We’ve all read that chocolate can be healthy, but most of the ways we consume the stuff are loaded with sugar. So, how do you get the health benefits without the downside?

The benefits come in the form of flavanols and antioxidants. That good stuff is found in cacao. If you find a chocolate bar that’s, say, 85% cacao, that leaves much less room for sugar. Do we even have to say that you’ll find that sort of proportion in dark, not milk, chocolate?

Back when Baby Boomers were still in our Wonder Years, the average life expectancy was right around 65 years. Well, the Greatest Generation blew past that like it didn’t exist and life expectancies just keep getting longer. So, we thought you’d probably like a few tips that will help ensure you don’t outlive your money.

• Keep Working – Because birth rates declined in the U.S. many of us have found that there is no pressure from businesses to take retirement at 65. But even if working 9 to 5 isn’t what you really want, why not take some part-time work? Sure, you’ll only be earning less, but every dollar is a dollar of your retirement funds you don’t have to touch.
• Consolidate Your Retirement Accounts – the experts say it’s much easier to keep track of your money if it’s spread around fewer places. Also, you may be able to reduce some of the fees charged by money managers as you reduce your number of accounts. Firms may also offer additional discounts for larger accounts.
• Reconsider Major Expenses – This includes dropping a bundle on one of the children’s weddings or helping with a grandchild’s college tuition. We’re not saying be a Scrooge, but if you run out of money, you’ll wind up becoming a financial burden to someone else, and we’re sure you want to avoid that.

Fed up with counting calories? Counting carbs? Here’s the best way to shed weight and keep it off. According to experts, simply eat more fiber. Studies have shown those who increase their fiber intake lose weight more effectively than people on more complex diets. Oh, it also helps control blood pressure and insulin as well.

Always consult your physician before making changes to your diet.

“Now and Then,” the newly released Beatles song (with posthumous contributions by John and George) has gotten a lot of attention, but did you know that the group also re-released two of their previous albums with fresh mixes?

Considered something of “greatest hits” packages, The Beatles (1962-1966) and The Beatles (1970) were best-sellers when they were initially complied by back in 1973. Now, to celebrate “the final Beatles song,” both of these double albums have gotten shiny, new remixes with the aforementioned “Now and Then” also being added to disc 2 of The Beatles (1967-1970).

The first volume, 1962-1966, features completely new remixes as well as adding 12 tracks not on the 1973 release. Those tracks are: "I Saw Her Standing There", "Twist and Shout", "This Boy", "Roll Over Beethoven", "You Really Got a Hold on Me", "You Can't Do That", "If I Needed Someone", "Taxman", "Got to Get You into My Life", "I'm Only Sleeping", "Here, There and Everywhere", and "Tomorrow Never Knows". Additionally, the version of "Love Me Do" with Ringo Starr on drums, originally issued only on first pressings of the 1962 UK single, replaced the version with Andy White on drums and Starr on tambourine formerly used for the ‘73 compilation.

Nearly all of the remixes on 1967-1970 have been previously issued on “Anniversary” releases of some the boys’ later albums. This volume contains 9 tracks not on the original version. They are: "Within You Without You", "Dear Prudence", "Glass Onion", "Blackbird", "Hey Bulldog", "Oh! Darling", "I Want You (She's So Heavy)", "I Me Mine", and "Now and Then". Songs that received new, 2023 remixes include: "I Am the Walrus", "The Fool on the Hill", "Magical Mystery Tour", "Revolution", "Hey Bulldog", and "Old Brown Shoe."

Along with the new album from the Rolling Stones, here’s hoping you’re partying like it’s 1969!

The more things change...

Helpful Ways to Hold Down Your Heating Bill This Winter

The #1 way to keep your heating costs under control is to discover places in your home where air from the outside can easily make its way inside and fix them. That includes caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows. If you have a fireplace, keep the flue closed when you’re not using it.

Many area power companies offer free energy audits. They’ll inspect your home, alert you to any problem areas and suggest ways you can resolve them.

Make sure your HVAC system gets regular seasonal check-ups. This includes changing out the air filters in the system. Older, dirty filters can reduce your energy efficiency significantly.

Consider a programmable thermostat. With one, you can drop your homes temperature by 7 to 10 degrees at night while you’re snug beneath the covers, gaining as much as a 10% savings on your heating bill.

Medical experts agree there are things you can do to make sure your immune system is at peak performance during the coming flu & cold season. (Not to mention, the always presents threat of another bout of COVID.)

A Good Night’s Sleep – Getting a good 6 hours or more of sleep each day can reduce your risk of catching a cold by a factor of 4.

A Little Sunshine – Spending some time in the sun stimulates the production of vitamin D, which in turn, increases your protection against the flu and respiratory illness.

A Bit of Hugging – While the contact created by hugs can increase the chance of infection, studies have shown those who hug frequently experience less severe symptoms should they contract something because hugs reduce stress levels in the body, improving your disease-fighting capability.

A Diet Filled with Fruit & Veggies – Those on low-carb, high-protein diets are more likely to develop moderate to severe COVID infections compared to those who eat more fruit, vegetables and whole grains.

For a lot of male Baby Boomers, our first celebrity crush may have been Hayley Mills, who appeared in a string of very successful Walt Disney pictures during her adolescence

She's aged pretty well, hasn't she?

If you want to remain mobile for the rest of your life, make you’re staying mobile now! Experts recommend that you have your body in motion at least 30 minutes a day. Studies have shown that can do you more good than a weekly gym session. If you can hit that goal every day, at least try to rack up up 150 minutes in motion a week.

Backpacks? We don't need no stinkin' backpacks!