From news you can use to finds you might love, click through our picks from the week online.
Girls have been jumping out of giant cakes for decades, but not a lot of 100-year-olds have had the chance. Helen Krout got the opportunity during a recent bakeoff at her her Pennsylvania retirement community. Garden Spot Village says it likes to offer a surprise during its annual event; this year’s happened to coincide with Krout’s birthday, so… Watch! (And ignore the commentator.)
15-year-old invents device to help people with Alzheimer’s stay safe Kenneth Shinozuka was four when his grandfather first started to develop Alzheimer’s, and as he’s grown, he’s watched one of the people closest to him become less and less able to care for himself. He’s also witnessed his grandfather’s scary wanderings. So the teen set about inventing – and prototyping – a low-cost sensor embedded in a simple sock detects an increase in pressure and sends an alert to a caregiver’s phone. Shinozuka is testing his invention at a local assisted living facility in Irvine, California. Watch an NBC News report below and also check out theShinozuka’s Google Science Fair presentation on YouTube, where he talks about the first time his invention alerted the family to his grandfather’s wandering. “At that moment,”he says, “I was really struck by the power of technology to change lives.”
Kicking the bucket list Last week, after attending a NATO summit in Wales, President Obama detoured via Stonehenge and told reporters he was crossing the site off his bucket list. That led Rebecca Meade in the New Yorker to rip apart the whole bucket list conceit – which, she says, turns experiences into commodities on a checklist. Meade proposes instead a set of goals that are “touchstones to be sought out over and over, with our understanding deepening as we draw nearer to death.” Whether or not you’re a bucket lister, read more in “Kicking the Bucket List.”
Ever collided with someone who’s texting while walking? One Chinese city, expressing concern over the dangers to older people and kids from people who text while walking (TXX), has created a special sidewalk lane for texting. One lane is labeled “No cell phones.” The other reads “Cell phones. Walk in this lane at your own risk.” Initial reports say the experiment might have limited success: Texters just don’t notice the signage. Read more on Forbes.com.
Defining the Boomer era PBS is adding to the Boomer Generation lovefest this week by airing a major new documentary film that features a notable person born each year between 1946 and 1954. “American Masters: The Boomer List” premiers on Tuesday, September 23 at 9pm ET. Among the 19 Boomers interviewed is author Tim O’Brian (below), who talks about the Vietnam War’s impact on his generation. Others on the list include Deepak Chopra, Any Tan and Samuel L. Jackson. Click here to watch the trailer on YouTube.
Have you been following the fight for the “open Internet” – the idea that all web traffic should be treated equally rather than sites that can pay being given a fast lane (read more on Senior Planet)? Was your comment one of the record-breaking 3.7 million on the subject received by the FCC received during its public comment period? With the door on comments now closed, NPR took a look at what the future holds – the when and how, and whether overwhelming public support for an open and neutral Internet will have more sway than the millions of dollars invested by telecoms in their fight for a fast lane. Read more here.
Happy wife = long-lasting marriage, a new study says. But wait, as reported by Tech Times in “If you want a happy marriage, make your wife happy,” the story might actually be more male-centric than the headline suggests. The study surveyed couples married at least 39 years and with at least one spouse age 60-plus. Researchers found that besides general life satisfaction, a big factor in keeping these couples glued together was a wife who felt happy with the union. “When a wife is satisfied with the marriage she tends to do a lot more for her husband, which has a positive effect on his life…” and presto: A happy husband = a long-lasting marriage. Read more here!
Active Aging Week starts Sunday, September 21. Led by the International Council on Active Aging, the 7-day event prompts local host organizations to offer free and low-cost activities and events as well as online programs and resources. Each day has its own focus, from foot health on Sunday to walking on Monday and intergenerational on Thursday; click here to see online resources for each day.
iOS8 tricks and tips Apple released its new operating system for the iPhone 4s, 5 and 6 – and Wired put together a helpful roundup of 15 new tricks that will make using your phone easier. Our favorite: You no longer have to hold your home button to summon Siri; now you can just say, “Hi Siri.” Click here to read all 15.
Who wants to live past 75? Ezra Klein talked to medical ethicist Ezekiel Emanuel, who caused a stir when he published an essay in The Atlantic about his decision to not live past age 75. His reason: Medical science has extended life, but not vibrant life, and he doesn’t want to fade out. Read the interview and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Plus
- Sedentary behavior might counteract benefits of exercise in older adults
- Bone paste could provide treatment for osteoperosis
Happy clicking!
COMMENTS
One response to “Teen invents life-changing Alzheimer’s device – and more from the week online”
I will soon turn 78 and my husband is 84. We are in reasonably good health and are not ready to shuffle planet Earth just yet–even though we’re over 75. Speaking for myself, if I develop a chronic debilitating illness, am in serious ongoing pain or have a major disability with no hope of recovery, I do not wish to linger. If/when I get to the point that I can no longer perform the most basic tasks of personal care and/or am demented to the point that I no longer recognize my family or even myself, the person I was is already gone. There is no reason to linger.
I strongly believe that when and how I die should be MY choice, not that of the medical-industrial complex or even my family. I hope that my written directives will be honored. If all else fails, I am legally allowed to refuse food and hydration. That cannot be a pleasant way to die, and I would much prefer access to prescribed medication in a form I can use. I am a strong supporter of death with dignity and live in one of the few states that permits it (although the law is overly restrictive in my view). BTW, I am neither depressed nor devoid of “meaning” in my life.
Sign Up for Newsletters
There’s always a lot going on in the Senior Planet universe. Get our newsletters to make sure you never miss a thing!
Sign Up Now
Join Senior Planet Community
Senior Planet Community is our social media platform designed specifically for older adult users. Engage in thought-provoking discussions, make new friends, and share resources all on a safe and ad-free platform.
Join the Conversation Today
Upcoming Online Classes
Calendar of Events
S Sun
M Mon
T Tue
W Wed
T Thu
F Fri
S Sat
0 events,
13 events,
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Mobile Health Apps
Mobile Health Apps
This lecture introduces common health apps, like the iPhone's built-in app and the Google Fit app.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Concerned about privacy? Unsure about accepting cookies? Come learn about some essential privacy tips!
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Join this discussion group to connect with Senior Planet participants from all over the country!
14 events,
31
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Smartphones at a Glance
Smartphones at a Glance
In this lecture you’ll learn about popular smartphones on the market and some of their pros and cons.
Job Searching in the Digital Age
Job Searching in the Digital Age
This lecture will provide an overview of how to use social media in your job search, demonstrate digital job searching tools like LinkedIn, and offer tips and advice to job seekers.
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
13 events,
1
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Discover Live: Assisi, Italy
Discover Live: Assisi, Italy
Join Senior Planet and our tour guides from Discover Live for a virtual visit to Assisi, Italy!
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
語音助理
語音助理
快來了解 Alexa、Siri 和其他語音助理可以為您做什麼!
Crowdfunding for a Cause
Crowdfunding for a Cause
This lecture will give an overview of donation-based crowdfunding and explore two popular platforms used by individuals and nonprofits to raise money: GoFundMe and Facebook Fundraisers.
16 events,
2
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Mindfulness Apps
Mindfulness Apps
This lecture introduces mindfulness and its physical and mental benefits, such as reducing anxiety, improving memory, and lowering blood pressure.
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 「管理個人隱私簡介」開放問答室 (Intro to Managing Your Privacy Open Lab)
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 「管理個人隱私簡介」開放問答室 (Intro to Managing Your Privacy Open Lab)
這堂開放討論活動適於解答您聆聽過關於「管理個人隱私簡介」 講座中的疑惑。
8 events,
3
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Online Tools for Contacting Your Lawmakers
Online Tools for Contacting Your Lawmakers
Learn how online tools can help you stay informed and get your voice heard.
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Smartphone Photography
Smartphone Photography
Come to this lecture to explore your smartphone's camera and some features like recording video, adding filters to pictures, and using your camera's timer!
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Join this Aging Discussion Group to have open conversations about aging.
0 events,
4
0 events,
5
12 events,
6
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Telemedicine
Telemedicine
This lecture provides an overview of telemedicine options and focuses on exploring virtual medical appointments with your doctor in real-time.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Intro to Translation Tools
Intro to Translation Tools
This lecture will introduce digital translation tools and apps, such as Google Translate.
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Join this discussion group to connect with Senior Planet participants from all over the country!
15 events,
7
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
All Things Zoom
All Things Zoom
This lecture will go over how to use Zoom to chat with friends & family, and take virtual classes with Senior Planet!
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
Introduction to TikTok
Introduction to TikTok
This presentation will introduce you to TikTok, its rise to global popularity, and most common features, including privacy settings.
