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Richard Turner Conducts Workshop on Florida’s Shallow-Water Echinoderms
Richard Turner, professor emeritus of biological sciences, ran the Florida Association of Aquatic Biologists’ Fall 2024 Marine Taxonomy Workshop in November alongside Janessa Fletcher from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Over four days, they taught attendees how to identify Florida’s many shallow-water echinoderms. Florida’s coastal areas host more than 210 species of shallow-water echinoderms, which are seafloor animals such as starfish, sea urchins and sand dollars. They are often a dominant presence in marine ecosystems, Turner said. The workshop included six presentations that broke down the characteristics of each individual species followed by a chance to examine and practice identifying both Turner’s and Fletcher’s collections of specimens. Attendees came from a variety of workplaces, including environmental consulting firms, museums and state agencies responsible for identifying seafloor animals collected in surveys and for conducting dietary studies of marine fish. The workshop, which happened at University of Tampa Marine Science Center, was organized by Florida Tech alum David Karlen ‘93. While Turner wasn’t his advisor, he said he hired Karlen to help study echinoderms that were collected off the east coast of Florida during Project SEAMAP in the 1980s. If you're interested in learning more about shallow-water echinoderms like starfish, sea urchins and sand dollars or a reporter looking to speak with Richard Turner - simply contact Adam Lowenstein, Director of Media Communications at Florida Institute of Technology at adam@fit.edu to arrange an interview today.
Florida Tech’s Pallav Ray Seeks to Improve Accuracy of Rainfall Predictions During Monsoon Season
Growing up in Kolkata, India, Pallav Ray recalls hot spring days leading up to summer’s monsoon season. Temperatures sat above 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit), rarely falling below that. When it rained, however, that’s when he could find relief – often by walking barefoot on the cool ground. Now an associate professor of ocean engineering and marine sciences at Florida Tech, Ray studies tropical climate dynamics and their variability using observations, models and theory. His paper, “Rain‐Induced Surface Sensible Heat Flux Reduces Monsoonal Rainfall Over India,” was published in Geophysical Research Letters and highlights research he said was inspired by his childhood in India’s hot climate. His research, funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), found that including a variable that is often neglected by climate models could improve the accuracy of rainfall predictions. In turn, that could help agriculture industries better prepare for regional irrigation and flooding during monsoon season. Ray’s climate modeling research spans across the globe, from India, to Chicago, Ill., and most recently the Indo-Pacific Maritime Continent archipelago, which includes countries such as Indonesia and New Guinea. The variable, notated as “Qp,” represents precipitation-induced sensible heat flux, which is a component of surface energy that influences precipitation. It essentially accounts for how precipitation cools land surface temperatures. Qp is calculated using a formula accounting for the specific heat of rainwater, density of rainwater, the rate of rain, surface temperature and the temperature of raindrops when they hit the surface. This variable is important, Ray explained, because the temperature of raindrops is typically cooler than the temperature of the surface, so when it rains, the surface cools down. During monsoon season, land is warm and the ocean is cooler, which pushes moist air from the ocean to the land. The higher the temperature difference between the land and the ocean, the stronger the monsoon because it brings more moisture, Ray explained. In testing Qp, Ray and his team of researchers ran simulations investigating the variable’s role on precipitation. They found that when incorporating it, not only is anticipated precipitation reduced by up to 5% – which he says is a significant reduction – but the models also reflect changes in the spatial distribution of precipitation. “The moment we include that term, it cools down the surface, land surface. The temperature difference is smaller between the land and the ocean,” Ray said. “That reduces the overall precipitation overland because now less moisture is coming from the ocean.” In India, Ray explained, most models, overestimate precipitation. His results generated predictions that were much closer to observed rainfall. He says that inclusion of this variable in common climate models could influence India’s regional agriculture and irrigation strategies. According to Ray, rainfall is closely tied to the India’s industries, especially agriculture. He said the variable may have the greatest impact on seasonal rainfall predictions, which happen months in advance and determine how the country approaches its agricultural practices. Policymakers rely on seasonal rainfall predictions to anticipate and plan for summer monsoons, and the money allocated to deal with excess rainfall is “tremendous,” he said. “If you can do a seasonal prediction a few months in advance and your precipitation actually changed by 5%, it’ll change whether you’ll have an excess year versus you’ll have a deficit year,” Ray said. “I think that’s where the main, major impact is.” In his future research, Ray would like to explore how Qp would impact climate models over urban areas here in Florida. If you're interested in learning more about predicting monsoons and the other fascinating research Pallav Ray is doing at Florida Tech - simply contact Adam Lowenstein, Director of Media Communications at Florida Institute of Technology at adam@fit.edu to arrange an interview today.
