Strategies for Getting Organized

Housing needs can change as health declines in the 80’s. Many people in their eighties face chronic problems like worsening vision, lower stamina, hearing loss, and limited mobility. Some may experience acute health issues like heart attacks or strokes. Others may develop terminal diseases like cancer, dementia, heart disease, or Parkinson’s. Many will experience the loss of a spouse or partner. Below tips for deciding whether to age in place or move to a senior community. Also included are links to articles, books, and other resources. Tips Aging – you may need help coping with physical and mental health issues in your 80’s. Checklists – create a checklist/timeline for selecting where to live; prepare a task schedule for moving. Consultants – use care managers and movers to find cost-saving opportunities and avoid pitfalls. Cost – aging in place can require costly renovation and home care; assisted living averages $6,000/month. Downsizing – discard unneeded clothing, collectibles...

Carefully consider alternatives when booking transportation for your travels. Carefully choose transportation for stress-free travel. Rank alternatives by cost, convenience, comfort, and distance. Reserve at least 6 months in advance to ensure availability and the lowest price. Use the following checklist and resources to choose transportation for your travels. Checklist Autos – best for family travel and togetherness; reduces exposure to illness and crowds. Buses – good for tight budgets and traveling short distances; available worldwide, but uncomfortable. Cruise Ships – excellent for multiple destinations; fare includes lodging, meals, and entertainment. Ferries – essential for travel to islands in Asia, Europe, and North America; buy in advance. Lyft/Uber – good for inner-city; Uber is worldwide; Lyft operates in USA and Canada. Planes – good for business and weekend travel; be prepared for airport and weather delays. RVs – costly to rent and difficult to drive; consider fo...

Hosting parties provides opportunities for improving social networks overcoming loneliness and depression. Parties can strengthen friendships and build memories. Below are tips for hosting party and resources for plan them. Have fun hosting a party that encourages camaraderie and gives purpose to life. Tips Atmosphere - create an inviting atmosphere with balloons, decorations, and flowers. Activity - use games, karaoke, live music or other entertainment to liven the party. Celebrate - celebrate special events (e.g. anniversary, birthday, engagement, retirement, etc.) Checklist - prepare a checklist or task schedule to avoid problems. Conflicts - check calendars for conflicting activities; confirm important guests are available. Cordiality - greet guests on arrival and chat with them individually during the party. Help - consider hiring a caterer, chef, or party planner; recruit a co-host.  Invitations - use email for informal gatherings and greeting cards for special occasions. Re...

Protect your privacy by using strong passwords, being cautious with personal information, and utilizing privacy apps and data removal services. Be proactive to protect your reputation and your information. Take action to avoid hackers who can misuse your information and steal your property. Maintaining privacy is an ongoing process that requires continuing action and vigilance. Below are tips and resources to help protect your privacy. Tips Confidentiality - Limit the amount of personal information you share online.  Encryption - encrypt date on devices to avoid access when stolen. Erasure - subscribe to a data removal service to remove personal information from Internet. Insurance - add cybersecurity coverage to your insurance to get help if hacked. Passwords - Create complex passwords that are difficult to guess.  Sharing - do not share passwords or sensitive information. Tracking - use  secure browsers and turn off extensions that allow trackers and ads. VPNs - subscr...

Reused, shared, and weak passwords make you vulnerable. Stolen passwords can cause embarrassment, emotional distress, financial loss, and identity theft. Hackers can also damage credit scores. Hackers steal passwords to make unauthorized purchases, send unapproved messages, and withdraw funds without authorization. Below are tips for using passwords and resources for improving your security. Tips Change - frequently change passwords for your financial and health-related accounts. Complicate  - Make your passwords long, unique, and include numbers and symbols. MFA - use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to prevent hacking. Passkey  - switch from passwords to passkeys for ease of use. Passphrase - use passphrases to make passwords more memorable. Private - keep passwords private and reset  them when compromised or shared. Track  - use an app to create, manage, and save passwords. Use  - do not re-use passwords on different accounts or multiple devices. Apps Aut...

Keyboard shortcuts help save time when preparing correspondence, reports, spreadsheets, etc. They perform basic functions like copying, pasting, and printing. Software developers frequently use the same shortcuts making them easy to remember. Shortcut benefits include improving focus, protecting joints, and speeding workflow, protecting joints. Once you start using shortcuts they will become part of your daily routine. B elow are some resources for using shortcuts and a list of one that work with Apple, Google, and Microsoft.  Resources How to Use Keyboard Shortcuts    How Shortcuts Can Help You Video Demonstrations of Shortcuts   Applications Apple Google Microsoft Search YouTube Aligning Center: Ctrl + E Justify: Ctrl + J Left Align: Ctrl + L Right Align: Ctrl + R Editing Text Copy: Ctrl + C Cut: Ctrl + X Find: Ctrl + F Paste: Ctrl + V (or Ctrl+Shift+V to paste without formatting in Google Docs) Redo: Ctrl + Y Replace:...

Journaling has been used since ancient times to capture thoughts, keep reminders, and record events. It is also an effective way to express gratitude about good things in life. Gratitude journals bring happiness and improve mental well-being. Below are tips for keeping a gratitude journal and resources for putting them into action.   Tips   Alternatives   – show gratitude with contributions, journal entries, volunteering, and notes. Content  – write details of events, people, or things for which you are grateful. Device  –  use a journaling app or other product (e.g., diary, jar, or notebook). Format  – organize your thoughts by category or date. Frequency - journalize on a daily or weekly basis. Privacy – avoid putting embarrassing details in case hacked or inadvertently made public.  Reminders – prompt yourself with an alert on your phone or a note on your calendar. Review – periodically review the journal to remind yoursel...

Below are suggestions to avoid phone problems while traveling.  Plan ahead to stay connected with friends and work while traveling domestically or abroad. Tips Adapters  - bring a gadget bag with adapters and charters. Backup - backup data on your phone prior to travel. Battery - bring a backup battery to power your phone. Burner  - consider taking a burner phone to avoid risk of loss or theft Data  - bring your itinerary, a list of important phone numbers, etc.  Device - bring an additional device (e.g. Chromebook, iPad, laptop, etc.)  Documents  - bring physical documents (credit cards, driver's license, etc.) Update - turn off automatic updates to avoid unexpected phone problems. Satellite - use Satellite when off-grid — fee  for calling, free for texting WiFi - limit calling to WiFi areas to avoid expensive charges. Accessories Adapters Batteries Cases Chargers Headsets Organizers Articles Avoiding Travel Problems Bringing a Backup Battery P...

Travel apps and websites make modern travel easier than ancient times, but problems can still arise. Below are tips and resources to help you solve travel problems and have an enjoyable trip. Be resourceful to solve problems you encounter along the way. Tips Adapters – bring a gadget bag with adapters and chargers for smartphones and other devices. Batteries - don’t put lithium batteries in checked bags Baggage – put a tracking device and contact information inside and add distinguishing marks on exterior. Budget – set aside money for emergencies, entertainment, hotels, meals, tours, and transportation, Currency – purchase foreign currency before departure; research ATM networks in advance. Devices  - use a burner instead of a smartphone; take a wiped tablet instead of a laptop. Distractions – avoid distracting calls, notifications, and texts, especially in public areas. Flights – arrive early, enroll in flight notifications, and remain in boarding areas. Health – wash ...