Society of Certified Senior Advisors

From Sci-Fi to the Living Room: Robots in Eldercare

2026-04-10T09:34:00.000-07:00

Robotic technology is making strides and offering seniors a lift.

It’s been almost 22 years since Paro, the first robot designed for use in eldercare, made its debut. Paro, clinically proven to reduce stress and anxiety in people with dementia, looks like a fluffy baby seal. It responds with movement and sound to a person’s touch. Used in homecare settings around the world, makers of the Paro robot say it encourages nurturing feelings and empowers people to become the carers as well as the cared-for.

While robots have been making their mark in eldercare for decades, in today’s AI-assisted environments, more robots than ever before are entering the rooms where older adults live. In continuing care communities, you’ll likely soon see robots of all kinds–not just fluffy ones. In fact, the eldercare assistive robot market is expected to exceed $3.5 billion worldwide this year. In countries including Japan and South Korea, where over 21% of the population is over 65 years old, robots are already making waves. China’s government is even investing in humanoid eldercare robots, in an attempt to bridge a looming gap in the workforce needed to care for a growing older adult population.

At this stage in robotic evolution, robots in eldercare fall into two main categories: robots for physical assistance, and robots for emotional and social support. In each category, so far, there are examples of both research-backed successes and…technical difficulties.

Robots Providing a Lift Off the Couch

One promising use of robotic technology gaining some popularity is the lift assist robot. As one example, MIT researchers have developed the Elderly Bodily Assistance Robot, or E-BAR. looks like a set of robotic handlebar arms on wheels. The robot can follow a person around their living space, offering support as needed by holding its arms to either side of the person. If it detects a falling motion, E-BAR will assist to prevent a fall. The robot also has the capacity to lift a person from a flat or sitting position to standing.

Seniors, says E-BAR designer and MIT graduate student Roberto Bolli, “overwhelmingly do not like to wear harnesses or assistive devices. The idea behind the E-BAR structure is, it provides body weight support, active assistance with gait, and fall catching while also being completely unobstructed in the front. You can just get out anytime.”

Another, perhaps less successful, example of a lift assist robot is the Hug robot deployed in Japan. Intended to give seniors with limited mobility more independence and save strain on caregivers, the Hug robot can lift a person from sitting to standing and support them with long periods of standing. In a study at a Japanese hospital, though, researchers found that nurses felt reluctant to use the robot or even hostile toward it, saying that having to move it around to different rooms caused more work than it saved. Plus, many residents couldn’t be lifted comfortably with the robot.

Since the need for lift assistance exists, this technology will probably improve. Some cutting-edge robotic exoskeletons are helping people with limited mobility to get up and walk for the first time in years. Many companies have developed robotic assists for the legs, and these “lower limb exoskeletons” show real potential for helping older adults with leg conditions to walk again.

Robots Providing a Lift for the Spirit

Since Paro, that first emotional support robot, others have beeped and blinked their way into seniors’ living rooms, and sometimes their hearts.

Senior Spirit previously reported on ElliQ, https://elliq.com/products/membership the tabletop robot paired with a small screen. ElliQ is designed to provide companionship and care reminders in an empathetic and conversational tone. It’s AI-enabled and HIPAA compliant. “She” can help users place phone and video calls, check the weather, and practice mindfulness.

Deployed across South Korea for years, the companion robot Hyodol may make its U.S. debut in 2026 after gaining FDA approval in 2024. Marketed as the first AI-assisted doll for eldercare, Hyodol looks like a plush child’s doll that interacts like “a seven-year old grandchild.” It converses in natural language and has motion and touch sensors that allow a range of motions. Unlike a seven-year-old grandchild, it also dispenses medication reminders and, if it detects alarming mental changes or a fall, will connect to 24/7 emergency services. Hyodol has an associated mobile app for healthcare providers to monitor patient interactions.

While Wired says Hyodol looks like “something you’d find in a haunted attic,” research has found that some older adults show improved depressive symptoms after interacting with the AI doll. With Hyodol and other human-like emotional support robots, such as Ryan from the University of Denver, seniors’ mileage will vary. Some people will never choose to invite an internet-connected smart doll into their lives, while others will value the entertainment, practical reminders, and companionship it provides.

For seniors in the latter group, robots may be available for free or low cost. Some common emotional support robots, including robotic pets like Paro and the ElliQ companion robot, can be accessed through Area Agencies on Aging or local libraries. Look for free access first, because Paro costs more than $6,000, and ElliQ leases for $249 plus a monthly subscription of about $50.

The truly humanoid robot that can provide both physical and emotional support…who knows if we’ll ever get there? Even if the perfect robot arrives, the need for human caregivers sure isn’t going away.

Sources:

https://blog.robozaps.com/b/humanoid-robots-in-elderly-care

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1683478X.2017.1406576

https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/01/09/1065135/japan-automating-eldercare-robots/

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-00072-z

Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

www.csa.us

Investing in Gold and Silver in Today's Hot Market

2026-04-09T12:28:00.000-07:00

Gold and silver prices are through the roof. What should investors know?

For people who invest in gold and silver, the first few months of 2026 have been a rollercoaster ride. Responding to international conflict and uncertainty in all directions, precious metal prices have risen to historic levels–and then sharply corrected, several times. Some of the factors influencing the numbers include the U.S.-Iran conflict, recent jobs reports, and releases of economic data.

Experts warn, of course, against reacting to short-term jumps in the market. But there are some signs that gold and silver will retain the value they’ve gained, and even continue their upward trend. The level of geopolitical uncertainty in recent years continues to push people toward the relatively straightforward value store that gold and silver represent. Plus, in the long term, the demand for silver will almost certainly rise because it’s a key input for electrification and solar energy.

As of this writing, gold and silver are pushing record highs. The Olympic medals awarded in Milan this year have never been worth more.

To determine whether it’s time to sell or purchase gold and silver, trust a financial advisor and your own careful research. For insight into the process for the curious beginner, read on.

Purchasing and Storing Gold and Silver

As with any investment, it’s essential to first establish trust with the people with whom you’re doing business in gold and silver. One place to start is the American Numismatic Association (ANA), the national trade association for coin dealers. ANA hosts National Coin Week April 19-26, 2026, so there may be special events, like coin shows, coming up in your area. You can also visit their website to find local coin dealers who belong to ANA and follow their code of ethics.

Before doing business with a dealer, it’s a good idea to check your state’s attorney general to confirm that no complaints have been filed against them. Always look at reviews, and never respond to unsolicited offers in the mail, email, social media, or over the phone. The adage holds true with gold and silver as with any financial offer: if it sounds too good to be true, it absolutely is.

Many people picture a stack of gold bars when they think of investing in precious metals, and that’s one popular option. But some people choose to purchase something useful so they can enjoy their investment. Silver cutlery, gold artwork, and precious jewelry can make a home sparkle while storing value for the future.

Not all investments in gold involve physical gold bars, coins, or jewelry. Investors can choose mutual funds and EFTs that offer options for gold and silver. Investing directly in mining companies is another way to attempt to profit from rising gold and silver prices. For retirement savings, a gold IRA may be a way to diversify a portfolio with gold and silver without having to store precious metals.

Investors who store gold and silver, either at home or in a secure location like a bank, may choose to do so in order to have complete control over their investment. Storage comes with its own expense and planning, though. When storing silver at home, it’s important to use a climate controlled safe so that the silver doesn’t oxidize.

In the case of theft, hurricane, fire, flood, or other disaster, insurance could save the day. Investors can often add a rider on their home insurance to protect gold and silver–but as the number and value of gold bars rises, home insurance may not cover it. A dedicated policy may be necessary, and those with a significant investment may choose to store the gold in a secure facility with its own insurance.

As with other valuable possessions, it’s a good idea to keep an inventory of gold and silver. Be sure to retain all receipts from purchases to help with insurance claims and future sales.

Cashing In

Today, many investors are taking advantage of the high prices to liquify gold and silver, freeing up cash for other purposes. When that time comes, it’s important to find a reputable dealer. Good signs include many years in business, leadership listed on their website, a lack of complaints, and positive reviews. Reputable dealers will also:

Clearly list the “spot price” (which changes and is publicly available) and their dealer premium
Clearly disclose any shipping or other fees
Never offer extreme discounts on the spot price
Never pressure you to buy more than you planned

If a dealer makes you feel rushed or pressured at all, walk away; it’s a scam tactic. Even in such a volatile market for gold and silver, there’s always time to consider financial decisions.

Here’s the bottom line: while gold and silver are often viewed as a hedge against inflation, their prices can be volatile and may fluctuate significantly over short periods. Financial professionals often suggest limiting precious metals to a small percentage of an overall investment strategy to maintain diversification.

Sources:

https://www.cftc.gov/LearnAndProtect/AdvisoriesAndArticles/Metals10Things.html

https://goldsilver.com/industry-news/article/gold-silver-prices-short-term-noise-long-term-signal/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2026/02/07/olympic-medals-worth-more-than-ever-as-gold-silver-cost-soar/

https://www.cnbc.com/select/should-you-invest-in-gold-or-silver-3-ways-to-invest/

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-to-find-a-reputable-silver-dealer-in-todays-market/

This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional financial advice from a qualified financial advisor.

Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

www.csa.us

Pushing Back Against Everyday Ageism

2026-04-09T10:46:00.000-07:00

Ageism is everywhere, and it can be subtle. To challenge anti-aging comments, practice a few gentle retorts.

When it comes to growing older, attitude matters. In a now-famous study, researchers found that people who held positive beliefs about aging lived an average of seven and half years longer than those who thought aging was a terrible thing. And yet, ageist beliefs pervade our everyday lives.

Changing the Narrative, a nonprofit dedicated to combating ageism, offers suggestions for investigating our own ageist beliefs and pushing back against ageism when we recognize it. Especially for CSAs and anyone who works with older adults, confronting internalized ageism is essential to best serve clients.

Kris Geerken with Changing the Narrative says one place to challenge ageism is in the doctor's office. A healthcare provider might shrug off a 70-year-old patient’s complaint of back pain, saying that’s what they can expect at their age.

"You'll say, 'No, this really matters to me,'" Geerken told NPR. "'My quality of life is really important to me. There are activities that I do… I need to know how I address this pain so that I can continue to do the things I value."

Because of our own unexamined ageist beliefs–also known as internalized ageism–we may similarly shrug off our own health issues or those of our family members, even those that are actually treatable.

“If, for instance, a family member has a negative stereotype about aging and doesn’t take their elderly loved one to get medical help,” explains Dr. Jan Busby-Whitehead, chief of the Division of Geriatric Medicine at the University of North Carolina. “If they just say, ‘oh, everyone this age has memory loss, everyone this age can’t walk or everyone this age has bladder leakage,’ then the older person may not get the appropriate help they need.” The older family member in this situation may need to self-advocate, and CSAs can also support. “A treatable cause of memory loss is a low Vitamin B12 level, and this can be improved with taking the vitamin either as an injection or as a pill,” says Dr. Busby-Whitehead. “A problem with walking might be improved with physical therapy. Many causes of bladder leaking are treatable.” In these situations, ageism is a greater issue than the physical symptoms.

Recognizing Internalized Ageism

Fighting ageism starts internally. Even professionals who work with older adults may sometimes use ageist language without even recognizing it. The phrase “young at heart,” for example, suggests that older people, in general, stop learning and growing, when in fact people learn and grow throughout their entire lives. Some phrases to replace “young at heart” that don’t carry an implicit bias in favor of youth could be “creative” or “lighthearted.”