Lingam, Mirsayar, van Woesik Recognized as ‘Top Scholars’ by ScholarGPS
Florida Tech faculty members Manasvi Lingam, Mirmilad Mirsayar and Robert van Woesik were named “Top Scholars” by ScholarGPS for their contributions to academia over the last five years. Lingam, who studies astrobiology in the Department of Aerospace, Physics and Space Sciences, was ranked No. 9,562 in the world across all disciplines and nearly 15 million ranked scholars, placing him in the top 0.06% of the platform’s scholars globally. He faired strongly in other areas, including: No. 1,919 (0.1%) among 1.9 million scholars in physical sciences and mathematics No. 491 (0.09%) among 545,000 scholars in physics No. 42 (0.31%) among 13,590 scholars in the specialty area planets ScholarGPS cited Lingam’s strong publication record, the impact of his work and the notable quality of his scholarly contributions. He’s published 50 times since 2020, exploring the possible origins, evolution and future of life in the universe. Mirsayar, who studies aerospace engineering, was ranked No. 35,155 across all disciplines and nearly 15 million ranked scholars, placing him in the top 0.24% of scholars globally. He’s published 11 times between 2020-2023, covering topics such as fracture mechanics and solid mechanics. Other highlights include: No. 6 (0.06%) among 8,601 scholars in fracture mechanics No. 49 (1.7%) among 2,879 scholars in solid mechanics No. 315 (1.8%) among 16,847 scholars in reinforced concrete Van Woesik, who studies coral reef ecology, was ranked No. 58,081 across disciplines, putting him in the top 0.39% of nearly 15 million scholars globally. He’s had 22 publications since 2020, covering topics such as coral bleaching, thermal stress and climate change. Van Woesik, who studies coral reef ecology, was ranked No. 58,081 across disciplines, putting him in the top 0.39% of nearly 15 million scholars globally. He’s had 22 publications since 2020, covering topics such as coral bleaching, thermal stress and climate change. Other highlights include: No. 5,282 (0.32%) among 1.7 million scholars in life sciences No. 336 (0.38%) among 88,930 scholars of ecology and evolutionary biology No. 191 (0.95%) among 19,998 scholars of global change. ScholarGPS uses artificial intelligence and data mining technologies to rank individuals, academic institutions and programs. Scholars are ranked by their number of publications, their citations, their h-index and their ScholarGPS® Ranks, which includes all three metrics. If you're interested in connecting with Manasvi Lingam, Robert van Woesik and Mirmilad Mirsayar- simply contact Adam Lowenstein, Director of Media Communications at Florida Institute of Technology at adam@fit.edu to arrange an interview today.
