As a woman approaching 50 a bit quicker than I would like, I am coming to some realizations that I’m sure others can relate to as well – things you may not realize until seeing yourself through another person’s lens. My mom used to mention how much she loved to dance when she was younger and how she knew the […]
Opinions
Savvy Senior: How to divide your personal possessions without dividing the family
Dear Savvy Senior, Do you have any suggestions on divvying up my personal possessions to my kids after I’m gone without causing hard feelings or conflict? I have a lot of jewelry, art, family heirlooms and antique furniture, and four grown kids that don’t always see eye-to-eye on things. Conflicted Parent Dear Conflicted, Divvying up personal possessions among adult children […]
LETTERS: Boy Scout encourages reading
Dear Editor: Hello, my name is Harper. I am a Boy Scout here in Henrico and for my Communications Merit Badge, I am reaching out to you to share some of my thoughts about the importance of reading. Reading is so incredibly important in so many ways. It allows people to learn, escape to new worlds, and experience new perspectives. […]
Savvy Senior: Easy-to-use dental care products for elderly seniors
Dear Savvy Senior, I have arthritis and hand tremors that affect my grip strength and makes brushing my teeth difficult. I’ve read that electric toothbrushes can help make the job easier. Can you make any recommendations for seniors? Arthritic Alice Dear Alice, For seniors who suffer from arthritis or have other hand weaknesses or tremors, an electric toothbrush is an […]
A Henrico reader’s open letter to local, state officials about data center rezoning projects
Dear Editor: As the General Assembly decides to wait for results of a Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) study of data centers before taking action to reform the industry, we residents of Henrico (and other localities) have little choice but to act with greater urgency, armed with lessons learned in NoVA. Soon, our Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission […]
Savvy Senior: What you need to know about Medicare spouse coverage
Dear Savvy Senior, Are spouses who have not worked outside the home eligible for Medicare benefits? I have worked most of my adult life, but my wife has been a mother and homemaker since we got married and hasn’t held an income-producing job since she was in college. Will she be eligible for Medicare? Searching Spouse Dear Searching, There are […]
Savvy Senior: Do I need to file a tax return this year?
Dear Savvy Senior, What are the IRS income tax filing requirements for retirees this tax season? I didn’t file a tax return the past two years because my income was below the filing threshold, but I got a part-time job late last year, so I’m wondering if I’m required to file this year. Retired Worker Dear Retired, Whether or not […]
Savvy Senior: Does Medicare cover weight-loss treatments?
Dear Savvy Senior, Does Medicare cover any weight-loss treatments for overweight retirees? I just turned 65 and need to lose about 100 pounds and would like to know if Medicare can help. Overweight Owen Dear Owen, Yes, traditional Medicare does indeed cover some weight-loss treatments like counseling and certain types of surgery for overweight beneficiaries, but unfortunately it doesn’t cover […]
Savvy Senior: Keeping older drivers safe on the road
Dear Savvy Senior, What safety tips can you recommend for older drivers? My 86-year-old mother, who still drives herself, had a fender bender last month and I worry about her safety. Back Seat Daughter Dear Back Seat, With more and more older Americans driving well into their 70s, 80s and beyond, there are a variety of things your mom can […]