Four years ago, during the pandemic, older workers began exiting the workforce in large numbers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that more individuals aged 65 and older left the workforce in 2020 than any year since 1948, when the U.S. started tracking the data.

Many of those who left during the early part of the pandemic have returned to work since then; more than half, according to a paper by T. Rowe Price Thought Leadership Director Judith Ward, a Certified Financial Planner. Of the 2.4 million additional people who retired in 2020, 1.5 million had "unretired" by March 2022. These figures indicate a trend of older workers retiring and subsequently deciding to return to work for various reasons, including seeking income or mental stimulation.

In this episode Harriet Edleson shares insights from her article “Finding Your Encore Career” published earlier this year in the online newsletter Next Avenue, "featuring news, advice, information, conversations and stories curated for people over 50”. Her article includes retirees, some aged 73, discussing strategies for how and why they returned to the workforce. Edleson also authored the book “12 Ways to Retire on Less: Planning an Affordable Future”. She is a former staff writer, editor, and producer for AARP, and has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Kiplinger's Retirement Report.

The loss of a family member often necessitates surviving members to take on new roles and responsibilities. This transition can be both challenging and transformative. One poignant example is the experience of Dr. Phyllis Connelly, who faced the unexpected passing of Kevin after close to 40 years of marriage.

Two years following her loss, Dr. Connelly shares coping mechanisms which included creating an informal 'support group' named “Weeping Widows.” This small cluster of women was formed to navigate the grieving process more effectively. Phyllis found that bonding with others going through a similar experience provided a sense of solidarity and understanding that was crucial in helping her to move forward.

We also discuss the practical stresses that accompany such a significant transition. Managing finances, covering bills, and maintaining the household can exacerbate the emotional burden of grief. Phyllis's group offered not only emotional support but also practical advice and assistance, helping members adapt to their new roles and responsibilities.

By sharing their grief and building new lives, her sociable collection of “Weeping Widows” provided an opportunity for members to support each other and adapt in ways that honor both individual and collective needs. Including refining family traditions, roles, and friendships.

In 2023 Troy J. Broussard moved to Louisville from Baton Rouge to accept the position of AARP Kentucky State Director. In this episode he shares some of his proudest achievements / accomplishments in this past year. Including testifying before the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs and how this advocacy supports the AARP mission to serve our Veterans. Troy also shares a couple of things we likely know about AARP and something we likely don't know. For example, anyone can become a member of AARP at age 18 years of age! Our new state director is in it for the long haul as Troy also shares his vision for the future of AARP Kentucky.

Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KYDVA) Commissioner Whitney Allen highlights the comprehensive support provided to the state's 295,000 veterans and their families. Allen also emphasizes that every state has a Department of Veterans Affairs ready to help veterans access these essential resources. The KYDVA is dedicated to ensuring that veterans receive the full range of benefits and services they've earned, regardless of where they are in their post-service journey.

Whether you're newly transitioned from military service or have been a civilian for years, veteran organizations stand committed to delivering the entitlements you deserve, creating a supportive network for veterans across the nation.

Thank you for your service to a grateful nation.

Voting is essential for shaping policies and ensuring that democracy reflects the collective voice of the people. In this episode, Fayette County Clerk Susan Lamb shares her insights on the election process. With 27 years of public service—including her time as a city council member and now as an elected county clerk—Lamb brings deep expertise, particularly in managing early ballots and maintaining election security.

Whether you live in Kentucky or elsewhere, rest assured that the election process is safeguarded at the federal level. Make sure to cast your vote on November 5, 2024. Many races, both national and local, are often decided by narrow margins, reinforcing that every vote matters.

Rev. Dr. James Thurman, State Commander & Second Vice for NABVETS, comments on the creation of and need for the National Association of Black Veterans. Soldiers of color coming home were not allowed to join veteran associations. So in 1972 NABVETS was issued a Congressional Charter in the tradition of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion, etc. Today NABVETS help ensure that all veterans who come out of their service are not lost but have a way to help them to go back to lead a healthy life.

Contact NABVETS.com to learn more information about the services provided. Including Demise Benefits, Long Term Care, Caregiver Support and more. Each one essential to ensuring veterans receive the respect they deserve in making the sometimes-difficult transition from active duty to civilian life.

Please visit NABVET.org to register for its National Conference, September 4th – 8th in Louisville, Kentucky. Theme: “Honoring the Past and Inspiring the Future”.

With this year's major investment, across the eight years of the program (2017-2024) AARP has invested $20.1million through over 1,700 grants to make communities more livable. Interim Executive Director Tiffany Studivant and Operations Director Roger May discuss how being a grantee helps build even more momentum for Appalshop's mission which includes livability for residents of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. This grant is even more timely given the small town of Jenkins (2010 Census population of 2100 people) continues to slowly recover following devastating flood waters that heavily damaged Appalshop and thousands of residents across eastern Kentucky were left without homes. Roger also addresses overcoming the barriers of being rural while Tiffany shares her thoughts on the importance of what she terms “the magic of art” affecting citizens’ identities and mental health in small, tight knit communities like Jenkins.

Retirement concerns for most people tend to center on health, and fear of outliving their savings. Which are in many ways intertwined. For example, your health plays into how long you can work, how much you'll need to spend on insurance and medical care, where you can live, and your quality of life in retirement. And keep in mind Inflation often called the "quiet killer" of retirement. Over time, prices rise, making your money less valuable. These challenges and more are made even more complicated by taxes. John Watson, from dpl Financial Partners, returns to share his holistic approach to creating a plan that might help you avoid unpleasant surprises in the future.