Do your kids ever roll their eyes at you when you’re talking to them? Have you ever done the same thing to your own parents? Generational differences have always been a challenge and that becomes even harder as our parents age. It is extremely difficult to see someone you love start to become more forgetful or frail. After all, your parents were the ones that always took care of you. They comforted you when you skinned your knee and helped put you through college and reassured you when you were having problems with your own kids. So how do you have that difficult conversation when you think they might need help? While it may not be totally comfortable, there are some communication techniques that can [...]

Part 2 of a 2 part series   It wasn’t that long ago that most people felt the need to hide the fact that they had a cosmetic procedure. Fortunately, times have changed and the topic can now be discussed much more openly. In our last blog, we talked about the type of options that are available. In part 2, we want to talk about what you should consider before you decide whether it’s the right solution for you. And we want to provide some resources that can help you make the right decision.   Why are you getting cosmetic surgery? That question may seem fairly obvious and many of you are rolling your eyes right now thinking “well, uh I don’t like the way [...]

Part 1 in a 2 part series   You work out to stay physically healthy. You read, watch movies and attend lectures to stay mentally fit. But then you see yourself in the mirror and you don’t look nearly as young as you feel. As more seniors are defying the limitations of aging, they also want to roll back the clock when it comes to their outward appearance. According to Dr. Richard Erlichman, a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, “seniors are now the largest growing group of patients by age category.” And it’s not limited to cosmetic surgery alone, seniors are also taking advantage of fillers, Botox and other anti-aging services and products.   But should we bother? There are certainly [...]

Part 2 in 2 part series In part 1 of our blog dating after 50, FirstLantic gave you some great resources for ways to meet other singles. In part 2, we want to focus on how to make that date a success. As we get older, we like to think we are getting wiser. But many people make the same mistakes when they are dating after 50 as they made when they were in their 20s.   The biggest don’t Don’t get discouraged if you have a bad date. As the saying goes, you may have to kiss a few frogs to find your prince or princess. Even if the date doesn’t go as well as you would have liked, pat yourself on the back [...]

Part 1 in a 2 part series. The reality is that dating after 50 is different than dating at 25. However, it’s not as different as you might think. There are still the awkward first dates and the anxiety over how much to reveal about yourself. And of course, the age-old challenge of finding someone who is compatible and also ready for the same type of relationship at the same time.   So, why even bother? Well, we all have a need for companionship and for many of us that means having some sort of romantic relationship. So, if you’re ready for the next step, read on for some tips to help you get back in the game.   Ways to Meet The main difference [...]

In our blog last week, FirstLantic featured helpful tips on smart phones and tablets that are specifically designed with seniors in mind. So now that you have some options for user-friendly technology tools, let’s talk specifically about online games that will help you stay mentally sharp.   You might ask why online games? Well, studies show that specific types of games can help your memory, focus and mental alertness. According to an article in SeniorBrains.com, scientists from Poland discovered that all of their subjects between 65 and 75 years of age that completed a series of several computer games were able to improve memory, expand attention and increase sequencing abilities. Jennifer Wagner, 52, a blogger in New York City, is addicted to playing games like [...]

Ever worry that you are being left behind in this fast-paced world? Technology can be especially intimidating for many of us. When you watch a four-year old that is already an expert at using a smart phone, it can be pretty discouraging! But don’t lose heart, you have experienced far more difficult things in your life than mastering the digital world and we are here to help! Technology companies are finally starting to create some amazing solutions specifically catered to seniors and FirstLantic is going to make sure that you are in the know!   Grandpad – For those of you that have not invested in an Ipad, this may be a better option. Specifically designed for seniors https://www.grandpad.net/ it is a simple tablet that [...]

You want to stay healthy but sometimes it can be a struggle to keep track of what you should and shouldn’t eat. So LiveWell Placements is going to make it easy for you. With a little help from HealthCastle.com, we have compiled a list of some of the must-eat foods after 50. Simply, download our guide and you won’t ever have an excuse to grab a donut instead! That said, we won’t judge if you treat yourself now and then!   Foods You Should Eat More Of After 50   Bulgur With increasing use of medications, regularity may be an issue and bulgur rates the highest on the insoluble fiber scale, at 8.6 grams of insoluble fiber per serving. Spelt and barley come in second [...]

In the last two blogs we have given tips on travel and shopping perks as well as health and home service benefits. In part three, we focus on other services that are either free or at a very low cost specifically for seniors.   Free Tax Preparation As we mentioned previously, AARP provides many different types of discounts to their members but they also provide completely free services such as tax preparation. In fact, they have the largest volunteer-run tax preparation and assistance service in the U.S. and help over 2.6 million taxpayers every year. The IRS also has a program called the TCE or Tax Counseling for the Elderly which offers free tax help for all taxpayers, particularly those who are 60 years of [...]

Part two in a three part series In our previous blog, we provided information about some of the perks that seniors can take advantage of as it pertains to entertainment, shopping and travel. In the second part of our three part series, we are going to provide some tips about home and healthcare services that eligible seniors can utilize. Part three will focus on other free or discounted benefits such as tax preparation, insurance and banking.   Free Transportation One of the most frustrating things for many seniors is their inability to leave their home without asking for help from friends or family. Fortunately, there are other options. Many communities have transportation services that are funded by the Federal government to help the elderly and [...]