Issue 35: The Retirement Buzz

RIDDLE OF THE WEEK

I’m not alive, but I can grow. I don’t have lungs, but I need air.

🕯️ Answer at bottom

Preparing for Flu Season — What’s Different This Year

The CDC issued an early flu alert due to colder-than-average temps and a faster-spreading strain emerging in northern states. Older adults remain most at risk—but also most protected when vaccinated early.

✅ This Year’s Recommendations:

• 💉 High-dose flu vaccine (Fluzone High-Dose or Fluad Quadrivalent) for 65+

• 😷 Mask in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces

• 🛏️ Boost immunity with rest, water, and nutrient-rich meals

👩‍⚕️ Dorothy S., 72 – Buffalo, NY, got her updated flu shot after seeing three neighbors hospitalized last fall. “I don’t take chances anymore. I’d rather get a sore arm than a hospital bed.”

📍 Ask your pharmacist or doctor about the high-dose formula approved for seniors.

Medicare Open Enrollment — Top Questions Retirees Are Asking

We’re halfway through Medicare Open Enrollment (Oct 15–Dec 7)—a critical time for choosing or switching health plans.

🔍 Common Questions Right Now:

• “Should I leave Medicare Advantage?”

• “What if my doctor isn't covered under a new plan?”

• “What do those ‘Star Ratings’ even mean?”

💡 Tip: Use the Medicare Plan Finder at medicare.gov or contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free help.

👨‍💼 Michael G., 75 – Austin, TX, Michael found out his Advantage plan wasn’t covering a new specialist. He used Medicare.gov to compare options. “I had no idea how much plans changed year to year. It’s not ‘set it and forget it’.”

😂 JOKE OF THE WEEK

Why didn’t the skeleton cross the road?

Because he didn’t have the guts! 💀

Memory-Trigger Walks — How Scents and Sounds Reconnect Us

According to neuroscientists at Johns Hopkins, fall’s unique sensory cues—like woodsmoke and rustling leaves—can activate powerful emotional memories.

🍁 Try This Walk & Reflect Routine:

• Feel the crunch of leaves underfoot

• Notice the scent of firewood or fall spices

• Tune into birdsongs or wind in trees

🧠 After your walk, journal one memory it triggered. Emotional memory activation has been shown to boost mood and brain function.

👴 Henry B., 80 – Bend, OR, A recent walk near a cider mill reminded Henry of apple-picking trips with his late wife. “The smell hit me, and suddenly I was back in 1982. I cried—but I smiled too.”

Try a “Photo Diary” of Your Fall Routine

Creating a personal photo diary can help you appreciate the beauty in your daily rhythm. Plus, it’s a fun way to share your world with family—or preserve memories for yourself.

📸 Photo Ideas:

• ☕ Your morning coffee or tea

• 📖 Your favorite reading nook

• 🚶‍♀️ Your walking route or garden

• 🧥 Your coziest fall outfit or blanket

📷 Pro Tip: Use your phone’s Notes app or Google Photos to add captions to each photo. Compile them into a printed photo book or digital slideshow.

👵 Nadine J., 69 – Mobile, AL, Nadine made a weekly “Four Corners” collage: one photo for each season of her porch. “It helps me see change as something beautiful—not scary.”

Reflecting Back Before Looking Forward

As we close out October, spiritual teachers encourage practicing a simple review ritual before the rush of the holidays begins.

🌟 3 Reflection Prompts:

1. What surprised me this month?

2. What did I let go of?

3. What deserves a blessing before I move on?

🕯️ Ritual Idea: Light a candle and write one sentence of gratitude for something October taught you—big or small.

👩 Grace E., 73 – Flagstaff, AZ, Grace journals monthly reflections at the end of each month. “October taught me that slowing down doesn’t mean falling behind. It means catching up—with myself.”

🧩 RIDDLE ANSWER

🔥 Answer: Fire

🎖️ MILITARY & HOLIDAY RECOGNITIONS

🇺🇸 National Navy Day — October 27

This week we salute the U.S. Navy, founded in 1775. While Navy Day isn’t an official federal holiday, it remains a proud tradition of honoring those who serve at sea.

👨‍✈️ Consider This: Thank a sailor in your family or community—or donate to a naval support group.

🎃 Halloween — October 31

Many retirement communities will host:

• 🎨 Pumpkin decorating contests

• 🍭 Safe indoor “treat walks”

• 👒 Costume parades with local children

💡 Tip: Don’t sit out Halloween! Even if you stay in, wear a festive sweater or funny hat and hand out candy from the porch. Fun doesn’t expire.

🇲🇽 Día de los Muertos (Nov 1–2)

This powerful tradition, especially honored in Mexican and Latinx communities, focuses on celebrating life, not mourning death.

🕯️ How to Participate Respectfully:

• Place a photo of a loved one on a small altar or shelf

• Light a candle

• Speak their name aloud

• Share a story about them with family

💬 Quote to Remember: “To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” – Thomas Campbell

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