I recently read an article about robotic pets being a great substitute for pet-loving seniors who cannot have or take care of a pet any longer. What do you think of this? My mother, who has dementia, is living in an assisted living facility that does not allow pets. Because of COVID, we have not been allowed inside the facility to visit her since March. I have been thinking about getting her a robot pet to help cheer her up but would like to know if they are worth buying.

There have actually been several studies on this topic that have shown that robotic pets – which are lifelike interactive pets – can have a positive impact on many lonely, socially isolated seniors, especially those who have dementia. This is particularly important now as the pandemic has caused millions of high-risk, vulnerable seniors to isolate as a means to protect themselves from the coronavirus. Here is what you should know.

Robotic Pet Studies

In 2018, the New York State Office for the Aging was the first state in the U.S. to test the robotic pets with isolated seniors. Results showed that using pets to lower social isolation was highly successful, with 70% of pilot participants reporting a decrease in isolation after one year. Subsequent programs completed by aging agencies in Alabama, Florida and Pennsylvania have also shown positive results.

Other clinical studies conducted by AARP, UnitedHealthcare and other clinicians have found similar outcomes. The studies have also found that robotic pets can help to enhance the well-being and quality of life of lonely or isolated individuals and those living with dementia and other forms of cognitive decline. The studies showed the robotic pets provided a level of interaction and comfort similar to a lifelike companion.

Where to Look

If you are interested in getting your mom a robotic pet, look for options targeted for seniors, rather than marketed as children's toys. Some of the targeted robot pet companies offer cats and dogs that look, feel and sound like the real thing – minus the feeding, watering, litter box or backyard cleanup, and the vet bills. With prices ranging between $65 and $130. Some of the options include soft, plush animals with built-in sensors that allow for purring and barking. They also may have brushable fur, making them surprisingly realistic.

They may be found in different shades to mimic real breeds. Some of the robotic pets can open and close their eyes, lift their paws, and move their head and body. If you pet them in the right spot – like on their belly or back– they will let out a purr.

If your mom is more of a dog person, you can also find stuffed puppies that will bark if it is feeling happy, sad or needy. The robotic pets are relatively light in comparison to a live pet. The stuffed pup is easy to play with and will not weigh down even the most fragile frame.


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 tips can you recommend for finding affordable prescription eyeglasses? I used to have vision insurance through my work but lost it when I turned 65 and signed up for Medicare.

Unfortunately, in 2020 original Medicare does not cover vision services. Routine eye exams and prescriptions are not included, unless you have just had cataract surgery. While there is no single solution to this common need, here are a few tips that can help you save.

Medicare Advantage

While original Medicare does not cover vision services, there are Medicare Advantage plans that do. Medicare Advantage plans are sold through private insurance companies. They cover all the same medical and hospital services included in original Medicare coverage. Many of the plans also provide vision, dental, hearing and prescription drugs coverage.

To locate Advantage plans in your area that provide vision coverage, go to Medicare.gov/plan-compare or call 800-633-4227. Before enrolling in a plan, check the benefit details to ensure the plan's vision coverage includes routine eye exams, eyeglass frames and lenses.

If you are currently enrolled in original Medicare you can switch to a Medicare Advantage plan during the open enrollment period, which is between October 15 and December 7. If you already have a Medicare Advantage plan that does not provide adequate vision coverage, you can swap to another plan between January 1 and March 31.

If you do not want to change your Medicare plan, you can get coverage by purchasing a vision insurance policy. Basic vision policies typically start at approximately $10 per month for an individual. Before signing up, make sure your savings potential is worth the cost of the monthly premiums and required copays.

Discount Stores

Purchasing eyeglasses from discount retailers is another way to save. Big box discount stores may offer quality eyewear and low prices. Eyeglasses may cost less, but you may be required to pay an annual membership fee.

You should ask if you are eligible for any discounts. Some retailers provide discounts to membership groups. For example, with an AARP membership, you may receive 30% off a pair of glasses (frames and lenses) at certain retailers. AARP offers its members $55 comprehensive eye exams (dilation included) at participating eye doctors.

Buy Online

Buying eyeglasses online can also offer huge savings. Online only retailers may sell prescription eyeglasses at very minimal cost. These sites may allow you to upload a photo of your face, so you can see what you would look like in different frames. Some retailers allow you to request up to five pairs to try on at home for five days.

To purchase glasses online, you will need a valid prescription, typically no more than a year old, from an eye doctor. The prescription must include your pupillary distance number, which is the distance, measured in millimeters, between the centers of your pupils in each eye.

Low-Income Assistance

If your income is low, there may be local clinics that provide free or discounted eye exams and eyeglasses. You may also be able to get free eyeglasses through nonprofits in your area.

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.

At any given time, the average American maintains between 30 and 50 online accounts. These may be with banks, financial institutions, utility companies, email providers, social media outlets, commercial shopping or travel sites and accounts unique to technology such as an account to purchase apps for a smartphone.

Modern estate plans should include an "ePlan" to manage online accounts and online data. There are four specific steps to creating an effective ePlan. These include compiling a list of each account along with an explanation of how each is used; developing a plan for storing electronic information; naming an executor to manage the accounts; and providing appropriate direction to your executor.

1. Compile a List of Accounts and How to Access Them

The first part of an effective ePlan is to gather information and to compile a list of your accounts together with information about the accounts. Your list should specify the username, password account number and a description of what is included in each account. Because passwords frequently change, you should be sure to keep this list up to date.

There are four major types of online accounts: personal, financial, business and social media. Examples of personal accounts include email accounts and those used in conjunction with photos, videos, music and apps for smartphones or tablets. The information associated with these accounts is typically backed up on a computer hard drive, a backup drive or cloud account.

Financial accounts might include savings and checking accounts, retirement accounts, utility accounts, and accounts related to travel and shopping. Increasingly, people are using electronic devices to bank online, including linking accounts for automatic payments, to manage retirement and investment accounts, and to shop online at sites such as Amazon, eBay, airlines and other companies. Online financial accounts also allow for the management of digital currency such as Bitcoin. In many cases, the estate executor will need the account holder's username, password and account number to identify and access any online financial accounts and to ensure that they can be left to family.

Business related accounts could include intellectual property that is part of a website or blog, including written work, photos, videos and musical compositions and software. If you own business assets like these, be sure to discuss these specific assets with your attorney.

Examples of social media accounts are Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. These accounts may be valuable or sufficiently sentimental because they contain photos and comments that should be passed on to family. A good ePlan will instruct the executor how to dispose of these assets, such as whether the executor should copy the data from these accounts to share with family and whether to wind down and close these accounts.

2. Store and Protect Your Information

The second part of an effective ePlan is the development of a plan for storing information. This will involve saving the list that you compiled as well as backing up important data files and account information.

Because an ePlan account list contains sensitive information such as usernames and passwords, it is essential to maintain the security and confidentiality of this list. There are three basic options for securing an ePlan account list. First, this list could be handwritten and stored in a safe place. Second, it could be in electronic format such as a spreadsheet saved to a thumb drive. Extra security measures can be taken to password protect or encrypt the file or drive. Third, there are programs that manage, save and encrypt passwords. These programs allow people to connect multiple devices to a password management program and the program will keep the passwords up to date on each device. If you password protect a file, encrypt a drive or use a password management program, be sure to provide your executor or a loved one with the file password or encryption key or with access to one of your devices so your executor can access the password program.

For purposes of security, and in order to keep the list up to date, maintain a single list. Avoid saving the list on a computer in case of data loss or a data breach. Do not include this list in a will or living trust; these documents may become public. Save the list in a secure location such as in a locked, fireproof home safe or safety deposit box. Some states require that a safety deposit box cannot be opened after the owner passes away without the approval of the probate court. Ask your attorney if you live in one of these states. If you do, consider storing your list in a home safe.

There are several options for maintaining a backup of important electronic information such as pictures, videos, music and archived email. You can back up this information on your personal computer, in a cloud account or on an external backup drive, thumb drive or DVD, which can then be stored in a home safe or safety deposit box.

