Society of Certified Senior Advisors

Automating Pet Care with the Latest Tech for Cat and Dog Parents

2026-05-08T09:32:00.000-07:00

Today's pet care gadgets make playtime and mealtime a breeze.

Smart home technology isn’t just for humans. From automated litter boxes to food bowls to pet doors, today’s pet care is high tech. That’s good news for seniors and people with mobility considerations, because these gadgets help reduce the repetitive motions that come with caring for our furry friends,gtfrty like bending down to refill food bowls, scoop poop, or retrieve a toy to play fetch. People with balance issues may want to limit these motions as much as possible.

For many, one of the great benefits of aging in place is being able to continue to care for dogs and cats. These automated tools can lighten the pet care workload and help seniors keep their pets healthy and close.

Automated Pooper Scoopers

Automatic litter boxes are a godsend to people who love cats but hate the daily chore of scooping. The most upscale models turn like a front-loading washing machine (only when they sense no cat present) to sift the cat waste from the clean litter. But if $699 for a litter box isn’t in your budget, there are somewhat less expensive models that advertise 15 days of no scooping (for one cat).

Can you buy a robot to pick up dog poop from the backyard? Not yet. But, no surprise, it’s in development. Prototypes include the Poomba (like a Roomba, but… you know) and the Poopcopter, a drone that uses AI to detect dog waste, hovers over it, and scoops it up while owners are miles away. These are not yet, and may or may not ever be, available to the public for purchase. For now, there are ergonomic pooper scoopers that help save the back and knees from repeated bending and scooping. A lightweight long-handled scooper is easy to carry on a walk.

Food dispensers

Automatic pet feeders save owners time and effort, and they also help with portion control for pets on a diet. Dry food dispensers for dogs and cats can be programmed to release a certain amount of food at set times during the day. Don’t be surprised if your pet gets wise to the schedule and starts to sit and wait by the food bowl. Some owners appreciate that the food robot–rather than they themselves–becomes the object of their pet’s impatient attention at mealtime.

Wet food dispensers are a newer option. Fill up four to six compartments with a wet food meal portion, and the robot will reveal them to your pet at the scheduled time.

Electric or battery-powered water fountains provide fresh running water and need to be refilled and refreshed less often than simple water bowls. Stainless steel fountains will be easier to clean and promote less bacteria growth as compared to plastic fountains. You can pay between $20 for a basic fountain and $200 for large models with multi-filtration systems.

Automatic pet doors

When dog or cat parents are out of the house for an extended period of time, they may want their pup or cat to be able to enter and leave the house at will. Or they may just want to avoid having to stand up and sit down constantly for the fickle pet who can’t decide if they want to be in or out.

Smart pet doors solve the problem while allowing owners to keep the doors locked and the house secure. Automatic flap doors will unlock and open only when your pet approaches—and they won’t open for just any pet or critter. The door reads the electronic identifier on their collar before granting entry. Some smart cat doors can even use the microchip your cat already has implanted as their personal “key card.”

Smart Toys for Playtime

Kittens and puppies have an inexhaustible desire to play–at least, their owners get exhausted much more quickly than they do. Interactive play time has been shown to reduce anxiety and destructive behaviors in dogs and cats. But the repeated motions of games of fetch can be difficult for seniors with mobility issues. Luckily, rechargeable and battery-powered toys extend playtime while giving pet parents a break.

Treat dispenser toys like the PetSafe Interactive Feeder get cats moving as they try to roll the ball to release its tasty contents. Fancier options, like the Cheerable Wicked Egg for dogs and cats, light up, make noise, and move autonomously to “kill boredom” while owners are otherwise occupied.

With a simple laser pointer, seniors can stay seated in one place while providing mind-blowing entertainment for cats. Automated laser pointer toys like the Dancing Dot make the game even easier: the hands-free gadget projects the elusive red dot in a random motion that cats love, even when owners are away or otherwise occupied.

Keeping pets healthy and entertained has never been simpler, if you’re willing to invest in some new technology. Have you tried any of these gadgets in your home? Let us know how they work for you!

