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Inflation: It’s Not Just for Prices Anymore

Lately, headlines are full of talk about inflation — a response to the economy and the looming tariffs. I’ve experienced many inflationary periods, but it feels different in retirement. When I was earning a paycheque, inflation was just an annoyance, something I needed to pay attention to and maybe buy a cheaper cut of steak. Now, as someone on a “fixed income,” it feels like a real threat. Recently, Ben McCabe, CEO of Bloom Financial, appeared on Breakfast Television and delivered a truth bomb: “We’re approaching a perfect storm. Longer life expectancy, fewer defined benefit pensions, and rising inflation.”  Well, that storm has arrived — and it’s inflating more than just prices. It’s also expanding our waistlines, prescription lists, and emotional baggage. Inflation, at its core, means “the condition of being inflated.” And it turns out that definition applies to more than the grocery bill. So, grab a cup of green tea (or a celery stick if you’re feeling virtuous). Let’s explore the three sneaky forms of inflation threatening your retirement — and what you can do about them. This blog will appeal to individuals who have retired or aspire to retire in the future. Let’s light this candle! 1. Financial Inflation: The Usual Suspect Let’s start with the obvious: inflation means your money won’t stretch as far as it used to. In 2022, Canada’s Consumer Price Index increased by 6.8% — the highest rise in 40 years. Although it slowed down a bit in 2023, essentials such as food, rent, and fuel continue to grow. Your retirement income might be fixed, but prices definitely aren’t. Retirement Risks from Financial Inflation: • Longer lives mean longer bills. A 65-year-old woman today has a 50% chance of living past 90 years old. That’s over 25 years of expenses. • Vanishing pensions. Defined benefit pensions are disappearing faster than good manners on Twitter. • Healthcare creep. Public healthcare doesn’t cover everything, especially if you want care that wasn’t designed in 1978. As Ben McCabe aptly put it:  “We need to stay healthy so our health span matches our lifespan,” huh?— “otherwise, inflation will affect us through the cost of medications, home care, and long-term care facilities.” What You Can Do: • Review your income sources. Prioritize indexed income sources, such as CPP, OAS, and annuities with COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) riders. • Use home equity sensibly. If you’re house-rich but cash-poor, consider a reverse mortgage or other equity release products. • Adjust your spending habits. Host themed nights, like “Tuna Tuesdays” — a nostalgic, fun, and budget-friendly option. How to Support Others: • Discuss money matters with kindness. Many retirees feel ashamed of their finances. Show compassion, listen more, talk less. • Bring food, not judgment. A regular Saturday brunch with Sadie can make a significant difference, not just financially. • Foster social connections. Financial stress can cause isolation. Encourage hosting potlucks, card nights, or joining a community group. 2. Physical Inflation: The Expanding Middle Retirement brings more free time… and more room. Waistlines, cholesterol, and prescriptions all seem to rise in tandem. Signs you’re experiencing physical inflation: • Pants that used to be snug are now aspirational • Your Fitbit died months ago — and so did your motivation • Your pharmacy knows you by name... and birthday The bad news? Poor physical health is expensive. Chronic illness can deplete savings faster than a grandchild with your credit card. What You Can Do: • Keep moving. Walk, garden, spin — whatever gets you vertical and vibrant. • Lift weights. Muscle mass starts declining at 40. Resistance training isn’t just for 20-somethings. Strong is the new sexy, pass it on! • Meal plan smart. Grocery inflation peaked at 8.9% — eat better, waste less, save more. Consider shopping daily and buying only the amount of food needed for that day. Your health span should align with your lifespan. Stay strong, stay mobile, and yes, stretching counts — but not if you’re reaching for the TV remote. Inflammation — The Silent Saboteur If inflation is bad, inflammation is worse. Chronic inflammation contributes to: • Heart disease and stroke • Type 2 diabetes • Alzheimer’s disease and brain fog • Arthritis, osteoporosis, and varicose veins • Mood disorders such as anxiety and depression • Certain Cancers Even CNN and Al Jazeera recently reported that Donald Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) — a common, often overlooked condition among those over 55. Small veins, big problem. (Insert your own “tiny vein, tiny…” joke — I’m staying classy.) Inflammation is the unwelcome guest that never departs. If inflammation had a personality, it would be the dinner guest who drinks all your wine, insults your cat, and brings up politics at dessert. Whether it's fueling joint pain, causing swelling in your ankles, or messing with your metabolism, chronic inflammation is one of the biggest saboteurs of aging gracefully. It often hides in plain sight, presenting itself as: • Low-grade fatigue • Weight gain (especially belly fat) • Mood swings or brain fog • Increased pain and stiffness • Slow healing. What You Can Do: • Eat anti-inflammatory foods, such as leafy greens, whole grains, and healthy fats. Cut out the sugar. • Move each day. Yes, again. It’s that important. • Lower stress to improve sleep. Stress and poor sleep fuel inflammation. • Maintain social and emotional bonds. Loneliness and inflammation are frequently connected — break the link. De-Inflation — The Great Slowdown • So, we’ve discussed inflation... but what about its quieter, sneakier cousin: deflation? • No, not the economic kind. We’re talking about the physical “poof” that occurs when we reach our late 70s and 80s — when the padding diminishes, posture declines, and everything else… well, just seems a little less buoyant. • Suddenly, you’re shrinking. Your weight drops — but not in a sexy, "I’ve been intermittent fasting" kind of way. More like "my pants are falling down and my doctor says I’m 2 inches shorter" sort of vibe. Welcome to the gravitational pull of aging. Signs of De-Inflation: • Pants fit strangely, but not in a bragging way • You’re hunched over as if you’re forever bowing to the Queen • Your arms and legs have that crepey, crinkly look — like tissue paper with a gym membership • And let’s not forget the wrinkles on your face — a stunning topographical map of your life Let’s be honest: gravity always wins. Biology always wins. And yes, our skin thins — insert your own joke about being “thin-skinned” here. But we are not entirely powerless. Here’s How to Push Back (Gently — you don’t want to break a hip): • Check your posture monthly. Have a friend take a quick side photo. Are you upright and confident — or resembling a question mark? • Stretch regularly. Yoga, fascia stretching, and massage can help combat the hunch. • Move intentionally. Gentle strength training and balance exercises can maintain muscle and stability. • Moisturize and hydrate. For your skin, your joints, and your soul. • Celebrate your lines. They’re not “flaws” — they’re proof you’ve felt joy, sorrow, surprise, and a few good martinis. They’re not signs of aging; they’re signs you’ve been living. Remember: frowning only causes more wrinkles. So, smile — or better yet, laugh. Loudly. Often. Preferably at inappropriate moments. Oh — and take my advice on this: never (and I mean never) open your eyes during downward-facing dog. Some things just can’t be unseen. 3. Emotional Inflation: When Grudges Accumulate Like Interest Here’s the sneaky one. Emotional inflation appears as: • Bitterness over who got what in Mom’s will • Inflated egos and “right-titis” (a chronic need to be right) • Replaying 1983 arguments in your head like they’re Oscar contenders. • Giving not-so-nice nicknames to your former coworkers (and using them… publicly) • Keeping a mental spreadsheet of injustices — now colour-coded for quick reference (who says seniors are not tech-savvy?) Here’s the thing: emotional inflation isn’t just about what others have done. It’s also about how we interpret our role in those stories. Ready for a bold idea that can free you from decades of emotional baggage? What if we stopped keeping score and instead focused on how we want to show up in our relationships? What if you chose, intentionally, to be a generous sister, a supportive friend, a gracious parent, or a collaborative co-worker — not because they "deserve it," but because that's who you want to be? It’s not easy. It may require deep breathing and the occasional muttering in the car. However, for those willing, this mental reframe can be a total game-changer. What to do: • Let go. You can’t carry joy and a grudge at the same time — and joy is lighter. Lighten the emotional load. You don’t need to wait for someone to say sorry to feel free. • Choose your character. Think of it as casting yourself in the movie of your life. Be the wise one, the peacemaker, the person who breaks the cycle, not the one still angry about a forgotten birthday in 1996. • Write your own story. Present yourself as the person you want to be, even if others haven’t read the same script. You can’t control other people, but you can control how much space they occupy in your mind (especially if they’re not even paying for snacks). • Reframe your perspective. Instead of keeping score, focus on who you want to be: a generous sibling, a gracious friend, or a person at peace. Let go of the scorekeeping. It rarely results in a tie, and even if you win… You still feel empty. • Define your role. Be the big-hearted sibling, the calm presence, the one who lets go, not the person who stores bitterness in Tupperware containers. • Invest in joy. Dance classes, martinis, laughter — choose your remedy. • Talk it out. Therapy is more affordable than wine-fuelled Facebook rants and far more effective. Take the high road. There’s less traffic and better scenery. You can’t always avoid emotional hurt, but you can avoid living in a constant state of emotional inflation. And trust me, nothing deflates retirement faster than a bloated list of resentments. And if you’re feeling weighed down by the bloat of what life has thrown at you, remember: you can’t control inflation, but you can choose your response. Choose grace over grudges. Choose strength over stagnation. Choose the version of yourself that makes you proud. Because guess what? You’re still becoming who you are. Trust me — it’s better than a juice cleanse and more affordable than therapy. Some people age like fine wine; others age like vinegar. Emotional inflation is the burden you carry that doesn't show on the scale, but it weighs everything down. You can’t rewrite someone else’s story, but you can decide how to present yourself in your own. Taking the high road is less crowded and provides better perspectives. Inflation May Be Inevitable — But Misery? That’s Optional. Inflation has seeped into our lives like glitter at a craft table — impossible to contain and popping up in the most unexpected spots. It’s not just your budget that’s swollen (thanks to blueberries and Botox), but also your belly, your prescription drawer, and — if you’re not careful — your resentment list. But here’s the good news:  While you can’t control how high prices go, how slow your metabolism becomes, or how long Uncle Jerry holds a grudge… You can control your response.  So, here’s your call to calm, intentional, fabulous action: 1. Reclaim your power — in your spending, your body, and your mindset. 2. Choose curiosity instead of crankiness. Move more instead of staying still. Salad rather than salt (well… sometimes). 3. Be the kind of person who ages like disco — a little dramatic, slightly sparkly, and always ready to dance. And if you absolutely must inflate something… make it your sense of humour. Because in the grand game of Retirement Inflation Nation, laughter is your best hedge — and it’s fully indexed to joy. Oh — and if you're wondering whether I practice what I preach: I'm a certified fitness instructor and teach 5 jam-packed fitness classes a week at Canada’s largest gym. Movement isn’t just medicine — it’s music, community, and yes, a fabulous way to earn the right to your next martini. So, take it from someone still riding the rhythm of life — gravity is real, but so is joy. And we’re still dancing under the stars. (Here’s proof from the Coldplay concert — yes, I was the one yelling “Fix You” with both hands in the air and not a single regret.) Keep inflating the things that matter: your laugh lines, your playlist, and your purpose. With love, lunges, and a little glitter, Sue Don’t Retire... Rewire!

