Staying Strong and Flexible, Preventing Alzheimer’s, and Fixing Wealth-Plan Blind Spots

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Staying active doesn’t have to mean joining a gym or pushing yourself to exhaustion. The goal in later life is simple: keep your body moving comfortably, maintain balance, and preserve the independence that lets you do what you love. Flexibility and strength are the foundation for all of that — and you can build both gently, right where you are.

Start small and stay consistent. Gentle stretching in the morning loosens joints and wakes up your muscles before you even leave the house. Simple movements — reaching overhead, turning your torso, rolling your shoulders — keep circulation flowing and help prevent stiffness. If you spend time sitting, try standing up once an hour, even for just a minute or two.

Light strength work is equally important. You don’t need heavy weights; your own body weight or a pair of soup cans will do. Focus on movements that support daily life: squats for getting up from a chair, heel raises for balance, and gentle pushups against a counter for upper-body strength. Walking, swimming, or slow dancing also help maintain endurance without stressing joints.

The key is consistency, not intensity. A few minutes a day makes a noticeable difference in how your body feels and moves — and it’s never too late to start.

If you’d like a guided session to help you stretch, strengthen, and improve mobility safely, reply “mobility Zoom” for a free online class designed specifically for older adults.

💌 If you found these ideas helpful, forward this newsletter to a friend — it’s always easier (and more fun) to stay active together.

“The Fishing Pier”
From the life overview of Samuel R., 82, Charleston, SC. Shared with permission.

The fishing pier at the edge of the bay has been my refuge since I was a boy. The wood creaks underfoot, slick with morning dew, and the air smells of salt, seaweed, and the faint tang of fish. I remember the first time I cast a line alone, the rod feeling awkward in my hands, the sun warm on my back, and the waves lapping gently against the pilings.

Over the years, I returned with friends, children, and later, my own grandchildren. I taught them to tie knots, bait hooks, and feel the tug of a fish without panic. One morning, my grandson and I sat side by side, the sky a soft pink as we listened to gulls cry and the water whisper. He leaned against me and said, “This is perfect.” I nodded, watching a small fish break the surface and glint in the early light.

Now, I come alone more often than not. The pier creaks beneath my feet while gulls circle lazily overhead, the water glinting like scattered coins in the morning sun. I watch the tide roll in and out, remembering each lesson it taught me—the quiet patience of waiting, the thrill of a sudden catch, and the echo that laughter can make across open water. Standing there, rod in hand, I feel connected to every moment I’ve spent at the pier, to the people who sat beside me, and to the steady rhythm of life moving forward, one gentle wave at a time.

***

Poetry Foundation: Collections
The Poetry Foundation’s curated collections group poems by theme, era, or topic, making it easy to explore writers you know as well as unfamiliar voices. Each collection includes clear introductions and a range of poems, offering an accessible way to read more literature without needing to search widely.

CBC’s Ideas
Ideas is a long-running documentary program focused on history, culture, philosophy, and science, presented through in-depth storytelling. Each episode takes a clear, methodical look at its subject, making it easy to follow along whether you’re learning something entirely new or revisiting a topic you already know.

Coursera: “A Life of Happiness and Fulfillment”
This University of Michigan course introduces research on happiness, decision-making, and the habits that support long-term well-being. The lessons are structured and easy to follow, and the optional quizzes and videos allow you to move through the material at whatever pace feels most comfortable.

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WhatsApp is a free, easy-to-use app that makes staying in touch simple—especially with family spread across different cities or time zones. You can send messages, photos, and even make voice or video calls at no cost, as long as you’re connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data. Here’s a clear guide to help you get comfortable using it.

Install WhatsApp on your phone.
If you use an iPhone, download it from the App Store. If you use an Android phone, get it from Google Play. Once installed, open the app and follow the prompts to verify your phone number.

Add a family member to your chat list.
Tap the green message icon, choose “New Contact,” and type in your family member’s name and phone number. WhatsApp will automatically show you who in your contacts already uses the app.

Send a message.
Open the contact you want to talk to. Type in the box at the bottom and tap the green arrow to send. Messages send instantly over Wi-Fi or data.

Send a photo.
Inside a chat, tap the paperclip (Android) or plus sign (iPhone). Choose “Gallery” or “Photos,” select an image, and tap send. If prompted, allow WhatsApp to access your photos—this is necessary for sharing.

Make free video and voice calls.
Tap the phone or camera icon at the top of a chat to start a call. Calls use Wi-Fi or data, not your cell minutes, and often have clearer audio than regular phone calls.

Create a family group.
Tap the three dots (Android) or “New Group” (iPhone) to make a group chat where everyone can talk together—perfect for sharing holiday plans or grandkid updates.

Send higher-quality photos.
WhatsApp compresses images to save data, but you can send them in better quality: tap the paperclip/plus icon, select “Document,” then choose the photo file. It sends a clearer version, which is helpful for photos you want saved.

Use WhatsApp Web for easier typing.
If you prefer a computer keyboard, open web.whatsapp.com on your browser. Scan the QR code with your phone (WhatsApp → Settings → Linked Devices → Link a Device). Your messages appear on your computer instantly.

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, WhatsApp becomes one of the easiest ways to stay connected—sending quick notes, sharing photos, or seeing familiar faces on video calls. A few small steps can make it part of your daily communication routine.

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Unmissable American gem: Leavenworth, Washington draws seniors with its Bavarian-style village charm, gentle mountain scenery, and relaxed festivals that are easy to enjoy at your own pace.

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: Band assembled for TV that found real chart success.

EHT MEEOSKN

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