Periodically, I like to make Happily Rewired readers aware of free resources that are available to seniors. There is a lot of information on the Internet and, as you well know, not all of it is authoritative. Thankfully, some organizations do careful research so the information they provide is accurate and of high quality. Here are three resources I think you will find helpful:

Retirement Planning Guide for Seniors

This comprehensive online guide from Lexington Law, a law firm, offers helpful information and advice for navigating your finances as you age and will help you organize, plan and prepare for the future. The guide includes the following sections: Organizing your finances, Managing your retirement, Maximizing your senior status, Managing your credit and debt, Avoiding financial fraud, Preparing your estate, Helping the next generation.

Retirement Living Information Center

RetirementLiving.com is a national resource for consumer information related to retirement. The website provides access to an array of resource materials, including where to retire, personal finance, a newsletter, books and online publications, and buyers guides about special products and services. Some of the information on this website includes: Buyers Guides for reverse mortgage lenders, gold IRA accounts, medical alert systems, hearing aids, Medicare supplement insurance and more; retirement planning resources, such as investing for retirement and retirement income; and information about senior living, including retirement communities, assisted living and memory care.

100+ Ways to Save Money on Healthcare Costs

This comprehensive guide for seniors on Dealspotr.com covers basic information about Medicare, but it also has helpful tips about dental care, eye care, savings on prescription drugs, home assistance discounts, and even grocery store and restaurant discounts.

My colleague Nancy Collamer specializes in helping Boomers figure out their "second act." I like this concept because it implies Boomers are far from washed up; they have plenty left to be fulfilled and to give to the world. That's one of the reasons I named my blog "Happily Rewired," instead of "Retired."

I highly recommend that you visit Nancy's website, https://www.mylifestylecareer.com/, read her blog posts, check out her book Second-Act Careers, and sign up for her free email newsletter.

When you request the newsletter, you'll also receive a free gift, a workbook entitled "25 Questions to Help You Identify Your Second Act." In it, Nancy makes the point that you should always think about the "why" when you are considering "what" to do next. She gives these examples:

Which of my jobs did I enjoy the most? change the question to: Which of my jobs did I enjoy most - and why?

What were my greatest successes at work? change the question to: What were my greatest successes at work - and why?

What type of people do I like working with? change the question to: What type of people do I like working with - and why?

The workbook covers:

• Values
• Skills and Experiences
• Strengths, Gifts and Talents
• Hopes, Dreams and (Im)Possibilities

You'll find the workbook very helpful in guiding you toward the future you want.

If anyone typifies the adage that you are only as old as you feel, it is Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. At age 85, Ginsburg often works through the night and spends an hour a day with a personal trainer on a physical regimen that would put people half her age to shame. She has even overcome two of the most serious forms of cancer, colorectal and pancreatic, as well as the loss of her husband Marty to cancer.

Her story is brilliantly told in the documentary, RBG, that recently ran in select movie theaters. If you missed it, this is definitely a film you want to catch when it hits the streaming market. While the documentary includes the standard biographical overview of a celebrity, it speaks to the wonderful relationship she had with Marty, who supported and encouraged her at a time when women were not supposed to be working, much less as attorneys. RBG highlights the remarkable achievements of this slight, quiet woman from Brooklyn, New York, who as an attorney won five of six cases before the Supreme Court, paving the way for the equal treatment of women in our society.

Another aspect of the film is invigorating: It depicts how Ginsburg has become a virtual cult hero among young women, proving that age is no barrier when it comes to greatness. The film offers insight into the personal life of Ginsburg, too, humanizing a Supreme Court Justice in an intimate, endearing way. We see, for example, the warm friendship Ginsburg had with Antonin Scalia, her polar opposite on the Court, and her ability to laugh at herself while watching a Saturday Night Live skit parodying her.

Whether you are a Ginsburg fan or not, it is hard not to respect and admire her after watching RBG. I highly recommend it.

If you like hearing Boomers tell stories about how they've added a spark to life's second half, you might want to listen to the podcast series, "Mature Preneurs Talk." Podcast host and over-50 coach Diana Todd-Banks, who lived and worked in the U.S. for 20 years and is now in Australia, interviews folks in their 50s, 60s, and 70s about starting new ventures.

Recent podcasts have featured a reinvention life coach who has done plenty of reinventing of her own, a blind entrepreneur, and a man who went from mortgage broker to massage therapist to becoming a leading authority on reading people. According to Diana Todd-Banks, "Mature Preneurs Talk podcasts connect guests who’ve created a new venture near or after 50, 60, or 70 with an audience who seek new ideas and options for themselves. Whether a much needed community group, business, or other venture, the guests chat about their earlier life through to deciding what to do, the pitfalls, tips, funny bits, and their unexpected health and life benefits, and in doing so, encourage and inspire the audience of all ages to spring into action to transform their life as they have done. The guests are a dynamic group of inspirational people with extremely diverse activities and amazing stories looking to do more with their third chapter of life. And they definitely are doing that! Mature Preneurs guests demonstrate it’s never too late to start something new, or to follow a long held dream. Taking that step can make the next chapter of life the best ever which the guests and the host clearly demonstrate."