Hiring Gen Z: What employers keep getting wrong

As with any new generation entering the workforce, Gen Z possesses unique tools and strengths but also experiences challenges trying to land that first job where Millennials, Gen X-ers and Baby Boomers are doing the hiring. University of Delaware career expert Jill Gugino Panté can talk about how employers can address gaps in the hiring process and communication issues as they relate to a generation that prioritizes work with purpose, authentic connections and work-life balance. Panté, director of the Lerner Career Services Center at the University of Delaware, pointed to the following three areas that should be prioritized: • Transparency. Gen Z wants to feel special and appreciates individual attention, Panté said. Employers should make the hiring process transparent and respond to emails. During busy times, they should use an out of office message that states when they will respond. • Clarity. Make details about salary, benefits, flexibility, skill building and career advancement clear. These details should be on a company's careers page so that candidates have a good understanding of what they can expect. Clarity in job postings is also important: It doesn’t make sense that an entry level position requires more than two years of experience. Don’t call it entry level if it’s not entry level. • Communication mistakes. Be transparent with Gen Z candidates about the process and timeline. More importantly, stick to that process. If a change is made, they should communicate it immediately. Also, employers should be authentic in their communication. If the process is taking longer than expected or they haven’t communicated effectively, employers should acknowledge it instead of continuing to ghost applicants. To reach Panté directly and arrange an interview, visit her profile page and click the "contact" button. Interested journalists can also send an email to MediaRelations@udel.edu.

Beat the heat: Six expert tips to stay active and safe this summer

Exercising should be a priority year-round, but summer heat and humidity can challenge that commitment and make it harder to meet your daily step goal. Daniel White, associate professor of physical therapy at the University of Delaware, offers some practical tips for reporters working on stories about staying active and safe during the hottest months of the year. 1. Time it right Plan to exercise in the early morning or evening hours when temperatures are cooler. Delaware’s scenic beaches and boardwalks can be the perfect spot to catch a summer breeze or stop to enjoy the scenery while getting your steps in. 2. Prioritize hydration In the heat, people perspire more and need to replenish fluids. Always carry a water bottle with you and sip from it regularly. Dehydration can lead to lightheadedness, balance issues, muscle cramps and even heat stroke. And don’t forget sunscreen — SPF is necessary for any outdoor workout year-round. 3. Reduce the intensity It may not feel like as much of a workout, but the fact that you’re out there pounding the pavement is the most important thing. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, movement is beneficial, and the more, the better. Performing any physical activity at half intensity far outweighs not doing it at all. 4. Opt for the indoors Pickleball has become all the rage, so finding an indoor court or other activities you can enjoy in air conditioning is a great alternative. Walking on a treadmill at the gym or getting in laps at the Christiana Mall are good options too during a heatwave. 5. Dive in Swimming and water aerobics are great ways to stay active and keep cool. Facilities like the YMCA have designated lap-swim-only hours or classes. Simply splashing around can be an easy way for those just starting their fitness journey to incorporate more movement into their days. 6. Walk with purpose The bottom line is the more you walk, the healthier you’ll be. Just 3,000 steps a day is a solid start, according to White’s studies, especially for older adults. Reaching 6,000 steps has been shown to protect against arthritis complications. But when it comes to steps, the sky’s the limit. Walking at a moderate pace, where you’ve built up a sweat, will strengthen your muscles and bones and lower your risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. To arrange an interview with White, reporters can reach him directly by visiting his profile page and clicking on the contact button.

