Turkey Hunters Trending To Smaller Gauge Shotguns

Above, the Mossberg 500E shotgun. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A few years ago, I discovered a Mossberg 500E .410 Pump Shotgun that was in a gun case my dad left. I didn't know I had it until I unzipped the case.

I took it out to the shooting range not too long after and I worked great. 

It appears that people in my age group (I'm at the "youthful" age of 72) are moving towards .410 shotguns for turkey hunting. 

The Arkansas Democrat Gazette posted an article on this.

It begins with:

Willie Johnston of Hamburg is a traditionalist hunter, but he embraces the .410-bore shotgun for turkey hunting.

Johnston, 72, represents an evolution in the turkey hunting retail market. An older demographic of hunters is gravitating to smaller, lighter guns with less recoil.

Johnston said he is impressed with the tight patterns his Stevens 301 prints at conventional turkey hunting distances. The red dot sight that came with the package assures him that his shot will be true.

"Wherever you put that dot is where it's going to hit," Johnston said. "You don't have to worry about pulling off or your sights not being aligned just right. Just put that dot on his head and shoot."

Nathan Dunn, owner of Dunn's Sporting Goods in Pevely, Mo., acknowledged the trend in the Midwest.

"The last few years we've sold a lot more sub-gauge guns, a lot of 20-gauges and a lot of .410," Dunn said. "A lot of hunters are getting older. They're tired of packing around that big 12-gauge."

To read the full article, go here. 

Is Silver Investing Too Risky In Retirement?

Above, a 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar (AU) reverse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Investing one's money in stocks, bonds, treasury bills, CDs and other things is prudent if one is retired or are about to retire.

What about silver investing for retirees? Is it too risky?

CBS News has posted an article on the pros and cons of investing in silver by experts for retirees.

They begin with:Silver saw a pretty big run-up in 2025, and that price trajectory continued into 2026, with the price of silver even surpassing prior records and climbing past the $100-per-ounce mark. However, prices have moderated a bit recently, leaving precious metal investors wondering if silver is still a smart investment. 

And, for retirees or seniors nearing retirement, the silver's ups and downs in price may be even more concerning, as there's rarely room in people's retirement budgets for copious amounts of volatility. That begs the question of whether silver is just too risky a bet in retirement these days.

Timing, goals and your overall portfolio all play a role in the answer to that question, but there are important factors to consider before buying silver once your working days are up. Here's what experts say you should think about before buying silver in retirement. 

To read more, go here. 

 

10 Essential Tips For RVing With Health Issues

Above, RV parking at St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Eight years ago, I had a medical emergency while in Wells, Nevada. I had to be airlifted to St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls, Idaho to have two stents put in a coronary artery.

I was in Wells for a car show and rally with friends. We drove up to Wells in my motorhome. In the end, everything worked out fine and I was able to drive home a few days later.

RV Travel posted an article (with video) with 10 essential tips for RVing with health issues.

They begin it with:

The open road still calls to many RVers as they age or deal with ongoing health issues. The RVingWithJoe community includes plenty of folks in that season of life, and health planning matters a lot more than it once did. With some smart habits, RV life can stay safe, comfortable, and enjoyable for many miles to come.

In the video at the end of this post, Joe shares tips for those RVing with health issues.

To read more, go here.

11 Of The Best Affordable Towns To Retire In New Mexico

Above, the Balloon Rally at Red Rock Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My decision to move to the Gallup, New Mexico area was made after I drove through it in late 2016. I came back a year later and met with a realtor. 

I bought the third home he took me to. I have not regretted the move. The property is 18 miles east of downtown Gallup. Besides the beauty of the area, the food is great!

World Atlas has posted an article on 11 of the most affordable towns to retire in New Mexico. Gallup is one of them.  

They begin with:

The arid, high-desert paradise of New Mexico isn't called the Land of Enchantment for nothing. This peaceful southwest state offers scenic views, rich cultural experiences, and incredible food. Every October, it also hosts the International Balloon Fiesta, which attracts nearly 1 million visitors from around the world every year.