Sources:

https://cheerble.com/blogs/cheerble-blog/keep-your-pup-mentally-stimulated-and-engaged-with-smart-dog-toys

https://www.fau.edu/engineering/senior-design/projects/fall2022/poomba-automated-dog-waste-cleaner/

https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/poopcopter-ai-drone-scoops-dog-poop

https://www.seniorsguide.com/aging-in-place/10-pet-care-products-for-seniors-from-feeding-to-playtime/

Ask These Ten Questions to Save Money on Prescriptions

2026-05-08T09:18:00.000-07:00

Asking the right questions could help you shrink your next prescription bill.

The cost of medication seems to keep rising, but there are small actions consumers can take to nudge those prescription costs in a downward direction. Before you fill your next script, ask yourself these ten questions.

1. Am I getting the generic version of the drug? If not, could I request it? According to a 2022 report by the Association for Accessible Medicines, generic drugs fill 91% of U.S. prescriptions, yet they only account for 18.2% of spending on prescription drugs. In other words, the vast majority of dollars that Americans spend filling prescriptions, they spend on brand-name drugs. The average brand-name co-pay is $56.12, while the average generic co-pay is $6.16, and generic co-pays are under $20 about 93% of the time. So, ask your doctor this question to make sure you’re not inadvertently paying way more than necessary for the formulation you need.

In almost every instance, the generic form of a drug will meet a patient’s needs the same way the name brand will. That’s because the generic drug needs to be bioequivalent to its counterpart in order to gain approval from the FDA. When talking to your doctor, consider asking about these two factors that may tilt the decision in favor of a name brand drug, and away from savings, for health reasons:

For certain blood thinners, cancer drugs, and seizure drugs, even a very small alteration in ingredient quantities could cause side effects or lessen the effectiveness of the drug.
Those with certain allergies may need to choose name brand medications in some instances.

2. If I need or want the brand-name drug, does the manufacturer offer coupons or rebates? To help patients afford brand-name prices, the drug company will often provide rebates. Check their website or call to ask what discounts they offer. Your doctor may also be able to provide free samples, sometimes saving you a month’s co-pay.

3. Do I qualify for a manufacturer’s Prescription Assistance Program? Many drug manufacturers also offer free or reduced medication to people who meet specific income eligibility criteria. Websites like NeedyMeds and RxAssist provide search tools to find which of your prescriptions might qualify for coverage.

4. Would a 90-day supply have a lower per-pill cost? Check your co-pay for different amounts of prescription and compare. Your up-front costs may be more, but in the end, you could end up paying less per pill, or per day.

5. Is there a coupon for my prescription on GoodRx, SingleCare, or another app? The beauty of these savings platforms is that they’re available to everyone, regardless of insurance status. GoodRx, SingleCare, and other savings apps are not insurance, but they can help you save money with valuable coupons for prescription drugs. GoodRx and SingleCare are free to use; GoodRx also offers a paid version. They are a form of payment, so they can’t be combined with insurance–for that reason, they come in handy for uninsured people, and for insured people who haven’t yet met their deductible or who need a medication their insurance doesn’t cover. Keep in mind that GoodRx prescription purchases won’t count toward the $2,100 annual Medicare cap.

6. What discounts can my pharmacy offer? Some pharmacies like Costco and Publix offer their own discount cards, similar to GoodRx or SingleCare. It’s always worth asking how your local pharmacy might be able to help you save. And, for extra savings, keep in mind that when flu season rolls around again, some supermarkets will give you a discount on your grocery haul when you get your flu or COVID shot at their in-store pharmacy.

7. Does my pharmacy or insurance provider deliver? Looking at the big picture, you can save time and gas money by skipping the regular pharmacy trips, if you can get prescriptions delivered. Providers like Kaiser Permanente, United Healthcare, and others offer free delivery for most prescriptions.

8. Does my insurance require me to use in-network pharmacies? Some providers, including Medicare Part D, will offer lower co-pays on prescriptions filled at their in-network pharmacies. If you’re not sure whether that’s the case for your provider, it’s definitely worth checking.

