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
The Little Old Lady Who Broke All the Rules
Catharina Ingelman-Sundberg
Martha Andersson, a spirited 79-year-old, decides she’s done with dreary meals, curfews, and the “prison” of her retirement home—and recruits four feisty friends to form the League of Pensioners. What begins as a small rebellion snowballs into a full-blown heist of priceless artwork, with police baffled and everyone rooting for the underdog.
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.
Heart Health Tips for Seniors
Your heart works hard every day, and taking care of it becomes even more important as we age. Good heart health isn’t just about avoiding problems—it’s about having the energy and vitality to enjoy retirement fully. Here are some practical tips, with ideas for both beginners and those ready to take things further.
1. Stay Physically Active
Basic: Aim for at least 10–15 minutes of walking daily, even if it’s just around the block. Gentle stretching can also help circulation.
Advanced: Consider structured exercise such as swimming, tai chi, or a senior-focused fitness class. Strength training with light weights can further protect your heart.
2. Eat with Your Heart in Mind
Basic: Reduce processed foods and add more fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Advanced: Explore the Mediterranean diet or learn to cook meals rich in omega-3s (like salmon, sardines, or walnuts).
3. Monitor Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
Basic: Get your blood pressure checked regularly—most pharmacies offer free machines.
Advanced: Track your readings at home with a reliable blood pressure monitor and discuss trends with your doctor.
4. Manage Stress
Basic: Practice simple breathing exercises or take short breaks for quiet reflection.
Advanced: Try mindfulness meditation, yoga, or join a support group for ongoing stress relief.
5. Prioritize Quality Sleep
Basic: Aim for 7–8 hours per night and keep a consistent bedtime routine.
Advanced: If you suspect sleep apnea or other sleep issues, consult your doctor for evaluation and treatment.
6. Stay Socially Connected
Basic: Call a friend or family member regularly to keep your spirits high.
Advanced: Join a community group, volunteer, or attend classes—social activity is proven to support heart health.
Caring for your heart doesn’t have to mean sweeping lifestyle changes all at once. Start small, stay consistent, and build habits that keep you strong and active for years to come.
💌 If these heart health tips were helpful, consider sharing them with a friend. Encouragement and accountability go a long way toward keeping our hearts healthy.
On Health
Healthy recipe: Roasted Vegetable Pasta
Helpful heath gadget: Healing Ointment & Skin Protectant
On Finances
Useful financial product: True Link offers a smart debit card with built-in protections that help seniors manage spending safely, prevent fraud, and maintain financial independence.
Quick Poll (vote to see the anonymized current results)
Grandkids Corner
How to Create a Fun Craft Day With Your Grandkids at Home
A craft day is a wonderful way to spend time with your grandchildren. It doesn’t have to be complicated — with a few supplies and a little planning, you can turn an ordinary afternoon into a memory-making event.
Basic: Simple Steps to Get Started
Pick Easy Projects
Choose activities that match your grandchild’s age and attention span:Ages 3–6: Finger painting, paper plate masks, Play-Doh shapes.
Ages 7–10: Friendship bracelets, Crayola craft kits, simple origami.
Ages 11+: Tie-dye T-shirts, scrapbooking, paint-by-number kits.
Use Safe, Easy Supplies
Washable markers, non-toxic glue, safety scissors, and old newspapers for covering the table keep the day stress-free.Prepare in Advance
Gather everything in one spot before the kids arrive. Have aprons or old shirts ready so clothes don’t get ruined.Show Off the Results
Display the finished crafts on the fridge, a corkboard, or snap photos to share with family. Kids love seeing their work celebrated.
Advanced: Making the Day Extra Special
Create a Theme: For example, a “Nature Day” with leaf rubbings, painted rocks, and bird feeders, or a “Holiday Workshop” with homemade ornaments and greeting cards.
Set Up a Craft Station: If you host often, dedicate a small box or rolling cart to keep supplies organized — scissors, glue sticks, paints, construction paper — so you’re always ready.
Try Subscription Kits: Services like KiwiCo deliver age-appropriate craft and STEM projects monthly, saving you the planning work.
Add Learning Elements: Mix in educational value — making slime doubles as a science lesson; building models teaches patience and problem-solving.
Make It a Tradition: Give your craft days names (like “Grandma’s Workshop Wednesdays”) and keep a scrapbook of projects over the years. Kids will look forward to it as a special ritual.
On Tech for Seniors
How to Dictate Text Messages Instead of Typing Them
Typing on small phone screens can be frustrating. Luckily, most smartphones let you speak your text messages instead. Dictation is built right in, and once you try it, you may never go back to tapping letters.
Basic: How to Get Started
On iPhone (iOS)
Open the Messages app.
Tap the text box as if you’re going to type.
Look for the small microphone icon on the keyboard (next to the space bar).
Tap it, then start speaking. Your words will appear as text.
Tap the keyboard icon again when you’re done.
On Android
Open your messaging app.
Tap the text box.
On the keyboard, tap the microphone icon.
Speak your message clearly.
When finished, tap the keyboard button to stop dictation.
Tip: Speak punctuation out loud for clearer messages. For example, say “Hi Jane comma I’ll call you later period.”
Advanced: Extra Tricks for Power Users
Voice Assistants: Instead of opening the app, you can ask:
“Hey Siri, send a message to John.”
“Hey Google, text Mary I’m on my way.”
Hands-Free Mode: If you’re driving or busy, enable “Hey Siri” (iPhone) or “Hey Google” (Android) so you don’t need to touch your phone at all.
Edit by Voice: Some phones let you say commands like “delete that” or “new line.” It may take practice, but it saves time.
Third-Party Apps: Apps like Dragon Anywhere offer more advanced dictation features if you send long messages or even want to dictate emails.
Accessibility Settings: iPhones and Android phones both have accessibility options to make dictation easier to activate, such as larger microphone buttons or shortcuts.
Fashion Over Fifty
Talbots – Velvet Sequined Fit & Flare Dress (approx. $150)
Ann Taylor – Cable Wedge Sweater Tee (approx. $66)
Everlane – The Organic Cotton Waisted Dress (approx. $25)
Boden – Pleat Detail Blouson Dress (approx. $196)
Marks & Spencer – Air-Yarn Crew Neck Jumper (approx. $45)
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: Mirror-covered sphere casting moving lights overhead.
SODIC LABL
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.