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Book of the Day
Murder on the Orient Express
Agatha Christie
Just after midnight, the famous Orient Express is stopped in its tracks by a snowdrift. By morning, the millionaire Samuel Edward Ratchett lies dead in his compartment, his door locked from the inside. Without a shred of doubt, one of his fellow passengers is the murderer. Detective Hercule Poirot must find the killer before he or she decides to strike again.
This undisputed classic is a must-read for anybody with an interest in the “whodunnit” murder mystery genre. Here at Seniors Magazine, we sometimes solve Christie’s ingenious puzzles before the big reveal… but we certainly didn’t see this one coming!
Get the paperback | Get it on Kindle
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📈 Managing investments/auditing portfolios
🏥 Finding health insurance options, finding providers, or consolidating fragmented medical records
💰 Improving personal finances with budgeting consultations
🏘️ Finding a retirement community
🏃 Finding a fitness coach who supports seniors over video
🛠️ Remodeling, or modifying a home to age in place
🧹 Home maintenance (lawn care, handyman, etc.) beyond remodeling
👩⚕️ Establishing home health care
🚗 Transportation to and from appointments
💌 Feeling lonely and wanting a pen pal
💻 Tech help (lessons or troubleshooting)
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🎖️ Benefits advocacy (e.g., chasing down veterans’ or SSN benefits)
🌳 Genealogical research
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The 6 Phases of Retirement — And How to Avoid Common Regrets
Retirement isn’t just one big stage of life. It unfolds in phases — each with joys, challenges, and sometimes regrets. Knowing what to expect (and how others have handled it) can help you move through each stage with more peace and confidence.
1. Pre-Retirement (Planning Stage)
The Regret: Many people look back and wish they had started planning earlier — saving more money, paying off debts, or clarifying what they truly wanted from retirement. Some regret working too much and missing chances to build relationships or health habits.
How to Address It:
Create a simple budget and reduce one unnecessary expense right now.
Pay off even one lingering debt to reduce stress later.
Block off time weekly for health (walking, cooking at home) and relationships.
Practice living on the retirement budget you expect to have.
2. The Honeymoon Phase (Early Retirement)
The Regret: After the initial excitement of freedom, some retirees regret trying to do too much at once. Others regret not slowing down to savor the simple pleasures.
How to Address It:
Set a realistic travel or activity schedule (one big trip a year, not five).
Protect downtime by leaving open days on your calendar.
Start a morning ritual — reading, journaling, or walking — to enjoy unhurried time.
Check in with yourself monthly: Am I doing what I want, or just staying busy?
3. Disenchantment (The “Now What?” Stage)
The Regret: Some retirees regret not preparing for the emotional side of retirement. Without structure or identity from work, feelings of aimlessness can creep in.
How to Address It:
Join a volunteer program or community group to rebuild purpose.
Explore part-time work or mentoring in your field.
Keep a regular weekly schedule (exercise, social, learning) for structure.
Write down what makes you feel useful and design your week around those activities.
4. Reorientation (Building a New Life)
The Regret: Many regret waiting too long to try new interests or expand friendships beyond work.
How to Address It:
Try at least one new activity every quarter (art, gardening, book club).
Reconnect with one old friend or relative each month.
Test out different roles until you find one that excites you.
Use local senior centers, libraries, or community colleges as entry points.
5. Stability (Contentment Stage)
The Regret: Some regret not fully appreciating this balanced stage. Others wish they had documented their lives or deepened relationships.
How to Address It:
Start journaling or recording your life stories for your family.
Schedule regular visits or calls with loved ones.
Plan small trips or experiences while health is steady.
Practice daily gratitude by writing down three things you’re thankful for.
6. Dependency (Later Retirement)
The Regret: Many regret not preparing for health challenges or care needs earlier. Some regret avoiding conversations about wills or end-of-life wishes.
How to Address It:
Simplify your home for safety (remove tripping hazards, add grab bars).
Set up care plans early with family or trusted advisors.
Put legal documents in place (will, trust, power of attorney).
Focus on companionship and sharing wisdom — the gifts only you can give.
Final Thoughts
Retirement isn’t about avoiding regrets altogether — it’s about learning from others and making small choices today that create peace tomorrow.
