Cruisin'

Dear Linda:

       I never traveled while raising my family. Now that I've retired, I feel an urgency to see the world before I'm no longer able. I'm interested in cruises, but wonder if taking one alone would be enjoyable.

Looking for Adventure 

Dear Looking for Adventure:

       Seniors spend a lifetime postponing needs and desires to fulfill family and work obligations. They've earned a retirement abundant with peace and pleasure, and travel is one route.

       A luxurious way to experience the exotic and explore the world, cruising is an all-inclusive, hassle-free vacation that seniors can tailor to their needs-value-priced or deluxe, relaxing (lounging by the pool, reading, lectures and culinary demonstrations) or thrilling (singles parties, gambling, snorkeling and diving, and shore adventures).

       Consider a special interest or theme cruise-roaring twenties, big band, 50's sock hop, arts & crafts, historical, and sports are just a few examples. For those singles who love to dance, select a cruise line that offers "social hosts" as an amenity. These dapper, retired professionals provide company (for dining, dancing and excursions) for women traveling alone.

       Many cruise lines offer stateroom-share-options (economical and the way to make a friend). They guarantee a match with someone of same gender and smoking preference, similar age and compatible lifestyle. Ask for a room in mid ship-has greater stability and is closer to the dining rooms and elevators, especially important if walking is a problem. Choosing small to mid-size ships is an option for easier access to events, greater senior clientele, and an even more personal experience.

       Diet regimens aren't a problem. Most cruise lines offer flexible dining schedules and menus (kosher, vegan, and low calorie, sodium and fat). Discuss any special needs you have at the time of reservation (three weeks ahead), and again when you board.

       Contact your travel agent or cruise specialist for ship options, ratings, costs and travel secrets.

       Visit www.mustcruise.com/cruise_info/seniors.html, and call 800-365-1445 to ask about AARP member discounts. Bon voyage!

Too Late for Sex?????

Dear Linda:

    I’m a long-time widower who’s healthy and very much alive at 83. My grown children are appalled that I’m still sexually active. How can I convince them that there are benefits beyond the obvious?

Frisky in Frisco


Dear Frisky:

    Society has been brainwashed to believe that sex is exclusive to the younger generation—that only they’re attractive or healthy enough to engage in this level of intimacy. Babyboomers, in particular, are dispelling this myth. People are living, working and playing longer than previous generations. They are active and healthy, and refuse to give up emotional and physical gratification.

     Growing older doesn’t diminish the longing to love or be loved, nor does it preclude the need for the expression of that feeling. Desire doesn’t disappear with age, and being over 60 doesn’t mean being done with sex. In fact, more and more people are just beginning new relationships in their 60’s and 70’s.

     The benefits of an active sex life are numerous. Like any other exercise, muscles are toned (including the heart), bones are strengthened, and stamina is increased. Brain function is dramatically improved and because of increased levels of endorphins, body aches and pains are relieved, stress levels are decreased, and mood is enhanced. Skin appearance is rejuvenated because of increased circulation. Even the immune system is fortified. Couples who sustain an active sex life tend to live longer and happier lives.

     A recent study of married couples showed that 89% in the 60-65 age range and 30% in the over-80 age group are still sexually active, particularly now that there are various drugs and treatments for problems with sexual performance. Read Sex & Love for Grownups: A No-Nonsense Guide to a Life of Passion by Sally Foley.

     It’s important to have a thorough physical before beginning any new activity. Ask for guidance about healthy sexual functioning, the avoidance of transmitted diseases, and contraception. The need for this information doesn’t end at 60 either.

What to do with your 401K.

Dear Linda:

I’m changing jobs and am not sure what to do with the 401 (k) that I began with my previous employer.

Financially challenged

Dear financially challenged:

You have three options: leave it with your previous employer, take cash, or roll-over your assets into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA).

The problem with leaving it with your previous employer may be that the 401 (k) isn’t invested diversely enough to be advantageous. Before deciding, begin with analyzing your retirement needs and developing a comprehensive plan to meet them.

Determine the age you’d like to retire and find out what you can expect from Social Security (visit www.ssa.gov to determine your benefit). Then calculate all your expenses and add 4% per year for inflation (Remember to add in the cost for health insurance and medicine, if they won’t be covered by a company during retirement). Deduct that total from your Social Security income, and you have the supplemental amount your retirement account must generate.

Contact a financial planner or investment representative to guide you in this effort. Be sure this person has your best interest in mind and isn’t representing financial products that divide loyalties.

After this planning, you can decide if you want to cash the 401 (k) or reinvest the money into a new or existing Roll-over IRA. The drawbacks of cashing the 401 (k) are the various taxes (state and local, if applicable, and 20% federal income tax) and penalties you’ll pay, particularly if you’re under age 59 ½ (an additional 10% for early withdrawal). In addition to dramatically reducing the value of the withdrawal, you’ll be defeating the purpose of saving for retirement that the 401 (k) originally intended.

Roll-over IRAs generally offer a wider variety of investment options, so you can customize them to better fit your investment needs. Roll-over IRAs also continue to defer income taxes, allowing more of your money to work for you.

Changes in Vision

Dear Linda,

       I have a golf buddy who’s constantly rubbing his eyes. Now he’s blaming his bad game on seeing through a haze. Isn’t it time to get his glasses checked?

Birdie in Bedford

Dear Birdie:

       No, it’s time to have his eyes checked and by a good ophthalmologist. Everyone over age 50 should have an annual exam that includes eye dilation. The doctor tests for many conditions including near and farsightedness, high pressure that can cause glaucoma (a cause of blindness), and harmful changes resulting from diabetes.  Call EyeCare America at 800-222-3937 or visit www.eyecareamerica.org to see if you qualify for a free exam and treatment.

       Presbyopia is the impairment of vision caused by aging. The change in ratio of water to protein in the eye lens makes it less flexible and able to focus. Additionally, the crystalline lens of the eye loses its elasticity causing the point of clear vision to be farther away, so though the eyes are truly the “windows to the world”, as people age, those windows often fog up.

       Numerous conditions cause hazing including cataracts and dry eye (sometimes the result of dehydration or medications for lowering cholesterol and combating allergies). Both problems must be resolved for health and comfort.

       A healthy life style beginning in our twenties is key to preventing cataracts and macular degeneration of the retina. Give up smoking, drink in moderation, and avoid Ultra Violet (UV) light by always wearing sunglasses outside. Follow a diet rich in vitamins C and E, beta-carotene and the nutrients lutein and zeaxanthin. For those who don’t eat five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, consider a multivitamin/multimineral supplement with components specific to eye health.

       Research vision correction procedures: Cataract Surgery (no stitch and no shot method), LASIK for the treatment of near and farsightedness and astigmatism, and Crystalens (results in seeing at all distances). Be sure to read the layman-friendly book Mayo Clinic on Vision and Eye Health: Practical Answers on Glaucoma, Cataracts, Macular Degeneration & Other Conditions by Helmut Buettner.