In an effort to keep you informed about various issues, interests, and everything related to today's Senior, we've created this special news section. 

We've divided this section by topic.  Please click on the topic of interest below:

New FHA Reverse Mortgage Program Gives
More Flexibility To Senior Homestead

Traditionally Reverse Mortgages have given Seniors age 62 and older the ability to convert a portion of their home's equity into tax-free funds.  The amount of funds they can qualify for is based on their age, the property's value, and current interest rates.

Recent changes in the FHA Reverse Mortgage Program have enabled Senior homebuyers age 62 and older to purchase a new primary residence and obtain a reverse mortgage in simultaneous transactions with no monthly mortgage payments.  It works by allowing the Senior to combine reverse mortgages with a down payment from their current home sale or other assets to purchase a new home.  It now gives the Senior an opportunity to purchase a new primary residence without taking on new mortgage payments.  They may want to downsize or "right size" for their particular needs -- single level living, move to a Senior Community, or move closer to family and friends.

Example of how the program works:

A woman, 74 years old, wants to move closer to her children.  She sells her older home for $200,000.  With the reverse mortgage for purchase, she was able to buy a $300,000 single level condo by putting $123,000 down and the reverse mortgage for purchase provided the additional funds she needed.

She was able to move to a place more suitable for her needs and closer to her children.  She will never make a mortgage payment and she also has $77,000 in cash left from the sale of her previous home to help her financially in the future. 

Contact a Reverse Mortgage Specialist or FHA for more information regarding stipulations and requirements for the program.

         Click Here To Find a Reverse Mortgage Specialist Near You

Ideas To Cut Health Care Costs In This Economy
submitted by Peggy Davies, Mid-America Events & Expos, 612-798-7256

What's the best way to cut your healthcare costs in these scary economic times?  Don't Get Sick!

If you think a trip to the grocery store takes a big chunk out of the family budget, consider the costs of getting sick.  From co-pays that cost more than a tank of gas to deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses that can exceed a mortgage payment, even getting the flu can be expensive.  Health care costs in an already troubled economy are providing many Minnesotans with more incentive than ever to find new ways to take better care of themselves.

Each year, thousands of Minnesotans attend the original Body Mind Life Expo at the Minneapolis Convention Center for ideas about staying healthy.  This year, most will be looking for ways to do so on a budget.

As the largest health and natural products consumer event in the Midwest, this expo is the ideal place to find experts who can provide mainstream and holistic advice on nutrition, physical fitness, disease prevention, as well as emotional and spiritual well-being.  This year's expo, to be held February 27 & 28, 2010, is expected to attract even more people eager to learn tips that will help them avoid spending time in a doctor's office.

Prevention is the modern mantra.  The gloomy economy has not dimmed nutritional supplement sales.  The changing lifestyle and growing senior population is making space for the nutritional supplement industry to grow.  Americans spend more money than any other country on nutritional supplements, and are credited with having the greatest health awareness.  According to Natural Products Insider, specific demand for functional foods and beverages benefitting digestive and immune health, as well as cardiovascular health, is on an upswing.

People also are looking for new ways to cope with the stress in their lives.  Renowned spiritual teacher and author, Leonard Jacobson will present two free seminars at the expo to help people learn how to live in the present and achieve a deeper level of peace.

Over the years, the Body Mind Life Expo has become a trusted clearinghouse for health-related information.  Those watching their pennies appreciate the fact that admission always includes free back-to-back seminars on everything from proper exercise techniques, weight management, anti-aging tips, to the latest use of therapeutic essential oils and other fact-based ideas for taking control of your health.

People also spend quality time exploring local resources including holistic services, environmentally-friendly products, stress-free vacation ideas, workshops and classes, counseling and motivational centers, clinics, acupuncture/bodywork services, and more.

Benefitting underserved women and their families touched by breast cancer.  Mid-America Events & Expos, producers of the Body Mind Life Expo, is donating 50% of all ticket sales from its 2010 expos to Hope Chest For Breast Cancer, who will be given a booth at each show.

Visit www.101expos.com for more information or call 612-798-7256.  Admission is $3 with the half price coupon on the website and FREE to kids 17 and under when accompanied by an adult.   

Let's Go Fishing with Seniors 
submitted by Dan Nordberg,
North Branch Chapter of Let's Go Fishing With Seniors, 651-674-4994
 

If you enjoy the outdoors and you're looking for a fabulous volunteer opportunity, here's your chance!  This is a State sponsored program that gives all Seniors age 55+ the chance to go fishing or boating.  Each Chapter is financed by local businesses.  All the fishing rods, bait, and life jackets are provided.  The pontoons are handicap accessible.  Chapters throughout Minnesota are looking for help with fund-raising, planning, and taking Seniors out fishing and boating.  If you'd like to participate in this program, whether it's to volunteer or just go fishing, all you need to do is to contact your local chapter for more information or make your reservation.  You are responsible for transportation to and from the landing.

                   Click Here For More Details & Make Your Reservation