Reverse Mortgages, Brain Health, and Safe Digital Payments

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A reverse mortgage is a type of loan available to homeowners age 62 and older that lets you turn part of your home’s equity into income. Instead of you making payments to the bank, the lender pays you — either monthly, in a lump sum, or as a line of credit you can draw from. You continue to own and live in your home, and repayment typically isn’t due until you move, sell, or pass away.

This option can be helpful if most of your wealth is tied up in your house, but you want extra income for retirement expenses or to avoid drawing down savings too quickly. It can also provide a safety net if you want a standby line of credit for unexpected medical or household costs. However, a reverse mortgage is not ideal for people planning to move soon, or for those who want to leave the home to heirs without a lien attached. It’s also important to understand taxes, insurance, and upkeep remain your responsibility — the home must be maintained.

Because every situation is different, the decision works best when you fully understand both the long-term benefits and the tradeoffs.

If you’d like to talk through whether a reverse mortgage is the right fit for your own situation, reply “reverse mortgage consult” for a free Q&A session with a specialist — no obligation, just clarity.

💌 If you found these ideas helpful, forward this newsletter to a friend — many homeowners aren’t aware of all the retirement income options available to them.

“The Kitchen Window”
From the life overview of Harold M., 83, Seattle, WA. Shared with permission.

I’ve spent more mornings than I can count staring out the kitchen window, which faces the old maple that my father planted in the backyard the year I was born. In spring, the buds shimmer pale green, while in autumn, the leaves flame gold and crimson. I watch the squirrels leap from branch to branch, sometimes pausing as if posing just for me.

One rainy morning, my granddaughter climbed onto the counter to sit beside me while I brewed coffee. She draped a hand towel over her head so that it resembled a cape. Then she asked why the sky looked gray even though the air smelled sweet. I realized she had never stopped to notice. Together, we watched the raindrops slide down the glass, each one catching the light like tiny prisms.

That day, I learned something I had forgotten: Beauty isn’t always in big gestures. Sometimes, it’s in watching the ordinary unfold—steam rising from a mug, leaves tumbling across wet pavement, or a child laughing at the simplest things.

Now, every morning, I make a ritual of it. I take my coffee to the window, thinking of my granddaughter and the maple, the squirrels, and the quiet unfolding of life. It’s enough—more than enough.

***

National Gallery of Art Virtual Exhibitions
The National Gallery of Art offers free online exhibitions that recreate the experience of walking through its galleries. Each collection blends high-resolution imagery with insightful curatorial notes, allowing art lovers to linger over brushstrokes, history, and context from home.

BBC Radio 4: “Desert Island Discs”
Since 1942, Desert Island Discs has invited guests—from writers to scientists—to share the eight pieces of music they’d take to a desert island. The conversations are timeless, revealing the human stories behind personal soundtracks and offering quiet inspiration through music and memory.

Atlas Obscura: Places, Stories, and Curiosities
The nonprofit site Atlas Obscura is a living compendium of unusual destinations, traditions, and histories from around the world. It’s an engaging read for curious minds who appreciate wonder, serendipity, and the beauty of things slightly off the beaten path.

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?)

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A smart plug is a small adapter that lets you turn lamps or appliances on and off through your phone or voice. It connects to your home Wi-Fi and gives you instant control—whether you’re in another room or out for the day. They’re especially handy for hard-to-reach outlets, creating evening light routines, or saving energy when you forget to switch something off.

Pick the right kind. Choose one that fits your device type and phone:

Connect through the app. Each plug comes with its own app. After you install it on your phone or tablet, the app walks you through linking the plug to your Wi-Fi and naming it—say, “Living Room Lamp.” Once connected, you can turn it on or off with a single tap.

Add convenience. Most apps let you set schedules, such as having a lamp turn on at dusk or off at bedtime. It’s a small step toward a safer, well-lit home that runs on autopilot.

With one small device, you can make everyday routines smoother, save energy, and keep your space lit and welcoming without extra effort.

Cruise deal of the day: 4 Nights Bahamas Cruise - departing November 10, from $178

Unmissable American gem: Nestled between Lake Michigan and Green Bay, Door County, Wisconsin is known for its scenic shoreline drives, charming harbor towns, cherry orchards, and relaxed pace—making it a favorite Midwest retreat for seniors seeking beauty and tranquility.

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: ’80s adventure featuring David Hasselhoff and a high-tech car.

GINKHT ERDRI

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