Travel in Western Europe: Recommendations

She hasn’t been disappointed yet. I asked a former travel agent what she uses to get recommendations for accommodations and itineraries.

“Without a doubt,” she replied, “I use Karen Brown guides. The hotels, inns and bed and breakfasts aren’t inexpensive but they are always great.” She further explained that Brown doesn't cover every single country.

For Italy, try her exceptional hotels or bed and breakfasts. If you narrow your travel to Tuscany and Umbria, check her guide to the area.

Sample Ireland's gems or the hotels, inns and B&Bs in England, Scotland and Wales.

Similarly, France comes alive in her charming bed and breakfasts or her amazing hotels.

Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Portugal are covered at length.

Finally, don't miss Spain, one of my personal favorite countries.

Auto Insurance For Seniors: Save Money While Being Safe

Senior drivers often pose a greater risk than other drivers so they face higher auto insurance costs. In order to get the lowest possible rates, follow these simple guidelines:

1. Pay close attention at intersections where accidents often occur. When stopped, make sure your tires face straight ahead so that a rear-ender won't push you into oncoming traffic.

2. Drive at or near the speed limit. Driving too slowly can be just as dangerous as speeding.

3. Know and follow the laws about yielding right-of-way and lane changes.

4. Sit high enough to view at least 10 feet in front of your car. You may need a cushion.

5. Sunglasses or tinted glasses are for daylight only, not at night when your vision is reduced.

6. Be familiar with the quirks of the car you are driving.

7. Take driving refresher courses.

8. Rear-view mirrors that automatically dim and filter out headlight glare are recommended.

9. When in the market for a new car, select ones with front AND SIDE air bags.

10. Consider the ease (automatic transmission, power steering and power brakes) and comfort (seat-belt adjustment) of driving the car.

11. Select a car that is less expensive to insure (yes, some makes and models beat others in insurance costs and this should be factored into the overall cost of the car).

12. Ask for senior discounts.

For more on car insurance and on driving, visit50somethinginfo.com.

Bowling For Boomers and Seniors: Wii Changes Our Lives

Here’s a game where you don’t have to buy any of the equipment but still score close to 300! No ball, no bag, no dorky shoes.

Car-Man and I have Wii Sports. Several times a week we bowl. He’s barefoot. I’m in my fuzzy slippers. We back up to the sofa, glide down the living room and aim our hand device at the pins.

He’s better than I (right now) but I’m becoming tougher competition. It’s great exercise and lots of fun.

For more on bowling, check out 50somethinginfo.com.

World War II & Other Veterans, Spouses or Survivors…This Is For You

You may qualify for the Improved Pension Program provided by the VA—Basic, Housebound, or Aid and Attendance (A&A).

Aid and Attendance, the highest level of care in the Improved Pension Program, can help pay for care in the home, nursing home or assisted living facility. A veteran can be eligible for up to $1,632/month while a surviving spouse may qualify for $1,055/month.

Debbie Burak of VeteranAid.org is anxious to help you get the assistance you have not only earned but deserve. And she’ll respond personally to your email.

Her site (about Aid and Attendance only) is packed with information so read it and her Frequently Asked Questions prior to contacting her. You’ll learn from her experience. You’ll have access to all the proper forms. And she’ll keep you posted on the latest issues and events like the new VA Power of Attorney form.

The site is easy to navigate. Simply consult the left column and you will find chapters on eligibility, how to apply, what to expect, resources, and direct access to her blog.

Don’t miss out. Check out this valuable site. And thank you for your service to our country. We cherish you.

For more on everything for Veterans, check out 50somethinginfo.com.

50+ Women Haircut Tips

According to Vivienne Neweling, an ezine expert author, one of the many ways you can change or alter your appearance gracefully (and defy old age) is by having the perfect hairstyle.

Most important, she confides, is your facial shape. Consider your best features to accentuate them and give your hair shine by moisturizing it properly.

Fine facial lines and wrinkles can be softened by adding layers around the face. These will also add body and volume to your hair. She suggests side swept bangs for added softness and a chic edge.

For more on what to do about the gray, what to do for thinning hair or how to achieve the perfect haircut for the man in your life, visit 50somethinginfo.com.

Diagnosis Hemorrhoid

More of us have them than care to admit.

Hemorrhoids are a common problem but not simple to deal with. They can be sensitive and painful and cause itching and irritation.

Very large or recurring hemorrhoids might need surgery but there are a few things you can do at home first to reduce the discomfort:

Eat lots of fiber--plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans

Move around

Try a sitz bath

Witch hazel can alleviate pain and itching

Eat blander food

Use stool softeners

For more about this ailment including viewing a surgery tutorial, visit 50somethinginfo.com.

Throw Away the Iron: Dressing Tips For the Elderly

Let's be honest. Some people struggle with the basic activities we take for granted. Like dressing. You can help turn an arduous task into a pleasant, effortless one with a few suggestions:

1. Choose fabrics with a high level of washability and elasticity

2. Choose velcro easy touch closures

3. Arthritic hands work better with long front zippers

4. Choose clothing with larger openings to pull over or step into

A website like Silverts has provided customers with adaptive clothing at affordable prices for close to 80 years. I particularly like the "Clothing By Need" department where you'll find items for those people who are handicapped or suffer from ALS, Alzheimer's, arthritis, diabetes, edema, incontinence, leg stiffness, Parkinson's or any other ailment. Full-figured problems are also addressed.

There is an unconditional money-back guarantee and exchange policy and an easy-to-reach customer service at 1-800-387-7088.

For more personal care items (including grooming, washing and toileting aids), check out this site.