My parent has fallen twice during the past year but does not like wearing a medical pendant. Are there any monitored medical alert devices that do not require wearing a help button?

There are many monitored medical alert systems on the market. These devices offer voice-activated capabilities to enable a person to call for help using voice commands without pushing a wearable help button. These new technologies are very helpful for seniors that live alone and who forget or prefer not to wear a help button. These devices are also helpful for persons with certain physical disabilities.

Simply speaking the "wake words" activates these devices and connects a person to a trained dispatcher at a 24/7 monitoring center. The dispatcher can assess their condition and request the appropriate help, such as calling local emergency services or contacting a family member, friend or neighbor for assistance. These devices are often accompanied by a smartphone app that allows remote monitoring and will notify family or a caregiver if a problem occurs.

Hands-Free Medical Alerts

There are many voice-activated medical alert systems with various features and price ranges. Costs may include fees for the equipment, activation and monthly monitoring. Some systems may use a landline while others work with a cellular connection. Depending on the system purchased, the initial equipment may come with base consoles, wireless speakers, voice-activated and push wall buttons, personal help buttons and fall detection sensors. Optional medical alert watches and pendants with fall detection capabilities are typically sold separately.

Most of the options available offer two-way communication through a base station. For example, a person could simply say "Call 911" twice and be connected to a dispatcher at a monitoring center. Some devices can also make voice command nonemergency calls to preassigned contacts, answer health questions and provide reminders for medications and doctor appointments.

Smart Home Solution

Instead of a traditional medical alert system, another hands-free way to call for help is with a voice-controlled personal assistant speaker that responds to commands. The devices are sold by companies to create "smart homes" but also offer optional monthly plans for remote caregiving and medical alert services. The speakers are compatible with some third-party fall detection devices. If a fall is detected, it asks if help is needed and, if so, the person is connected to their designated contact.

These devices also provide additional features that can be useful. For example, some will make hands-free calls, receive reminders, set timers and alarms, control smart home devices, check the weather, play music and much more.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070

Does Medicare cover preventive health screenings? I am scheduled for a physical and colonoscopy this year and want to determine the anticipated costs before my appointment.

Medicare covers a wide array of preventive and screening services to help individuals stay healthy, but not all services are completely covered. Here is what you should know.

Free Preventive Benefits

Medicare's preventive services are available to beneficiaries through Part B completely free without copays or deductibles, as long basic eligibility standards are met. Some of Medicare's covered services include: mammograms, colonoscopies, certain vaccines and screenings for diabetes, depression, osteoporosis, various cancers and cardiovascular disease. Medicare also covers counseling to combat obesity, alcohol abuse and smoking. To obtain these services for free, however, see a doctor who accepts Medicare "on assignment," which means he or she has agreed to accept the Medicare approved rate as full payment.

Additionally, the tests are free only if they are used at specified intervals. For example, cardiovascular screening blood tests are covered once every five years and colonoscopies, once every ten years. If you are at high risk for colorectal cancer, more frequent intervals may be covered, such as screenings every two years.

Medicare also offers a free "Welcome to Medicare" exam with your doctor in your first year, along with annual "Wellness" visits thereafter. These visits should not be confused with full physical examinations as they are prevention-focused visits that provide only an overview of your health and medical risk factors to establish a baseline for future care.

Cost Sharing Services

There are a few Medicare preventive services that require some out-of-pocket cost sharing. With these tests, you will pay 20% of the cost of the service after you have met your $226 Part B yearly deductible. The services include glaucoma tests, diabetes self-management training and prostate cancer detection. For a complete list of services along with their eligibility requirements, visit Medicare.gov/coverage/preventive-screening-services.

If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, your plan is required to cover the same preventive services as original Medicare, but each plan's rules can vary and the availability of some services and supplies will depend on where you live.

Hidden Costs

While most of the previously listed Medicare services are free, you can be charged for certain diagnostic services or additional tests or procedures related to the preventive service. For example, if your doctor finds and removes a polyp during your preventive care colonoscopy screening, you will pay 15% of the doctor's service fee. You may also be charged if during your annual wellness visit, your doctor needs to investigate or treat a new or existing problem.

In some cases, you will be charged for a doctor's visit if you meet with them before or after receiving services. Moreover, the location where you obtain these services could also entail a facility fee. Certain hospitals, for example, will often charge separate facilities fees for preventive services. To eliminate any unforeseen billing fees, talk to your provider before any preventive service procedure to find out if you are subject to a charge and what it would be.

