Featured Stories
How to spot and stop scammers
What to do? For starters, you can use a spam blocker and email filter from your service provider. For more practical information on how to protect yourself from scammers, read Sanjay Mathur's useful article.
Managing chronic pain with CBD
Many older adults use CBD for pain management and other health issues. Stacy Cason, founder of Planetarie, developed a breakthrough in hemp processing with unique benefits. Read what drove this former nurse to launch her own CBD company.
How to stay fit at 55. Takes a lot of work and preservance but worth it. Read how Saili Gosula does it.
Expect the unexpected
With the stock market in turmoil and a raging war in Ukraine, what does the future hold? No one knows for sure but Money Lady Evelyn (Evie) Preston offers some sage advice.
Traveling with your grandnephew
Our award-winning adventure travel writer Don Mankin took a road trip through the Southwest with his 23 year old grandnephew. Fun, renewed relationship for both.
Ask Larry: Is it safe to travel? "Yes" but be smart about it. Covid is still out there so, take some precautions.
Keep Smiling!
And let me know what kind of stories you prefer to read in this publication. Feel free to forward The Scoop to your family, friends
and associates.
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"How To Spot
and Stop Scams"
By Sanjay Mathur,
Cyber Security Evangelist
We learnt our lesson on how to deal with strangers early on in our lives. Do you remember the childhood advice, “Don’t trust a stranger?”
Also, we learnt how to verify a stranger’s claim that she is not a stranger.
“I am your mom’s best friend.”
“Then how come she never told me about you?”
Well, what we learnt as a child is applicable to modern times, too, when we are living our lives online in cyberspace.
Earlier, we could look in the eyes of the stranger and a voice inside would tell us, “Beware! Something is not right.”
Now, in the brave new world of cyberspace, the strangers hide behind a website, an email address or under an assumed, social identity.
We cannot see and judge them. They could be spoofing as a medical practitioner or a tax collector.
We do not even know if it is a real person or an automated program,
a robocall or just a bot. So, we must extend our childhood learning of cautious living to cyberspace.
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How a Woman's Unique Background Gave Rise To a Powerful Pain Management Product
Every day for 15 years, Stacy Cason treated patients suffering from various medical issues, many of whom dealt with chronic pain. “They were hurting, and often, the end result of that was turning to opioids,” Stacy said.
As an anesthesiology nurse practitioner, Stacy witnessed firsthand
And it was witnessing that crisis and the devastating impacts on patients and their families that ultimately led Stacy to found her company. It focuses on providing products that support pain management in a natural, organic way without the dangerous side effects of opioids and even common over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen.
“I saw firsthand what opioids did to people and the chronic pain that leads to depression and lost quality of life,” Stacy said. In 2018, Stacy founded Planetarie, the world’s first-ever USDA-Certified Organic CBDa manufacturer and distributor. Planetarie produces soft gels, muscle rubs, infusions, drink additives, salves, and more that leverage CBDa, the raw acidic cannabinoid derived directly from the hemp plant in its purest form.
Teachers, family, and friends identified Stacy from the start as a gifted and talented child. She started working at an office at just 12 years old and quickly learned she had a natural business sense. But growing up in a rural part of northern Louisiana with patriarchal norms deeply embedded in the culture put a college-bound Stacy on one of the only two culturally accepted paths: nursing or teaching.
“I remember having a discussion with one of my teachers about how I should attend Harvard,” Stacy said. “But, I didn’t know that I could. I didn’t believe that I could. I didn’t see it as a viable option. It was a very small, close-minded area.”
Stacy opted for nursing school instead, working in an intensive care unit before eventually moving to Miami. She married a U.S. Air Force officer and obtained a master’s degree in anesthesia from Florida International University. Stacy moved to Denver in 2012 and, in 2013, started attending classes at the University of Denver (DU) to earn her MBA while continuing to work in health care.
She graduated from DU in 2015. During that time, the constant influx of patients struggling with pain and opioid addiction wore on her, and, in 2017, Stacy let her medical license expire.
“I was getting tired — tired of watching people in pain and not being able to help them in a productive way, in a way that wouldn’t result in other conditions or addiction,” she said. Stacy went on to earn a degree in Real Estate Management from Harvard University in 2018, ultimately going into commercial real estate development.
Stacy purchased a ranch in May 2018 and started growing hemp in
an effort to make it economically viable.
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Expect The
Unexpected
By Evelyn (Evie) Preston,
The Money Lady
All things change! Expect the unexpected. Both share my mantra for seniors–and investors. Nothing stays static. Rules, laws and practices long considered to be chiseled in stone may be wiped out in one vote. Whether positive or negative, change is in the eye of the affected.
Failure of the petition drive to recall CA Prop 19 that increases tax rates upon the passage of real property to heirs proves nothing is sacrosanct. Younger voters rally for “good riddance to unfairness,” while the older set mostly regret this costly take-away. What’s a
senior to do?
Q: I never considered selling my home before Prop 19, and I dread all it takes to put a house on the market. Yet I hate to leave the problem to my children...any ideas?
