An aging population, a shift away from traditional defined-benefit pensions, and, of course, the recession, all add up to an altered financial landscape for Americans. Change brings new challenges like how to pay for long-term care as the long term gets longer. But it can also create new opportunities like the chance to take a buyout and still go right back to work for your old employer.

This week s roundup of news for those in or near retirement highlights the way long- and short-term changes are affecting savers now:

Prepare Now for a Future That Might Include Caring for Your Elderly Family
Americans are aging, but most aren t prepared to pay for long-term care. Medicare doesn t typically cover it, and many middle-class families who don t qualify for Medicaid will have trouble paying for these services. This Washington Post columnist writes about how her own experience providing care for her father convinced her that adults with aging parents should start thinking about this issue now.

Biggest Frauds Against People Near Retirement
Savers nearing retirement are scrambling to make up for what they lost in the financial crisis and The Wall Street Journal reports that scramble makes this demographic vulnerable to scams. The article describes some current frauds, and offers advice on how to avoid becoming a victim. For example, investors should stay away from any opportunities that supposedly have to be kept confidential.

Goldman Sachs Seeks Bigger Share of 401(k) Accounts
Goldman Sachs sees an opportunity in the growing 401(k) market but will the ongoing fraud suit prevent the company from cashing in? As traditional pensions decline, both Goldman and BlackRock are looking to capture more defined-contribution business, Bloomberg reports. Goldman s asset management executives tout the firm s understanding of risk in promoting its alternative asset and target-date funds.

The Double Dipper Economy
Some older workers who have been forced into early retirement have found their way back to the office as consultants or contractors. For some workers who got buyouts to leave their full-time positions, this could end up being a great deal. Newsweek outlines some potential pitfalls for newly part-time workers, and explains why this trend might end soon.

Americans Who Seek Out Retirement Homes Overseas
The New York Times reports that more Americans are retiring overseas as easier long-distance communication makes living further afield more appealing. Argentina, Panama, Malaysia and Switzerland all make the new list of retirement destinations. The story explains some of the financial moves retirees will need to make in order to comfortably grow old in Kuala Lumpur.