Even if you discover that you have the first biological signs of Alzheimer’s, you are not doomed to develop the crippling dementia, a new study suggests.
“Just because you have amyloid [proteins] in the brain doesn’t mean you’re going to get dementia tomorrow. It doesn’t mean you’re going to get dementia in five years,” said lead researcher Ron Brookmeyer. He’s a professor of biostatistics with UCLA’s Fielding School of Public Health.
Staying physically active and eating a healthy diet filled with whole grains, fruits and vegetables not only help lower weight but could cut your risk for cancer, a new report finds.
The report from World Cancer Research Fund links 12 types of cancers to being overweight, including breast and colorectal cancer.
“Final Analysis” Autumn 1917, during the battles of Third Ypres. So much detail and character, artwork for study and reflection. By James Dietz pic.twitter.com/Zf260qyXOr
— Ron Eisele (@ron_eisele) December 26, 2018
Fighter pilots today still have a beer and debrief the mission with their hands.
From the U.S. News & World Report website
An older Social Security full retirement age. The full retirement age used to be 65 for those born in 1937 or earlier. Those born between 1943 and 1954 have a full retirement age of 66. The full retirement age further increases to 66 and six months for people born in 1957, up from 66 and four months for those with a birth year of 1956.
“The full retirement age increases for those born in 1957 who attain age 62 in 2019,” says Jim Blair, a former Social Security administrator and lead consultant at Premier Social Security Consulting in Cincinnati, Ohio. “Full retirement age is 66 years, six months. This is a two-month increase over those born in 1956.” The full retirement age will further increase in two-month increments each year until it hits 67 for everyone born in 1960 or later.
It’s well-known that exercise benefits the brain as well as the heart and muscles, but new research pinpoints just how much — and what types — of exercise may promote thinking skills as you age.
Reviewing data from dozens of studies on older adults, scientists found that those who exercised an average of at least 52 hours over about six months — and for about an hour during each session — showed improvements in their thinking skills. The research didn’t show a link between a weekly amount of exercise and better brain function.

Photo by Colton Duke on Unsplash
Enjoy your New Year’s Eve – Stay Safe
As we close the year, some comments are in order.
We surpassed 235,000 views in 2018, with the total views since our inception in 2013 passing 785,000. We look forward to sometime in early 2019 when we reach 800,000 views. Later in 2019, we will surpass 1,000,000 views.
Three categories of posts always lead the way in views.
Check Six Posts consistently receive a high number of views. Those old photographs bring back memories of happy times in the Guard – old friends and events that trigger pleasant memories. Some of the photographs featured seem like only yesterday, but are actually 10, 20 or more years ago. Special thanks to all the Retiree News followers who have sent in old photographs for posting. It is truly appreciated.
Off Track Posts that deal with food receive a lot of views. Apparently, there are a lot of foodies among the Retiree News readers.
Taps Posts continue to emphasize that we are all getting older and many of our old friends are passing. Rest in Peace to all who passed in 2018.
In 2019, we will strive to continue meeting our mission of “Sharing information with Hawaii National Guard retirees, members and friends.”
In closing, we would like to thank everyone who supports our Retiree News website.
Have a safe New Year’s Eve!
This is the first logo and name of Hawaii’s first airline, @HawaiianAir. Inter-Island Airways Limited would change its name in 1941 and become Hawaiian Airlines. pic.twitter.com/VMMj10tnlQ
— Hawaii Aviation (@HawaiiAviation) November 12, 2018
Many Hawaii Army and Air National Guard pilots have flown for Hawaiian Airlines over the years.
Hawaiian Airlines is the flag carrier and the largest airline in the U.S. state of Hawaii. It is the 10th largest commercial airline in the US, and is based in Honolulu, Hawaii. The airline operates its main hub at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on the island of Oahu and a secondary hub out of Kahului Airport on the island of Maui. Hawaiian Airlines operates flights to Asia, American Samoa, Australia, Hawaii, New Zealand, and the United States mainland. Hawaiian Airlines is owned by Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. of which Peter R. Ingram is the current President and Chief Executive Officer.
