Why Fewer Errands Can Feel Better Than Efficiency, Social Connections for Healthy Aging, and the Case for a Dynasty Trust

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Efficiency when running errands sounds sensible on paper: group errands together, make one big trip, get everything done at once. Yet many people find that days built around efficiency feel rushed and draining. Fewer errands, spaced more thoughtfully, often leave you feeling calmer — and surprisingly more accomplished.

Running five errands in one outing may save mileage, but it concentrates decision-making, noise, traffic, and problem-solving into a short span of time. Parking, lines, crowds, and unexpected delays stack up quickly. By the time you’re home, the list may be finished, but your energy is too.

Doing just one errand — picking up groceries, going to the pharmacy, or visiting the library — allows the rest of the day to stay intact. You can prepare for it calmly, complete it without rushing, and return home without feeling pulled into the next task. The errand becomes a contained activity rather than the day’s main event.

Each errand requires a mental shift: remembering what you need, navigating a space, interacting with others, then resetting before the next stop. Reducing the number of transitions preserves focus and steadiness. This is especially noticeable when errands involve driving or unfamiliar environments.

Spacing errands across the week creates rhythm. For example, groceries on Monday mornings, the bank on Wednesdays, appointments on Thursdays. Predictable routines reduce mental load because you’re not constantly deciding what to combine or rush through.

Efficient errand-running often assumes you’ll bounce back immediately. In reality, recovery matters. Allowing time to sit, have a cup of tea, or simply be home afterward makes the errand feel complete rather than intrusive.

Fewer errands respect energy levels. They leave room for rest, reflection, and enjoyment — not just task completion. Life feels fuller not because more was done, but because less was compressed.

A Quiet Table by the Window
From the life overview of Lillian M., 89, Des Moines, Iowa. Shared with permission.

For years, I had a habit of choosing the same kind of seat in restaurants. It was always a small table near a window, preferably where I could watch people come and go without me being directly in the middle of things. It wasn’t a rule exactly, just something I noticed myself doing over time.

When my husband was alive, we often ended up in those seats because I would arrive early and claim them. He’d tease me about it, joking that I liked observing life more than I enjoyed participating in it. Although that wasn’t quite true, I understood what he meant. I found comfort in watching the ordinary flow of the world: people shrugging off their coats, opening their menus, and starting conversations with one another.

After my husband died, I kept the habit. Eating alone felt less uncomfortable when I had something to look at beyond my plate. Even a window made the room feel connected to something larger than itself.

Over time, I realized that the view had quietly changed. The people outside were younger, the storefronts unfamiliar, and the cars different shapes than I had remembered. Nevertheless, the rhythm remained unchanged. Someone always hurried past, paused to check their phone, or laughed too loudly at a nearby table.

It reminded me that life keeps moving whether you sit still or not. And sometimes, the best way to stay part of it is simply to keep showing up and taking your usual seat.

***

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Modern smartphones offer a lot of useful features, but their larger screens can make them harder to operate with one hand. Fortunately, both iPhone and Android devices include built-in tools that make one-handed use much more comfortable. A few quick adjustments can make everyday tasks—like texting, browsing, or checking the weather—easier to manage.

On an iPhone, turn on Reachability by going to Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Reachability. Once it’s enabled, a gentle swipe down on the bottom edge of the screen brings the upper icons within easier reach.

Android phones offer a similar option called One-Handed Mode. The exact menu varies slightly by device, but it’s usually under Settings → System → Gestures → One-Handed Mode.

Another helpful adjustment is increasing the size of on-screen elements. Larger icons and text make it easier to tap accurately with your thumb. On iPhone, you learn more about Display Zoom here.

On Android devices, look for Display Size under Display settings.

Some people also find that a small grip accessory makes a noticeable difference. Products such as PopSockets attach to the back of your phone and give your fingers a comfortable place to hold the device.

If you’re interested in going a step further, voice controls can reduce the need to reach across the screen at all.

iPhone users can turn on Voice Control, which allows you to open apps, scroll, and tap buttons using spoken commands. Android offers a similar feature called Voice Access, designed to help operate the phone through voice commands.

Some users also prefer a ring-style phone holder, which provides a secure grip and allows the phone to pivot comfortably in the hand. One popular example is the Spigen Ring Holder.

With the right settings and a simple accessory, many smartphones can become noticeably easier to manage with one hand—making everyday use smoother and more comfortable.

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