3. Select Your Digital Executor

After compiling a list and selecting a storage method, the third part of an ePlan will be the selection of a digital executor. Many states have passed laws that give access to online accounts to the executor of an estate. In some cases, however, state law may limit access if the executor does not have the password or an estate plan does not clearly grant powers to the executor to access these accounts. Accordingly, your estate plan should be explicit in the granting of authority with respect to online accounts, and the ePlan should provide the necessary passwords to the executor. Institutions that provide online account access may give the executor access upon a showing of appropriate authorization in the estate plan or, in some cases, may require an order from the probate court. For some accounts such as Bitcoin, the executor will need the password to access the account.

4. Provide Your Executor with "Digital Directions"

The fourth and final part of an ePlan includes a letter of instruction to the digital executor. This letter will tell the executor how to manage your online accounts and digital assets. It may also provide recommendations for the distribution of various accounts, assets, files and information to family. Information in personal accounts, such as photos and videos, can easily be duplicated. Accordingly, the letter may instruct the executor to produce copies of those files to share broadly with family. Assets in any financial accounts will be transferred to your chosen heirs according to your will, trust or beneficiary designation form, after which the financial institutions will close your accounts. A letter can also tell the executor how to manage social media accounts. Options for dealing with social media accounts include transferring account management to a loved one so that the account can remain active and serve as a memorial to the original account holder, or the account can simply be closed down.

Account Specific Information

Google, Facebook, Twitter, Apple and other companies have adopted policies to address the situation when an account holder has passed away. These policies may allow an account holder to designate a "Legacy Contact" to manage the account; require specific documentation before a deceased person's account can be closed, such as a copy of a death certificate, court order, notarized letter or obituary; or automatically close an account after an extended period of inactivity, such as three to twelve months. These policies are subject to change, so a digital executor should familiarize themselves with the policies of each account provider and may need to act quickly to preserve important and sentimental information for family and loved ones.

Protect Your Digital Assets

Digital estate planning is a new and rapidly changing field. By incorporating an ePlan into your estate plan, you can ensure that your executor will take the right steps to preserve and protect these accounts and that valuable and sentimental data can be passed on to family and loved ones.

What can you recommend that will make a kitchen safer and easier to use? My wife, who loves to cook, has had several kitchen-related accidents over the past year. We would like to modify the space to make it safer and more practical.

There are a number of simple modifications and inexpensive add-ons that can transform your kitchen into a safer environment. Depending on your needs, here are some suggestions for each aspect of the kitchen.

Floors: Replace kitchen throw rugs with non-skid or gel floor mats to reduce tripping or slipping. Gel mats are comfortable to stand on for long periods of time.

Lights: Replace dim lighting with bright new ceiling lights. Also, consider adding under-cabinet task lighting to brighten up kitchen countertops.

Cabinets and Drawers: Reduce bending or reaching by organizing your kitchen cabinets and drawers so that the items you use most frequently are within comfortable reach. In addition, you can make your cabinets and pantry easier to access by installing pullout shelves or Lazy Susans. Finally, consider installing D-shaped pull-handles on cabinets and drawers. These handles are more comfortable for arthritic hands than traditional knobs.

Faucet: If you have a twist-handle kitchen faucet, replace it with an ADA compliant single handle faucet. They are easier to use, especially for people with arthritis or limited hand strength. There are also kitchen faucets on the market today that will turn themselves on and off by simply touching the base or moving your hand over a motion sensor. For safety purposes, set your hot water tank to 120 degrees to prevent possible water burns.

Microwave and Stove: If your microwave is mounted above the stove, consider moving it to a countertop. This makes it safer and easier to reach. If you are concerned about remembering to turn the stove off, there are automatic stove shut-off devices you can purchase and install to prevent a fire.

If you are looking to upgrade some of your appliances, here are some different features you should look for when shopping.

Refrigerator and Freezer: Side-by-side doors are convenient because frequently used items can be placed at mid-shelf range for easy access. Also, look for refrigerators that feature pullout adjustable height shelves and water/ice dispensers on the outside of the refrigerator door for added convenience.

