Solo Travel Tips, Grandkid Learning Games, and Arthritis-Friendly Tech for Seniors

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Traveling alone can be one of the most empowering experiences of your life—especially in your golden years. Whether it’s a weekend road trip or a journey abroad, solo travel gives you the freedom to move at your own pace, follow your curiosity, and rediscover what you love most about the world.

Start small. A nearby city or guided group tour can help you build confidence before venturing farther. Always share your itinerary with a trusted family member or friend and schedule check-in times. When booking lodging, look for well-rated, centrally located spots—Booking.com and Tripadvisor make it easy to filter by accessibility and safety ratings.

Pack light, but bring the essentials: copies of important documents, a list of emergency contacts, and any medications you need in clearly labeled containers. For peace of mind, consider travel insurance through companies like Allianz Travel or Travel Guard, which cover emergencies, cancellations, and medical care abroad.

If you’re comfortable with technology, apps can make solo travel smoother and safer. Google Maps lets you download offline maps so you can navigate without Wi-Fi, while TripIt organizes all your reservations in one place. Use WhatsApp or Signal to stay connected with family, and Translate by Google to communicate easily in other languages.

Want to meet others while traveling? Meetup and Solo Traveler World offer ways to connect with other independent travelers your age.

Solo travel isn’t about being alone—it’s about being free. With a little preparation and the right tools, you can explore with confidence and joy.

💌 If you found these ideas inspiring, forward this newsletter to a friend. A travel buddy—virtual or not—makes every journey brighter.

Just call or text 1-740-4-SENIOR (1-740-473-6467) anytime (weekends, weekdays, 24/7). A real human will either pick up or get back to your voicemail or text.

Tip: Save this number in your phone now.

Our helpline is a free service to connect you with experts who can help solve common problems seniors face, including but not limited to:

Don’t tackle life without (free) support. Just call or text 1-740-4-SENIOR (1-740-473-6467) at any time and tell us what you need. If we don’t pick up when you call, leave a message. It’s free for you; you’ll only pay a service provider (like a lawyer, since we’re not lawyers) if they have what you’re looking for.

Playtime with grandkids can be more than just fun—it’s a chance to help them learn and grow while you share laughs and memories. Whether you’re spending the afternoon together or catching up on a video call, here are some educational games kids will actually love.

Young kids learn best through play that feels simple and active. PBS Kids Games is completely free and packed with colorful, ad-free options that teach numbers, letters, and science through familiar characters. For a hands-on choice, Zingo! is a family favorite that builds word and picture recognition without screens. Even classics like Memory help sharpen focus and social skills—no batteries or Wi-Fi required.

Older grandkids tend to enjoy strategy, creativity, and teamwork. National Geographic Kids offers free geography and nature games that are both challenging and beautiful. Prodigy Math turns math practice into an online fantasy adventure (free to play, optional upgrades available). For something you can enjoy together, try Crossword Labs’ free online crosswords or a friendly round on Chess.com—both great for stretching the mind across generations.

A mix of digital and classic games keeps everyone engaged, and even ten minutes of play can help grandkids think critically and creatively.

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Take a few minutes to jot down your thoughts. Even a few sentences are a memory preserved for loved ones.

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Typing or using a mouse shouldn’t leave your hands aching. For seniors with arthritis, the right keyboard and mouse can make a world of difference in comfort and mobility. Here’s how to choose the best options to reduce strain and make everyday computer use easier.

If you struggle with stiff fingers or wrist pain, look for ergonomic designs that let your hands rest in a natural position. The Logitech ERGO K860 Split Keyboard offers a curved layout and padded wrist rest that reduce pressure on joints. Pair it with the Logitech M575 Trackball Mouse, which lets you move the cursor with your thumb instead of your whole arm—ideal for limited wrist motion.

If you’re comfortable exploring settings, try adjusting your pointer speed and cursor size to reduce movement. You can also turn on sticky keys in your computer’s accessibility menu—this feature lets you press one key at a time instead of holding combinations like Ctrl + Alt + Delete.

For even more relief, voice dictation tools like Dragon Home or built-in speech recognition on Windows and macOS can help reduce typing altogether.

Whether you’re checking email, writing stories, or staying connected with family, the right setup can ease discomfort and extend your time at the keyboard—comfortably.

Cruise deal of the day: 4 Nights Mexico Cruise - departing November 17, from $199

Unmissable American gem: Beaufort, South Carolina invites seniors to slow down and savor the charm of its moss-draped oaks, walkable historic district, gentle coastal breezes, and rich Lowcountry culture—all with Southern hospitality at every turn.

Go internationally: Spain and Portugal Highlights - 16 days, from $3,640

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: TV anthology that blurred the line between strange and familiar.

HET LTIHWTGI ENZO

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