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Where Have You Gone, USA?

July Fourth has come and gone, and with it went that patriotic display that was so prevalent. At least that’s what I have noticed in my travels around the Ohio Valley. I no longer see as many American flags flying from homes and businesses. Red, white and blue buntings have gone the way of the latest wind storms. It makes me sad. There was nothing more important to me when we erected our flag pole outside our home than to keep the Stars and Stripes waving proudly. We made sure the pole was illuminated for proper display of the flag at night. When our flag becomes tattered and torn ...

Smartphones Made Simple for Seniors

Dear Savvy Senior, My 79-year-old mom just upgraded from a flip phone to a smartphone, but she’s having trouble figuring it out. Is there a way to make it easier for her to use? – Only Daughter Dear Only, Switching from a flip phone to a smartphone can be a big adjustment. What seems second nature to younger users can feel overwhelming to someone who’s never used a touchscreen. Even though the screen is bigger, the text can still be tiny, the buttons hard to tap, and one accidental touch can open an app or change a setting. Even simple tasks like texting or taking a picture ...

We’re All Ears

There is an old saying about growing sweet corn. If it’s knee high on the Fourth of July, there will be a bounty of corn for August. My husband reminds me of that every time we pass fields of corn each summer. Of course, there are fields of corn grown simply to feed livestock and then there is the much-sought-after sweet corn to feed consumers like us. Knowing the difference is important if you plan to raid your farmer’s fields. A few people I know learned that the hard way a few decades back. As for the sweet corn, my spouse appears to be a self-proclaimed expert at selecting ...

With Social Security Uncertainty, Should You Claim Benefits Early?

Dear Savvy Senior, I turn 62 early next year and plan to retire soon after. Most advice says I should wait to claim Social Security because my monthly benefit will be higher. But with all the recent news about Social Security’s financial problems, I’m wondering if taking benefits early might be the safer choice. Is there ever a good reason to claim at 62? – Ready to Retire Dear Ready, You’re definitely not alone in asking this. The latest Social Security Trustees Report projects the retirement trust fund could be depleted around 2032 if Congress doesn’t act. If that ...

An Ode to August

Today is not Halloween or Thanksgiving or Christmas. However, retailers are ready for all three holidays today. Just look at the shelves in any store and you will find signs of any and all of those special days. I have gotten used to seeing candy corn among the circus peanuts and other summer-type candies as early as July. But poor August is losing its identity. I feel sorry for the month of August. Over the years, it has gotten bypassed more and more. Society today has no respect for the month of August. Of course, we know it as the eighth month of the year. Yet my trusty dictionary ...

Robotic Pets Can Provide Comfort to Elderly Seniors

Dear Savvy Senior, My mother, who has dementia, recently moved into an assisted living facility that doesn’t allow pets. I’m thinking about getting her a robotic pet to cheer her up. Are they worth it, and if so, which one do you recommend? – Inquiring Daughter Dear Inquiring, It’s completely natural to want to bring a little furry joy into your mom’s life. Moving into a new home without her pets can be tough, and sometimes even a small companion can make a big difference. Robotic pets – lifelike, interactive companions – can brighten the days of seniors with ...