Donna Nichols • June 21, 2023

How to Stay Safe Around Town This Summer

A man is crossing the street at a crosswalk with a car driving by.

Another great article in the June 2023 AARP Bulletin discusses ways to stay safe this summer. It covers ways to stay safe around the house, around town, when you travel and outdoors. This blog will cover ways to stay safe around town. Each section was written by different experts, so I will highlight some of the bullet points for you here.


Ryan Pietzsch discusses distracted drivers, and this is a big one, I think. He says, there’s no way to tell if the drivers around you are texting or eating lunch or both. He suggests using the “what if" strategy to stay safe. As you are driving, ask yourself, “What if that car runs the red light?” or “What if the driver ahead of me is reading a text?” Doing this allows you to respond to the situation and choose the most appropriate defensive action.


William Van Tassel states that preventing road rage starts with prevention, not provocation. Drive with common courtesy. Let others merge or change lanes, drive at a speed comparable to those around you, use your turn signals and don’t tailgate. If you find yourself dealing with a hostile or aggressive driver, don’t engage. Keep driving calmly. If it escalates, get to a public place, and stay in your car. If you feel threatened, call 911.


Michael Flaum discusses what to do if you see a stranger behaving erratically. He says to remain calm. Move away if you want and are able to do so casually. He also states that if you, the person, or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911, or better, 988. 988 is a new national mental health emergency number. If you call 911, make sure you tell dispatch you are dealing with a mental health emergency and ask for a mental health support response team.


Pam Shadel Fischer talks about getting hit by a car and states that more than three-quarters of pedestrian fatalities happened after dark, compared with less than a quarter during daylight, dawn, or dusk. When crossing the street, use only designated crosswalks, which often have better lighting to make you more visible to drivers. Pam says if you must cross somewhere there is no crosswalk, use your cellphone’s flashlight. Shine it ahead of you to make yourself more visible to drivers.


As stated, I just pointed out the bullet points, to read the entire sections, pick up the AARP Bulletin. The next blog will cover ways to stay safe when you travel. I hope you find some valuable tips in my blogs to keep you safe!

A man is standing in front of a stop sign while a person holds a cell phone.

Protecting Your Skin at Every Age — Especially Under the Florida Sun

By Donna Nichols • May 4, 2026
May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, an important time to talk about protecting the skin we live in. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and Florida’s year‑round sunshine makes awareness especially important for seniors. Many older adults grew up in a time before sunscreen was widely used, which means decades of sun exposure may increase risk today. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, can develop quickly — but when caught early, it is highly treatable. Other types of skin cancer, like basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, are also common in seniors and often appear on areas that have seen the most sun over the years: the face, ears, neck, arms, and hands. What to look for: Early detection saves lives. Seniors should watch for: • New spots or moles • Changes in size, shape, or color • Spots that itch, bleed, or don’t heal • Anything that looks different from the rest Dermatologists often use the ABCDE rule to help identify concerning changes: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolving over time. Simple ways to protect your skin: • Wear a wide‑brimmed hat and lightweight long sleeves when outdoors • Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply regularly • Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) • Avoid tanning beds • Schedule regular skin checks with a dermatologist, especially if you’ve had sunburns in the past Skin cancer awareness isn’t about avoiding the outdoors — it’s about enjoying it safely. Sunshine can lift our spirits, support healthy sleep, and encourage movement, but it’s important to protect ourselves along the way. With a few mindful habits and regular check‑ins, seniors can stay active, confident, and sun‑smart all year long.

Staying Active as the Weather Warms

By Donna Nichols • April 17, 2026
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Allergy Season Is Here: What Seniors Should Know

By Donna Nichols • April 2, 2026
April in Florida means sunshine, flowers, and… pollen. Lots of pollen. For many seniors, allergy season can bring sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and fatigue — symptoms that can be frustrating but manageable with awareness and simple habits. Here’s what older adults and caregivers should keep in mind as allergy season peaks. 1. Allergies Can Change Ov er Time Even if someone never had allergies before, they can develop later in life. The immune system shifts with age, and new sensitivities can appear. If symptoms show up suddenly each spring, allergies may be the reason. 2. Pollen Counts Are Highest in the Morning For seniors who enjoy morning walks or porch time, this can be a surprise. On high‑pollen days, shifting outdoor time to later in the afternoon can make a big difference. 3. Staying Hydrated Helps Ease Symptoms Water thins mucus, supports the immune system, and helps the body flush irritants. Seniors often drink less than they realize, so gentle reminders — a water bottle nearby, herbal tea, flavored water — can help. 4. Keep the Indoors as Allergen‑Free as Possible A few simple habits go a long way: • Keep windows closed on high‑pollen days • Change air filters regularly • Remove shoes at the door • Shower or change clothes after being outside These small steps help reduce the amount of pollen that sneaks indoors. 5. Pay Attention to New or Worsening Symptoms If allergy symptoms feel different than usual, last longer than expected, or interfere with daily life, it’s a good time to check in with a healthcare provider. Sometimes what looks like allergies can be something else entirely. A Breath of Fresh (and Cleaner) Air Allergies may be part of spring, but they don’t have to steal the joy of the season. With a little awareness and a few simple habits, seniors can stay comfortable, active, and able to enjoy everything April has to offer.