To recognize internalized ageism, Changing the Narrative suggests:

Ask yourself if you have negative thoughts about yourself based on your age.
Notice how you talk about people who are older and younger than you.
Take a free test to help you understand your own implicit biases around age. (The gold standard is the Harvard Implicit Bias Test.)
Read and watch stories about older people that portray their subjects in their full humanity and personality.

Responding to Ageism in Conversation

Ageist remarks are common: you might hear someone assume that an older person can’t use technology or is forgetful. You might also hear someone using elderspeak, or infantilizing language like “sweetie” or “dear” with older people.

When the comment is referring to someone else, here are some ways Changing the Narrative suggests to push back, gently, against the ageist remark:

“I try to think about what they are doing, not how old they are.”
“My friend is great with technology. She taught me to use my smartwatch.”
“Why do you believe that?”
“Have you ever been stereotyped because of your age? What was that like?”
“Rather than say, ‘She looks great for her age,’ I would just say, ‘She looks great.’”
“What’s something you’ve learned from someone older than you?”

In a job interview, questions like, “Are you sure you have the energy for this position?” or “When did you graduate?” or even, “How old are you?” can qualify as downright discriminatory. Rather than go the confrontational route (at least, if you still want the job), consider a response like, “I don’t believe my age is important, so let me focus on my qualifications.”

In a doctor’s office or job interview, and in everyday conversation, ageist beliefs make a mark. Recognizing and challenging them can also make a real impact.

Sources:

https://changingthenarrativeco.org/ageism-activism-center/

https://changingthenarrativeco.org/2019/11/12/ageism-starts-with-us/

https://www.ihire.com/resourcecenter/jobseeker/pages/10-age-discrimination-interview-questions-you-might-encounter-and-how-to-answer-them

Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

www.csa.us

The Brain Needs a Workout, Too: Games for Cognitive Health

2026-04-08T14:18:00.000-07:00

Can a computer game help reduce dementia risk? One study says yes.

Games can be serious business. That’s true in the NFL, at the poker table, in Marty Supreme–and in Alzheimer’s research.

In a randomized control study published in February, more than 2,800 people over 65 years of age completed between 14 to 22 hours of speed processing cognitive training in the form of a computer game. Twenty years later, this group of participants had a 25% lower risk of developing dementia.

While researchers stress that more studies must be done, they’re also expressing surprise, even astonishment, at the finding: just a small number of hours of computer-based training can have a significant effect on brain health decades later.

The game used in the study, Double Decision from the company BrainHQ, trains players on processing speed. (Study participants who played memory and reasoning games didn’t show significant improvements in dementia risk over time.) This “speed training” game has also been shown to improve safe driving skills and expand peripheral vision. It asks players to remember which objects they saw in the center of the screen, while also noticing objects appearing to the sides.

The cognitive benefits of learning a new instrument, dance, or game, like pickleball, are similar to the benefits of playing Double Decision or other speed training games. And with those activities, physical and social interaction add on to the beneficial effects, says Dr. Andrew Budson of Boston University, neurologist and author of Why We Forget and How to Remember Better: The Science Behind Memory. He said he was impressed by the recent findings about dementia risk, but that more research is needed. He also wouldn’t personally prescribe computer games over other pursuits for brain health…except perhaps television. “If someone is debating, ‘Should I watch television for three hours or do computer games for three hours?’ my answer is yes, it would be better to do the computer games,” he told AARP.

Brain Training Games That Support Cognitive Function

According to the UK’s Alzheimer’s Society, people should be wary of cognitive games claiming to lower one’s risk of dementia. This research is too new, and not all games have shown the same results.

The good news is that, even though only very limited evidence so far shows how people can use games to lower dementia risk, many studies have shown how games can help people improve their memory, attention, and motor speed at any age.

Crossword puzzles. Some evidence suggests that crossword puzzles can support strong memory into later life.
Sudoku and other numbers-based puzzles. Playing regular games of Sudoku has been shown to improve cognitive function.
Video games like Angry Birds. Yes, it’s true: at least one study shows that video games including Super Mario and Angry Birds can improve memory in older adults.
Pattern recognition and matching games. These games can help improve short-term memory. AARP has a fun library of these online games.

Brain exercises may not be a panacea, but they are financially accessible to most people and carry little risk. The biggest risk might be frustration when the game gets difficult. Another factor to consider is balancing screen time with other pursuits that, as Dr. Budson pointed out, may carry the additional benefits of social interaction and physical exercise. Both of these, of course, have been strongly correlated with brain health in later life.

Don’t clear your schedule to make room for computerized brain games. But next time you open the crossword, Mahjong, or Angry Birds apps, know that you are indeed doing your future brain a little favor.

Sources:

https://www.npr.org/2025/10/22/nx-s1-5581409/mental-exercise-reverse-brain-change-aging-acetylcholine

https://www.npr.org/2026/02/18/nx-s1-5716010/brain-training-exercise-cut-dementia-risk-decades

https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/4-worthwhile-brain-games-older-adults-3

https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/can-brain-training-smartphone-apps-and-computer-games-really-help-you-stay-sharp

Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

www.csa.us

Planting April Flowers for a Summer of Blooms

2026-04-07T09:49:00.000-07:00

After an especially snowy winter in many parts of the country, we're finally in the season of flowers.

For gardeners, April is when the year really begins. This month is an ideal time to plant flowers from seed and start planning your garden. Prepping for No Mow May? Interested in growing flowers indoors? Or just trying to give your window boxes a little life? We’ve got you covered with these tips to bring color to your home and yard all season.

Planting Spring Flowers for Cutting

Once they bloom later this spring and into the summer, these flowers will be perfect to cut for bouquets. Some of these bright flowers need to be started indoors this month and then transplanted into a garden after several weeks of germination.

Finding Free and Low-Cost Seeds and Plants

Local libraries. Some local libraries host “seed libraries” where patrons can pick up the seeds they’re looking for.
State university Agricultural Extension programs. Land-grant universities often host Extension programs that support farmers and growers in their respective states. The IFAS Extension at University of Florida, for example, offers lawn and garden resources on their website. Reach out to your local extension for tips and connections to find free and low-cost plants.
Community seed exchange events. Neighborhood associations, schools, and other local organizations host seed and seedling exchange get-togethers, especially in April and May. Everyone brings last year’s extra seeds or any plants they’ve started indoors that won’t fit into their garden plot this year. Chances are, a neighbor has extra butternut seeds and would love to take those extra cilantro seeds off your hands!

Zinnias grow quickly and burst into bright pinks, reds, purples, and oranges. They love sun and heat. Plant them indoors and then transplant outside.
Sunflowers can be directly sown in April. Mexican sunflowers, or tithonia, are small bright orange flowers that look wonderful in bouquets. All types of sunflowers attract birds and bees during their long blooming periods.
Baby’s breath or gypsophila produce delicate white flowers that make great filler for bouquets. They’re also commonly used in dried flower arrangements. Sow them directly into the soil in April.
Bee balm has a lovely citrus scent that attracts pollinators and people. These bright red flowers can be sown directly or started indoors.

Choosing Varieties for Indoor Spaces

While lots of flower species will only bloom outside, many others will bloom, and keep blooming, indoors with the right care. Consider these flowers for indoor color. Look for varieties that love shade.

Begonias bloom in shade and indoors in pots, with small colorful flowers. They’re much easier to start from a cutting than from seed. Once they’re rooted, they’re very easy to care for.
Petunias come in varieties that do well in low light and will thrive indoors. These bell-shaped flowers can be pink, purple, white, or a variety of other colors, and they look lovely in hanging baskets.
Violas, small purple-ish flowers that can often be found in yards, also do well in containers indoors.
Orchids flower year over year indoors with the right care, and it’s a joy to watch the delicate flowers emerge.
Amaryllis, like orchids, will flower annually indoors, with even more spectacular blooms.
African violets are perhaps the quintessential indoor flowering potted plant. They can be famously tricky to grow from seed and to keep blooming year after year, but the challenge makes those blooms even more rewarding.

Native Perennial Flowers

If you have outdoor space and want that “wildscaped” look, a native garden is the way to go. By choosing native flowers, grasses, and sedges, you’re also feeding the local pollinators who keep our ecosystem healthy. Plus, unlike tropical annuals, these native perennials will come back year after year.

Moss phlox does well in sunny, shallow soil and comes in a wide variety of colors. It attracts bees and butterflies and then, once it finishes blooming, forms a weed-suppressant ground cover that will bloom again next year.
Wild or spotted geranium makes for a great edge plant between the yard and forested areas. It produces small blue flowers on and off all season.
Golden Alexander, in the carrot family, is a host plant for Black Swallowtail butterflies. It shines with bright yellow flowers, does well in mostly-sunny spots, and is resistant to deer.
Purple coneflower, or echinacea, is a beautiful perennial that bees, butterflies, and birds all love. It’s related to black-eyed susans, another favorite native flower.

Of course, which plants are considered native will depend on your growing zone. The Native Plant Finder from the National Wildlife Federation can help you find the right flowering plants for your yard.

Sources:

https://www.homesandgardens.com/gardens/flowers-to-plant-in-april-2025

https://www.plantflix.com/blogs/news/5-flowers-that-bloom-indoors-and-how-to-keep-them-flowering

https://grownative.org/learn/native-landscape-plans/

Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

www.csa.us

Famous & 65

2026-04-07T09:19:00.000-07:00

Look who's turning 65 this month

Find out which celebrities are turning 65 this month!

April 1

This Scottish singer stunned the world in 2009 with a televised audition that became one of the most viral moments in entertainment history. Walking onto the stage of Britain’s Got Talent with an unassuming demeanor, she silenced skeptics the moment she began singing “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Misérables. The performance launched her into instant international fame, and her debut album became one of the fastest-selling releases in U.K. chart history. She’s gone on to sell millions of records worldwide and remains beloved for her beautiful soprano and her down-to-earth style.

Answer: Who is…. (click here to reveal)?

April 3

This comedian and actor rocketed to fame in the early 1980s as one of the youngest breakout stars in the history of Saturday Night Live, where he’s credited with helping revive the show. The catchphrase of one of his characters, a world-weary Gumby, became a classic SNL quote: “I'm Gumby, dammit!” He quickly became a box-office star with blockbuster films including Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America, and The Nutty Professor. He’s famous for playing multiple characters in the same film. While many of his roles have been raunchy, he’s also starred in family fare: he voiced the fast-talking Donkey in the Shrek franchise and the wisecracking Mushu in Mulan. A Golden Globe winner and Academy Award nominee for Dreamgirls, he’s also a singer and appeared in two music videos with Michael Jackson.

Answer: Who is…. (click here to reveal)?

April 23

This stand-up comedian and actor was the first Mexican American to produce a network sitcom built around his own life. Rising from a tough childhood in Los Angeles, his first break came when Sandra Bullock saw one of his stand-up shows and invited him to star in his own comedy. His self-titled ABC series ran for six seasons, becoming a landmark show for Latino representation on U.S. television. He also briefly hosted his own late-night show, starred in films including the classic Real Women Have Curves, and voiced animated characters including in the Smurfs and Rio movie franchises. His philanthropy has included a focus on his Los Angeles community and kidney disease awareness, after he underwent a transplant in 2005.

Answer: Who is…. (click here to reveal)?

Sources:

Wikipedia

Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

www.csa.us

The Latest in AgeTech: 2026

2026-03-12T10:20:00.000-07:00

We round up the most compelling new AgeTech startups featured at this year's major technology conference.

Each year, AARP hosts an AgeTech Collaborative event at CES, the major technology conference produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). This January, this enormous event convened over 148,000 attendees in Las Vegas. One of the attractions of AARP’s Collaborative is the Startup Showcase, where founders demonstrate their innovations in health and wellness, care management, and nutrition.

