Things to Know Before Spending Your Golden Years Abroad SAY ‘CIAO!’ TO TRADITIONAL RETIREMENT
Retirement is what you make it, and the possibilities are endless. For many Americans, that has meant selling their possessions, packing up what they have left, and moving abroad. In some cases, an international retirement can be more affordable and provide better health care options. Plus, the opportunity to explore a new region is enticing. Others worry about being away from family, navigating foreign rules, and dealing with language and cultural barriers. If these obstacles don’t scare you away, an international retirement may work. Here’s how to prepare for it.
Review your wants versus your needs. Who doesn’t love a tropical vacation, but do you really want to live there permanently? Tropical spots also include hurricanes, bugs, humidity, and lots of sand and water. Rather than packing up and moving to a new country outright, spend a few months in the place you want to call your new home. If you can live with the good and the bad, it’s the spot for you! If not, try somewhere else until it feels right. Monitor your comfort level. It’s difficult to ask your neighbor for flour when you don’t speak the same language. While it’s true that many countries have
Consider the monetary challenges. In many cases, retiring abroad can be preferable due to lower costs of living and affordable health care. Plus, you can receive and deposit Social Security overseas. However, there are a few hurdles. For instance, you could end up paying taxes to the
numerous English speakers, you may run into situations where communication or customs are difficult. You should learn the basics of your new country’s language and be prepared to be more independent. Until you find a community in your locale, you may not have the same support you have back in the states. As with all your plans for retirement, consult with a professional to determine if an international retirement is right for you. And if it is, then bon voyage!
U.S. and your new country, which means a double tax. You will also have to transition to a completely digital banking system and understand how your new residence may impact your American-based assets.
How to Recognize the Early Signs of Alzheimer’s and Dementia ALZHEIMER’S AND BRAIN AWARENESS MONTH
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, a time when we come together to raise awareness and show support for millions of people around the world living with different forms and stages of dementia. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2020, roughly 5.8 million people in the United States were living with Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease in the part of the brain that controls thought, memory, and language that, in the beginning stages, presents itself as a mild case of memory loss that disrupts life, then evolves into more serious symptoms, including the inability to carry on conversations and respond to stimuli. Alzheimer’s greatly affects a person’s ability to carry out day-to-day responsibilities and activities. Some of the early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s include: Memory Loss • Easily forgetting information you just learned • Losing track of important names, events, and dates • Forgetting big events • Telling the same story over and over Trouble Problem Solving and Planning • Difficulty making plans and sticking to them • Trouble following a cooking recipe
•
Difficulty concentrating on tasks
• Trouble tracking bills and balancing a checkbook Challenges With Daily Tasks • Challenges driving to a location or following directions • Forgetting tasks at work or home • Forgetting rules to games Confusion With Times • Feeling disoriented • Easily getting confused or lost over simple things • Forgetting where you are or how you got there Changes in Vision • Difficulty reading words on a page • Trouble perceiving distances • Trouble with vision when driving • Difficulty seeing certain colors The early signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia can be extremely subtle. If you or a loved one notices any concerning changes in you that may point to forgetfulness or confusion, don’t wait! See your doctor right away!
2 | 904-232-8760
2 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU! Jacksonville & Fleming Island
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator