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The best places to live out the rest of your life
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Wondering where you'll go when you retire? A new report sheds light on the best states to retire to and live out the rest of your life. - photo by Herb Scribner
Herb Scribner
Deseret News
Published: Feb 5, 2015, 2:00 AM
According to a 2014 article from USA Today, retirement moves are making a comeback. Retirees often feel the financial constraints of their current living environment, which pushes them to move to other states where they feel safer with their money.

Florida, for example, is a hot spot for older people. According to USA Today, the state gains more than 50,000 older movers every year because of the low cost of living and positive reputation Florida has for being a good spot for seniors.

But Florida isnt one of the best states to live out the rest of your days. In a report released this week, 24/7 Wall St. revealed the best and worst states to live out the rest of your life. The report looked at the cost of living, median incomes, and what people aged 65 and older valued in their communities in terms of safety, wellness and community life.

Here are the reports top states to grow old in.

Utah

Utah tops the list of best states to spend the rest of your life. Its average income among 65 year olds is $44,384 when they work, which is a good sign for retirees worried about their finances. The elderly are also very-well educated in Utah, with the third-highest percentage of people 65 and older in the nation with at least a bachelors degree. It also has the countrys eighth-lowest crime rate.

New Hampshire

The state that calls for people to live free or die is perfect for retirees, too. New Hampshire has the sixth-lowest violent crime rate in the country and the lowest amount of people 65 and older living in poverty (5.6 percent).

Hawaii

Financially secure retirees will want to head to Hawaii. Its got an impressive health care system, and its residents are expected to live to 81.3 years old, according to the 24/7 report. Retirees also have an average household income of $55,650, making it a financially secure spot as well. And who doesnt love those beautiful ocean views?

Vermont

Located right next to New Hampshire, Vermont isnt far off from being a top spot for retirees, too. The state boasts the second-highest amount of seniors with at least a bachelors degree (32.7 percent). It also includes the lowest crime rate in the country.

Virginia

Virginia is also a nice spot for retirees. Its close to some of Americas top historical monuments and East Coast beaches. The state also has the third-lowest violent crime rate in the country and fifth-highest median household income with $44,440.

Minnesota

If you want to live long, head to Minnesota. According to 24/7 Wall St., the state has the second-highest life expectancy rate at 81.1 years old. The seniors in Minnesota are also heavily health conscious, which adds to the quality of life there, 24/7 Wall St.s report said.

Colorado

Colorado has the highest amount of seniors with at least a bachelors degree with 34 percent. The states 65-and-older population also has a high median income at $43,281. And with the breathtaking mountains nearby, Colorado is certainly a sweet spot for seniors.
Its toxic: New study says blue light from tech devices can speed up blindness
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A new study from the University of Toledo found that blue light from digital devices can transform molecules in your eyes retina into cell killers. - photo by Herb Scribner
Herb Scribner
Deseret News
Published: Aug 13, 2018, 1:39 PM
It turns out checking Twitter or Facebook before bed is bad for your health.

A new study from the University of Toledo found that blue light from digital devices can transform molecules in your eyes retina into cell killers.

That process can lead to age-related macular degeneration, which is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, according to the researchs extract.

Blue light is a common issue for many modern Americans. Blue light is emitted from screens, most notably at night, causing sleep loss, eye strain and a number of other issues.

Dr. Ajith Karunarathne, assistant professor in the UT Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, said our constant exposure to blue light cant be blocked by the lens or cornea.

"It's no secret that blue light harms our vision by damaging the eye's retina. Our experiments explain how this happens, and we hope this leads to therapies that slow macular degeneration, such as a new kind of eye drop, he said.

Macular degeneration is an incurable eye disease that often affects those in their 50s or 60s. It occurs after the death of photoreceptor cells in the retina. Those cells need retinal to sense light and help signal the brain.

The research team found blue light exposure created poisonous chemical molecules that killed photoreceptor cells

"It's toxic. If you shine blue light on retinal, the retinal kills photoreceptor cells as the signaling molecule on the membrane dissolves," said Kasun Ratnayake, a Ph.D. student researcher working in Karunarathne's cellular photo chemistry group. "Photoreceptor cells do not regenerate in the eye. When they're dead, they're dead for good."

However, the researchers found a molecule called alpha-tocopherol, which comes from Vitamin E, can help prevent cell death, according to Futurism.

The researchers plan to review how light from TVs, cellphones and tablet screens affect the eyes as well.

"If you look at the amount of light coming out of your cellphone, it's not great but it seems tolerable," said Dr. John Payton, visiting assistant professor in the UT Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. "Some cellphone companies are adding blue-light filters to the screens, and I think that is a good idea."

Indeed, Apple released a Night Shift mode two years ago to help quell blue lights strain on the eyes, according to The Verge. The screen will dim into a warmer, orange light that will cause less stress on the eyes.