As Senate debates Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill,' expert Gerald Gamm offers insight

President Donald Trump’s agenda hangs in the balance this week as Senate Republicans race to lock down the votes to pass their major tax and domestic policy bill by the president’s July 4 deadline. Republicans are holding firm against Democrats’ efforts to challenge elements of the measure, particularly its cuts to Medicaid and federal nutrition programs, as well as tax cuts for the wealthy. But the G.O.P. is also witnessing nagging reservations within its own ranks, as fiscal hawks are upset that the bill could pile more than $3 trillion onto the national debt. University of Rochester political scientist Gerald Gamm is watching the deliberations and political maneuverings closely, and is in a unique position to lend insight to reportage on the negotiations. Gamm is a co-author of Steering the Senate (Cambridge University Press, June 2025). The book has received high praise from a multitude of sources, and has been called "essential reading for all who care — or worry — about the past and future of institutional leadership and capacity on Capitol Hill," "the best book we have about the organizational development of the Senate," and "a masterpiece . . . that unearths new information on the emergence of leadership institutions and the role of parties and showing their relevance for the Senate of today." Gamm is available for interviews and can be contacted by email at gerald.gamm@rochester.edu or by clicking on his profile.

FAU Data Analysis: Falling Rates Bring Some Relief to Banks

Falling interest rates brought some relief to banks’ portfolios for unrealized losses on investment securities, according to a data analysis from a finance professor at Florida Atlantic University. Only two banks with assets over $1 billion reported unbooked securities losses greater than their total equity in the first quarter of 2025, down from three in the last quarter of 2024, according to the U.S. Banks’ Unrealized Losses on Investment Securities screener. For unbooked losses equal to 50% of Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (CET1) equity, 24 banks were on the list for the first quarter of this year, down from 34 in the fourth quarter of 2024. Rates dropped from the end of 2024 through the end of March, providing some relief to banks that had extensive interest rate risk in their investment securities portfolios. The yield on the 10-year treasury bond fell from 4.57 to 4.25 as of the end of March. “While this would appear to be good news for the U.S. banking industry, with unrealized securities losses declining by $69 billion from the end of 2024 to March, rates have climbed back to where they were at the end of 2024 so that losses today would be back up close to $500 billion,” said Rebel Cole, Ph.D., Lynn Eminent Scholar Chaired Professor of Finance in the College of Business. The aggregate unbooked securities losses on bank balance sheets declined by $69 billion from $483 billion at the end of the fourth quarter in 2024 to $414 billion at the end of the first quarter this year. The quarterly U.S. Banks’ Unrealized Losses on Investment Securities Screener, produced as part of The Banking Initiative in FAU’s College of Business, measures banks’ exposure to risk based on their unrealized losses in their investment securities portfolios. To calculate a bank’s risk, Cole uses the most recently available data from quarterly call reports published by the U.S. Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council. Of the 4,543 banks reporting in the first quarter for this year, Cole focused on 1,042 banks with more than $1 billion in assets to calculate unrealized losses on investment securities and compare those losses to a bank’s CET1. Regulators would force a bank that lost half of its CET1 capital to take remedial actions, such as raising new capital or seeking a merger partner; in the worst case, a bank may face closure by the FDIC. “It’s likely that unbooked losses will continue to grow as interest rates continue to move higher” Cole said. “Both the 50-day and 200-day moving average rate on the 10-Year Treasury bond are rising so losses are growing, not shrinking. And this is only one part of banks’ balance sheets that are suffering from rising rates. There also are massive unrealized losses on banks’ residential and commercial mortgage portfolios that total to another $500 billion.” Looking to know more? We can help. Rebel Cole is available to speak with media about banking and the impact on interest rates. Simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.

