Staying Connected With Teenage Grandchildren, Preventing Dehydration, and Financial Security in Retirement

You're receiving this because you signed up on our website. Want to unsubscribe? Just reply to this email with the words “no thanks.”

First-time reader? Join {{active_subscriber_count}} other seniors for free.

History (Non-Fiction): The Five by Hallie Rubenhold – This compelling history restores the identities and stories of the five women killed by Jack the Ripper.

Memoir: The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck – M. Scott Peck draws on psychology and spirituality to explore discipline, love, responsibility, and the lifelong pursuit of personal growth.

Self-Help: The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris – Russ Harris offers practical strategies for handling difficult thoughts and emotions while building a richer, more meaningful life.

Romance: Twice Shy by Sarah Hogle – A shy woman inherits a crumbling estate and finds unexpected romance with the mysterious man who shares it.

Check a few boxes, and we’ll match you with trusted options and initial consultations—many completely free—across insurance, housing, travel, finances, and more. It takes about five minutes, and you’re not committing to anything—just seeing what can save you time and energy.

Many grandparents find that connecting with young children feels fairly straightforward. Visits largely revolve around games, stories, outings, and shared activities. Then the teenage years arrive, bringing new interests, greater independence, and busier schedules.

As grandchildren change, so does your relationship with them—but that doesn't mean it becomes any less meaningful. In many cases, it simply requires a different approach.

One of the biggest shifts is recognizing that teenagers are no longer children even if they aren't fully adults yet either. Their interests, priorities, and social lives are expanding rapidly. A grandchild who once wanted to spend an entire afternoon baking cookies or playing board games may now be focused on friends, sports, music, part-time jobs, or school activities.

Rather than seeing this as a loss, it can help to view it as an opportunity to build a new kind of relationship, perhaps one that is more mature and mutual.

Teenagers frequently respond positively when adults show genuine (and nonjudgmental) curiosity about what matters to them. That might mean asking about a sport they're playing, a subject they enjoy at school, a favorite band, a part-time job, a hobby or creative project, or plans they're excited about.

The key is interest, not interrogation. A few thoughtful questions usually go much further than prolonged probing.

Some of the best conversations with teenagers happen when conversation isn't the main focus.

The activity doesn’t have to be grand or memorable. Small, everyday activities suffice:

Many teenagers feel less pressure and talk more naturally when they're doing something alongside someone rather than sitting down for a formal conversation.

Plenty of people offer teenagers guidance. School counselors, parents, coaches, friends’ parents, teachers, older siblings, online gurus—teenagers are inundated with advice from all sides. As a result, they often tune out when a conversation veers into a lecture.

What they typically appreciate from grandparents is something different: perspective without pressure. Sometimes listening carefully and sharing a story from your own experience can be more effective than offering direct advice. A teenager may not remember every suggestion they receive, but they will certainly remember feeling respected and heard.

One important thing to remember is that connection isn't always visible. There may be stretches when communication becomes less frequent. Text messages are shorter. Visits are interrupted by activities and commitments. This is a natural extension of growing older: A teenager has more obligations and interests than younger children.

Still, consistency matters here. A quick note, a birthday card, a text wishing them luck before an event, or simply showing up when invited sends a powerful message: I'm still here.

Adolescence is often full of experimentation and growth. Interests change. Opinions evolve. Confidence develops gradually—and at times shakily.

Grandparents are uniquely positioned to provide something valuable during this stage: encouragement without expectation. Showing interest in who a teenager is becoming—not who they used to be or who anyone thinks they should—helps keep the relationship growing alongside them.

The relationship between grandparents and teenage grandchildren can be one of the most rewarding stages of family life. While the relationship may look different than it did during childhood, it often gains depth, mutual respect, and a more mature connection.

A third-generation LA roaster ships 50+ coffees — single origins, flavored favorites, decafs, even teas — days after roasting. Mix and match Keurig®-compatible boxes for tiered savings up to 34% off. First order? Take an extra 15% off, automatically.

Taste It Fresh

We're looking for seniors who are embracing life with enthusiasm, purpose, and adventure. Whether you're traveling the world, starting a business, volunteering, pursuing a passion, learning new skills, or simply making the most of every day, we'd love to hear your story.

Think that might be you?

Email [email protected] with a photo and a short bio. We may feature you in an upcoming edition of Seniors Magazine.

The discount: Perkins Restaurant & Bakery’s Senior Discount

What it gives you: Many locations offer approximately 10% off or special senior pricing for customers age 55+

How to claim it: Ask your server about available senior pricing before paying

The Sound the House Makes After Everyone Leaves
From the life overview of Margaret H., 78, Lexington, Kentucky. Shared with permission.

I enjoy having the family over.

I enjoy it just as much now as I did when the children were young, though the logistics have changed. There are fewer toys on the floor and more reading glasses on the kitchen counter. The conversations have grown longer, the grandchildren taller, and the leftovers somehow more plentiful.

Then everyone leaves.