The Rev. Randall Meissen, LC, Florida Tech’s chaplain and director of the Catholic Campus Ministry and an adjunct faculty member of the College of Psychology and Liberal Arts, has published a new book chapter, “Contemplating Bats and Bees,” in the academic compendium, “In The Dominicans in the Americas and the Philippines (c. 1500-c. 1820),” edited by David Thomas Orique, Rady Roldán-Figueroa and Cynthia Folquer. The book was published online in August by Routledge. Meissen’s chapter examines the man credited with preserving the only surviving Mayan language texts, Friar Francisco Ximenez, and examples of the influences of Dominican spirituality on natural history. He conducted research in the rare book archives of Guatemala and Spain, and the chapter developed from a presentation Meissen gave at the International Conference on the History of the Order of the Preachers in the Americas several years ago. Ximenez was an 18th century Dominican priest and missionary linguist known for his preservation of the Maya–K’iche’ creation myth the Popol Vuh. He also had a keen interest in the plants and animals of Guatemala during his ministry, Meissen highlights, and recorded observations in his manuscript, “La historia natural del reino de Guatemala.” Meissen’s chapter examines Ximenez’s observations of nature and explores the cultural factors inspiring Ximenez’s research of the region. Those include: “the Dominican tradition of collecting anecdotes about animals as exempla for use in preaching, the expansive highland Mayan vocabulary for naming native organisms, the Mayan religious myths about animals in the Popol Vuh, the practice of using mission churches as spatial reference points and the material need of the Order of Preachers in Guatemala for items such as beeswax,” the abstract reads. Meissen’s research also connects back to the classroom. He is teaching a World Religions course this spring. If you're interested in learning more or a reporter looking to speak with Father Randall Meissen - simply contact Adam Lowenstein, Director of Media Communications at Florida Institute of Technology at adam@fit.edu to arrange an interview today.
Peer-To-Peer Borrowing Surged During Pandemic, Research Finds
New research by Florida Tech assistant professor of business Alina Malkova, Ph.D explores how small businesses sought financing amid the COVID-19 pandemic’s unstable economic environment. Her paper, “Beyond banks: Navigating the shift to peer-to-peer lending for small enterprises,” published in the journal Research in Economics, developed a model to find whether the COVID-19 pandemic affected small-business owners’ demand for peer-to-peer (P2P) lending. Malkova found that more small business owners turned to P2P platforms during this time, primarily because they were more accessible and flexible than traditional banks. Borrowers could access P2P platforms online for convenient use, and the platforms’ advanced algorithms gave lenders more information about borrowers, such as neighborhood demographics, leading to a better understanding of their financial situation. “If you are an owner or borrower and you have short-term financial problems, it may help you,” Malkova says. “It helps you signal your situation.” Ultimately, Malkova says P2P platforms played critical role in overcoming financial barriers that inhibited small businesses in times of limited access to traditional funding. If you're interested in learning more or a reporter looking to speak with Alina Malkova - simply contact Adam Lowenstein, Director of Media Communications at Florida Institute of Technology at adam@fit.edu to arrange an interview today.
J.S. Held Releases 2025 Global Risk Report Addressing Critical Risks Amid Uncertainty
On the first day of the new presidential administration in the United States, global consulting firm J.S. Held unveils its annual report focused on critical areas impacting industries and economies worldwide. Explore the 2025 J.S. Held Global Risk Report here: In an increasingly uncertain and volatile global landscape, businesses, governments, and investors face a growing array of challenges that demand immediate attention and innovative solutions. The 2025 J.S. Held Global Risk Report explores five interconnected topics that organizations must consider in managing risk and opportunity in the year ahead. These include: 1. Sustainability Investments & Headwinds: With various ESG regulations across jurisdictions and increasing scrutiny over corporate environmental and social practices, experts explore how organizations can align with evolving frameworks while driving innovation. 2. Global Supply Chain Challenges: From geopolitical conflicts to climate disruptions, the report analyzes how companies can build more resilient and sustainable supply chains. 3. Crypto & Digital Asset Intensification: As the crypto landscape transitions through regulatory shifts and technological advancements, the report highlights both the risks and opportunities for businesses and investors. 4. Artificial Intelligence, Data & Digital Regulatory Response: With Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems reshaping industries, experts examine the regulatory, ethical, and operational challenges, as well as the competitive advantages for organizations that harness this transformative technology responsibly. 