HEALTHY LIVING

Empowering seniors for safer online experiences

Published

2 months ago

12/25/2025

(Family Features) Today’s seniors aren’t shying away from a world that has become increasingly reliant on technology. Quite the opposite, in fact, as recent survey findings suggest adults ages 65 and older are more digitally active and self-assured than ever before.

Nearly all seniors surveyed as part of the “Connecting the Digital Dots: Online Habits and Safety Concerns Across Three Generations” survey from Cox Mobile consider themselves digitally literate, using devices for shopping, banking, social media and entertainment. With older adults spending a significant amount of time connected to the digital world – 41% of those surveyed reported spending five or more hours online daily – they’re also more at-risk for scams, viruses like malware and data breaches.

Even though 61% of seniors who encountered digital threats were able to mitigate the issues themselves, showing their growing digital capability, increased online engagement brings new challenges and responsibilities for caregivers, who often play a crucial role in supporting seniors’ digital journeys.

To help support older loved ones’ safety and confidence as they navigate an evolving digital landscape, Cox Mobile, in partnership with Common Sense Media, offers educational materials on digital safety, smart device use and media literacy for all ages. In addition, these practical safety strategies can help empower seniors to make informed, safe choices online.

Encourage Strong Passwords: Simple passwords, like number sequences, keyboard patterns or personal information – such as variations of your name, birthdate, address or names of pets or loved ones – are easily guessable and may lead to issues. While the survey found 70% of seniors already create strong, unique passwords, encourage them to avoid reusing passwords across sites. Recommend a password manager app to safely store passwords and eliminate the need to write them all down, which could lead to a breach if not stored properly.

Promote Security Software: If devices aren’t protected, even the most careful users are susceptible to viruses. Though 63% of those surveyed have security software installed, it’s important to regularly make sure it’s up to date (or that automatic updates are enabled) and covers all devices, including laptops, tablets and smartphones.

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication: A simple and effective way to stop most attempts at unauthorized account access, 60% of seniors are already using multi-factor authentication as an extra layer of protection. Some seniors, however, may need assistance setting up the safeguard, which typically sends a code to a phone number or email address as part of the login process, for online banking, email or social media accounts.

Review Apps and Channels: Over time, it can be easy to accumulate apps on smartphones and tablets. While 51% of surveyed seniors remove unsafe apps, make it a habit to regularly check loved ones’ devices for unfamiliar or suspicious applications and delete them. Also keep an eye out for unauthorized charges, data sharing or browser extensions.

Utilize Built-In Safety Features: Explore privacy controls on individual devices (and apps) and check with your loved ones’ internet service provider to ensure security features are being utilized like the 43% of those surveyed who are already taking advantage of their devices’ safety settings. Included privacy protections may include limiting data sharing, disabling location tracking, blocking pop-ups and restricting other unwanted communication.

Discuss Online Safety Regularly: Because technology is ever-changing, it’s important for caregivers to talk with senior loved ones about online safety. Open, ongoing conversations, like those one-third of seniors are already having several times a week or even daily, can help build trust and awareness of current scams, suspicious texts or emails, commonly used apps and more.

By fostering open dialogue, sharing practical safety strategies and leveraging trusted resources, caregivers can help their loved ones thrive and stay safe. Visit your local Cox Mobile store or go to CoxMobileSafety.com to find more tips, guides and full survey results.

SOURCE:
Cox Communications

HEALTHY LIVING

Better Sleep While Traveling: How to make rest a priority while on the road

Published

3 days ago

02/12/2026

bowienews

(Family Features) From crossing time zones to adjusting to new surroundings, getting quality sleep while traveling can be a challenge. Whether traveling for business or leisure, between long flights and packed itineraries, travelers often struggle to get the rest they need to wake up refreshed.

Sleep plays a vital role in supporting both physical and mental health, mood and overall resilience. Making a few simple choices can set the stage for deeper, more restorative sleep that supports overall wellbeing.

Pack Your Comfort Cues
Travel can disrupt routines, which may affect both sleep and mental wellbeing. Bringing small reminders of home that signal bedtime, such as an eye mask, cozy socks or a familiar scent, can help ease the mind, reduce stress and settle into a new environment. If you forget these items, select hotels offer dedicated sleep kits available for guests to add-on to their stay, including items like herbal tea, aromatherapy roll-ons and more. Simple rituals like these can reduce travel-related stress and support both relaxation and peace of mind.

Keep a Consistent Rhythm
Disrupted sleep patterns can impact mood, focus and clarity, making it harder to fully enjoy a trip or perform well while on the road. Maintaining steady bed and wake times, even when traveling, can help stabilize both your body clock and mental state. Dimming the lights before bed, putting away screens and practicing mindfulness can help your body and mind recognize when it’s time to rest.

Unwind with Soothing Sounds
Sometimes the quickest way to calm the mind is through relaxing audio. Across more than 450 participating Hyatt hotels, guests can enjoy exclusive access to five Sleepcasts on in-room TVs, created by Headspace with travelers in mind. Each 45-minute track is inspired by a unique destination and theme, such as tropical serenity at Alila Villas Uluwatu, island twilight at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa or misty mountain at Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono. These immersive story-based audio journeys blend gentle narration with ambient soundscapes, designed to help travelers release tension, quiet busy thoughts and drift into healthy, restful sleep.

Look for Rest-Ready Stays
Not all hotel rooms are designed the same. If you struggle to sleep well while on the road, look for accommodations that tailor guestrooms with sleep in mind, such as customized sleep suites with extras like pillow menus, blackout curtains or responsive beds that adapt to individual sleep patterns. Choosing accommodations that put wellbeing at the forefront can help ensure a more balanced, restful experience while away from home.

Tap into Wellbeing Resources
Some hotels are expanding offerings to help travelers get quality rest and support their mental wellbeing. Many provide complimentary in-room or digital tools you can access on your phone. Travelers can also prepare ahead of a trip with resources like Hyatt and Headspace’s science-backed sleep series, available on the World of Hyatt app and at participating hotels, offering sleep tips for pre-, during and post-trip.

For a more immersive experience, wellbeing resorts such as Miraval provide dreamwork and sleep science coaches who offer personalized strategies to cultivate deeper and more restorative sleep. These resources not only support healthy sleep but also promote relaxation and help travelers return home feeling more refreshed.

Whether you are traveling for leisure, business or a mix of both, getting a good night’s rest is essential to making the most of your trip. Visit Hyatt.com to explore more ways to relax, recharge and care for your wellbeing while on the road.

SOURCE:
Hyatt

HEALTHY LIVING

Fact Check: Test What You Know About Heart Health

Published

1 week ago

02/05/2026

bowienews

(Family Features) As you age, your doctor’s interest in your cholesterol level is likely to increase. That’s no coincidence. High cholesterol and age are two significant risk factors for heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States.

You may not be able to slow the hands of time, but elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as “bad” cholesterol, is one of the most significant addressable risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease. Uncontrolled high LDL-C can lead to death, heart attack, stroke or the need for a coronary revascularization.

While statins are considered first-line treatment for people with high LDL cholesterol, an estimated 29% of patients stop taking their statin within the first year, based on findings published in the “American Journal of Cardiology.” Up to 30% of people have some degree of statin intolerance, according to research published in the “Journal of Clinical Lipidology.”

Test your heart health knowledge and learn more about managing your risk factors, including high cholesterol, with this quick quiz:

1. Do cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, claim more lives in the U.S. than all forms of cancer and accidental deaths (the Nos. 2 and 3 causes of death, respectively) combined?Yes. Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of men and women in America and worldwide, killing more people than both cancer and accidents each year.

2. According to the American Heart Association, which of the following are true?

Men are more likely to have heart attacks at a younger age than women.
Women experience different symptoms indicating potential heart disease.
Women have a higher risk of fatality because their symptoms are frequently misunderstood or misdiagnosed, leading to delayed treatment.

All are True. While many factors are at play, one major underlying issue is historically, women simply haven’t been well represented in clinical trials of heart-related conditions. However, Harvard Health reports that culture is slowly changing and some of the gaps are starting to close.

3. Does statin intolerance mean statins are not effective?

No. On the contrary, statins are the standard of care to lower LDL cholesterol. However, some people cannot take statins at any dose because of statin intolerance symptoms such as muscle pain, while others may have their LDL cholesterol remain uncontrolled because they are not able to take higher doses.

4. Are women more likely to be statin intolerant than men?

Yes. According to the National Institutes of Health, being female is a risk factor for statin intolerance.

5. If a person is statin intolerant, are there other treatments available to help lower their uncontrolled LDL-C?

Yes. Alternative treatments are available for people with statin intolerance. A health care provider can help explain what options are available if you experience potential statin-associated side effects.

6. Are muscle-related symptoms typically the most common side effect of statins?

Yes. Muscle pains or cramps (myalgias) are the most common symptoms people experience. Your health care provider may run tests or change your medication to address these symptoms.

For more information on statin intolerance, talk with your health care provider or visit statinalternatives.info.

How to Lower Bad Cholesterol

LDL cholesterol, commonly referred to as “bad” cholesterol, leads to plaque in your arteries, reducing blood flow and potentially damaging your cardiovascular system.

If your bloodwork shows elevated LDL cholesterol levels, you can take steps to reduce it.

Eat a healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats and high in fiber, with an emphasis on fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Get at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, and if you carry extra weight, work to lose it.
Talk to your health care provider about cholesterol-lowering medications, which can help lower bad cholesterol and reduce the risks associated with heart disease.

Photos courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:
Esperion

HEALTHY LIVING

5 Tips to Get Organized

Published

2 weeks ago

01/29/2026

bowienews

(Family Features) Getting organized and making the most of your home’s storage space can be a daunting task. To help keep clutter at bay and streamline organization throughout the house, consider these tips for revamping your closets and designated storage areas from the experts at ClosetMaid.

Find closet systems and other organization hacks at ClosetMaid.com.