Diana adds, "I’m always on the lookout for more intriguing guests over 50, 60, 70 and yes 80, and if any of your subscribers feel they fit the profile they can send an email to: [email protected]  In the subject line put:  re Mature Preneurs Talk Guest Info."

You can find the collection of podcasts here: http://maturepreneurstalk.libsyn.com/

I find stories about people in their 80s and 90s who are relatively healthy and have positive outlooks to be an affirmation that aging is a natural process that doesn't have to be traumatic. It is true that our bodies slow down, creak, and even fail us once in a while, and that our memory isn't what it used to be -- but it turns out that we can do a lot to "age well."

Thankfully, Tara Parker-Pope, the wellness columnist for The New York Times, has prepared a very handy and very comprehensive guide to aging well. It includes brief but authoritative sections: Eat, Move, Think, Connect, and Live Well. It is brimming with simple steps and helpful advice in a short, easy-to-read format. Embedded in the text are numerous links to other articles and research that backs up the content.

Parker-Pope writes, "While you can’t control your age, you can slow the decline of aging with smart choices along the way. From the foods you eat and how you exercise to your friendships and retirement goals — it all has an effect on how fast or slow your body ages."

I highly recommend this useful guide. You can find it here:

https://www.nytimes.com/guides/well/how-to-age-well

I've heard a number of reactions from Boomers to the Ken Burns-Lynn Novick film, "The Vietnam War," currently playing on PBS television stations. Some folks are watching it with a sense of deja vu. Others feel uncomfortable investing the time in a documentary that revisits a painful chapter of their lives.

As a piece of film-making, "The Vietnam War" is monumental -- 10 episodes, 18 hours. It took over 10 years to complete. I for one find it quite compelling, less so because of the inevitable violence and gore of war. Some scenes leave me sickened and, I admit, make me hesitant to continue viewing additional episodes. Still, I find the behind-the-scenes story of the war fascinating, as told via previously private presidential tapes, excerpts from hearings, and reporting on the growing war resistance movement. Perhaps most of all, the personal interviews woven throughout the film (including rare commentary from North Vietnamese soldiers), along with the vignettes of those who participated in the war, have a lasting impact. The story of "Mogie" (Denton) Crocker, for example, a young patriot who, despite being underage, joins the Marines and eventually gets killed, dramatizes the very personal and devastating effect of the war on American families.

The Vietnam war was the war of the Boomer generation. It was also the first war that invaded our living rooms on a nightly basis. Whether you were for it or against it, whether you served in the armed forces or were a committed protestor, the war remains inextricably linked to our lives as Boomers. For many of us, the war upended our lives when we were the most vulnerable. For some of us, it ended our lives prematurely.

Yes, "The Vietnam War" is a film that may cause a considerable amount of discomfort as you relive it on television. But it is an important moment in history we cannot and should not forget. It has an eerie relevance to the war in Afghanistan, and also to the lack of faith we continue to have in the leaders of government. When one looks around our world today, there seem to be plenty of Vietnam-like conflicts that remain. As Edmund Burke said, "Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it."

Disregard for the Boomer consumer runs rampant in American advertising. There is a good reason for it: Many advertisers and their agencies believe the future is in youth. The rationale is that it pays to invest marketing dollars in reaching younger generations who will hopefully become long-term customers of a brand. In addition, the demographic shift has just put Millennials ahead of Boomers as the largest segment of the population.

Still, studies indicate it is Boomers that have the most collective wealth and the most disposable income in America. That fact is not lost on at least some marketers. In an intriguing commentary for MediaPost directed to marketing professionals, Mark Bradbury writes, "There is a noticeable momentum shift in the marketing of mainstream brands to Boomers." The reason is that brand marketers now see "a significant loss of Boomer consumers that has not been made up for in the acquisition of new Millennial brand users. Having believed that Boomers’ brand loyalty was set in stone, many had hyper-focused on Millennials, only to learn that Boomer customers were more than willing to migrate to competing brands." Bradbury points to research to validate the claim: "Recent trend research from GfK MRI indicates that literally hundreds of CPG brands have lost 20% or more of their Boomer business over just the past five years."

Brands that have been systematically avoiding advertising to Boomers are now paying the price. You would think a demographic segment as large as Boomers (currently over 76 million) would warrant at least some attention. We are not unaware of brands that ignore us, and we are just as capable of switching brand loyalty as a Millennial or younger consumer.

Bradbury cites three examples of brands that not only appeal to Boomers, but also embrace Boomers in their marketing campaigns. Read his article to learn about these brands. We can only hope that they will teach a lesson to a marketing industry that has mistakenly and prematurely tended to cast aside the Boomer. 

The respected Pew Research Center recently shared in-depth statistics about the use of technology by older adults in the U.S. The data presents a fascinating look at people like you and me who utilize smartphones and the Internet.

To put things into perspective, Pew defines "older adults" as those of us who are 65 years of age and older. That is currently 46 million Americans, or 15 percent of the population. That percentage is projected to grow to 22 percent by 2050. Almost half (42 percent) of these older adults own a smartphone now, a dramatic increase from 18 percent in 2013. Over two-thirds (67 percent) use the Internet, and 51 percent now have broadband connectivity at home. About one-third (32 percent) own tablet computers.

Younger seniors are more tech savvy than older seniors, reports the Pew Research Center:

"Seniors ages 65 to 69 are about twice as likely as those ages 80 and older to say they ever go online (82% vs. 44%) or have broadband at home (66% vs. 28%), and they are roughly four times as likely to say they own smartphones (59% vs. 17%)."

Another aspect of smartphone ownership, Internet usage, and broadband connectivity is not surprising: the more affluent the senior, the higher the usage and availability of technology.

Generally, seniors have a positive impression of technology:

"Fully 58% of adults ages 65 and older say technology has had a mostly positive impact on society, while roughly three-quarters of internet-using seniors say they go online on a daily basis – and nearly one-in-ten go online almost constantly."

The use of social media is mixed. A majority of seniors do not use social media, with just 34 percent saying they ever use social media networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. However, 45 percent of seniors under the age of 75 say they ever use social media.

One of the more telling barriers to technology adoption is confidence. According to Pew Research Center, "just 26% of internet users ages 65 and over say they feel very confident when using computers, smartphones or other electronic devices to do the things they need to do online. ... Roughly one-third describe themselves as only a little (23%) or not at all (11%) confident in their ability to use electronic devices to do necessary online activities."

For me, the data validates what I generally believe about technology usage. As a blogger and digital marketer who has made use of technology for a long time, I know that my comfort level with smartphones and the Internet is higher than many of my generational peers. However, I definitely relate to the relatively low usage of social media by seniors; while I blog and actively use LinkedIn and Twitter for professional purposes, I am not engaged with Facebook.

 Hopefully the data from the Pew Research Center helps you have a better understanding of tech usage by seniors. How does your use of technology fit with others in your age group?

Have you noticed that the number of online resources available for seniors has blossomed lately? It comes as no surprise -- we Boomers are aging and we'll need all kinds of services. Information is free-flowing from service organizations and marketers who want to reach seniors. One of the best general resources is Next Avenue (http://www.nextavenue.org/). Be sure to subscribe to their free email newsletter. 

Here are numerous additional helpful resources on a wide variety of topics. This list will be regularly updated.

