VFW Leonard A. Elie Post 8852, Ladies Auxiliary, deliver fans to the Council for distribution to the elderly.  From left are:  Millie, Ruckin, Lillie Jackson, Gloria Brown,  Auxiliary president Grace Palm and Bennie Defels, Post Chaplin.

ANNUAL FLU SHOTS SET FOR SEPTEMBER 20

Rapides Council On Aging, Inc., will hold a flu and pneumonia shot clinic on Monday, September 20 from 9am to 2 pm in the auditorium at the Council Complex, 204 Chester Street, Alexandria.

Call 445-7985 to place your name on the list for shots.  Those who are registered  will be called first. There is no charge for seniors with Medicare part B or Medicare Advantage Programs.  Bring identification and all insurance cards.

UNEMPLOYED SENIORS TAKE EARLY RETIREMENT TO SURVIVE

Jason Fichtner, Social Security Administration commissioner, said the weak economy has led more and more people who lose their jobs file for early Social Security benefits. It has also forced some people hit by the recession and in need of a larger income to stay in the work force longer.

Social Security is facing a rare shortfall this year not only because of people taking retirement before full retirement age, but adding to the problem are low tax collections caused by millions fewer Americans are working.  Employment officially stands at 9.5 percent, but most economic experts say the actual number of Americans out-of-work is about 15% in most areas.

Filing for Social Security in 2009 reached 2.74 million, more than any year in history.  There was a marked increase in the number reduced benefits because persons filed at the low rather than the full retirement age.  The increase rose last year due in part to the full retirement age rising from 65 to 66.

Nearly 72%  men filed for early benefits in 2009, up from 58 % in 2008.  More women filed in 2009, 74.7 %, compared with 64.2 in 2008.

RELAXING HELPS YOUR MEMORY

For years scientists have been searching for techniques to help people remember and the old advice “Sleep on it” is what helps the most.  Researchers at New York University have used brain scans to show that even resting can also help you consolidate new memories and more accurately remember them when you need to.

Just because you’re not doing anything doesn’t mean your brain is also idle.  Important memory processes occur while one is resting.