Creating a Low-Maintenance Home, Managing Screenings in Your 60s, and Avoiding Phishing Scams

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A home feels truly cozy when it’s easy to live in — not just nicely decorated. The most peaceful spaces are simple, soft, and designed so that everyday tasks require less effort. The goal isn’t more décor, but less stress.

Start by choosing materials and furniture that require almost no upkeep. Washable throw blankets and slipcovers are easier than upholstery you have to spot-treat. Look for machine-washable rugs such as Ruggable that can go straight into the laundry instead of needing professional cleaning. Good lighting also matters more than people realize: warm bulbs in table or floor lamps feel gentler than bright overhead lighting, especially in the evening. A few baskets or lidded bins near sitting areas make it easy to tuck books, remote controls, or clutter out of sight without constant “tidying.”

The focus is not on adding décor, but on choosing a few items that quietly remove work from your routine. Keep everyday items where you actually use them — for example, an attractive tray by your favorite chair for glasses, books, or hand cream, or a small laundry basket tucked in the living room so blankets can go straight into it before washing. Choose houseplants that are nearly hands-off, like a ZZ plant or a snake plant, which clean the air and stay healthy with very little watering. Opt for natural fibers and textures — wood, cotton, wool — which age gracefully and require less polishing or upkeep than synthetic finishes.

A low-maintenance home is less about decorating and more about designing comfort you don’t have to constantly manage. When your surroundings support you quietly, daily life feels calmer and more restorative.

💌 If you found these ideas helpful, forward this newsletter to a friend. Cozy spaces are even nicer when shared.

“The Year I Finally Learned to Float”
From the life overview of Marjorie P., 78, Des Moines, IA, shared with permission.

I didn’t learn to swim until I was sixty-four. Before then I was the person gripping the pool ladder like a cat in a thunderstorm. My children teased me — kindly — but the fear sat deep in my ribs, the kind that has more to do with control than water.

One early July morning, I went to the YMCA. The room still smelled faintly of bleach and wet concrete, and the water was calm enough to reflect the ceiling lights. I slipped in slowly, arms shaking, heart pounding like I’d stepped into deep ocean instead of the shallow end.

The swim instructor, a young man with the patience of an oak tree, reminded me that floating isn’t “doing” anything at all — it’s surrendering to the water and letting it hold you. That sounded suspiciously like philosophy, but I was already in up to my neck, so I leaned back.

For a second I braced for panic. But nothing terrible happened. The water lifted me like a slow breath, my ears slipped below the surface, and the world went muffled and still.

That was the moment I understood I wasn’t learning to swim — I was learning to let go.

***

Everyone has a story worth capturing. If you’d like to capture yours for your grandchildren and beyond, visit MemoirGhostwriting.com to request a free Vision Meeting.

The Paris Review – Writers at Work Interviews
A long-running archive of in-depth conversations with major authors from the past century, these interviews offer quiet glimpses into how great writing takes shape. They are reflective rather than academic, making them ideal for slow reading and returning to over time.

American Archive of Public Broadcasting
A collaboration between PBS and the Library of Congress, this collection preserves decades of thoughtful public television and radio programs from across the country. It includes cultural history, regional storytelling, and long-form journalism rarely aired today.

U.S. National Park Service Natural Sounds & Night Skies Collection
This free library gathers field recordings from protected landscapes: wind through canyons, coastal birdlife, distant waterfalls, and quiet night soundscapes. It’s a calming way to experience the natural world from home.

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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.”

Preserving family recipes used to mean keeping a crowded drawer full of index cards, newspaper clippings, or loose pages from old cookbooks. Today, there are simple digital tools that let you store everything in one place, keep it backed up, and even share recipes with children and grandchildren who may want to carry the traditions forward.

If you’re new to storing things online, a free Google account is the easiest place to start. You can type recipes into Google Docs just like a word processor, or scan a handwritten card using the camera on your phone and save it to Google Drive for safekeeping. Everything is automatically backed up, and you can create folders—“Grandma’s Breads,” “Holiday Favorites,” or “Sunday Suppers”—so recipes are never lost in a pile again.

If you want something with a recipe-specific layout (ingredients on one side, instructions on the other), the free tool Copy Me That lets you easily type or paste recipes and organize them into collections without needing advanced computer skills.

If you feel comfortable online and want more features, tools like Paprika Recipe Manager or Recipe Keeper let you save recipes from websites with one click, add your own family versions, and tag them so you can quickly search for “low-sodium,” “holiday,” or “gluten-free.” These apps also generate grocery lists from your recipes, which can make meal prep much easier. Some platforms, like Plan to Eat, also allow you to privately share recipes with family members who live in other states, so you can preserve traditions together without needing a printed cookbook.

The biggest benefit of storing recipes online is peace of mind: you’ll never worry about spills, fading ink, or a favorite card disappearing during a move. Everything stays safe, searchable, and easy to pass on—just like the memories that come with each dish.

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Cruise deal of the day: 4 Nights Bahamas Cruise - departing November 3, from $178

Unmissable American gem: Savannah, Georgia, is a graceful, walkable coastal city known for its shady live oak squares, historic architecture, gentle pace, and abundant cultural tours—making it especially appealing to older travelers seeking beauty, comfort, and history in one place.

Need help planning a senior-friendly trip or cruise? Reply to this email and we’ll connect you with a travel agent who specializes in senior travel.

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: Comedy built on the clash of neat and messy.

HTE DOD LOPUCE

We’re thinking of launching Seniors Magazine LIVE, a twice-monthly online event where experts and inspiring guests share advice, stories, and tips—from travel and wellness to purpose and creativity.

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