Retirement News

ITEMS OF NEWS:- that may be of interest.

The UK Governments proposal to raise the retirement age for men and women to 68, will in the long term harm the familly. It has often been the role of grand parents, to look after the grand children, thus enabling the parents to work and save on chidcare costs. This will almost certainly weaken the bonding.

WOMEN retiring at 60 are facing a penalty on their private pensions by as much as 15%. Although the retirement age is 60 Millions were sold policies that expire at age 65, thus incurring the charges if pension taken.

IF YOU go past the pension contract date by a few days without having contacted the company.You could be rolled over into a with profits scheme and inccur a penalty if cashed within five years.

IF YOU do not retire and take your money on an exact date. You could miss out on a guarenteed high retirement package.

The EUROPEON UNION has decreed that it is perfectly Legal for Employers to insist on compulsory retirement at age 65.

The time has run out for the extended claiming of back dated pension credits. They can only back dated a maximum of three months, NOW!

ANYONE renting a property is now entitled to ask the LandLord to provide an Energy Performance Certificate.9free of charge). However no matter how bad it states the property is. The Landlord has no obligation to put matters right.

MARRIED COUPLES and those in Civil Partnerships can now transfer their £312,000 inheritance tax nil rate band to their suviving spouse, giving them a joint allowance of £624,000.

As if things are not bad enough it is alledged that the burial of hundreds of bodies is being delayed due to delays in payments by the Department of Work and Pensions to those in need.

The so called CREDIT CRUNCH is making life difficult for us all In particular those who have retired or just about to. Paricularly hard hit are those with funds deposited in the Icelantic Bank Kaupthing. The UK and Icekantic goverment are in crisis talks. Other offsshore accounts may also be at risk as very few protection schemes exist.

Pension Funds have been hard hit of late due to the fact that fund managers have relied heavilly on the banks and shares. The losses taken by the funds will take some considerable time to recover as dividends will be down as governments recover their investments.

Annuities, up until now have faired reasonably well, but are likely to suffer as the reduction in the bank rate takes hold.

Terrible News for pensions and savings with little or no return due to the lattest fall in the Bank Rate.

RECCENTY ANOUNCED NEWS - Begs the Question:-

ARE WE - The Retired - BEING USED AS THE SCAPEGOAT?

I say we are. Governments, The Banks, Local Authorities, are all penalising and blameing the retired for all of the worlds ill's.

Firstly - We are accused of living two long and becoming a burden on the state with healthcare and payments on pensions.

Then we are forced in many cases to sell our homes and belongings to pay for care homes. It is reputed that 70,000 are forced into this situation, each year in the UK alone.

Then we are told that we are not fit to look after our grand children. Dispite the fact that it is well recorded that when Grand Parents have a great deal of contact with their Grand Children, both fare better.

The Grand Parents with better health and and a feeling of belonging. And the children learn respect and manners. Also feel loved, and wanted. The result being less behavioural problems.

It is also estimated that Grand parents save their sibling around £6,000 per year (This is not news it is fact). in baby sitting fees, thus saving the state money.

Dispite these proven facts the Government still favours children being seperated from the familly unit.

To add insult to injury, not only have the retired lost on their savings, due to the apalling situation that we are in. some of the Banks are not happy with this and in some cases have chosen to move savers money from high-interest accounts to accounts with a minimum yeald.

Added to which some credit card companies are putting a lower age limit and a higher interest rate on card holders over Sixty.WHERE IS IT GOING TO END?

OTHER NEWS - As already mentioned, loneliness can lead to health problems. Chicago University reports that the blood pressuire readings of the lonely can be 30 points higher than those who have an active social life. Apparently high levels of cortisol reduce the immune system, introduce sleepless nights, exhaustion and speeds up the onset of dimensure. - IF YOU KNOW SOMEBODY WHO IS LONELY - WHY NOT VISIT THEM _ YOU WILL BE DOING THEM A GREAT SERVICE.

Here is an item that we did not need to be told. APPARENTLY SEX IS GOOD FOR YOU - particularly if you are over 50. It seems that a regular bout reduces the hormone levels and wards of postrate cancer. GO FOR IT.

U.K.pensioners are missing out on £14 million every day.

What you should be claiming for:-

WINTER FUEL ALLOWANCE £250.00 if over 60. £400.00 if over 80.

COLD WEATHER PAYMENTS. £25.00 if if temperature drops below 1C for seven consecutive days.

DISABILITY ALLOWANCE> If claiming before 65 birthday remains in force. Claims after 65 are for ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE two rates $44.65 or £67.00.

SOCIAL FUND Comunity Care grants for Accomodation, travel and budgeting loans.

FUNERAL EXPENSES up top £700.00 if receiving pension credts.

MAKE VITAMIN 'D' AN ESSENTIAL PART OF YOUR DIET. Research has shown that a lack of vitamin 'D' contributes to a major part of the health problems endured by the elderly.

The lack of a the vitamin has been linked to multiple scierois, heart disease, strokes, high blood pressure, various forms of cancer, diabetes, arthritis, inflamatory bowel disease and crohns disease.

A low level can also cause them to be more susceptable to colds and flu's.

It is reccomended that anyone over 65 should take a 10mcg of vitamin 'D' supplement daily and to spend, where possible as much as twenty minutes per day in the sun.

SOME GOOD NEWS _ At last. A Daily tipple may help those more than 50 stay mobile. It is reported that those who drink one or two drinks per day are less likely to develop the disabilities that prevent them walking, batheing or dressing themselves.

MORE GOOD NEWS - A Europeon Law now states that if you have molility problems and you wish to fly from a Europeon Airport then you are entitled to assistance. This is even extended to those with temporary injury and is available at any stage in your journey. For more details. www.equalityhumanrights.com

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