Senior Advice

[Str8shooter]

Our senior citizen center offers a lot of things to do. Do you have a senior organization around, and do you know what they offer? Our senior center offers a bus tour each year. This year, they are offering a tour of the "Great West." We have never done anything like this, but we are considering it. We have friends who recommend river tours and have gone on the one on the Rhine River in Germany and one of the river tours out west. I believe it was the Snake River, but I am not sure. They have also done a train tour. They loved both the train and river tours. Then again, they enjoy travel. They hated the one bus tour that they went on and said it was too long in the seat and not enough walking around while getting to their destinations.

Does anyone have any thoughts on these types of tours?

 

[Parrish]

My daughter says, "Just because I can't sing, doesn't mean that I won't."

I'm pretty much the same. I sing in the car. I sing to the grandkids around the house. I used to sing- especially in the car on longer trips- to my son and daughter as well. And yes, I made up songs, changing the words on old standards mostly. Throw a poop joke and a little slapstick into the lyrics here and there, and kids 10 and under will roll. Sometimes the older ones too, if they aren't trying to look too cool.

My mom used to belt out any Donna Summer song and Diana Ross's Ain't No Mountain. Good memories.

 

[Str8shooter]

Our senior citizen center offers a lot of things to do. Do you have a senior organization around, and do you know what they offer? Our senior center offers a bus tour each year. This year, they are offering a tour of the "Great West." We have never done anything like this, but we are considering it. We have friends who recommend river tours and have gone on the one on the Rhine River in Germany and one of the river tours out west. I believe it was the Snake River, but I am not sure. They have also done a train tour. They loved both the train and river tours. Then again, they enjoy travel. They hated the one bus tour that they went on and said it was too long in the seat and not enough walking around while getting to their destinations.

Does anyone have any thoughts on these types of tours?

This afternoon, I went to sign us up for the bus tour. If you snooze, you lose. It is full. We won't be able to do that trip but now we know to sign up early when next year's tour is announced.

 

[Str8shooter]

On the agenda today is for my wife to plant some shrubs and I have neglected the strawberry patch and intend to weed it. We have a small raised box garden. If some of you have not taken a look at these smaller raised boxes for gardening, it helps so much when harvesting the produce and for weeding. BTW, we have a fence around our raised garden due to the amount of wildlife that would destroy the garden/patch.

 

[Str8shooter]

I just arrived home from buying a tune-up kit for my John Deere Z345R zero-turn mower. I also needed a part. In doing so, I made a comment about mowing more now that I am retired. The parts guy made a comment that they have all of my information from my previous purchases and he noted that I do a tune-up on my mower each year. I told him I did but needed the part since I broke it this last mow. He said that I already get a senior discount, but would add to this a frequent buyer discount. I didn't know that this existed with this company. I don't know if this is a dealer's addition or if it is standard practice for other dealers, but the point is that I had never thought of asking for either a senior citizen discount or a frequent buyer discount. This is something for many of you to think about.

 

[noonereal]

How much do you sing? Recent studies have shown that those who sing actually improve their health. I sing all of the time. I can not sing. I don't care. I once asked my daughter why I didn't become a singer. Her answer was, "Because we need to eat." LOL I sing Classic Rock songs, Country Music songs, and children's songs to my grandkids. I have even made up songs for them.

Sing yes but playing an instrument yields better results. Principally the piano.
We had a long conversation, on my music forum, on this when the study was released. I no longer have the link.

 

[Str8shooter]

Sing yes but playing an instrument yields better results. Principally the piano.
We had a long conversation, on my music forum, on this when the study was released. I no longer have the link.

I own an Alvarez banjo and have a Les Paul Junior original guitar in my closet. I tore the ligaments out of my right had many years ago. When I attempt to play my banjo now, I get swelling so I have given that up.

The Les Paul looks just like this:

My Banjo looks like;

 

[noonereal]

I own an Alvarez banjo and have a Les Paul Junior original guitar in my closet. I tore the ligaments out of my right had many years ago. When I attempt to play my banjo now, I get swelling so I have given that up.

