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  • 55 & UpSides #0006:📱Guard your time | Aging in place | Pet power

55 & UpSides #0006:📱Guard your time | Aging in place | Pet power

Author

Ronnie Mac James
November 15th, 2024

First time reading? Get your free subscription here. This newsletter’s goal is the extinction of information overload for folks like me who are aged 55 & up. Easily unsubscribe below if you got here by some freak interwebs mishap.
 
Morning 55&UpSiders,

Here’s what I’m covering for you today in a flash…
  • Quick visual breakdown on guarding your time in retirement
  • Curated topics affecting us & Good News stories
  • Feature Story: Aging In Place Via Home Technology
  • Today’s Poll
  • Face The Facts (& do something about ’em)
  • Hidden alternative solutions for our 55+ crowd
  • ☕Find spelling error in this email & win Dunkin’ gift card code
 
 

How To Protect Your Time In Retirement

 

You have to build a shield to protect precious time from endless time-stealers. Tips below.

 
Steps. toManage Time in Retirement
 
 

Curated Countdown

 
🕙  High School Grandkids Worried About College Debt? Show ’em These Options

🕘  Think & Grow Rich, Or Just Befriend Rich People

🕗  Podcast: Lost Your Imagination As An Adult?

🕖  4-Yr-Old Girl Told She’d Never Walk, Says Watch This

🕕  All In The Hips (Habits For Hip Health)

🕔  Worker Has 27-Year Perfect Attendance At Burger King - Gets Free House

🕓  Would You Trust A Robot With Your Life?

🕒  Dating Red Flags(Easy Infographic)

🕑  How To Get A Free Drink On An Airplane

🕐  Key To World Peace—Birdwatching?
 
 

Feature Story

 

Aging In Place Via Home Technology

 
Smart home technology lets seniors live independently longer, by enhancing safety & quality of life.
 

The problem is...

  • Aging in place gets tricky due to safety concerns & reduced mobility
  • Home setups may not accommodate changing needs of aging adults
  • Lack of awareness about available digital tools for home safety & convenience
 

Why solving this problem's so dang tough

  • Rapid tech advancements can be overwhelming
  • Adding smart home technology can be costly
  • Privacy concerns for data collection & monitoring
 
 

How you can get involved to help

  • Educate yourself about smart home technologies
  • Get demonstrations from sales associates
  • Set up alerts for reduced prices on smart home devices
  • Start a community “tool-shed” to trade smart devices with each other
 

Roadblocks

  • Resistance to change & new technology adoption
  • Limited tech experience among some seniors
  • Concerns about privacy & data security
 

Upsides & ways to beat roadblocks

  • Best time to learn is now (start where you are)
  • Take classes at local library
  • Request help from local high school service clubs (i.e., Key Club)
  • Pay for a one-time consultation with an IT professional
 

5 takeaways

  • Smart home devices enhance safety & independence
  • Voice-activated assistants simplify daily tasks & emergency communication
  • Remote monitoring provides peace of mind for family
  • Automated lighting & temperature improve comfort & energy efficiency
  • Smart medication dispensers help manage medication schedules
 

How do you stay mentally sharp?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

 

Face The Facts (then punch ’em in the nose)

Know the facts so you can overcome or take advantage of them.

 
5)  Heart disease is the leading cause of death for those 75+, affecting 24.1%

4)  In the U.S., over one million people are blind & half of the adult blind U.S. population is not employed (due to lack of Braille access, experts say ~ WSJ)

3)  Nebraska ranks 1st nationally for 55+ workforce participation — nearly half of folks over 55 are still working

2)  By 2030, all Baby Boomers will be 65 or older

1)  20.1% of adults 65+ have diabetes

👊Let’s punch diabetes in the nose.

Ways to prevent, manage, & overcome diabetes:
  • Eat fiber-rich foods, whole grains, lean proteins, & plenty of vegetables (limit refined carbs & sugary foods).
  • Exercise regularly (look for fun activities so you don’t dread it).
  • Losing even a modest amount of weight can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes & help manage existing diabetes.
  • Manage stress (walking meditation & chewing gum are easy ways to KO stress).
  • Quit smoking. Get mad-dog-mean about beating this addiction. It’s tough. Get tougher.
 
 

Alternative Solutions You May’ve Never Heard Of

 
Owning a pet has tons of upsides. What if you can’t have a pet, though? See new options available below.
Cognitive Benefits of Pet Ownership
 
Animal-Assisted Therapy Volunteering: Example is Phoenix Children's Hospital. They give opportunities for volunteers to participate in their AAT program, without owning a pet. Volunteers assist handlers & therapy animals during visits.

Foster Program: Example is Animal Advocates. A long-term foster care program connecting senior citizens with senior animals. Program allows seniors to provide temporary homes for pets in need while enjoying companionship without full ownership responsibilities. Organization covers veterinary care, supplies, & food costs.

Robot Rover: Robot pets cant replace real ones. But research shows pretty neat health benefits.
 
 
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🆓Contest: Find the typo in today’s newsletter. Reply to this email with the error. I’ll select a winner from the replies. Prize is a free Dunkin Donuts gift code!🍩

The upside’s always worth looking for,

Ronnie Mac James
Ronnie Mac James

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