Congratulations! You made it! Welcome to retirement and to our new Chesapeake Retirement Guide, a series of short articles, useful information, and resource listings to help you begin and enjoy your retirement journey. Over the next several issues of What’s Up? Annapolis, we’ll offer relatable content alongside a special advertising section of vendors that provide this booming generation a myriad of select, retirement services and lifestyle opportunities.
In this month’s guide, we discuss why choosing to retire in Maryland is a good move. And we explore what Living Well can and should mean, in terms of your health, including an overview of the special wellness workshops that Anne Arundel and Talbot County health departments offer to its citizens. Enjoy!
Land of Pleasant Retirement
Spending your golden years in Maryland may be today’s best bet
By James Houck
If you’re reading this publication, there’s a strong chance that you’ve settled in Maryland and enjoy the Land of Pleasant Living. Whether your roots run deep in this state or are freshly sprouted, extending your stay in Maryland well into your retirement years has likely crossed your mind. And while there are reasons to look elsewhere when considering where to spend the “4th Quarter” of life, Maryland is stacked with selling points to make it your ultimate choice.
From world-class hospitals to unlimited recreation, and housing options to fit any want or need, Maryland has an attractive infrastructure and lifestyle accessibility. And though the general perception is that Maryland has not been friendly to the retiree in terms of taxation and estate planning, the truth holds optimism. According to a recent Kiplinger report, “State by State Guide to Taxes on Retirees,” Maryland ranked in the middle of pack as a “Mixed Tax Picture;” meaning, yes, there are considerable taxes but, no, they won’t break the bank and, in fact, there are legal adjustments on the horizon that retirees will likely…like.
All Boom, No Bust
Maryland is a state in which the Baby Boomer population is growing at a rapid pace. The U.S. Census Bureau reported that the 65-plus population has been growing at a faster rate than the 20–64 population. In Maryland, 25 percent of the population reached over 55 years of age by 2020. But that doesn’t necessarily add up to more retirees in the traditional sense. According to The American Association of Retired People, 79 percent of Boomers plan to work in some capacity during their retirement years. Upon hitting age 65, many will not leave the workforce and will continue to work full-time. Others will opt to work part-time or seek a second, entirely different career. Enter education options. Through the state university system, local community colleges (Anne Arundel Community College and Chesapeake College, among others), and county-run Senior Activity Centers, there are many professional programs (credit and non) suited for students of all ages and that includes Boomers. Want to study the culinary arts and launch a catering business? Check. Become a paramedic? Check. Learn guitar and start a band? The stage is yours.
Many of the Boomers who choose a traditional retirement will plan to remain active in volunteer work and community service. Fortunately, Maryland is a state ripe with service and philanthropic opportunities. In a recent report, WalletHub ranked all 50 states from most charitable to least using 13 metrics, including “volunteer rate” and “percentage of income donated;” Maryland came in 4th nationally (Utah ranked first).
But there’s a particularly sticky wicket for many of the most successful of this generation, which may be a telltale sign of why they are also so giving…taxes. Dreaded taxes; from property to estate and inheritance, the list seems never ending. And how to offset one’s reported income? Donate to charity, of course. Philanthropy pinpoints the services and programs you want your dollars to fund.
And while the State of Maryland is keen on taxing your income, estate, and inheritance pots, there’s fairly good news, especially for end-of-life considerations. Maryland collects an inheritance tax, but property passing to a spouse, child, spouse of a child, or other lineal descendant, parent, grandparent, or sibling is only taxed at 0.9 percent on the clear value. Property passing to other individuals is subject to a 10 percent tax.
If you’re sold on staying in state and comfortable with how your estate will parlay beyond the grave, then your physical comfort and living situation is probably front-and-center. If you own your home outright, congratulations…your housing options are plentiful: sell/move, contract a reverse mortgage to supplement retirement income, or simply sit and stay. For the movers, there’s a wealth of plus-55 communities to currently choose from and new developments on the rise locally. Additionally, and depending upon your medical needs, there are many assisted living and nursing home programs.