Here are some of the most exciting ideas to come out of the 2026 Showcase. All of the products below reported low inventory due to popular demand at the time of writing. Clearly, they’re making waves in AgeTech this year and setting the bar for next year’s startup innovators.

iGuard Home. As Senior Spirit reported recently, seniors are at twice the risk of dying in a house fire as compared to younger adults, and cooking fires are the number one cause of house fires. Enter iGuard, a startup solution that uses motion sensing to keep seniors and others safe while cooking. The iGuard bills itself as “an easy to use motion sensor control device that simply shuts off the stove when it doesn’t see any motion in the kitchen for a full five minutes.” It works on gas and electric stoves, and can be manually adjusted if the user chooses to set a longer timer–while cooking a stew, for example. Older adults, care partners, and property managers all gain peace of mind from the technology, iGuard says. The devices have been on the market for a short time, and a new, updated version is now available for pre-order, expected to ship in mid-April. The cost listed on the website is $495.

Osteoboost. People diagnosed with osteopenia (low bone density) will soon have a new non-medication option for treatment. Named one of the TIME Best Inventions of 2025 and marketed to menopausal women, Osteoboost looks like a thick belt worn over clothing. It works by delivering vibrations to the lower back, stimulating the body’s natural bone-building capacity in a way similar to high-impact exercise. Clinical trials have yielded impressive results: compared to a control group, women using Osteoboost at least 3 times per week for about 30 minutes lost 85% less bone density in the spine and 55% less in the hip. Available by prescription only, Osteoboost sells on the website for a self-pay rate of $995. At the time of writing, it was backordered 8-12 weeks due to popular demand.

Elemind. Good sleep is critical to physical and mental health at any age. Yet as we age, we’re more likely to be living with health conditions that make it difficult to get a full night’s rest. With hundreds of satisfied customers, Elemind is a wearable sensor that works by “reading and responding to your individual brainwaves,” directing your brain to sleep “on-demand.” It looks straight out of Star Trek: a headband with a central button (and, of course, an associated phone app). Elemind has conducted clinical trials to show that their "neuromodulation technology” helps people fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply. Users slip the headband on before going to bed and let the device sync to their brainwaves in a way that promotes sleep. Elemind is available without a prescription for $399. As with Osteoboost, its website advertises that customers can use FSA or HSA funds to purchase the technology.

Cadense. Like the innovations above, Cadense tackles a common aging-related hazard–in this case, falls–with cutting-edge technology. Cadense shoes aim to prevent falls for people with difficulty walking. These “adaptive sneakers” and sandals help to “reduce toe catching and support safer, more confident movement.” They advertise: “No hesitation. No overthinking. Just safer steps.” Marketed to seniors and people with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, or other conditions that make it difficult to lift the front of the foot while walking, Cadense shoes promote a gliding motion while also gripping in the right spots with every step. With an easy one-handed closure, they also look quite stylish and come in men’s and women’s styles in a variety of colors. The original women’s adaptive sneaker costs $199.99.

Brainwaves and bone vibrations, smart stoves and shoes–we live in amazing times. While the prices are currently out of reach for many people, here’s hoping these innovators will find ways to lower the price points and make their inventions accessible to more people in the coming months.

Additional sources:

https://www.ncoa.org/article/sleep-statistics-older-adults/

Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

www.csa.us

Financial Planning for Seniors: Smart Strategies to Protect, Preserve, and Pass on Your Wealth

2026-03-11T12:14:00.000-07:00

March is the perfect time for a financial reset. Here are eight steps toward improving your financial peace of mind this spring.

March is a season of renewal. As winter fades and spring approaches, CSAs have a unique opportunity to support senior clients to review their financial landscape, refresh their plans, and take meaningful steps toward long-term security. Whether a senior is preparing for retirement, already retired, caring for a spouse, or supporting adult children or grandchildren, a thoughtful and proactive financial strategy can make all the difference.

This article provides practical, easy-to-implement steps to help CSAs talk with seniors about how to safeguard income, manage risk, reduce financial stress, and remain empowered in every stage of life. Below each main topic is a list of key discussion points.

1. Assess Your Current Financial Picture

A strong plan begins with clarity. These are four key actions seniors should take:

Review income sources: Social Security, pensions, annuities, rental income, part-time work.
List fixed vs. discretionary expenses.
Identify rising cost categories such as healthcare, medication, and home maintenance.
Update your budget to reflect current living needs.

Tip: Use the “Three Bucket Strategy”—Immediate Needs, Mid-Term Goals, and Long-Term Growth—to organize financial accounts.

2. Strengthen Retirement Income Streams

Retirement income must be stable, protected, and sustainable. Consider these strategies:

Delay Social Security (if possible) to increase benefits.
Maximize pension or annuity options by reviewing survivor benefits.
Balance withdrawals to preserve account longevity.
Understand Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs).

Tip: Review investment allocations annually to ensure the right mix of growth and safety.

3. Manage Healthcare Expenses & Long-Term Care

Healthcare is one of the largest expenses for seniors, and often the least planned for. When talking with seniors about long-term care, be sure to touch on:

Understanding Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D.
Reviewing Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage.
Evaluating long-term care insurance or hybrid policies.
Discussing caregiving costs and planning.

Tip: Create a “Care Plan Binder” with key medical and insurance documents.

4. Protect Against Fraud and Financial Exploitation

Senior financial fraud remains a growing national threat, and older adults are a main target. Cover these topics during a financial strategizing session with clients or loved ones:

Common scams: phishing, IRS fraud, romance scams, contractor scams.
Warning signs of exploitation by acquaintances or caregivers.
Importance of appointing a trusted Financial Power of Attorney.
Using credit freezes and monitoring.

Tip: Remind seniors: “If it sounds too good to be true, it is.”

5. Keep Legal and Estate Plans Up to Date

CSAs can help our clients periodically review and update the documents they need to have in place for estate planning.

Will
Durable Power of Attorney
Healthcare Power of Attorney
Living Will / Advance Directive
Beneficiary designations
Transfer-on-death (TOD) or payable-on-death (POD) designations

Tip: Review these documents every three to five years or after major life events.

6. Housing Decisions & Aging in Place

Housing is both a lifestyle and financial decision. Conversations starters include:

Evaluating affordability and physical manageability.
Costs of downsizing vs. staying.
Reverse mortgage considerations.
Planning for home safety modifications.

Tip: Create a “Future Living Plan” to outline housing preferences and financial needs.

7. Maintain Emotional Wellness and Reduce Financial Stress

Money and emotions are deeply connected—especially in retirement. Consider:

The importance of community and purpose.
Emotional spending triggers.
Family communication about caregiving and finances.

Tip: Encourage annual financial check-ins with a trusted advisor.

8. Seek Guidance From Certified Professionals

Encourage seniors to partner with qualified professionals, including fiduciary advisors like a Certified Financial Fiduciary® (CFF), estate attorneys, and tax specialists, to navigate financial decisions with confidence. Dr. Brenda Oldham, a Senior Spirit Editorial Board member, is both a CSA and a CFF. “Financial well-being is not just about numbers,” she says. “It is about independence, dignity, quality of life, and legacy.”

This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional financial advice from a qualified financial advisor.

Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

www.csa.us

Spring Cleaning: The Beauty of Empty Space

2026-03-10T11:30:00.000-07:00

Whether you're downsizing or just want to make more room for living, a real spring clean-out could be just what you and your home need.

The idea of deep clean–windows thrown open, all dust busted–feels enticing this time of year. But where to even begin? For empty nesters and others considering downsizing, or right-sizing, to a new home, the first step is often to get rid of some of that stuff.

“When people think of clutter impacting an individual’s life, they immediately think of a hoarder, but that isn’t really the case for most individuals,” observes Jennifer Pastore Monroy, Executive Director of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO). “In my experience, people have different levels of tolerance for disorganization in their lives, and what is acceptable for one person may be intolerable for another.”

Combine spring cleaning with decluttering, and you have the opportunity to give your home a fresh, minimalist (or close) new look. Don’t aim to refresh your whole house in one day. But take some inspiration from the tips below, and by the time summer hits, you could be living in a space that feels easier to navigate, easier to maintain, and easier to love.

Hiring a Decluttering Professional

There are many decluttering professionals in the community that can help remove any sense of overwhelm associated with downsizing or decluttering. NAPO is a great place to start; visit their website to find a professional organizer in your area. According to Angi, expect to pay about $530 on average for a professional organizer’s services.

Start with safety. Spring cleaning is an opportunity to make your home easier and safer to live in. Clear hallways and other high-traffic areas of anything that doesn’t belong. Consider if any furniture is blocking easy exit routes in the case of an emergency–if it is, move or remove it. Would a basket near the front door help collect items that tend to end up on the floor? Aside from keeping your home clear and clean, you’re also reducing the risk of falls.

Focus on one area at a time. Downsizing or decluttering can feel emotional and overwhelming, but small wins matter. Choose one drawer, shelf, or corner per day to tackle, and stop when you’re feeling done.

Keep your “why” in mind. There are lots of good reasons for putting in the real effort it takes to declutter. Some people might want to declutter for their mental health. Studies have found that a high level of clutter correlates with a decreased sense of “psychological home”--in other words, people tend to feel less at home when their homes are messy. Others are preparing for a move, and others might want to have more company over. If the process starts to feel arduous, remind yourself of the goal.

Select for meaning. Many of us have internalized Marie Kondo’s genius question by now: “Does it spark joy?” When deciding what to keep, donate, or throw away, this question can be the key to bypass tortured decision-making. The point is that objects are as meaningful as the stories they hold. If “sparking joy” doesn’t resonate with you, ask yourself–what’s one item in this room that I would love to never have to dust again? Maybe its day on the “donate” pile has arrived.

Let space do the decorating. Employ empty space as a design principle. Just like empty wall space in an art gallery allows each work of art to breathe, let the walls and floors of your home highlight the furniture and other items that deserve to be highlighted.

Take gentle steps toward right-sizing. Minimalist spring cleaning can be a low-pressure way to prepare for a future move. As early as feels right, begin imagining what would come with you to a smaller space. Notice which items you use every day, and which ones go months or years without being picked up.

As Heather Margaret (writing under the pen name Messie Condo) puts it in her straight-to-the-point guide Nobody Wants Your Sh*t: The Art of Decluttering Before You Die: it’s time to live in the moment without the mess. From all of us at Senior Spirit, good luck with your spring clean!

Sources:

https://www.npr.org/2025/12/04/nx-s1-5580582/vern-yips-secret-to-better-home-decor-stop-scrolling-for-inspiration

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/12/5/132

https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/clean-and-organize/spring-cleaning-made-easy-pictures

https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.napo.net/resource/resmgr/press_kit/women_vs._men_december_2019.pdf

Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

www.csa.us

Five Tips for Safe Drug Disposal

2026-03-10T10:30:00.000-07:00

Wait! Don't just toss that unwanted medication. Instead, use one of these tips to keep people and the planet safe.

In general, doctors prescribe an exact amount of medication because the patient should take all of it. But patients and doctors might decide to cut short a course of medication for a number of reasons: unmanageable side effects, a new diagnosis, or because the medicine just isn’t working. When that happens, people end up with one or more small plastic bottles and a troubling suspicion that they probably shouldn’t just throw them in the trash.

Trust that instinct. There are two main reasons to dispose of unneeded medications with care: the health of other people, and the health of the environment. Medications left sitting around in the home could be accidentally ingested by children or abused by other adults. Among people who abuse prescription drugs, almost half get them from a friend or family member. Plus, when thrown in the trash, medications eventually make their way to the soil and water and can negatively affect human, animal, and plant health.

To keep controlled substances out of the wrong hands and the environment, read on for five tips for safe drug disposal.

