Navigating Your Retirement Health Journey: Essential Insights for Entegris Employees

The path to retirement marks a profound transition in life, encompassing not only financial adjustments but significant psychological and physical changes as well. The early years of this phase can deeply influence the subsequent decades, making it crucial for Entegris employees to approach retirement with a strategic and informed perspective.

Stephen Kreider Yoder and Karen Kreider Yoder provide a clear illustration of how to address the challenges that emerge as retirement nears. Stephen, a former editor at the Wall Street Journal, and his wife Karen have shared their proactive steps to maintain their health and vitality.

Initial Encounters and Preventive Measures

Stephen's experience with a persistent eye issue during his travels highlights a critical aspect of retirement: the inevitability of health issues. What started as a minor blur in his vision led to an emergency room visit in Minnesota, showcasing the unpredictable nature of health in retirement. This incident served as a reminder for Entegris personnel of the importance of vigilance and early medical consultation, a commitment the couple embraced upon retiring.

The Importance of Regular Health Patterns

Aware of age-related risks like cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma, Stephen and Karen decided to undertake regular health screenings. This includes the Medicare Wellness Visit, a preventive measure that helps create personalized plans to ward off illnesses. During these visits, assessments such as cognitive tests are performed, which Stephen passed, highlighting an essential element of health monitoring for Entegris retirees.

Lifestyle Adjustments and Risk Management

They have also focused on adapting their lifestyle to reduce health risks. For example, Stephen stopped climbing stairs and both are more cautious about multitasking while walking. These adjustments are part of broader risk-reduction rules they have set to prevent falls and other accidents, particularly relevant as physical flexibility decreases with age at Entegris.

Nutritional Considerations and Physical Activity

Karen takes a proactive approach to preserving her health, consulting healthcare professionals, including family members who are physicians. She has been advised to focus on prevention through diet, physical activity, and mental health practices. Following longevity experts like Peter Attia, she aims to maintain a diet rich in grains, white meats, and primarily plants, alongside regular physical activities like cycling and weight training, ensuring Entegris employees maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Psychological Well-being and Social Engagement

The mental aspect of retirement is as crucial as the physical side. Loneliness and social isolation can lead to depression and other mental health issues in older adults. Karen and Stephen are aware of this, striving to remain socially active, which is essential for emotional and psychological well-being among Entegris colleagues.

Financial Health as Part of Overall Health

While their monthly columns lack explicit financial details, the financial aspect of retirement is inherently connected to overall health. The eye condition that Stephen encountered resulted in a significant medical bill, for which they were partially responsible. This situation highlights the importance of financial planning and the potential for unexpected expenses associated with aging for Entegris employees.

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In Conclusion

The Yoders' journey serves as a reflective example for many entering this life phase at Entegris. They emphasize the importance of a holistic approach to retirement that includes health vigilance, preventive care, lifestyle adjustments, and maintaining social connections. As they navigate their later years, their experiences and insights offer valuable lessons on managing and possibly enhancing the chances of a healthy recovery.

Adopting a holistic perspective on retirement is not just about preserving health but also ensuring that life's later years are as fulfilling and enriching as possible. The proactive measures taken by the Yoders serve as a model for others, showing that while aging is inevitable, deterioration is not an absolute outcome if appropriate steps are taken.

A recent study by the American Heart Association (2021) underscores the importance of maintaining cardiovascular health in retirement. According to the study, individuals over 60 can significantly reduce their risk of cardiovascular diseases by engaging in moderate aerobic activities like brisk walking for at least 150 minutes per week. This routine not only improves heart health but also strengthens physical and mental well-being, essential components for a fulfilling retirement for Entegris retirees. Incorporating regular cardiovascular activity is a proactive initiative to extend vitality and reduce health expenses in the coming years.

What type of retirement plan does Entegris offer to its employees?

Entegris offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

How can employees at Entegris enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Entegris can enroll in the 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s benefits portal.

Does Entegris match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Entegris provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the Entegris 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for the Entegris 401(k) plan is in accordance with IRS guidelines, which may change annually.

When can employees at Entegris start contributing to their 401(k) plan?

Employees at Entegris can start contributing to their 401(k) plan after they have completed their eligibility period.

Are there any investment options available in the Entegris 401(k) plan?

Yes, the Entegris 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options for employees to choose from.

Can employees at Entegris take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Entegris allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to plan rules.

What happens to an employee’s 401(k) balance if they leave Entegris?

If an employee leaves Entegris, they can roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account or withdraw it, subject to taxes and penalties.

Does Entegris provide financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?

Yes, Entegris offers financial education resources to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) plan.

How often can employees at Entegris change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Entegris can change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at designated times throughout the year.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Entegris offers a 401(k) plan with a strong company match as a key benefit to its employees. In 2022 and 2023, Entegris matched 100% of employee contributions up to 5% of their salary. This plan is structured as a defined contribution plan, which allows employees to contribute pre-tax dollars and benefit from tax-deferred growth. The 401(k) plan is designed to help employees save for retirement, and eligibility begins immediately upon employment. The specific name of the 401(k) plan used by Entegris is referred to simply as the Entegris 401(k) Plan. In addition to the 401(k), Entegris does not provide a traditional defined benefit pension plan. However, the company emphasizes its financial wellness programs, including educational resources on retirement planning and savings strategies. Employees at Entegris must be at least 21 years of age to participate in the 401(k) plan, and the plan allows for immediate vesting in both the employee and company contributions.

Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Entegris announced a strategic restructuring plan aimed at streamlining its operations and reducing costs. This decision involved a workforce reduction of approximately 5% to improve operational efficiency and align with its long-term growth strategy. The company cited the need to adapt to changing market conditions and enhance its competitive edge as primary reasons for the layoffs. The decision was influenced by the current economic environment, where many companies are reevaluating their operations to remain agile and financially resilient.

Entegris offers stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of its employee compensation packages, particularly for senior management and other eligible employees. The company uses the acronym RSU for Restricted Stock Units and SOP for Stock Option Plan. These equity awards aim to align employee incentives with long-term company performance. As of 2022, 2023, and 2024, Entegris provided both stock options and RSUs to eligible employees. RSUs are typically granted to executive-level employees, while stock options have a broader eligibility across the company's workforce, including engineers and managerial staff. These options and RSUs are designed to vest over time, incentivizing employees to remain with the company long-term

Entegris' health benefits. Specific Healthcare-Related Terms and Acronyms: Health Savings Account (HSA): A tax-advantaged savings account for medical expenses. Flexible Spending Account (FSA): An account that allows employees to set aside pre-tax dollars for healthcare expenses. High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP): A health insurance plan with lower premiums and higher deductibles. Employee Assistance Program (EAP): A program offering confidential counseling and support services. Health Reimbursement Account (HRA): An employer-funded account that reimburses employees for qualified medical expenses. Recent Employee Healthcare News: 2023 Updates: Look for any recent changes or enhancements in health benefits for 2023 or upcoming changes for 2024. Healthcare Plan Changes: Identify any modifications in health insurance coverage, cost-sharing, or new benefits introduced. Employee Feedback: Review employee comments or reviews to understand the satisfaction and concerns related to the health benefits.