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Book of the Day
A Man Called Ove
Fredrik Backman
Meet Ove. He’s a curmudgeon. People call him “the bitter neighbor from hell.” But must Ove be bitter just because he doesn’t walk around with a smile plastered to his face all the time? When one November morning a chatty young couple with two chatty young daughters move in next door and accidentally flatten Ove’s mailbox, it is the lead-in to a comical and heartwarming tale that will change one cranky old man and a local residents’ association to their very foundations.
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📈 Managing investments/auditing portfolios
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🏃 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
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How to Make Your Home Safer Without Sacrificing Style
When we grow older, keeping our home safe becomes ever more important — but that doesn’t mean we have to make it look institutional or bare. Below are practical tips that blend safety and style.
Basic Safety Upgrades (for anyone to start with)
Improve lighting, especially at night
Add motion-sensor night lights in hallways, bathrooms, and stairways. These turn on automatically and avoid fumbling for switches in the dark.
Use bulbs with warm white color (e.g. 2700 K) to reduce glare and make surfaces easier to see.
Install grab bars and handrails
In the bathroom (near the shower, tub, and toilet), strong, well-anchored grab bars can dramatically reduce slips and falls.
Use handrails on both sides of staircases, inside and outside.
Consider more invisible styles (e.g. bars in matching metal finishes) so they don’t look medical.
Remove tripping hazards
Keep floors clear: roll up rugs or replace slip-prone rugs with non-slip matting.
Secure loose electrical cords against walls.
Move furniture so walking paths are wide and unobstructed.
Add easy-access safety devices
Place a wireless SOS button for seniors in bedroom and living areas so help can be called with one press.
Use a bed rail support bar to assist with getting in/out of bed safely.
These updates are relatively inexpensive, fairly simple to implement, and make a big difference in preventing falls or emergencies.
Advanced Upgrades and Tips
If you already have the basics in place, here are extra steps for added safety and peace of mind:
Smart home monitoring & sensors
Use a radar‑based presence sensor that detects movement without requiring physical contact. It can alert you (or a caregiver) if someone hasn’t moved in a while.
Invest in a more sophisticated system like bed exit alert sensor kit that monitors when someone leaves or returns to bed — helpful for fall prevention or nighttime safety.
Integrate devices into a safety “scene”
Link your motion lights, SOS button, and door sensors through a smart controller (e.g. via Wi-Fi or Zigbee). This allows you to trigger multiple actions (lights on, alert caregiver) from one event.
For example: when your front door opens at night, hallway lights come on low and a notification is sent to a caregiver’s phone.
Use decorative safety features
Select wall sconces, pendant lights, or lamps with built-in motion or occupancy sensors to reduce the number of extra safety gadgets.
Opt for hardware (grab bars, handrails) in stylish finishes (brushed nickel, matte black) that complement your decor, rather than stark hospital-style bars.
Routine safety reviews
Every six months, walk your house as though you’re seeing it “fresh”: check for new tripping risks, bulbs that are burned out, loose planks, or failing supports.
Ask a trusted friend, family member, or an occupational therapist to review your home layout for hidden risks.
On Health
Healthy recipe: Easy Moroccan Chickpea Stew
Helpful heath gadget: Foldable, Adjustable, Collapsible, Free Standing Walking Cane
On Finances
Useful financial product: 1Password helps you to protect, use, and securely share passwords, financial accounts, credit cards, and more.
Quick Poll (vote to see the anonymized current results)
Do you track your health with a wearable device?
Grandkids Corner
The Best Tablets for Kids That Grandparents Can Trust
When grandchildren visit, many grandparents look for a tablet that’s safe, easy, and durable. The right choice means kids can enjoy fun and learning while you enjoy peace of mind.
Basic: What to Look for
If you don’t use much technology yourself, focus on these straightforward criteria:
Durability & case: A sturdy kid-proof case helps prevent damage from drops.
Parental controls: Built-in content filters let you restrict what apps or videos can be accessed.
Simple interface: Kid-friendly editions make it harder for children to delete things accidentally.
Battery life & charging: A full day of use and a simple charger (USB-C or micro-USB) keep things easy.
Repair or replacement policy: Some models offer free replacement if broken.
Examples:
Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet — comes with a durable case, 2-year worry-free guarantee, and easy parental controls.
Apple iPad (9th Generation) — pricier, but extremely reliable, with strong parental control tools through Apple’s “Screen Time.”
Advanced: Tips for Tech-Savvy Grandparents
If you’re comfortable with settings and apps, you can take extra steps:
Set up Family Link (Google) or Screen Time (Apple) for fine-tuned control and monitoring.
Create separate user accounts so your apps and files stay private.
Preload content for offline use to prevent accidental web browsing.
Back up photos and drawings kids create using cloud storage.
Add educational apps like ABCmouse or Khan Academy Kids for structured learning.
Use accessibility tools like larger fonts or guided access mode to make navigation easier for both you and the child.
On Tech for Seniors
The Safest and Simplest Email Services for Seniors
Many seniors want an email service that’s easy to use, safe from scams, and reliable. Below are trusted email providers and guidance to help you choose and use them with confidence.
Basic: What to Choose and How to Start
If you’re not very familiar with technology, these email services are good options:
Gmail (by Google) — free, with strong spam filters, simple interface, good mobile apps.
Outlook.com (by Microsoft) — similar in user-friendliness, integrates well if you use Microsoft Word or Windows.
Yahoo Mail — simpler if you prefer a more traditional look; good default themes and simpler layout.
When you set up your email, pay attention to:
Strong password: Use a mix of letters, numbers, symbols; avoid easy guesses like “123456” or your name.
Phone number or recovery email: Important in case you forget the password or someone tries to access the account.
Two-factor verification (2FA): Many providers offer an option to get a code by text message or app when you log in from a new device. It adds a strong safety layer.
Advanced: Extra Safety & Features
If you’re more comfortable with tech and want more control, consider the following extras:
Encrypted email services: ProtonMail and Tuta encrypt emails so that only you and the person you’re sending to can read them. Useful if you ever send sensitive information.
Custom domain email: If you use your own domain, you can have a personalized email address. Some services (like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365) offer this, along with better support.
Email filtering rules & folders: Set up rules (sometimes called filters) so that emails from friends or family go straight to your main inbox, and promotional or newsletter-type emails go into separate folders.
Spam and phishing awareness: Always double-check unexpected emails asking for personal details. Don’t click links unless you are sure they’re genuine. Hover over links (on the computer) to see the real web address.
Use a simple email client app: Some apps show larger text or offer “senior modes.” For example, Outlook app or Gmail app both let you adjust font size, theme (light vs dark), and reduce clutter.
Fashion Over Fifty
Talbots – Charming Cardigan (approx. $79)
Ann Taylor – Crew Neck Mixed Media Flare Dress (approx. $99)
Everlane – The Way-Short Shirt in Silky Cotton (approx. $98)
Boden – Pleat Detail Blouson Dress (approx. $196)
Marks & Spencer – Cotton Rich Textured V-Neck Midi Waisted Dress (approx. $87.99)
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: A quirky mid-’70s fad that needed no feeding.
TEP CORK
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