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- Shocking Study: Single People Have 50% Lower Dementia Risk
Shocking Study: Single People Have 50% Lower Dementia Risk

because retirement doesn’t come with a manual
Your trusty L-Plater is back, navigating the twists and turns of retirement (and pre-retirement!) so you don't have to go it alone. Fasten your seatbelts, it's time for another dose of wisdom, wit, and ways to make this chapter your best one yet!

The quick scan: Markets had a solid Tuesday yesterday, with all three major indices pushing higher like a coordinated team effort. The S&P 500 continued its march into record territory while the Dow and NASDAQ joined the party with conviction.
• S&P 500: Rose 0.55% to close at 6,038.81, confidently settling above 6,000 like it finally found its comfort zone
• Dow Jones: Gained 105.11 points (0.25%) to 42,866.87, adding triple digits with the steady reliability of a Swiss watch
• NASDAQ: Climbed 123.75 points (0.63%) to 19,714.99, tech stocks leading the charge for the third straight day
What's driving it: The broad-based gains suggest investors are feeling more confident about the market's direction, with all sectors participating rather than just a few leaders doing the heavy lifting. US-China trade talk optimism provided some tailwind.
Bottom line: Three consecutive days of gains across all major indices shows this isn't just a one-sector rally—it's looking more like genuine market momentum building steam.

Get Your Groove On: Fitness & Staying Spry

all the single ladies, now put your hands up
The scoop: Plot twist that'll make every married person question their life choices: a new study found that unmarried people have roughly 50% lower dementia risk compared to their married counterparts. Yes, you read that right—widowed, divorced, and never-married folks are apparently winning the brain health lottery.
While marriage traditionally gets all the health credit (lower stress, better sleep, someone to nag you about doctor visits), this research suggests there might be a cognitive downside to saying "I do." The study challenges everything we thought we knew about relationships and brain health, making single people everywhere do a little victory dance.
Before married folks start panicking and singles start gloating, researchers think it might be about mental stimulation and independence. Single people may be forced to stay more mentally active, make more decisions independently, and maintain broader social networks—all brain-boosting activities.
Actionable takeaways:
• Stay mentally challenged: Whether married or single, keep learning new skills, solving puzzles, or taking on complex projects that force your brain to work harder.
• Maintain independence: Even in relationships, make some decisions solo and handle tasks independently to keep your cognitive muscles flexed.
• Diversify your social circle: Don't rely solely on your spouse for social interaction—cultivate friendships and community connections.
• Embrace new experiences: Single or coupled, regularly try new activities, visit new places, or learn new hobbies to keep your brain adaptable.
• Don't stress about your status: Your relationship status alone won't determine your brain health—focus on staying active, engaged, and mentally stimulated regardless.
If these words resonate with you, you're in the right place. The L-Plate Retiree community is just beginning, and we're figuring this out together—no pretence, no judgment, just honest conversation about navigating this next chapter.
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Because retirement doesn't come with a manual... but now it does come with this newsletter.
The L-Plate Retiree Team
(Disclaimer: While we love a good laugh, the information in this newsletter is for general informational and entertainment purposes only, and does not constitute financial, health, or any other professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions about your retirement, finances, or health.)
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