Adult Coloring for Creativity, Coping With Alzheimer’s Wandering, and Maximizing Social Security Benefits

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Adult coloring isn’t about “staying busy.” For many older adults, it’s a practical and enjoyable way to keep the brain engaged and reduce stress — all without needing special talent or expensive supplies.

Coloring gives your brain a single, manageable task. It’s a relaxing, engaging activity that some people find helpful for stress relief and focus, which can be especially soothing during moments of anxiety, stretches of poor sleep, or periods of mental fatigue. Many people find that 20-30 minutes of coloring in the late afternoon lowers restlessness and improves concentration later in the day.

If you haven’t colored since childhood, start with just 10 minutes. Most people are surprised by how quickly it becomes both relaxing and mentally stimulating — not to mention nostalgic!

If you’d like personalized guidance on building a meaningful, creative routine you enjoy, reply “stay creative” for a free consultation on how to design habits that encourage inspiration. 💌 If you found these ideas helpful, forward this newsletter to a friend — creative energy grows even more when shared.

“The Porch Swing in Late July”
From the life overview of Eleanor H., 82, Roanoke, VA. Shared with permission.

The summer that my youngest left for college, the house felt too quiet—as if someone had turned down the volume knob on the whole world. I started spending evenings on the old porch swing, the one my husband insisted was “still sturdy enough” despite its occasional creak. The air in July hung thick with the smell of honeysuckle, and the shouts of the neighborhood kids bounced faintly down the hill and were carried by the heat.

One night, just after sunset, I noticed a loose board in the railing. It was something I’d walked past a hundred times without seeing. I fetched a hammer and a handful of nails from the shed, balancing them on my lap as I sat back down on the swing. Fixing that board wasn’t difficult; it only took about ten minutes. But when I finished, I stayed out there long after the last bit of light drained from the sky, rocking gently while the cicadas struck up their nightly chorus.

It was such a small repair, barely worth mentioning, yet I remember feeling oddly proud of it. The swing still creaked, and the house was still too quiet. Life hadn’t magically rearranged itself. But for the first time that summer, I felt capable of carrying on—one loose board at a time.

***

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INA – Institut national de l’audiovisuel Archives
France’s national audiovisual archive offers access to historical television programs, radio broadcasts, interviews, and documentaries. Many clips focus on daily life, culture, and public conversation rather than major events. The material is well organized and easy to explore in short segments.

The Wellcome Collection Digital Library
A broad digital collection covering health, science, medicine, and everyday life through books, images, manuscripts, and objects. The descriptions are clear and factual, and many items are fully viewable online. It’s useful for browsing practical history through real documents and illustrations.

The National Film Board of Canada: NFB Films
A free streaming library of documentaries, short films, and animations produced over several decades. Many films focus on ordinary people, work, and social life, with a calm, observational style. The site is simple to use and well suited to thoughtful viewing in one sitting.

This daily section is brought to you by MemoirGhostwriting.com, experts in capturing life stories for loved ones and/or the public. We can meet any budget. (Does your story deserve to be told?)

Take a few minutes to jot down your thoughts. Even a few sentences are a memory preserved for loved ones.

When you’re traveling, your phone becomes your map, boarding pass, camera, and lifeline. A dead battery can turn a smooth day into a stressful one fast. The good news: a few simple settings can dramatically extend your battery life—no technical expertise required.

These steps work on both iPhones and Android phones and make an immediate difference.

Lower your screen brightness
Your screen uses more power than almost anything else. Swipe down from the top of your screen and slide the brightness lower, or turn on “Auto-Brightness.”

Turn on Low Power Mode / Battery Saver
This reduces background activity while keeping essential features running.

Turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not needed
If you’re not using wireless headphones or Wi-Fi, turn them off in your phone’s control panel.

Close unused apps
Apps running in the background quietly drain power. Close anything you’re not actively using.

Keep your phone cool
Heat drains batteries quickly. Don’t leave your phone on a dashboard or in direct sun.

If you’re comfortable adjusting a few settings, these options can stretch your battery even further.

Limit background app refresh
This stops apps from updating when you’re not using them.

Download maps ahead of time
Google Maps allows offline maps so your phone isn’t constantly searching for a signal.

Use Airplane Mode in low-signal areas
When cell service is weak, your phone works harder and drains faster. Airplane Mode can save significant power until service improves.

Carry a portable battery pack
A small power bank can recharge your phone anywhere.

With a few smart habits and one backup plan, your phone can easily last a full travel day—and still have power when you really need it.

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Unscramble the letters to find a famous person, event, or object! Be the first to reply with the correct answer, and we’ll send you a free gift in the mail.

Today’s clue: Relaxing outdoor seat.

PCHOR WSNIG

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