Purchases That Enrich My Life

 By Bruce Shawkey

I recently asked AI (artificial intelligence) to recommend some purchases that would enrich my life at age 69, seeing as how I'm in the autumn of my life. Here's what it replied:

For a 69-year-old, the best purchases for enriching life often fall into four categories: investing in new experiences, acquiring tools for creative hobbies, upgrading for a healthier lifestyle, and making home safety and comfort modifications. The ideal purchases will depend on your personal interests, mobility, and goals.

Experiences and travel:

Instead of buying more "stuff," investing in experiences can create lasting memories and offer new perspectives. 

Group tours: Companies like Trafalgar and Insight Vacations offer guided tours for seniors that handle the logistics, making travel less stressful.

Cruises: All-inclusive cruises provide a comfortable way to see multiple destinations and socialize with other travelers.

National Park Pass: The America the Beautiful pass offers lifetime access to national parks for a small fee for seniors aged 62 or older, making road trips affordable.

Continuing education: Many state universities offer free or low-cost auditing of classes for seniors. Other options include the Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (OLLI) or online platforms like MasterClass. 

Hobbies and personal development

Pursuing new or existing passions can keep your mind sharp and provide a sense of purpose. 

Arts and crafts supplies: Purchases like painting kits, knitting needles, or scrapbooking materials can boost creativity and focus.

Musical instruments: Learning a new instrument can improve memory and coordination. You can purchase an instrument or use an online platform like MasterClass for lessons.

Gardening supplies: Gardening is a low-impact physical activity that reduces stress and improves mood. Raised garden beds make gardening more accessible by reducing bending.

Quality reading devices and subscriptions: An Amazon Kindle or a subscription to an audiobook service like Audible is a great way to read comfortably. 

Health and wellness

Prioritizing your health is a fundamental investment in your quality of life.

Exercise equipment or memberships: Low-impact activities like yoga, tai chi, or walking can help maintain mobility and balance. Purchases could include a quality pair of walking shoes, a yoga mat, or a gym membership.

Fitness tracker: Wearable devices like a Fitbit or Apple Watch can monitor your heart rate, sleep patterns, and daily activity levels.

Smart hearing aids: For those with hearing loss, modern smart hearing aids offer improved noise filtering and Bluetooth connectivity.

Medical alert system: For peace of mind, consider a system with fall detection and emergency alert features. 

Home comfort and safety

Making modifications to your living space can help you "age in place" safely and comfortably. 

Smart home technology: A voice assistant like Google Assistant or Alexa can help set medication reminders, control smart lights, and provide instant answers to questions.

Home modifications: Simple upgrades like grab bars in the bathroom, non-slip mats, improved lighting, and lever-style door handles can prevent accidents.

Better mattress or bedding: High-quality sleep is crucial for physical and mental health. Consider investing in a new mattress, weighted blanket, or fine-textured bedding.

Robotic vacuum: Automating household chores can free up energy for more enjoyable pursuits. A robot vacuum is a great hands-off purchase. 

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All good stuff. Gives me lots to think about. I can add some stuff, too:

1. Hire a maid service. This was a real game changer for me and my sister. I'm partially handicapped due to a stroke that occurred a couple of years ago. Can't tell you how much this has improved my life. Money well spent. Don't have much use for a robotic vacuum!

2. Downsize and move to an apartment. Don't have to worry about home maintenance any more.

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