Practicing Gratitude in Retirement, the Mediterranean Diet for Healthy Aging, and Smart Investing Guidelines

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Retirement often brings more flexibility, but it can also change how days feel and how time is experienced. Gratitude is a steady, practical way to stay grounded and attentive to what still brings meaning, comfort, and connection. It doesn’t require optimism or cheerfulness—just noticing what is present and supportive in everyday life.

These practices are intentionally low-effort and easy to maintain.

If you like gentle structure, the Greater Good Science Center offers simple, free gratitude exercises that are easy to follow and printable.

Once gratitude becomes familiar, it can be expanded in gentle ways.

Gratitude doesn’t deny difficulty. It simply keeps what’s steady and sustaining from being overlooked.

“The Laundromat on Alameda Avenue”
From the life overview of Rosa C., 86, El Paso, TX. Shared with permission.

In the early years of my marriage, before we could afford a washer, I spent every Wednesday afternoon at the laundromat on Alameda Avenue. It smelled like warm detergent and pennies, and the machines rattled so loudly you had to focus just to hear yourself think. I always brought a paperback I never quite read, too distracted by the steady churn of clothes and the low murmur of conversation drifting between rows of dryers.

There was a rhythm to the place. Older women folded with sharp, practiced snaps. Younger mothers balanced toddlers on their hips while fishing quarters from purses that had seen better days. I learned quickly which machines ate coins and which finished early, humming to themselves like they were proud of their efficiency. I liked claiming the same dryer every week, the one near the window where the afternoon sun warmed the metal just enough to feel comforting.

One afternoon, while waiting for a load of sheets, a woman beside me commented on how neatly I folded. I laughed and told her it was the only thing I felt fully competent at that year. She nodded, understanding without asking for details, and we stood there in companionable silence, passing folded towels back and forth as if we’d known each other for years.

Those Wednesdays didn’t change my life in any grand way. But they gave me a place to pause, to feel useful and capable when everything else felt uncertain. I carried that quiet confidence home with my clean laundry, basket heavy in my arms, feeling just a little more put together than when I arrived.

***

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The Old Bailey Online
A searchable archive of London court proceedings from 1674 to 1913, presenting trial transcripts exactly as they were recorded. It offers a clear view into everyday conflicts, social norms, and lived experiences across centuries, without interpretation layered on top.

Radio Garden
An interactive globe that lets you listen to live radio stations from around the world in real time. It’s a simple way to hear local music, news, and conversation as it’s happening elsewhere, often calmer and more grounded than curated streaming services.

Biodiversity Heritage Library
A free digital library of natural history books and field guides, many dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The writing and illustrations reward slow reading, and the material is especially satisfying if you enjoy observing the natural world with care and patience.

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Take a few minutes to jot down your thoughts. Even a few sentences are a memory preserved for loved ones.

Online classes aren’t just for career training or degrees. Many seniors use them simply to learn something interesting, stay mentally active, or enjoy a structured hobby from home. You can take a class at your own pace, pause when you need to, and skip anything that doesn’t interest you.

Here’s how to get started—whether you’re brand new or already comfortable online.

If you want something easy and flexible, look for classes that are self-paced and optional.

A good place to start is YouTube. Many museums, universities, and instructors post free lecture series on history, art, cooking, music, and travel. You don’t need to sign up for a course—just press play.

Another excellent option is Senior Planet. They offer free online classes designed specifically for adults 60+, covering topics like photography, wellness, lifelong learning, and creative writing. Classes are clearly labeled, and many are live with instructors who expect beginners.

If you prefer something more structured but still beginner-friendly, Udemy offers one-time-purchase classes on hobbies like watercolor painting, genealogy, chess, and personal finance. You buy the class once and keep access.

If you enjoy lectures and want a more “college-style” experience, consider Coursera or edX. Both partner with major universities and let you audit many courses for free, meaning you can watch lectures without tests or grades.

For seniors who enjoy discussion and community, look for an Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) program. Many universities offer online OLLI courses designed for adults 50+.

Online classes give you a simple way to explore interests, learn new skills, or revisit old ones without pressure or deadlines. Whether you prefer short videos or full lecture series, there are plenty of options designed to let you learn at your own pace and on your own terms.

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Unmissable American gem: Friday Harbor, Washington is a beloved Pacific Northwest treasure for older travelers seeking a peaceful, walkable waterfront town with historic sites, art galleries, whale-watching tours, and easy access to nature on San Juan Island.

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: Postwar generation often associated with the 1950s boom.

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