Music, Mobility, and Money: Practical Skills for Life After 60

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.

Many people start an instrument later in life because they finally have the freedom to learn at their own pace. The most helpful approach is to choose an instrument that feels comfortable physically and enjoyable to listen to, even when you’re still learning the basics.

If you’re not sure where to begin, lightweight instruments with soft strings are usually the easiest on the hands. The ukulele is a popular choice for this reason, and the Kala Learn to Play Ukulele Starter Kit includes everything you need to get started.

If piano is more appealing, many community music schools and continuing-ed programs offer lessons designed for adults who are starting fresh. For song material, the IMSLP music library has a large collection of free beginner-friendly sheet music.

A simple practice structure is more important than duration — just a few minutes a day keeps the instrument familiar in your hands.

If you’re comfortable working with guided lessons, online instruction can add variety and faster improvement. ArtistWorks has self-paced courses for several instruments taught by working musicians. For piano learners who like step-by-step structure, Piano Marvel breaks music into very small, achievable sections.

A helpful technique at this stage is to focus on one favorite piece and revisit it regularly as your skills improve. Returning to something meaningful makes progress feel tangible.

💌 If you found these ideas helpful, forward this newsletter to a friend. Learning music alongside someone else often turns practice into shared encouragement.

“Second-Hand Joy”
From the life overview of Robert L., 82, Rochester, New York. Shared with permission.

I learned to love music from a radio that barely worked. It sat on our kitchen counter with a strip of masking tape holding the battery door shut, and if you breathed on the dial wrong it would hiss at you like a cat. My mother would thump it with her knuckles when the station drifted, a technique that passed for fine-tuning in our house.

Most evenings I’d sit at the table doing homework while she cooked, and the announcer’s voice would swim in and out between songs—Frank Sinatra one second, static the next. I remember the smell of onions softening in the pan, steam rising against the window, my own pencil rolling toward the salt shaker every time I leaned back to listen a little longer.

I used to think we were missing out because the sound wasn’t clean or crisp like the shiny stereos advertised in store windows. Now I’m not so sure. There was something about having to lean in—noticing the music before the station fuzzed out again—that made it feel like catching a gift in motion.

When I hear those old tunes today, I still half expect a burst of static after the chorus. It makes me smile. I suppose the signal reached us just fine after all.

***

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.

BBC Radio 4’s “In Our Time”
Hosted by Melvyn Bragg, this long-running discussion program explores history, philosophy, science, and culture with scholars who explain ideas clearly and thoughtfully. Episodes are free to stream and lend themselves to slow listening, the kind that rewards curiosity without rushing.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Online Collection
The Met offers a high-quality digital view of its galleries, allowing visitors to explore works from ancient civilizations through modern art. The site is easy to browse by theme or culture, making it a peaceful way to spend a quiet afternoon immersed in beauty.

The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) Talking Books Program
Run by the Library of Congress, this free service provides audiobooks and large-print materials to anyone with a visual, physical, or reading disability. Membership includes access to thousands of titles and a simple app-based player for listening at home.

Call or text 1-740-4-SENIOR (1-740-473-6467) anytime—weekdays, weekends, day or night. A real person will answer or return your voicemail/text.

Tip: Save this number in your phone now.

We’ll connect you (free) with trusted experts who help seniors solve everyday challenges, including:

Call or text 1-740-4-SENIOR (1-740-473-6467) anytime and tell us what you need. If we miss your call, leave a message—we’ll get back to you. Our help is always free; you only pay if you choose to work with a service provider.

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.”

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) protects your internet connection by creating a secure “tunnel” between your device and the website or service you’re using. This makes it much harder for hackers, snoopers on public Wi-Fi, or unknown third parties to see what you’re doing online or collect your personal information.

People typically use a VPN when:

Two reliable, easy-to-operate options are:

Basic setup is the same on nearly every VPN:

Once connected, the VPN runs in the background until you turn it off.

If you want more control, most VPNs offer optional settings such as:

Two privacy-focused options with additional control are:

One Practical Reminder
A VPN improves privacy, but it doesn’t replace general online precautions — such as avoiding suspicious links and keeping software updated.

Need (1) tech troubleshooting help or (2) ongoing tech lessons via FaceTime or Zoom? Just reply to this message and we’ll connect you with someone who can assist you.

Cruise deal of the day: 4 Nights Bahamas Cruise - departing November 10, from $344

Unmissable American gem: Sanibel Island, Florida, offers a calm, nature-rich escape with seashell-lined beaches, gentle bike paths, and tranquil Gulf waters that make it a favorite slow-paced retreat for seniors seeking relaxation and natural beauty.

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: Sweeping Civil War epic re-released to new audiences decades later.

OGEN IHWT EHT NWID

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.

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.