The Les Paul looks just like this:

My Banjo looks like;

Les Paul lived up the road from where i went to high school.

 

[WorldWatcher]

This was a post to another board, but I think it can go here as well.
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But I highly recommend two things:

#1 GET A RESPECTED PASSWORD MANAGER

I use 1PASSWORD, they kind of want you in a subscription model, but there is still the ability to get a standard license if you dig. We went with subscription because we use the family model. There is the family "vault", my "vault", my wifes "vault", and my sons "vault".

You can have different vaults and controll who has access which give each their privacy seperate from a shared vault.

I like 1PASSWORD because it's not just about passwords, sure you have a "Login Record" where you can store all types of things like Account Name, Account Number, User Name, Password, Web Address, Notes, etc. But there a lot of other types of "records" such as:

• Person Accounts which you can use like a contacts lists: Names, Address, Date of Birth, etc. - anything you want.
• Credit Cards
• Secure Images of docuemnts
• etc.

The information is highly encrypted but you can access it from your phone, desktop, tablet, etc. And the information on any plateform is real time. Add a new entry on your phone and it's instantly available on the desktop.

And no more one password for everyting. You have one password to access the program, then you have random/complex passwords for different accounts. You just copy/paste them when loging in. MUCH more secure.

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#2 DIGITIZE YOUR IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Use a small desktop scanner, scan documents to PDF, and then store digitally. There are programs that you can use. But I just created a Main Folder and then different types of documents go into specific folders, for example:

• Each Tax Year is it's own folder
• Each Vehcile Has its own folder
• Folder for House Purchase
• Folder for Mortgage payments
• One each for Utility
• Etc.

BACKUP: Once you start digitizing documents its important to have a backup in case of emergency. So I ahve my main computer, a portable drive where a backup exists, and you can use online storage for off site safety.

In case of emergency I dont need to grab paper files, just grab the backup drive and head to the door and I have electronic copies of all important documents going back to the 1980's. Much easier than trying to grab paper files.

Just my 2 cents.

WW

 

[SoccerCoach]

I mentioned in another thread that I was going to start a thread on advice for seniors. As I also mentioned, I am not an expert, but I am 67 years old. The reason for this is that I am constantly contacted by my friends about "what to do" now that they are retiring. The latest was this past weekend when a former teaching colleague asked me for help planning her retirement. As an FYI, in the State of Illinois, a retiring teacher has a couple of options when retiring. I would like for this thread to be one where others would chime in with their thoughts as well. Again, I am not an expert and am open to being corrected if I post something that is wrong. I would also ask that members refrain from politics here. Discussions on politics, while the nature of this site often builds walls, and my intent is to help others who are entering retirement and dealing with their senior years. I'll start with a few observations but will attempt to add more as this thread evolves. Well, I hope that this thread will evolve.

As a caveat to this thread, I think that I should mention that I live in a small town on the outskirts of a major metropolitan area. Our house was just appraised at $500,000, but it would be worth a lot more if we lived where most of you live. We are able to get a lot of "free stuff" because I am well known in my area, and the kindness of former students, players, and parents have demonstrated how blessed my wife and I are.

