Thriving through life transitions

Thriving through life transitionsChange is the only constant. And as we enter our later years, it seems the changes are more frequent. Before writing Life Is in the Transitions, Bruce Feiler interviewed 225 individuals to gain a sense of the ways people navigate disruption across the lifespan. He found that we experience roughly thirty-six transitions in a lifetime,...

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Should you move (closer to your kids)?

Should you move (closer to your kids)?The most common reason to move in later years is to be closer to children and grandchildren. Regardless of your reason for relocating, unless you plan to live with family, there will be many hours of the day when you are just plain newbies in town. How will you spend your time? If proximity to...

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“My kids treat me like a bank”

"My kids treat me like a bank"When an adult child asks for money, it's hard to say no. You want to respond to a need. But perhaps your child perceives that you don't need all you have, or that they're simply requesting some of their inheritance, just a bit early. Before you answer, ask for time to think it over. You...

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Adding smart home safety features

Adding smart home safety featuresYou probably already have some "smart" features in your home. For instance, a thermostat you can program for a higher temp during the day and lower at night. Perhaps it has remote capabilities, so you can make changes from afar. Or sensors, such as garden sprinklers that shut off when it's raining, or outdoor lights...

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Is cohousing for you?

Is cohousing for you?Cohousing is like a retirement community in that it is a group of residents in individual, private domiciles. Plus, there are shared facilities for group activities. What's different is that retirement communities are created and run by a developer. Cohousing communities are created by the people who will live in the buildings. All members hold...

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Should you change to Medicare Advantage?

Should you change to Medicare Advantage?October 15–December 7 is Medicare's annual "open enrollment" period. This is when you can switch plans. Are you getting a lot of mail about the cost savings of Medicare Advantage (MA)? The initial outlay may seem less than your current plan. And if you have "original Medicare," plus a supplemental plan for the 20% Medicare...

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Long-distance grandparenting: Toddlers and kids

Long-distance grandparenting: Toddlers and kidsIf you are like 68% of grandparents, you live too far away for regular interactions with your grandchildren. No reading bedtime stories or soothing little tears. No ticklefests or hands-on projects. These casual yet meaningful activities just aren't an option. Video visiting helps. But according to Kerry Byrne of The Long-Distance Grandparent, you can count...

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Aging in place: Pros and cons

Aging in place: Pros and consA vast majority of older adults (77%) say they want to remain in their own homes as they age. Of course! Home is comfortable: We know where everything is—in the house, and also in the neighborhood and town. Friends, doctors, grocery store. We know how to get around quickly and easily. Plus, the emotional benefits...

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Smartwatches as medical alerts

Smartwatches as medical alertsEspecially for older adults living alone, the ability to summon help in the event of an emergency—such as a fall—is a very real concern. With a cell phone in your purse or pocket, it's easy to feel well set. Think again. The bathroom is where most falls occur. Do you take your cell phone in...

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Decluttering: Why is it so hard?

Decluttering: Why is it so hard?Three out of five (61%) of adults over 60 feel they have more stuff than they need. And yet many of us find it emotionally painful to cull our belongings. While the physical labor of "right-sizing" is daunting, perhaps more powerful—and surprising—is the emotional challenge. For instance, you may feel that letting go of grandmother's...

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