12 events,
8
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Introduction to Hosting on Zoom
Introduction to Hosting on Zoom
In this introductory lecture, we'll go over what you need to start your first meeting, as well as some hosting tips to make it a success.
Cancelled – Fit Fusion Workout
Cancelled – Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
YouTube
YouTube
歡迎您來學習如何使用 YouTube。
iPhones
iPhones
In this lecture you’ll learn about the latest iPhone, its features and what to consider if you’re thinking of buying one.
16 events,
9
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
How to Choose a New Computer
How to Choose a New Computer
This informational session addresses some of the most common questions surrounding how to choose a new computer.
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 虛擬博物館導覽 (Virtual Museum Tours)
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 虛擬博物館導覽 (Virtual Museum Tours)
在家中舒適地參觀世界著名的博物館!
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
8 events,
10
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Digital Scrapbooking Tools
Digital Scrapbooking Tools
Say goodbye to paper cuts! Come learn about digital scrapbooking tools.
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Social Media for Job Searches
Social Media for Job Searches
In this lecture, we’ll discuss ways to make sure social media helps you when you’re looking for work!
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Join this Aging Discussion Group to have open conversations about aging.
0 events,
11
0 events,
12
11 events,
13
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Smartphones at a Glance
Smartphones at a Glance
How smart are they? We'll tell you all about smartphones.
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Join this discussion group to connect with Senior Planet participants from all over the country!
Easy-to-Follow Tai Chi
Easy-to-Follow Tai Chi
Move, breathe and flow during this gentle, slow, flowing form of exercise
16 events,
14
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
MyChart
MyChart
Learn how MyChart can help you keep all your health information in one place, communicate with your providers, and have a virtual visit.
Introduction to Social Media
Introduction to Social Media
Learn about some of the more popular social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
12 events,
15
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
A.I. 人工智能簡介
A.I. 人工智能簡介
快來和 ChatGPT 聊天,了解 A.I.!
Ride Sharing Apps
Ride Sharing Apps
This presentation will explore ride sharing apps, which are also known as e-hailing apps.
Wellness Wednesday: Body Weight Workouts for Building Strength
Wellness Wednesday: Body Weight Workouts for Building Strength
Join 2023 Senior Planet Sponsored Athlete Della Adams to learn about building strength with body weight workouts!
16 events,
16
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Concerned about privacy? Unsure about accepting cookies? Come learn about some essential privacy tips!
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 「虛擬博物館導覽」 開放問答室 (Virtual Museum Tours Open Lab)
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 「虛擬博物館導覽」 開放問答室 (Virtual Museum Tours Open Lab)
這堂開放討論活動適於解答您聆聽過關於 「虛擬博物館導覽」講座中的疑惑。
Introduction to Booking Vacation Stays Online
Introduction to Booking Vacation Stays Online
Need a vacation? Learn about popular websites and apps for booking vacation rentals.
8 events,
17
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Online Tools for Contacting Your Lawmakers
Online Tools for Contacting Your Lawmakers
Learn how online tools can help you stay informed and get your voice heard.
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Internet of Things: Entertainment
Internet of Things: Entertainment
This lecture will explore the many ways we interact with IoT on a day-to-day basis and take a look at how it’s revolutionizing entire industries.
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Join this Aging Discussion Group to have open conversations about aging.
0 events,
18
0 events,
19
12 events,
20
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Discover Live: Veterans Tour in Washington, DC
Discover Live: Veterans Tour in Washington, DC
Join Senior Planet and our tour guides from Discover Live for a virtual Veterans Tour in Washington, DC!
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
All Things Zoom
All Things Zoom
This lecture will go over how to use Zoom to chat with friends & family, and take virtual classes with Senior Planet!
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Join this discussion group to connect with Senior Planet participants from all over the country!
16 events,
21
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Affordable Home Internet
Affordable Home Internet
This lecture goes over basic information you need to know when signing up for home internet service.
Virtual Activism Against Racism and Police Brutality
Virtual Activism Against Racism and Police Brutality
Learn about tools to help you be a part of the movement and support racial justice!
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
12 events,
22
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Tips for Being News Savvy Online
Tips for Being News Savvy Online
Sharing the news? Learn to read and check sources before sharing!
行動健康應用程式
行動健康應用程式
來聽聽看市面上一些受歡迎的健康應用程式的簡介。
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Online Rx Drug Resources
Online Rx Drug Resources
Learn helpful tools for understanding drug costs, comparing pharmacy prices, and finding discounts and coupons.