New Mexico is certainly an underrated state, especially when it comes to affordability. According to Zillow, the state's average home value is $307,000, making it one of the most affordable states.

The state is also beautiful. Northern New Mexico has green, mountainous terrain that receives heavy snowfall each winter. The southern part of the state, though, is a vast desert, and sees summer temperatures climb into the triple digits. No matter the climate retirees choose, with top towns like Farmington, Gallup, Silver City, and Las Vegas, New Mexico offers many affordable towns worth considering for retirement.

To read more, go here. 

Another Year

Above, my dad and I circa 1993.

Today, I am celebrating the 33rd anniversary of my 39th birthday (as President Ronald Reagan used to put it). 

A number of my contemporaries are no longer with us, so I have to feel lucky that I've made it this far. It occurred to me months ago that once this birthday arrives, I will have exceeded my dad's age. He passed away in 1999 at age 71 from lymphoma, a form of blood cancer. 

It is interesting that as one grows older, they tend to think of their parents more often. I find myself missing them more in each passing year. 

It is strange to think that in ten years I will be at the ripe old age of 82. That shouldn't bother me if I can maintain my generally good health and am able to stay active. I've only one major health scare and that was eight years ago. 

Staying active is a proven way to maintaining good health. I keep active and have a sizable circle of friends in the community. I also exercise the ol' noodle by blogging. The old saying, "If you don't use it, you'll lose it" rings true. I also drive a Jeep that is older than I am.

What am I going to do today? Other than getting a haircut, I have no plans. I may treat myself to a good dinner in Gallup. 

Aging Often Means Losing Those Around Us

Above, yours truly at a 2021 clamp-out with Glenn Thornhill (left) and Gary Julian
(right) in Quartzsite, Arizona. Fortunately both are still reasonably in good health.

The one unfortunate part of aging is that we see people we have known for years fall by the wayside. 

Abe Hoffman, who passed away last week from a sudden onset of leukemia, I knew since the mid-1980s. We camped together through 40 years of E Clampus Vitus clamp-outs. 

While talking with another longtime friend, Glenn Thornhill, about Abe's passing yesterday, he informed me that one of the guys we've hung out with since college, Mike Collins, passed away a few months ago. This was the first I heard of his passing. He was an avid model railroad buff. 

Psychology Today posted an article on aging which often means losing those around us. While many of us age "gracefully", some people we have known since the days of our youth aren't so lucky. This is something that is expected as we get older. Several people I've known for decades have passed. 

The article begins with:

When Nora Ephron’s son, Jacob Bernstein, wrote about her passing in The New York Times, he said,

“The thing is, you can’t really turn a fatal illness into a joke. It is almost the only disclosure that turns you into the victim rather than the hero of your story.”

He goes on to say that for his mom, tragedy was a pit of clichés that filled her books. While I normally try to take a light approach to topics I cover here in (R)Aging with Grace, this is one where it feels disingenuous to go there, as I am now in my 70s. My third trimester of life has so far been without incident, but all those routine tests and doctor appointments have me breathing a sigh of relief each time I get a “full speed ahead.”

We can look at aging in two ways: 1. Aging sucks, 2. Aging is a privilege. A paradox of living is that striving to age healthfully can lead to increased longevity, meaning you'll have more experiences with death the older you get. As we age, so do the people around us. This is just as much a part of the “aging is a privilege” perspective as any of the rest of it.

Living longer has both joys and consequences. We will lose friends and loved ones to accidents, illnesses, and, as we reach our later years, old age—though we desperately want to know the “whys” of old age losses, seeking answers on how to avoid them.

 To read the full article, go here.

8 Cruise Lines Seniors May Want To Think Twice Before Booking

Above, a couple of geezers in Nassau during a cruise.

Taking a cruise may appeal to many seniors, but not all cruise lines are their "cups of tea" by any means.

My preferred way of travel is hopping into my motorhome and take a camping vacation. Unless a cruise's itinerary and stops are of interest to me, I can take it or leave it.

AOL posted an article on eight popular cruise lines seniors may want to think twice before booking.  

They begin it with:

Conventional wisdom tells us that cruising is an easy way to travel more while crossing more countries off your bucket list, and sailing the open seas is often a popular retirement travel goal. Hopping onto a ship, settling into your quarters, and unwinding between destinations means you're ready for adventure by the time you hit port.

But cruising isn't a one-size-fits-all activity, as singles, families, and retirees all have different desires and needs while at sea. If you're a senior considering booking your next getaway, here are some cruise lines retirees may want to avoid, based on real-world reviews.

To read more, go here. 

How Aging Affects Our Driving

Above, driving into Silverton, Colorado. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As I have reached my 70s, I have noticed that my stamina isn't what it used to be. That especially goes for RV driving.

I used to be able to drive 400 miles with no effort, but during the last few years, I have had to stop halfway through for an overnight break. If I had a good night's sleep the night before, it is a lot easier. 

I recently drove from Des Moines, Iowa to Orange County, California. It was easier than I thought it would be, but I still to take breaks and end my driving days at around 3:00 in the afternoon. 

RV Travel posted an article on how aging affects our driving.

They begin it with:

Most RVtravel.com readers are 55 or older and qualify as senior citizens. They’re also keenly aware that their bodies change with time… and that includes how they drive.

As we age, joints may stiffen, and muscles can weaken. Turning your head to check a blind spot may take more effort. Reaction time can slow, and quick moves—like slamming on the brakes or correcting a skid—may not come as easily as they once did.

Vision and hearing also change with age. Older eyes typically need more light to see clearly, yet they’re often more sensitive to glare from the sun, oncoming headlights, or reflective road signs at night. Hearing loss can make it harder to notice sirens, horns, or unusual mechanical sounds coming from your rig. The normal aging process can also slow reflexes and shorten attention span, making it harder to juggle multiple tasks at once, like navigating, watching traffic, and monitoring a large RV’s mirrors all at the same time.

To read the full article, go here. 

Why Do Some People Age Better Than Others?

Above, our group from Jamestown at Grandpa's Grill in Gallup.

My great uncle used to say, "Growing old isn't so bad when you consider the alternative!" 

Now that I am in my 70s, I have to agree with him. As of now, I feel pretty good. I have some aches and pains, but they are not major. I can still get around and with the exception of forgetting some minor things, I still have my marbles. 

The key, for me at least, is keeping active. I still enjoy travel and drives in my 1952 Jeep in the nearby national forest. I have a good social network in our community. I actually know more people in Jamestown, New Mexico than I did when I lived in Los Angeles. I tend to be the "organizer" of activities for my circle of friends. Tomorrow, for instance, we are going to our local shooting area for some plinking. This was initiated by me. We also meet up at Denny's at the local Flying J Travel Center and at Grandpa's Grill in Gallup every week. Our age group is roughly the same.

I do this "hobby blog" for one main reason: for exercising the brain. I can write faster and better than when I first started it back in 2008. "If you don't use it, you'll lose it" rings true.

According to an article in RV Travel, some people age better than others. 

It starts with:

I learned about this study on aging from the University of Colorado and thought it would be of interest to RVtravel.com readers, many of whom are in their 60s, 70s and even 80s. —C.W.

The research

As a nurse working in an elder care facility, Isabelle Foote saw it every day: Some people age better than others.

Some eased into their 90s with mind and body intact, while others battled diabetes, Alzheimer’s or mobility issues decades earlier. Some could withstand a bad fall or bout of the flu with ease, while others never left the hospital again.

“Why was this happening to them and not the person next to them who was the same age and got to go home? We really didn’t have a lot of answers,” said Foote, who left that job to become a geneticist.

In a paper published recently in the journal Nature Genetics, Foote, now a postdoctoral associate at CU Boulder’s Institute for Behavioral Genetics, provides some clues.

She and an international team of co-authors have identified more than 400 genes associated with accelerated aging across seven different sub-types. The study reveals that different groups of genes underlie different kinds of disordered aging, aka frailty, ranging from cognitive decline to mobility issues to social isolation.

To read more, go here. 

Many Americans Unable To Save For Retirement

Above, our senior group cut back on restaurant gatherings from five days to two due to rising prices.

It is getting harder and harder to save money for retirement.

Thanks to inflation, it costs more to buy food, pay for rent, buy a house, healthcare and just everyday living expenses.

CBS News reports that more people are living paycheck-to-paycheck these days and finding it nearly impossible to save for retirement.

They begin with:

Many Americans are eager to put money away for retirement, but that goal is increasingly out of reach because more workers are living paycheck to paycheck, a new Goldman Sachs study finds.

Roughly 42% of younger working Americans — spanning Gen Z, millennials and Gen X — report having no spare savings after covering their basic living expenses, according to the analysis, which surveyed about 3,600 workers and 1,500 retirees. Among those just getting by, about three-quarters said they are struggling to save for retirement, the survey found. 

The share of U.S. workers in this precarious financial position has grown significantly since 1997, when 31% lived paycheck to paycheck, according to Goldman. The investment bank projects that figure could climb to well over half of Americans by 2033 as essentials like housing and health care continue to rise in cost.

To read more, go here.

5 Best Cruise Lines For Retirees

Above, a cruise ship near a Alaska glacier. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To be honest, taking cruises isn't my favorite mode of travel. Yes, I've been on three cruises and enjoyed each one of them. My favorite mode of travel is RVing. If a cruise comes up that is very interesting to me, I may indulge myself and go.

That being said, for seniors who do not have an RV, cruises may be just what one's doctor ordered.  

Above, a view of Skagway, Alaska. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Kiplinger has posted the five best cruise lines for seniors. Of the five, I have cruised with one of them, Celebrity Cruises. The cruise I took was to Alaska.

They begin with:

Retirement is the perfect time to set sail. Whether you’re chasing fun, adventure, or bucket-list destinations, cruises offer seniors the comfort, easy access, and unforgettable experiences they deserve after years of work.

According to Shore Excursions Group, seniors make up a significant share of the cruise market, with 32% of passengers being 65-plus.

"Additionally," says Jason R. Margulies, Partner & Maritime Attorney at Lipcon, Marqulies & Winkleman, "since cruises are a mode of transport in and of themselves, seniors don’t have to worry about the chaos of packing and unpacking at each port, moving to different hotels and rooms every night, and the other concerns that come with traveling by land or air to the next destination."

If you’re looking for an experience on ocean waves or river swells, dive into why cruises offer an out-of-this-world adventure for retirees, what to look for in a cruise line, and our top picks for the five best ones suited to active golden agers.

Above, our ship, Celebrity Mercury, docked at Juneau, Alaska. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

102-Year Old Reaches Mount Fuji Summit

Above, a Shinkansen view of Mount Fuji. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While some of us baby boomers are facing the problems associated with entering senior citizen status, one Japanese man did something that set a new record. He didn't age stop him.

At 102, he climbed to the summit of Japan's highest mountain, Mount Fuji.

Fox News reported:

A 102-year-old Japanese man has set a new record by becoming the oldest to summit Mount Fuji.

Kokichi Akuzawa began his ascent on Aug. 5 along with his 70-year-old daughter Motoe, his granddaughter and her husband and friends, according to The Associated Press.

Akuzawa told AP he's impressed that he climbed so well, sharing that it’s better to climb while he still can.  

"I was really tempted to give up halfway through," he said. "Reaching the summit was tough, but my friends encouraged me, and it turned out well. I managed to get through it because so many people supported me."

To read the full story, go here. 

Senior-Friendly National Parks

Above, Old Faithful Geyser at Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Retirement for seniors is something that allows them to travel around the country and, if they are financially able to, the world.

Seniors are especially drawn to U.S. national parks. My most recent national park visit was in July at Arches National Park in Utah. 

Some parks are more senior-friendly than others.

Travelbinger has posted a list of the most retiree-friendly national parks.

They begin it with:

Visiting national parks can be one of the most beautiful experiences in life, regardless of age. It is the scenes that you have only seen on postcards, and the cool thing is that you can tell so many people of the beautiful spots. For older travelers, nature provides peace, fresh air, and opportunities for gentle walks, while also inspiring and reminding us how amazing the world is. Many parks in the United States now offer excellent infrastructure, including flat trails, shuttle buses, viewpoints, and benches, making exploring comfortable and easy. This means you don’t need to be a top hiker to enjoy spectacular landscapes, waterfalls, canyons, and forests that take your breath away. Visitor centers and guided tours further enrich the experience, offering fascinating stories about the history and nature of each park, while visiting during the optimal season ensures pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and the best visual experiences.

What is especially wonderful is the diversity these parks offer. In one visit, you can experience mountains and valleys, forests and lakes, waterfalls and canyons, all at a comfortable and easy pace. In addition to natural beauty, many parks provide educational opportunities and short guided tours, making them perfect for combining learning and relaxation. Planning your visit during the best season is crucial, as it ensures comfortable weather, less crowded areas, and stunning views of nature. This way, every visitor can fully enjoy their time without strain or stress.

For older travelers, these parks offer the perfect balance between enjoying nature and staying comfortable. You can ride shuttle buses, walk on short trails, rest on benches, and take in spectacular viewpoints. The views of canyons, waterfalls, and meadows stay in memory long after your visit, while the quiet and tranquility offer a real break from everyday stress. Additionally, visitor centers and educational trails allow you to learn more about the park’s history and ecology. With proper planning, visiting national parks becomes an enriching and inspiring experience.

To see the list, go here. 

Top 10 Rifles Every Senior Will LOVE In 2025

Video from Survival Picks. 

Summary:

Here is the list of Best Affordable & Reliable Rifles for Seniors we featured in this video

For seniors seeking lightweight, dependable, and affordable rifles, this roundup highlights some of the most user-friendly firearms of 2025. Each rifle combines low recoil with reliable performance, making them ideal for older shooters who want comfort without sacrificing accuracy or quality. From classic lever actions to modern compact carbines, these rifles cover everything from plinking and small game hunting to practical home defense. Whether you’re easing back into shooting or continuing decades of range experience, these rifles deliver trusted performance at a senior-friendly level.  

Poll: Who will decide when to hang up your RV keys?

Above, at camp at Basecamp 550 in Ridgway, Colorado. Photo by Armand Vaquer

When will one decide to hang up the RV key?

At 71, I noticed during the past few trips that I didn't have the stamina for 400+ mile drives. I was able to do so without batting an eye before. These days, I have gone at least half way and stop for the night before pressing on.

I have chalked that up to getting a lousy night's sleep the night before. It could also be that age is catching up.

This is the topic of a new RV Travel poll: Who will decide when to hang up your RV keys?

They begin with:

“It’s time.” That’s what dear RVing friends recently told us. My first thoughts, I’ll admit, were selfish ones. “Who will play cards with us on rainy days? Spontaneously join in a last-minute motorcycle ride? Or take my husband fishing?”

Recovering from the unexpected announcement, I wondered how our friends arrived at the decision to stop RVing. I thought about our own eventuality. Who will determine when it’s time to hang up the RV keys?

To participate in the poll and to read more, go here. 

Trump: No Property Taxes For People Over 65 Who Own Their House Outright!

I totally agree with this!

President Trump declares, "No property taxes for people over 65 who own house outright! Housing should not be a burden for seniors."

Do you agree?

A. Yes
B. No pic.twitter.com/4sWTMrT7ES

— Charlie Kirk 🇺🇸 Commentary (@CharlieK_news) June 2, 2025

19 Trips to Take In Your 60's

Above, the end of U.S. Highway 1 in Key West. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The following doesn't apply to me anymore as I am two years out of my 60s. It is a list of 19 trips to take while one is in their 60s.

The suggestions range from cruises, balloon rides, train rides, ancient Egypt and others at Newsbreak.

They start off with:

While health and finances may present some concerns, the majority of people hope to spend plenty of time traveling in their 60s. There are many destinations and experiences out there for people of all budgets and levels of fitness. Even if you aren’t fully retired yet, there are options for shorter trips too. Let’s take a look at some of the best trips you can take in your 60s.

To read more, go here. 

10 Best Cruise Lines for Seniors and Retirees

Above, a singer with an entertainment group flashes me a peace sign aboard
a Royal Caribbean ship en route to Havana. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one is at retirement age-plus, the following is for you.

It is a list of ten best cruise lines for seniors and retirees by Nasdaq.com. Here, they describe what ship features and attractions that are best suited for the older generation.

Of the list of ten cruise lines, I have been aboard one of them, Royal Caribbean. That was a cruise to Key West, Florida and Havana, Cuba in 2019.

They begin with:

New adventures await you after retirement. And what better way to explore the world than on a luxurious cruise? Providing comfort, convenience, and life-enriching experiences for seniors, cruising offers a variety of options tailored to their needs and interests.

Let’s examine the top ten cruise lines for seniors to discover what makes them unique and why they might be the perfect fit for your next vacation.

To peruse the list of cruise lines and what they have to offer seniors and retirees, go here. 

Essential RV Tips For Seniors

Above, Mitch Geriminsky and yours truly about to have lunch at Grand Teton National Park.

For seniors, there are basically two choices in life.

The first is to just sit at home in a rocking chair and waste away. The second is to be active and do things as well as traveling. For myself, having reached "geezerhood" already, I prefer the latter. 

One way of staying active is to travel in an RV. RV Travel has posted some "essential" RVing tips for seniors by Cheri Sicard that includes a video.

It begins with:

In the video below, Mike and Jennifer Wendland, two full-time senior RVers from RV Lifestyle, share their most essential senior RV tips. Mike and Jen firmly believe that with proper preparation, seniors can live their best lives ever in an RV. They believe this because they themselves are living proof.

To read more and see the video, go here. 

Tips For Senior Shooters

Above, at our shooting range in New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Everyone with whom I hang out with in New Mexico are all of the same age group as I am (60+).

Years ago, some of us 30-somethings used to laugh when we were on camping trips with various chapters of E Clampus Vitus. Sitting around campfires with senior members, it seemed that all they just talked about were their aches and pains along with other ailments. 

Now that friends and I are at the age they were at, we are discussing the same things. That also goes for our "Jamestown gang". They is now us!

Aging is still better than the alternative, even though we have to find ways to cope with what it brings.

That goes for shooting. The eyes aren't what they used to be (along with hearing). The American Rifleman, the online magazine version by the NRA, has an article from 2022 with tips for senior shooters.

It starts with:

In his January 2020 article, “The Aging Defender,” then-Managing Editor Kelly Young did an admirable job in chronicling his interview with doctor of physical therapy Joseph Logar—who is also national manager of the NRA’s Adaptive Shooting Program—about the effects of aging on today’s shooters. And while Young’s article should be required reading for every NRA member, I had some issues with it—primarily that it was the article I had wanted to write ever since my personal odometer passed the 65-year mark more than a few birthdays ago.

But Kelly beat me to the draw, editorially speaking, and, to make matters worse, there was the irony of his surname. However, in the spirit of full disclosure, Young readily admitted to being “… a few years shy of 40” at the time. I, on the other hand, have spent more than 40 years (and counting) in a gun-writing career that has taken me from the deserts of Arizona to the jungles of Africa. In the process, I have encountered countless .22 rimfires, muzzleloaders, handguns, rifles and shotguns, from both the hunting and collecting perspectives. Consequently, I feel I am eminently qualified to write about the challenges of being a senior-citizen shooter. So, as an addendum to Young’s article, here are a few other age-related tidbits that I have personally discovered and that will hopefully be of benefit to some of our more “seasoned” NRA members.

To read the full article, go here.