The Health Perks of Pets, Smarter Shopping, and a Stronger Immune System

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Few things brighten the day like a loyal pet. Whether it’s a dog’s wagging tail, a cat curling up beside you, or the gentle hum of an aquarium, animals bring comfort, rhythm, and meaning to daily life. For older adults, that companionship often becomes a powerful source of emotional and physical well-being.

Caring for a pet offers gentle structure—feeding, walking, or grooming provides both movement and purpose. Studies from the National Institutes of Health show that pets can help lower stress, reduce blood pressure, and even support heart health.

If you’re considering adopting, explore programs like the Pets for the Elderly Foundation, which helps with adoption fees for seniors. Shelters often have “senior-for-senior” programs—matching older adults with older pets who need calm homes. And if you’re unsure about long-term commitment, fostering through Petfinder can be a rewarding first step.

Once you’ve welcomed a pet, focus on making the relationship sustainable and enriching. Choose manageable routines—shorter but more frequent walks, or playtime at consistent hours—to give both you and your pet comfort and predictability. Keep veterinary checkups on schedule, and look into wellness plans offered by providers like Banfield Pet Hospital or low-cost clinics at your local humane society.

For companionship without the full responsibility, therapy pet programs allow regular interaction with trained animals who visit homes and community centers. Even spending time with friends’ or neighbors’ pets can offer the same benefits—connection, laughter, and a softer kind of care.

💌 If you found these ideas helpful, forward this newsletter to a friend. Sharing pet stories is often how the best ones begin.

“The Red Coat and the Snowstorm”
From the life overview of Lucille R., 84, Portland, Maine. Shared with permission.

I still remember the feel of that red wool coat — scratchy at the collar, heavy as a blanket, and smelling faintly of mothballs and lilac perfume. My mother bought it for me in 1954, right before the blizzard that shut the whole town down. I thought I looked like a movie star in it, even if the sleeves were too long and the buttons mismatched.

That storm came hard and fast. Snow piled up against the windows, the radio went quiet, and the world outside turned to white static. My father couldn’t get home from work, so it was just my mother and me, listening to the house creak and crack. She made cocoa from canned milk and told me stories about her own childhood storms — the kind without electricity or even boots.

At some point, she let me go outside, “just to feel it.” I remember walking into the drift up to my knees, my red coat blazing like a warning light against the dark. I wasn’t scared. I felt brave — like the kind of person who could stand in a storm and wait for what came next.

Sometimes I still picture that little girl in red when life gets cold or uncertain. She’s still out there, I think — steady, unbothered, and glowing against the gray.

***

Everyone has a story worth capturing. If you’d like to capture yours for your grandchildren and beyond, visit MemoirGhostwriting.com to request a free Vision Meeting.

The Moth Radio Hour
Real people tell their own stories live on stage—funny, heartfelt, and sometimes profound. The Moth’s archive offers hundreds of episodes exploring memory, change, and the beauty of ordinary lives, all freely available to stream or download.

NASA Image and Video Library
A vast, searchable collection of photographs and short films from space missions, the moon landings, and our own blue planet. It’s a quietly awe-inspiring window into exploration and human ingenuity, free to browse without any ads or clutter.

Beyond the Edge: A Survivor’s Tale
In this powerful memoir, Chelsey Klein recounts her near-fatal 2020 hike up Mount Shasta and the life-altering aftermath. A lifelong competitor and athlete, she writes with clarity and honesty about resilience, loss, and rediscovering meaning after trauma. The book is both a survival narrative and a meditation on what it means to rebuild a life.

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This daily section is brought to you by MemoirGhostwriting.com, experts in capturing life stories for loved ones and/or the public. We can meet any budget. (Does your story deserve to be told?)

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

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QR codes — those little black-and-white squares you see on menus, flyers, or bills — are simply shortcuts to websites or apps. They’re everywhere now, but you don’t need to be tech-savvy to use them safely and easily.

Most smartphones already have a QR reader built in. On an iPhone, open the Camera app and point it steadily at the code — a link will appear at the top of the screen. On Android, use the Camera app or Google Lens feature to do the same. Tap the pop-up link only if it looks trustworthy — for example, a restaurant’s official name or a .gov or .org site.

If you’re nervous about scams, start with QR codes from familiar sources (like your doctor’s office or library). Avoid any that promise “free prizes” or ask for personal info. If you’re unsure about a QR code link, press and hold the preview to see the full address before opening it. You can also paste that link into Google’s Transparency Report to make sure it’s safe.

Once you’re comfortable, QR codes can actually make life easier. You can save them as shortcuts — for instance, to pay utilities, open a grocery rewards card, or pull up your vaccine record. Try a free organizer app like Codex QR Code Reader & Generator to scan and safely store your most used QR codes.

If you want to create your own, go to QR Code Monkey — it’s free and lets you generate a code for anything: a family photo album, your Wi-Fi password, or a contact card. Print it, tape it near your computer, or share it with loved ones so they can reach important links easily.

Tip: Before you scan any QR code, pause for a moment and check the source. Once you know it’s legitimate, scanning can save you time, cut down on typing, and make everyday tasks a whole lot smoother.

Need (1) tech troubleshooting help or (2) ongoing tech lessons via FaceTime or Zoom? Just reply to this message and we’ll connect you with someone who can assist you.

Cruise deal of the day: 3 Nights Mediterranean Cruise - departing November 30, from $174

Unmissable American gem: Charleston, South Carolina, charms senior travelers with its graceful blend of cobblestone streets, historic homes, coastal breezes, and leisurely Southern hospitality perfect for strolling, dining, and soaking in centuries of culture.

Need help planning a senior-friendly trip or cruise? Reply to this email and we’ll connect you with a travel agent who specializes in senior travel.

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: 1977 series where romance often came with a boarding pass.

EHT VOLE TOAB

We’re thinking of launching Seniors Magazine LIVE, a twice-monthly online event where experts and inspiring guests share advice, stories, and tips—from travel and wellness to purpose and creativity.

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