Strength-training keeps bodies youthful
About 25 percent of a person’s peak strength is lost by age 65, according to a recent report from the American Association for Retired Persons. But don’t blame aging.
Most seniors don’t do enough strength training to stay strong, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A CDC study found that only 11 percent of adults 65 and older strength train two or more days a week, which is the amount experts recommend.
But people in their 60 and 70s who strength-train regularly can have muscles that look and perform as well as inactive men in their 20 and 30s, according to the AARP story. Strengthening exercises involve working against resistance from your body or some other source such as weight machines, free weights or water.
State-by-state tax information
The Retirement Living Information Center has just published new information on its Web site, www.retirementliving.com, about the taxes encountered in every state, including income tax rates, exemptions for seniors and how retirement income and property are taxed. In addition, it includes information about taxes on military retirement pay and inheritance and estate taxes.
Seven states do not have a personal income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington and Wyoming. New Hampshire and Tennessee only tax dividends and interest income that exceed certain limits. Although Florida does not have a personal income tax, it does tax “intangible assets.” Some states, such as Ohio and Pennsylvania, have jurisdictions that impose local as well as state income taxes.
Six states — California, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota and Vermont — are particularly tough on retirees because they have a relatively high top tax bracket and fully tax most retirement income.
It is important to keep in mind that moving to a state with no personal income tax or sales tax may not reduce your overall tax liability if the city you select has high property taxes. Many counties and municipalities give tax breaks to seniors, but these must be checked out on a case-by-case basis.