Stove or Cooktop: Look for a stove that features controls in the front of the stove so that you will not have to reach over hot burners to turn it off. Also, ask about automatic shut-off burners. Make sure the controls on the stove are easy to see. Flat surface electric or induction burners are great for sliding heavy pots and pans from one burner to the next. For gas stoves, continuous grates are good for this purpose as well.

Oven: For an oven that is easier to maintain, consider purchasing a self-cleaning oven. Ovens that feature a side-swing door are easier to use because you do not have to lean over a hot swing-down door. Also consider a wall-mounted oven, installed at your preferred height so bending over it is not required.

Dishwasher: Consider a dishwasher drawer that slides in and out and is installed on a 6- 10-inch raised platform. These require less bending to load and unload.

Washer and Dryer: Front-load washers and dryers with pedestals that raise the height 10 to 15 inches are also back-savers and easy to access. You can consider installing pedestals if you already own front load washers and dryers.

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 am interested in tracking down some old friends I have lost touch with over the years. What can you recommend that can help me find them?

Thanks to the internet, tracking down long-lost friends from many years ago is relatively easy to do. In most cases, it will not cost you a cent. Here are some tips and online tools to help you get started.

Remembering the Details

Before you begin your search, a good first step is to jot down any information you know about the people you are trying to locate. Note details such as their full name (maiden and married), age or birth date, last known address or phone number, email address, names of family members, etc. Knowing these details can help you turn up clues while you search.

Social Media and Search Engines

After you compile your information, a good place to start your search is at social media sites. Search engines are helpful tools as well.

When using search engines, type in the name of the person you are searching for in quotation marks, for example, "John Smith." You can narrow your search by adding other criteria like their nickname or middle name, the city or state they may live in or even their occupation.

People Search Sites

If your initial search comes up empty, you can also use people search websites or "people finder" search engines. These sites will provide a list of potential matches from across the U.S.

Because many people share the same name, these sites will also supply details to help identify the right person. This may include age, prior hometowns, names of relatives, colleges attended or employer. While these sites are free to use at a basic level, they may charge a small fee for providing certain details like the person's contact information. You may not find who you are looking for if any of your acquaintances have opted out due to privacy concerns.

Niche Finding Sites

Here are a few other niche people-finding websites to help you with your search. To look for old high school classmates, check your high school alumni website. Not every school has its own site, but some do. You can look for it by going to any search engine and typing in the name of the school with the city and state it is located in. You can also search social media platforms for alumni groups. You may not find the classmate you are looking for, but it may connect you with information with another classmate who remains in touch with your friend.

If you are looking for old college friends, look for an alumni directory on the school's website. You might be able to access your friend's contact info by completing an online registration. You can also call or email your alumni relations department and ask them to pass on your contact info to your friend. If you are looking for someone you served with in the military, there are websites that offer free searches through large databases of records.

If you cannot find any current information about the person you are searching for, it could be that he or she has passed away. To find out if that is the case, use obituary databases, which may incorporate newspaper obituary search tools from hundreds of U.S. newspapers.

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.

With my local Social Security offices being closed due to COVID-19, what is the best way to apply for my Social Security retirement benefits?

Because of the pandemic, all Social Security field offices across the country have been closed since March, so you cannot just walk in, talk to a counselor and apply for benefits in person right now. But there are other ways to claim your benefits that are much easier and quicker. Here is what you should know.

How to Apply?

The easiest and most convenient way to apply for your Social Security benefits during the pandemic is to do it yourself online at SSA.gov. It usually takes around 15 minutes to complete the application as long as you have gathered all of the required information and documentation (more on that below). You can also save your application as you go, so you can take a break at any time.

If your situation is complicated or you are uncomfortable using the internet to apply, you can have a Social Security employee assist with the process via telephone. To make an appointment call 800-772-1213. (If you are hearing impaired, you can call 800-325-0778.) The phones are monitored Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the time of your appointment, the representative will call you.

If you start to complete the online application form but find that it is too confusing or complicated, call the agency and set up a phone appointment.

Once you have submitted your application, a representative may contact you with updates or questions about your application. You can also check the status of your application by signing in to your “my Social Security” account at SSA.gov/myaccount.

When to Apply?