5. Cybersecurity Complexities: From AI-powered cyberattacks to evolving data protection laws, the report provides insights into how organizations can safeguard operations and maintain customer trust in a rapidly shifting digital environment. The 2025 J.S. Held Global Risk Report includes an analysis of these categories of risk and actionable opportunities for companies to gain a competitive edge while addressing critical vulnerabilities. “The 25 technical, scientific, financial, and strategic advisory experts who contributed to the J.S. Held Global Risk Report have collaboratively parsed not only each risk independently but also at their unique points of intersection to create a framework to support business decision-making,” noted Greg Esslinger, Executive Vice President and Global Investigations Practice Leader. “Our experts’ deep understanding of the external factors related to the topics that keep CEOs, CFOs, COOs, CLOs, and Boards of Directors up at night drives the curated insights shared in the report and helps clients navigate risks and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the year ahead,” adds John Peiserich, Esq., Executive Vice President and Environmental, Health, & Safety Practice Leader. The depth and breadth of J.S. Held’s work in the insurance market provides a strong foundation in risk assessment, data analysis, global awareness, regulatory compliance, technological adaptability, and risk mitigation. Collectively, these skills better equip the firm’s experts to assess business risk across diverse geographies, geopolitical landscapes, compliance frameworks, and digital advancements. "In a world where uncertainty is the only constant, there is a need for something solid you can hold onto," observes J.S. Held Chief Executive Officer Jonathon Held. "Our name is our promise," he adds. "Our role as strategic advisor is emblematic of this promise, even in the face of the most daunting risks, clients have the expertise and guidance to act with confidence" "Agile, collaborative, and creative client-centric teams provide solution-forward advisory to our clients across the globe, no matter the scope or complexity of a project; the J.S. Held Global Risk Report is reflective of the trusted advisor role we have earned over the last 50 years," noted J.S. Held President and Chief Operating Officer Lee Spirer. J.S. Held's expertise in strategic advisory is built upon five decades of experience in the most rigorous venues – state, federal, and international courts – and spans more than 150 different industry segments. If you have any questions or would like to further discuss the risks and opportunities outlined in the report, please email GlobalRiskReport@jsheld.com. To connect with John Peiserich simply click on the expert's icon now. For any other media inquiries - simply contact : Kristi L. Stathis, J.S. Held +1 786 833 4864 Kristi.Stathis@JSHeld.com
What the 2025 Tax Season May Look Like According to the IRS
The 2025 tax filing season will begin on Jan. 27. The Internal Revenue Service warns it may not be functioning as adequately due to the Republican-controlled congress rescinding IRS designated funding, causing cuts in staffing and potential technological updates to become stagnant. During the Biden administration the IRS was granted extra funding as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, passed exclusively with Democratic votes. The Trump administration has introduced a new scanning technology allowing tax returns to be filed quicker, upon the cut in previous IRS funding. This online filing system will allow taxpayers to file electronically with IRS for free, cutting out any unnecessary third party. There are concerns that the cut in funding may cause Trump's IRS updates to delay. How will the cut in IRS funding affect the 2025 tax season? Economics expert, Dr. Jared Pincin weighs in on the discussion of how fund distribution will look under Trump administration in recent interview. Trump administration has cut funding for IRS from $80 Billion to $60 Billion through 2031. During his campaign for presidency Trump promised a reallocation for funding and distribution. How will we see Trump's policies redistribute funding? Trump's new system, Direct File, is available in 24 states with hopes to make the 2025 tax season smoother than ever. Concerns arise that Trump's cut in funding to reallocate elsewhere may make his system to be come stagnant, causing delays and longer wait times for tax payers. Will Trump's new tax filing system make the 2025 tax season smoother or another nightmare? President-elect Trump promised stricter tariffs on manufacturing industries and more aggressive industrial policies. Rescinding IRS funding is just the beginning of Trump's reallocation of funding. How will we see the change in funding affects businesses? If you are covering the the U.S. economy during the Trump administration and need to know more, let us help with your questions and stories. Dr. Jared Pincin is an expert on economics and is available to speak to media regarding the Trump administration and the economy – simply click on his icon or email mweinstein@cedarville.edu to arrange an interview.
Two recent incidents highlight concerns about AI misuse - a man used ChatGPT to plan an attack in Las Vegas, and AI video tools were exploited to create harmful content. These events sparked debate about regulating AI and holding developers accountable for potential harm caused by their technology. Carnegie Mellon University professor Vincent Conitzer explained that “our understanding of generative AI is still limited" and that we can't fully explain its success, predict its outputs, or ensure its safety with current methods.