9. Am I eligible for Medicare Part D Extra Help? For people who meet federal income guidelines, the Medicare Extra Help program can lower copays and deductibles. For help navigating the application process, State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP) offer free guidance.

10. Could I fill my pet’s prescription at my pharmacy for less? In comparison with the vet’s office, human pharmacies might be able to fill your pet’s prescription at a lower cost. Ask your vet for a written prescription to be able to compare prices. GoodRx and other coupon apps might be able to help you out with pet meds, too!

Additional Sources

https://www.uhc.com/news-articles/benefits-and-coverage/9-ways-to-save-on-prescriptions

https://www.211.org/about-usblog/7-easy-ways-save-prescriptions-today

https://smartasset.com/personal-finance/singlecare-vs-goodrx

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

On Trend: IV Therapy Drips

2026-05-07T12:35:00.000-07:00

Can intravenous vitamin therapy boost energy and immunity?

Ah, a day at the spa: the sauna, a massage, a facial…and an IV drip? Increasingly, around the country, medical spas and other wellness providers are offering vitamin or nutritional intravenous therapy. What’s behind the trend, and what should seniors know?

What Is IV Therapy?

IV therapy involves intravenous treatments of vitamins and minerals advertised to improve general energy and wellness, improve hydration, treat vitamin deficiency, prevent or treat headaches, or even cure hangovers. Historically, IV drips have been prescribed by doctors as part of larger medical treatment plans for cancer, alcohol abuse disorder, dehydration, and other conditions. Today, more and more providers are offering elective IV therapy, often in a spa-like atmosphere.

Some naturopathic doctors have been incorporating IV therapy drips into their practice for decades. Jeff Goodman, ND, of Ocean Healthcare Group in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, says the results speak for themselves after 40 years of administering nutritional IV therapy to his patients. Each new patient undergoes bloodwork and a personal analysis to determine any nutrient deficiencies, and with that baseline, Dr. Goodman and his team develop a combination of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to meet their needs. Unfortunately, he says, many places offering IV drips use a cookie cutter approach that doesn’t result in the outcomes he sees in his patients: improved nutrient levels in the blood and increased energy and well-being.

Indeed, many places offering IV therapy today aren’t staffed by doctors or nurses, including many of the new medical spas. The number of medical spas in the U.S. doubled from about 5,000 to over 10,000 in just the past five years.

Evidence for IV Therapy Benefits

To date, the scientific consensus is that, for most people, the benefits of vitamin IV therapy are limited. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) recently concluded, “Expensive IV therapy isn’t backed by science and could be risky for your health.” They note that a scientific review in 2023 found no evidence that IV vitamin therapies provide benefits for healthy adults. According to the study, only a critical illness or a severe vitamin deficiency, like scurvy, calls for an IV vitamin treatment. Other studies have suggested that Vitamin C IV therapy could improve side effects of cancer treatment, and one study showed improvements in chronic pain symptoms for people with fibromyalgia. But no large-scale research has yet shown measurable improvements in generally healthy people.

Some medical spas advertise IV therapy as a hangover cure, but CSPI says don’t waste your money–drinking water and resting are just as effective. An IV drip might be prescribed to someone with alcohol poisoning or chronic alcohol abuse disorder, but for a run-of-the-mill hangover, it’s probably overkill.

Similarly, some IV therapy providers advertise “anti-aging” vitamin drips. It makes sense that medical spas would want to sell us the idea that we can inject youth into our veins. But experts say a healthy diet, exercise, sleep, and limiting alcohol and tobacco are still the path to healthy aging.

Considering the limited evidence for benefits, IV therapies can be costly. One IV treatment usually costs between $100 to $250 and up, with option add-ons like a B-12 injection for $30 or more. However, most insurance and Medicare will cover treatments prescribed by a doctor as medically necessary.

IV Therapy: Risk Considerations

Today’s IV therapies are relatively safe, but people interested in trying elective IV treatment should consider the possible risks and side effects. Discuss these not just with the IV provider, but also with your primary care doctor.

