We usually think of role models as those we admire and wish to emulate in our youth. I found mine as I approached 70 years of age. Marty taught we how best to live the rest of my life.

My grandma had bat wing arms. Her arm jiggle fascinated us kids. My cousin Rachel would reach across Granny's corset-clad girth, tap the wrinkled drape of skin and shriek with half-delight, half-horror as the bat wing came to life.

One of the great perks of growing older in the U.S. is the many discounts that are available to boomers and seniors. If you don't mind admitting your age, here are some tips and tools to help you find them.

Long-term character contouring is not for you. You crave a ready match and your compatibility list is firm (loves dogs, plays chess, financially independent). But how willing you are to modify or even disregard that list?