"Traveling During COVID Is Risky But I Take Precautions."
--Bill Moniz
Q: You are quite the world traveler. All 50 states.105 countries. All 7 continents. And you just came back from Big Bend National Park in Texas. What COVID safeguards do you take when traveling?
I try not to worry too much about catching COVID from objects, just from people but have changed some of my travel habits. I have always washed
my hands before eating (people always commented on it) and cleaned off
the utensils with wet towels from the bathroom, if not in a fancy place or developed country.
Changes include social distancing, wearing a mask and taking alcohol spray and hand wash and wipes with me everywhere. I now tend to walk further ahead or behind people, stay as far away from others I don’t know at the
dining table, hold the drink glass with a paper towel, spray my hands after using gas pumps, opening doors, etc. I also might wipe down various items
in the hotel, depending on the hotel.
Since the outbreak I've also started taking additional zinc and vitamin C
to strengthen my immune system. Also, get plenty of rest and drink lots of
water.
Q: Of all the places you have visited, which is your favorite? Least favorite?
These are always tough questions because my experiences can be either good or bad, depending on such things as the weather, if I met some great people or lousy people, etc. I have worked in 17 countries around the world and have met so many great people that is difficult to pinpoint one specific place I like the best.
I have had so many great experiences in Australia, Brazil, Italy, Africa, Antarctica but I have to say U.S. has to be number one--we have such a
varied country that I have spent a lifetime visiting places and still have more
I want to see.
Least favorite would be something like El Salvador (safety), French Guiana (hot and dirty) and probably parts of China due to the smog in Shanghai and Beijing. I am sure if I didn’t tend to block out or forget the crappy parts of my travels, I could come up with others.
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At Next Stage, our inspiration comes from you. Your ideas are brought to life by our staff of certified designers and highly skilled production team. As a team, our goal is to help our clients improve how they live in their homes while taking precautions to keep you and our staff safe during this time.
Let’s talk about how Next Stage can create your dream home. For a virtual consultation, visit nextstagedesign.com or call us at 408.323.5300.
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ASK LARRY
--Larry Hayes, CEO/Publisher A050
"Am I Too Old To Get a Smartphone?
I'm 85" --Bl, San Francisco
You're NEVER too old so forget that myth. A smartphone is your lifeline and connection to your family, friends and the world. It's worth the cost and effort
to learn how to use it. In fact, it could save your life. It's also a myth that older adults aren't online.The truth is that 90% of active older adults are online
daily searching for the latest news, products and services.
COVID-19 accelerated the shift to digital and everything is or soon will be online. We aren't going back to the "good old days" of landline phones and print magazines. The pandemic has changed the world forever.
P.S. For the first time, my annual physical was virtual. Hard for me to imagine life today without a smartphone or computer. Or the ability to text my loved ones.
"Why Is Dental Work So Expensive? Even With Dental
Insurance, My Crown Will Cost Over $800."--CB, Palo Alto, CA
Dentist are really expensive, even if you have Medicare and dental insurance is included in the plan. In truth, dental insurance is not real insurance.
It's just a maintenance plan that covers mostly cleanings and X-rays. Maybe half the cost of a crown. And perhaps up to 70% for other work including fillings. Dental insurance is better than nothing but it will not protect you
if you need major work often costing thousands of dollars.
When facing major dental work (and expense), shop around and seek a second or third opinion. Ask your friends and healthcare professionals who they recommend including your own doctor.
Finding a good dentist you can trust...and afford...is hard. Many dentists don't accept insurance and are usually more expensive than those who do. Ask for
a "senior discount." No harm in asking and you may get it.
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Medicare Open Enrollment
Is Here!
If you, or a loved one, are on Medicare or transitioning to Medicare, this is important information for you.
Medicare open enrollment for 2021 runs until December 7th and with the uncertainty of the virus, there are new health plans you may want to consider for you to receive the most options available.
Physicians Medical Group of San Jose accepts most health care plans and we can help you sidestep the stress of figuring out which Medicare benefits might be best. We’ve partnered with licensed Medicare agents to give you a free, no obligation review of which plan may provide you the most benefits at the lowest possible cost. And we'll alert you to any benefits that you're missing out on.
Physicians Medical Group of San Jose is the largest independent physician’s association in Santa Clara County. We have been part of the community for 40 years with more than 1,000 doctors in 460 offices - plus we speak 30+ languages.