Hawaiian is the oldest US carrier that has never had a fatal accident or a hull loss throughout its history, and frequently tops the on-time carrier list in the United States, as well as the fewest cancellations, oversales and baggage handling issues. It has also rated as the best carrier serving Hawaii by Travel + Leisure, Zagat and Condé Nast Traveler. (Wikipedia)
Not so long ago, technology aimed at older adults was all function, no form. But those days are gone, and today grownups enjoy the same sleek and useful devices as everyone else — you can play your favorite tunes, calculate your retirement readiness, and monitor your blood pressure all in the palm of your hand.
Around 42% of Americans age 65 and older used smartphones and almost 70% were using the Internet as of 2017, according to Pew Research Center; those numbers are only going up. As retirees continue to integrate technology into their lives at a faster and faster pace, it’s good to know how to make the most of your devices, whether you have an iPhone, iPad or Android.
From the U.S. News & World Report website
Even in the short term, not getting enough sleep or poor quality zzz’s can keep people from performing at their mental best, whether it be more complex executive functioning or problem-solving or memory. The experience is universal – we’ve all had it: “We have a bad night’s sleep, we’re hazy in the morning, we may not be as sharp as we usually are,” says Michael V. Vitiello, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and geriatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine. “We may have some lapses in memory or we don’t process information quite as well.”
What’s more, it’s well-known by researchers, clinicians and caregivers that dementia can cause sleep disturbances. But, increasingly, evidence indicates that there may also be a link between sleep problems, which are more common with age – particularly when those sleep issues are persistent or chronic – and an increased risk of developing the progressive brain disorder Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Having insomnia or sleep apnea – which inhibits a person’s ability to breathe normally while sleeping – are risk factors for developing dementia.
Retiree News sadly announces the passing of Fred K. Hirayama, Jr., a retired member of the Hawaii Air National Guard. Fred served in the Hawaii State Legislature in the 1980s and was a leader who worked to improve benefits for all Hawaii Guardmembers.
Lon Paresa, a retired Hawaii Army National Guard member, emailed Retiree News about the Fred’s passing this afternoon. Lon has worked at the Legislature for many years in the House of Representatives as the Assistant Sergeant of Arms. He provided the following comments.
Fred Hirayama passed yesterday. He was an Air Guard member.
Some of his notable achievements, Fred created 3 programs that directly impacted (and benefited) Guard members.
First, for those who are old enough to remember, the annual deduction for Guard members was $500 per year against your taxes. As a State Representative, Fred fought and successfully increased the annual amount to $1,750 where it stood for many years. Then, he worked vigorously behind the scene to help increase it to the current amount.
Secondly, Fred battled to help with the tuition waiver program (those who wanted to attend College) for members of the Guard. For years this program thrived under his watchful eyes. Eventually, this program (as many others) fell victim to budgetary considerations.
Finally, and most significantly, Fred helped the members of the Guard (with over 20 years of service) with the ability to be considered for burial at the State Veteran Cemeteries.
Never seeking the limelight and always humble, I believe Fred would blush if he knew I wrote this to you. The entire Guard Ohana owes Fred Hirayama a debt of gratitude for his service to this Nation and the State of Hawaii.
Retiree News extends heartfelt sympathy to Fred’s family and friends.
Retiree News will post information about services when it becomes known.
Mahalo to Lon Paresa for sharing his comments with Retiree News. Lon’s comments clearly describe Fred’s hard work in the legislature striving for Guard benefits.
When you combine longevity with inflation, it adds up to a perfect storm for baby boomers, who must make their savings stretch for decades. Here’s how to help safely steer around the danger.
If you are like many boomers, your spending will not drop significantly at retirement. In the beginning, you’ll be fulfilling the many dreams and desires you postponed during your career and child-rearing years. Later on, the cost of health care may become a significant factor in determining your income needs.
How can you help ensure that your money will last as long as you do? By addressing these two retirement risk factors.
Thanks to a Federal Communications Commission vote last week, wireless carriers now have more control over your text messages. If that sounds ominous, that’s because it is—so much so that now’s the perfect time to ditch regular ol’ text messaging altogether.
Here’s the deal: The FCC’s decision means wireless carriers now have a greater ability to block text messages. The FCC is claiming a victory for consumers who have been bombarded with spam texts, but critics of the decision say it’s a threat to free speech. And given that there are already better alternatives to basic text messaging, like Signal, there’s little reason to not just take it all the way.