Brent A. Bauer, M.D., director of research at the Mayo Clinic section of Integrative Medicine and Health, cautions : “Anything we place in the human body can carry risk, including those things which are thought to be natural, such as vitamins or fluids. High doses of certain vitamins and minerals have been linked to kidney damage, heart rhythm abnormalities, blood pressure changes, gastrointestinal symptoms and damage of the peripheral nerves.” There’s also a small risk of bleeding and vein damage from any IV treatment, he says.

Older adults should be especially cautious when considering optional IV therapies.

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), included in some IV therapies, is on the Beers Criteria, a list of medications considered potentially inappropriate for older adults, due to risks of confusion, sedation, and falls.
Older adults are at greater risk of vein damage from any injection because veins tend to become more fragile with age.
Hydration is often part of IV treatment and generally safe, but those with heart or kidney conditions should ensure their provider knows their full history.

Make sure any provider administering IV therapy has a complete medication list, knows about any heart, kidney, or cognitive health conditions, and is aware of age-related sensitivities.

Additional sources:

Seiler, J. (April 2026). Mixed bag: What’s in that luxury IV, anyway? Nutrition Action. Center for Science in the Public Interest, pp. 14-15.

https://levoguemedspa.com/post/vitamin-iv-therapy-cost

https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/living-well/iv-vitamin-therapy-understanding-the-lack-of-proven-benefit-and-potential-risks-of-this-health-fad/

https://mydoctorhealthcare.com/iv-vitamin-therapy-safety-for-seniors/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ketorolac-oral-route-injection-route/description/drg-20066882

One Drink: Too Many? Alcohol and the Aging Brain

2026-05-07T10:01:00.000-07:00

In light of new research on alcohol-related dementia and other risks, health-conscious people are re-evaluating their drinking choices--especially after 65.

Well, it may not be the news we wanted, but it’s the news we needed. If you haven’t yet heard, contrary to prior research, no amount of alcohol is good for our health. Even moderate alcohol consumption contributes meaningfully to mortality rates, especially due to cancer and heart disease.

Another understanding is also growing in the public health community: a level of drinking that doctors may consider “low-risk” for the general adult population may be high-risk for people over 65.

Unique Risks for Older Adults

Dr. Paul Sacco, a professor of social work at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, told the New York Times that older adults may not realize that the amount of alcohol they used to tolerate, even a few years ago, has now become intolerable. Even if they feel okay after one or more drinks, they might not clock that the alcohol is affecting their physical and mental health differently than it did when they were younger. Especially for older people who struggle to meet nutritional goals, nutritional deficiencies can amplify the effects of alcohol consumption.

And for older adults, those effects carry increased risks to health, including the risk of falls and dangerous medication interactions. Among people over 65, alcohol impairs working memory at much lower doses as compared to younger people.

And the effects on memory and cognition are not just temporary. Alcohol consumption over time has a cumulative negative effect on brain health. A 2024 study that followed more than 310,000 British drinkers over 10 years found that alcohol predicted dementia, and that there was “no safe level of alcohol consumption for dementia.” This study did not distinguish between Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Alcohol-Related Dementia: Both Preventable and Treatable

This and other recent studies suggest that alcohol may contribute to the development of dementia in any form. But a specific kind of dementia, alcohol-related dementia (ARD), refers to brain damage and associated symptoms related to years of heavy drinking. Dr. Reza Hosseini Ghomi, MD, MSE tells an important story about his experience diagnosing ARD in a 67-year-old retired engineer who was experiencing memory problems. Dr. Ghomi writes that when he asked the patient if he drank alcohol, “he said a glass of wine with dinner. His wife said nothing, then quietly corrected: more like three or four glasses, every night for the past 20 years.”

Alcohol-related dementia (ARD) may look like Alzheimer’s disease, but the causes, symptoms, and treatments are different. Alzheimer’s is caused by a buildup of amyloid plaques, but ARD is caused by thiamine deficiency as a result of alcohol toxicity. Alzheimer’s often affects short-term memory first, while ARD affects judgement and planning; that is, frontal lobe function. While there’s currently no treatment to reverse Alzheimer’s, ARD can be stabilized and improved in most cases when the person stops drinking.