Are Orange Pill Bottles Recyclable?

All five options listed here are just for disposing of the actual medication. What about the little orange plastic bottles? Whatever you do with them next, it’s important to first remove any identifying information, including your name and Rx number, with a Sharpie or by ripping up the label.
Unfortunately, even though they’re made out of polypropylene, or #5 plastic, most municipalities don’t accept these bottles for recycling because they’re so small. Small plastic bottles will just fall through the cracks of most recyclers’ machines, and maybe even gum up the works. Ask your local municipality before putting these bottles out with the recycling.
Instead of recycling them, you can save up empty, clean, label-free bottles and look for local organizations that collect them. One church group, for example, collects bottles by mail and sends them to hospitals in countries that need them.
There’s no danger to throwing out these empty, de-identified bottles, but there may be ways to do the environment a favor and reuse them instead: mini first-aid kits, earbud holders, and travel toiletry bottles, to name a few.

1. Bring unwanted drugs to a Drug Take-Back Day.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) holds semi-annual Drug Take-Back events in partnership with civic sites in every state. Residents can anonymously dispose of their unneeded medication, and the DEA will take care of the rest. Mark your calendar: the next DEA Rx Take-Back Day is April 25, 2026. Visit their site and enter your zip code to find collection events near you. At the last event in October 2024, the DEA collected 286 tons of unneeded medication at 4,317 collection sites across the country.

2. Look for other take-back kiosks or events in your community.

Pharmacies often offer drug take-back kiosks in the store, where customers can dump their pills. This search tool identifies DEA-authorized collection kiosks. Other local government or community sites, like police stations or schools, may host periodic events similar to the national DEA Take-Back event.

3. Use a free mail-in envelope.

Yes, you can mail your unwanted medications to a DEA-authorized destruction facility. Pre-addressed and pre-paid mail-back envelopes are available at many pharmacies for this purpose, and organizations including town offices and continuing care retirement communities may provide them free of charge, too.

4. Medications on the “flush list” can and should be flushed down the toilet.

Some medications could kill children who accidentally ingest them. Others are extremely sought-after for abuse potential. The DEA includes 15 kinds of medication in these two categories on a “flush list.” Experts have determined that, for these particular medications, the risk to human health outweighs the risk to the environment. So, if a take-back program, like one of the three options listed above, isn’t immediately available, flush any extra medication down the toilet for the safety of others. But be sure to first check the list or the medication’s packaging.

5. If no other safe disposal options exist, throw it in the trash–but do this first.

If a medication isn’t on the flush list, and there are no take-back options available near you, unwanted medication should be thrown in the trash. But first, make it unappealing for use by others. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends taking the medication out of its original packaging, mixing it with something gross (like cat litter or coffee grounds), putting the mixture inside an empty container like a yogurt tub, and then throwing it in the trash.

Follow these tips, and you’ll be doing your part to prevent accidental poisoning and drug abuse and keep our watershed healthy.

Sources:

https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt42731/2022-nsduh-annual-national-web-110923/2022-nsduh-nnr.htm

https://www.fda.gov/drugs/disposal-unused-medicines-what-you-should-know/drug-disposal-drug-take-back-options

https://www.epa.gov/household-medication-disposal/what-do-unwanted-household-medicines

https://www.medicalwastepros.com/blog/old-pill-bottles/

Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

www.csa.us

America250: Time to Celebrate!

2026-03-03T07:42:00.000-08:00

Fireworks are just the beginning. The United States celebrates a major birthday this year with events for every American.

Boomers may remember where they were during the U.S. Bicentennial observances held in the summer of 1976. Cities across the nation hosted huge fireworks displays. An international fleet of tall ships set sail on July 4 from New York City to Boston. Johnny Cash presided as Grand Marshal of the U.S. Bicentennial parade in Washington, D.C. Small towns got together and celebrated the country’s 200th birthday in their own styles.

This year, the Declaration of Independence is turning 250. The occasion has been dubbed America250, the U.S. Semiquincentennial (in other words, halfway to 500), and the Quarter Millenium. Planning at the federal level started a decade ago, and a year-long celebration began on July 4, 2025. But the big day, the anniversary itself, is coming up on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

What memories will we make this time around? There’s plenty to choose from: birthday bashes, reenactments, concerts, exhibitions, and, of course, some of the most explosive fireworks displays in history.

Sail250

If you missed the fleet of tall ships in 1976, now you have another chance! Sail250 will gather tall sailing ships and military vessels from around the world for portside celebrations. New Orleans, Norfolk, Baltimore, the port of New York and New Jersey, and Boston will host the ships and stage airshows, concerts, and parades. This “largest-ever flotilla of tall ships from around the world” will feature 15,000 sailors from 32 countries. Lines are sure to be long, but those who plan ahead will have the opportunity to tour tall ships and meet the crews. The flotilla is set to arrive in New Orleans on May 28, in New York on July 4, and in Boston on July 11.

Freedom Plane National Tour

A project of the National Archives, the Freedom Plane tour is inspired by the Bicentennial Freedom Train, which traveled the country in 1976 like a mobile museum of Americana. The Bicentennial train carried Jesse Owen’s four Olympic gold medals, Judy Garland’s dress from the Wizard of Oz, a replica of the Apollo lunar rover and real moon rocks, and some of the country’s founding documents. This year’s Freedom Plane will focus on the documents–it will carry original engravings of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and other handwritten letters, treaties, and voting records from 250 years ago. The Freedom Plane will land in eight U.S. cities including Denver, Los Angeles, Dearborn, and Seattle, starting this month.

Commemorative Events at Revolutionary War Sites

Wherever traces of the American Revolution remain, expect to find Americans marking the 250th anniversary this year. Mount Vernon will open two floors of George Washington’s home to visitors after years of renovations, along with a new exhibit on the founder’s life and Revolutionary times. In Philadelphia, The President's House will host special interpretive events within a recreated foundation of Washington’s house, with exhibits investigating the paradox between ideals of liberty and the reality of slavery. Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, home of Valley Forge, will host interpretive readings throughout the battlefield and surrounding towns. Plus, the FIFA World Cup will be in town, with 16 matches scheduled for July 4 at Lincoln Financial Field. Start planning now if you want to experience Philly in early July!

Opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library

The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library commemorates and brings to life a different era of American history. The enormous library, museum, and cultural center will open July 4 in Medora, North Dakota after breaking ground three years ago. The non-profit foundation spearheading the project hopes that, in the spirit of the 26th President, “every visit will inspire bold action and fearless participation In the Arena” of American life. With sweeping architecture that blends into the North Dakotan landscape, the library is sure to become a must-see destination for fans of history and sustainable design.

America 250, Colorado 150

Colorado is celebrating America's semiquincentennial, and their sesquicentennial, Colorado 150. Since September, the state has hosted what will amount to almost 150 community drone shows celebrating the state’s history. The Centennial State will brim with fun events this spring and summer, from group hikes to special exhibitions and parades.

America’s Potluck

Sunday dinner is one of the great American traditions. The America250 Commission, which is organizing observances at the federal level, is promoting a nationwide event called America’s Potluck on July 5. According to the organizers, “America's Potluck is an opportunity for neighbors to join with one another to share a fun, communal meal, creating a sense of connection and belonging and fostering interactions among people from all walks of life.” Families and local groups can sign up to start or join a potluck on the website.

True to the diversity that has strengthened America for 250 years, the Semiquincentenninal will bring something for everyone to enjoy. Whether or not you had the chance to celebrate the bicentennial 50 years ago, don’t sit this one out–it’s sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Sources:

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/ten-of-the-most-exciting-ways-to-commemorate-americas-250th-this-year-180988106/

https://www.npr.org/2025/09/17/nx-s1-5544582/u-s-education-dept-unites-conservative-groups-to-create-patriotic-civics-content

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Bicentennial#1976_events

https://whyy.org/articles/philadelphia-presidents-house-slavery-exhibit-removal/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_Train#1975%E2%80%9376_American_Freedom_Train

Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

www.csa.us

Famous and 65

2026-03-02T08:58:00.000-08:00

Look who's turning 65 this month

Find out which celebrities are turning 65 this month!

March 4

This American lightweight boxer rose to fame in the early 1980s with an aggressive, crowd-pleasing style and a blue-collar image that earned him the nickname “Boom Boom.” When he captured the WBA lightweight title in 1982, he became a national sports figure and a symbol of pride for his hometown of Youngstown, Ohio. His career, however, is forever linked to one of boxing’s most tragic moments: a 1982 title defense against South Korean challenger Duk Koo Kim, who later died from injuries sustained in the bout. The fight led to lasting changes in boxing regulations, including shorter championship bouts and improved medical oversight.

Answer: Who is…. (click here to reveal)?

March 11

A Malibu-born heartthrob with molded hair and an ever-evolving wardrobe, this iconic guy has held countless careers over the decades: from astronaut and doctor to rock star and beach bum. He debuted in the early 1960s as the longtime companion to the world’s most famous fashionista, and rapidly became a pop culture fixture in his own right. Recently, he’s enjoyed renewed attention and fandom thanks to a 2023 film, in which he comes to realize that he really doesn’t have anything to prove. On his “birthday” this month, he’ll celebrate 65 years of devotion to his leading lady.

Answer: Who is…. (click here to reveal)?

March 29

This comedian, actress, and writer has built a cult following through her offbeat humor and delightfully strange sensibility. She first gained wide recognition on the sketch series Strangers with Candy with her portrayal of the morally bankrupt Jerri Blank. A frequent collaborator with fellow surrealists, she’s brought scene-stealing energy to films like Elf and television shows like Broad City and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. She’s also an author, co-writing books that blend comedy and faux etiquette; for example, her hilariously-named I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence. Her legacy may be that she elevated awkwardness to an art form.

Answer: Who is…. (click here to reveal)?

Sources:

Wikipedia

Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

www.csa.us

Honoring the Wisdom of Black Elders Through Financial Literacy

2026-02-05T12:03:00.000-08:00

A commentary on Aging While Black by Raymond Jetson

During Black History Month, we celebrate the profound contributions of Black elders—individuals who, as author Raymond Jetson reminds us, are “too often seen only through the lens of vulnerability, when in truth they are pillars of ingenuity and wisdom.” His insightful work with the Aging While Black initiative challenges us to look past stereotypes and acknowledge the strength, creativity, and resilience that older Black adults continue to embody in every community.

Jetson’s 2025 book, Aging While Black: A Radical Reimaginging of Aging and Race in America, issues a clear call to action: institutions, advocates, and policymakers must recognize not only the inequities that shape the lives of Black elders but also their enduring leadership. This recognition must be paired with intentional strategies that affirm their value and transform the environments in which they age.

He further emphasizes, “I believe one of the greatest opportunities before us today is engaging older adults as resources to respond to many of the challenges impacting communities across the country while simultaneously making space for and listening to the wisdom that is emerging in younger generations.”

As a Certified Senior Advisor and financial literacy educator, I believe one of the most powerful forms of affirmation is access to financial knowledge. Many Black seniors spent a lifetime overcoming systemic barriers—limited access to wealth-building tools, discriminatory lending practices, and unequal earnings opportunities. Today, for Black seniors, financial literacy education serves as both an empowerment tool and a bridge:

- A bridge to confidently navigate retirement decisions

- A bridge to protect their assets and avoid financial exploitation

- A bridge to pass down generational wisdom and financial stability

Financial literacy honors the legacy of Black elders by giving them the information, resources, and support they deserve to thrive at every stage of aging. When we invest in their financial well-being, we strengthen entire families and communities.

This Black History Month, may we uplift not only the stories of the past but the elders who continue to shape our future—ensuring they are seen, heard, and equipped with the tools that affirm their dignity and economic security.

Author Bio:

Dr. Brenda Oldham, Ed.D., CFF, CSA, is the CEO and Owner of RAM Insurance & Financial Services and the Founder of RAM Educational Business Solutions, where she leads initiatives focused on financial literacy education, workforce development, and financial equity for individuals, entrepreneurs, and organizations. Dr. Oldham serves on the Georgia Advisory Board for the Financial Educators Council and is a Business-to-Business Partner Provider with Oakland Thrive in Oakland County, Michigan, where she coaches entrepreneurs and delivers educational workshops to support business growth and sustainability. A sought-after speaker and media contributor, Dr. Oldham has appeared on Detroit’s WJR Radio station as a guest on Ann Thomas’ Women Who Lead weekly radio program. Brenda also hosts the

monthly podcast Rock Your Finances with Dr. Oldham, where she shares practical financial strategies and inspirational insights.

Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

www.csa.us

Applying the Montessori Method to Dementia Care

2026-02-05T11:00:00.000-08:00

The person-centered approach to dementia care prioritizes independence and choice.

A music therapist by training, Leslie Sedille started her career as an activities director at a senior living community. There she found her calling serving seniors and their families. But when she became director of memory care at another company, she struggled to witness how their policies affected older adults with dementia. The facility wasn’t staffed correctly, Leslie recalls, to allow aides and residents enough time to engage at each resident’s own pace. Residents who felt rushed to shower, for example, would refuse to do so because they felt scared.

“This is just not the way it’s supposed to be,” she remembers thinking. When Leslie found the Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional® certification, “I was like–that’s me and what my principles are.”

In addition to being a CSA, Leslie is now a CMDCP®.

A CMDCP certification represents an additional level of training for health care professionals, educators, elder care attorneys, care managers, and other professionals who serve people with dementia. The National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP) offers the certification program as an online or in-person course and exam.

Montessori care, like Montessori education, is person-centered. “You’re meeting the person where they’re at and adapting what you want to be done to where their skills are,” says Leslie, who is also a member of the Senior Spirit editorial board. “It’s a common sense approach, if you know dementia.”

The Montessori Method: Not Just for Kids

In early twentieth-century Italy, Maria Montessori developed and started to popularize her now-famous educational method. Today, Montessori schools operate around the world in many variations. All are known for their holistic, child-centered teaching philosophy, wherein the teacher functions as a gentle guide encouraging children’s natural explorations.

Starting in the mid-1990s, dementia care practitioners and researchers began to see and study the potential of the Montessori method for dementia care. Now, various organizations promote the Montessori philosophy and specific techniques as applied to the care of people with dementia. The Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) promotes Montessori for Dementia, Disability, and Ageing (MDDA). The four key principles of the MDDA method are:

Self-esteem,
Independence,
Choice, and
Meaningful engagement.

“Always remember that there is a person behind the dementia,” AMI shares on their website. “We need to look for the person and focus on abilities rather than disabilities. To start, we can learn about their history, culture, lifestyle diversity, strengths, interests, needs, and more.” AMI offers another certification, the Montessori for Dementia, Disability and Ageing Certified Practitioner (MDDACP).

Montessori dementia care practitioners choose activities based on the individual’s interests. Activities use guided repetition and pattern recognition, which rely not on conscious recall, but rather on procedural and implicit memory. These kinds of memory tend to remain intact longer for people with dementia. For a person who was an interior designer, an activity might be to match different samples of wallpaper with borders.

To promote independence and meaningful engagement, Montessori dementia care also empowers people to do the daily tasks they can still do, given adequate scaffolding and time. For example, providing a visual template for a table setting allows a resident to set their own place by using the image as a guide. In a study, residents with advanced dementia showed more constructive engagement and pleasure after participating in Montessori-based activities as compared to regular programming.

Montessori care requires an active staff trained on the philosophy at some level, says Leslie. “You have to buy into it. You have to be patient.” Supporting people with dementia to complete daily activities at their own pace, not rushing them along, takes great time and patience. But the results, according to researchers and proponents of the Montessori method, are that the people being served will be happier, safer, and more able to live with dignity.

Both a CMDCP and CSA

Leslie is now a Family Liaison and Care Manager at Paradise Home Health Care in Boca Raton, Florida. In her current role, she uses the skills she learned as a CMDCP while getting to know families. “I’m asking questions that really get to the heart of who their family member is so we can communicate that to the aide.” That familiarity is key because, with Montessori dementia care, the person providing care needs to understand the individual’s preferences and personality. Leslie asks questions like, “What time does your mom get up?” and “How much can she do on her own?” to prepare her aides to know what the client really needs help with, and what they prefer to continue to do for themselves. In home health care, the goal is that the client still runs their own home, with the help they need.

Both the CMDCP and the CSA certifications are focused on the well-being of seniors, Leslie says. For her, having both certifications opens up access to different resources, people, and networks. The approaches complement each other. “Being a CSA, it’s not just sales and marketing. When potentials call, I’m talking to them and building a rapport, but it’s the way I talk with them.” She’s listening, providing resources, and speaking to the humanity of the family and their loved one. “Even if they don’t go with us, six months later I’ll get a call.” As a CSA and a CMDCP, Leslie’s approach is wholly centered on the best interest and well-being of her clients.

Sources:

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230131-does-the-montessori-method-actually-work

https://montessori-ami.org/about-ami/our-mission

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3600589/

Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

www.csa.us

Five Tips for Traveling with Pets

2026-02-04T11:53:00.000-08:00

Lots of seniors are bringing their best friends along on vacation. Plan ahead for a fun, safe, and comfortable trip for everyone.

More than half of Americans over age 50 own pets, and over half of those pet owners choose to take their pets along with them when they travel, according to a Healthy Aging poll. And why not? As we know, owning a dog or cat has been shown to boost brain health, and our pets are family. As long as we know they'll be safe and comfortable, it’s a joy to bring pets along on life’s adventures.

If you’re looking ahead to summer and planning a road trip, or maybe even looking to board a plane with your pet, here are some tips for making it a happy and safe journey for both two- and four-legged travelers.

1. Advance planning is key. While there’s no need to plan every pit stop, taking a look at a map for dog-friendly parks and restaurants along your route will make for smooth sailing. Plan on stopping every two or three hours, for twenty minutes or more, to give dogs a chance to get a few laps in. (More frequent breaks are a plus for most older adults, too! Having the dog along will remind you to stop and get your own body moving on long car trips.) Websites like GoPetFriendly and BringFido can help you look at your route and find pet-friendly stops you can plan around. These sites can also point you to local veterinarians at your destination.

2. Flying? Consider the pros and cons. What makes an airline pet-friendly? Most airlines will accommodate your pets, but whether they’re allowed to be in the cabin with you depends on each airline. On almost every airline, if pets are allowed in the cabin, they must be in carriers the entire flight (the one exception we found, for dogs at least, is BARK Air, described below). Consider your dog or cat’s temperament before scheduling any non-essential air travel. Total sedation is generally discouraged because it can be dangerous; most vets will prescribe a mild anti-anxiety drug for air travel. Flying is certainly stressful, but some pets will take it in stride.

For luxury air travel with your dog, consider BARK Air, a newer company that partners with U.S. air carriers to offer flights where dogs are the VIPs. Your dog rides with you in the cabin, and the whole in-flight experience is tailored to your dog’s comfort and needs. All dogs on the flight are seated (with their persons) according to trained dog behaviorists’ assessment of pre-flight pup socialization. That level of attention to detail makes for smooth sailing, albeit with a hefty price tag. BARK Air currently flies between New York City, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Lisbon, San Francisco, and Madrid, and flights sell out months in advance.

3. Pack with care. In addition to the essentials–like plenty of familiar food and treats, bowls for water, and doggie bags–pack favorite blankets, toys, and other comfort items to help make new places feel more familiar. Be sure to pack all your pet’s needed medication and consider bringing a pet first-aid kit–here are some good ones. For long car trips in the heat of summer, a cooling mat can keep pets comfy.

Before a trip, make sure your pet’s identification tags are secure and easy to read, and make sure their harness and leash are in good repair. Same goes for any crate or pen you plan to bring along.

4. Drive pet-safe. Most dogs love a car ride. Experts caution that it’s safest for dogs to keep their heads inside moving cars to stay safe from debris and other vehicles. To cut down on distractions and protect against impacts, dogs should be in a crate or secured with a pet seat belt, and cats should be crated while cars are in motion. Dog seatbelt technology has come a long way; today’s products are comfortable and light. Many will double as a harness for walking.

While it’s common knowledge, it can’t be overstated: never leave a pet in a hot car, even with the window cracked. Heatstroke can happen within minutes. Always err on the side of caution, and keep pets with you on hot days.

5. Take lots of pictures. Your friends and family want to see you and your pet enjoying life in far-flung locales. Don’t forget to post those photos, please!

Sources:

https://www.aarp.org/travel/travel-tips/transportation/vacation-with-pets/

https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/happy-retirement/retirement-road-trips-with-pets-tips-for-traveling-with-your-dog-or-cat

https://www.travelnuity.com/pet-friendly-airlines/

https://www.peta.org/features/dogs-and-other-companion-animals-suffer-heat-related-deaths/#drop

Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

www.csa.us

Simple Tax Strategies to Keep More of Your Money

2026-02-04T09:45:00.000-08:00

Review this checklist every February to ensure you are taking full advantage of tax-saving opportunities.

Use this simple one-page guide to reduce your tax burden and keep more of your money. These strategies are easy to understand and implement for seniors, families, and small business owners.

1. Max Out Tax-Deductible Contributions

Contributing the maximum allowed to retirement accounts like IRAs and employer plans can lower your taxable income while strengthening your long-term financial security.

Increase contributions to your 401(k), 403(b), or traditional IRA.
Even a 1–2% increase can lower your taxable income.
Check if you qualify for catch-up contributions (age 50+).

2. Use Tax Credits

Tax credits directly reduce the amount of tax you owe, dollar-for-dollar, making them one of the most powerful tools for keeping more of your money.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
American Opportunity Credit (education).
Child Tax Credit (grandparents raising grandchildren may qualify).
Energy-efficient home improvement credits.

Where To Turn for Free and Low-Cost Tax Preparation

Tax preparation doesn’t have to break the bank; in fact, many seniors are eligible for free or low-cost tax prep services. Here are a few places to look for affordable tax assistance in your community.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE). For more than 50 years, the IRS has funded these volunteer-run programs at local organizations, with a focus on households making under $67,000, taxpayers with limited English, and people with disabilities. TCE specializes in tax issues important to older adults, like Social Security and pensions, but any VITA site should be able to assist with those questions. Use the locator tool to find a VITA/TCE site near you for free tax prep.
Your local library. Many library systems provide free tax prep for low-income households, often through VITA. If they don’t offer it themselves, they’ll refer you to other local providers. (Just one more reason to love your library!)
AARP’s Tax-Aide program. You do not have to be an AARP member to take advantage of their IRS-certified volunteer-run Tax-Aide program. They provide free tax assistance to anyone, with a focus on people over 50 years old who have low income.

3. Track Deductible Expenses

Keeping good records of eligible expenses such as medical costs, charitable giving, and business or volunteer mileage can significantly reduce your taxable income.

Medical and dental expenses.
Charitable donations (cash, clothing, household goods).
Property taxes and mortgage interest.
Business expenses (home office, mileage, supplies).
Keep receipts in a simple envelope or digital folder.

4. Review Withholding & Estimated Taxes

Regularly checking your tax withholdings or estimated payments helps prevent surprise tax bills and keeps your cash flow on track throughout the year.

Use the IRS withholding calculator.
Adjust W-4 if you owed taxes last year.
Self-employed? Double-check quarterly estimated payments.

5. Use Tax-Advantaged Accounts

Accounts like HSAs, FSAs, and 529 plans allow your money to grow tax-free when used for qualified healthcare or education expenses, creating smart savings at any age.

HSA: Save pre-tax dollars for medical expenses.
FSA: Use funds for childcare, medical, dental needs.
529 Plans: Tax-free growth for education savings.

April 15 always arrives before you know it. We hope that by keeping this checklist handy, you maximize your savings for tax year 2025.

This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional financial advice from a qualified financial advisor.

Sources:

https://whatsyourgrief.com/creating-new-tradition-after-a-death/

https://www.npr.org/2018/12/23/679334018/after-the-loss-of-a-loved-one-your-holiday-traditions-change-but-hope-endures

https://deconstructingstigma.org/guides/holidays

https://www.samhsa.gov/blog/supporting-your-mental-health-during-holiday-season

https://www.sdcoe.net/about-sdcoe/news/post/~board/news/post/mental-and-physical-wellness-over-the-holidays

https://truecare.org/blog/holiday-blues-managing-your-mental-health-during-the-holidays/

https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/mental-health/tips-for-taking-control-of-the-holidays-so-they-dont-take-control-of-you/

Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

www.csa.us

Don't Let Subscription Fatigue Get You Down

2026-02-02T12:52:00.000-08:00

With so many ways to subscribe, seniors need systems for tracking recurring charges.

Feeling the subscription fatigue? These days, we can subscribe to everything from shaving cream to meal boxes, online magazines to smoothie mixes, credit cards to budgeting apps. Understandably, many people are tired of keeping track of what they’ve subscribed to…and exhausted from seeing all those recurring charges on their monthly statements. Let’s review some subscription fees that commonly fly under the radar, and how to recognize and put an end to the subscriptions you don’t really want.

“Subscribe and Save” purchase options

Amazon and other online retailers now ask if you want to “subscribe and save”--meaning you’ll pay less now if you pre-order the product for delivery in another 2 weeks or one month. This offer could save you money, if you’re definitely going to need that item again at that frequency. But…are you? Ask yourself the tough questions before hitting “subscribe” to avoid a surprise charge later.

Printer ink subscriptions

Depending on your printer and your printing needs, it may make financial sense to subscribe for printer ink (more on that here–it’s complicated). The important thing for seniors and families to know is that ink subscriptions are common these days, and for those who print very little, ditching the printer and its related ink subscription could be a place to save.

Donations to non-profits or political candidates

When making a donation to your favorite charities or political candidates, choosing to “make it monthly” can be a convenient way to provide consistent support to the causes you care about. But only if that’s what you mean to do. It’s best practice for online donation platforms to make “one-time donation” the default choice, so that the individual making the donation would need to select a monthly donation on purpose. Of course, not every entity chooses this best practice, and it can be easy for people who aren’t as familiar with online platforms, including seniors, to make their donation recurring by accident.

Cloud storage

Like with printer ink, it can make sense to pay for cloud storage. The key is to pay only for what you need. GoogleOne and Apple iCloud pricing rises with the amount of storage purchased. Phone users may have seen the notice that their phone is almost out of storage and bought the recommended cloud storage right away. Review what you’re paying, how often you’re paying it, and evaluate if that cost matches your needs.

Old app subscriptions, free trial “zombie” subscriptions, and other “grey charges”

When you’re pretty sure you canceled that streaming service subscription, and then notice 5 months later that you’re still paying $12.99/month for it– that’s a grey charge. Grey charges are sneaky and sometimes illegal charges that tend to be small enough to run under the radar, and yet add up over time. If you see small, regular charges on your bank account or credit card statement that you don’t recognize, it may be that you downloaded an app that charged you a sneaky subscription fee, or it could be a fee detailed in the fine print of another service. It may be that you really did cancel that subscription, but somehow your request was never processed.

It’s in the interest of companies to make recurring fees as easy to accept and hard to detect as possible. This game is stacked against older adults, who may be less familiar with these newer online payment tricks. And for people with cognitive decline, keeping track of recurring fees can be a major challenge. CSAs and loved ones can keep this in mind and help older adults keep tabs on all their subscriptions.

Ways to Identify Unwanted Recurring Charges

Knowledge is power when it comes to these unwanted subscriptions and grey charges.

Review your bank and credit card statements every month. If you see a charge you don’t recognize, reach out to the bank or credit card company for help identifying it.
Try an app to help you audit your subscriptions. If you have a lot of active subscriptions–or a sneaking suspicion that you might–consider downloading an app to assist you in reviewing your recurring charges. Some popular ones are Trim and PocketGuard.
If you’re concerned about grey charges, set up bank or credit card alerts to notify you of charges under a certain dollar amount.

For most of the subscriptions mentioned above, the ball is in the consumer’s court: you can decide what you want to pay, and cancel the subscriptions you don’t need. But when a company doesn’t immediately cancel the subscription when you ask, or if you can’t figure out what a charge is for, don’t hesitate to contact your bank, the credit card company, and/or the Federal Trade Commission to report suspected fraud.

Sources:

https://www.moneytalksnews.com/slideshows/stop-wasting-money-subscriptions-to-cancel-today/

https://www.consumerreports.org/consumer-awareness/how-to-find-and-cancel-unwanted-online-subscriptions-a3454561625/

https://www.savingadvice.com/articles/2025/08/05/10162620_7-subscription-services-that-seniors-forget-to-cancel.html

Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

www.csa.us

Famous & 65

2026-02-02T10:49:00.000-08:00

Look who's turning 65 this month

Find out which celebrities are turning 65 this month!

February 2

This longtime sports broadcaster has become the unmistakable voice of New York Yankees baseball for generations of fans. Beginning his career as a newspaper reporter before moving into radio, he joined the Yankees’ broadcast booth in the early 1990s and went on to call some of the franchise’s most memorable moments, including multiple World Series championships. The Bronx native is known for his signature Yankees home run call: “There it goooooes… see ya!” He’s currently the host of a popular daily sports radio show in New York that bears his name.

Answer: Who is…. (click here to reveal)?

February 10

This veteran journalist and political commentator became a familiar face in American media after first making his mark behind the scenes of national politics. He was a senior advisor to Bill Clinton’s presidential campaign, and then became White House communications director early on in the Clinton administration. He later joined ABC News and built a long career as a trusted interviewer and anchor. He currently hosts This Week, ABC’s Sunday morning show, and is a co-anchor with Robin Roberts and Michael Strahan of Good Morning America, the most-watched morning show for over a decade. Back in the 90s, he enjoyed some non-political media mentions on lists of the nation’s most-eligible bachelors.

Answer: Who is…. (click here to reveal)?

February 16

This British guitarist helped define the sound of 1980s pop-rock, the “New Romantic” era. As the lead guitarist of Duran Duran, he gave hits like “Hungry Like the Wolf,” “Rio,” and “The Reflex” their distinctive bite. During the band’s peak, he also co-founded a funk-driven side project, The Power Station. After departing Duran Duran in the mid-1980s, he pursued a solo career and later collaborated with other rock stars including Robert Palmer. He eventually reunited with his bandmates for the successful Astronaut album and tour.

Answer: Who is…. (click here to reveal)?

February 27

This Lakers forward became a cornerstone of one of basketball’s great dynasties. Drafted first overall in 1982, the North Carolina native spent his entire NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers, thriving in the high-octane “Showtime” era alongside Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Nicknamed “Big Game James” (there’s a clue), he earned NBA Finals MVP honors in 1988. Over a 12-season career, he was a seven-time All-Star and won three NBA championships, helping cement the Lakers’ dominance of the 1980s. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, he later transitioned into broadcasting, becoming a familiar voice analyzing the team he helped make legendary.

Answer: Who is…. (click here to reveal)?

Sources:

Wikipedia

Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

www.csa.us

Monthly Internet Bills Are Hard to Read. Broadband Facts Could Help.

2026-01-08T12:02:00.000-08:00

Feeling like you need a PhD in cryptology to understand your internet bill? You're not alone.

In the past couple of years, you might have seen a portion of your Internet bill that looks surprisingly like a Nutrition Facts label on a box of cereal. These Broadband Facts are a new initiative of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) intended to make inscrutable Internet bills easier to understand. They include information including monthly rates, how long introductory rates last, additional charges included in the monthly rate, Internet speeds provided, and more.

Unfortunately, these labels may be easier to read, but they’re not always easy to find–some companies avoid printing them on paper bills. For those who have gone paperless, the Broadband Facts are sometimes hidden on the company’s website. And the labels themselves can be confusing as they’re currently designed, especially when a customer buys Internet, phone, and cable together. It remains to be seen whether proposed rules to streamline the labels will do more to help or hurt consumer protections.

If you’re struggling to understand what you’re paying for now, while we wait for improved billing to arrive, here are some tips to make the best of the broadband payment options we have today.

Tips to Save Money on Monthly Internet Bills

Start with doing your best to understand what’s on your bill. Some Internet service providers (ISPs) are worse than others with the tacked-on fees, including data overage charges, late fees, and equipment rentals. If you’re not sure, check to see if you’re paying a monthly fee to rent your modem and/or router (and if you need a refresher on what those even look like, refer to this Senior Spirit article). Purchasing your own equipment can be a smart financial decision in the long run.

It can also pay to research what’s out there. While ISPs have a reputation for being monopolies, there are usually at least one or two other options for Internet service for U.S. homes. The FCC offers a map where consumers can search by address for ISPs that serve their area. Broadband Now, a company that aims to help consumers find and compare Internet providers, also provides a search tool for every local option.

You’ll also want to calculate how much bandwidth you need, and pay for that tier, not a more expensive one. Broadband Now has a handy bandwidth calculator that will help you determine your needs based on how many devices are likely to be in use at one time, and for what purposes.

Consumer Advocate Paints a Picture of the Broadband Future We All Want

“Imagine what your experience with your internet service provider would be like if our government insisted on well-done consumer transparency,” writes Chayya Kapadia, Chief of Staff at New America's Open Technology Institute. Kapadia and her team advocate for consumers through policies promoting robust broadband labels and more. She paints a picture of what we should expect from the industry:

You would be able to access a label with minimal clicks on well-labeled links on every provider website.
Your label would be printed on your bill every month.
Your internet service provider would proactively mail or email you an annual disclosure of your current service's label, and a notice every time your bill or service changed with the changes clearly marked.
The label would include color-coded context to help you understand what you can reasonably expect to be able to do with your internet service plan.
The label would have reliability and downtime information as well as details on how your service might change during peak usage times.
The label would tell you when and how a provider might degrade service for video or mobile hotspots.
The label would be available in many languages.
The label would mention every subsidy program that you might qualify for.
The FCC’s broadband map—which displays the internet service available at your address—would allow you to click directly to the corresponding labels for the tiers of internet service available at that address, too.

With equitable Internet service as with anything else, we can’t build it until we can dream it. If you’re not getting the transparency you want from your ISP, advocate for yourself–politely but with a clear willingness to cancel if necessary. Getting the change you want, on your own monthly bill or in the broadband industry as a whole, will take persistence.

Additional Sources:

https://broadbandnow.com/guides/save-money-internet-bill

https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandlabels

https://broadbandnow.com/blog/internet-billing-mistakes-to-avoid

Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

www.csa.us

It's All in the Timing: Buying and Using Long-Term Care Insurance

2026-01-08T11:27:00.000-08:00

What's the best age to buy a long-term care policy? And how do you know when it's time to start using it?

A person turning 65 these days has a 70% chance of needing long-term care (LTC) in their lifetime. Commercials during open enrollment may lead viewers to think that Medicare will cover that long-term care; but that’s misleading. Depending on your plan, Medicare may or may not cover short-term home care, like a one-hour bath visit, after a hospital stay. But it definitely does not cover long-term care.

The sky-high cost of long-term care, and the burden that caregiving can place on a family, both contribute to some people’s decision to purchase a long-term care insurance policy.

But no one in their twenties or thirties has long-term care insurance (LTCI). So, when’s the right age to start investing in a policy? And for those who bought LTCI and have been paying the premiums, another question arises: how do you know when the time has arrived to actually use it?

What does a long-term care policy cover?

First of all, let’s be clear what we’re paying for when we’re paying between $150 and $500/month for LTCI. A majority of long-term care policies require medical underwriting, but they cover mostly non-medical services. LTC policies generally cover personal or custodial care; that is, support with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as eating, bathing, and dressing. Most also include medical services like skilled nursing care or occupational therapy. LTC coverage may provide accommodation in a skilled nursing facility, and/or provide for a home health aide. Bottom line: policies vary, so it’s essential to review exactly what is covered before signing on.

When is the best time to buy a long-term care policy?

Most experts recommend buying a long-term care policy in your mid-50s to mid-60s. At that age, most people are likely to qualify for a lower premium, but will avoid paying it for a lot longer than they need to. As women have longer life expectancies, they’ll pay more than men at every age.

Don’t wait until after 70 to purchase a policy. At that age, your chances of getting approved at all drop by 50%, and waiting until age 75 could mean your premium is 91% more than that of a 55 year old. (Of course, that 55 year old has been paying their lower premium for an extra 20 years.)

A new offering that could be a solid choice, especially for those who are older and have pre-existing conditions that would make traditional LTCI prohibitively expensive, is hybrid LTC and life insurance. These policies are not exactly use-it-or-lose-it, as unused LTC benefits will be paid out to family members in a death benefit.

For some people, LTCI may not make sense as an investment if it interferes with other financial goals. Other forms of savings may amount to “self-insurance,” for example, if you have saved enough in retirement accounts or can access equity through a reverse mortgage to pay for long-term care. Always do the math and talk to a financial advisor to determine your specific needs.

How to tell when it’s time to start using the policy?

Unlike with a whole life insurance policy, there’s no cashing out a LTCI policy. In other words, it’s “use it or lose it” when it comes to those benefits. But what’s the right juncture to start drawing on your coverage?

One thing to be aware of is the elimination period of 30, 60, or 90 days between the time that a benefit trigger occurs, and being able to receive payment. A benefit trigger is defined by the insurance company and determined by a nurse or social worker. Most often, a benefit trigger is defined through ADLs or cognitive impairment. For example, when a policy holder needs help with two or more of six ADLs, and/or when they’re diagnosed with cognitive impairment, the LTC benefits are triggered.

If you think it’s likely that you or your loved one will want to start using a LTCI policy soon, keep in mind that there will be 30, 60, or 90 days during which you’ll have to pay for services–at home or in a skilled nursing facility–out of pocket. The length of the elimination period is one factor to consider when choosing a policy.

When the policy holder qualifies to file a claim, based on the benefit triggers in place, it can still be difficult to decide that now is the time to use the benefits. Most policies have a lifetime limit of a set number of years, and the policy will be exhausted after the limit is reached. These questions can help with decision-making:

Would I rather preserve benefits for later, or reduce financial strain now?
How much longer do I expect to live? (How many years or months do I likely have to draw down the benefits?)
Will delaying compromise my independence or safety?
Are family caregivers becoming exhausted? Are tasks like bathing or mobility becoming unsafe for caregivers?
If I delay, will I be able to financially cover the weeks/months of care during the elimination period?
Would it help me to have a case manager to review whether or not a benefit trigger has occurred? (Starting the inquiry doesn’t obligate you to proceed with a claim.)

None of these LTCI decisions are easy–not for the policy holders, nor for their family members and care partners. But at any stage in the process, it can be a relief to step back, take a look at the big financial picture, and plan together with a financial expert.

This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional financial advice from a qualified financial advisor.

Additional sources:

https://acl.gov/ltc/costs-and-who-pays/what-is-long-term-care-insurance

https://acl.gov/ltc/basic-needs/how-much-care-will-you-need

https://acl.gov/ltc/costs-and-who-pays/what-is-long-term-care-insurance/what-long-term-care-insurance-covers

https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/financial-legal/when-to-buy-long-term-care-insurance/

https://www.agingcare.com/questions/when-do-you-start-using-ltc-plan-to-pay-for-care-492398.htm

https://acl.gov/ltc/costs-and-who-pays/what-is-long-term-care-insurance/receiving-long-term-care-insurance-benefits

https://www.agingcare.com/questions/when-do-you-start-using-ltc-plan-to-pay-for-care-492398.htm

Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

www.csa.us

10 Surprising (and Free) Services Libraries Offer

2026-01-08T10:41:00.000-08:00

Across the country, public libraries are continuously reinventing themselves to meet patrons' needs.

How long has it been since you slapped your library card on top of a pile of books and DVDs at the library counter? In this era of ebooks and online research, many people don’t visit the library as often as they used to–at least, not to check out a physical stack of books.

As librarians get creative about ways to keep these public spaces relevant and exciting, people of all generations are finding new reasons to love their local libraries. Here are ten services that libraries are offering now.

1. Co-working space. In a way, libraries were the original co-working spaces; that is, places that provide comfortable, open, Wi-Fi-connected desk space for working away from the home or office. These days, co-working spaces are big business, and libraries are jumping on board to offer similar amenities, for free. The Palo Alto City Library system upgraded their buildings to provide more outlets, meeting rooms, and seating for people to bring their computers and work for a few hours. Many libraries provide free or low-cost booking of rooms for community meetings or book clubs.

2. Career and small business services. Librarians know how to find you the information you need, and that includes guidance on job searches, resume and cover letter resources, and interview techniques. Some libraries, like the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, offer job and career coaching, small business counseling, and special workshops like “Content Creation for Social Entrepreneurs.”

3. Lending more than just books. Some libraries are expanding their mission and the definition of “lending library” to include not just books and media, but also other in-demand objects. Some libraries lend tools like sanders, electric drills, and toolboxes, saving homeowners and hobbyists money on a tool they might only use once or occasionally. The Harris County Public Library in Katy, Texas runs a seed library, where patrons can browse seeds and take home what they need for their gardens. The Philadelphia Library system even lends out birdwatching backpacks with binoculars and field guides.

4. Printing, and help with printing. For those without a printer at home, libraries offer printing, usually at a per-page rate lower than a print shop ($.10 cents/page rather than $0.25, for example). And librarians, those renaissance men and women, are available to help troubleshoot tech issues with printing, document layout, and more. (Plus, they’ll never make you change an ink cartridge.)

5. Free or discounted tickets to local events and attractions. Dust off that library card to access free or reduced-price tickets to theater productions, sporting events, festivals, and state parks. Libraries and local cultural institutions collaborate to cross-promote their offerings and make tickets available to the families and individuals who wouldn’t otherwise be able to pay full price. Seniors may be able to get especially good deals–it’s worth asking if your local library has a discount ticket program.

6. Tech classes for different skill levels. For many years now, libraries have provided essential computer labs, Internet access, and tech support to their communities. Many libraries also offer free classes on digital literacy topics from beginner to advanced, like using Microsoft Office, making a website, staying safe online, and using social media. Depending on where you’re located, these classes could be quite intergenerational, with people from many different walks of life joining in. That makes for a fun learning environment, in person or online.

7. Volunteer opportunities. Libraries often need volunteers for seasonal projects or ongoing programs. In some towns, Friends of the Library groups associated with a library branch or system raise money together through book sales or special events. These groups can be a great way to give back and get to know other local book lovers.

9. Makerspaces. Ever wanted to try a 3D printer, record and edit a video, or step into a podcasting studio? Some libraries host makerspaces where artists of any experience level can use tools and devices to express their creativity in all kinds of media. Sometimes called “hack labs” or “hackerspaces,” makerspaces gained popularity about 15 years ago and have since become a whole sub-discipline of library science.

10. Fitness classes. Yet another way libraries are reinventing themselves: many branches now offer fitness classes like Zumba, yoga, pilates, and mindfulness. In keeping with the mission of public libraries, these classes are meant to be accessible to everyone, so expect a library-based fitness class to cost little or nothing.

11. Research assistance. Yes, everyone knows librarians can help you do research. But be honest: have you taken full advantage of this incredible free service? Librarians can set you on the right track with databases and research tools you never knew existed, to answer questions like: What stories can I find in my family tree? What do I need to know before I buy a house? What’s the history of the street I live on? Not every question is Google-able. Make a librarian’s day and bring a thoughtful research question to the reference desk.

We could go on! Libraries are also places to learn a language, vote, see an art exhibit, get help doing your taxes, and talk to a social worker. Every library can’t offer all these services, but if you haven’t checked out your own library’s website in a while, take a look. You might save some money and have fun in the process.

Sources:

https://www.npr.org/2023/10/16/1199885817/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-library

https://www.neh.gov/article/complicated-role-modern-public-library

https://www.prattlibrary.org/locations/central/job-career-information-center

Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

www.csa.us

Five Wishes: An Accessible Advance Directive

2026-01-07T13:16:00.000-08:00

You don't need a lawyer to create a legally-binding advance directive. And CSAs can make this resource a meaningful value-add for their business.

It may be mid-January already, but it’s not too late to make a New Year’s resolution. As Senior Spirit reported this past summer, most Americans have not named a health care proxy–that is, the person they want to make health care decisions for them in the event that they can’t make them on their own. If you’re among that majority, resolve to fill out a Five Wishes® document this winter. And CSAs: once you’ve done it yourself, consider how your clients might appreciate a compassionate nudge to do the same.

Five Wishes is a 20-page booklet, available in print and as a digital document, that walks a person through the way they want to be treated if they become seriously ill. Five Wishes has been around since 1997, and today, there are more than 40 million copies in circulation in the U.S., in more than 30 languages. It’s widely praised, in part because it’s so easy for most people to use and understand. And, when completed correctly, it’s legally binding in 46 states.

The Five Wishes

The document is also generally accepted and loved because it leads with compassion and emotion. Before Five Wishes, advance directives were cold legal documents, but Five Wishes includes statements such as “I wish for my family and friends to look at my dying as a time of personal growth for everyone, including me. This will help me live a meaningful life in my final days.” The statements, written in first person throughout the document, can be acknowledged or crossed out by the person, depending on whether they agree with them or not. The Five Wishes are:

Wish 1: The Person I Want to Make Health Care Decisions for Me When I Can’t Make Them For Myself.
Wish 2: My Wish for the Kind of Medical Treatment I Want or Don’t Want.
Wish 3: My Wish for How Comfortable I Want to Be.
Wish 4: My Wish for How I Want People to Treat Me.
Wish 5: My Wish For What I Want My Loved Ones to Know.

Branding Five Wishes for Your Business Practice

When ordering paper booklets, you have the option to promote your organization on the back panel. Five Wishes cites a number of reasons to do so.
The positive and compassionate messages reflect positively on your business.
Most promotional materials are used and discarded, but a Five Wishes booklet is kept and shared over years.
By distributing the booklets, especially along with counseling on how and why to use them, you’re providing a valuable service to clients.
To see samples and get a quote, see Custom Print at Five Wishes.

For each Wish, the booklet provides statements and space to expand and make specific requests. Even if the person doesn’t add anything, but simply marks off their preferences from the lists, the document will still provide valuable guidance to families and health care providers if it ever needs to be used.

Who is Five Wishes For?