💌 If this post resonated with you, share it with a friend. Sometimes the best gift we can give one another is not more years, but clearer, wiser ones.
On Health
Healthy recipe: Broccoli-Cheddar Butter Beans
Helpful heath gadget: Heel Cushion Protector Pillow
On Finances
Useful financial product: Bloom offers 150+ financial lessons that teach you about investing, stocks, personal finance and more.
Quick Poll (vote to see the anonymized current results)
Do you provide financial help to your adult children or grandchildren?
Grandkids Corner
How to Pick the Right Bike or Scooter for Your Grandkids
Bikes and scooters are classic gifts for children, but choosing the right one depends on age, size, and safety features. The goal is to find something your grandchild can enjoy while staying safe and confident.
Basic: Key Factors to Consider
Age and Size
Toddlers (2–4 years): Look for balance bikes (no pedals) or three-wheel scooters for stability.
Early kids (5–7 years): Small pedal bikes with training wheels or two-wheel scooters with a wide base.
Older kids (8+ years): Larger pedal bikes or lightweight scooters that can handle more speed.
Safety Features
Always pair the bike or scooter with a properly sized helmet.
For younger children, look for handlebar padding, non-slip foot decks, and hand brakes (instead of coaster brakes) for more control.
Durability and Weight
Aluminum frames are lighter and easier for children to handle.
Look for wide tires or sturdy wheels that roll smoothly on sidewalks and driveways.
Good Starting Options:
Strider 12“ Sport Balance Bike — excellent first bike, no pedals, teaches balance.
Razor A Kick Scooter — classic scooter, lightweight, folds for storage.
Schwinn Elm and Koen Bike for Kids — comes in multiple sizes, includes training wheels for beginners.
Advanced: Extra Tips for Tech-Comfortable Grandparents
Adjustable Fit: Choose bikes or scooters with adjustable handlebars and seat heights. This way, the bike grows with the child.
Braking Systems: For kids over 7, look for hand brakes instead of coaster brakes — they prepare children for adult bikes.
Suspension & Tires: Some scooters include shock absorbers and air-filled tires for smoother rides on uneven paths.
Electric Options: Older kids (10+) may enjoy electric scooters, but ensure speed limits are appropriate (e.g., 10–15 mph). The Segway Ninebot eKickScooter is popular for this age group.
Storage & Transport: If you’ll be carrying the scooter or bike in your car, check if it folds easily or if the wheels detach quickly.
On Tech for Seniors
How to Stop Spam Calls With Call-Blocking Apps and Devices
Spam and scam calls are a nuisance — and in some cases, dangerous. The good news is that you can reduce them significantly with the right tools.
Basic: Easy Ways to Block Calls
Use Your Phone’s Built-In Options
On iPhone, go to Settings → Phone → Silence Unknown Callers. This sends calls from numbers not in your contacts straight to voicemail.
On Android, go to Phone App → Settings → Blocked Numbers and turn on “Block calls from unidentified callers.”
Install a Simple Call-Blocking App
Hiya — identifies spam and scam calls.
Truecaller — shows caller ID even for unknown numbers, flags likely spam.
Nomorobo — blocks robocalls; available for iPhone and landlines.
Block Numbers Manually
If the same unwanted number keeps calling, open the call history on your phone, tap the number, and select Block.Use Your Carrier’s Free Tools
AT&T ActiveArmor
Verizon Call Filter
T-Mobile Scam Shield
These services automatically block many fraudulent calls at the network level.
Advanced: Extra Layers of Protection
Call-Blocking Devices for Landlines:
If you still use a home phone, standalone devices work well. Popular options include:Whitelist Only: Some devices and apps let you allow only known contacts through. This works well if you receive calls from a small group of family and friends.
Check Voicemail Transcriptions: Apps like Google Voice or carrier voicemail apps can transcribe messages. If a call is important, you’ll see the message without picking up.
Regularly Update Apps and Phones: Updates often improve spam detection. Keeping your phone’s software current helps block the latest scams.
Fashion Over Fifty
Ann Taylor – Linen Blend Cutout Dress (approx. $64.94)
Marks & Spencer – Pure Cotton Denim Mini Skater Dress (approx. $43.99)
Unscramble
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: Music-on-the-move innovation introduced in 1979
NAWLKAM
Want to Earn in Retirement?
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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.