The FAA is considering raising the retirement age for commercial pilots from 60 to 65 in the light of recent studies that show that, at least in piloting aircraft, experience may offset the impact of aging.

A study of 118 non-commercial pilots aged 40 to 69 was conducted annually for three years. Although initially the younger pilots performed better, over time the older pilots showed less decline in scores than did younger pilots and over time their traffic avoidance performances improved more than that of younger pilots.

These findings show the advantageous effect of prior experience and specialized expertise on older adults’ skilled cognitive performances,” said study author Joy L. Taylor, PhD, with the Stanford/VA Aging Clinical Research Center in Palo Alto, California. “Our discovery has broader implications beyond aviation to the general issue of aging in the workplace and the objective assessment of competency in older workers.”

The study was published in the February 27, 2007 issue of the journal Neurology, the scientific journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

When it comes to choosing a vacation that is within your means, the AARP service is invaluable. They have a comprehensive list of suggestions for destinations and ways to make your money go further.

One I looked at was Seeing New York for Free, an excellent article giving details of places to visit where the costs are very low or non-existent. These include such famous places as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York Public Library and the Rockefeller Center, as well as suggesting the use of a Big Apple Greeter.

We all know the disadvantages to getting older - how the body begins to show the results of all those years of hard work, stress and strain; so it’s great that there are benefits too and we should use whatever is available, including such useful services as AARP’s.

AARP Destinations Site

Transportation is an important factor in everyone’s life. But for older adults, it is an essential part of independent living. Being able to go to doctor’s appointments, do the grocery shopping or go to the bank is something that many take for granted. But for seniors who do not drive or have transportation, a ride can be hard to come by.

Transportation systems across the country offer low and discounted fares to seniors as well as some special accomodations such as low-floor vehicles, that make it easier and more affordable to travel.

In addition, many communities have transportation service programs for seniors that can be called upon for rides to essential appointments and for necessary errands.

The AARP website has a State-by-State Guide to Transportation Assistance that seniors can access to find out what services are available in their area.

Just because you don’t drive or can’t use public transportation does not mean you cannot get where you are going. Check out the transportation guide and find the ride in your area.

CNN Money has published its list of the best places to retire for 2006. According to CNN Money, these are locations that have it all, green spaces, low taxes, and good health care.

Whether you are seeking culture, geographical beauty, a warm climate or enjoying outdoor activities like boating or fishing, one of these towns has exactly what you are looking for.

The top five are:

* Walla Walla, WA
* St. Simons Island, GA
* Prescott, AZ
* Holland, MI
* Williamsburg, VA

Read what makes each of these places a top pick at CNN Money dot com.