Connect With Generations o NEVER MISS ANOTHER FAMIL Between spring-cleaning and tax season right around the corner, it can be challenging to keep up with our loved ones. When we’re unable to maintain contact with them as they age, any concern or worry we have regarding their health is magnified. While an assortment of tools are available to help, it’s hard to find one that best suits you and your family members. Here are some of the best applications and techniques to keep in contact with your older family members. Use Social Media Social media platforms like Facebook are a great way to stay connected with your senior loved ones. Your family member wouldn’t be alone because 1 out of every 3 older adults already use Facebook. In fact, seniors are one of the fastest- growing demographics on the site. Through Facebook, your parents and grandparents can share photos and videos and check on their friends. With Facebook’s Messenger app, you can contact them anytime and check to see if they’ve been on the site or have seen your messages yet. Skype Skype is a user-friendly video-chat application for your phone or laptop. Video is considered a handy tool for those who suffer from hearing problems. Video calls
E ven if you’ve always planned for a comfortable retirement in the United States, choosing to live internationally could be a smart alternative to improve your standard of living in retirement. International Living Magazine’s Retirement Index has tracked objective retirement metrics — like the cost of living, democratic stability, and health care — for the last 40 years. They also take into account reports of correspondents actively living abroad. Here are some of their top picks for international retirement destinations. Panama Panama ranks No. 2 in International Living Magazine’s list of best places to retire internationally. With its tropical climate, proximity to the United States, excellent health care, and low tax burden, it’s easy to see why. In Panama City, you can expect to pay at least $2,600 a month in living expenses, but housing costs are substantially lower outside of major metropolitan markets. Panama also offers excellent discounts, up to 25% off of things like airline tickets, hotels, and energy costs through its Pensionado program. Costa Rica If it’s a textbook paradise you’re looking for, look no further than Costa Rica. Thanks to a 1948 decision to abolish their military and direct all of those funds to health care and education, Costa Rica is often referred to as the “Switzerland of Central America.” Known for its stable democracy, safety, and socialized health care that’s only available once you’ve obtained residency, Costa Rica also offers climates for just about everybody — from the lush jungles of the south to the hot, dry beaches of Guanacaste in the northwest. Expect to find large communities of expats to help you acclimate. Mexico The first things that come to mind for most people when you mention Mexico are margaritas and beach umbrellas, but this country offers a lot more than that. For starters, Mexico features an enticingly low cost of living. International Living estimates a couple could live in Mexico on anywhere from $1,500–$3,000 per month, depending on location, including health care expenses. Once you’ve obtained residency status, you can sign up for national health care plans that offer full coverage for just a few hundred dollars annually. 3 PLACES TO RETIRE INTERNATIONALLY
Green Velvet Cheesecake Bars • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs • 1 cup chocolate graham cracker crumbs • 1 stick butter, melted • 1 oz green food coloring (gel works best) INGREDIENTS 1. Heat oven to 350 F, and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, combine crumbs, butter, and food coloring. Press into the baking pan. 3. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar together. DIRECTIONS
• 3 8-oz packages cream cheese, softened • 2/3 cup sugar • 3 eggs • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract • Green sprinkles, optional 4. Add eggs one at a time and stir in vanilla. 5. Pour mixture over the packed crumbs. 6. Bake for 40 minutes or until the center is set. 7. Let cool completely before adding sprinkles and slicing.
Inspired by AboutAMom.com
www.TrinityElderLaw.com
2
Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog