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Featured Stories
In This Issue
How We Turned Our Anniversary
From Nightmare Into Paradise
My husband was bitten by 200 sand flies
turning our 20th anniversary vacation into
a nightmare. But there was a silver lining.
Who Wants To Live Forever?
Rather than simply focusing on overall lifespan, the shift is to help people live healthier lives.
How Much Money Is Enough?
Exactly how much money is enough for retirement? And just when we’re “this close” to actual dollar amounts to safely fund our aging selves, along comes inflation! Money Lady Evelyn Preston provides some insights.
Ask Larry: "Why Am I Homeless And Living In My Car?"
I was shocked to learn that my business friend of many years was homeless and living in his car. He's 75. What happened?
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Afraid Of Losing Your Marbles?
If you're aware of losing your mind, you probably don't have Alzheimer's. After 60, most people have "anosognosia" or temporary forgetfulness, says French professor Bruno Dubois.
Breaking News!
Mark the date! Wednesday, September 25--ActiveOver50 (A050) Resource Fair is coming to the Campbell Community Center. More info below.
Be Kind To Each Other
Let me know what kind of stories you like to read in the Scoop, the leading monthly digital publication for boomers and seniors in the San Francisco Bay Area. Feel free to share with your family, friends and colleagues. It's FREE reaching over 100,000 readers.
For more stories and news about boomers and seniors, visit ActiveOver50.com Larry@ActiveOver50.com.
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How We Turned Our Nightmare Anniversary Into Paradise
By Rica Ruiz
My husband, Rob, and I set off for Antigua in March to celebrate our 20th anniversary with dreams of turquoise waters and balmy breezes. Little did we know, the island had other plans.
Our boutique resort offered a private plunge pool, a cabana and an outdoor shower--an "experience of a lifetime" or so we thought. Perhaps the first clue should have been the mosquito net adorning
the bed. Then there were the spray bottles: Raid for the room (fumes to dissipate before returning) and Off for venturing outdoors.
Despite these hints, we chalked it up to the Caribbean experience-- lush vegetation, beach proximity and yes, some level of bugs. However, our "lifetime experience" took a turn when sand flies
or "no-see-ums," attacked Rob, leaving him with over 200 bites just one day into our vacation. Shockingly, I remained unscathed.
Unbeknownst to me, Rob wasn't feeling well. In our 20 years together, complaints from him about health were rare or non-existent. While surprised by the bite count, we assumed they were mosquitos, a known nemesis for him. As the day wore on, his symptoms worsened, but he kept them quiet until bedtime.
Panic heightened when he mentioned shortness of breath. We were at a remote resort, the front desk closed and I had no idea how to call for help. Security offered little assistance. Exhausted, Rob said he was going to sleep. Fear gripped me as I monitored his breathing, praying for daylight and access to the front desk.
READ MORE
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Who Wants To Live Forever?
--Matt Reynolds, Wired
Jean-Marie Robine is not impressed by your centenarian grandma. Sure, she’s sprightly for her age, but how unusual is making it to 100, really?
Robine is a demographer and longevity researcher and in his home country of France alone there are 30,000 centenarians; 30 times more than there were half a century ago.
Add up all the centenarians worldwide and you get to 570,000—an entire Baltimore’s worth of extremely long-lived humans. Having a birthday cake with 100 candles is nice, but nowadays it’s nothing special.
If you’ve ever read an interview with a supercentenarian, there is one question that will inevitably come up: What’s the secret? Well, take your pick. The secret is kindness. Not having children. Connecting with nature. Avoiding men. Or, being married. Smoking
30 cigarettes a day. Not smoking 30 cigarettes a day. Drinking whisky.
Abstaining from alcohol altogether?
What is the secret?
READ MORE
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From home to assisted living
"How We Helped Jim & Kris Start a New Life"
By Patty Hontalas & Mirna Tin, Realtor, Real Estate Planners
"We’d like for you to meet our clients, Jim & Kris. We
were introduced to them from one of our assisted living community partners and they were unsure of their options, how they could afford assisted living and the daunting task of getting moved in."
It was very overwhelming!
We started out with one of our strategy sessions where we laid out all the different options for paying for long term care, assessing capital gain taxes, dealing with all the stuff inside the home and options for their real estate.
READ MORE
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"How Much Money
Is Enough?
By Evelyn Preston, Money Lady
"You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading
it today.”--Abraham Lincoln
“Beware of little expenses. A small leak will sink a big ship.”
--Benjamin Franklin
“Money is a terrible monster but an excellent servant.”
--P.T. Barnum
“When prosperity comes, do not use all of it.”
--Confucius
“Wisdom outweighs any wealth.”--Sophocles
These and similar quotes equal financial planning in the proverbial nutshell. And I’ll add close-to-home “advice.”
“You have plenty of money, mother; you’ve saved for years,” says one son. “You’ll be fine.”
“You don’t have as much you think, Mom,” says another; “better watch what you spend.”
My daughter hopes I’ll blow it all…on myself!
READ MORE
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ASK LARRY
By Larry Hayes, A050 Publisher
"Why Am I Homeless And Living In My Car?”
I recently reconnected with an old business friend and was shocked
to discover that he is now homeless and living in his car at the age
of 75.
This friend, a San Jose University graduate, was my graphic designer for over a decade and successfully ran his own graphic design business for 20 years.
What happened?
Due to the state government's moratorium on rent increases for rent-stabilized apartments during COVID-19, he was hit with a substantial bill for “back rent” once the restrictions were lifted. Unable to pay, he was evicted.
Who are the homeless?
It's a misconception that everyone experiencing homelessness is a drug addict or mentally ill. Many are simply victims of unfortunate circumstances such as job loss, low income, lack of affordable housing or healthcare. This includes professionals and increasingly, older adults.
The San Francisco Bay Area has the third-largest homeless population in the U.S. with 28,200 people, following New York City and Los Angeles. In California, 25% of the homeless are aged 51 to 60, and 10% are 61 or older. Homelessness can affect anyone, regardless of age, race or profession.
Personal reflection
In the late 60s, I spent two years as a Peace Corps teacher in Tamil Nadu (Madras), India, and was distressed by the number of people living and dying on the streets. Sadly, this is now a reality here in the U.S.
Got a question or comment? Ask me anything. If I don't know
the answer, I'll find someone who does. Ask Larry is written by Larry Hayes, A050 publisher. Email: Larry@activeover50.com. Visit: ActiveOver50.com.
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Real Estate Planning & Seminar
"Helping You Build, Protect & Transfer
Generational Wealth & Empowering
Through Education"
The Gathering Room
Alma Via of San Francisco
1 Thomas More Way
San Francisco
July 10, Wednesday 3pm--4pm
For information,
call Mirna Tin, Realtor, Real Estate Planner
415.999.6094
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"Planning For The Future & Beyond"
Ivy of Palo Alto
2701 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, CA
July 12, Friday 2pm-4pm
Free appetizers & refreshments
For information,
call Mirna Tin, Realtor, Real Estate Planner
415.999.6094
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Discover 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 $3,400 per month.
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Cupertino is one of the best places to live in Northern CA--home to world famous Apple, Inc.
Come and see for yourself. Chateau-Cupertino.
Call 408.446.4300. Or email: MarieLouise@chateau-cupertino.com.
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Afraid Of Losing Your Marbles?
French Professor Bruno Dubois, Director of the Institute of Memory and Alzheimer's Disease (IMMA) at La Pitié-Salpêtrière - Paris Hospital, addresses the subject in a rather reassuring way:
"If anyone is aware of their memory problems, they do not have Alzheimer's."
It often happens in people 60 years and older that they complain that they lack memory.
"The information is always in the brain, it is the "processor" that is lacking."
This is "anosognosia" or temporary forgetfulness. Half of people 60 and older have some symptoms that are due to age rather than disease. The most common cases are:
• Forgetting the name of a person.
• Going to a room in the house and not remembering why we were going there.