If you receive an unexpected medical bill, you can always call the billing department and see if there is a way to negotiate a payment plan that fits your budget. In some cases, providers and facilities may be willing to provide credits or reductions based on your income.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

What can you tell me about green burial options? I would like to preplan my funeral and make it as natural and eco-friendly as possible.

Green funeral options are becoming increasingly popular in the United States as more and more people are looking for environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional funerals. Here is what you should know about "green burial" and "green cremation" options, along with some tips to help you locate services in your area.

Green Burial

If you wish to be buried, you can minimize the environmental impact by forgoing the embalming chemicals (as it is not typically required by law). You can opt to be buried in a biodegradable container or shroud without the use of a vault, instead of a traditional casket or concrete vault. This approach allows the body to decompose more naturally.

If you want to temporarily preserve the body for viewing or a memorial service without the use of traditional embalming chemicals, you can request the use of dry ice, a refrigeration unit or a nontoxic embalming agent.

You will also be happy to know that green burials may be more affordable than traditional funerals, which average around $8,000 in 2023. By foregoing the coffin, vault and embalming, you may significantly cut down on funeral costs.

A good first step is to find a certified green funeral home in your area and contact them. If there is no certified green funeral home nearby, you should contact traditional funeral homes to see if they offer green funeral service options. Many funeral homes offer a range of services from traditional burials to green burials to meet the needs of all their customers.

You will also need to find a green cemetery. There are nearly 100 green cemeteries throughout the United States and more than 300 traditional (hybrid) cemeteries that offer green burials as well. Search online for environmentally friendly cemeteries. If you own rural property, you may be able to have a home burial if your state and county allow it.

Green Cremation

Eco-friendly options exist for cremation as well. While cremation has always been promoted as being more eco-friendly than a typical burial, traditional cremation uses high heat to incinerate the body and emits greenhouse gases into the air.

A green cremation, however, uses water and potassium hydroxide to reduce a deceased body to its basic element within a few hours. This green technique, which is known as aquamation, may be more expensive than traditional cremation and can be an option in some states. Contact your local funeral providers to find out if this is available in your area or do an online search for "aquamation" followed by your city and state.

Another green consideration is deciding what to do with the remains. Instead of scattering, which can be harmful to the environment, there are a wide variety of biodegradable urns that dissolve into the earth or water over time. There are also memorial urns that will grow a plant or tree in combination with ashes.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

Is regular heartburn or acid reflux anything to worry about? I take antacids throughout the day to help manage my symptoms, but the reflux has gotten worse and keeps me awake at night. Should I be concerned?

Almost everyone experiences heartburn or acid reflux from time to time, but frequent episodes can signal a more serious problem. It is estimated that more than 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month and around 15 million Americans suffer from it daily.

Heartburn symptoms show up in a variety of ways such as a burning pain behind the breastbone, indigestion or a sour or burning taste in the back of the throat. Other symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty swallowing, a chronic cough, a sore throat or hoarseness.

If you are plagued by heartburn more than twice a week and find little relief from over-the-counter antacids, you should make an appointment to see your health care provider. If your provider suspects you have a chronic condition, he or she may refer you to a gastroenterologist. Frequent bouts may mean you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD can severely irritate and potentially damage the lining of your esophagus and may also increase your risk of Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer if it is not treated properly.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Depending on the severity of your heartburn, various lifestyle adjustments that can provide relief and prevent more serious problems down the road, such as:

• Avoid trigger foods: Avoid foods that trigger heartburn symptoms like citrus fruits, tomatoes, fatty foods, chocolate, garlic, onions, spicy foods, mints, alcohol, coffee and sodas. Keep a food diary to track which foods cause you the most problems and avoid those foods.
• Eat smaller, slower and earlier: Eating smaller portions at mealtimes and eating more slowly can help reduce heartburn symptoms. You should also wait at least three hours after eating before lying down or going to bed.
• Manage weight: Excess weight around the midsection puts pressure on the abdomen, pushing up the stomach and causing acid to back up into the esophagus.
• Quit smoking: Smoking can increase stomach acid and weaken the valve that prevents acid from entering the esophagus.
• Sleep elevated: To help keep the acid down while sleeping, you may want to adjust your sleeping position. Get a wedge-shaped pillow to prop yourself up a few inches. You may also elevate the head of your bed six to eight inches by placing blocks under the bedposts or insert a wedge between your mattress and box spring. Wedges are available at drugstores and medical supply stores. Studies have also shown that sleeping on your left side may also keep the acid down.