You should file one or two months before you want benefits to begin. If you are the worrying type, you can do it up to three or four months before. It takes a little time to process the paperwork. Putting in your application a few months early allows you to fix any problems that come up without it interfering with your starting date.

It is also worth noting that if you start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits before age 65, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. You will receive your Medicare card about three months before your 65th birthday. It will include instructions to return it if you have work coverage that qualifies you for late enrollment.

If you decide to delay your retirement benefits, you will need to sign up just for Medicare at age 65. You can sign up at undefined or over the phone at 800-772-1213.

Need Information

In order to apply for Social Security benefits online or over the phone, you will need to be able to document some information about your identity and work history. Before applying, have the following information handy:

• Your Social Security Number
• Your birth certificate (original or certified)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status if you were not born in the United States
• A copy of your U.S. military service papers if you had military service before 1968
• A copy of your W-2 forms and/or self-employment tax return for last year
• Your bank information (including your account number and the bank routing number) where you want your benefits direct deposited.

For a complete checklist of what you will need to complete your application, see SSA.gov/hlp/isba/10/isba-checklist.pdf.

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 explain the differences between the coronavirus and the seasonal flu? I am 70, and usually get a standard flu shot, but would like to find out what else I can do to protect myself this winter.

Because of the dual danger of influenza (flu) and COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently warned that this fall and winter could be the worst ever for public health. Understanding this, knowing the differences and similarities between the viruses and knowing what you can do to protect yourself is the best way to stay healthy and safe through this difficult time.

Flu vs. COVID-19

Because many of the symptoms of the flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Talk with your healthcare professional if you have concerns or symptoms. Testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis. With that said, here are some similarities and differences you should know.

For starters, seasonal flu symptoms come on pretty quickly, whereas COVID-19 often develops gradually over a period of a few days and then either fades out or gets worse. Common shared symptoms include fever, sore throat, muscle aches, cough, headache, fatigue, chest pain, diarrhea and nausea. Pinkeye and a dry cough are associated with COVID-19.

Many people are having their temperatures taken these days before entering public spaces. A fever occurs in approximately half of COVID-19 cases and may also be present in an individual with the flu. Lack of a fever does not rule out COVID-19 or the flu.

You are likely to have a runny or stuffy nose with the flu. COVID-19 has reportedly caused loss of smell and taste in some cases. To learn more about the similarities and differences between the flu and COVID-19, visit the CDC website at CDC.gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.htm.

How to Protect Yourself

While there is no vaccine available yet to prevent COVID-19, the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Do the best you can to stay away from highly populated public areas. If you have to go out, wear a mask and keep at least six feet away from other people. Every time you come home, wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds.

There is evidence suggesting that people who are deficient in vitamin D may be at higher risk of getting COVID-19, than those with sufficient levels. Check with your physician prior to adding vitamin supplements to your routine. Your primary healthcare provider may advise you to take in around 800 to 1,000 international units (IUs) of vitamin D from food or supplements daily. Daily exposure to the sun may also increase your vitamin D levels, remember to avoid overexposure from the sun.

To help guard against the flu this year, you should talk with your physician about getting a flu shot that is specifically designed for people 65 and older. The "Fluzone High Dose Quadrivalent" or the "FLUAD Quadrivalent" are the two options that provide extra protection beyond what a standard flu shot offers. You only need one flu shot each year. It takes up to two weeks to build immunity after you receive the flu shot. Most healthcare professionals advise receiving the flu shot in early fall, at the start of flu season.

Pneumonia Vaccines

If you have not been vaccinated for pneumonia, you may also consider getting the pneumococcal vaccines. Both the flu and COVID-19 can lead to pneumonia, which hospitalizes around 250,000 Americans. In approximately 50,000 people each year, pneumonia may be fatal. These numbers could be much higher this year with the dual threat of the flu and COVID-19.

The CDC recommends that all individuals age 65 and older get two vaccinations – Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax 23. Both vaccines, administered one year apart, protect against different strains of the bacteria to provide maximum protection.

Medicare Part B covers both flu and pneumonia shots. To locate a vaccination site that offers any of these shots, visit VaccineFinder.org and type in your location.

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.