Savvy Living: How to Choose a Volunteer Vacation
Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about volunteer vacation programs? I’m a healthy, 60-year-old, single woman, and am interested in doing some solo traveling, but would like to tie it with something meaningful. Purposeful Traveler Dear Traveler, If you’re looking to do more on your next vacation than relax in the sun or…
Savvy Living: How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft Scams
Dear Savvy Senior, I am very concerned about Elon Musk and the so-called DOGE team getting access to my Social Security number and personal financial information through their government office raids. What can I personally do to help protect myself from this identity theft mess? Worried Senior Dear Worried, It’s a great question! I’ve been…
Savvy Living: Where Solo Agers Can Find Help
Dear Savvy Senior, I’m a divorced 68-year-old childless cat lady and have been thinking a lot lately about who will look after me when I get older and my health falters. What resources are available to solo seniors like me, and where can I turn to find a reliable person to be my emergency contact,…
Savvy Living: How Seniors Can Save on Auto Insurance
Dear Savvy Senior, Can you offer any tips to help seniors save on their auto insurance? I recently turned 70 and got hit with a 25 percent premium increase on my car insurance and am looking for ways to save. Older Driver Dear Driver, As auto insurance rates across the country continue to rise for…
Savvy Living: Navigating Social Security as It Downsizes
Dear Savvy Senior, My local Social Security office was recently shut down because of staff layoffs and large-scale downsizing by the Department of Government Efficiency. All this disruption makes me very nervous, as I’ll be applying for my Social Security retirement benefits later this year. My question is, how are we supposed to get help…
New Giving Fund Honors Family Legacy in Adams County
The Adams County Community Foundation has announced the establishment of the Sue Fristoe McGovney Giving Back Fund, an unrestricted fund created in honor of Sue Fristoe McGovney’s parents, Kenneth and Wava Fristoe, and grandparents, Ed and Martha Gore Fristoe. This marks the second fund Sue has established with the Foundation, furthering her commitment to supporting…
Savvy Living: How to Choose and Use a Home Blood Pressure Monitor
Dear Savvy Senior, Can you offer me any tips on choosing and using a home blood pressure monitor? I just found out I have high blood pressure and my doctor recommended I get a home monitor so I can keep tabs on it. Just Turned 63 Dear 63, Everyone with high blood pressure (130/80 or…
Savvy Living: How Much Do You Have to Make to File Taxes in 2025?
Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about the IRS income tax filing requirements for retirees this tax season? My earned income stopped when I retired last March, so I’m wondering if I need to file a tax return this year. Retired in 2024 Dear Retired, Whether or not you are required to file…
Savvy Living: Service Dogs Can Help Seniors with Disabilities
Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about service dogs for seniors with disabilities? My 67-year-old father has chronic arthritis and Parkinson’s disease, and I’m wondering if an assistance dog could help make his life a little easier. Dog Loving Leah Dear Leah, For people with disabilities and even medical conditions, service dogs can…
Savvy Living: Driving with Dementia and Knowing When to Stop
Dear Savvy Senior, When should someone with dementia stop driving? My 83-year-old father has some dementia issues but still drives himself around town pretty well. Concerned Daughter Dear Concerned, Most doctors agree that people with moderate to severe dementia should never get behind the wheel, but in the early stages of Alzheimer’s or other types…
