Sondra L. Shapiro

Founder and Publisher at Fifty Plus Life

Award-winning journalist. Political junkie. #Travel. #Foodie. Animal Advocate

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Articles

Debt Commission, Or Social Security Death Panel?

Dec 18, 2023 | thefiftypluslife.com | Al Norman |Sondra L. Shapiro

Speaker Johnson in September joined other House Republicans to vote for a commission designed to cut Social Security and Medicare behind closed doors. By Al NormanThe new U.S. Speaker of the House, Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana, found something to say in his first speech that upset millions of Americans concerned about the future of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid — the so-called budget “entitlements.”The Speaker said it was time to put the brakes on government spending.
Study Says The US Is Ill-Prepared To Ensure Housing For Older People

Dec 14, 2023 | thefiftypluslife.com | Anita Snow |Sondra L. Shapiro

In 2021, federal housing assistance like Section 8 or Section 202 was only sufficient for a little more than a third of the 5.9 million renters ages 62 and over who were eligible. By Anita SnowAssociated PressPHOENIX — Michael Genaldi’s road to homelessness began early this year when a car slammed into the rear of his motorcycle, crushed three of his ribs, and left him in a coma for over a month.
Ghosts Of Christmas Trees Past

Dec 13, 2023 | thefiftypluslife.com | Laurie Stone |Sondra L. Shapiro

What does matter is how each Christmas we were happy. We were together. And whatever Christmas tree we had at the moment was just the right one. By Laurie StoneThey still haunt me. I catch glimpses of large Christmas firs in other people’s living rooms, aglow with lights and shiny ornaments. I picture wreaths and bows and poinsettias and give a sigh. That’s what my living room used to look like.
‘Dark Patterns‘: How To Fight Companies That Engage In Online Deception

Dec 12, 2023 | thefiftypluslife.com | Sondra L. Shapiro

Dark patterns are intentionally deceptive designs that companies use to steer people into making choices that aren’t in the consumers’ best interest. By Liz WestonNerdWalletSee if any of this sounds familiar:♦ You can’t find an easy way to cancel an unwanted subscription, so you let it continue for another month — telling yourself you’ll try again later. ♦ You feel rushed into an online purchase you regret, but there’s no option to undo the transaction or demand a refund.
The Kitchen Is Where Holiday Memories Are Often Made

Dec 1, 2023 | thefiftypluslife.com | Kim Cook |Sondra L. Shapiro

This photo shows designer and “Uncommon Kitchens” author Sophie Donelson’s homey, colorful Montreal kitchen. Donelson and other design experts say that with a measure of color, pattern and/or décor elements, we can all have a kitchen that serves up happy. — APBy Kim CookAssociated PressAs the holidays approach, there’s one room in the home where the tantalizing aromas of good food and the chatter of good folk converge: the kitchen.
Back Pain? Bum Knee? Be Prepared to Wait for Physical Therapy

Nov 30, 2023 | thefiftypluslife.com | Mark Kreidler |Sondra L. Shapiro

According to survey data collected by the American Physical Therapy Association, the job vacancy rate for therapists in outpatient settings last year was 17%. By Mark KreidlerAt no point along his three-year path to earning a degree in physical therapy has Matthew Lee worried about getting a job. Being able to make a living off that degree?
How To Satisfy Meat Eaters, Vegetarians And Vegans At Thanksgiving

Nov 22, 2023 | thefiftypluslife.com | Katie Workman |Sondra L. Shapiro

We have had vegetarians at our Thanksgiving table my entire life. My sister, Lizzie, and her daughters are vegetarian and now vegan, and my mother became a vegetarian later in life. By Katie WorkmanAssociated PressI know there are some Thanksgiving gatherings without a vegan or a vegetarian at the table, but these days that seems like more of an anomaly than the norm. We have had vegetarians at our Thanksgiving table my entire life.
A Scary Message In The Middle Of The Night

Nov 21, 2023 | thefiftypluslife.com | Laurie Stone |Sondra L. Shapiro

In the middle of the night, Randy tries to take a hammer to the alarm system when the siren won’t stop. By Laurie StoneIt felt like a normal Monday night. Randy and I had both gone to bed around 10:30 p.m. with our Yorkie Libby stretched out between us. We drifted off and then came the last sound you want to hear at 2:13 a.m. — or anytime. Our alarm system had gone on, blaring an ear-splitting, non-stop, whirring siren, both inside and out. Randy and I jolted awake, not sure what we’d find.
Who Will Care for Older Adults? We’ve Plenty of Know-How but Too Few Specialists

Nov 20, 2023 | thefiftypluslife.com | Judith Graham |Sondra L. Shapiro

Geriatrics has been remarkably successful in disseminating principles and practices meant to improve the care of older adults. By Judith GrahamThirty-five years ago, Jerry Gurwitz was among the first physicians in the United States to be credentialed as a geriatrician — a doctor who specializes in the care of older adults.
Non-Traditional Flavors Boost One-Note Thanksgiving Squash, Kale And Mashed Potatoes

Nov 17, 2023 | thefiftypluslife.com | Christopher Kimball |Sondra L. Shapiro

Roasted Butternut Squash With Ginger And Five-SpiceBy Christopher KimballChristopher Kimball’s Milk StreetIt’s tricky to mess with tradition on Thanksgiving, but with a few tweaks, some typically one-note side dishes can become boldly flavored, exciting dishes. Instead of pureeing butternut squash and loading it up with butter, we cut it into chunks and roast it, seasoning it with fresh ginger and Chinese five-spice to complement its natural sweetness.