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.
Book of the Day
When Breath Becomes Air
Paul Kalanithi
When Breath Becomes Air is a wrenching, luminous memoir by Paul Kalanithi, a neurosurgeon confronted with a terminal cancer diagnosis just as he was poised to live out his calling. As he transitions from doctor to patient, he wrestles with the meaning of life, identity, and mortality—and ultimately learns that facing death can lead us to encounter the deepest truths of what it means to be truly alive.
Find it here
Facing a problem? Seniors Magazine can help for free.
If you want help solving a problem, just reply to this email and share a few details (don’t include private medical info or specific financial details like your SSN).
We will help solve your problem for free (our partners may offer you paid services, but there’s no commitment).
(How do we fund Seniors Magazine solving problems for free? We sometimes get paid for making introductions to reputable providers.)
Here are examples of problems we help with, each with local or national solutions and many offering free consultations:
📈 Managing investments/auditing portfolios
🏥 Finding health insurance options, finding providers, or consolidating fragmented medical records
💰 Improving personal finances with budgeting consultations
🏘️ Finding a retirement community
🏃 Finding a fitness coach who supports seniors over video
🛠️ Remodeling, or modifying a home to age in place
🧹 Home maintenance (lawn care, handyman, etc.) beyond remodeling
👩⚕️ Establishing home health care
🚗 Transportation to and from appointments
💌 Feeling lonely and wanting a pen pal
💻 Tech help (lessons or troubleshooting)
📜 Needing a trust or will
🎖️ Benefits advocacy (e.g., chasing down veterans’ or SSN benefits)
🌳 Genealogical research
✍️ Writing your memoir ⬅ our favorite!
🧸 Writing and illustrating a children's book
📚 Publishing or promoting a book you’re writing
✈️ Planning your next vacation (selecting a spot, booking tickets)
🐾 Pet care
Don’t tackle life without support. Just reply to this email and tell us what you need. It’s free for you; you’ll only pay a service provider if they have what you’re looking for.
Easy and Nutritious Meals for One or Two
Cooking for one or two people can feel tricky—recipes often serve four or more, and the effort sometimes seems bigger than the reward. But preparing healthy meals doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right strategies, you can save time, reduce waste, and enjoy delicious food that supports your health.
1. Plan Small, Cook Smart
Choose simple recipes with just a few ingredients. Think omelets with vegetables, tuna salad on whole-grain bread, or baked chicken with a side of frozen mixed veggies.
Cook larger batches of staples like quinoa, brown rice, or roasted vegetables, then mix and match throughout the week for variety.
2. Use Freezer-Friendly Options
Freeze single portions of soup, chili, or casseroles so you always have a meal ready.
Invest in airtight freezer containers and label meals with dates. This prevents waste and makes it easier to rotate meals.
3. Keep Healthy Staples on Hand
Stock your pantry with canned beans, whole-grain pasta, and frozen vegetables—they’re nutritious, inexpensive, and quick to prepare.
Explore time-savers like a small slow cooker or an Instant Pot, which make it easy to prepare flavorful, nutrient-rich meals with minimal effort.
4. Embrace Simple Proteins
Eggs, rotisserie chicken, and canned fish are affordable, versatile, and ready in minutes.
Try marinating small portions of salmon or chicken breasts and cooking them all at once, then freezing extras for later use.
5. Make Meals Enjoyable
Set the table, even if it’s just for you—it turns a simple dinner into something special.
Invite a neighbor or friend to share a meal. Cooking for two or more doesn’t just nourish the body; it strengthens connections.
Cooking for one or two doesn’t have to be burdensome—it can be creative, efficient, and deeply satisfying. A little planning can make every meal something to look forward to.
💌 If these tips were useful, share them with a friend. Good food tastes even better when enjoyed together.
On Health
Helpful health gadget: Circulation Foot Soak - Epsom Salt with Pure Essential Oils
On Finances
Useful financial product: EveryDollar is a budgeting app that follows a zero-based budgeting method so you assign every dollar a job at the beginning of the month, helping you stay intentional with spending.
Quick Poll (vote to see the anonymized current results)
Do you have a will or estate plan in place?
Grandkids Corner
How to Keep Your Grandkids Entertained During Visits
Spending time with your grandkids is special, but it’s not always easy to keep them busy—especially if they’re different ages or have short attention spans. Having a few reliable strategies makes visits smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.
Basic: Easy, Low-Tech Ideas
Board and Card Games
Classics like Uno, Connect 4, or Candy Land work well for younger kids, while older grandkids may enjoy Scrabble or chess.Outdoor Play
If you have a yard, bubbles, jump ropes, or a simple game of catch can keep kids moving. If you’re near a park, bring a ball or Frisbee.Story Time
Keep a small stack of books on hand. Reading aloud—even to older children—can be a fun and calming break.Simple Crafts
Stock up on crayons, markers, and construction paper. Kids love making cards or decorations, and supplies are inexpensive.Baking Together
Make cookies, cupcakes, or even homemade pizza. Kids love being part of the process, and you’ll all get to enjoy the results.
Advanced: Activities That Take More Planning
Treasure Hunt: Hide small toys or treats around the house or yard and create simple clues for the kids to follow.
Kid-Friendly Science Experiments: Try safe projects like vinegar and baking soda volcanoes or making slime. Many kits are available online (National Geographic Science Kits).
Creative Building: Keep a bin of LEGO, K’NEX, or magnetic tiles handy for open-ended play.
Music and Dance Party: Create a playlist with their favorite songs and yours. Kids love showing off their dance moves.
Memory Projects: Work on a scrapbook together using photos, stickers, and notes. This not only entertains but also creates a keepsake for the future.
On Tech for Seniors
How to Store Your Passwords Safely Without Writing Them Down
Passwords protect your bank accounts, email, and personal information, but managing them can feel overwhelming—especially with so many different logins. Instead of writing them on sticky notes or in a notebook, there are safer and easier ways to keep track of them.
Basic: Simple, Secure Options
Built-In Browser Tools
If you use Chrome, Edge, or Safari, these browsers can remember and autofill your passwords securely. Just make sure your computer or phone is locked with a passcode.Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Even if your password is stolen, 2FA keeps accounts safer by sending you a code by text or app before letting anyone log in. Always enable this feature when your bank or email offers it.
Advanced: Stronger Protection for the Tech-Comfortable
Use a Dedicated Password Manager App Instead of Browsers: Apps like 1Password encrypt your data and work across all your devices, making them safer than just using your browser.
Set Up Biometrics: Many password managers and devices allow you to log in using your fingerprint or face recognition, making access both secure and quick.
Create a Backup Plan: Print or write down your master password and store it in a locked safe or safe deposit box. This ensures loved ones can access important accounts if needed.
Separate Work and Personal Accounts: If you help with family business or finances, keep those passwords in a separate vault within your manager.
Use Unique Passwords for Every Site: A manager makes it easy to generate long, random passwords that you don’t have to remember.
Fashion Over Fifty
Talbots – Charming Cardigan (approx. $79)
Ann Taylor – Crew Neck Mixed Media Flare Dress (approx. $99)
Everlane – The Way-Short Shirt in Silky Cotton (approx. $98)
Boden – Pleat Detail Blouson Dress (approx. $196)
Marks & Spencer – Cotton Rich Textured V-Neck Midi Waisted Dress (approx. $87.99)
Unscramble
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: Silver screen icon whose image still defines mid-century Hollywood.
NILMAYR OENMOR
Want to Earn in Retirement?
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.