Gen X, Millennials, and Beyond
Although retirement may be 10 years, 20, 30, or many more into the future of each generation following the Baby Boomers—or much sooner depending on their entrepreneurial savvy—developing an investment portfolio and shaping one’s life goals, which could include where you see yourself actually living out the years ahead, should be on one’s list of priorities.
Today, online, we’re swimming in a sea of listicles, so it’s no surprise that one of the more popular pop-news sites, Thrillist.com, would take a stab at ranking all 50 United States from worst to first, “based on everything. More specifically, their contributions to America, so think inventions, food/drink, somewhat productive famous people, unique physical beauty, etc.” Though it’s tongue in cheek and written in the spirit of Internet debate, it offers an opinionated snapshot of each state. Maryland ranked 20th, a pleasant accolade in the eyes of the two Gen X editors that compiled the piece (for the record, Michigan ranked #1 and Florida dead last at #50).
If that nugget doesn’t thrill you, perhaps some real-world analysis and public incentives will; the overall economy of Maryland ranked 16th best of all 50 states in the most recent analysis published by Wallethub this past June (including 6th in “Innovation Potential”). In a similar comparison of state economies made by U.S. News & World Report, Maryland ranked #17 overall (and as high as 6th in “Health Care”). It’s confirmation that the Land of Pleasant Living is also the Land of Opportunity (after all, our state’s other famous moniker is “America in Miniature”). The top industries/job sectors in Maryland are rather diverse as well: Aerospace & Defense; Fishing & Aquaculture; Life Sciences; Manufacturing; and Cybersecurity, for which Maryland is considered the nation’s hub.
Maryland is a state that understands the value of, not only, attracting a dynamic workforce, but also retaining it. And in the age of transient Millennials that tend to job hop before settling into a career, the state passed legislation that would help workers, particularly at small businesses, set up retirement accounts (such as 401(k)s) that follow them wherever they’re employed. Currently, this makes Maryland one of a handful of states in the country to have legislated this trending need. Known as the Maryland Small Business Retirement Savings Program, it’s intended to relax some regulations (waiving certain fees) and will establish a state-appointed retirement plan administration.
Enjoyment for All
What can be written about Maryland in terms of recreation, entertainment, sports, the outdoors, and vacation options that hasn’t already? It turns out, quite a lot. Although the big picture includes the Appalachian Mountains of Western Maryland, the beaches along the Atlantic Coast, and cities steeped in history tied to our nation’s founding (remember Maryland is one of the 13 original colonies), every month and day holds engaging options to experience something new locally. Have you canoed the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, located just south of Cambridge? Gone camping at Assateague Island National Seashore? Taken in a play at the Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre or experienced a rock concert at Baltimore’s Pier Six Pavilion?
Scratch under the surface of Maryland’s lifestyle landscape and you’ll find dynamic options befitting any soul. Visit whatsupmag.com for the most complete list of events, activities, and entertainment options…from Maryland’s Western Shore to Eastern, and all points in between.
What’s In Your Toolbox for Living Well?
Living well while aging, a desired state of being we all wish for. Yet, living well requires a commitment to healthy lifestyle choices many of us push to the side. “I’ll do that tomorrow” or “I don’t have control over the outcome, it’s in my genes” are statements heard fairly frequently.
This type of thinking will never yield the desired results.
Much of how we age is based on what we have inherited from our parents. This is our genetic makeup. And while we can’t change this (yet), we can take an active role by making healthy choices. Committing to this daily process will put you on the road to success, thus creating healthy habits.
Healthy habits can be thought of as tools. These tools are “go to resources” when needing to refine our state of wellbeing. Whether it’s a tool used for physical, emotional, or mental needs, this tool is “the right tool for the job.” For example, the “tool” of physical activity can help in many ways. It’s a tool that has many functions. Physical activity can help alleviate stress, manage blood sugar, strengthen muscles, balance, and help with flexibility. You can use it to connect with others or use it during a time when you may want to be alone and gather your thoughts quietly. The tool of managing emotions can help with stress management and tactics for effective communication. It can also reduce fatigue.
The Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disability offers workshops called the Living Well Series. These workshops focus on chronic conditions like heart disease, arthritis, depression, and fibromyalgia. There is also a specific workshop which focuses on diabetes. These are called self-management programs, designed to help participants find the tools they need to help manage the symptoms of their condition. Finding the tools for self-management is important for avoiding or delaying complications related to the disease process.
Wouldn’t it be a good feeling to know what your tools were for living well?
Has the pandemic left you overwhelmed and unsure about how to get back to that state of wellbeing? Maybe it motivated you to want to learn more about your health conditions. There is no question about it, there has never been a better time to take the first step forward and learn what you can do to help yourself live well.
Living well doesn’t need to be an unreachable vision. Taking an evidence-based program and creating your toolbox will bring you closer to making that vision a reality.
Workshops currently being offered in Anne Arundel County include:
- Living Well with Chronic Conditions
- Living Well with Diabetes
- Living Well with Chronic Pain
- Living Well with Hypertension
- Walk with Ease
- Tai Ji Quan: Movement for Better Balance
- Powerful Tools for Caregivers
To register for a class, visit the Living Well page: aacounty.org/departments/aging-and-disabilities/forms-publications/living-well-series/index.htm. Or call Penny Tilghman at 410-222-0268 to find out when our next workshop begins.
Similarly, the Talbot County Health Department offers free evidence-based classes. Evidence-based living well programs empower older adults to take control of their health by maintaining a healthy lifestyle through self-efficacy and self-management. The Talbot County Health Department, in partnership with the Maryland Living Well Center of Excellence (mdlivingwell.org) provides the following evidence-based programs:
Diabetes Self-Management: Diabetes is associated with an increased risk for a number of serious, even life-threatening, complications, as well as being the sixth leading cause of death in Maryland. Good diabetes control can help reduce the risk of complications. Topics include nutrition, exercise, stress management, working with health providers, and more. This course is available one-on-one or in a group setting.
Chronic Pain Self-Management: Chronic pain can be debilitating and may lead to isolation and depression. Better management of chronic pain can help participants feel better, move better, and improve quality of life.
Living Well with Hypertension: Untreated hypertension is the leading cause of kidney disease and failure and can lead to stroke and heart attacks. Participants will learn blood pressure management strategies.
Chronic Disease Self-Management: Chronic disease, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and arthritis are leading causes of disability in the U.S. Participants will learn to cope with the fatigue, frustration, and pain that accompany chronic disease, and exercises for improving strength and endurance, all which have been shown to improve health and decrease hospital stays.
PEARLS: There are many losses associated with aging—loss of health, loved ones, and independence—and these losses can lead to feelings of loneliness, frustration, anxiousness, and restlessness. Left unattended, these feelings can lead to depression, and affect quality of life. PEARLS (Program to Encourage Active Rewarding Lives) is a one-on-one flexible coaching program designed to help those age 60 and older learn how to manage these feelings and improve their quality of life.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers: Supports caregivers in taking care of yourself while caring for someone else. By taking care of your own health and well-being, you become a better caregiver. Six classes held virtually once a week are led by experienced class leaders and one extra class addressing Dementia/Alzheimer’s is given. Class participants are given The Caregiver Helpbook to accompany the class and provided with additional caregiver resources. Respite funds are available for class participants.
For more information or to register for a class visit talbothealth.org/wellness or contact Stacy Ewing at 410-819-5694 and stacy.ewing@maryland.gov.
View This Month's Chesapeake Retirement Guide Special Advertising Section Here.
The article “What’s in Your Toolbox for Living Well?” has been adapted from the article of the same name appearing in the 2022–2023 edition of The Directory, a publication produced by What’s Up? Media in partnership with the Anne Arundel County Dept. of Aging & Disabilities and Senior Provider Group.
