It's fun to go out to eat. It's even more fun when you get a great deal on your meal. Below are deals and discounts available to mature adults and seniors at restaurants throughout Northeast Ohio. If you're 55 or older, it's worth noting where you can dine out for less.

If you have applied for Social Security benefits, or have a pending reconsideration or hearing request, you can check the status online using your free personal 'my Social Security' account. If you don’t have an account, you can create one at ssa.gov/myaccount.

Always stopped up? Or too loose? Our bowel habits are something no one really wants to talk about, but we need to. Over 60% of older adults have issues with their bowels at some point. Our bowels greatly affect every aspect of our bodies and overall quality of life. Better balance is achievable.

How we talk about aging matters just as much as how we feel about aging. Every May, Older Americans Month celebrates the contributions of older adults with the theme, "Flip the Script on Aging." It reminds us how words can negatively reinforce outdated or dismissive perceptions of aging.

At a recent doctor's appointment, my provider asked me about how much alcohol I drink. Honestly, it depends. I host patio cocktail parties in the summer, and hit a winery now and then. I'm a big fan of holiday mimosas. No big deal; I can take it or leave it. But as a 65-year-old with a history of cancer, the statistics were clear and worth a warning. Her advice: don't drink at all, or limit yourself to an occasional cocktail. Margarita Mondays are going to have to be alcohol-free for me.

Local farmers markets are starting to gear up, and that means it's time to apply for a free voucher to take advantage of locally grown veggies, fruits, herbs and more. We include a long list of local farmers markets for you to visit.