Long-Term Care Insurance, Brain-Healthy Eating, and Monthly Saving Goals

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Long-term care insurance helps cover the cost of daily assistance when you can no longer manage some activities on your own — things like bathing, dressing, or eating — whether that care happens at home, in assisted living, or in a nursing facility. Medicare and regular health insurance typically don’t pay for this type of care long-term, which is why many people consider a separate policy.

This coverage can be valuable if you want the freedom to choose where and how you receive care without draining savings or relying entirely on family. Policies can reimburse costs for in-home aides, adult day care, assisted living, or skilled nursing. Premiums are lower when purchased earlier (often in your 50s or early 60s), and some hybrid life insurance options now include long-term care benefits.

However, not everyone needs it. If you already have significant assets, you might be able to self-insure; if your income and resources are very limited, you might eventually qualify for Medicaid, which can cover care under certain conditions. The key is understanding your family’s financial picture, health outlook, and preferences for independence before deciding.

If you’d like to explore whether long-term care insurance makes sense for your situation — or learn about alternatives — reply “long-term care consult” for a free consultation with a licensed specialist.

💌 If you found these ideas helpful, forward this newsletter to a friend — talking about care early can make later decisions far less stressful.

“The Lantern Festival”
From the life overview of Sophie R., 77, San Francisco, CA. Shared with permission.

The first time I attended the lantern festival, I was hesitant. The streets were crowded, glowing with orange and gold paper lanterns swaying in the night air. The scent of incense mingled with the aroma of street food—sweet dumplings, smoky skewers, and the faint tang of fried dough. My granddaughter tugged at my hand, insisting that we release a lantern together. I followed her desire, feeling my usual caution melt into curiosity.

We wrote our wishes on the delicate paper. My granddaughter’s handwriting was neat, while mine was shaky. When we were finished writing, we lit the small candles inside the lantern. The moment we let go, it floated upward, trembling against the black sky before catching the wind and soaring. Hundreds of other lanterns followed, and a river of light drifted through the city’s skyline. I could feel the heat of the tiny flame on my fingertips and hear the faint crackle as the wax melted.

I then realized that hope is tangible, if only for a moment. Watching the lantern rise, I felt the years settle differently in my chest, like the past and the future meeting in one glowing point. My granddaughter laughed, pointing at a lantern that spun in a gentle spiral, and I laughed, too, forgetting the lines in my face and the stiffness in my knees.

Years from now, I may not remember each lantern. However, I will always remember the light, the warmth, and the fleeting sense of possibility that rose with our own.

***

The Courtauld Gallery: Art and Insight
London’s Courtauld Gallery, home to masterpieces by Cézanne, Van Gogh, and Manet, offers a beautifully curated online collection alongside short talks by curators and conservators. It invites you to slow down and notice the small details that make each painting memorable.

The Kitchen Sisters Present
A long-running independent radio series and podcast from Davia Nelson and Nikki Silva, The Kitchen Sisters Present tells textured, human stories—of food traditions, craft, memory, and culture—often from voices rarely heard elsewhere. It’s thoughtful listening—rich in detail, never rushed.

Europeana Collections
Europeana gathers millions of artworks, books, films, and sound recordings from over 3,000 European museums and libraries. Its themed exhibits—on everything from folk instruments to early photography—invite you to wander across centuries of shared heritage.

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?)

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

Email attachments let you share documents, photos, and other files quickly without printing or mailing anything. Learning how to open and send them safely can save time and help you stay connected.

Receiving files:
When someone emails you a file—like a photo or document—you’ll usually see a small paperclip icon next to the message. Open the email and look for a “Download” or “Preview” button. Clicking Preview lets you view it right in your email. Choose Download to save it to your computer or phone.

If you use Gmail, downloads go into your “Downloads” folder automatically. In Outlook.com, attachments appear at the top of each message—click the down arrow beside the file name to choose Save As.

Sending files:
When you write a new message, look for the paperclip icon (📎). Click it, find your file—like a picture or document—and select Open. You’ll see the file attached just under your subject line.

Quick tips:

If you often send large files or want better control, use cloud storage links instead of traditional attachments.

Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive both let you store files online and share a link directly in your email. It’s safer and skips file-size limits.

More tips:

The main things to remember are simple: know where your files save, double-check what you’re sending, and be cautious with unknown attachments. With those habits, you’ll handle email files confidently every time.

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Unmissable American gem: Taos, New Mexico, is a high-desert gem where art, history, and natural beauty meet—beloved by seniors for its serene adobe charm, world-class galleries, and easy access to mountain vistas and cultural landmarks.

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: Shipwrecked ensemble who couldn’t escape their “short tour.”

NGALIILG’S DLSNAI

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