Brenda Lyle – Florida Today
By Brenda Lyle
Q: What are some everyday “hacks” for senior living?
A: If you grew up reading the Sunday newspaper, you probably remember Heloise Bowles. Beginning in 1959, her popular column, Hints from Heloise, became a household favorite. Millions of readers looked forward to her clev
er, money-saving solutions to everyday problems. Heloise showed us how to remove stubborn stains, freshen up a kitchen sink, and make common household items last a little longer.
Today, the internet generation has a new word for these clever shortcuts: hacks. While the term may sound modern and high-tech, a life hack is really just what Heloise called a household hint — a simple, creative way to save time, money, or effort. Here are a few hacks for seniors that Heloise surely would have approved.
Rubber Band Grip Trick
Stubborn jar lids and slippery doorknobs can be frustrating, especially for those living with arthritis or reduced grip strength. Instead of straining your hands, wrap a wide rubber band around the lid or doorknob. The rubber creates extra friction, giving you a better grip and more leverage with less effort.
Foam Pipe Insulation for Easier Grips
Many everyday items, such as pens, toothbrushes, and eating utensils, have narrow handles that can be difficult to hold comfortably. Sure, Amazon carries foam grip tubing for small items, OR you can find inexpensive foam pipe insulation at your local hardware store! Cut into short sections and slipped over handles, it creates a thicker, softer grip. The larger surface requires less hand strength for more comfortable daily tasks.
Your Smartphone as a Personal Assistant
One of the easiest technology hacks is using your smartphone or smart speaker to help keep you organized. Voice assistants such as Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant can set reminders for medications, doctor appointments, birthdays, and even staying hydrated. Simply say, “Remind me to take my medication every day at 8 a.m.,” and your device will do the rest! It’s a simple way to stay on top of daily tasks without relying solely on memory.
Pill Bottle Photo Record
Keeping track of medications can be challenging, especially when visiting a doctor or specialist. Rather than carrying several prescription bottles with you, use your smartphone to take clear photos of each medication label. Then store the photos in a dedicated album on your phone. You’ll always have an accurate list of your medications, dosages, and prescribing information right at your fingertips.
The Spirit of Heloise
Making life easier doesn’t require expensive gadgets or complicated technology. Sometimes the best solutions come from looking at ordinary items in a new way. Just as readers of Hints from Heloise discovered decades ago, smart living never goes out of style.
Brenda Lyle is a Certified Care Manager and Certified Dementia Practitioner with One Senior Place, Greater Orlando. One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families. Submit your questions to AskOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com. For immediate help, call 321-751-6771 or visit One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging.