Expert comment available - the Government's announcement for the AI Opportunities Action Plan
Expert comment is available on the the Government's announcement for the AI Opportunities Action Plan in which it is aims to roll out AI across the UK. In a speech setting out the government's plans to use AI across the UK to boost growth and deliver services more efficiently, the Prime Minister said the government had a responsibility to make AI "work for working people". The government claims that the AI Opportunities Action Plan is backed by leading tech firms, some of which have committed £14bn towards various projects, creating 13,250 jobs. It includes plans for growth zones where development will be focused, and the technology will be used to help tackle issues such as potholes. Expert comment: "The plan is a necessary step in the right direction with appropriate investment. It should be coupled with a major training programme at business and public levels to bridge the skill gap and develop essential capabilities. "It is important to specify the role that the higher education sector will play in the delivery of such a plan particularly with regards to innovation and knowledge transfer partnerships. "The government used stated that the technology will be used to help tackle issues such as potholes, however AI should be used not only in the detection of potholes, but also in their prediction. Using predictive analytics would significantly reduce the number of cameras that must be deployed to monitor road surface conditions up and down the country." Professor Abdul Hamid Sadka, Professor of Visual Media Technologies, Director, The Sir Peter Rigby Digital Futures Institute, Aston University For further details contact Nicola Jones, Head of Press & Communications (interim) on (+44) 7825 342091 or email: n.jones6@aston.ac.uk
GRANDSPLAINING...It's as Bad as it Sounds!
Summary: "Grandsplaining" is a playful term that captures the all-too-familiar situation where younger generations offer unsolicited advice to older family members, often in a manner that is as condescending as it is unhelpful. This behaviour can be perceived as disrespectful and potentially creates awkward communication barriers, emotional strain, and family tension. Rooted in ageist stereotypes, it can even undermine elders' self-esteem. Here, we explore alternatives to grandsplaining, including the radical concepts of genuinely listening, asking open-ended questions, demonstrating empathy, and avoiding assumptions. These suggestions aim to help adult children support their older family members—not merely swoop in with a "fix-it" attitude. The Disrespectful Impact of Condescending Advice on Seniors When I helped older Canadians navigate financing their retirements, I often witnessed what can only be described as "grandsplaining in the wild." Conversations between adult children and their elders usually felt less like dialogues and more like lectures—one-sided advice sessions that left everyone gritting their teeth. The younger relative, likely well-meaning, would offer suggestions like, “You should downsize and buy a condo,” “Sell and rent,” or, the pièce de resistance, “Move in with family!” Judging by the withering looks from their elders, it was clear this approach wasn’t winning any "Favorite Child" awards. The older family members often felt patronized, as though their decades of life experience had been conveniently forgotten. The advice was condescending, painfully obvious, and usually impractical or unwanted. The dynamic reminded me of the cringeworthy experience of being "mansplained." And that’s when it hit me: this is “grandsplaining.” Unfortunately, grandsplaining can turn retirement planning conversations into a crash course on how not to communicate! Fortunately, with a little effort (and much less lecturing), families can turn this ship around and build stronger, more respectful relationships. What is "Grandsplaining"? In an age where communication flows freely across digital platforms, I define "grandsplaining" as a colloquial expression to describe a situation where younger generations offer unsolicited advice to older individuals, often patronizing or condescendingly. Grandsplaining typically involves a younger person explaining something to an older individual in a way that belittles their experience or intelligence. The term combines "grand" (suggesting age or status) and "splaining" (a slang term for condescendingly explaining something). While the intention behind such advice may often be well-meaning, the delivery can be patronizing, reinforcing stereotypes about aging and competence. This behaviour can significantly undermine the dignity and autonomy of seniors, leading to feelings of frustration, resentment, and a sense of being marginalized. Understanding the nuances of grandsplaining sheds light on intergenerational dynamics in these conversations. We must find a better, more respectful, and effective way to communicate with our elders considering retiring. The phenomenon of grandsplaining can manifest in various contexts, not just financing retirement—whether it’s discussing technology, lifestyle choices, healthcare options, or even social