Creating a Cozy Reading Corner at Home, Olive Oil and Dementia Risk, and How Medicare Costs May Rise for Affluent Seniors

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A reading or resting corner doesn’t need to be large or decorative to be effective. What matters is that it feels supportive — a place where your body can settle and your attention can stay put. With a few specific choices, an ordinary corner can become a space you naturally return to.

The chair matters more than the location. Choose something that supports your back and allows your feet to rest flat on the floor or on a low stool. Many people find that armrests make a big difference for comfort during longer sitting. If you already have a chair you like, build around it rather than shopping for something new.

Good lighting prevents strain and helps you stay comfortable longer. A floor lamp or table lamp positioned slightly behind and to the side of your shoulder works better than overhead lighting. If the corner is near a window, use natural light during the day and supplement it in the evening with a warm bulb rather than a bright white one.

A small side table or shelf makes the corner functional. Keep just a few items within easy reach: reading glasses, a book or magazine, a notebook, a tissue box, or a drink. Limiting what lives in the space keeps it calm and prevents it from becoming another surface for clutter.

Choose one item that adds warmth or softness — a throw blanket, a lumbar pillow, or a footrest. One is enough. Too many layers can make the space feel crowded rather than restful.

The best reading or resting corners don’t require setup. If you have to move items, adjust lighting, or search for what you need each time, you’re less likely to use it. A space that’s always ready quietly invites you to sit down.

A dedicated resting corner gives permission to pause. It creates a physical cue for slowing down, which often makes reading deeper and rest more restorative.

“The Bus Ticket in My Wallet”
From the life overview of Elena R., 91, Santa Fe, NM. Shared with permission.

Long after the bus ticket expired, I kept it folded behind my driver’s license. The ink had faded to a soft gray, the edges appearing rounded after years of being pressed flat. I got that ticket on a Tuesday morning that I still remember like it was yesterday—the sky was pale, and the air sharp enough to wake me up better than coffee ever did.

That day, I took the bus across town to interview for a job, though I was sure I wouldn’t get. I sat near the back, listening to the doors sigh open and closed, watching strangers step inside with their own private urgencies. No one knew how preoccupied I was—rehearsing answers in my head, smoothing my skirt, and practicing bravery in silence.

I didn’t get the job. Instead, I got a different one a month later, then another, and another after that. Life took its turns without consulting that ticket. Still, I held onto it for years, not as proof of success but as evidence that I showed up when I was afraid.

Every so often, whenever I clean out my wallet, I consider throwing away that ticket. Yet every time, I slide it back where it belongs—quiet, unimpressive, and reminding me that sometimes, the most important journey is when you decide to get on.

***

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From the Roach Motel to the Ivory Tower: Confessions of an Amorous Professor
In this powerful memoir, Dr. Gail Finney shares her journey from a childhood marked by poverty, instability, abuse, and devastating family tragedy to a life of academic distinction and personal fulfillment. Moving frequently and enduring profound loss—including the murder-suicide that claimed her mother and half brother—Gail refused to let her past define her. Finding purpose in scholarship, she graduated summa cum laude from Princeton University, earned her doctorate from University of California, Berkeley, and built a distinguished career as a professor at University of California, Davis. Her story is one of resilience, transformation, and gratitude—proof that it is possible to rise from hardship to a life of meaning and joy.

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Family sharing allows you to share eligible apps, movies, music, books, and subscriptions with trusted family members—often without paying twice. It can reduce monthly expenses and make it easier to manage services for a spouse, children, or grandchildren. Setup takes only a few minutes once you know where to look.

If you use an iPhone or iPad, Apple’s Family Sharing lets up to six people share purchases and subscriptions. Instructions are available directly from Apple here.

You’ll need an Apple ID for each family member. One person becomes the “organizer” and adds others through Settings > Family. From there, you can choose which subscriptions to share, such as Apple Music, Apple TV+, or iCloud+ storage.

If you use Android devices, Google offers Google Play Family Library.

You create a family group through your Google account. Eligible apps, movies, books, and some subscriptions can be shared.

Important: Not every subscription allows sharing. Always check the subscription’s details before assuming it’s included.

If you are comfortable with settings, review payment controls. In Apple Family Sharing, the organizer’s payment method is typically used for shared purchases, but you can require purchase approval for added protection. Details are here.

On Google, you can manage purchase approvals and family payment methods here.

Also consider reviewing subscription sharing rules for services like Spotify Family or Amazon Family, which allow sharing certain Prime benefits and digital content.

Family sharing works best with clear communication. Once set up properly, it can simplify billing, reduce costs, and make it easier to share digital services across generations.

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Unmissable American gem: Wallace, Idaho is a beautifully preserved Silver Valley town where seniors can explore small museums, ride scenic mountain roads, and enjoy a cozy, storybook downtown rich with mining history.

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: Sing-along entertainment with a mic.

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