A Senior's Guide to Life After Retiring from Business

52 Retirement Statistics You Should Know

Help from Addiction to Recovery

Senior Health Resources

Benefits of Exercise for Older Adults

How Seniors can Sleep Better

Aging and Dental Health

Aging and Eyesight: What to Expect and Ways to Improve Your Eyesight

Eye Health for Seniors: A Guide to Vision Concerns

Helping Seniors with Low Vision

A Comprehensive Vision Care Guide for Veterans

PTSD: Specialized Care and Supportive Services

How to Identify and Report Elder Abuse

Seniors' Guide to Medication Management

Complete Guide to Safe Driving for Seniors

Boomer's Roadmap to Aging in Place

How to Modify a Home for Seniors: 10 Tips

Home Safety for Seniors

Resources and Support for Older Adults Living Alone

Elderly Slips and Falls Guide

Best Tips to Buy a Walk-in Tub

Five Home Repairs Seniors Should Avoid Doing When Alone

The Senior Citizen's Guide to Moving

Moving Tips for Seniors

Hurricane and Flood Preparedness for Seniors

Retiring? 5 Essential Questions to Ask About Where You're Living

Tenants Guide to Senior Rentals

All About Senior Boutique Living

Independent Living vs. Assisted Living

5 Steps to Choosing the Right Nursing Home

Medicaid Long Term Care

How to Downsize for Retirement

Retirement Planning Guide for Seniors

Retirement Calculators

Annuities vs. 401(k)s

Best Low-Risk Investments

Grants for Seniors

Financial Resources for Seniors

Financial Resources for Older Adults and Their Families from the CFPB

Digital Money for Seniors

Applying for Jobs in the Digital Age

14 Retirement Planning Strategies for Late Starters

Planning for the Future for Seniors with Special Needs

A Guide to Smart Home Tech for the Disabled and Elderly

Smart Tech for Seniors

Do It Yourself Home Modifications for People with Disabilities

Technologies for People with Disabilities

Disability Accommodation Letter to Landlords

16 Smart Home Assistant Devices for Senior Safety

45 Free Apps for Seniors to Promote Independence

Socializing in Place: Tips for Older People to Stay Connected and Safe

Comprehensive Room-by-Room Home Safety Guide for Older Adults

Home and Flooring Modifications to Safely Age in Place

Home Renovations for a Senior-Safe Home and Aging in Place

Preventing Accidents at Home and How a Home Inspection Can Help

Guide to Smart Home Tech for Disabled and Elderly

Do It Yourself Modifications for Senior Fall Prevention

A Guide to Home Safety for Seniors

Keeping Seniors Safe at Home

Home Modifications When Moving In an Elderly Parent

Senior Fall Prevention

How to Access Low Cost Internet

30 Credit Card Scams to Watch Out For

A Senior's Guide to Financial Scams (and How to Avoid Them)

Top Ten Senior Scams and How to Prevent Them

Internet Scams

The Ultimate Internet Safety Guide for Seniors

Internet Safety Guide for Seniors

Scam Protection Resource Guide

Senior Financial Scams: How the Elderly are Targeted

Online Safety Guide for Seniors

Privacy in the Digital Age: What's at Stake and How to Protect Yourself

Protect Your Parents from Common Digital Scams

Veterans Benefits for Seniors

At-Home Services that Can Help Senior Veterans

Understanding a Veteran with PTSD

Legal Planning for Alzheimer's and Dementia

Alzheimer's and Dementia Medication Management

Dementia and Alzheimer's Facilities

Memory Care Facilities Search

A Senior's Guide to Computer Basics

15 Best Websites for Seniors

Top 10 Benefits of Puzzle Solving for Adults

Video Games for Seniors

The Ultimate Guide to Spending and Saving Wisely During Retirement

Umbrella Insurance Policies

Nursing Home Resource Center

The Ultimate Guide to Hearing Loss

Guide to Alzheimer's and Dementia

Mild Cognitive Impairment Resources

Treatment for Substance Abuse in Older Adults

Inpatient Treatment for Addiction

Help for Seniors in Daily Living

Ways to Improve Quality of Life for Seniors

Ways to Beat Social Isolation and Loneliness

Aging in Place: Renovating with Independence in Mind

Downsizing Your Home for Retirement? Incorporate These 10 Features to Age in Place Longer

The Importance of Home Inspections for Seniors Looking to Age in Place

Why Seniors Should Avoid Isolation

Healthy Aging for Men

The Health Benefits of Pets for Older Adults

20 At-Home Hobbies with Health Benefits for Retirees and Older Adults

Sexuality and Aging: Your Guide to Maintaining Sexual Health

The Top 13 Anti-inflammatory Foods

Mesothelioma Cancer Guide

Mesothelioma Survival Rates

12 Ways to Advocate for Yourself as a Cancer Patient

Handling Coughs and Colds in the Elderly

U.S. National Directory of Senior Care Resources 

How to Start a Business: A Step by Step Guide

How to Apply for a Job When You're Over 50 and Avoid Age Discrimination

Low-Stress Jobs for People with Anxiety

9 Fun Part-Time Jobs for Retirees

How to Explain Gaps in Employment

18 Passive Income Ideas

How to Make Money While Overlanding

Every once in a while, I like to talk about a movie that I think has special relevance to Boomers. "The Last Word" starring Shirley MacLaine is a quirky movie that may have slipped under your radar since it had a limited release and didn't get stellar reviews (which usually means it's worth seeing!). My wife and I are likely to see any movie that features Shirley MacLaine (now a spry 82 years old), and we were not disappointed in this one.

MacLaine plays Harriet Lauler, a retired adwoman who is brash, strong willed and at times irascible. Lauler applies her knack for selling products during her career to an unusual desire: She wants to have her obituary created before she dies. This leads to her enlisting Anne Sherman, a young journalist played by Amanda Seyfried, to write the obituary. It would be accurate to define the movie as a dark comedy.

I'd rather not share more of the plot since it will give away too much. Suffice it to say that MacLaine shines like a very bright light, somehow acting the part with gruffness and warmth at the same time. She turns Lauler into a fascinating character study of a very successful businesswoman who has a giant hole in her personal life. One of the more interesting aspects of the movie is Lauler's mother-like relationship with Sherman and grandmother-like relationship with an adorable waif.

There are many messages in this movie about life, love, relationships, and redemption lost and found. MacLaine's tour de force is reason enough to see it. My wife and I, however, rate movies on the basis of whether or not we have something to talk about when we leave the theater, and "The Last Word" prompted a lively discussion.