Financial Aging

This is definitely a topic that has not come to mind. When it asked what savings I currently had for retirement, it made me think I don't even have savings in general anymore. It is hard to imagine putting money aside for retirement when I have school loans to pay for. I think setting money aside for retirement is important though. While this calculator is not accurate, it does really put perspective on just how much it would take to reach the projected savings needed. It was sort of depressing to think of putting away 10.1% of my income towards money for retirement, or $796 a month ($9,552 a year). To think that I need $3,527,140 for retirement is crazy. I can't even imagine having that kind of money! 

When reflecting on the data provided by the calculator it made me think how comfortable would I be living with that amount of money? Would that money provide me with lots of "play room," for example vacationing? I put that I would retire 30 years before my projected life expectancy of 93. So, at 63 I'm wondering exactly how much am I going to be able to do? Will I be able to travel? What would I use this money for other than the thought that I may end up in a nursing home facility? This calculator definitely brings about some questions that I have never thought of. 

Georgia Centenarian Study

The information presented in the film connects with what we have read. The film talks about the possibility of a gene that could be correlated with life expectancy; this is something we read about. Also, previous to this class I have read that those who are more optimistic about life tend to live longer than those who are pessimistic. Many of the people in this study showed a positive outlook on their situation. 


After watching the Georgia Centenarian Study, it made me realize that I need to try to look at things in a more positive manner. I like to believe I'm a realist, but being a realist is pretty much being a pessimist because reality isn't always positive. I also took away from this that there isn't one way of living that can result in living a long, healthy life. There are many circumstances and in a way it's sort of out of your control. 


When watching the video, I was very interested in the brain dissection. Working in a facility with many Alzheimer's residents, the power of the brain continually amazes me. I thought it was interesting to see the differences in the brain from those who lived to be centenarian. Personally, I think a lot of information about aging lies within the brain. I would be more interested in other studies in this area.