We are all capable of controlling our happiness. As we age, that ability to be happy becomes ever more important. Whether you are retired or still working, your quality of life is affected by the basic emotion of happiness.

Where does true happiness come from? Recent studies suggest that happiness is — to a great extent — a matter of attitude, and therefore within our control as human beings. In fact, psychologists have been able to identify a number of steps we can take to make our “pursuit of happiness” more productive:

1. Be an optimist – Researchers have come to see optimism as a skill, rather than an inborn trait. While some people are naturally more adept than others, it can be learned. By practicing positive thinking, you can develop better coping mechanisms and learn how to manage negative feelings.

2. Be social – Human beings are social animals, and studies have shown that people with five or more close friends are 50% happier than those with a smaller social circle.

3. Challenge yourself – While challenges are often viewed in a negative fashion, they are essential to the human condition. Find something that tests your limits, such as learning a new language or sport, and you will generally be happier for it.

4. Focus on doing, rather than having – If you have a choice between buying a big-screen television or going on a cruise, opt for the latter. The satisfaction you get from ownership fades rapidly, while the memory of an event often grows more profound over time.

5. Take good care of yourself – Your physical appearance directly affects your self-esteem. Do something each day to make yourself feel good, such as exercising, getting your hair done, or simply dressing nicely for dinner.

6. Look after another – The act of caring for another living being fills an important psychological need in all of us. It takes you out of your own world and can give you a sense of purpose. That’s why so many empty-nesters and retirees find it rewarding to adopt a pet, become a mentor, or volunteer at a local school.

While these are just a few ways to find happiness in today’s world, they are a good place to start. You may even find that the pursuit itself is what really counts in the end.

Source: CNNMoney.com,“Can Money Buy Happiness” by David Futrelle, July 18, 2006 @ http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/moneymag_archive/
2006/08/01/8382225/index.htm

If you have retired, more than likely you were excited about your newfound freedom and the opportunities that lay ahead. You worked hard to save and made wise investments to ensure that your money would last your entire retirement. But even with those best-laid plans, you may have concerns about your financial future.

The world is full of uncertainties, and one thing we can’t predict is how long we’ll live. Which means retirement funds can be stretched thin, or run out, if you live longer than expected. That’s why lifetime income annuities, like those offered by the AARP Lifetime Income Program, are becoming more popular.

If you’re looking for greater peace of mind — a retirement income that you can’t outlive — you may want to consider adding a fixed immediate annuity to your retirement income plan. It provides a steady stream of fixed monthly income that will continue for the rest of your life. Regardless of market performance, the income payments will never vary or stop, which helps to ensure that you’ll have a reliable income when you need it most. And even if you pass away sooner than expected, the plans available through this program guarantee that any remaining principal will be paid directly to your beneficiary.

To buy a fixed immediate annuity, you make a single lump-sum payment. Some common assets used are money from personal savings accounts, maturing CDs, stocks or mutual funds.

If you use funds from an IRA, a 401(k), or a lump-sum pension payout you can maintain your tax-deferred status. You won’t incur taxes on the entire withdrawal amount; you’ll pay taxes over time on each monthly income payment.

Plus, if you’ve reached age 70 ½, this annuity may likely meet your required minimum distribution that you must withdraw from your tax-deferred retirement plans each year.

It’s always best to have a balanced retirement plan that addresses all your income concerns. If outliving your income is one concern, then a fixed immediate annuity could be an important part of your plan that could give you greater peace of mind for your financial future.

The AARP Lifetime Income Program
From New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation

This program offers Single Life or Joint Life annuities that pay a lifetime
income that lasts for either one or two lifetimes.

For more information, call 1-800-309-6807
or visit lifetimeincome.nylaarp.com/newsletters

At New York Life, we are committed to giving AARP members the highest level of service. And while we hope that you are completely satisfied with your life insurance purchase, we understand that people’s needs change over time.

Perhaps you’ve added a new grandchild to the family, or your spouse has developed an unexpected medical condition. Or maybe you’ve had a bit of good fortune and would like to leave a larger estate for your children.

If so, New York Life would like to make it as easy as possible for you to take charge of your coverage. That’s why we’ve created valuable riders and other benefit-adding options.

If you find your coverage needs have grown — or changed in any way — please feel free to call our helpful customer service representatives at 1-888-963-7219 (8 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET, Monday – Friday, or 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday).

While growing older is inevitable, there are several steps you can take to slow the effects of aging. Doctors say one of the most important steps is eating the right foods.