norms. For instance, a grandchild might explain how to use a smartphone app to a grandparent, assuming that the older generation cannot understand it despite their own lifelong experience with technology in different forms. Communication Breakdown In an era where financial literacy and retirement planning are more crucial than ever, "grandsplaining" has become a significant barrier to effective communication between generations. Retirees often feel overwhelmed or dismissed when their relatives provide unsolicited advice, especially if it contradicts their wants or financial strategies. This can lead to a reluctance to engage in discussions about finances, creating a rift that undermines the potential for collaborative planning. When adult children dominate conversations with preconceived notions of financial management, it stifles the opportunity for seniors to express their feelings, share their knowledge, and collaborate on effective retirement strategies. The Generation Gap in Financial Understanding Adult children may rely on outdated financial paradigms that no longer apply to their elders' realities. The economic landscape has changed dramatically over the past few decades, with shifts in real estate markets, a lack of formal retirement plans, and longer life expectancies. This generational gap can lead to misguided advice that does not consider modern challenges such as retiring with debt, little or no pension income, or rising living costs. Emotional Strain and Family Tension When relatives impose their views, it can evoke frustration, resentment, or inadequacy in their elders. This dynamic can shift the conversation from one focused on financial empowerment to one steeped in emotional conflict and shame. Instead of fostering a supportive environment for discussing retirement goals, grandsplaining can create adversarial relationships where seniors feel belittled or pressured, further complicating an already sensitive topic. Erosion of Autonomy When relatives try to impose their methods or strategies, it can undermine the seniors’ independence, making them feel a lack of control over their finances. Financial decisions are deeply personal and often intertwined with individual circumstances, goals, and values. This loss of agency not only affects financial outcomes but can also impact the mental well-being of older adults, leading to feelings of incompetence or anxiety about their financial futures. The Context of Ageism The implications of ageism are particularly concerning in a rapidly changing world characterized by technological advancements and unprecedented changes in social norms. While younger generations may genuinely wish to assist their elders in navigating these changes, their actions can reinforce negative stereotypes rather than empower seniors. Grandsplaining highlights the generational divide, creating an "us versus them" mentality that hinders collaboration and mutual understanding. Grandsplaining is deeply intertwined with ageism, a pervasive societal attitude that discriminates against individuals based on their age. Ageism manifests in various forms, including stereotypes that depict older adults as technologically inept, resistant to change, or incapable of learning. These stereotypes can lead to the marginalization of seniors within families and communities. Not cool! When younger generations adopt a condescending tone, they inadvertently reinforce ageist stereotypes that portray older adults as out of touch or incapable. This affects individual relationships and perpetuates societal narratives devaluing older individuals' contributions and wisdom. The Impact on Relationships Grandsplaining can strain relationships between generations, fostering resentment and conflict. For many seniors, unsolicited advice can infringe on their autonomy, making them feel infantilized or disrespected. I've seen firsthand how parents can react defensively to younger family members and sometimes withdraw altogether from conversations. When assistance is delivered condescendingly, it can backfire. The resulting tension may prevent meaningful conversations about important topics, such as healthcare decisions or lifestyle changes, which are crucial for seniors' well-being. The Psychological Impact on Seniors Being on the receiving end of condescending advice can also lead to diminished self-esteem and increased feelings of inadequacy. Seniors may begin to internalize the belief that they are not capable of making sound decisions or understanding new concepts, which can further exacerbate issues related to aging, such as cognitive decline and depression. Encouraging Respectful Communication with Seniors Addressing the issue of grandsplaining requires a concerted effort from both younger and older generations to cultivate respectful communication. Here are several strategies to foster more positive intergenerational interactions: 1. Actively Listen: Younger people should prioritize active listening when engaging with seniors. This involves hearing what the older person says and validating their experiences and perspectives. Younger people can create a more respectful dialogue by acknowledging their knowledge and expertise. 