Dear Savvy Senior
I’ve am interested in getting a reverse mortgage but have been hearing a lot about the growing problem of scams and abuse happening in the industry. What can you tell me about this and what can I do to protect myself if I decide to more forward?
Cash Poor Paul

Dear Paul,
The reverse mortgage industry has been booming in recent years. Unfortunately, the popularity has attracted some aggressive, greedy mortgage brokers and insurance agents looking to take advantage of unwary seniors. Here’s what you should know.

Dear Savvy Senior,
What resources are available that can help me research some doctors in my area? I’m looking for a new primary care doctor for my mother and an orthopedic doctor for me, but I could use some help.
Hunting for Doc’s

Dear Hunting
Over the years, most people looking for a new doctor have turned to friends, family members, coworkers or doctors they already know for a recommendation. Or many simply pick a physician from their health plan who happens to be nearby, and hope for the best. But today, a growing number of resources are available that can help patients find the best medical care possible. Here’s what you should know.

Dear Savvy Senior,
Can you recommend some good resources to help people interested in retiring abroad? My wife and I will be retiring in a few years and have always thought it would be fun, and more affordable, to live abroad. What can you tell us?
Adventure Seekers

Dear Seekers,
Retiring abroad has become a growing trend in recent years for millions of U.S. retirees. Here are some tips to help you find and research your foreign paradise.

Dear Savvy Senior
Where do the presidential candidates stand on Social Security and Medicare? I’ll be eligible for these programs in a few years and haven’t been able to find anything on their positions.
Senior Voter

Dear Savvy Senior,
Can you tell me how to go about looking for any forgotten funds or unclaimed money left behind by my deceased parents? When mom and dad passed away a few years ago their financial affairs were in such a mess, I’m wondering if there’s anything I overlooked.
Searching Sandy

Dear Savvy Senior
Last month I got a free cholesterol and blood pressure screening at my local pharmacy. While I was there, the pharmacist told me that there are many organizations that offer free or low-cost health screenings to help uninsured people in need. Where can I find out about these free screenings?
Waiting for Medicare

Dear Savvy Senior,
Can a person in their early 50’s have osteoporosis? When I broke my wrist last month the doctor that treated me told me the fracture may be a result of osteoporosis. Is this possible, and if so, what can I do about it?
Bony Brenda

Dear Savvy Senior,
Do you have any suggestions on the best way to divide up your parent’s personal possessions after there’re gone? My parents, both in their 70s, are still living but my two sisters and I got in a heated argument last month when Mom asked if any of us wanted her old sewing machine. It’s not worth much but it got me thinking that if we’re fussing over this one item, how will we handle a house full of stuff when they eventually pass away.
Splitting Heirs

Dear Splitting,
Divvying up a family’s personal belongings – usually the small, simple items of little monetary value – has long had the potential to ignite many family feuds, even for those families who enter the process with the best of intentions.

Dear Savvy Senior
What can you tell me about volunteer vacations? It sounds like a fun and interesting way to travel but at age 59 I have some concerns.
Adventurous Annie

Dear Annie,
If you yearn to do more on your vacation than relax in the sun or go sightseeing, volunteer service vacations are a great alternative and a popular option among travelers over age 50. Here’s what you should know.

Dear Savvy Senior,
What are the facts on flu shots? Do they really help that much, and can a flu shot actually give you the flu?
Skeptical Senior

Can you provide some stretching tips for an inflexible old woman? I’ve gotten so stiff in recent years I can’t even bend over to tie my shoes anymore. What can you tell me?
Hate to Stretch

Dear Stretch
Of all possible exercises, stretching tends to be the most overlooked and neglected among seniors, yet nothing is more vital to keeping an aging body limber and injury free. Here’s what you should know.

Dear Savvy Senior,
My mom and dad could sure use some help keeping up with all their medications. Between the two of them, they take 11 prescription drugs and that doesn’t include all the vitamins or over-the-counter medicines they take. Their kitchen counter literally looks like a pharmacy. What can you recommend that can help them keep up with their medicine?
Pill Tracking Patty

Dear Savvy Senior,
Can you tell me about reverse mortgages? My wife and I are both in our 70’s and are interested in learning more about this option.
Homebody Bob

Dear Savvy Senior
I saw your Today show segment last month on popular bicycles for baby boomers and wanted to find out where I can find the list of bikes you talked about. Also, what makes a good bike for boomers?
Easy Rider

Dear Savvy Senior,
To keep up with all the different doctors I see and medications I take, a friend recently suggested I start keeping my own medical records at home, but I’m not sure where to start. Can you offer any tips or suggestions on the best way to go about doing this?
Unorganized Annie

Dear Annie,
Keeping a set of your own personal health records is a great tool to help you get a better handle on your own health care, as well as avoid possible medical errors. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Dear Savvy Senior
What resources are available for researching charities? My husband and I recently received a nice inheritance from my mother and are interested in making a financial contribution but want to be sure the money is well spent. What can you tell us?
Choosy Givers