In February we will be releasing a new book called American Benefits for Seniors. We are also working on new a Subscription-based website called AmericanBenefitsForSeniorsPlan.com. The web service will be a place people can turn to that will have more information and will be regularly updated. It will also be a place where we will help people fill out their government applications, ask customized questions and get help in locating information on the web site or books. You can order your advance copy of American Benefits for Seniors at a pre-publication price by going to www.freemoneyforeverybody.com/senior-drugbk1. With your order, you will receive a free 77-page ebook called “How to Get Prescription Drugs at Big Discounts or Free”. This e-book will be sent to you immediately so you can start taking advantage of the prescription drug programs you’re entitled to right away. See www.freemoneyforeverybody.com/
senior-drugbk1 to get your copy.

What I hope will be wonderful about the benefits described in this book and web site is that not only will they help seniors – or seniors you may be caring for – cope with their daily expenses and health care needs, they will also help you live the life you always dreamed of. Help you wring out the last bit of life no matter how old you are. As I said in my dedication, “old isn’t old anymore”. There is so much to life in all of us if we only use it. We all have so much to contribute no matter what our age. The world needs all the skills and love we have while we are here. All we have to do is tap into the benefits that are available in this country to help us do it. Here are some people who also believe that “old isn’t old”.

at 72 Jack McKeon was called out of retirement to coach the Florida Marlins to a World Series victory
at 68 Harry Stonecipher became CEO of Boeing the world’s leading aerospace company
at 65 John Reed was named interim chairman and CEO of New York Stock Exchange
in her 70’s Barbara Walters continues to expand her TV work
at 78 Alan Greenspan still runs the Federal Reserve System
at 75 Warren Buffet is the world’s most respected investor
in their 60’s and 70’s Sophia Loren and Sean Connery are still considered sexy
at 81 Former President Carter is still very active as a writer and international emissary
at 77 Joe Paterno signed a 4-year contract extension to coach the Penn State football team
at nearly 80 Grandma Moses started painting
at 65 Groucho Marx launched a new career as a television show host
at 94 George Bernard Shaw was at work on a new play
at 74 Galileo published his masterpiece, “Dialogue Concerning the Two New Sciences”
at 70 Noah Webster published “An American Dictionary of the English Language”
at 91 Frank Lloyd Wright designed the Guggenheim Museum in New York
at 94 conductor Leopold Stokowski signed a 6-year recording contract
at 72 Mahatma Gandhi completed successful negotiation with Britain for India’s independence

(source: Testimony of Ken Dychtwald, September 20, 2004, “Breaking the Silver Ceiling: A New Generation of Older Americans Redefining the New Rules of the Workplace,” U.S. Senate Committee on Aging http://aging.senate.gov/public/_files/hr131kd.pdf)

Here are just a few of the thousands of sources of American Benefits for Seniors…

Have Fun! Computer Courses for Seniors…
… SeniorNet allows seniors, 50 or older, to take classes at one of over 240 learning centers, as well as participate in online courses and receive a subscription to their quarterly newsletter. Contact SeniorNet, 121 Second Street, 7th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105; 415-495-4990; Fax: 415-495-3999; www.seniornet.org.

10,000 College Programs for Seniors All Over the World…
… If you want to learn and explore close to home or half way around the world, Elderhostel can help. Elderhostel is a non-profit organization that provides learning adventures for people 55 years of age and older throughout the world. They offer over 10,000 programs a year in more than 90 countries. You can receive a catalog by mail or view the catalog on their web site. Contact Elderhostel, 11 Avenue de Lafayette, Boston, MA 02111-1746; 877-426-8056; or online at www.elderhostel.org.

Volunteer to Travel the World…
… Volunteers for Prosperity is an initiative of the USA Freedom Corps which gives highly skilled professional Americans opportunities to serve abroad. The program enlists American doctors, nurses, teachers, engineers, economists, computer specialists and others to work on specific development initiatives. These volunteers will serve in the countries of their choice, for however long their project takes. Professional seniors are encouraged to participate. Contact Volunteers for Prosperity, US Agency for International Development, Room 8.06-099 RRB, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20523; 202-712-1010; www.volunteersforprosperity.gov.