As a legally binding advance directive, Five Wishes is for seniors, of course, and their families and caregivers. But it’s also for adults of any age. Experts recommend that everyone name a healthcare proxy, and Five Wishes lets you record that person along with all the information that person would need in order to make decisions on your behalf with your best interests, and personal wishes, in mind.

Healthcare professionals also appreciate Five Wishes because it clearly defines their patients’ desires. Health and Human Resources Departments distribute Five Wishes to their employees as a form of employee wellness assistance. The organization that distributes Five Wishes, Aging with Dignity, states on their website that widespread use of advance directives can even help lower an organization’s healthcare costs.

Important Legal Considerations

The document lays out a few important steps that must be followed, depending on your state, in order to make it legally binding. Here are some of them–see the document itself or Five Wishes FAQ for all the information you need.

The document must be signed by the person. The person laying out their wishes must sign and date the document. If you don’t, or choose not to, the document still has value as a guide to your wishes for family and health care professionals–but it won’t supplant any existing advance directives you may have, unless signed.
It must also be signed by two witnesses who are not related to the person. The two witnesses should not have any conflict of interest with the person, and in most states, that means they should not be related to the person by blood, marriage, or adoption; be a healthcare provider for the person; or be a beneficiary of their will or any other account. They should also be at least 18 years old (19 or 21 in some states). And in certain states, there are special witnessing rules for people who live in long-term care settings.
In four states, the document must be notarized. Those states are Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, and West Virginia. In other states, it’s not necessary to notarize it.
In some states, the person using the document has to take an extra step in order to make it legally binding. Those states are Kansas, New Hampshire, Ohio, and Texas. Other states (Michigan, North Dakota, and Wisconsin) require an addendum. Visit this page https://www.fivewishes.org/states/ on the Five Wishes website to find out more if you live in one of these states.

Filling out Five Wishes yourself is something you can do for your family and the future you. Providing it for your clients shows you care about them and their families’ well-being, too. What better way to start a new year?

Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

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Celebrities are Caregivers, Too

2026-01-06T12:44:00.000-08:00

As rewarding and essential as being a care partner is, the experience can also feel isolating and anonymous. Celebrity caregivers give voice to common joys and challenges.

Bryan Cranston, of Breaking Bad fame, lost his mother to Alzheimer's disease twenty years ago. Cranston was moved by the care his mother received in her dedicated Alzheimer's community. “The caregiver is the unheralded hero of humanity,” Cranston said. “I revere caregivers as I do first responders.”

Earlier this year, Senior Spirit featured celebrities making a difference in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. This month, we’re looking to famous personalities to learn about their experiences as care partners for loved ones.

Queen Latifah

The actress and musician, famous for her roles in Girls Trip and Bringing Down the House, has shared about the ups and downs of her caregiving experience. In 2018, she lost her mother, Rita Owens, to interstitial lung disease (ILD). In 2020, she appeared in a TV program on A&E, Beyond Breathless, about the disease, along with the New York Yankees’ Bernie Williams, who also lost a parent to ILD.

Queen Latifah described her mom as “funny, stylish, fly, cool, and beautiful too.” During the time she was her mom’s caregiver, Queen Latifah said she was working a lot, and the strain was real. She prioritized taking time for herself by going for a walk, watching a sci-fi show, or getting her nails done.

“We appreciated being able to be helpful to her, but we knew we had to be able to take care of ourselves too,” she told SELF magazine. “Because we’re in it: We’re in it with the people we love, and we want to have a positive outlook. We’re in for this fight, for them.”

Henry Winkler

“The Fonz” was a long-time caregiver. After Winkler’s mother suffered a stroke in 1987, he and his sister became her caregivers for the next 10 years until her death. As his mother was dealing with chronic pain due to limb spasticity, Winkler was there to ease her way. “My hat is off to caregivers. My respect is at full tilt for caregivers,” Winkler shared. “The dedication, the patience, just the wear of it all to consistently take care of somebody else—that’s a hero.”

Taylor Swift

Superstar Taylor Swift was by her father’s side, along with her family, for weeks in the summer of 2025 after he underwent quadruple bypass surgery. “My brother, my mom and I were each taking shifts in the ICU and staying with him 24/7,” she told AARP. Once her father was able to return home, he needed a lot of new equipment to help him move around at home during his recovery. “I’m building his shower chair and his walker and his bed,” Taylor said. “It’s just surreal, man. We just all moved in with him the whole summer, pretty much.” She says he’s now doing very well.

Rob Lowe

In his thirties, actor Rob Lowe and his brothers cared for their mother through her stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis. He often felt overwhelmed dealing with medical paperwork and coordinating in-home care. Since then Lowe has made it a mission to raise awareness about the challenges caregivers face. He’s partnered with the nonprofit Embracing Carers to promote fair workplace policies for care partners, and has authored op-eds in U.S. Today and elsewhere.

“When you’re caring for a loved one,” Lowe writes, “there’s nothing you won’t do (or sacrifice) to give them as much comfort and peace of mind as you can possibly provide. Often, that means you’ll skip your social obligations, wreck your diet, suffer sleep deprivation, and even risk your career, all to help a loved one through the most difficult time of their life.” Self-care and supportive networks are essential, he says, for individual care partners, the people they care for, and the whole community.

Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

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Famous & 65

2026-01-03T12:01:00.000-08:00

Look who's turning 65 this month

Find out which celebrities are turning 65 this month!

January 12

This distinguished British stage and screen actor is widely regarded as one of the greatest classical performers of his generation; in fact, was knighted for his services to drama. A longtime mainstay of the National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company, he has delivered acclaimed performances in roles ranging from Hamlet and Macbeth to Ariel in The Tempest. He earned a Tony Award for his tour-de-force performance in The Lehman Trilogy. You might recognize him from T.V. series such as Penny Dreadful, Vanity Fair, or, most recently, House of the Dragon. His film career has accelerated recently as he nears the traditional retirement age of 65–he appeared in two feature films in 2025, including Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, and has two more movies in post-production.

Answer: Who is…. (click here to reveal)?

January 13

Anyone who has ever asked the person in the adjacent bathroom stall if they could “spare a square” knows whose birthday we’re talking about here. She achieved legendary status as Elaine on Seinfeld, where she has too many iconic moments to count as the slightly misanthropic but wholly relatable New Yorker. She later led the ensemble of The New Adventures of Old Christine, and then, in Veep, she starred as the caustic, ambitious Selina Meyer, Vice President. She’s won more Emmy and Screen Actors Guild Awards than any other actor. She received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2018 and, in 2021, the National Medal of Arts. In 2023, she started a podcast, Wiser Than Me, on which she interviews women older than her for their life perspectives and views on getting older. It was one of the top 3 podcasts in the U.S. in 2024.

Answer: Who is…. (click here to reveal)?

January 18

This legendary NHL forward had a 25-year hockey career. Beginning with the powerhouse Edmonton Oilers of the 1980s, he helped capture five Stanley Cups alongside a roster of future Hall of Famers, earning a reputation as one of the league’s most complete and competitive players. Later, he joined the New York Rangers and led the team to its first championship in 54 years. A six-time Stanley Cup champion, two-time Hart Trophy winner, and one of the highest scorers in NHL history, he was known for elevating both his own play and that of everyone around him. His son, Lyon, followed in his footsteps to become a celebrated NHL player in his own right.

Answer: Who is…. (click here to reveal)?

January 26

Two of hockey’s greatest-ever players were born just a few days apart. This Canadian hockey phenom is known for his uncanny vision on the ice and staggering career records. After breaking into the NHL as a teenager, he dominated the league with the Edmonton Oilers in the 1980s (alongside his birthday month buddy above), capturing four Stanley Cups and redefining what offensive excellence looked like. Later stints with the Kings, Blues, and Rangers added to his legend. By the time he retired, he held more than 60 NHL records—including most career goals, assists, and points—many of which are considered untouchable. Nicknamed “The Great One,” he became the first player in NHL history to have his number, 99, retired league-wide.

Answer: Who is…. (click here to reveal)?

Sources:

Wikipedia

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The Latest AI-Powered Trend: Surveillance Pricing

2025-12-11T10:05:00.000-08:00

Are you paying more for plane tickets or hotels because of your browsing history?

Corporations have long used personal data to target ads to specific individuals. Now, with AI-enabled surveillance pricing, two people might be seeing the same targeted ad, for the same product–with different prices.

Unlike dynamic pricing, which is a feature of open markets and involves prices rising for everyone at peak times based on demand, surveillance pricing involves companies setting a personalized rate for each consumer based on that person’s collected data. That data can reveal your location, income, purchase history, and more.

This practice is already in place, and companies are now using it more frequently. A Federal Trade Commission report from January found that companies can even use your mouse movements on online retailers to infer your buying habits and purchasing power, and use those as factors in setting your personalized price. With this tactic on the rise, it’s time to learn how to recognize surveillance pricing and what you can do about it.

Where Price Point Meets Pain Point

In July, Delta Airlines said that they used artificial intelligence to determine 3% of their domestic fare pricing. By the end of the year (now), their goal was 20%. What does it mean for an airline to use AI to set prices? Delta, and likely other airlines, are going beyond just incorporating general factors that affect anyone–like holidays, storms, and fuel prices. Instead, AI enables them to tailor a price to each individual based on their personal data.

Hotels and online travel agencies are taking the same approach. SFGate reporters found that online travel sites priced the same New York City hotel room at $829 for someone with a Bay Area IP address, and $318 for someone located in Kansas City. Most likely, the logic behind that $500+ difference in price is that a person who can afford to pay Bay Area rent can, and will, pay the higher rate for the hotel room.

Another example of surveillance pricing already documented in action is on ride-sharing apps. “It’s not entirely clear,” said former Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan, “but researchers ran tests and found that riders with lower battery life on their phone were charged more.” She says that through surveillance pricing, companies assign individuals a “pain point”: in other words, the maximum that person is willing to pay for the product or service in their specific moment of need. Companies that can identify and charge a person’s exact price (pain) point will increase their revenue.

The Near-Future of Surveillance Pricing

Consumer advocates argue that marking up prices due to personal misfortune is deeply unethical. “Imagine this,” writes policy analyst Jay Stanley of the ACLU. “A family member has died, and attending their funeral is very important to you. Somehow—you don’t know how—the airlines know this about you, so when you go to buy a ticket they jack up their prices, forcing you to pay more for the same flight than other people.”

Yet Aradhna Krishna, a Professor of Marketing at the University of Michigan, doesn’t see this new capability as all bad. What if companies charged the wealthy more and poorer families less for the same service–wouldn’t that function as a “private-sector progressive tax system” and contribute to wealth equality? As she points out in The Conversation, it’s all about how surveillance pricing is regulated and implemented. As with so many AI-powered technologies, state and federal agencies are only just mapping out the new landscape, and policies will follow.

How to Avoid Paying More

For now, consumers can take a few steps to guard against exploitative surveillance pricing. First, share less data. One way to do that is to use a personal VPN, or virtual private network, which masks your physical location. Use Incognito or Private mode so your browsing history isn’t saved. You can also clear your browsing history regularly to make it harder for surveilling companies to read.

If surveillance pricing practices take root, comparison shopping will become essential. That means checking prices on your phone in one browser and on your computer in a different browser, or asking your friend in another city to check the price for you.

Whether or not surveillance pricing becomes yet another price we pay for the convenience of online shopping, time and legislation will tell.

Additional Sources:

https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2025/10/15/surveillance-pricing-why-you-might-be-paying-more-than-your-neighbour

https://www.npr.org/2025/09/23/nx-s1-5550264/should-surveillance-pricing-be-banned

https://www.investopedia.com/surveillance-pricing-11701007

Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors