Retirement Just Got Better: Issue 08

This Week’s Retirement Roundup: From Health to Hobbies, Here’s What Matters Most

If you caught last week’s newsletter, we talked about owning your retirement story—not letting the government, Wall Street, or even the media dictate how your golden years play out. We covered the rising cost of healthcare, the myth of Social Security solvency, and the quiet epidemic of loneliness in retirement.

This week? We’re taking it a step further. Here are five real stories—from real people, in the real world—about what retirement can look like when you take control of your health, wealth, relationships, passions, and purpose.

And if you want to dive even deeper into how to build your best retirement life, grab a copy of “The Retirement Dreammaker – Master The Art of Retirement Abundance” by Matthew Jackson on Amazon or at www.theretirementdreammaker.com. Don’t forget to check out Jackson’s podcast “The Retirement Buzz” on www.theretirementbuzz.com or your favorite platform. It’s packed with practical, no-nonsense advice for retirees who aren’t slowing down.

New Alzheimer’s Drug Approved – Is It Worth It?

The FDA just gave full approval to Leqembi, a new drug aimed at slowing early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. It’s a big moment in the fight against cognitive decline, but there’s a catch—it’s expensive and comes with risks.

Over 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, and most are over 65. Leqembi can slow disease progression by about 27%—but the treatment costs $26,500 a year, and some patients experienced brain swelling or bleeding in trials.

Medicare will cover Leqembi for eligible patients, but you must be enrolled in a clinical registry, and additional testing (like PET scans) may not be fully covered. This isn’t a miracle cure—but it’s a step.

Talk with your doctor about cognitive screening and what preventive steps you can take now—like exercise, sleep, and nutrition—to stay sharp.

States Start Taxing Retirees Again

Bad news from the tax front. Several states—including Minnesota and Vermont—have recently rolled back or reduced exemptions for retirement income. Minnesota just passed a law that limits Social Security tax relief to households below $100,000.

Retirees on fixed incomes are getting hit from every angle—property taxes, income taxes, and inflation. This shift back toward taxing Social Security and pensions is a warning shot.

Nine states still don’t tax retirement income at all—like Florida, Texas, and Tennessee. But even “friendly” states are reconsidering. It’s critical to review your state’s tax policy annually.

Get strategic. Talk to a retirement income advisor or tax planner. And again—Matthew Jackson breaks this down masterfully in “The Retirement Dreammaker.” It’s not just about what you earn; it’s about what you keep.

The Rise of ‘Living Apart Together’ Couples

More retirees are ditching traditional cohabitation for a new trend: Living Apart Together (LAT). One standout story is that of Elaine and David, both 72, from Colorado, who’ve been “together” for 10 years—but live in separate houses a few miles apart.

LAT relationships offer companionship without sacrificing independence. For many widowed or divorced retirees, it’s a way to reconnect romantically without disrupting established routines or financial arrangements.

This arrangement can offer emotional closeness without merging finances, inheriting debt, or battling over bathroom space. It also helps avoid legal complications that can come with remarriage.

If you’re thinking about dating or partnering up again, think beyond the old-school model. Emotional fulfillment doesn’t have to come with a shared mortgage or bank account. Retirement is a time to define relationships your way.

Pickleball Goes Pro—And Retirees Are Dominating

Pickleball is no longer just a backyard game for grandkids. It’s now the fastest-growing sport in America for the third year in a row, with over 36.5 million players—and the new National Senior Pickleball Tour just launched this spring.

Barbara Winstead, 68, from Florida, is a retired teacher who just took home gold in the women’s doubles 65+ division at the National Pickleball Championships in Daytona. She only started playing three years ago.

Pickleball is easy on the joints, great for heart health, and a fantastic way to stay social. It’s also addictive—in the best way.

You don’t have to be an athlete to start. Most community centers and senior living communities now offer beginner-friendly pickleball leagues.

Grab a paddle and give it a try. You might just find your new favorite addiction—and make a few friends along the way.

80-Year-Old Climber Summits Mount Kilimanjaro

Anne Lorimor, an 80-year-old from Arizona, just became the oldest woman to climb Mount Kilimanjaro—again. Yep, again. She first did it at 85, then broke her own record at 89, and now she’s back at it at 90.

She’s not climbing for fame. Anne founded the Creating Exciting Futures Foundation, which helps disadvantaged youth gain education and confidence. Her climbs raise money and awareness.

Anne says she trains every day and swears by regular walking, weight training, and “a little chocolate now and then.” Her motto? “Don’t let age define your limits.”

Set a goal that scares you a little. Whether it’s a local hike, writing a book, or learning a new skill, retirement is the beginning, not the end.

Control What You Can, and Let That Be Enough

Retirement’s not just a number—it’s a mindset. And the people thriving right now are the ones doing the work: planning ahead, staying active, staying curious, and refusing to let age define their limits.

If you want a roadmap to that kind of life, get your hands on “The Retirement Dreammaker – Master The Art of Retirement Abundance” by Matthew Jackson. It’s part inspiration, part strategy, and all about helping you retire on your own terms. You can grab it on Amazon or at www.theretirementdreammaker.com. And don’t miss his podcast, “The Retirement Buzz,” where real retirees share how they’re living large—and what you can learn from them.

Retirement isn’t about slowing down. It’s about stepping up.
“You’re not done until you decide you’re done.”

Until next week—live boldly.

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