• In 1983, the wife and I were off to a very humble start. We decided that we would buy this 1,000 sq. foot home and live there while building a family and saving money. We lived there for 28 years. At that time, we invested all of our "extra money." While our friends were "keeping up with the Jones," we were frugal. Our investment advisor has been with us for all of that time. Please make sure that you are scheduling time to sit down with your financial advisor if you have investments. We meet 3 to 4 times a year. Our most recent meeting was in January, where we decided to move monies and change some of our strategies. My wife's portfolio has always been "aggressive." Now, it will be changed to a more moderate approach to investing. BTW, your investment professional is supposed to ask you to meet with them at least once a year.
• The same as the above can be said about our tax person. However, our tax person, who is also the God Mother of our daughter, just retired. We don't drop off our taxes. We sit down with our tax person to ask questions and strategies for our money. Have any of you considered how much you might be able to give to your children where they benefit but do not incur taxes for the "gift?" We gift our daughter and SIL each Christmas. It helps them out, and the wife and I know that they appreciate all of the financial help.
• What are you doing for your health? It is important that you get out and do something. Believe it or not, 20 minutes of walking or doing something might improve your health and how you approach each day. I gave this advice to my dad after my Mom passed. He walked in the rain etc. and only skipped days that had weather warnings until age 90. He did fall at age 90, and that stopped him from leaving his block. So, he walked back and forth in front of his house on his block until he finally got to the point where he could not walk. He lived to be 92. My wife and I walk together. She is my best friend and I still don't know how she has stayed with me these 42 years. (42 years in April.) Finally, I have a buddy who is turning 80. He wanted to start walking but struggled some. I told him that I walk with trekking poles. Trekking poles are inexpensive and they can really improve the benefits of walking. He bought some last summer and is still getting at it. My trekking poles look something like this but with the rubber tips instead of the spiked tips. (Note, trekking poles come with all types of options in the package for tips.) The tips I use are lower right in this picture.

I retired 3 times. At 52 I published a book quit my job and promoted it. I retired from that and went o graduate school got a masters in psychology and pioneered interventions for adopted children and families published them and IM read worldwide. After 8 years of private practice I retied again. age 70. Then I was recruited to be Senior Head Soccer Coach fir a national organization. 3 years later I retired again. It doesnt mean we dont work it means we do what we love.

 

[Str8shooter]

I went to my optometrist this past week. He said that I am in the first phase of getting cataracts. They are very small right now, and no action is needed. However, he said that when/if I start to see "halos" at night when I drive, that this is a sign that my cataracts need to be addressed. Something to think about.

 

[Str8shooter]

Yesterday, we were at an event where one of our friends was offended that she was given a senior discount without asking. I asked her if she was an AARP member. She is. I asked her if she usually asked for senior discounts. She does. I am having a hard time understanding why she is offended.

Another friend at this event stayed for about an hour or maybe less and left the event. Her husband passed away recently. It is apparent that, at least to me, depression was a part of what transpired in her leaving early. We all need to remind ourselves that during times like this lady is going through, friends need to get them out of the house while thinking of strategies to help them through this depression. Note, my wife and I are not experts, so we know that we might have to mention to her to see a doctor if we are correct about her suffering depression.

 

[Sweden]

I went to my optometrist this past week. He said that I am in the first phase of getting cataracts. They are very small right now, and no action is needed. However, he said that when/if I start to see "halos" at night when I drive, that this is a sign that my cataracts need to be addressed. Something to think about.

I'm having a cataract op tomorrow. The second - he other eye was operated on about 12 years ago. I also have macular degeneration - no treatment or op for that condition though.

 

[Queen Margo]

 

[Str8shooter]

I'm having a cataract op tomorrow. The second - he other eye was operated on about 12 years ago. I also have macular degeneration - no treatment or op for that condition though.

Good luck with your cataract surgery.

 

[VanceMack]

Have motivation...goals...purpose. Have something to strive for.

Don't wait to live your best life. Plan trips. Have fun. Live.

Retirement may not be the right thing for everyone. Personally, I have a hard time seeing myself not working at least well into my 70s. Its not a question of have to...we have 8 income streams before we get out of bed. Now granted...I'm in my early 60s and the work I do is interactive, mentally challenging, and also rewarding and that perspective may change down the road...who knows. But as long as I remain healthy and active, I see no reason to just stop working. I think a lot of this is personality driven. Ive worked to provide for myself since I was a kid. The idea of not working is just weird to me.

 

[MAGAnificent]

My daughter says, "Just because I can't sing, doesn't mean that I won't."

I'm pretty much the same. I sing in the car. I sing to the grandkids around the house. I used to sing- especially in the car on longer trips- to my son and daughter as well. And yes, I made up songs, changing the words on old standards mostly. Throw a poop joke and a little slapstick into the lyrics here and there, and kids 10 and under will roll. Sometimes the older ones too, if they aren't trying to look too cool.

I sing in the shower. Does that count?

 

[Sweden]

Good luck with your cataract surgery.rning

Thanks. The surgery, done by a lady with, I think, a Serbian name went well this morning, though it was quite stressful. Right now all I can see wih my left eye is a blur.

 

[Str8shooter]

I hope that all of you seniors are doing well. I went to a dermatologist (Doctor) to look at a place on my left leg. Unfortunately for me, that place was not the only concern that the dermatologist had. After samples were sent off for biopsy, it seems I have two Squamous-cell carcinomas. The place on my leg grew from the size of an eraser to being 1 inch in length and just over half an inch in width. The place on my nose was not noticeable to me, and yet, my doctor seems to suggest that it is pretty bad. I will start treatments next week and will have to have 7 weeks of treatment. It doesn't seem like fun. Please take the time to go to a dermatologist and get checked out.

Tomorrow, I will mow my yard. I actually love mowing my yard. We do the front yard and sides with a push mower and the large back yard with a rider. My wife and I have tried to swap off, with me doing the front and her doing one side. I can do the other side with the rider most of the time. When we get ready to start, we set out chairs to sit in for breaks. We also have water set out. We use hearing protection. If you had told me that a chore like mowing could turn into a socializing event, I might have laughed at you in the past. Now, people stop by and talk, and we take our time.

We have an older couple down at the end of our block. I have told them several times that I will mow their yard for them. They are easily in their 80s. They continue to tell me that they want the exercise. If I see them out trying to mow in this heat, I intend to go ask them if I can at least mow their back yard. Everyone, take care of yourselves.

 

[WorldWatcher]

I hope that all of you seniors are doing well. I went to a dermatologist (Doctor) to look at a place on my left leg. Unfortunately for me, that place was not the only concern that the dermatologist had. After samples were sent off for biopsy, it seems I have two Squamous-cell carcinomas. The place on my leg grew from the size of an eraser to being 1 inch in length and just over half an inch in width. The place on my nose was not noticeable to me, and yet, my doctor seems to suggest that it is pretty bad. I will start treatments next week and will have to have 7 weeks of treatment. It doesn't seem like fun. Please take the time to go to a dermatologist and get checked out.

Tomorrow, I will mow my yard. I actually love mowing my yard. We do the front yard and sides with a push mower and the large back yard with a rider. My wife and I have tried to swap off, with me doing the front and her doing one side. I can do the other side with the rider most of the time. When we get ready to start, we set out chairs to sit in for breaks. We also have water set out. We use hearing protection. If you had told me that a chore like mowing could turn into a socializing event, I might have laughed at you in the past. Now, people stop by and talk, and we take our time.

We have an older couple down at the end of our block. I have told them several times that I will mow their yard for them. They are easily in their 80s. They continue to tell me that they want the exercise. If I see them out trying to mow in this heat, I intend to go ask them if I can at least mow their back yard. Everyone, take care of yourselves.

I went to a EV mower last year. Self-propelled and came with 2 batterys.

Love it.

One of the first things I noticed is that the mower is a LOT lighter then a typical ICE mower of equal size making it much easier to handle. Most of the time I don't even have to engage the drive, but it is nice for the uphill spots in the law.

I highly recommend it, but ensure you have 2 batterys that way one can be in the charger and you never run out of juice. Depending on thickness of the grass and how much I engage the drive, I typically get 45 minutes on a battery.

WW

 

[Str8shooter]

I went to a EV mower last year. Self-propelled and came with 2 batterys.

Love it.

One of the first things I noticed is that the mower is a LOT lighter then a typical ICE mower of equal size making it much easier to handle. Most of the time I don't even have to engage the drive, but it is nice for the uphill spots in the law.

I highly recommend it, but ensure you have 2 batterys that way one can be in the charger and you never run out of juice. Depending on thickness of the grass and how much I engage the drive, I typically get 45 minutes on a battery.

WW

View attachment 67576820

A neighbor who is a young dad that I coached in basketball has one and loves it. Thanks for the response. I use a Worx weed trimmer which is electric. I love it and a couple of my neighbors purchased the same model I use after borrowing mine.

 

[BirdinHand]

Something else for individuals approaching their senior years to consider:

Downsize your STUFF.

Look around and say to yourself - do I really use and need all this stuff in my garage, attic, walk in closets, etc. Do my kids actually want any of it?

If not? Start selling or donating.

Also, look at your house and say “is this feasible for me as I age and/or can I make changes so it is”

As someone that’s now moved two sets of parents out of their homes in old age - please don’t put that burden on your family.

I can’t tell you how many piles of saved paperwork, etc I’ve had to go through - and how much time I’ve wasted doing such to try to find truly important things vs. copies of old bills, etc that were paid and the paperwork is just clutter.

And……no one needs the instruction manual from your tv from 1992.

If you want to stay IN your house in your golden years? Do you have a FULL bathroom on the first floor? Can you remodel to accommodate one? How many steps are there otherwise…how easy will those be to navigate if your mobility declines? Is the location close to doctors? Or is it a long drive?

 

[Str8shooter]

Something else for individuals approaching their senior years to consider:

Downsize your STUFF.

Look around and say to yourself - do I really use and need all this stuff in my garage, attic, walk in closets, etc. Do my kids actually want any of it?

If not? Start selling or donating.

Also, look at your house and say “is this feasible for me as I age and/or can I make changes so it is”

As someone that’s now moved two sets of parents out of their homes in old age - please don’t put that burden on your family.

I can’t tell you how many piles of saved paperwork, etc I’ve had to go through - and how much time I’ve wasted doing such to try to find truly important things vs. copies of old bills, etc that were paid and the paperwork is just clutter.

And……no one needs the instruction manual from your tv from 1992.

If you want to stay IN your house in your golden years? Do you have a FULL bathroom on the first floor? Can you remodel to accommodate one? How many steps are there otherwise…how easy will those be to navigate if your mobility declines? Is the location close to doctors? Or is it a long drive?

Great advice! My wife and I are currently going through all of our paperwork we have in file cabinets etc., and shredding those things we don't need. I am on a month-long attempt at cleaning up our garage. Unfortunately, we have things from the sale of the barn that clutter up parts of our garage that have significant meaning to my wife, so I can't get rid of them.

WRT the house. our house has significantly jumped in value. With that, so has the taxes. Even with our senior discount, they are steep. We intend to live in this house for the rest of our lives and look at it like it is of great value for my daughter to inherit. That means that we have to keep it up. We will need a new roof within the next 5 years. We have our financing plan to do so. Thanks for the response.

 

[WorldWatcher]

Great advice! My wife and I are currently going through all of our paperwork we have in file cabinets etc., and shredding those things we don't need. I am on a month-long attempt at cleaning up our garage. Unfortunately, we have things from the sale of the barn that clutter up parts of our garage that have significant meaning to my wife, so I can't get rid of them.

WRT the house. our house has significantly jumped in value. With that, so has the taxes. Even with our senior discount, they are steep. We intend to live in this house for the rest of our lives and look at it like it is of great value for my daughter to inherit. That means that we have to keep it up. We will need a new roof within the next 5 years. We have our financing plan to do so. Thanks for the response.

If you b like more detail let me know as I’m on my phone now so ping me later.

Digitizing document to reduce clutter can be a great thing. But it does take some research to match hardware and software to needs.

Then you need to understand what needs to be kept forever in paper, what has a timed retention, what you can scan and shred.

I have digital documents going back decades with only vital stuff on paper.


WW

 

[Str8shooter]

If you b like more detail let me know as I’m on my phone now so ping me later.

Digitizing document to reduce clutter can be a great thing. But it does take some research to match hardware and software to needs.

Then you need to understand what needs to be kept forever in paper, what has a timed retention, what you can scan and shred.

I have digital documents going back decades with only vital stuff on paper.


WW

Thanks for the offer. We have scanning capabilities and storage on flash drives. I believe we have 3 or 4 in our safe deposit box. Have a great day.