After 18 months without a drink, and with thiamine supplementation, Dr. Ghomi’s patient’s cognition improved meaningfully. The neuropsychiatrist stresses that families and patients must drop the stigma around alcohol consumption and be transparent with their doctors. Providers, in turn, should keep ARD in mind when diagnosing patients with dementia symptoms and perform the short AUDIT-C screening to identify harmful drinking habits. Pretending the problem doesn’t exist is the worst course of action and could lead to the deterioration of a treatable condition.

Healthy Aging Doesn’t Include Multiple Drinks a Day

Dr. Ghomi writes: “If you are drinking more than one or two drinks daily and you are over 50, your brain is aging faster than it should. That is not judgment. It is biology.”

Even the previous one-drink-a-day advice is now out of date, say many professionals. For optimal brain and physical health, the right amount of alcohol is no alcohol.

Still, as Dr. Sacco of the University of Maryland, Baltimore says, “drinking has meaning for people,” and whether to completely stop drinking or moderate drinking with care, is a call “to make in consultation with your doctor and your loved ones.”

Additional Sources

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/alcohol-related-dementia

Four Ways to Support AAPI Clients and Families

2026-05-05T13:00:00.000-07:00

Celebrating and serving older adults during Asian American clients and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Every May, the U.S. celebrates the contributions and cultures of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders during AAPI Heritage Month. The AAPI community is one of the most diverse in the country, encompassing people with roots in dozens of countries across East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Pacific Islands.

The month of May provides a national occasion to celebrate the many contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to American life, including achievements in film and the arts, key influences on American food culture, activism and civil rights work, and scientific breakthroughs. To name just two influential Asian Americans on an endless list, May is a time to remember Dr. Roseli Ocampo-Friedmann, who laid the groundwork for studying life on Mars, and Alice Wong, founder of the Disability Visibility Project.

Professional Organizations Serving AAPI Seniors

The National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) advocates for the dignity and well-being of AAPI older adults and operates senior employment programs, multilingual helplines, and community services nationwide. CSAs who want to list their business as a culturally and linguistically compatible care provider can sign up to be included in NAPCA’s Care Finder. NAPCA also hosts a video library of AAPI elders’ stories.
The Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC) advocates for Cambodian, Laotian, and Vietnamese Americans, including older adults and refugees navigating complex benefits and health care systems.
The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) works to improve health access and equity for AAPI communities, with resources relevant to senior care providers.

Like the broader U.S. population, the AAPI community is aging. In 2019, there were approximately 2.5 million Asian American adults over 65 in the U.S. That number is projected to grow significantly in coming decades, to almost 8 million by 2060, driven by immigration trends and the aging of established AAPI communities. According to the Administration for Community Living, a little more than half of Asian American older adults live in just three states– California, New York, and Texas–though communities exist in every region of the country. AAPI adults have some of the highest rates of family caregiving in the U.S., often shaped by cultural values around devotion to family. Compared to the national average of 19%, about 25% of AAPI households are multigenerational.

CSAs everywhere, and particularly those serving older adults in California, New York, and Texas, can be intentional about providing culturally appropriate outreach and services to AAPI families. Take the month of May as an opportunity to try some of these tips for supporting the AAPI seniors in your community.

1. Connect with AAPI-serving organizations in your area. In most cities and many suburban areas, there are nonprofits, community centers, and advocacy organizations specifically serving AAPI residents. Building relationships with these groups is one of the most effective ways to reach AAPI older adults who might not otherwise seek out your services. The National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) operates a national network and can help connect service providers with local resources. Organizations like the Korean American Senior Center, local chapters of the Japanese American Citizens League, or regional South Asian community organizations may be active in your area and eager to partner with senior-focused professionals.