Why Paying Cash Can Hurt Your Credit

Earlier this week, Rosa Marchitelli from CBC’s Marketplace recently profiled a Calgary man whose credit score shockingly dropped to zero—not because he was reckless with debt, but because he paid cash for everything. No missed payments. No defaults. Just a lifetime of financial caution that, ironically, made him invisible in the eyes of Canada’s credit system. It’s the kind of story that stops you in your tracks—because it turns everything we’ve been told about “good financial behaviour” on its head. In this post, we’ll break down the surprising logic behind Canadian credit scores, why living debt-free can actually hurt your financial profile, and how to play the credit game without compromising your values. If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t need credit because I’m responsible,” this might just change your mind. Back when I taught the Mortgage Agents Licensing Course, offered by Mortgage Professionals Canada, I always looked forward to my session on credit. Why? Because most people don’t really understand how credit scores work—or how to protect and build a healthy one. So, you’ve always paid cash, avoided debt like the plague, and proudly told your kids you don’t even own a credit card. Congratulations! You’re a responsible citizen… but your credit score is probably dreadful. Wait—what? Yes, the wonderful world of Canadian credit scoring is one of life’s mysteries. It rewards behaviour that may seem risky to the debt-averse but is actually just good financial practice in disguise. So, let’s lift the curtain and decode the quirky logic behind your credit score. Credit Scores 101: It’s Not About Your Morals. It’s About Your Habits In Canada, credit scores range from 300 to 900—the higher, the better. Your score reflects your ability to manage borrowed money based on your past use of credit products such as credit cards, lines of credit, and loans. Here’s the twist: not using credit at all doesn’t make you look smart; it makes you look suspicious. Credit bureaus assume that if you don’t have credit, it’s because you can’t get it—not because you’re a thrifty minimalist growing kale and paying cash. Meet the Scorekeepers: Equifax vs. TransUnion Canada has two major credit bureaus: • Equifax – Favoured by banks and mortgage lenders. • TransUnion – Commonly used by credit card and auto lenders. Each bureau calculates your score slightly differently, so the numbers may vary, like having two referees at the same game. Expect some disagreement on the calls. Pro tip: check both reports annually (for free) to spot any errors early. The Government of Canada has more information for you here. Credit Score Bands Score Range 800–900 - Excellent Access to the best rates and financial products. 740–799 - Very Good Qualifies for most products with favourable terms. 670–739 - Good Solid score; ~35% of Canadians are here. 580–669 - Fair May qualify but at higher rates. 300–579 - Poor High risk. Harder to get approved. Minimum Scores for Common Credit Products Credit Cards: 600+ Premium cards usually require 700+ Auto Loans:   620+ Higher rates if below 700 Consumer Loans: 640+ Lower scores = shorter terms/higher rates Mortgages: 680+ CMHC-insured loans often require a 680+ Pro Tip: Paying cash may make Grandma proud, but lenders can’t assess you without credit activity. No credit = no score = no loan Decoding Credit Codes: The ABCs and 1- 9s of Credit Credit accounts are coded using a letter for the type of credit and a number for how well you manage it. Letter Codes: R – Revolving (e.g., credit cards) I – Instalment (e.g., auto loans) M – Mortgage O – Open (e.g., lines of credit) Number Ratings: 1 – Paid on time 2–5 – Late by 30 to 120+ days 6 – Not used 7 – Making regular payments via credit counseling 8 – Repossession 9 – Sent to collections or bankruptcy A trade line is a record of your credit account. Each shows the credit type, lender, balance, and payment history. Think of it as a financial resume—each tradeline is like a job entry listing your past and present “performance” with a particular creditor. How Long Does Negative Info Last: Bankruptcy (R9);  Equifax (7 Years) TransUnion (6 years) Late Payments: Equifax (6 Years) TransUnion (6 years) Collections: Equifax (6 Years) TransUnion (6 years) Consumer Proposal: Equifax (3 years post-payment) TransUnion (3 years post-payment) Credit Counselling (R7): Equifax  (7 years after the final payment)  TransUnion (6 years after the final payment) Pro Tip: Keep in mind that after falling off your credit report, bankruptcies may still appear in public records. Here's How Your Score Is Calculated Factor Weight and Why It Matters Payment History 35% Late payments are like bad breath—unforgettable. Credit Utilization 30% Use less than 30% of your limit. Length of Credit 15% Longer credit history is more trustworthy. Credit Mix 10% Variety of products = balanced borrower. New Credit Inquiries 10% Too many apps = desperation sniffed by lenders. Source: TransUnion Canada - Credit Score Factors Utilization: More Credit, Used Sparingly = Better Score Yes, it’s weird—but true: someone with five credit cards and a $50,000 limit who uses only $2,000 will likely have a better score than someone with a single $2,000 credit card which is nearly maxed out. Why? Utilization is calculated as a percentage. The more room you leave untouched, the more responsible you appear. Ghosts & Abstainers: No Credit is a Red Flag So, back to the Marketplace story we mentioned earlier. As we consider all the factors involved in credit scoring, is it surprising that this man in Calgary, who paid cash for everything, had his score drop to zero after a long period of inactivity? Not really. Credit bureaus don’t reward abstinence—they penalize it. If you haven’t borrowed in a while, you may be “credit invisible.” It’s like trying to get hired without a resume. No record? No offers. Building (or Rebuilding) Credit What if you need to fix a low score due to missed payments, bankruptcy, or simply a lack of credit history? Getting your credit score up is entirely possible—with patience, consistency, and the right strategy. Here’s a practical framework I use. 1. Get Credit – A secured card works just fine. 2. Use It – Buy groceries, gas, Netflix—whatever you usually pay for. 3. Pay on Time – Even the minimum. Set a reminder …or three. 4. Stay below 30% – Don’t max it out. Do this, and your score should rise like a perfectly baked soufflé. When Credit Counselling is the Better Option Struggling with debt? Credit counseling might be your best path forward. These services consolidate all unsecured debts into one monthly payment and negotiate with creditors to reduce or eliminate interest. It’s a couple-of-year commitment that avoids bankruptcy, and you pay something back. However, your credit will reflect an R7 status for 3 years after your final payment or 6 years after you sign the contract, whichever comes first. Pro Tip: Credit counseling is the more noble route, but remember that it still significantly affects your score.  (Source: Credit Counselling Canada) What If There’s an Error—or You’ve Been Hacked? If you spot a mistake on your report—or worse, see signs of identity theft—don’t panic. Here’s what to do: 1. Request a copy of your report from Equifax and TransUnion. 2. Highlight the error and contact the bureau to initiate a dispute. 3. Provide supporting documents. 4. Follow up regularly—bureaus must investigate within 30 days. If you’re a victim of identity theft: • Contact your bank and credit card issuers immediately. • File a police report. • Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit file. Here are important links with more details on how to work with both <Equifax> and <TransUnion> The final statement (get it?) Your credit score doesn’t care if you’re a good person. It only cares if you’re a predictable borrower. So don’t take it personally—play the game smartly. Because in the wild world of credit, it’s not about morals. It’s about whether you paid your $9.99 Netflix bill on time. Now go forward and charge responsibly. Don’t Retire … Re-Wire! Sue

The Retirement Games

Have you ever dreamed of being an Olympic athlete? Perhaps you have wondered what it would feel like to stand on that podium in front of the world as your national anthem plays. For most Olympic athletes, the journey begins very early in life. But imagine what it would be like if you started training for this event in your 60s? Read on if you want an edge to discover how to win the Retirement Games and still pass the drug test (let’s face it, peeing is not an issue for many at that age)! Here is your chance to get on the podium at the most crucial game of your life. On Your Marks, Get Set, Ready, Go! Retirement was more like a coffee break five decades ago—brief, predictable, and over before your muffin cooled. In 1975, the average Canadian could expect to live about 73.53 years. Fast forward to 2025; we're clocking in at nearly 83.26 years. Even juicier? The lastest research shows half of today's 20-year-olds in Canada are expected to live past 90.  That’s why we need to think of retirement these days, not as a sprint; instead, it’s an ultramarathon with hills, potholes, and the occasional pulled hamstring. Most of us never expected to be training for it in our sixties, but here we are—so pull up your compression socks and move. The starter's pistol is about to fire, whether you're ready or not! Surprise! You're Retired While you may dream of selecting your retirement date like a fine wine, many face the reality of a boxed kind instead. Approximately 6 in 10 Americans retire earlier than they planned. Research from the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies shows that many individuals experience unexpected early retirement due to personal health issues, employer discretion, or family-related circumstances. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/retirement-age-in-america-62-claiming-social-security-early/ Sometimes, it's a health scare, a loved one’s illness, or a harsh employer downsizing. Nobody whispers the term "ageism," but when companies replace senior employees with younger, more affordable talent (or AI bots), it’s not subtle—it’s math.As Morgan Housel reminds us in his bestseller, The Psychology of Money, "The most important part of every plan is planning for your plan, not going according to plan." Expect the unexpected. Train as if retirement could sneak up on you—because it just might. Get Fit, Stay Sharp: Health is the First Leg of the Race Physical and mental health are the fuel for your retirement. The rest doesn’t matter without them; we’re not just talking about lifting weights. (Though, yes, lift some weights.) Regular physical activity provides numerous benefits for older adults, including a reduced risk of dementia and enhanced cognitive function. Exercise can help maintain brain health, reduce mental decline, and even reverse some age-related brain shrinkage. Additionally, physical activity can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and enhance balance and coordination, leading to a better quality of life. • Strength training enhances bone density, metabolism, and mental health. (Source: Mayo Clinic) • Flexibility and balance? Try yoga or tai chi. Harvard Health says they reduce pain and stiffness. • Mental fitness? Cue up Wordle, Canuckle (the Canadian cousin), or Sudoku. • Dancing? It's beneficial for your brain and your swagger  • Listening to music or playing an instrument can reduce stress and boost memory. Gold Medal Tip: Motivation is overrated; action is everything. Don’t be a couch potato. A new study conducted at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine shows that older adults who spend more time sedentary — such as sitting or lying down — may be at a higher risk for lower cognition and in areas linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease, no matter how much they exercise! So make sure you show up, move, and the motivation will catch up. Wealth Training: Stop Hoping, Start Budgeting Here's a shocker: Retirement doesn't mean your expenses magically disappear. According to Steve Willems' podcast “10 Retirement Myths You May Not Want to Believe,” most retirees don’t spend less. Aside from the mortgage, spending remains surprisingly consistent, especially during the Go-Go years (ages 55-75)”. We like what we like: groceries, entertainment, travel, and stylish or comfortable clothes are still on our shopping lists. That’s why many of us in retirement will need to pay more attention to spending and budgeting. Check Obligation Spending Retirement is the perfect time to reevaluate expenses from obligation rather than genuine need or joy. Here's a thoughtful way to frame that idea: Retirement is the season of freedom, so why are you still paying for things that feel like a burden? Now that you’re no longer earning a regular paycheck, every dollar matters more than ever. This means it’s time to take a closer look at obligatory expenses. These might include: • Helping adult children financially (even when it stretches your budget) • Donating to every fundraiser or cause just because someone asked • Hosting large family gatherings that leave you exhausted and over budget • Maintaining memberships, subscriptions, or traditions that no longer bring you joy. (We talk a lot more about this in a previous post What’s your Retirement Plan B While generosity is admirable, it shouldn’t jeopardize your financial security or peace of mind. Retirement should focus on investing in what truly matters to you now, rather than keeping up appearances or adhering to outdated expectations. Here’s a gentle mantra to adopt: “I’ve earned the right to say no with love and confidence.” Freeing yourself from obligation spending doesn’t mean becoming stingy; it means becoming intentional. Give where your heart feels full, not where your guilt feels heavy. After all, you didn’t work all those years to keep writing checks out of habit. Balance Beam- Budget What’s your plan when overtime isn’t an option and the budget doesn’t balance? Start with a good old-fashioned reality check: • Write down ALL expenses. • Tally up your income. • Look for a surplus (yay, trip!) or a shortfall (boo, time to pivot). Look at Canadian Government Pensions • Here's the math.  Old Age Security (OAS): Max is about $713/month or $8,556/year. And don’t forget the dreaded government clawback (formally known as the Old Age Security Pension Recovery Tax which starts at ~$90,997. • Canada Pension Plan (CPP): The average monthly payment is $758, while the maximum is $1,364 per month or $16,368 per year. So with these two programs combined, provided you meet requirements, as a senior, you're looking at somewhere between $17,000–$25,000/year before tax. If your lifestyle needs a bit more jazz hands, here’s how to bridge the gap:   DIY Income Builders: • Slash debt. Every dollar you don't spend is one you keep. • Downsize and bank the equity. • Buy or build an ADU and rent it. I have written more about ADU's here. • HELOC or Reverse mortgage (borrow strategically). • Withdraw from investments (4% rule). • Monetize your skills: consulting, tutoring, or writing that novel you started in 1993. Gold Medal Tip: Track your joy per dollar. If you’re going to spend, make it worth it. Rewire, Don’t Retire: Finding Purpose The biggest myth of retirement? That doing nothing feels good forever. (Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.) Passion is your GPS. It guides you towards what fills your heart. Whether you write poetry, walk dogs, or paint birds wearing tiny hats, your joy matters. And legacy? That’s just purpose with staying power. There’s science to support the benefits of this lesson. A study in JAMA Psychiatry found that people with a sense of purpose had a lower risk of mortality and disability  Purpose-Driven Paths: • Volunteer: Look for a cause that fires you up. • Get a part-time job: Perhaps you can fill in at a local bookstore, garden center or be a barista? • Hobbies: Take up painting, pottery, or poetry. • Go Back to School: Many Universities such as The University of Toronto offer free, non-credit courses through programs as part of their community outreach.  Seniors (over 60) enrolled at York University may have all or part of their academic fees waived at the domestic fee rate for York University degree credit courses as part of their mature student program. • Spend real time with people you love, maybe your grandkids or elderly parents. • Reconnect with old friends – not just on Facebook, but in person • Get out of your backyard and see the world Gold Medal Tip: You're never too young (or too old) to chase what lights you up. Start a business, get that degree you always wanted, and write that book. Go. For. It. Support: No One Trains Alone Retirement can be lonely. As we age, friends pass, routines fade, and isolation creeps in. That’s why your squad matters more than ever. Find Your Pod: • Family & Friends: Set expectations. Ask for help. Host Sunday dinners. Stay connected. • Fitness & Social Clubs: Join a walking group or participate in a gym class, followed by regular post-sweat coffee. • Faith Communities: Spirituality and structure in one. Sing in the choir. Serve at events. • Third Places: As sociologist Ray Oldenburg says, these are neutral hangouts like libraries, community centers, or your local café. They’re tied to lower loneliness and better mental health. Think of Cheers: “Where everyone knows your name!” Gold Medal Tip: Your local pickleball court or knitting circle might just be your new training ground. Attitude Training: Stop Acting Your Age Here’s a radical thought: Maybe we feel old because we act old. Want to stay young? Stay curious, try new things. Try line dancing, pickleball, bird watching, improv, or learning to code. Yes, code. What was the worst advice our mothers gave us? “Act your age.” Nonsense! Whoever said, “You’re only as old as you feel” was on to something – but let’s take it up a notch: How about you’re only as old as your playlist! The Power of a Youthful Attitude in Retirement A successful retirement isn’t just about savings accounts and spreadsheets — it’s about mindset. A positive, youthful attitude is one of the most powerful (and overlooked) assets you can carry into retirement. Even if you don’t feel youthful or optimistic, “fake it ‘til you make it” is more than just a catchy phrase—it’s a strategy. The goal isn't to accurately describe your aches, fears, or fatigue but to set yourself up for success! Science backs it up: a positive outlook boosts health, sharpens cognition, and increases longevity. From a practical perspective, optimism makes it easier to try new things, adapt to change, and enjoy the present—all essential in retirement. So, if the voice in your head says, “I’m too old for that,” try responding with, “This is my time.” You begin to build because what you tell yourself matters, as does what you believe. Retirement is your reward. Approach it like the vibrant, capable, unstoppable human you are because attitude, not age, sets the tone. Gold Medal Tip: You’re only as old as the last thing you tried for the first time. Try something ridiculous, I double dare you! Final Stretch The Retirement Games are here, and let me be crystal clear: this isn’t amateur hour. This is your Olympic moment, with medals awarded for stamina, strategy, and a solid sense of humour. Whether you're rounding the first turn at 45 or doing your victory lap at 75, now is the time to train. You’ve built strength, stretched your budget, flexed your purpose muscle, assembled your dream team, and rebooted your mindset. Now it’s time to lace up, lean in, and live life to the fullest. This isn’t about perfection; it’s about preparation. You won’t achieve a podium finish through wishful thinking; you’ll attain it through action, adaptation, and a great deal of repetition. So, put on your metaphorical tracksuit (or actual tracksuit if it's laundry day) and begin training with determination. The gold medal retirement isn’t just possible—it’s within reach. Cue the confetti cannon. You’re not just aging—you’re advancing. And champions, as we know, don’t retire… they rewire, recharge, and rewrite the playbook. On Your Marks, Get Set, THRIVE! Don’t Retire … Re-Wire! Sue

Hiring More Nurses Generates Revenue for Hospitals

Underfunding is driving an acute shortage of trained nurses in hospitals and care facilities in the United States. It is the worst such shortage in more than four decades. One estimate from the American Hospital Association puts the deficit north of one million. Meanwhile, a recent survey by recruitment specialist AMN Healthcare suggests that 900,000 more nurses will drop out of the workforce by 2027. American nurses are quitting in droves, thanks to low pay and burnout as understaffing increases individual workload. This is bad news for patient outcomes. Nurses are estimated to have eight times more routine contact with patients than physicians. They shoulder the bulk of all responsibility in terms of diagnostic data collection, treatment plans, and clinical reporting. As a result, understaffing is linked to a slew of serious problems, among them increased wait times for patients in care, post-operative infections, readmission rates, and patient mortality—all of which are on the rise across the U.S. Tackling this crisis is challenging because of how nursing services are reimbursed. Most hospitals operate a payment system where services are paid for separately. Physician services are billed as separate line items, making them a revenue generator for the hospitals that employ them. But under Medicare, nursing services are charged as part of a fixed room and board fee, meaning that hospitals charge the same fee regardless of how many nurses are employed in the patient’s care. In this model, nurses end up on the other side of hospitals’ balance sheets: a labor expense rather than a source of income. For beleaguered administrators looking to sustain quality of care while minimizing costs (and maximizing profits), hiring and retaining nursing staff has arguably become something of a zero-sum game in the U.S. The Hidden Costs of Nurse Understaffing But might the balance sheet in fact be skewed in some way? Could there be potential financial losses attached to nurse understaffing that administrators should factor into their hiring and remuneration decisions? Research by Goizueta Professors Diwas KC and Donald Lee, as well as recent Goizueta PhD graduates Hao Ding 24PhD (Auburn University) and Sokol Tushe 23PhD (Muma College of Business), would suggest there are. Their new peer-reviewed publication* finds that increasing a single nurse’s workload by just one patient creates a 17% service slowdown for all other patients under that nurse’s care. Looking at the data another way, having one additional nurse on duty during the busiest shift (typically between 7am and 7pm) speeds up emergency department work and frees up capacity to treat more patients such that hospitals could be looking at a major increase in revenue. The researchers calculate that this productivity gain could equate to a net increase of $470,000 per 10,000 patient visits—and savings to the tune of $160,000 in lost earnings for the same number of patients as wait times are reduced. “A lot of the debate around nursing in the U.S. has focused on the loss of quality in care, which is hugely important,” says Diwas KC. But looking at the crisis through a productivity lens means we’re also able to understand the very real economic value that nurses bring too: the revenue increases that come with capacity gains. Diwas KC, Goizueta Foundation Term Professor of Information Systems & Operations Management “Our findings challenge the predominant thinking around nursing as a cost,” adds Lee. “What we see is that investing in nursing staff more than pays for itself in downstream financial benefits for hospitals. It is effectively a win-win-win for patients, nurses, and healthcare providers.” Nurse Load: the Biggest Impact on Productivity To get to these findings, the researchers analyzed a high-resolution dataset on patient flow through a large U.S. teaching hospital. They looked at the real-time workloads of physicians and nurses working in the emergency department between April 2018 and March 2019, factoring in variables such as patient demographics and severity of complaint or illness. Tracking patients from admission to triage and on to treatment, the researchers were able to tease out the impact that the number of nurses and physicians on duty had on patient throughput. Using a novel machine learning technique developed at Goizueta by Lee, they were able to identify the effect of increasing or reducing the workforce. The contrast between physicians and nursing staff is stark, says Tushe. “When you have fewer nurses on duty, capacity and patient throughput drops by an order of magnitude—far, far more than when reducing the number of doctors. Our results show that for every additional patient the nurse is responsible for, service speed falls by 17%. That compares to just 1.4% if you add one patient to the workload of an attending physician. In other words, nurses’ impact on productivity in the emergency department is more than eight times greater.” Boosting Revenue Through Reduced Wait Times Adding an additional nurse to the workforce, on the other hand, increases capacity appreciably. And as more patients are treated faster, hospitals can expect a concomitant uptick in revenue, says KC. “It’s well documented that cutting down wait time equates to more patients treated and more income. Previous research shows that reducing service time by 15 minutes per 30,000 patient visits translates to $1.4 million in extra revenue for a hospital.” In our study, we calculate that staffing one additional nurse in the 7am to 7pm emergency department shift reduces wait time by 23 minutes, so hospitals could be looking at an increase of $2.33 million per year. Diwas KC This far eclipses the costs associated with hiring one additional nurse, says Lee. “According to 2022 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average nursing salary in the U.S. is $83,000. Fringe benefits account for an additional 50% of the base salary. The total cost of adding one nurse during the 7am to 7pm shift is $310,000 (for 2.5 full-time employees). When you do the math, it is clear. The net hospital gain is $2 million for the hospital in our study. Or $470,000 per 10,000 patient visits.” Incontrovertible Benefits to Hiring More Nurses These findings should provide compelling food for thought both to healthcare administrators and U.S. policymakers. For too long, the latter have fixated on the upstream costs, without exploring the downstream benefits of nursing services, say the researchers. Their study, the first to quantify the economic value of nurses in the U.S., asks “better questions,” argues Tushe; exploiting newly available data and analytics to reveal incontrovertible financial benefits that attach to hiring—and compensating—more nurses in American hospitals. We know that a lot of nurses are leaving the profession not just because of cuts and burnout, but also because of lower pay. We would say to administrators struggling to hire talented nurses to review current wage offers, because our analysis suggests that the economic surplus from hiring more nurses could be readily applied to retention pay rises also. Sokol Tushe 23PhD, Muma College of Business The Case for Mandated Ratios For state-level decision makers, Lee has additional words of advice. “In 2004, California mandated minimum nurse-to-patient ratios in hospitals. Since then, six more states have added some form of minimum ratio requirement. The evidence is that this has been beneficial to patient outcomes and nurse job satisfaction. Our research now adds an economic dimension to the list of benefits as well. Ipso facto, policymakers ought to consider wider adoption of minimum nurse-to-patient ratios.” However, decision makers go about tackling the shortage of nurses in the U.S., they should go about it fast and soon, says KC. “This is a healthcare crisis that is only set to become more acute in the near future. As our demographics shift and our population starts again out, demand for quality will increase. So too must the supply of care capacity. But what we are seeing is the nursing staffing situation in the U.S. moving in the opposite direction. All of this is manifesting in the emergency department. That’s where wait times are getting longer, mistakes are being made, and overworked nurses are quitting. It is creating a vicious cycle that needs to be broken.” Diwas Diwas KC is a professor of information systems & operations management and Donald Lee is an associate professor of information systems & operations management. Both experts are available to speak about this important topic - simply click on either icon now to arrange an interview today.

Retirement: For Better, For Worse, and for Much More Time Together

Retirement is supposed to be your golden reward—freedom from alarm clocks, endless Zoom meetings, and performance reviews. But no one warned you about the relationship performance review that arises when you and your partner suddenly find yourselves spending over 100 hours a week together. For some, it’s bliss; for others, it feels like a full-time job without an HR department. While grey divorce (divorce after age 50) is on the rise in Canada, separation isn’t inevitable. However, marital harmony is also not guaranteed. The truth lies somewhere in between—and that’s where things become interesting.  Retirement isn't merely a lifestyle change—it’s a complete identity shake-up, which can create stress even in the strongest relationships. Grey Divorce: An Increasing Trend Though Canada’s overall divorce rate reached a 50-year low in 2020, divorce among people over 50 is increasing—this trend is dubbed grey divorce. According to Statistics Canada, this demographic is increasingly re-evaluating their relationships as they retire (CBC News, 2024). The same pattern is unfolding south of the border, with the AARP reporting a steady rise in senior divorces in the U.S. Grey divorce isn’t just emotionally taxing—it can be financially devastating. Women, in particular, bear the brunt. A study by the National Center for Family & Marriage Research found that divorced women over 50 have 45% less wealth than their married peers. In Canada, the Canadian Institute of Actuaries has warned that divorce later in life can significantly erode retirement savings and delay or derail financial plans. Role Confusion One retired executive shared that after decades of being chauffeured to work, he assumed retirement meant his wife would now be his driver. “I thought she’d just take over that role, as he climbed into the back seat,” he said, genuinely confused. She had other plans that did not involve sitting behind a wheel, taking coffee orders, or navigating roundabouts. He had not yet made the emotional or physical shift from being served to becoming equal. That transition is more complicated than it sounds—and more common than you'd think. When one partner’s identity is career-driven and the other manages the home, retirement necessitates a complete recalibration. Power dynamics shift, control issues surface, and resentment simmers if left unacknowledged. Housework ≠ Heartwork If you're home full-time now, guess what? You’re not a guest anymore. The dishes, the vacuuming, the grocery runs—these are now shared responsibilities. Nothing breeds resentment faster than an unequal workload. Retirement doesn’t mean “relax”; rather, it signifies redistributing the work of life. Unspoken truths will find their voice. Let’s face it—decades of unexpressed frustrations don’t remain buried. They begin to comment on how someone folds laundry, stacks the dishwasher, or leaves the cap off the toothpaste. Retirement magnifies everything: the quirks you used to laugh off? Mansplaining! What habits did you ignore because life was busy? Now they’re front and center. And what bad habits did you have before? They don’t improve with age—they get worse. Emotional and Mental Health Insights Relationship difficulties can trigger anxiety, depression, and loneliness, especially among men who may have smaller support networks outside their marriages. A 2020 study in the Journal of Gerontology found that post-divorce social isolation is closely linked to declining physical and mental health in later life. Not all couples want to—or need to—divorce to find peace. Increasingly, older Canadians are exploring “Living Apart Together” (LAT) arrangements, where partners maintain separate residences while remaining in a committed relationship. Research by the Vanier Institute and AARP suggests that LAT relationships allow for autonomy while maintaining emotional connection—a potential middle ground for couples who struggle with full-time togetherness in retirement. For many, retirement means the loss of structure, identity, and purpose, particularly for those who have closely tied their sense of self to their professional roles. This loss can create irritability, aimlessness, and tension in a partnership. As Harvard Business Review put it, retirement can be especially tough for men because “so many men are bad at retirement” (HBR, 2021). This emotional void often spills over into the relationship, testing its resilience. Retirement often brings a sudden reshuffling of roles at home. Many men who may have spent decades focused on their careers struggle to adjust to a more balanced domestic lifestyle. The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives notes that retirement can expose long-standing gendered inequalities in household labour, leading to friction, resentment, and, at times, relationship breakdown. How to Thrive—Together or Apart The goal isn’t perfection; it’s peace, fulfillment, and ample personal space to breathe. Here’s how to get there: creatively, practically, and honestly. 1. Have the Real Conversations Ask the questions you avoided when life was too busy: • “Are we happy?” • “What do you want out of the next ten years?” • “Are there things we’ve never talked about that matter now?” Unspoken expectations are relationship landmines. Bring them to light—gently and often. 2. Separate Bedrooms, United Front Don’t frown; they are more common than you might think and less scandalous than it sounds. Separate sleep equals better rest, less irritation, and sometimes a more intentional intimate life. Please don’t consider it a breakup; position it as a better mattress strategy. 3. The Basement Suite or In-Law Apartment Plan This represents the sweet spot between staying together and going entirely separate. Living in the same house with clearly defined zones provides each partner with breathing room and independence, especially when you’ve grown apart but don’t want to disrupt finances or family. Ground rules are essential: • Who is responsible for what costs? • Shared meals or separate? • New partners—yay or nay? It’s not perfect, but it can be practical. 4. A Second Space: Cottage, Trailer, or Tiny Cabin A humble trailer or rustic cabin might save your marriage. It’s not about luxury—it’s about space, autonomy, and silence when needed. Whether alternating weekends or solo sabbaticals, having a backup place to go can restore harmony at home. 5. Travel Separately (Sometimes) One of you wants to hike Machu Picchu, while the other prefers to nap in Muskoka. You don’t have to compromise; you can take turns. Alternate between solo trips, friend getaways, or short solo retreats. You’ll both return refreshed—and more engaged. 6. Discover New Purpose (or Income) A restless, lost, or bored partner can quietly sabotage the household. Encourage: • Volunteering • Consulting or part-time work • Mentoring • Taking courses or teaching others • Rediscovering old passions If Divorce Is the Best Option At times, the most honest act is to end a marriage with kindness. If this is the only option, there are important factors to consider: Financial Reality Check • Assets will be divided, including the house, pensions, RRSPs, etc. • Expenses double: two homes, two insurance policies, and two fridges to stock. • Retirement income may not be sufficient for both lives. • Legal costs and timing matter more than ever now—because the time to recover financially is limited.  There are no pensions in tears. Therefore, if you choose this route, plan ahead. Family Impact • Adult children might feel shocked—or even angry. • Grandchildren can pose challenging questions. • Long-term friendships may weaken. • Shared traditions may require reinvention. This process can be amicable. A new term has emerged among women caring for their ill or aging ex-husbands: “Wasbands.” These women step up with empathy rather than obligation. Vows no longer bind them; instead, they are guided by compassion. Honestly, humanity wins in these situations. There is still love, respect, and history—even if it’s no longer romantic. That is not failure; it is growth. Rewrite the Rules Retirement is not a dead end; it’s a creative reawakening—if you approach it that way. Retirement is a significant life transition—not just financially, but relationally. Like any other chapter in life, it requires renegotiation, mutual respect, and a willingness to evolve. Some couples find deeper intimacy, while others redefine their relationships entirely. The good news? Whether it's under one roof or two, retirement can still be a time of connection, discovery, and, yes, romance. But it also requires some good, old-fashioned adulting. Yes, *adulting*—that modern word we usually reserve for paying bills, booking dental appointments, and reading the fine print. It turns out it’s equally essential in retirement. Emotional maturity, communication, boundary-setting, and a shared approach to evolving roles are all keys. Think of it like the Sonnet Insurance commercials that cheekily remind us adulting is hard but worth it. Retirement is also a factor, especially when approached with intention and a sense of humour. This is your last chapter. Make it a good one. Whether you stay together, sleep apart, live separately under one roof, or consciously uncouple, do it with clarity, kindness, and courage. The goal isn’t a perfect love story; it’s a fulfilling life for both of you. When in doubt, take a walk (alone if necessary). Share a joke. Communicate like adults. And for the love of long-term care insurance, remember: resentment compounds faster than interest. If you enjoyed this article or thought, “Oh wow, this is exactly what my friend/parent/relative needs to read,” please share it. You can also subscribe to the Retirement Literacy newsletter for more smart, candid, and occasionally cheeky insights on navigating life after full-time work. Let’s make retirement not just the end of work, but the start of something meaningful, fulfilling, and a little fabulous. Don’t Retire…Rewire! p.s. Know someone who’s about to retire?— Why not share this worksheet?  It’s the best pre-retirement checklist they never knew they needed. 6 Questions to Ask Before Retiring Together Retirement reshapes your schedule, your identity—and your relationship. Before you hand in your keycard, ask these candid questions with your partner.  Because the toughest part of retirement isn’t money—it’s time. And you’ll be spending a lot more of it together. 1. What Do You Want This Chapter of Life to Look Like? Dreams misaligned can lead to daily friction. Do you crave adventure while your partner seeks peace and quiet? Map it out—together. 2. How Much Time Do We Really Want to Spend Together? “Always together” sounds sweet—until it feels stifling. Define your ideal balance between shared time and personal space. 3. What Roles Are We Playing Now—And Do They Need to Change? Retirement often means rebalancing housework, caregiving, and emotional labor. What’s fair now that you’re both at home? 4. Are There Any Long-Standing Frustrations We’ve Avoided Talking About? Retirement shines a spotlight on old resentments. It's better to talk than to silently stew over how the dishwasher is loaded. 5. How Will We Handle Money Decisions as a Team? With changing income and more shared expenses, financial transparency and joint planning are more crucial than ever. 6. What Will Give Each of Us a Sense of Purpose—Individually? A restless or bored partner can bring tension into the home. Talk about passions, volunteer work, or part-time pursuits that bring meaning. Want more smart, candid insights?  Visit www.retirementliteracy.com to start rewriting your next chapter with clarity and confidence.

AI-powered model predicts post-concussion injury risk in college athletes

Athletes who suffer a concussion have a serious risk of reinjury after returning to play, but identifying which athletes are most vulnerable has always been a bit of a mystery, until now. Using artificial intelligence (AI), University of Delaware researchers have developed a novel machine learning model that predicts an athlete’s risk of lower-extremity musculoskeletal (MKS) injury after concussion with 95% accuracy. A recent study published in Sports Medicine details the development of the AI model, which builds on previously published research showing that the risk of post-concussion injury doubles, regardless of the sport. The most common post-concussive injuries include sprains, strains, or even broken bones or torn ACLs. “This is due to brain changes we see post-concussion,” said Thomas Buckley, professor of kinesiology and applied physiology at the College of Health Sciences. These brain changes affect athletes’ balance, cognition, and reaction times and can be difficult to detect in standard clinical testing. “Even a minuscule difference in balance, reaction time, or cognitive processing of what’s happening around you can make the difference between getting hurt and not,” Buckley said. How AI is changing injury risk assessment Recognizing the need for enhanced injury reduction risk tools, Buckley collaborated with colleagues in UD’s College of Engineering, Austin Brockmeier, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, and César Claros, a fourth-year doctoral student; Wei Qian, associate professor of statistics in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources; and former KAAP postdoctoral fellow Melissa Anderson, who’s now an assistant professor at Ohio University. To assess injury risk, Brockmeier and Claros developed a comprehensive AI model that analyzes more than 100 variables, including sports and medical histories, concussion type, and pre- and post-concussion cognitive data. “Every athlete is unique, especially across various sports,” said Brockmeier. “Tracking an athlete’s performance over time, rather than relying on absolute values, helps identify disturbances, deviations, or deficits that, when compared to their baseline, may signal an increased risk of injury.” While some sports, such as football, carry higher injury risk, the model revealed that individual factors are just as important as the sport played. “We tested a version of the model that doesn’t have access to the athlete’s sport, and it still accurately predicted injury risk,” Brockmeier said. “This highlights how unique characteristics—not just the inherent risks of a sport—play a critical role in determining the likelihood of future injury,” said Brockmeier. The research, which tracked athletes over two years, also found that the risk of MSK injury post-concussion extends well into the athlete’s return to play. “Common sense would suggest that injuries would occur early in an athlete’s return to play, but that’s simply not true,” said Buckley. “Our research shows that the risk of future injury increases over time as athletes compensate and adapt to small deficits they may not even be aware of.” The next step for Buckey’s Concussion Research Lab is to further collaborate with UD Athletics’ strength and conditioning staff to design real-time interventions that could reduce injury risk. Beyond sports: AI’s potential in aging research The implications of the UD-developed machine-learning model extend far beyond sports. Brockmeier believes the algorithm could be used to predict fall risk in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Claros is also exploring how the injury risk reduction model can be applied to aging research with the Delaware Center for Cognitive Aging. “We want to use brain measurements to investigate whether baseline lifestyle measurements such as weight, BMI, and smoking history are predictive of future mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease,” said Claros. To arrange an interview with Buckley, email UD's media relations team at MediaRelations@udel.edu