When Activity Feels Like Play, How Health Care Needs Change After 70, and Turning RMDs Into a Non-Issue in 2026

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.

Self-Help: A spiritual guide to escaping overthinking by embracing the present moment and quieting the restless mind.

Romance: A polished doctor and a small-town carpenter clash, connect, and challenge each other’s carefully planned lives.

History (Non-Fiction): Working-class rowers chase Olympic gold during the Great Depression, proving grit and teamwork can defy the odds.

Memoir: Stephen King blends memoir and advice, revealing the habits, struggles, and discipline behind a writing life.

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.

Some activities feel light, absorbing, and easy to return to — not because they’re simple, but because they don’t carry pressure. When something feels like play, you’re engaged for the sake of doing it, not for finishing it or getting it right.

Play often begins with a defined starting point but no strict end goal. Sitting down to work on a crossword, shuffling a deck of cards for a solo game, or picking up a sketchbook without a plan all invite you in without demanding a result. You can stop at any point without feeling like you’ve left something incomplete.

Activities that feel like play usually include just enough challenge to keep you interested. A jigsaw puzzle with varied pieces, a word game that requires a bit of thought, or learning a few chords on a musical instrument gives your mind something to work on — but not so much that it feels overwhelming.

There’s a certain satisfaction in doing something repeatedly without needing to improve or track progress. Knitting a simple pattern, practicing a familiar song, or tending to a small garden bed can be done again and again without turning into a task to measure. The repetition becomes part of the enjoyment.

When an activity feels like play, time tends to pass differently. You may look up and realize more time has gone by than expected, not because you were rushing, but because you were absorbed. This kind of attention is often more restful than stopping and starting multiple tasks.

Playful activities are easy to step away from and return to later. Leaving a puzzle on the table, keeping a deck of cards nearby, or having a small project within reach means you can pick it up again without preparation or pressure.

When activity feels like play, it creates engagement without strain. It gives your mind something to focus on without turning it into work.

Using the Good Pen Anyway
From the life overview of Harriet N., 82, Louisville, Kentucky. Shared with permission.

For years, I kept what I called a good pen in the desk drawer, separate from the ordinary ones that wandered through the house and disappeared. It wrote smoothly, had a satisfying weight to it, and made even a grocery list look more considered than it was. Because I liked it so much, I saved it for important things.

The difficulty was that important things did not arrive as often as I had imagined.

Bills were paid with lesser pens. Notes to the school were written with whatever happened to be nearby. Cards, forms, reminders taped to the refrigerator—all were handled by instruments I regarded as temporary and undeserving. The good pen remained in reserve, protected from overuse by a future that seldom presented the proper occasion.

One afternoon, I opened the drawer and found that the ink in the pen had partly dried from neglect. The pen still worked, but only after some coaxing. It struck me then that I had been preserving enjoyment rather than experiencing it.

So I began using it for everything: shopping lists, signatures, crossword puzzles, notes to myself that did not merit elegance but received it anyway.

Nothing dramatic changed, except that small tasks became slightly more pleasant.

There are many things we save for later: candles, clothes, compliments, time. Sometimes, later arrives. Sometimes, it quietly passes by while we are being prudent.

Now the good pen lives on the kitchen counter, where it belongs.

***

Many people consider writing something like this themselves—or even using AI tools to help. Some do. But when it comes to the stories that matter most, many decide they’d rather sit down with someone who can listen, ask the right questions, and shape those memories into something truly lasting.

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

The Historic New Orleans Collection – Digital Collections
This archive offers photographs, maps, letters, and artwork connected to the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South. The materials reveal everyday life alongside larger historical moments, often through vivid visual detail. It’s a thoughtful way to spend time with a region shaped by many layers of tradition and change.

The Archive Project
Produced by Oregon Public Broadcasting, this storytelling series features interviews and live readings centered on memory, creativity, and lived experience. The conversations unfold at an easy pace, allowing room for reflection and humor without forcing either. It’s well suited to listening when you want something personal and quietly absorbing.

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.

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 record your beliefs and hopes for future generations?
Have Your Legacy Letter Written

Software updates help keep your phone, tablet, or computer secure and running smoothly. If your device has suddenly become slower, glitchier, or keeps showing update reminders, it may be time to install the latest software version.

Most devices make checking for updates fairly simple:

You can also turn on automatic updates so your device handles most of this for you:

Before updating, make sure your device is plugged in or has enough battery power. It’s also smart to connect to Wi-Fi, since updates can use a lot of data.

Not all software updates are about new features. Many are released to fix security problems that scammers and hackers actively look for. If your device is several months behind on updates, it may be easier for malicious websites, fake emails, or unsafe apps to take advantage of known weaknesses.

It’s also important to know whether your device still receives updates at all. In 2026, many older phones, tablets, and computers are no longer fully supported. For example, Windows 10 no longer receives regular security updates from Microsoft. If you’re using an older device, search your model name along with phrases like “software support” or “security updates” to see its current status.

If your device feels slow after an update, don’t panic. Updates can temporarily use extra battery power or storage while they finish installing in the background. Give it a day or two before assuming something is wrong.

Finally, be careful of fake update pop-ups online. Real updates usually come through your device’s Settings app—not random websites telling you to “click here immediately.”

Cruise deal of the day: 3 Nights Mexico Cruise - departing September 21, from $284

Unmissable American gem: Salado, Texas is a charming Hill Country village known for its historic inns, artisan shops, and peaceful creekside setting that create a relaxed and welcoming small-town escape.

Looking for travel planning help? Fill out this form.

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: Rolling cart for serving drinks.

CTARTEA

Help a life story get told, earn thousands: Refer someone to MemoirGhostwriting.com and earn 12% of what they spend. 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.

Interested in advertising with Seniors Magazine? Learn 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.