A healthy diet not only makes you look and feel better, but also helps ward off a number of age-related diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, and certain types of cancer. Foods that are rich in antioxidants such as vitamins C and E are among the most valuable, and can include whole grains, legumes, and most produce items. Antioxidants are particularly important as they help make it easier for cells to repair themselves from damage caused by the sun, air pollution and a host of other environmental factors.

Naturally, there’s more to good health and longevity than antioxidants. You need a variety of nutrients such as proteins, calcium, and vitamin D to achieve the best possible result. So where does one find all these anti-aging ingredients? Here is a list of recommended sources:

Nuts – Nuts make a great substitute for fatty meats since they are a source of cholesterol-free protein, and are loaded with vitamin E. In this family, almonds, pecans and walnuts are particularly valuable.

Fish – Salmon, sardines and canned tuna are packed with omega-3 fatty acids that are widely believed to reduce plaque in your arteries and therefore reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.

Fruits & Vegetables – Fruits and vegetables, while relatively low in calories, contain plenty of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Berries of any kind are a primary source, and dark greens (spinach, broccoli, etc.) also contain bone-strengthening vitamin K.

Legumes – Beans of any kind are another source of cholesterol-free protein, as well as complex carbohydrates and fiber that help regulate glucose and insulin levels.

Low-Fat Dairy – Since dairy products contain large quantities of vitamin D, low-fat milk or cheese can help prevent osteoporosis, as well as possibly reduce your risk of breast, colon and prostate cancer.

Of course, when it comes to eating right, what you cut out is just as important as what you put in. Reducing saturated fats, white carbohydrates (such as sugar and white flour), and salt can also help increase your overall health and longevity.

Source: “Aging Well: Eating Right for Longevity,” by Elizabeth M. Ward, RD, WebMD, 12/19/07. @ http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/aging-well-eating-right-for-longevity

Retirement is a time of new beginnings and fond farewells. For many retirees, those farewells may include saying “goodbye” to your employer-sponsored life insurance plan.

If your employee benefit package includes some form of life insurance coverage, there’s a good chance you may face one of three unwelcome changes when you retire:

1. The death benefit on your policy is substantially reduced;

2. You need to assume the payments in order to maintain coverage — a potentially expensive proposition;

3. Your policy is canceled.

If you’re facing one of these changes, or have already experienced a reduction in coverage as a result, it’s important to assess the impact they may have on your family and plans for the future.

Will you have enough to help provide your spouse a safety net or pay for future medical care? Perhaps you would like to leave a meaningful gift to your church, college, or charity. And what about your children or grandchildren — wouldn’t you like to create a legacy that can make their lives a bit more secure?

If you see that you are falling short of your goals, and would like to make up the difference, feel free to speak with one of our knowledgeable customer service representatives. Just call 1-888-963-7219 (8 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET, Monday – Friday, or 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday).

Interested in saving time and money? If so, be sure to check into New York Life’s convenient Automatic Premium Payment plan. With this electronic service, you can have your premium payments withdrawn automatically from your bank account each month. That means you will never have to write us another check, never have to spend money on another stamp, and never have to worry about missing a future payment.

What’s more, this service is easy and completely free — and depending on your insurance plan, you may even be able to save as much as $1.00 on each and every payment.

To find out more, or take advantage of this service, just call the toll-free number below. Or visit our customer service Web site at www.nylaarp.com and click on Automatic Premium Payment.

1-888-963-7219
8 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET, Monday – Friday,
or 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday

Juvenile Life Insurance
from the AARP Life Insurance Program

As a member of the AARP Life Insurance Program, you already know how valuable the right protection can be for you and your family. You now have the opportunity to provide that same protection to your grandchildren, giving them an important first step toward financial security.

With AARP Young Start from New York Life, you can give your grandchildren, up to 17 years old, as much as $20,000 of life insurance at affordable rates.* Once they’re accepted, this coverage can be kept their entire lives — regardless of their future health. If you would like to know more about AARP Young Start, please feel free to speak with one of our professional customer service representatives at 1-800-270-1618.

^*Not Available in NY and WA. Call for more information.

New: The Power of Experience: Great Writers over 50 on the Quest for a Lifetime of Meaning. This is an honest, hard-hitting collection from 32 award-winning writers about the search for meaning in the second half of life.

Visit http://www.aarpmagazine.org/books/ power_of_experience.html

Just in time for Mother’s Day: Conversations with My Mother: A Keepsake Journal for Celebrating a Lifetime of Stories and For My Grandchild: A Grandmother’s Gift of Memory.

Visit http://www.aarpmagazine.org/books/ conversations_with_my_mother.html

AARP members receive 35% off AARP book titles when they order from the AARP Web site. Visit http://www.aarpmagazine.org/books