Pet Ownership After 60, Preventing High Cholesterol, and Reducing Your Estate Tax

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 think about bringing a pet into their lives later in adulthood, whether for companionship, routine, or simply the comfort of having another living being nearby. Pets can be wonderful additions, but understanding the practical side — along with the rewards — helps you decide what works best for your situation.

Pets offer a steady sense of company. For some, a dog’s daily walks create gentle structure in the day. For others, a cat’s quiet presence brings calm to the home. Organizations such as the CDC note that pet ownership may encourage regular movement and social interaction, both of which can support overall well-being. Beyond that, many people simply enjoy the warmth, humor, and companionship that animals naturally bring.

Pets can also create connection. Walkers often chat with neighbors; cat owners trade stories with friends; and many people find comfort in caring for another living being. These small moments can add rhythm and purpose to everyday life.

Typical expenses include food, routine veterinary care, vaccinations, grooming (depending on the animal), and supplies such as litter, leashes, toys, or bedding. Costs, of course, vary widely by type of pet and age. Unexpected medical needs may arise as well, so it’s helpful to be aware of potential variation.

Day-to-day responsibilities also differ. Dogs often need outdoor time several times a day. Cats may be lower maintenance but still require litter box care and enrichment. Small animals like rabbits or birds have unique housing and cleaning needs. Some older adults choose senior pets, which may have calmer temperaments and more predictable routines.

If energy level, travel, mobility, or long-term planning are considerations, thinking about the type of pet — or the age of the pet — can help you choose an arrangement that feels manageable. Some people explore alternatives such as fostering, part-time volunteering with shelters, or spending time with friends’ pets if they want companionship without a long commitment.

💌 If you found this overview helpful, forward this newsletter to a friend — many people are exploring whether a pet could fit comfortably into their lives.

“The Winter Crossing”
From the life overview of Loretta M., 85, Burlington, VT. Shared with permission.

Near an old train station, there was a crosswalk where the snow always piled higher than anywhere else in town. All the plows somehow missed it every storm, leaving deep ridges that turned to slush by midday. The whole winter when I worked my first job out of high school, I trudged through that mess on my way to the textile mill. I can still remember the cold biting through my wool coat and settling deep in my bones. The street smelled of wet wool, diesel fumes, and the metallic tang of snow that had been churned into gray foam.

One morning, the wind was blowing so hard that my eyes watered, which made me hesitate before stepping off the curb. Just then, an older woman in a bright red hat joined me, clutching a grocery bag at her chest. Without a word, she hooked her arm through mine like we were old friends, and we waded across the churned-up snow together. I recall laughing at how slippery the ground was. Our boots squeaking and sliding, the two of us clung to each other while the wind tried its best to push us apart.

When we reached the other side, the woman squeezed my arm and remarked, “Well, that’s one way to start a morning.” She kept walking after that, and I never saw her again. However, I still remember the warmth of her arm through my coat, the shared absurdity of nearly falling into a snowbank, and how just for that short crossing, the world felt a little less cold.

***

Do you want to (1) capture your life story like above or (2) edit, format, and/or publish something you’ve worked on for years?
Get a FREE Life Story or Publishing Consultation

Smithsonian 3D Models of Cultural-Heritage Artifacts
Browse more than 1,700 three-dimensional digitized artifacts available for free download or interaction. You can rotate, zoom, and closely inspect pieces from around the world — from ancient ceramics to historical tools — offering an immersive and thoughtful way to explore human history from home.

Oxford University – The Ashmolean Podcast
Created by the Ashmolean Museum, this series pairs curators and scholars with single works of art or archaeology. Episodes are calm, thoughtful, and filled with those small interpretive insights that make an object more meaningful. It feels like wandering through a museum with someone who knows just enough to spark deeper curiosity.

National Park Service – “Arts in the Parks” Collection
This lesser-known NPS portal gathers artwork, photography, writing, and music created in or inspired by national parks. It’s a quiet, reflective space celebrating how landscapes shape creativity. For readers who love nature but may not travel as often, it offers a beautiful way to stay connected to the parks’ spirit and artistry.

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.

Smart lighting can make nighttime movement safer by reducing the risk of falls, illuminating dark hallways, and giving you quick control of lights without reaching for switches. These tools are especially helpful in bedrooms, bathrooms, and entryways where trips and slips are most common.

The easiest option is to replace a regular bulb with a smart bulb you control from a phone or small remote. Philips Hue has reliable, long-lasting bulbs and a simple app.
Another beginner-friendly choice is Wyze Bulbs, which are less expensive and still easy to use.

Set bulbs to turn on automatically at sunset or keep soft night-lights on at low brightness (around 10–20%). Using motion-activated night-lights—like the GE LED Motion Sensor Night Light can also help guide you safely to the bathroom without disturbing sleep.

If you’re comfortable with more technology, smart home hubs like Amazon Alexa or Google Home let you create routines that adjust lights automatically. For example, you can set a “Night Pathway” routine that turns on hallway and bathroom lights at dim brightness when motion is detected.

Smart plugs—like TP-Link Kasa Smart Plugs can convert ordinary lamps into automated lights. This allows you to place lamps strategically around your home and have them turn on when you get out of bed or when movement is detected.

If reaching for switches is uncomfortable, voice control can help. Saying “Alexa, turn on the hall light” or “Hey Google, brighten the bedroom to 30%” can make nighttime navigation safer and easier.

Smart lighting is one of the simplest upgrades you can make for home safety, and even a single bulb or night-light can noticeably reduce risk.

Cruise deal of the day: 5 Nights Bahamas Cruise - departing December 13, from $181

Unmissable American gem: Solvang, California offers seniors a gentle blend of Danish-inspired architecture, walkable village streets, charming bakeries, and easygoing wine-country scenery — making Solvang a warm, inviting destination for travelers who enjoy culture at a comfortable pace.

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: Psychedelic lamp filled with rising, melting shapes.

AVLA ALPM

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.