GreyFeathers.com Blog - Old Chickens Make Good Broth.

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GreyFeathers

23 hours ago

Diane wanted to share this “oldie but goodie” with you.

"I asked a friend who has crossed 70 and is heading towards 80 what sort of changes she is feeling in herself?

She sent me the following:

1. After loving my parents, my siblings, my spouse, my children and my friends, I have now started loving myself.

2. I have realized that I am not “Atlas”. The world does not rest on my shoulders.

3. I have stopped bargaining with vegetable & fruit vendors. A few pennies more is not going to break me, but it might help the poor fellow save for his daughter’s school fees.

4. I leave my waitress a big tip. The extra money might bring a smile to her face. She is toiling much harder for a living than I am.

5. I stopped telling the elderly that they've already narrated that story many times. The story makes them walk down memory lane & relive their past.

6. I have learned not to correct people even when I know they are wrong. The onus of making everyone perfect is not on me. Peace is more precious than perfection.

7. I give compliments freely and generously. Compliments are a mood enhancer not only for the recipient but also for me. And a small tip for the recipient of a compliment, never, NEVER turn it down, just say "Thank You.”

8. I have learned not to bother about a crease or a spot on my shirt. Personality speaks louder than appearances.

9. I walk away from people who don't value me. They might not know my worth, but I do.

10. I remain cool when someone plays dirty to outrun me in the rat race. I am not a rat and neither am I in any race.

11. I am learning not to be embarrassed by my emotions. It’s my emotions that make me human.

12. I have learned that it's better to drop the ego than to break a relationship. My ego will keep me aloof, whereas, with relationships, I will never be alone.

13. I have learned to live each day as if it's the last. After all, it might be the last.

14. I am doing what makes me happy. I am responsible for my happiness, and I owe it to myself. Happiness is a choice. You can be happy at any time, just choose to be!

I decided to share this with all my friends. Why do we have to wait to be 60 or 70 or 80, why can't we practice this at any stage and age?

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Thank you !! This is such good advice. Words and thoughts to live by at any age !!💖

I think because we are so busy when we are young. And as we get older we realise that we are racing through life ! Why ? We need to sit back and enjoy. I love everything she wrote. This has been my realist after treatments for breast cancer. Life is short. Enjoy every day. And kindness costs us nothing

🥰 I see so many people, young and old who make themselves miserable by looking for the worst in others and refuse to even smile until they have decided you might be as judgmental as they are. Life is something you learn to live in harmony with.

Thank you for the lesson, you can learn at any age, I am 85 and continue to learn!

Wonderful! My 84 year-old mother is living off of this list! I'm 67 and not too far behind her on mastering some of these!

I agree and also I appreciate the animals that help me get through the days. The birds and and all the animals that God has provided freely to us.

Wonderful words to live by. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you for these truths so good that someone will speak them out loud.

Thanks for these words of wisdom. I need to put some of these in practice.

Thank God we can finally be comfortable with these truths... it is sad it takes so long !!!

I love this, especially 9 and 10 but, really all of them. Good advice and wisdom....☺️

What a beautiful world we would live in if only we all could practice these 14 thoughts in our daily lives.

Very proud to be in my 60s , I feel the same way !❤

The sooner you start thinking like this , at any age , your will feel so much more in control , of what's good for you ......

At 62, these are the perfect foundation to continue life. . .thank you for sharing

I The world would be a happier place if all ages could do these things. It took me many years to think this way. I’m 73.

I am 69 & have noticed that I am gently transitioning into many of these attitudes. Love them all!

I will be 60 and all those things on that list matter to me now. Just think what would happen to our world today if we all thought along those same lines.

I loved reading this post! At 75 years young, I concur!

Beautiful reminder of what life is, appreciate every day. Never take things for granted. Love this.

Liza FarrellMia FarrellAmanda HerreraAmara MarkovicAlina Markovic #’s 6, 8, 10, 11,12 “Peace is more precious than perfection” “Personality speaks louder than appearances” “I am not a rat and neither am I in any race” “It’s my emotions that make me human” “...better to drop the ego than break a relationship”

Great advice for any age. Thanks for sharing.

This definitely needs to be done at any stage and age. The world will be much better🌻

BEST life coaching advise ever!! Although I'm still working on some of these things, I wish I had realized the truth of them many years ago.

Very wise words, and a lot of what I, at 80. now find myself doing.

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GreyFeathers

2 days ago

Anonymous writes, “My husband retired in October and because he was bored went into a Chat room. One thing led to another and suddenly he’s sexting! My son found out and there has been a break up of our family. He had four different women. He says it’s not harming anyone, can’t understand me feeling betrayed and I’m overreacting. I just don’t know who is right. My children or him. He has moved out of our bed too. We are both over 70.” ... See MoreSee Less

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His behavior erodes trust in your relationship and your telling him that it bothers you should be enough for him to stop. He may have developed an addiction to this and as a condition of your staying with him he should agree to counseling, if you want to stay and work through this. If he refuses to address this you may be happier and better off without him. Please evaluate whether you really want to stay and work this through or not, if he agrees. There could be happier times ahead without the deep pain of staying with someone who really may no longer love you - or who you may no longer love and respect.

Another perspective: if this behavior is totally out of character for him, he may be having cognitive issues. Perhaps a neuropsychological evaluation or a talk with his doctor may be helpful.

Well seeing as though your family is torn apart and he has moved out of your bedroom it certainly shows it is far from harmless. The fact that he feels you shouldn’t be upset I find very confusing. That would cause me to think this maybe is not something new in his life but new to being found out. If his mind is alright with no dementia and he has no regrets and plans to continue then I guess that is up to you if it is a dealbreaker. Honestly for me it would be.

Something is fundamentally wrong with his heart & soul, a lack of true character. His responses & excuses to you are classic NARCISSISM. He’s not committed to you in his heart. I would insist on couple’s therapy....(to let the therapist deal with his selfish rationalizations).....or divorce him.

This is your life....decide if you can live with what you know and what he is doing...which by the way probably will not change.....and decide for you....not your children not your husband only what you can live with and what you want....don’t expect him to change .... choose what will make YOU happy

ANONYMOUS WRITES: “We were never given classes in computer because computer was not heard of at school at our age, upper 60s early 70s. There are blocking features on a computer that can be set up by the kids or grandkids. The computer is a dangerous place if not informed. Take basic computer classes and become informed. Also join age appropriate groups together through your local rec center, church, or library. Our retirement left us with a lot of free time to explore options to spend our time. Some good options and some not so good options. There is volunteering opportunities you can do together but you have to take the lead. We have not shared a bed in years much less a bedroom and I don’t miss that aspect. He has low testosterone and thought it my responsibility to stimulate him to perform. I have a TV I can choose programs I want to watch and his restlessness at night is no longer an issue. Please remember the talk shows, movies, and the news isn’t a reflection of your life because everyone’s life is different. Our daughter caught her ex texting multiple people on-line and the people may or may not be who they proclaim to be. You never know. Be safe but be smart. Integrity is who you are in the dark and when you are alone and a little education goes a long way. By the way, I got the husband a kindle and have blocked games, access to internet and of course programs he can purchase. He is 74 and would never realize who or what he actually did because we never took computer classes. It’s called parental controls. Good luck in your choices.”

Goodbye Joe...you gotta go...me oh my oh...🤨 He is disconnected from you and his family. You deserve better than this so take control. He needs professional help and you both need a marriage councillor. You deserve a partner not a pretender.

It doesn't matter what your husband thinks, or your children. It only matters what you want to do. I'm sure you have evaluated the past as well. Think about yourself only. Take time. If he thinks he did nothing wrong chances are he'll do it repeatedly

His reaction and answers indicate he feels he hasn’t done anything wrong which means he probably won’t stop. They just become better liars. Tough situation my prayers are with you.

He is having emotional affairs, which all too often lead to physical ones. His thoughts and attention are now with these other women in the chat room. It's not harmless if it hurts the other person. Now trust has been broken and its extremely difficult to come back from that. Compounding the situation with the position that he hasn't done anything wrong is a strong indication he won't stop (he will just get better at hiding it), which will only further erode trust that is already extremely fragile. What happens next time he gets "bored", will he turn to other women again? The fact is you don't know, and that's why it's so difficult to rebuild a sense of security in a relationship after something like this has happened.

Retirement is often devastating for many men. It makes them realize their time here is limited and they are now in “old Age” this is his means of denial. An anonymous person( we really don’t know who can be on the other end) is “safe” he can pretend to be young and virile. He needs counseling if your marriage is to continue, and you will both need counseling together. I wish you luck. This is not uncommon but it’s difficult

I get that you are hurt, and you feel betrayed, and you have every right to. He is sharing something of himself with these random women that for whatever reason he doesn't want to share with you. That said, this really isn't about you. It's about him. He is using the internet and the new relationship energy of these online women friends to fill a hole within himself. I suggest you ask him to share the substance of the texts with you. I suspect he is feeling emasculated in some way and with these anonymous women, he can be the person he wishes he was without having to be reminded that's not the him you know.

First of all - it has nothing to do with your children (who I presume are adults?) You need to go with YOUR feelings. Whatever any issue is in a relationship, how we are respected in expressing our feelings is what matters, I feel. It doesn’t seem your husband is respecting your valid emotions. A relationship counsellor might help and then you can make a decision about what happens next.

Just know that if you continue to live with him, whatever self respect you have will slowly dwindle away and you will have to live with that. In my opinion is he isn’t worth it! I know it won’t be easy, but why hang on to someone that makes you feel less than you are.

The question is... how would he feel if the tables were turned? The fact is ... it's fantasy. If he seriously thinks what he is doing is real he is delusional. Tell him to go and live with his fantasy or wise up and sort himself out. I could understand if he were a young impressionable man, even then I wonder if he's been living in a dream world

at 70 yrs old he should be enjoying everyday he has left with you!! you both should be planning outings and special days together I just lost my husband of 55 years to cancer Nov 10th 2020 and we spent everyday making life count this man sounds like he needs help 70 yrs old and doing stuff like this?? your kids were right to call him out on this I know mine would get him help

I'd suspect if he's doing this at 70 and just " happened" to get caught he most likely hasn't been Mr. Faithful in the past . You better think smart not with your heart! Now that he's not in your marital bed you must act on your behalf. Act don't react .

Happened with my friend..her husband was on meds for Parkinsons and started texting young girls on line.. it was when he said something inapropriate to their grandaughter that she left him...

Totally disrespectful to you. No hint of an apology or accountability for his actions.

First of all in my opinion I feel that is still cheating. Secondly, its more how you feel about it then your kids. They're grown and have their own lives. And third, how would he feel if the table was turned. He needs to think about his actions and your feelings about it. How would he feel if you were doing that. How it makes you feel is what matters. If it hurts you and he truly loves you then he would stop. If not then I would really question his feelings for you and his fidelity through your marriage. But again this is only my opinion. I feel for you and will pray for you

Is he starting to decline cognitively? This could be early signs. Sexual inhibition can be a symptom . Rule out medical reasons first. Take care of yourself

Maybe I’m just a “woman scorned” but to me this is just the same as having an affair. You husband is insane if he feels that this is innocent and isn’t hurting anyone? If it were you doing this and he found out, would he feel the same? He may try to tell you he would be ok with it but I’d venture say he would absolutely feel betrayed. You have to decide what you are willing to accept in your marriage.? Now that this has happened will he decide to take it a step further and further? I wish you strength during this but don’t just settle

Would your Husband tolerate this behaviour from you?Your children are showing you the greatest respect , time to show yourself that same level of respect.

That is absolute betrayal and he doesn’t get to tell you how to feel about it. The trust is broken along with his marriage vows. It’s entirely up to you what you want moving forward and he will have to accept your decision. When you truly love someone, you do not want anyone else. It’s completely selfish.

its disrespectful to you and nothing you've done As woman we deserve better than that its a choice you have to make wether you will put up with it if he won't stop to me its cheating js

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GreyFeathers

3 days ago

Have I Failed Them - GreyFeathers.com Blog ... See MoreSee Less

Have I Failed Them - GreyFeathers.com Blog

greyfeathers.com

“I have two sons, 40ish, gainfully employed, but who binge-drink every weekend. Their father came from a family…

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I was searching for answers from issues associated with drinking when l was growing up too. Not my drinking but someone else in my house. It had a very negative effect on me. Later in life, once my kids were older, l went back to school. I finished with a double major. During my last semester, l needed to take one more class to have the necessary credit hours to get financial aide. I decided to take a substance abuse class, which tied in with my major. It turned out to be a great choice. I had a much better understanding of how one becomes addicted to alcohol. I understood why he didn't seek help. Maybe something like that will help you too. 🙏 God Bless you.

That is their choice not your.. you can not change anyone but yourself

I had 2 alcoholic parents, my mother is 96 and in amazing health considering how badly she treated her body, I have 5 brothers and 2 sisters 2 of the boys don’t drink the rest of us do and enjoy it, but we’re very conscious of the slippery path, you need to stop worrying about your sons, they are adults and are holding down jobs , AA have a saying “ let go let god” maybe take this as your mantra 💕💕

My very successful daughter who is an awesome nurse practitioner, mother, wife, marathon runner also drinks often and too much in my mind. But what right at her age do I have to comment on it. I refuse to risk our relationship when she has the actual medical knowledge to know what she is doing. In her defense, she has always loved the taste of alcohol and there is little you can do to replace the taste of a unique beer, a fruity or a sour hard liquor drink. She has never missed work due to a hangover. She has never driven under the influence to my knowledge. I have to let her be. I can't let it make me worry at the risk of my own health

That would be concerning But it is no longer your business Men whom are single maybe doing this until a significant other points them to more productive weekends .Love them for whom they are they’re choices are theirs alone You said they are productive but drink weekends Not our lifestyle choice 40 the new 30 Hopefully hangovers help them outgrow it

You have not failed them but you are failing yourself. I spent most of my lifetime trying to keep my brother from ruining his life and health with alcohol and drugs. My health certainly paid the price. While I knew there was nothing I could do to make him stop, I just couldn’t let it go. As a result of hos own choices, he overdosed 2 years ago. Now I am living with the “what-ifs” even though I know there is nothing I could have done. Perhaps you could get some counseling for yourself or get involved with an Al Anon program. I was involved with Al Anon for a few years and it did help me during that time. Best of luck to you and will pray that things work out just as they should for you

They're adults. You live YOUR life. They are living the way they choose to live. You are not in control of anyone but yourself. Love them and pray for them. If they come to you with a desire to quit, be there for them and support them.

Instead of the blame game, just love them. They know, they love you, you did a Good job. Enjoy your life, God will work on them in His own time

#1. Unless you supplied them with alcohol and encouraged them to drink, it is not your fault. #2. I am sure your ex husband is loving the fact that you are taking on the guilt that he should carry. You might want to consider joining Al-anon. Great resources to help you with the rest of your life.

My heart is with you, but as the other's have stated, adults choose their behavior, and while I wish my son loved himself enough to make healthy choices for his body/ life, it's each individual who chooses their own path. I did my very best to show him love, that he is valuable, and well, that's all we can do, and pray they treat themselves better soon. I feel like I've failed, but I cannot control another person's actions, ever, not when they are no longer a child. Hugs and Blessings!

Live and let live. You cannot control how your sons choose to live their lives. Just be happy that you have a good relationship with them.

I'm so very sorry for what your going through. I had recently talked to My son about something similar for when the time came but have not made a decision yet.My Mother lived with me off and on for years. My husband and I built a new house with her in mind so if she want to be with us she could at appsulutely no costs to her in any way we loved having her with us my husband loved her very much it was a pleasure. My husband and I both traveled for our jobs so she had the entire house to herself. People these days don't appreciate what are Mothers Fathers or Inlaws can teach us. I loved my Mother inlaw she taught me so much and I'm so grateful for that. But I will not put myself in a situation where my sons have control over me. I have my plans I will pray for you my friend just remember we are out here for you just reach out we love you.

The hardest part of parenting adults is not being able to make them do anything and just watching the train wreck ( if there is one). I apparently did a good job with alcohol but there are other areas, of course.My poor grandma had two sons die from cirrhosis, but one passed after her. If you have faith, pray. That helps get us through these things.

I understand your feelings. In the past 2 years I have come to realize my daughter has a drinking problem, and unfortunately, she is a nasty drunk. All we can really do is express our concerns and be available for future conversations.i still worry, like Moms do and pray that we all make it through. Good luck and remember to take care of you first.

Accountability is part of being a grownup and at some point your sons will suffer the consequences of the choices they’ve made. You have done your best raising them now let them do the rest. Being open and honest with your feelings shows them your level of concern. Build a good life for yourself and be happy in setting a good example for your sons.

Your sons are 40ish...I think they are adults and probably don't want their mom telling them what to do. Don't beat yourself up over their behavior. You have a good rapport with them, then they know how you feel. Until their drinking starts affecting their lives, they probably won't do anything abt their drinking.

I understand completely how you feel. Unfortunately, as adults they make their own decisions. With time, people usually change but only when they are ready. Hopefully, as they approach their 50's, they will outgrow the excessive drinking. Hugs.

A lot of successful adults drink (too much?) alcohol for entertainment. Drink and get drunk. AND; go to work and raise their families and LOVE THEIR SPOUSES and live happy, healthy lives. It's really not unusual behavior.

U 've one hope to build on - your good rapport with your sons. Talk with them about your fear n anxiety rather than their drinking. Perhaps even refrain from explaining why u 've those fears n anxiety. See if they'd ask. If they did, gently n briefly say u r worried about them. Don't push anything. They may or may not do something about their drinking. Accept it as that u 've tried your best n let it go. Focus on yourself n your interests. Each night as u go to sleep, think of what u 'll look forward to doing the next day. Take care n be kind to yourself.

Sorry, at 40 you are responsible for your own actions. You didn’t fail. And if you’re a drunk in your 40’s, that’s probably not going to change. They would have to want to change.

If you buy the first round it's not your fault

I’m very close to having 37 years continuous sobriety, and got my solutions in AA, age 24. Changed my life. The best thing my parents did for me, was not make my alcoholism their “problem”. It had nothing to do with them, it was how my genetic make-up was, and my problem to deal with fixing. They did not enable me, never offered me rehab, although my mom’s attempt at getting me sober, by convincing me to get saved”, yea, don’t do that. Helped nothing, just made me feel like a loser cause I didn’t feel instantly “saved”, and I was still a drunk with no solutions. I found that, with the solutions offered by AA. Nowadays there are other ways folks can get sober, I suppose, but for me, in 1984, it was either AA or $30,000 for a 30 day treatment center, in Alaska. AA saved my young life. There is nothing you can do to get your sons sober. It is entirely up to them, but for your own peace of mind, I would suggest Al-Anon, because it helps family members deal with their own problems, and how to best communicate with the alcoholics in your family. My family never chose to do Al-Anon, I was the only drunk in my family, and I never insisted they get their own program, so they might better understand me. It was ok, cause I embraced what “I” needed to do, and focused on doing it! Good luck and take care. I’m sorry your sons are having problems, but hope you will drop the guilt. Take care.

4 days ago

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Butterfinger was my favorite until they improved it..it is now the one I would never buy.

Oops! I forgot I have a nut allergy. Can't eat any of these anymore. EXCEPT REESES ATE IT WAY TOO MUCH WITH DURING PREGNANCY WITH MY SON.🤢🤮

5, ...the only "Snickers" I have ever liked is a friends cute little dog.

1 Twix- I have never had one, so I don’t think I’d miss it. Almond Joy is my fav!

Probably 4, I actually like all of the others, never cared much for Butterfinger. Now 5th Avenue, that's a peanut butter candy bar!

These are mostly American candy bars and there are one or two I've never had but I have had a Milky Way and did not like it at all so it would have to be a Milky Way!

Just leave the Almond Joy and Snickers. You can have the rest.

2 absolutely! Hate coconut. Would never eat Snickers or Baby Ruth either. Favorite? Butterfinger before they ruined it!

Butterfinger. Totally ruined them by "improving " them.

Almond Joy...eating shredded coconut is like eating toenail clippings!

Well I’ve never had a Baby Ruth or a MilkyWay so I cant comment on them however Snickers I have had and that’s the one that definitely needs to go.

It’s not a coincidence that Almond Joy and it’s Vile Coconut is labeled #2 because that’s what it is.

I would have to say 7, though I put away a many Baby Ruth as a kid. Back when it and Butterfinger were both Curtiss products. I remember my mom baking Baby Ruth cookies.

All of them. There is way better natural choices. Have you tried, Chocolove??? It’s amazing!!!!

I have seldom found a candy bar I would turn down.

They can all go -- to be replaced by kettle cooked potato chips! Hope you're all healthy and safe.

Milky Way is my least favorite and I only like M&Ms in popcorn. Have you tried Outrageous or Nutrageous?! Both are very good!

I always liked Almond Joy but haven't eaten one in years!

Sigh. They all are off my list -- all either contain peanuts, almonds, or are "processed in a manufacturing facility that handles peanuts or tree nuts". I haven't had a Milky Way in over 45 years, and it's my favorite candy bar. (Or was.)

First tell me why? They are perfectly good candy bars. Don't judge just because they are so sweet and yummy 😋

1,2,6 and 8. Milky Way and Snickers frozen are great.

4. Butterfinger used to be my favorite until they changed it. Never eating it again 🤢

Well...on a renal diet, so I shouldn't eat chocolate. But back in the day, it would have been a hard choice. Milky Way would probably have been my choice to let it go.

At least we don't have to choose which ONE to keep! Outta here, Milky Way! Would hate to live without those others.

In the UK, I don't know almond joy, butterfinger, reese's or baby ruth. Of the others Snickers is the one that would have to go.

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GreyFeathers

4 days ago

“I’m retiring in a few short weeks (after 47 years of full-time work!) and no longer need a super smart phone. Just a reliable cell phone with good service. Is anyone aware of a good, affordable plan for seniors they would recommend?” -Anonymous ... See MoreSee Less

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I have always used a flip phone--I got my first when it was called a clamshell. When it died I got another flip thru AT&T (a carrier I have used forever). It was very economical (cheap) and even the monthly charge is economical. It does have the weather-a plus I didn't have before. I can get some apps, but I won't. Hope this helps. I am 73 so the less fuss the better.

I would go to Walmart and talk to their phone people. I have heard it doesn’t save money because there are such good plans out there for smart phones.

StraightTalk through Walmart. (Yeah, well). It is as advertised unlimited talk, text, and data for $55/month. Good service if you ever have a problem. They have all types of phones or you can convert yours to their system. Very straightforward. I used it for 10 years. Good luck.

Consumer Cellular for sure. Be sure to change to lowest usage every month. It adjusts up if needed but does not adjust usage back to lower payment automatically. You get Concumer Cellular IPhone directly or go to Target.

The Cricket phones are geared towards seniors...the numbers bigger on keyboard and not sure if it's a Smart phone. Not sure of the services they provide, you can probably get what you want as far as apps go.

It depends on what you use your phone for - mine is my WiFi, camera, library, scheduler, calendar, research assistant- I don’t have the latest iPhone - but it works great

Least Dropped calls, most towers for traveling (locally, nationally or globally) reliability, most options to enjoy for years, compatibility and least added cost with friends and family are important aspects. For us it is Apple iPhones and Verizon.

The best thing about Consumer Cellular is great customer service. You speak to someone in the USA, not Chuck FROM. INDIA.

MARY WRITES: "I also wonder what others use as a TV plan. We are using a plan that is pricy as it bundles our landline, cell phones, and TV. Any suggestions?"

I quit working at age 55, when they made my already impossible job, even worse. Never even occurred to me to give up the BEST tool I have, for so many things. Mainly my phone is my camera, and living in Alaska, I use it non stop. I’d rather dump other expenses, and keep my “computer in my hand”. 🙂

Why? I’m retired. I love my newest smart phone that can take wonderful photos, help me communicate with my family, share a calendar, look up things I’m curious about. Look for a bargain. They’re not hard to find. My sis bought a consumer cellular phone and dumped it after a month.

I think Straight Talk from Walmart is serviced through Verizon. I pay 55 a month unlimited talk text and data. Never have problems except maybe metal buildings.

I spend way too much time on FB / Smart Phone....especially during pandemic times. So more power to ya!

We are “stuck” sticking with basic cable just to get a baseball channel. Highway robbery, it is.

When I retired I started to travel. I had Tracfone from Walmart. In rural areas it was unreliable. I switched to ATT. They have a $40 pay as you go unlimited talk, text, and a set data limit. My daughter got the next highest plan for herself at $65. When she added her young daughter with talk and text, it only added $15. All carriers have some kind of inexpensive plan, check the reliability of the coverage. Check with friends and family of where you travel for coverage recommendations.

You might want to reconsider going with a basic cell phone as most doctors are making virtual appointments. I wouldn’t been able to get my vaccine if I hadn’t had a cell phone that could let me text, access emails.

Look into Google Fi. You can take your phone with you or purchase new. If you have wifi at home and use that when there you will use very little data. They pay you back for unused. Some months my bill has been $15.

Taking notes here, too. 😉 My husband retired early due to disability, so we were suddenly popped into a fixed income with kids still at home. That being said...we have a family plan where each phone price went down with the more phones we have. Two of my kids pay $30 per month, and four of us pay $40 or $45?, unlimited talk, text, data, and the four of us have hotspots. Do you have family with whom you are willing to go together and get a family plan? It can cut costs significantly. We have friends who are on their daughter's plan and have the benefits of that. In our case it's kind of reversed in that our kids have inexpensive plans, but they pay their phone bills, enabling us to have inexpensive plans as well. 🤔 Did that make sense? Here I wrote all this out without reading every response, so it's probably moot anyway! LOL

I have been retired a little over 3 years. I’m grateful to have retired in a time of smart phones. The day, date, time, alarms, and weather are great to have at my fingertips. Plus, I put shopping lists in notes. I understand you wanting to switch, just giving you something to think about. (storm warnings, too)

Hardly ever do straight talk anymore.... my iPhone takes great pictures, manages my calendar, connects me to great , informative , supportive, creative groups, can read a book on it anywhere, see my grandkids on FaceTime , do scrabble games against competitors, listen to music, check the latest news and weather, and so much more.... I am 72 and love it!

If you can afford it I would keep the smart phone. Studies show keeping up and using new technology is good for your brain. Google for the studies on older brains doing new experiences.

I agree about keeping your phone and plan. Cut costs elsewhere. I retired last year and I like how the phone keeps me up with friends pictures and searching for things like services or food. Enjoy your retirement.

I am curious as to why a retired woman would feel she no longer needs her super smart phone? Will she be less connected to the world? Take less photos? Communicate less? Use less apps? I'm sorry...but I believe retirement is a time to stretch your wings, capture your moments of freedom, and reach out to those around you. A good phone helps with all that. If it's the money, there are some amazing phones out there for less.

Consumer cellular is the best. I pay less than 40 a month for unlimited everything.

I would keep your smart phone at least for awhile. You don’t want too many changes in your life all at once!

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