Avoiding Common Scams, Understanding Chronic Pain, and Protecting Retirement Savings

You're receiving this because you signed up on our website. Want to unsubscribe? Just reply to this email with the words “no thanks.”

First-time reader? Join {{active_subscriber_count}} other seniors for free.

Scams change all the time, but the goal is always the same: to pressure you into acting quickly before you have time to think. Knowing the patterns behind these tricks makes it much easier to spot them, ignore them, and stay protected.

Most scams share a few red flags. If someone contacts you unexpectedly — by phone, text, email, or mail — and asks for money, personal information, or access to your devices, pause immediately. Scammers often pretend to be government agencies, banks, Medicare, or even family members. They use urgency: “act now,” “your account is in danger,” or “don’t tell anyone.” Real organizations don’t operate this way, and they will never ask for payments through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

Another common tactic is sending a link that looks official but leads to a fake website. Before clicking anything, check the web address carefully. If you're unsure, open a new browser window and type the organization’s name yourself.

When in doubt, slow down. Hang up and call the organization using a number from its official website — not one provided by the caller. Keep your device software updated, and consider turning on two-step verification for important accounts. Discuss unusual messages with a trusted friend or family member before responding; a second pair of eyes often catches something you missed.

For phone calls, let unknown numbers go to voicemail. For emails, delete anything that asks you to confirm passwords or financial information. And remember: it’s always better to check twice than to respond quickly.

Staying informed is one of the best protections you have. Scammers count on confusion and pressure — and you don’t have to give them either one.

💌 If you found this helpful, forward this newsletter to a friend — staying safe is much easier when everyone knows what to look for.

“The Evening Ferry”
From the life overview of George H., 83, Seattle, WA. Shared with permission.

The ferry left the dock every evening like clockwork, and I made sure to be there each time on the wooden planks, the smell of salt and diesel in the air. The water stretched wide and appeared silver under the fading sunlight, the city skyline sharp against the golden sky. I would lean against the railing, feeling the breeze tug at my coat and ruffling my hair, listening to the gentle slap of waves against the hull.

One evening, the sky was particularly striking, its pink and orange streaks mirroring the crests of small waves. I shared the ride with strangers, a mix of tired workers and quiet couples, each absorbed in their own thoughts. Across the water, gulls wheeled in lazy circles, their cries blending with the soft hum of the engines. I remember feeling completely present, a small figure on the deck of a moving vessel, watching the world tilt and shimmer as it passed.

Now, years later, I return whenever I can, even though the ferries have changed, and the engines hum differently. Still, I recall that evening vividly: the colors of the sky, the scent of salt on the breeze, and the gentle sway of the boat. It’s a reminder that life is measured in fleeting passages: the moments when we pause, look around, and feel how wide, beautiful, and alive the world can be.

***

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s “82nd & Fifth” Series
These short videos feature Met curators talking about objects they know well and care about. Each piece is straightforward, informative, and easy to watch, offering a calm way to learn something new in just a few minutes.

The London Review of Books Podcast
Editors and writers from the London Review of Books discuss ideas, books, and current topics in a measured, thoughtful style. It’s a steady listen for anyone who enjoys clear conversation without noise or rush.

The Poetry Foundation’s Poem of the Day
This daily reading features a single poem, often read by the poet, in a simple and unhurried format. It’s an easy way to add a brief moment of reflection to your day without any commitment.

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.

Getting help with capturing your story begins with a free Vision Meeting. In under an hour, we’ll reflect on your life’s work and define goals, themes, and style. Then our expert interviewers, writers, editors, and designers will craft your book—with your ongoing input—to preserve your story, wisdom, and legacy exactly as you intend.

Call 1-888-MEMGHOST or email [email protected] to begin a process clients describe as “meaningful,” “easy,” and even “a lot of fun.”

Not ready for a Vision Meeting, but want to capture more than a single daily prompt? Our Capture a Lifetime journals include 100 questions to help Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, or anyone preserve their stories for their loved ones.

If you’re visiting a country where you don’t speak the language, a good translation app can turn confusion into confidence. Today’s tools are simple to use, work on almost any smartphone, and can help you read menus, ask for directions, and navigate daily life with ease.

Start with a reliable, easy-to-use app. Google Translate (iOS/Android) is the most widely used option and supports more than 100 languages. After installing the app, type or speak what you want to say, and the app will show (and often speak) the translation. It also includes a simple camera tool: point your phone at a sign or menu, and the words appear in English on your screen.

Another straightforward choice is Microsoft Translator (iOS/Android). It offers clear text translations, voice input, and a clean layout that many travelers find less overwhelming.

If you prefer an app designed for in-person conversations, iTranslate Converse (iOS) turns your phone into a two-way interpreter. You simply hold down a button, speak, and the app plays the translation aloud for the other person.

Tips for Smooth Use

If you’re comfortable with technology, explore Google Translate’s Conversation Mode, which listens to both speakers and translates in real time. You can also use the Google Lens feature to translate printed text instantly through your camera. It tends to be more accurate for menus and signs because it recognizes formatting and context.

For travelers who want a more natural conversational experience, DeepL offers exceptionally accurate translations in many languages. It’s especially helpful when writing longer messages, emails to hotels, or complex questions.

Whether you’re ordering lunch in Lisbon or asking for directions in Tokyo, these tools make communication easier, travel smoother, and the world a little more welcoming.

Cruise deal of the day: 3 Nights Mexico Cruise - departing January 13, from $159

Unmissable American gem: Eureka, California offers seniors a relaxing blend of restored Victorian architecture, calm waterfront walks, and easy access to the majestic redwoods that make Eureka a beloved coastal getaway.

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: Pocket-sized player that made music truly portable.

TSRRTASION ARDOI

Help a life story get told, earn thousands: Refer someone to MemoirGhostwriting.com and earn 12% of what they spend. Find out more here.

Disclaimer: Some links in this newsletter are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, Seniors Magazine may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. The content of the newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial, legal, or health advice. We may also share polling responses with advertisers to help keep this newsletter free.