutes to ensure you have no adverse reaction. You'll be dismissed once they are sure you're OK. You will receive a card with your vaccine information including the manufacturer (i.e. Pfizer or Moderna), lot number, date, dose, and person administering the vaccine. KEEP this card and take with you for your second vaccine. And the next time you see your PCP, take the card with you so they can enter it into your medical records. Keep this card with your important papers. If the entire process is efficient, it will take about an hour.  Watch your local news and newspapers for information to glean how well the process is running in your area and what glitches to expect.

Be Prepared to WAIT

The important factor is to be prepared to wait! Some sites may not be amenable to wheelchairs and you'll likely have to do a lot of standing.  Take weather in to account when going to your appointment. Dress accordingly. And be sure to wear clothing you can easily expose your upper arm in as there likely will not be privacy to undress.  Drive through locations may be preferred for the elderly.

What to Expect After the Vaccine

The main side effects include pain or itching at the injection site. This varies with the recipient and the administrator. Tylenol and warm compresses can alleviate discomfort. If it worsens or lingers, consult your PCP.

Of course, any major reactions should be reported and immediate emergency medical care sought  such as trouble breathing or sense of your throat closing up.  These are rare, but should not be ignored. 

Some are reporting more symptoms after the 2nd injection such as body aches and fatigue in addition to pain or itching at the injection site. It's suggested that you limit or avoid other activities on the day of and at least 1 day after the vaccine in case you do experience mild reactions. 

Continue to Protect Yourself

Continue to wear a mask, socially distance, wash you hands frequently and avoid any crowds or exposure. It will take 2-3 weeks to completely build your immunity. The vaccine will REDUCE your chances of infection, but not 100% protect you. It's important to get as many people vaccinated as quickly as possible to reduce the spread of the virus, lower infection rates, and prevent massive numbers of deaths. 

As with any virus, there are and will be mutations, and it will continue to mutate. The vaccine is thought to be effective against the new strains known to be present, but the effectiveness may be reduce. This should not deter you from getting the vaccine. As with any medical treatments or procedures, ALWAYS check with your PCP for recommendations and instructions. 

It is also important to stop the spread of false and misleading information. Please fact check your sources! 

Read more....

CDC answers Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

  

 

Avoid Fake Ballot Boxes - Make Sure Your Ballot Gets Counted!

I live in California and here the Republican Party admittedly has placed fake ballot boxes all over the place. The intention is not clear, but at all costs you want YOUR ballot to COUNT. 

There are options with mail in and absentee ballots. For instance they come with a postage paid bulk mail permit attached. This has been reported to be an OK method to return your ballot, but suggest you drop it off at the post office if possible. The newly appointed Post Master General waffles on whether the ballot mail will be treated as First Class or Bulk mail. Don't take a chance!

A better way is to attach first class postage (2 stamps is best) and then it must be treated as first class mail and not just bulk mail. The best option is to deposit your ballot in a secure ballot box in your county. Your ballot should have contained a list of the the possible official drop boxes. These are often located at your local City Hall or library.

You can always check with your state or county registrar of voting. And should you be declined as a voter, be sure to ask for a Provisional Ballot and then check with your registrar. Know your voter RIGHTS!  Report suspicious voter suppression!!!

 

There are also ways to track your unique ballot to make sure it was received and counted. 

If you vote in person, be sure to try to vote early to avoid the longest lines. Election Day is officially
Tuesday, Nov. 3. Take water, a snack and maybe a camping stool. Also take your mask and hand sanitizer. Understand that campaigning is illegal at polling places. That means don't wear your political hats, shirts, button, etc! You can be turned away. There should be NO military or militia guards present either!! Voting is YOUR RIGHT and it should be a private affair and devoid of fraudulent and illegal issues!!

Be sure to send your mail-in ballots in time. They must be postmarked no later than 17 days after the election (Nov. 20) to count!! With the expected number of mail in ballots this year, expect delays in counting and knowing who wins each election. The absentee/ mail-in ballots are often the LAST to be counted.

 

 

 

Helping Seniors VOTE

In a few short weeks America will elect its next President, a few governors, and some major legislators. In addition, state and local elections include a multitude of local propositions and candidates that can have far reaching affects on the regions and the country as a whole. Voting is a right, and with rights come responsibilities. It is therefore the responsibility of every single citizen to VOTE. 

Seniors may need assistance

Seniors may have the most difficult and complicated issues when it comes to voting. Just getting a ballot or making it to the polls can seem an insurmountable task. And if they do receive a mail in ballot, they may need help getting it safely returned to be counted. If returning it by mail, it is recommended to add postage (1-2 stamps depending on the size) so that it become a 1st class mail piece and MUST be handled as such by the post office.  Otherwise it might be delayed.

Some, including President Trump, are using every option and excuse to make voting more difficult this year. Absentee and mail in ballots are being bashed as possibly fraudulent even though some states like Oregon have had total mail in voting for years without any more issues than can happen in any election process. We are humans and nothing will ever work perfectly. Two years ago, Los Angeles county had sever issues with electronic ballots and this time around they have a backup paper ballot option for those who don't want to deal with possible technology sues.

In California, there are rumors of ballots being delivered without the presidential options. However, I have yet to actually see these so called errors. Mine arrived intact yesterday.

COVID-19 issues and voting

COVID-19 presents barriers and obstacles for voting especially in person. During the primary elections we saw people standing in line for hours huddled without social distancing and many without masks. This is extremely dangerous and not recommended for anyone, especially not the elderly!

Please check in with your elderly loved ones and neighbors to ensure they have a ride to the polls or help with their mail in ballots.  They might need postage, or help delivering it to a ballot drop box or to the polls for safe delivery. Take advantage of early voting dates to access polls when less in demand.

Track your ballot

There are apps online to ensure registration, notification of ballots sent out, ballots received and ballots counted. This is electronic tracking and your loved ones or neighbors may need your assistance in tracking their ballots. The Washington Post offers this information. Ballots have Intelligent Barcodes which are unique to each ballot.

Key issues for older voters

There are several key issues at stake for our elderly loved ones in this election. Among them is the status of Social Security, SSI and other disability income, Medicare and healthcare options. Voting is not an option this year it is essential for every voter to VOTE and every vote to be counted! It's not about political party- it's about all of us! Please VOTE and help others if they need assistance! Thank you!!!💞