Treatment Options

If lifestyle adjustments do not resolve the symptoms and over-the-counter antacids are not helping, there are a variety of other medications that can help.

Histamine-2 Blockers: Available in both over-the-counter and prescription strength, these drugs reduce how much acid your stomach makes but may not be strong enough for serious symptoms.

Proton-Pump Inhibitors (PPI): If you have frequent and severe heartburn symptoms, PPIs are long-acting prescription medications that block acid production and allow time for damaged esophageal tissue to heal. Some PPIs are also available over-the-counter. Keep in mind that long-term use of PPIs may increase your risk for osteoporosis and chronic kidney disease.

If the medications do not resolve your symptoms, your provider may recommend a surgical procedure that can tighten or strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter and help prevent reflux.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

On July 19, 2023, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reminded taxpayers who have filed for an extension that there are many tools and services available on IRS.gov. Millions of Americans did not file a tax return on April 18 and requested a filing extension to October 16, 2023. These individuals will benefit from a summertime start to prepare their tax return.

A great place to start is the Interactive Tax Assistant tool on IRS.gov. Taxpayers are encouraged to set up an IRS Online Account. This provides access to view tax records, make payments and gather information. After taxpayers have prepared a return, it is best to file and pay electronically.

If a taxpayer did not pay the full amount due on April 18, there may be additional penalties and interest on any overdue amounts. An extension to October 16 is a filing extension and not a tax payment extension. There is information on tax payment plans at IRS.gov/payments. If a taxpayer qualifies for a refund, the "Where's My Refund?" tool can be helpful.

An excellent way to prepare a tax return is the IRS Free File program. This is one of the more convenient ways to file an electronic return using commercial tax-preparation software.

Many taxpayers need the help of a qualified tax professional. Most of these tax professionals are qualified and provide excellent service. However, there are tips on choosing a tax professional on IRS.gov. Taxpayers should avoid a "ghost" tax return preparer who refuses to provide a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) and sign the return.

The IRS offers in-person help at Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TAC). There is a tool on IRS.gov to help taxpayers find an area office and the hours of operation. After locating a convenient TAC, taxpayers can call 844-545-5640 to set up an appointment.

Additional assistance is available through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. These are generally available for individuals with $60,000 or less of income, persons with disabilities and limited English-speaking taxpayers.

If a taxpayer needs special assistance, the IRS website includes assistive technology. There is screen reading software, Braille displays and screen magnifying software available. Taxpayers can file IRS Form 9000, Alternative Media Preference, to receive tax notices in Braille or large print.

Members of the military may use the Department of Defense's MilTax program. This tax filing program is generally free to active military members and some veterans.

Finally, if taxpayers are in a federal disaster area with a declaration by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), he or she may qualify for extensions of tax deadlines.

Are there any services that can help families resolve caregiving conflicts? My elderly parent was recently diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease and my siblings and I disagree on how to handle future caregiving and finances.

It is not unusual for adult children to disagree regarding the care of an elder parent. A good possible solution is to hire an "eldercare mediator" who can help you work through disagreements peacefully. Here is how it works.

Elder Mediation

Mediators have been used for years to help resolve a variety of conflicts, sort out legal and financial disagreements and avoid court battles. Eldercare mediation is a relatively new and specialized service designed to help families resolve disputes that are related to aging parents or other elderly relatives.

Family disagreements over an ill or elderly parent's caregiving needs, medical care, living arrangements, driving issues, legal and financial decisions are just some of the many issues that an elder care mediator can help with. It is important to note that elder care mediation focuses solely on the decision-making process and is not to be confused with family or group therapy.

The primary aim of eldercare mediation is to facilitate discussions and agreements between the family members from a neutral third-party perspective and for the benefit of their elderly loved one. Mediators can also assist a family in identifying experts such as estate-planners, geriatric care managers and health care or financial professionals who can supply important information for family decision making.

The family should know that the mediation process is completely confidential and lasts anywhere from a few hours to several meetings depending on the complexity of the issues. If some family members live far away, a conference or video call can be used to bring everyone together.

If you are interested in hiring a private eldercare mediator, you can expect to pay $175 to $500 per hour depending on where you live and who you choose. Alternatively, if available in your area, you may be able to get help through a community-based nonprofit program that offers free or low-cost services by volunteer mediators.

Finding a Mediator

To locate an eldercare mediator in your area, start by asking for referrals from health professionals or hospital social workers or browse online websites that have searchable directories. Some local associations also provide free or low-cost community-based mediation programs.

There is currently no universally accepted credential or professional standard for eldercare mediators, so make sure the person you choose has extensive experience with elder issues that are similar to what your family is dealing with. Also, be sure to ask for references and verify them. Most eldercare mediators are attorneys, social workers, counselors or other professionals who are trained in mediation and conflict resolution.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

Can you recommend good resources for individuals with vision loss? My spouse was recently diagnosed with macular degeneration, and we are interested in information that can help us understand and adapt to the condition.

There are about 20 million Americans living with macular degeneration. Over time, this progressive disease can deprive people of their central vision, making everyday tasks like driving a car, reading or watching television extremely challenging. Here are some tips and resources that can help.

Low Vision Help

The first step is to make an appointment with a low vision specialist for a comprehensive examination. Low vision specialists are ophthalmologists or optometrists with additional credentials or specialization in low vision testing, diagnosis and treatment.

A low vision exam, which is much different from a typical eye exam, will explore how the eye condition is affecting the individual's day-to-day life, how that individual is adapting emotionally and if needed, can prescribe solutions to help regain as much day-to-day functioning as possible.

The next step is to find a nearby vision rehabilitation service. These services, which are run by state, nonprofit organizations, or private eye care clinics, help people with all types of uncorrectable vision impairments. Most state and nonprofit services are free or low-cost, while private clinics typically charge a fee or may accept Medicare.

While vision rehabilitation does not restore lost sight, it helps people maximize their existing sight. For those with no vision, rehabilitation can equip them with techniques and tools to help them maintain an independent lifestyle. Services offered by vision rehabilitation specialists can include counseling, training on performing daily living tasks with low vision, and how to use visual and adaptive devices and assistive technologies all aimed at improving the overall quality of life for those affected.

They also offer guidance when it comes to accommodating your home to make it safer and easier for the individual to maneuver. Additionally, they can help locate low vision support groups. Some agencies will even send a specialist to work with the person in the comfort of their own home. To find a vision rehabilitation service near you, ask a primary eye doctor for a referral.

Online Tools

Another convenient and beneficial way to get help is to search online for resources that are specifically designed for adults with vision loss. These websites provide information on eye diseases and disorders, along with dozens of practical tips and instructional videos on living with vision loss. Some of the resources include concepts for adapting your home to make it easier to navigate. They provide techniques for traveling safely outside the home, tips on how to manage finances, medications, cooking, cleaning, grooming, reading, writing and engaging in hobbies.

Online websites and directories also provide a comprehensive list of more than 2,000 low vision agencies and organizations across the country that are searchable by state or category. These directories list schools, agencies, organizations and programs in both the private and nonprofit sectors that provide a variety of services to those visually impaired and their families. The listings typically include the organization's contact information and a description of the services they offer.

For additional resources, research nonprofit organizations that partner together with the National Eye Institute and the National Eye Health Education Program. Many of these nonprofits offer online discussion groups and free online workshops to help empower the visually impaired.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

How are Social Security benefits handled when the beneficiary passes away? My family and I are trying to navigate the financials after losing a loved one.

To help you and your family understand what Social Security benefits are available when a family member passes away, here are some key points to know.

You should first make sure that the Social Security Administration is notified of the beneficiary's death to prompt them to stop their monthly benefits. In most cases, the funeral home providing the burial or cremation can notify them on your behalf. You will need to provide the decedent's Social Security number to the funeral director so they can make the report. If they do not offer that service or you are not using a funeral home, you may call your local Social Security office or 1-800-772-1213.

When Benefits Stop

There are a couple of things to be aware of regarding the deceased beneficiary's Social Security benefits. For starters, you should know that a person is due no Social Security benefits in the month of their death.

With Social Security, each payment received represents the previous month's benefits. For example, if the individual passed away in August, the check for that month would be paid in September. If the payment for August is received, it will need to be returned. If the payment is made by direct deposit, you need to contact the bank or other financial institution and ask them to return any benefits received in the month of death or later.

Survivor Benefits

The surviving spouse may be eligible for survivor benefits based on a deceased beneficiary's work record if they are at least age 60 (or age 50 if they have a disability). Here is how that works depending on their situation.

If a surviving spouse is currently receiving Social Security spousal benefits, the benefits will automatically convert to survivor benefits when the government gets notice of the beneficiary's death. The surviving spouse cannot receive both spousal and survivor benefits at the same time.

