Senior-Friendly Home Renovations, Sleep Apnea Treatment, and Financial Planning for an Extended Retirement

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Small changes to a home can make a big difference in how safe, steady, and comfortable it feels as you age. The goal isn’t to overhaul everything — it’s to make the space support you, not the other way around. A few well-chosen updates can reduce fall risks, improve mobility, and make everyday tasks easier.

Start with the areas you use the most: the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and main walkways. Good lighting is one of the most effective improvements — adding brighter bulbs, nightlights, or motion-activated lights helps prevent falls. In the bathroom, grab bars near the toilet and inside the shower provide stability, and a non-slip mat or walk-in shower reduces the chance of slipping. In the kitchen, placing frequently used items at waist or counter height can prevent the need for reaching or climbing.

Other small upgrades include lever-style door handles (easier to open than round knobs), rugs with non-slip backing, and wider pathways free of clutter or low furniture. Even lowering closet rods or adding pull-out shelves can help make daily tasks smoother.

If you’re considering bigger projects, focus on features that support long-term mobility. Widening doorways, adding ramps, installing stair lifts, or converting a first-floor room into a bedroom can help you remain in your home comfortably for years to come. In the bathroom, a curbless (zero-threshold) shower or a shower seat can make bathing safer. In the kitchen, pull-out drawers, raised dishwashers, and easy-grip cabinet handles reduce bending and strain.

Heating, ventilation, and insulation upgrades can also make a big difference — steady temperatures and good air quality are essential for comfort as you age. The goal is to create a home that feels supportive, not restrictive, so you can move with confidence in every room.

💌 If you found these ideas helpful, forward this newsletter to a friend — everyone deserves a home that feels both safe and comfortable.

“The Saturday Market”
From the life overview of Harriet L., 81, Asheville, NC. Shared with permission.

The Saturday market was a small wonder tucked into the heart of town. Stalls of bright produce spilled onto the cobblestones, the scent of fresh herbs, ripe tomatoes, and baked bread mingling in the cool morning air. I used to go early, my notebook in hand as I would jot down recipes or sketches, my shoes crunching on stray leaves and gravel. The chatter of vendors calling out prices, the hum of conversations, the occasional bark of a dog—it all felt alive, layered, and somehow reassuring.

One particular morning, I paused at a stall selling wildflowers. A young girl held a bouquet that was almost as tall as she was, and her mother smiled at my admiration. I bought a small bunch of daisies, their petals soft and fragile, and tucked them into my bag. As I wandered through the rest of the market, I felt the simple, grounding joy of belonging to a community, of seeing lives intersect for just a moment in sunlight, laughter, and shared curiosity.

Now, decades later, I visit the market whenever I can. The stalls have changed, and so have the faces, while the smells vary with the seasons. However, the same rhythm remains. I carry those mornings with me—the texture of petals, the warmth of the sun, the hum of people, and the quiet delight in noticing small, ordinary miracles—and I realize that memory can make even fleeting moments last a lifetime.

***

The Huntington’s Digital Library
This quiet corner of the Huntington Library offers digitized rare books, botanical illustrations, maps, and photographs that are easy to browse at your own pace. The images are high-resolution and thoughtfully curated, making it a peaceful place to wander through history and art without needing any special background knowledge.

BBC Radio 3 – “Composer of the Week”
This long-running series offers thoughtful, well-paced explorations of a different composer each week, blending biography, musical excerpts, and historical insight. The tone is inviting, making it suitable for listening while folding laundry or relaxing with a cup of tea. Episodes stand alone, so you can dip into any composer that piques your interest.

Biodiversity Heritage Library
This global project gathers millions of pages of historic nature writing, botanical drawings, field notebooks, and scientific illustrations. Its clear search tools and curated collections make it easy to wander through the natural world from home. It’s especially enjoyable for anyone who appreciates quiet study, careful detail, or the beauty of early botanical art.

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Borrowing digital books from your local library is one of the easiest ways to read more without spending a dime. Whether you prefer large-print style settings, adjustable audio speed, or simply the convenience of carrying an entire bookshelf in your pocket, today’s library apps make the process simple for beginners and powerful for experienced users.

Most libraries use one of two free apps: Libby or Hoopla.

Libby is the most common and feels a lot like browsing a clean, well-organized bookstore. After installing it, choose your library system, enter your library card number, and you can immediately search, borrow, and read or listen. Everything downloads automatically, and returns happen on their own—no late fees.

Hoopla works in a similar way but offers instant checkouts on most items, meaning no waiting lists. Once signed in with your library card, you can borrow eBooks, audiobooks, movies, and even music with a single tap.

If you don’t have a library card, nearly every library offers an online sign-up form; search “[Your City] public library card” to start. Many libraries also offer phone support, and staff can walk you through setup step-by-step.

If you prefer a dedicated e-reader—like a Kindle—Libby can send most eBooks directly to it, making reading easier on the eyes. You can also adjust font size, contrast modes, spacing, and lighting to fit your comfort level.

For audiobook fans, Libby’s advanced features include sleep timers, bookmarks, and automatic speed adjustment so voices stay clear at faster speeds. Hoopla also supports offline downloads, which is especially handy for travel or spotty internet.

Some libraries have special sections where popular books are available right away, even if there’s normally a long waiting list. These sections often have names like “Skip the Line,” “Lucky Day,” or “No Wait.” If you see those categories in Libby or Hoopla, it means you can borrow certain high-demand titles instantly without waiting for your turn.

With just a few taps, you get access to thousands of books anytime, anywhere.

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Unmissable American gem: Nestled in a majestic mountain box-canyon with charming Victorian streets, snow-capped peaks, and easy-to-use free gondolas and shuttles, Telluride, Colorado offers seniors an elegant blend of breathtaking nature, historic small-town charm, and laid-back leisurely adventures.

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: Street-corner booth where coins bought a conversation.

YPA OEHNP

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