• A blank memory for a movie title or actor.
• A waste of time searching where we left our glasses or keys.
After 60 years, most people have such a difficulty which indicates that it is not a disease but rather a characteristic due to the passage of years.
"The more we complain about memory loss, the less likely we are to suffer from memory sickness."
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Ask Marilyn
"Is a Reverse Mortgage Right
For You?"
With over 15 years experience right here in Silicon Valley, I can help answer your questions about reverse mortgages.
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, 2023, it increased to $1,089,300. Which means
it's very likely you can qualify for more money.
To learn more about reverse mortgages, call me today 408.722.0010. Email: mbrownross@Americansenior.com
Marilyn Brown Ross reverse mortgage professional
NMLS #453436/1221981
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Join The ActiveOver50 Resource Fair At The Campbell Community Center September 25
We're excited to announce the ActiveOver50 (A050) Resource Fair, coming to the Campbell Community Center! This event is designed to connect older adults with valuable resources, services and information to enhance their lives and well-being.
Date: Wednesday, September 25
Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Location: Campbell Community Center
Orchard City Banquet Hall
1 W Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA
What to expect
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Health & wellness: Learn about the latest in healthcare services, fitness programs and nutritional advice
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Senior living: Explore the latest options in senior housing including independent, assisted living and continuous care.
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Financial planning: Get tips and guidance on managing your finances, retirement planning and more.
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Recreational activities: Discover exciting new hobbies, travel opportunities and leisure activities.
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Community services: Find out about local community support services, volunteer opportunities and social clubs.
This fair is an excellent opportunity for active adults over 50 to explore new ways to stay engaged, healthy and informed. Bring your friends and family.
Sponsorships available. For more information, email: larry@activeover50.com or call: 408.921.5806
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Get Active And Enjoy
The Great Outdoors
It's National Therapeutic Recreation Week
From July 7th To July 13th!
Get active and enjoy the outdoors: It's National Therapeutic Recreation Week from July 7th to July 13th! This week, dedicated to raising awareness about therapeutic recreation programs, is the perfect time to prioritize your health and well-being by spending time outdoors.
Benefits of outdoor activities
Being outside can provide a much-needed break from daily stressors and improve your mood. Take up outdoor hobbies like hiking, biking or gardening to rejuvenate your mind and body. Spending time in nature can reduce stress and boost your overall well-being.
Unplug and reconnect with nature
Step away from screens and immerse yourself in the natural environment. Research shows that excessive screen time can increase stress levels. Instead, focus on outdoor self-care activities that allow you to unplug and recharge.
Soak up the sun
Sunlight can increase serotonin levels in the brain, making you happier. Take a few moments each day to enjoy the sun's rays, whether it's sipping your morning coffee outside or incorporating outdoor exercise into your routine.
Stay active outdoors
Physical activity is crucial for both physical and mental health. Incorporate outdoor exercises like biking, running, or yoga into your routine. Invite friends to join you for a friendly game of tennis or basketball or organize a backyard competition.
Connect with others outdoors
Social support is important for mental well-being. Host outdoor events like BBQs or camping trips to bring people together and create lasting memories. Spending time with loved ones outdoors can uplift your spirits and strengthen your social bonds.
Spending time outdoors is one part
of maintaining our overall health
It's really important to know that while playing outside is good for us, it works best when we also see the doctor regularly to maintain our health. Just like we make time for fun outdoor activities to feel good, we should also make time for check-ups with the doctor. These check-ups help keep us healthy, so we can keep having fun outside without worries.
So, let's remember to mix outdoor fun with visits to the doctor. That way, we can keep enjoying the great outdoors for a long, long time.
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 1.408.937.3600 or visit pmgmd.com for more information.
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To Brighten Your Day, Check Out
John Donaghue's Latest Comics.
Go To: undercardiacarrest.com
Under Cardiac Arrest is a comic series starring a quirky couple loosely based on John Donaghue's parents. Besides thousands of followers online, UCA has been translated into greeting cards, shirts, mugs and a book.
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