Ensure you are getting everything you're entitled to because choosing the wrong plan can be costly. Call Physicians Medical Group of San
We partner with you to reach your health goals.
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Post Thanksgiving Dinner! |
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The creative genius behind Under Cardiac Arrest comics is John Donaghue, a talented art director from San Francisco. He has created dozens of comics about the frolics and humor of older adults.
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JUST SOLD! $486,500
Why Live In An Active Adult 55+ Community?
--Carla Griffin, Broker, CRS, SRES, B&A Realtors, DRE#00710852
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One of the best kept secrets in senior living housing is the Villages Golf & Country Club in San Jose, CA--the only active adult community in Silicon Valley.
Home to over 4,000 residents living in 2,309 condos and single family homes scattered throughout 550 secluded and scenic acres. Gated community for your safety and privacy. Lots of activities, clubs and fun things to do.
Prices from $400,000 to $1,000,000+
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Hidden Ways To Save Money!
--Evelyn Preston, The Money Lady
The holidays are ahead! And in this topsy-turvy year, why not first gift ourselves. This season, discover “hidden” costs that slip under our radar; it’s time to make a list and check it twice for years long savings.
Q: I’ve checked my investments, credit cards and purchases to lower costs and offset debt. What else is there?
Revisit back-burner payments that rollover year after year. Prepaid, sparsely used plans, like Dental and Vision rarely add up to real savings. Ditto for car warranties in modern automobiles.
I pay cash and always ask for: 1) senior discounts and 2) a reduction for immediate cash/check (no insurance forms or payment lags)—it works! Then Self-Insure—in a separate or interest- bearing account. Every bit counts.
Q: What other large savings should seniors consider?
While comforting, Long Term Care Plans have been under fire for not delivering as promised. Be wary of these high-commissioned contracts that may not be able to keep up with ever-increasing healthcare costs. Check outdated insurance policies; be sure to fund trusts.
Q: How else can a senior save money?
Besides self-insuring with real dollars saved, intrinsic savings provide other “profits” that offset rising costs as we age.
1) Stay healthy via exercise. Easy with online classes, TV gurus--I’ve lost weight, can again climb stairs. Use phone time to pace around yard or home. Sorry, house-cleaning counts as exercise!
2) Eat better with a changed diet. Limited grocery shopping demands healthier choices, fewer snacks and careful meal-planning. Keep a glass out and drink more water.
3) Don’t procrastinate. Take advantage of free shots; update recurring vaccine needs. The reminder for my overdue shingles immunization came during my bout with…shingles! Mark calendars from quarterly teeth cleaning to 5 year pneumonia shots. Set up health procedures
from mammograms to colonoscopies to save a fortune…and your life!
Q: Are there other hidden savings we forget about?
Don’t forget car and home maintenance. Regular check-ups (tire, hoses, lint catchers, leaks) avoid large bills or costly replacements. I paid for an overdue termite check—and fixed $200 of dry rot (termite territory,) vs. expensive repairs later on.
The pleasure component in extra savings? Priceless!
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Evelyn (Evie) Preston is a financial columnist for The Scoop and has worked as a financial advisor for over 25 years. She can be reached at 650.494.7443. Her book: Memoirs of The Money Lady is available at eviepreston.com.
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Want To Know How To Access The Piggy Bank Within Your Home? |
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Is a Reverse Mortgage right for you?
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Latest Scoop!
New Upscale Senior Community
Santana Terraces is the latest senior living community (55+) to open
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Enhance Your Photos
A few years ago, I took a photo of my wife and daughter posing at
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Longevity Innovation Summit
Virtual 2-Day conference December 3 & 4 focusing on fast-paced changes in Medicare and Medicaid regulatory and reimbursement issues, privacy and cyber safety concerns, NIA funding priorities, private-public partnerships in caregiving and dementia plus the evolving media landscape. Info: Mary Furlong & Associates. Longevity Health & Innovation Summit
Help Wanted!
Vision Literacy, the leader of adult and family literacy education in Santa Clara County, is seeking volunteers of all kinds to help launch its new remote learning programs for those wanting to improve their reading ability.To learn how you can help, contact Executive Director Pat Lawson.
Got News?
What's happening in your life and/or business? Send us news (up to
100 words) that you think would be of interest to the readers of The Scoop. Submit any interesting news and/or human interest story.
Keep Smiling!
P.S. The Scoop reaches over 100,000 boomers and seniors in the
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