Preventing Falls at Home, Protecting Eye Health, and Understanding Wealth Transfers

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Falls are one of the most common causes of injury for older adults, but many can be prevented with a few simple changes around the home. A good safety routine focuses on improving visibility, reducing tripping hazards, and strengthening the areas you move through every day. The goal is to make your home safer without adding unnecessary work or complexity.

Start by improving lighting. Add brighter bulbs in hallways, staircases, bathrooms, and bedrooms, and use nightlights to help you navigate safely at night. Clear walkways by removing loose cords, stacks of magazines, unstable furniture, or throw rugs without non-slip backing. In the bathroom, install grab bars near the toilet and inside the shower, and use a sturdy non-slip mat to prevent sliding. If your home has stairs, check that handrails are secure on both sides and that each step is easy to see; applying high-contrast tape to the edge of each step can help. Finally, make sure frequently used items in the kitchen and bedroom are stored at waist height so you don’t have to reach, bend, or climb.

Look for ways to make movement easier throughout your home. Widen pathways by shifting or removing low tables and decorative items. Add seating where you often need support while dressing, putting on shoes, or preparing meals. Consider replacing round doorknobs with lever handles, which are easier to operate, especially if you have arthritis. If balance is a concern, choose footwear with non-slip soles and keep a pair dedicated for indoor use. For those with mobility limitations, tools like shower chairs, raised toilet seats, and simple bed rails can make daily tasks significantly safer. If you’re unsure where to start, a home safety assessment from a physical therapist or occupational therapist can highlight the most important changes based on your specific needs.

💌 If you found these ideas helpful, forward this newsletter to a friend. A safer home is one of the greatest gifts you can help someone create.

“The Lemon Tree”
From the life overview of Angela S., 78, Mesa, AZ. Shared with permission.

Behind the rental house where I lived in my mid-twenties, there was a single lemon tree. It was stooped but stubborn, its branches twisting like old hands reaching for the sun. The desert heat made everything smell faintly of dust and sunbaked clay, but the lemons were shockingly bright—wax-smooth, stunning yellow, warm to the touch, and each one carrying a hint of sharp perfume even before it was cut open. I used to pluck the lemons early in the morning, when the air was still cool and when I would stand barefoot on my gritty patio, admiring the sky as it began to pale at the edges.

One July afternoon, a monsoon storm rolled in fast and loud. The wind shook the lemon tree so hard I thought it would split in two. I ran outside like a fool, hair plastered to my face, trying to gather the fallen lemons before they tumbled into the muddy wash behind the yard. A neighbor I barely knew darted from his house to help, but both of us ended up slipping around in the sudden downpour and laughing at how ridiculous we looked. Our hands bumped as we reached for the same lemon, and he shouted over the rain, “You realize this is pointless, right?” He was right, of course—half the lemons were already gone.

But I still remember the thrill of that wild storm, the sharp scent of crushed citrus underfoot, and the warmth that came from laughing with a stranger in the rain. Sometimes life hands you a moment that makes no practical sense, yet you hold onto it anyway because it made you feel wonderfully, inexplicably alive.

***

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The Library of Congress National Jukebox
This free archive features thousands of early 20th-century recordings, from opera and vaudeville to spoken word and regional music. The sound quality has been carefully restored, allowing you to hear performances that once played on shellac discs and early phonographs. It’s a fascinating window into the voices and styles that shaped modern American music.

The Digital Public Library of America Primary Source Sets
These curated sets gather photographs, letters, news clippings, and artifacts around major themes in American history. Each collection includes a clear introduction and thoughtfully chosen materials that are easy to browse. It’s a steady, structured way to explore topics you may remember living through, or ones you’ve always wanted to understand better.

The Royal Institution Lectures Archive
This archive offers accessible talks on science, nature, and discovery presented by respected researchers and educators. The videos focus on clear explanations rather than technical detail, making them welcoming even if the topic is new. It’s a meaningful way to stay curious and learn something fresh without pressure or complexity.

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Getting rid of old electronics isn’t as simple as tossing them in the trash. Devices contain personal information and materials that need special handling. With a few simple steps, you can clear out clutter while protecting your privacy and the environment.

Before donating or recycling, remove your personal data. On smartphones and tablets, use the built-in “factory reset” option. For computers, sign out of accounts and follow the reset guide for Windows or Mac.

Once your data is wiped, take the device to an approved recycling program. Many retailers offer free drop-off, including Best Buy’s Electronics Recycling Program. If you prefer mail-in service, Apple’s Trade In & Recycling program provides prepaid shipping labels.

Old household batteries (AA, AAA, etc.) can often go to local collection sites; rechargeable and lithium batteries should always go to a specialty recycler. A good locator tool is Call2Recycle.

If you want more control over data removal from laptops, you can securely erase your hard drive before recycling. Programs like DBAN (Darik’s Boot and Nuke) allow full data wiping. For solid-state drives, follow your computer manufacturer’s “secure erase” instructions, as SSDs require a different process.

For phones that no longer turn on, remove the SIM card if possible and keep it until you’re sure no accounts are linked to it. You can also check whether your city offers e-waste collection events, which often accept items retail stores won’t.

Taking the time to dispose of electronics carefully protects your privacy and keeps harmful materials out of landfills — a small effort with a big impact.

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Unmissable American gem: Beaufort, North Carolina is a peaceful coastal town where seniors can enjoy historic waterfront strolls, tranquil harbor views, charming shops, and fresh seafood in a laid-back, friendly atmosphere.

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: Early ’80s game starring a dot-gobbling yellow circle.

CPA AMN

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