The San Francisco Bay Area abounds with seasoned real estate pros who advertise their expertise from listing to sale. Avid property investors constantly entice long time owners to sell “as is.” And sellers can explore unique ways to structure a home or business sale from installments to rent backs. Don’t want open houses or prefer doing business online? Companies like Zillow and Redfin offer new age avenues for property owners of any age.
Q: I notice that my favorite doctor left for some fancy new practice, and things have changed in his old office. I deal more with a physician’s assistant or they contact me online via cell phone. What’s going on?
Healthcare continues to change due to high costs all around from fewer medical students willing to afford the expensive grind as well as expensive housing in communities like the SF Bay Area.
More patients, costly facilities and high-tech equipment have drawn some MDs to boutique practices—subscription payment for special attention and on call services we used to take for granted.
Health care providers at One Medical are part of this innovative movement—affordable boutique style care for everyone. They’re especially reaching out to seniors at: www.onemedical.com/sixtyfiveplus.
Integrated with Medicare, they promise to be “on call” whenever needed, most likely accomplished online. They’re available weekends and aim to know their patients vs. increasingly impersonal, large style medical groups.
Q: What’s with this push for renewable energy that can’t be counted on when needed? Years ago, electric was too expensive for heat and cooking. Now “going green” is a must-have change for everything from cars to phones. To date, there’s not enough to go around.
Note that farming may have taken a truly modern turn. Solar “farms” proliferate throughout California’s deserts with large stretches of panels built across flatland open spaces as well as individual rooftops.
Huge battery cell facilities of solid oxide fuel cells that produce electricity “grow” the energy needed for mass consumption. The world may be in a race for the “rare earth” materials mined to produce the battery cells increasingly used in modern devices.
Government funding will ensure that “the United States can produce batteries as well as mine the materials that go into them to increase economic competitiveness, energy independence, and national security”--a direct quote from the Feds.
As so often happens, change in one investment area, like real estate, opens up other—often overlooked—methods and opportunities. Even as seniors may lament the passing of the “good old days,” we can embrace the new and modern for peace of mind as well as profit.
Evelyn (Evie) Preston is a financial columnist for A050 and worked as a financial advisor for over 25 years. Reach her at Evierp100@yahoo.com.
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“Why Should I Work With a Senior
Real Estate Certified Realtor?”
A Senior Certified Realtor works with Seniors and their families in determining their housing needs and guiding them as they navigate through the home sale process. Providing support and
the resources necessary for a smooth transition.
If you are thinking about selling your home and asking yourself,
"where do I start?" Or, if you are looking forward to downsizing
and no longer wanting to maintain a home due to cost or the constant upkeep, a Senior Real Estate Certified Realtor can help.
Letting go of a beloved home where years of happy family memories were built has to be one of the most difficult decisions one has to make in one's lifetime.
“Mercedes not only beautifully represented me as we went through the process but she made the journey with me in every way. She did everything right leaving no detail overlooked from staging, pricing, timing and negotiating."
“Thus, leading to a multiple offer sale and sold in a week. In choosing Mercedes I not only found the perfect agent but a caring, lifelong friend."--Wille L.
Feel free to call me today if you have any questions or would like a
no obligation consultation and Property Valuation. I can help!
Call 650.766.3910. Email: Mercedes.roses@compass.com. Visit:
Mercedes Roses is a Gerontologist and Realtor® at Compass.
DRE 01748726.
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"Road Tripping Through The
American
Southwest With
My Grandnephew"
By Don Mankin
The Adventure Geezer
“It’s crazy,” my grandnephew exclaimed as we approached the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. I heard Aaron say that often over the next several days as the two of us explored the national parks and monuments of northern Arizona and southern Utah.
Aaron, 23, has spent most of his life in Florida so, for him the canyons, cliffs and mountains of the American Southwest were like something from another world.
This was our first adventure together since his bar mitzvah gift 10 years ago, a day-long kayak in the Channel Islands of Southern California. I guess that trip made a positive impression because he started bringing up the idea of another adventure with me since the middle of the pandemic.
I suggested a road trip through the American Southwest, including the Grand Canyon, Canyon de Chelly, Monument Valley and Arches, Canyonlands and Zion National Parks.
To the uninitiated, it might seem like the American Southwest is all about rocks, and once you’ve seen one rock, you’ve seen them all. Yet from one place to another, the colors, sizes, shapes and geometry of those rocks change dramatically. The scenery and the experience of Monument Valley, for instance, is nothing like the Grand Canyon.
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Discover Resort-Style Living For The 55+ In San Jose, CA |
Luxury properties, professionally landscaped, golf course views, city views, openness of the community, trees and waterfalls.
We have many properties for sale at The Villages Golf & Country Club. Resort-style senior living for the active adult 55+ years. Mid $400,000's to $1,000,000+.
To receive an exclusive tour of the community and preview selected properties, call Carla Griffin today. 408.274.8766.