Help Special Needs Children…
… Family Friends volunteers are men and women over 55 years of age who are interested in working with children who have special needs. They advocate for children who need a helping and loving hand. There are no income guidelines for either volunteers or families. Volunteers receive extensive training. Contact The National Center for Family Friends, Council on Aging, 300 D Street SW, Suite 801, Washington, DC 20024; 202-479-6672; www.family-friends.org.

Want To Travel To Australia or Brazil?...
…Amizade encourages intercultural exploration and understanding through service–learning and volunteer programs throughout the world. Seniors are welcomed to participate in either Amizade’s short- or long-term programs. There is a program contribution for room and board and transportation during the program. In addition, volunteers are responsible for the costs of travel to and from the program site and some other travel costs. Contact Amizade Global Service-Learning and Volunteer Programs, P.O. Box 110107, Pittsburgh, PA 15232; 888-973-4443; 412-441-6655; www.amizade.org.

$10,000 For Storytelling…
… Share the great tradition of storytelling with others. Through the NEA’s Challenge America program, the California Indian Storytelling Association will bring together storytellers from four states to meet and share their stories. Contact the National Endowment for the Arts, 1100 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington D.C. 20506; 202-682-5400; www.arts.endow.gov.

Find the Fountain of Youth Through Exercise…
… The President’s Challenge has a web site dedicated just for seniors. The web site offers fitness calculators and an activity log to track your progress. As you reach your goals, you can earn patches, ribbons, certificates and medallions as awards for your hard work. For additional information, contact The President’s Challenge, 501 N. Morton, Suite 104, Bloomington, IN 47404; 800-258-8146; www.presidentschallenge.org/home_seniors.aspx.

Free Rollercoaster Rides…
… Some of the nation’s top amusement parks offer seniors discounts on daily admissions. Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom offers adults 55 and older discount tickets and adults 65 and older FREE admission. Most of the other Six Flag Parks offer senior discounts. These are not the only parks offering senior discounts, so make sure that you ask.

350 Colleges You Can Attend For Free…
… if you’re 55 or older. Believe it or not, more than 350 colleges and universities all across the country have special programs for seniors who are interested in going back to school. This often means auditing courses or taking courses for credit for free or at discounts up to 90% on the list price. They also offer discounts on fees and books, and even special deals on housing. You can audit just one course or get a PhD. Some states call it a Senior Scholar Program. Anyone interested should contact the school they wish to attend to find out how to apply for a discount or waiver. Some limitations and restrictions may apply. Contact your local college or university and ask what programs they offer.

Don’t Waste Another Dollar…
… on your prescription drugs. Order your copy of American Benefits for Seniors Today at a pre-publication special price of $24.95 and your free e-book, “How to Get Prescription Drugs at Big Discounts or Free” immediately. See www.freemoneyforeverybody.com/senior-drugbk1 to start saving money today!

Our Holiday Gift To You…
… Now, through December 20th, with any purchase from this newsletter or my website (www.lesko.com) you’ll receive a copy of my new book, How to Have Fun With Your Kids absolutely free! This little book is filled with my philosophy about what is really important about being a parent or grandparent – the most important job you’ll ever have. Plus, get over 150 sources of free money, help and information that will save you tons of time and money as you go through every stage of a child's life.

Baffled About Government Programs? Still Not Sure Where to Begin?
… I’ve started a new customized service called “Ask Lesko” (www.lesko.com/L-asklesko2901) to help save you time, money and frustration when searching for government money. It’s simple: you submit a question and my research staff and I will respond in 24-72 hours with a personalized answer. I’ve been helping people for over 30 years get the benefits they are entitled to. With the right information, you’ll be able to take advantage of the money and help available from government and non-profit sources. For more information on this service go to www.lesko.com/L-asklesko2901, then ask away!