Social Security will base the surviving spouse's benefits on the earnings of the deceased beneficiary. Survivors who are of full retirement age or older will receive 100% of their deceased spouse's benefit amount. Those who are 60 years old through full retirement age will get between 71.5% to 99% of the deceased spouse's benefit amount.

If a surviving spouse is eligible for retirement benefits and has not applied yet, he or she may apply for survivors benefits when the beneficiary passes away and switch to the other (higher) benefit later. Alternatively, if a surviving spouse is already receiving his or her retirement benefits on their own work record, they may switch to survivor benefits if it offers a higher payment. However, it is not permissible to receive both benefits.

To apply for survivor benefits, a surviving spouse will need to call Social Security and schedule an appointment. The application cannot be completed online.

You should also know that survivor benefits are available to former spouses and dependents who meet particular Social Security qualifications – visit SSA.gov/benefits/survivors for more information.

Additionally, if a surviving spouse collects a survivor benefit while working and is under full retirement age, their benefits may be reduced depending on their earnings. Visit SSA.gov/pubs/EN-05-10069.pdf for details.

Death Benefit

Social Security will also pay a one-time payment of $255 to the surviving spouse if they were living with the deceased spouse at the time of his or her death. If they were living apart, they may still receive this one-time payment if they are collecting spousal benefits on the deceased's work record. In the absence of a surviving spouse, the lump-sum payment can go to a son or daughter who is eligible for benefits on the deceased's work record.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

I need to manage my weight and get my blood pressure under control, but I have never been physically active and I am not sure where to begin. Can you give me some tips on starting a walking program?

More than 25 years of research has shown that walking may be the single best exercise you can do to improve your health. Walking can burn about 100 calories per mile (depending on your weight and pace), builds endurance, enhances muscle tone and is relatively easy on your joints. It may also improve or prevent many age-related health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis and dementia.

Walking may improve your health, can be convenient and extremely low cost. All you need is a good pair of walking shoes and enough motivation to get out and go. Check with your healthcare professional that a walking program is right for you and your health. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

Start Walking: Allow yourself time to develop a walking routine. There is no need to begin walking at a record pace or for long periods of time. Start out slow. For example, you can begin by walking 10 minutes per day five days a week. When 10 minutes becomes too easy, add five minutes to your walks for the next week. Keep adding five minutes to your walks until you are walking as long as you desire. You should begin and end your walk with a few simple warm-up and cool-down stretches, which will make you feel better and help prevent injury.

How Far: Of course, walking for 10 minutes is better than not walking at all. However, most fitness professionals recommend walking 30 minutes per day five days a week. Research indicates that you can receive the same benefit even if the 30 minutes is broken up throughout the day. Another way to measure your activity level is by the number of steps you take per day. Fitness professionals recommend between 6,000 to 10,000 steps per day, which is roughly three to five miles.

How Fast: The right walking speed depends on your fitness level. The ideal speed will cause you to breathe heavily, while still being able to carry on a conversation.

Staying Motivated

Starting a walking program takes initiative and sticking with it takes commitment. Here are some tips to help you stay motivated.

• Find a Buddy: A walking partner can keep you accountable on days when you do not feel like walking. Companionship also helps the walk seem to go by quicker and a partner will provide extra motivation to keep improving your speed and distance.
• Use a Tracking Device: Fitness trackers are portable devices that can measure how far you have walked in both steps and miles. This tool allows you to see whether you have met a particular distance or step goal. Meeting a goal may give you a sense of accomplishment and will spur you to make an even more challenging goal. You can purchase these devices at most sporting goods stores or online. If you are a smartphone user, consider downloading a step tracking app.
• Join a Club: To find a walking club in your community call your local medical center, mall, health club, running shoe store or local Area Agency on Aging. Ask if there are any walking clubs or groups. If you cannot find an existing walking club in your area, you can always start your own.
• Keep a Journal: Keep a walking journal by logging how many minutes, steps or miles you have walked per day. At the end of the week determine your weekly total. This is very helpful to see how you are progressing.
• Get a Dog: Studies have shown that dog owners are much more likely to take regular walks than non-dog owners.
• Listen to Music: Listening to music can also make a nice walking companion. Check out online options to find great walking songs that will match your pace. You can use a smartphone or other music listening device.
• Have a Backup Plan: Bad weather, allergies or other factors may limit your outdoor walking. If so, have a backup plan like walking at your local indoor mall, buying a home treadmill or joining a health club.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.