Category Archives: Lifelong Learning

The Amazing Technology That Could Change How We Age

Experts say it will make life happier, healthier and easier for older adults and caregivers

By Suzanne Gerber for Next Avenue

Hand typing on a laptop

“Future tech will increase older people’s independence and help relieve the health services,” says Naomi Climer. [Photo credit: Getty Images]

Pop quiz: When you think about how technology will personally impact your life over the next 10 to 20 years, which of these things do you envision as being part of that evolution?:

  1. Holographic technology to communicate with your family
  2. A car that chauffeurs you around
  3. 3-D-printed medicine
  4. Drones to help with household activities
  5. All of the above

If the tech-prognosticators are to be believed, the correct answer READ MORE

Here’s a tool to plan for late-life what-ifs

A website for older adults by older adults

By Kevyn Burger for Next Avenue

Seniors have a lot to say about thier options for care.

Jane Curry used Plan Your Lifespan to think through her contingencies in case health issues diminish her independence.

Jane Curry, of Chicago, settled into a retirement community a few years ago, where she found friends and support. It was part of her preparation to age in place in a home of her own. But the now-75-year-old widow knew READ MORE

Write down those special grandparent moments

How to keep a journal or blog so you can both share memories

By Patricia Corrigan for Next Avenue

Sharing your hopes and dreams for your grandchildren can become a treasured gift.

Credit: ThinkStock – You can record your thoughts and memories as a keepsake for your grandchildren.

So many boomers are finding delight in nurturing grandchildren — and most of us also are amazed that they do grow up quickly. That rarely seemed the case when we were bringing up our own kids.

A traditional baby book stuffed with baby shower napkins, READ MORE

How to declare your financial independence

Tips from a man who did, plus apps and sites that can help you

By Richard Eisenberg for Next Avenue

You can achieve financial independence

Learn five tips for declaring your financial independence.

(Next Avenue is republishing this 2014 blog post, timed to July 4th.)

As the 4th of July nears, what better time to talk about a few ways that could help people in their 50s or 60s declare their financial independence within the next few years?

You may READ MORE

Too old to learn a language? Don’t believe it

As an older adult, you have skills that can help — and your brain will thank you

By Bill Ward for Next Avenue

Studies indicate that attaining a working ability to communicate in a new language may actually be easier and more rapid for the adult than for the child.

Photo Credit: Adobe Stock – Immersing ourselves in another language at whatever age expands not only our minds, but our lives.

Conventional wisdom holds that the older we get, the harder it is to learn a new language. Which is true — except when it’s not.

Turns out that while our brains might not be as quick or deft as in those halcyon days of youth, all that hard-earned READ MORE

8 ways to give your investments a spring cleaning

Tax time is an ideal time to declutter your portfolio

By Kerry Hannon for Next Avenue

Investment-Spring-Cleaningweb

Credit: Getty Images

Where I live in Washington, D.C., the pink magnolia trees are blooming, and the daffodils are intensely yellow and screaming springtime — just in time for the first day of spring, Sunday March 20.

It’s time to get out in the backyard to tackle garden READ MORE

How to become a Boomer tech genius

Humorous and helpful ideas to get savvy about electronics and apps

By Barbara Crowley for Next Avenue

boomer-tech-guru-web

(Editor’s Note: This article is a reader-submitted essay.)

I believe my generation, the boomers, will change the way the world views aging.

I think we’ll do this by railing against getting old, whereas the generations before us just sat back READ MORE

7 ways to keep your New Year’s resolution

Are you sabotaging yourself? Here’s how you can fulfill your commitments.

By Linda Melone, CSCS for Next Avenue

7-ways-to-keep-rez-web

Credit: Getty Images

It’s that time of year again. A new beginning, a clean slate. But how often do you actually make good on your New Year’s resolutions? If the answer is “not very,”  you’ll want to read the seven ideas below that can help you follow through READ MORE