Articles

<b>Background</b><b>: </b>Epigenetic aging, measured through various DNA methylation-based clocks, may have implications for predicting disease risk. However, the sensitivity of different epigenetic clocks that have emerged as biomarkers for biological aging and in predicting physical and mental health outcomes remains uncertain. This study examines the age and sex-adjusted associations between multiple epigenetic age acceleration measures and three key health indicators, including self-rated health, depressive symptoms, and body mass index (BMI), in a nationally representative sample of U.S. middle-aged and older adults. <b>Methods</b><b>: </b>We analyzed data from 4,018 adults in the 2016 wave of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), which included several epigenetic age acceleration measures: HORVATH, HANNUM, LEVINE, HORVATHSKIN, LIN, WEIDNER, VIDALBRALO, YANG, ZHANG, BOCKLANDT, GARAGNANI, and GRIMAGE. Linear regression models were used to assess the associations between epigenetic age acceleration and self-rated health (poor health), depressive symptoms, and BMI, adjusting for age and sex. <b>Results</b><b>: </b>We found significant positive associations between epigenetic age acceleration and worse self-rated health, higher depressive symptoms, and increased BMI. However, these associations varied across different epigenetic clocks, with some measures potentially having more consistent utility for specific health outcomes than others. <b>Conclusion</b><b>: </b>Epigenetic age acceleration is linked to poorer self-rated health, greater depressive symptoms, and higher BMI, but choosing which epigenetic clock(s) to use is also important. These findings underscore the need to consider multiple epigenetic aging markers when assessing health risks and highlight the potential for particular clocks to serve as more sensitive indicators of physical and mental health outcomes.

<b>Background:</b> Retirement is a universal life stage, marking the culmination of an individual's working years. However, many people face financial challenges during retirement due to insufficient financial planning. Retirement preparedness is essential for ensuring economic security and maintaining a high quality of life in later years. Education is often viewed as a key driver of retirement preparedness, as it is linked to higher earnings, better financial literacy, and improved decision-making. However, the Minorities' Diminished Returns (MDRs) theory suggests that the economic, cognitive, and behavioral benefits of education are weaker for racial and ethnic minorities compared to non-Latino Whites. <b>Objective:</b><b> </b>This study aims to examine the relationship between educational attainment and retirement preparedness, focusing on whether this association differs among Black, Latino, and non-Latino White individuals, using data from the Understanding America Study (UAS). <b>Methods:</b><b> </b>Data were drawn from the UAS, a nationally representative internet-based panel survey. The sample included participants from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Linear regression models were used to evaluate the association between educational attainment, measured in years of schooling, and retirement preparedness. Interaction terms were included to test whether the association varied by race and ethnicity. Models were adjusted for potential confounders, including age, sex, marital status, employment status, and immigration. <b>Results:</b><b> </b>In the overall sample, higher educational attainment was significantly and positively associated with better retirement preparedness (p < 0.001). However, consistent with the MDRs framework, the strength of this association was significantly weaker for Black and Latino participants compared to non-Latino White participants (p < 0.05). Non-Latino Whites with higher education levels reported substantially better retirement preparedness, while the same level of education yielded smaller gains in retirement preparedness for Black and Latino individuals. <b>Conclusion:</b><b> </b>The findings support the Minorities' Diminished Returns theory, showing that although educational attainment enhances retirement preparedness for all groups, Black and Latino individuals derive fewer benefits compared to their non-Latino White counterparts. These disparities point to persistent structural inequalities and systemic barriers within the education system and labor market, as well as the effects of segregation and discrimination, which undermine the economic benefits of education for marginalized populations. Addressing these disparities requires targeted policy interventions aimed at eliminating racial and ethnic inequalities in retirement outcomes and ensuring equitable benefits from educational attainment for all groups.

<b>Introduction</b><b>:</b><b> </b>College education is typically associated with the ability to work in less physically demanding occupations, allowing for a later retirement age. However, research indicates that highly educated Black individuals often work in more demanding occupations, which affects their retirement age.<b> </b><b>Aim</b><b>: </b>Building on the Minorities’ Diminished Returns (MDRs) literature, we tested whether the benefit of college education on delaying the time of retirement is weaker for Black compared to White middle-aged and older adults.<b> </b><b>Methods</b><b>: </b>We utilized data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), which includes a 30-year longitudinal follow-up of a nationally representative sample of middle-aged and older adults in the United States. Education levels at baseline were categorized as less than college graduate (some high school, GED, high school diploma, or some college) and college graduate. The outcome was the time to retirement, measured from wave 2 to wave 15 (baseline to 30 years later). We graphed survival curves and used independent samples t-tests to assess associations between college graduation and time of retirement, overall and by race. <b>Results</b><b>:</b><b> </b>Our analysis included 6,803 White and Black participants who were employed at baseline and followed for up to 30 years. Overall, there was a positive association between college graduation and retirement timing, with individuals with higher education retiring later. However, we found significant racial differences in the retirement age of college graduates, indicating notable racial disparities in the effects of college graduation on retirement timing, disadvantaging Black college-educated individuals. Specifically, among Whites, but not Blacks, college education was associated with later retirement.<b> </b><b>Conclusion</b><b>:</b><b> </b>Consistent with Minorities’ Diminished Returns theory, the positive effect of college education on retirement timing are weaker for Black than for White middle-aged and older Americans. To address racial disparities, it is insufficient to focus solely on economic disparities. While closing the educational gap is important, we must also work to equalize labor market experiences for Black and White individuals with similar educational credentials. Structural factors contributing to the diminished returns of college education for Black populations must be addressed to effectively close racial disparities.

Retirement planning can be a complex endeavor. One consideration is whether or not to invest in an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). The present study compares the effect of several contributions to a traditional, Roth, and rollover IRA. The returns generated for each model are derived from the historic growth rates of the S&#x26;P 500 over 40 years. Results are presented in terms of employer match, taxes due, and the number of shares utilized in the long-term investment strategy for each withdrawal method. Results show traditional IRA contributions or Roth IRA contributions are equally matched until employment termination. Taking an active role in managing the investment strategy, possibly by working with a financial representative, suggests a more favorable positioning upon employment termination [1]. Traditional and other pre-tax plans usually do not have an employer match, are usually paired with decreased taxes paid, and the number of shares available to the long-term investment strategy is somewhat reduced. In all cases, risk is increased. Rollover IRAs enjoy a match, lower taxes, and decrease the amount of calculated risk involved. A certified financial planner should be the resource of choice to determine how corporate retirement planning programs fit into the overall investment strategy.