2. Offer resources in multiple languages. The AAPI community is linguistically diverse in ways that can be easy to underestimate. Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Korean, Hindi, Japanese, and Khmer are among the most widely spoken languages in AAPI households in the U.S., and older adults, particularly those who immigrated later in life, may speak their native language more comfortably than English. According to NAPCA, language barriers are one of the most significant obstacles preventing AAPI seniors from accessing health care and social services. Providing intake forms, informational materials, and follow-up communications in the languages most common to your local AAPI population can improve health or other outcomes while signaling your commitment to serving this community.

3. Learn about the most common challenges facing AAPI older adults and their families. AAPI older adults experience high rates of certain cancers, tuberculosis, hepatitis B, and diabetes, with risk levels varying considerably by ethnic subgroup. According to the Alzheimer's Association, AAPI adults are among the least likely to receive a timely dementia diagnosis, in part due to cultural stigma around cognitive decline and distrust of medical institutions. AAPI immigrants who arrived later in life may have limited eligibility for Medicare and Social Security. And AAPI family caregivers frequently take on caregiving duties without seeking outside support. NAPCA offers a Multilingual Helpline that connects caregivers and older adults to resources in English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, and Korean.

4. Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month! Despite being the fastest-growing racial group in the U.S., AAPI Americans remain underrepresented in media, advertising, and public life. Established as a monthlong national celebration in 1992, AAPI Heritage Month is a meaningful opportunity to show your clients, colleagues, and community that you see and value this community. The month's official organizers offer resources and ideas for celebrating. Consider sharing stories of AAPI history on social media, featuring AAPI-led organizations in your newsletter, or simply taking time to learn something new about the communities you serve.

Sources:

https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/Profile%20of%20OA/AsianProfileReport2021.pdf

https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2021/04/09/asian-americans-are-the-fastest-growing-racial-or-ethnic-group-in-the-u-s/

Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

www.csa.us

Famous & 65

2026-05-05T10:17:00.000-07:00

Look who's turning 65 this month

Find out which celebrities are turning 65 this month!

May 6

This silver-haired leading man first charmed TV audiences as Dr. Doug Ross on ER before becoming one of Hollywood's biggest stars. Starting in 2000, he starred in a series of blockbusters including Ocean's Eleven; O Brother, Where Art Thou?; Michael Clayton; and Good Night, and Good Luck. A co-founder of Casamigos tequila, he's also well-known and respected for his humanitarian work, including with the Not On Our Watch Project to end genocide. After decades as one of the world’s most eligible bachelors, he married a human rights attorney in 2014, and they’ve been one of the world's most glamorous power couples ever since.

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

May 13

This flamboyant NBA Hall of Famer racked up five championship rings while dyeing his hair every color imaginable and showing up to book signings in a wedding dress. Nicknamed “The Worm,” his ferocious rebounding made him indispensable to both the Bad Boy Pistons and the Chicago Bulls, alongside Michael Jordan. Off the court, he became perhaps the most unlikely diplomat in American history, forging a bizarre and widely scrutinized friendship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. His “hoops diplomacy” to bring basketball to the authoritarian-led country as recently as 2018 has raised plenty of eyebrows.

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

May 17

This reclusive Irish artist retreated from the spotlight to a literal castle outside Dublin, where she crafted multilayered vocal soundscapes that defied easy categorization. Her 1988 solo debut introduced a signature sound blending Celtic melody, new age atmospherics, and orchestral production. Her album Watermark and haunting tracks like “Orinoco Flow” made her one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Composer Howard Shore earned a rare collaboration with this artist for two tracks on the 2001 soundtrack for The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. As she enters her 65th year, she remains famously private, rarely touring or granting interviews.

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

May 29

Like our May 17th birthday celebrant, this singer-songwriter also debuted in 1988, with a self-titled album. This raspy-voiced Kansas native earned a devoted following and her place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with her guitar-driven rock and confessional lyrics. She’s been nominated for 15 Grammys over the years and taken home two, for “Come to My Window” and “Ain’t It Heavy.” She also won an Oscar for Best Original Song for “I Need to Wake Up” from An Inconvenient Truth. She’s a breast cancer survivor who documented her journey openly, and after coming out as gay in 1993, she’s been an advocate for the LGBTQ community ever since.

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

Sources:

Wikipedia

Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

www.csa.us

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

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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