Issue 47: The Retirement Buzz

Honoring the Past, Living the Present

Author

Retirement Dreammaker
January 25, 2026

RIDDLE OF THE WEEK

Q: What can travel around the world while staying in one spot?

(Answer at the bottom)

🧠 HEALTH: The Cold Weather Hydration Mistake Retirees Make

Many retirees assume dehydration is a summer problem. But research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that cold-induced dehydration is just as common in winter and often more dangerous due to dulled thirst signals in colder weather. 🧊 Why it happens: Cold temperatures constrict blood vessels, reduce sweat loss, and suppress thirst. But your body still loses moisture through respiration, indoor heating, and diuretic medications—especially common among retirees. Key Signs of Dehydration in Winter: Dry skin or lips Fatigue or lightheadedness Confusion or forgetfulness (often mistaken for cognitive decline) Simple Fixes That Work: Drink 6–8 cups of fluid daily, including warm herbal teas, broths, or infused water Use a humidifier in dry indoor spaces Keep a refillable water bottle near your favorite chair or reading spot 🗣️ Robert K., 71 from Duluth, MN, shared: "I thought brain fog was just part of aging until my doctor told me I was dehydrated. Now I sip peppermint tea all day—it helps my energy and digestion too." 🔗 Sources: NIH: Cold Weather and Dehydration Cleveland Clinic: Hydration Tips for Seniors in Winter

Many retirees assume dehydration is a summer problem.

But research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that cold-induced dehydration is just as common in winter and often more dangerous due to dulled thirst signals in colder weather.

🧊 Why it happens: Cold temperatures constrict blood vessels, reduce sweat loss, and suppress thirst. But your body still loses moisture through respiration, indoor heating, and diuretic medications—especially common among retirees.

Key Signs of Dehydration in Winter:

  • Dry skin or lips

  • Fatigue or lightheadedness

  • Confusion or forgetfulness (often mistaken for cognitive decline)

Simple Fixes That Work:

  • Drink 6–8 cups of fluid daily, including warm herbal teas, broths, or infused water

  • Use a humidifier in dry indoor spaces

  • Keep a refillable water bottle near your favorite chair or reading spot

🗣️ Robert K., 71 from Duluth, MN, shared: "I thought brain fog was just part of aging until my doctor told me I was dehydrated. Now I sip peppermint tea all day—it helps my energy and digestion too."

🔗 Sources:

💰 WEALTH: 2026 Tax Season Begins—What Retirees Should Know

Tax season officially begins on January 20, according to the IRS. For retirees, filing early not only helps avoid identity fraud, but also gives you more time to manage Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), charitable deductions, and changes to standard deductions for seniors. 🧾 Key Updates for 2025 Tax Year: The standard deduction for taxpayers over 65 has increased to $16,650 (single) and $28,100 (married filing jointly) The charitable deduction limit for non-itemizers has not been extended—donate via QCDs to count it Watch for SSA-1099 and 1099-R forms from Social Security and retirement accounts Quick Actions to Take Now: Review your total taxable income and withdrawals Check if your Medicare premiums changed due to income bracket shifts Schedule a meeting with a tax advisor before March 🗣️ Elaine S., 68, from Phoenix, AZ: "Last year I waited too long and got my refund six weeks late. This year, I filed early and used a senior-friendly CPA—no stress." 🔗 Sources: IRS: 2025 Tax Season Key Dates AARP Tax-Aide for Seniors

Tax season officially begins on January 20, according to the IRS. 

For retirees, filing early not only helps avoid identity fraud, but also gives you more time to manage Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), charitable deductions, and changes to standard deductions for seniors.

🧾 Key Updates for 2025 Tax Year:

  • The standard deduction for taxpayers over 65 has increased to $16,650 (single) and $28,100 (married filing jointly)

  • The charitable deduction limit for non-itemizers has not been extended—donate via QCDs to count it

  • Watch for SSA-1099 and 1099-R forms from Social Security and retirement accounts

Quick Actions to Take Now:

  • Review your total taxable income and withdrawals

  • Check if your Medicare premiums changed due to income bracket shifts

  • Schedule a meeting with a tax advisor before March

🗣️ Elaine S., 68, from Phoenix, AZ: "Last year I waited too long and got my refund six weeks late. This year, I filed early and used a senior-friendly CPA—no stress."

🔗 Sources:

😂 JOKE OF THE WEEK

Why did the retired librarian fall in love at 75?

Because they finally found the right “bookmate.”

❤️ RELATIONSHIPS: Reignite an Old Friendship This Month

According to a recent AARP Loneliness Study, over 35% of adults over 60 report losing touch with close friends over time. 

The good news? Reconnecting with a long-lost friend—even through a simple message—has been shown to increase emotional well-being and reduce feelings of isolation by up to 40%.

Why It Works:

  • Familiar voices and shared memories rekindle your personal narrative

  • Emotional connection releases oxytocin, which boosts mood and reduces cortisol

Try This:

  • Scroll through old photos or yearbooks and reach out to one person you haven’t spoken to in 5+ years

  • Send a short message: “You crossed my mind today. Would love to catch up if you’re up for it.”

  • Schedule a short phone call or coffee meetup

🗣️ Harold L., 75, from Dayton, OH: "I found my Navy buddy on Facebook after 30 years. We laughed like we were 20 again. That call gave me more joy than any holiday gift."

🔗 Sources:

  • AARP: The Value of Reconnecting

  • CDC: Social Connection and Mental Health in Aging

🎨 HOBBIES: Learn to Preserve Family Recipes

January is officially National Slow Cooking Month, making it the perfect time to document—and celebrate—your family’s culinary heritage. Studies show that sharing stories through cooking boosts intergenerational bonds and improves memory recall in older adults. 📝 How to Get Started: Choose one legacy dish (soup, roast, dessert) Invite a child, grandchild, or neighbor to cook it with you Record the recipe and a short story about its origin—on paper or video Store in a shared Google Doc or physical recipe binder Marie D., 72, from Buffalo, NY: "My grandma's stuffed cabbage lives on every winter. Now my granddaughter makes it with me—and she knows why we used breadcrumbs instead of rice during the war." 🔗 Sources: National Today: Slow Cooking Month University of Georgia Extension: Preserving Family Recipes

January is officially National Slow Cooking Month, making it the perfect time to document—and celebrate—your family’s culinary heritage. 

Studies show that sharing stories through cooking boosts intergenerational bonds and improves memory recall in older adults.

📝 How to Get Started:

  • Choose one legacy dish (soup, roast, dessert)

  • Invite a child, grandchild, or neighbor to cook it with you

  • Record the recipe and a short story about its origin—on paper or video

  • Store in a shared Google Doc or physical recipe binder

🗣️ Marie D., 72, from Buffalo, NY: "My grandma's stuffed cabbage lives on every winter. Now my granddaughter makes it with me—and she knows why we used breadcrumbs instead of rice during the war."

🔗 Sources:

🧘 SPIRITUAL GROWTH: Practicing Humility with Age

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve.” As we age, spiritual growth often shifts from achievement to presence—and few acts are more spiritually grounding than quiet, humble service. Daily Practices to Build a Humble Heart: Write one thank-you note this week Compliment a stranger or grocery clerk Offer your time or talent to a neighbor (shoveling snow, sharing baked goods) 🗣️ Rita M., 80, from Jackson, MS: "I used to think I had to be a leader. Now I know—being kind in small ways is just as powerful." 🔗 Sources: Greater Good Science Center: Humility as a Strength MLK Jr. Archives – “The Drum Major Instinct” Sermon

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve.” 

As we age, spiritual growth often shifts from achievement to presence—and few acts are more spiritually grounding than quiet, humble service.

Daily Practices to Build a Humble Heart:

  • Write one thank-you note this week

  • Compliment a stranger or grocery clerk

  • Offer your time or talent to a neighbor (shoveling snow, sharing baked goods)

🗣️ Rita M., 80, from Jackson, MS: "I used to think I had to be a leader. Now I know—being kind in small ways is just as powerful."

🔗 Sources:

🧩 RIDDLE ANSWER

🔍 Answer: A stamp.

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