Las Vegas Review-Journal

The years immediately preceding retirement, and the first couple of years of actual retirement, are a critical time for individuals. After carefully planning and diligently saving for retirement most of their lives, individuals must make some important decisions during this time.

Many members of the "sandwich generation" - adults age 45 to 55 who are taking care of their own children and their aging parents - are turning to technology to make their caregiving role easier. Here are three tech tools that Americans are finding helpful when taking care of elderly parents.

Americans love their electronics: smartphones, tablet computers, digital cameras, HDTVs, e-book readers, MP3 players, and hearing aids. That's right - new, sleek, state-of-the-art, life-altering hearing aids. As contoured and futuristic as the most highly styled electronic device - or so discreet that they're virtually invisible - today's hearing aids are the high-tech "anti-aging" tool that can help keep life-loving Gen-Xers and baby boomers socially, cognitively and physically active.

The most important shopping seniors may do this season is for a Medicare prescription drug plan. Therefore, it's one holiday shopping item that shouldn't wait until the last minute.

The beginning of the year is the most popular time for eye exams and a great time to assess if your corrective lenses are the best fit for you. See 2013 clearly with healthy eyes by following these five simple tips.