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"How I Stay Fit At 55"
Saili Gosula
Age: 55
Education: BA in Math and Computer Science,
MS in Computer Science
Occupation: Business Owner of Active In-Home Therapy
Residence: Redwood Shores, CA
Q: You have been working hard for some time to get back into shape. What motivated you?
I’ve always been an exerciser. I love it and rarely go a day without exercising. But as I grew older, my body changed in ways I did not like and my regular routine was not enough. I wanted more time to exercise and I wanted to exercise harder.
I wanted to see results.
Q: What is your daily exercise routine?
Workout at 5am, usually two back-to-back classes of high intensity interval training in a group setting. I also try to take my business “coffee meetings” as “walk and talk” meetings–it’s not what people expect but everyone knows they should walk more and get those steps in so, I hope I’m starting a trend!
Q: Lesson learned?
Once you make it a habit, it becomes much easier. The first few days are the hardest. The group setting encourages me to not miss a day because people will notice and it feeds my need for social interaction. Also, if you are trying to get rid of a little weight, exercise is not enough–you must also make nutritional adjustments to see significant progress.
Q: Most important things in life?
Family, health, community and being of service. Choosing to
be happy.
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Seeking Mental Help
May Is Mental Health Awareness Month!
Seniors who live at home have had, like many others, an unusually difficult couple of years with regard to their mental health. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated economic downturn have left many feeling anxious, depressed or unusually stressed.
However, as a result of the negative stigma placed on mental health issues, seniors are less likely to reach out for help. Even so, nearly half of seniors reported that the pandemic had a negative effect on their mental health. That’s why there has perhaps never been a more apt time to commemorate Mental Health Month.
and seek help for their mental health challenges.
Signs of Mental Health Issues in the Elderly
It’s important for seniors and caregivers to recognize the signs of declining mental health. Some of these can be subtle and attributed
to other causes, while others are more obvious, such as:
• Changes in eating habits, especially a lack of appetite
• Changes in personal care
• Mood changes that last longer than two weeks
• Short term memory loss and difficulty concentrating
• Withdrawal from social interactions
Our doctors can help seniors find resources for declining mental health. 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. Call 888-988-8682 or visit pmgmd.com for more information.
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Chateau-Cupertino
Senior Independent Living Community With a Flair
Senior living doesn't get any better than living at Chateau-Cupertino whether you're in retirement or just ready for the next great phase of your life. Enjoy a home-life environment in your own senior apartment with three fresh served home-style meals daily.
Housekeeping and laundry services, all basic utilities, great activity programs, game rooms and transportation--all included starting at $3,000 per month.
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Cupertino is one of the best places to live in CA--home to world famous Apple company.
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ASK LARRY
By Larry Hayes, A050 CEO/Publisher
"Is It Safe To Travel Again?"
“I haven't traveled anywhere for two years due to the Covid pandemic. Is
it safe to travel now?"
-- Ginger, 75, Sunnyvale, CA
Although Covid cases are surging once again worldwide, I say “yes” to travel--if you’ve been vaccinated twice. And if over 65, received at least one booster shot. Two is better.
You can still get Covid but being vaccinated will lessen the odds of getting real sick, hospitalized or dying.
Personally, I would wear a mask on a plane and around large crowds of strangers. However, I'm okay not wearing a mask when outside
and some places inside. Your choice.
Covid is not going away. It’s something we’ll have to live with for a long time. Maybe forever.
Got a Question? Ask me anything. If I don't know the answer, I'll ask someone who does. Email me at larry@activeover50.com. ASK LARRY is written by Larry Hayes, CEO/Publisher of A050. ActiveOver50.com
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Your Local
Reverse
Mortgage
Professional
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With over 15 years experience right here in
Silicon Valley, I can help answer your questions
Q: Will the bank own my home?
The bank does not take ownership of your home; they simply extend a loan
to you. You continue to own and live in your home and are responsible for payment of property taxes, required insurance and if applicable, HOA fees.
Q: Do my children/family members lose their inheritance?
No, a borrower may designate an heir of their choosing.The heir(s) will inherit the home after the last surviving borrower passes away and may then choose to keep (by paying off the amount of reverse mortgage balance) or sell the home. Should they choose to sell, any remaining equity after paying off the loan (minus interest and fees) would be theirs.
Q: What is the lending limit of the HECM reverse mortgage?
As of January 1, 2021, it increased to $822,375. Which means it's very likely you can qualify for more money.
To learn more, call me today: 408.722.0010
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Breaking News
Senior Day
San Mateo County Fair
Wednesday, June 8
Info: 650.344.5200
Health & Aging
Education Day
Rotary Club Foster City
Friday, June 24
8am-5pm
Info: 650.373.2145
SourceWise
Older Adult Services
Free iPad for 60+
Info: 408.350.3249
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Get The Latest "Scoop!"
Enjoy A Longer, Healthier, More Meaningful Life
in the San Francisco Bay Area reaching over 100,000 across multiple platforms including the A050 website and social media. For editorial and advertising opportunities, email: larry@activeover50.com. ActiveOver50.com.
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