Cars back down the driveway. Doors close. The last wave is exchanged through the front window, and the house settles back into itself with surprising speed.

For a few minutes, I don't do anything.

The dishes can wait. The chairs don't need to be pushed in immediately. I simply sit and listen.

Every house has a different silence after company.

It isn't the silence from before people arrived. That one is expectant. This one is full. The rooms seem to be holding the shape of the afternoon for a little while longer, as though laughter doesn't disappear the instant the door closes.

Gradually, the ordinary sounds return. The refrigerator hums loudly enough to be noticed again. A floorboard creaks. The clock in the hallway resumes being the most talkative thing in the house.

Only then do I begin clearing the table.

I've come to treasure those few quiet minutes between gathering and tidying.

They are the moment when the memory is still becoming itself.

***

Do you want to record your beliefs and hopes for future generations?
Have Your Legacy Letter Written

Seterra Geography Games
Seterra offers more than 400 online geography quizzes covering U.S. states, world capitals, countries, flags, oceans, and other topics. You can work through them at your own pace, making it an enjoyable way to refresh old knowledge while picking up a few new facts along the way.

iNaturalist
This online community lets you browse wildlife observations contributed by people around the world, from backyard birds and wildflowers to insects and unusual fungi. You can explore what others have spotted or contribute your own photographs for help with identification. It’s an absorbing way to become more attentive to the natural world while contributing to a growing scientific record.

Sheriff warns of scam targeting families of jailed inmates

This daily section is brought to you by MemoirGhostwriting.com, experts in capturing life stories for loved ones and/or the public.

Take a few minutes to jot down your thoughts. Even a few sentences are a memory preserved for loved ones. Some people begin by writing on their own—or even using AI tools—but many eventually decide they’d rather simply talk and have their story shaped into something lasting. That’s where we come in.

Do you want to ensure your story, values, and family history aren't lost?

Bridge has been bringing people around card tables for generations. Played by four people in two partnerships, it combines teamwork, strategy, and communication, and no two hands play out exactly the same way. The rules take a little time to learn, but you don't need years of card-playing experience to get started.

Bridge uses a standard 52-card deck, with partners sitting opposite each other. Each hand has two main stages: bidding, when players determine the contract, and play, when each side tries to win tricks.

The American Contract Bridge League's beginner resources provide an excellent introduction, including explanations of the basics, lessons, learning tools, and options for finding a class or teacher.

Learning alongside other beginners can make bridge much easier to understand. The American Contract Bridge League offers online introductory bridge classes that begin with the fundamentals and gradually introduce bidding and card play. The same resource can help you find in-person classes and teachers.

You don't need four people around a table every time you want to practice. Bridge Base Online lets you play for free with other players or practice on your own. It also offers beginner-friendly games that let you concentrate on playing the cards before worrying about every aspect of bidding.

Once you understand the basics, playing regularly is one of the best ways to improve. The American Contract Bridge League's play directory can help you find bridge clubs and games in your area. Libraries, recreation centers, and community organizations may also host casual groups.

Don't worry about memorizing every bidding convention before your first game. Begin with the basic rules, play plenty of hands, and add new strategies as you go. Part of bridge's lasting appeal is that there's always another skill to learn—and another hand waiting to surprise you.

Modern phones, tablets, and computers include accessibility features designed to make the device easier to see, hear, control, and understand. While some were created for people with specific disabilities, many are useful for anyone whose needs change over time.

For example, you can increase text size and contrast without enlarging everything on the screen. A screen magnifier can temporarily enlarge a map, photo, menu, or other small detail. Many devices can also provide live captions for spoken audio, flash the screen when a notification arrives, or send sound through compatible hearing devices.

Accessibility settings can also make a device easier to operate. Voice control lets you perform certain actions by speaking, while touch adjustments can help if tapping, swiping, or holding buttons has become uncomfortable or difficult.

You’ll usually find these tools under Settings → Accessibility on a smartphone or tablet. On a computer, search the settings for “Accessibility.”

It’s worth browsing the available options. A small adjustment can make everyday technology noticeably easier and more comfortable to use.

Cruise deal of the day: 3 Nights Mexico Cruise - departing September 14, from $199

Unmissable American gem: Genoa, Nevada is Nevada’s oldest settlement, known for its historic buildings, peaceful small-town atmosphere, and scenic setting at the base of the Sierra Nevada that make it a charming stop for history and nature lovers.

Looking for travel planning help? Fill out this form.

Unscramble the letters to find a famous person, event, or object. Think you know it? Reply with your answer and show off your brainpower.

Today’s clue: Detective series starring Raymond Burr

EIIOSNRD

Help a life story get told, earn thousands: Refer someone to MemoirGhostwriting.com and earn 12% of what they spend, or a 16% donation to your favorite nonprofit. Find out more here.

Explore flexible sales opportunities: CommissionOnly.com gives you access to flexible part-time, work-from-home commission-only roles you can apply to. Find out more here.

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.