0 events,
23
0 events,
24
0 events,
25
0 events,
26
13 events,
27
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Cloud Storage
Cloud Storage
Learn the basics of cloud storage — a technology that lets you store documents, images, and other media files remotely.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Mobile Health Apps
Mobile Health Apps
This lecture introduces common health apps, like the iPhone's built-in app and the Google Fit app.
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Join this discussion group to connect with Senior Planet participants from all over the country!
16 events,
28
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Gardening Tech At a Glance
Gardening Tech At a Glance
Can tech give you a green thumb? Come to this lecture to find out!
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
MyChart
MyChart
Learn how MyChart can help you keep all your health information in one place, communicate with your providers, and have a virtual visit.
12 events,
29
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Discover Live: Holiday Tour in Paris, France
Discover Live: Holiday Tour in Paris, France
Join Senior Planet and our tour guides from Discover Live for a special holiday tour in Paris, France!
虛擬博物館導覽
虛擬博物館導覽
在家中舒適地參觀世界著名的博物館!
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Messaging Apps
Messaging Apps
This lecture will go over the features of three widely-used apps: iMessages, Hangouts, and WhatsApp.
16 events,
30
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Smartphone Camera Uses Beyond Photography
Smartphone Camera Uses Beyond Photography
Come learn about QR codes, augmented reality apps, and more!
Money Matters
Money Matters
This lecture introduces online banking and goes over how to keep your financial information safe.
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
9 events,
1
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Introduction to Estate Planning Resources & Tools
Introduction to Estate Planning Resources & Tools
A simple plan is better than no plan! Get to know a few free and low-cost resources that make it simple to plan your estate.
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Internet of Things: Healthcare
Internet of Things: Healthcare
Come learn how the medical industry is embracing the Internet of Things (IoT) technology to treat patients remotely.
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Join this Aging Discussion Group to have open conversations about aging.
0 events,
2
Morning Stretch
Mobile Health Apps
Fit Fusion Workout
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Smartphones at a Glance
Job Searching in the Digital Age
Chair Yoga
Morning Stretch
Discover Live: Assisi, Italy
Fit Fusion Workout
語音助理
Crowdfunding for a Cause
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Mindfulness Apps
Chair Yoga
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 「管理個人隱私簡介」開放問答室 (Intro to Managing Your Privacy Open Lab)
Morning Stretch
Online Tools for Contacting Your Lawmakers
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Smartphone Photography
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Morning Stretch
Telemedicine
Fit Fusion Workout
Intro to Translation Tools
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
All Things Zoom
Chair Yoga
Introduction to TikTok
Morning Stretch
Introduction to Hosting on Zoom
Cancelled – Fit Fusion Workout
YouTube
iPhones
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
How to Choose a New Computer
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 虛擬博物館導覽 (Virtual Museum Tours)
Chair Yoga
Morning Stretch
Digital Scrapbooking Tools
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Social Media for Job Searches
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Morning Stretch
Fit Fusion Workout
Smartphones at a Glance
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Easy-to-Follow Tai Chi
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
MyChart
Introduction to Social Media
Chair Yoga
Morning Stretch
Fit Fusion Workout
A.I. 人工智能簡介
Ride Sharing Apps
Wellness Wednesday: Body Weight Workouts for Building Strength
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 「虛擬博物館導覽」 開放問答室 (Virtual Museum Tours Open Lab)
Introduction to Booking Vacation Stays Online
Morning Stretch
Online Tools for Contacting Your Lawmakers
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Internet of Things: Entertainment
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Morning Stretch
Discover Live: Veterans Tour in Washington, DC
Fit Fusion Workout
All Things Zoom
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Affordable Home Internet
Virtual Activism Against Racism and Police Brutality
Chair Yoga
Morning Stretch
Tips for Being News Savvy Online
行動健康應用程式
Fit Fusion Workout
Online Rx Drug Resources
Morning Stretch
Cloud Storage
Fit Fusion Workout
Mobile Health Apps
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Gardening Tech At a Glance
Chair Yoga
MyChart
Morning Stretch
Discover Live: Holiday Tour in Paris, France
虛擬博物館導覽
Fit Fusion Workout
Messaging Apps
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Smartphone Camera Uses Beyond Photography
Money Matters
Chair Yoga
Morning Stretch
Introduction to Estate Planning Resources & Tools
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Internet of Things: Healthcare
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Recent Articles
Recent Comments