2. Seek to Understand: Younger generations must approach conversations with empathy. To quote Stephen Covey's wise words, "Seek first to understand, then to be understood." Recognizing seniors' challenges, such as health issues or technological gaps, can foster a sense of compassion. This approach can help bridge the generational divide and promote more constructive conversations. 3. Avoid Assumptions: The tendency to assume that older adults are out of touch or incapable can lead to grandsplaining. Instead, younger individuals should avoid making assumptions about seniors’ knowledge or abilities. Asking questions like “What do you think about this?” or “How do you feel about that?” can empower seniors to share their insights and experiences. 4. Offer Support, Not Solutions: Ask questions like, “What does a successful retirement look like to you? How do you plan to finance your retirement? Do you want to stay in this home? Are you open to moving? If so, where? Do you have enough in savings? How can I support you in having an independent and dignified retirement”? 5. Understand the Bigger Picture: Don’t assume that the traditional strategies of downsizing, selling, renting, or moving in with family are reasonable solutions for your elder in today’s economic environment. These retirement strategies are problematic for today’s seniors. In most cases, downsizing only works financially if the retiree is willing to move to a smaller, more affordable community. Most seniors want to stay in their communities and not move away from family, friends, churches, or familiar shops and services. Selling, renting, or moving in with family requires the sale of their significant appreciating asset. Given today's longer life expectancies, it's not always a wise choice. 6. Humour: By skillfully using humour, you can turn potentially patronizing situations into moments of connection and shared joy, ensuring that conversations with elders remain meaningful, respectful and memorable. For example, you could start the conversation this way; "The last thing I want to do is give you advice. That would be ridiculous. You’re the wise sensei here—I’m just the clueless apprentice trying to save enough downpayment to buy a shoebox of a house." This approach humorously flips the script, poking fun at the presumptuousness of unsolicited advice while emphasizing the elder's experience and wisdom. People often feel judged or vulnerable when discussing finances or significant life changes. Humour shifts the dynamic, showing that you approach the conversation as an ally, not an adversary. For example: "Talking about budgets isn’t fun for anyone—I mean, who loves math? But it’s worth it if we can figure out how to turn this retirement conversation into the fourth of July rather than Labour Day!" This playful approach lowers barriers, making the discussion feel collaborative rather than critical. Laughter fosters connection. Sharing a laugh creates a sense of camaraderie, making it easier for people to open up about sensitive topics. When elders feel that you’re not judging them but partnering with them—and can make them smile—they’re far more likely to trust your intentions and take your advice seriously. Humour invites the other person to join the conversation, breaking the ice and encouraging them to share their thoughts. It sets a tone that the conversation is a dialogue, not a lecture. Example: "You’ve been making great financial decisions for decades. I’m here to ensure we don’t accidentally end up with a basement full of K-tel Veg-O-Matics… unless that’s the plan?" This allows them to laugh, respond, and engage while respecting their autonomy. A word of caution. Humour is only effective when paired with genuine respect and sensitivity. Pay attention to your elder's reactions and adapt if they seem uncomfortable or unamused. The goal is to build rapport, not to win laughs at their expense. Using humour skillfully, you can turn potentially patronizing situations into moments of connection and shared joy, ensuring that conversations with elders are respectful and memorable. Before You Go Before You Go Grandsplaining: the art of lovingly over-explaining to elders as though they’ve been napping since the Great Depression. While it often comes from a place of care, the unintended consequences can include derailed retirement conversations, strained family dinners, and a spike in eye-rolling from grandparents everywhere. Good financial planning thrives on clear communication, but grandsplaining tends to turn productive discussions into monologues that undermine elder autonomy and trigger emotional static. To create a more harmonious environment, families should swap their megaphones for listening ears and embrace a collaborative approach that respects seniors' wisdom and frames younger relatives’ financial theories as conversation starters, not TED Talks. After all, when it comes to navigating retirement planning, a little less "know-it-all" and a bit more "let’s figure it out together" can go a long way. Think of it as building a bridge, not a lecture podium—because nothing says "family unity" like tackling compound interest together! Don't Retire---Re-Wire! Sue
