Seniors are more aware than ever that they need to have enough money to carry them through retirement. Experts put the figure at an estimated 80 percent of pre-retirement income for the average American, who is expected to retire at the age of 63, to live comfortably for the next 18 years. Unfortunately, many won’t meet this target and will run the risk of running out of money should they retire sooner or live longer. Instead of searching for post-retirement jobs, an option is to start a business to fund their retirement years.

2020 ended with vaccines against coronavirus, with the first doses going to healthcare workers who treat COVID-19 patients, other healthcare workers, and elderly residents of long-term facilities. Arrival and distribution of the vaccine in Washington came on the heels of the federal Food and Drug Administration authorizing emergency use of one developed by the drug manufacturer Pfizer. The decision was finalized Dec. 10. After that, a pact of health experts representing Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada and Colorado met and formally approved use of the vaccine in their states.

The holidays are going to look a lot different this year due to the coronavirus. But people are doing their best to keep traditions alive. For instance, United Methodist Church of Puyallup has been closed since March, “with no services in the building. Everything has been online,” said Rev. Cara Scriven, lead pastor. On Dec. 24, online lessons and carols will be on Zoom at 5 p.m., and Christmas Eve communion service will air at 7. Family get-togethers will be very different this year, as well.

The flu season puts more pressure on the public and healthcare systems that are already coping with COVID-19. But don’t despair. Along with getting a flu shot, people can take other precautions against the flu the same way they’ve been guarding against COVID-19—wash your hands, cover your coughs, stay home when you’re sick, exercise social distancing, and wear a mask. Anyone older than six months should get a flu shot every year to protect themselves and those around them, officials say. Even if you do get sick with the flu, your illness may be milder and shorter.