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Thursday: Boomers & Beyond

Fluctuations in blood pressure over time may be linked to higher cardiac death risk

MARQUETTE — Middle-aged adults with long-term fluctuations in blood pressure may face a higher risk for sudden cardiac death than their peers with more consistent blood pressure readings, a large new study suggests. The findings, which showed people with the greatest variability in blood pressure faced up to a nearly 70% greater risk for sudden cardiac death than people with the least variability, were recently presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions in Chicago. They are considered preliminary until full results are published in a peer-reviewed ...

MEDICAL ALERT FOR SENIORS

MARQUETTE — Older adults whose cholesterol levels fluctuate from year to year may face an increased risk for dementia and cognitive decline compared to people whose cholesterol levels remain more stable, new research finds. The risk was highest among people whose cholesterol grew ...

Pensions

MARQUETTE — Many senior citizens receive retirement income from pensions and other retirement accounts. Protections for pension benefits can be found in federal law and in laws passed by the state. Due to this complexity, you should consult a lawyer with expertise in employee benefits if you don’t receive your expected pension. Complaints and requests for infor- mation can be directed to the Employee Benefits Security Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department’s toll-free number is 866-487-2365. If a plan should fail, contact the Pension Benefit Guaranty ...

Little River Railroad takes passengers on a journey through time

COLDWATER — As the crisp autumn air settles over Michigan, the gentle chug of steam engines echoes through Coldwater. The Little River Railroad, a historic steam railway, invites passengers to step back in time for a ride filled with charm and nostalgia. It’s one of 55 steam ...

Holiday plans are underway for Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly

MARQUETTE — There are some things we can count on this time of year. The weather is not one of them. However, Thanksgiving will be the fourth Thursday in November and Christmas will be the 25th of December. Both holidays are circled in red on the Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly calendar. It is our year-round mission to reach out in friendship to our isolated and lonely elderly neighbors. Holidays are a time that together with over 350 volunteers, in five counties, we pull out all the stops. Plans are underway to create lasting holiday memories, and we invite you to join ...

What to know about this year’s Social Security cost-of-living adjustment

NEW YORK — Tens of millions of older Americans will see an increase in benefits this January when a new cost-of-living adjustment is added to Social Security payments. The 2.5% raise is intended to help meet higher prices for food, fuel, and other goods and services. The average recipient ...