What's up: Silverplanet.com, your stimulus check and a special trip to 'Oz'

Silverplanet.com

It's no wonder that more Web sites devoted to the over-50 crowd pop up every day — because 10,000 more boomers turn 60 every day, according to government estimates. One comprehensive site is silverplanet.com, which breaks down health, financial planning, caregiving, retirement, lifestyle changes and more with articles, blogs, video and weekly newsletters. Among the blogs is the Recipe Doctor, written by nutrition expert and author Elaine Magee. The site also invites members to single someone out for doing good; notable folks are highlighted and awarded a "Silver Star." Silverplanet.com was founded in 2008 by Florence Klein at age 74. Keep track of updates on Facebook, MySpace and twitter.com/silverplanet.

Let me show you my grandkids!

Mother's Day is May 10 and if you're wondering what to give the woman in your life who says — repeatedly and annoyingly — that she has everything, family photos are always welcome. Better, download your pictures to a digital frame that stores hundreds and displays them in slide show formats on a timed schedule. Grandmom will just plug and play. They're a nice fit on a small nightstand if she's in nursing care. A 7-inch model costs about $40 or $50, a keychain size about $20. Check drugstores for the keychains, big-box stores for bigger frames, or amazon.com for a world of options — and staggering prices on the really high-end models. Sources: bestbuy.com, amazon.com.

Compiled by LifeTimes editor Mimi Andelman

The check's in the mail

This one's not too good to be true — it is true! If you're retired, keep an eye out for a check from the government. As part of the stimulus bill signed into law April 7, retirees and other Social Security beneficiaries will get a so-called senior payment. Okay already, enough of the fine print. Here's what you want to know: That's $250 for an individual and $500 for couples who both receive some Social Security benefit. That includes retirees, older veterans, SSI (Supplemental Security Income) beneficiaries and people with disabilities. All checks should be delivered by May 30, the government says. Source: ssa.gov.

To Oz? To Oz!

Spend quality time with the grandkids free of furry creatures on skates, screaming fans or sleep-inducing fairy tales at a multimedia show, Oz With Orchestra: the Wizard of Oz, May 23 and 24 at the Mahaffey Theater in downtown St. Petersburg. It's a clever program: The Florida Orchestra will accompany the film, shown on a theater-size screen, with the soundtrack digitally removed, but not the dialogue or songs by the girl in the ruby slippers. Leif Bjaland is guest conductor. Tickets are $35 and $45 for adults and $25 and $35 for children 12 and under. For tickets, go to floridaorchestra.org, or call toll-free 1-800-662-7286 or (727) 892-3337.