Featured Stories
In This Issue
The Peace Corps Is
Recruiting Older Adults!
By Larry Hayes, A050 publisher
You’re never too old to do good and to give back. After retiring from a business career in human resources, Barbara Jue, then 65, joined the Peace Corps serving in Moldova from 2013-2015.
Ask Larry: "Is It Okay To End My Life?"
Suffering from an incurable disease, a friend of mine, 84, took his life recently under California's End Of Life option. It is not considered illegal or suicide.
Is Your Blood Pressure Too High?
Knowledge of one’s blood pressure and then taking action if elevated greatly reduces the possible risks of related health problems. To learn more, go to: pmgmd.com.
Meet Norm. "Pet Of The Month" Winner
"Pet Of The Month Photo Contest winner--Norm is a special, lovable cat assisting a 87 year old woman to move safely around her home.
Cash Poor, House Rich?
Cash in on some of that equity in your home. A reverse mortgage
Run On The Banks?
Not likely but Money Lady Evelyn Preston offers some sage advice
on how to protect your money.
Looking For Independent Senior Living?
per month. Home-style living with meals included.
Beware Of Robot Scams!
This scam involves automatic robocalls and texts designed to trick you into sharing the two-factor authentication codes sent from financial institutions or online companies.
Discover 55+ Resort-style Senior Living
Check out the Villages Golf & Country Club in San Jose, CA. Mid $400,000s to $1 million+. Visit B&A Realtors for a tour.
Be Kind
Let me know what kind of stories you like to read in The Scoop,
the leading email marketing publication and website for boomers
and seniors in the SF Bay Area. Please feel free to forward this
issue to your family and friends. It's FREE!
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Looking For Something New And Challenging?
The Peace Corps Is Recruiting Older Adults!
Opportunity To Do Good For Others. And Yourself
By Larry Hayes, A050 publisher
Note: I was 27 when I joined the Peace Corps serving as a teacher in Chennai (Madras), India from 1966-68. To say that the Peace Corps changed my life is an understatement--it was there that I met and married the love of my life, Gloria, an Anglo-Indian from Chennai. Now 54 years and counting.
During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the Peace Corps shut its doors, returning 7,000 volunteers to the U.S. After a two-year pause, the Peace Corps is back and actively recruiting volunteers including older adults and retirees.
You’re never too old to do good and to give back. After retiring from a business career in human resources, Barbara Jue, then 65, joined the Peace Corps serving in Moldova from 2013-2015.
Q: Why did you join the Peace Corps at age 65?
Since high school, I’ve been interested in the Peace Corps and a desire to give back to society. As you know, my ex-husband Silas
Jue served as a volunteer with you in 1966-68 and his experience motivated me as well.
I believed that my many years of business experience in human resources would be of benefit to those wishing to start and grow a business. The opportunity to work and live in another country excited me. Plus, I wanted to learn a new language and culture. After retiring, I still wanted to pursue meaningful work, to experience a new adventure, a new challenge.
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Ask Larry
"Is It Okay To
End My Life?
--Rich, Oakland, CA
Tough call. Receiving hospice care--a friend of mine, 84, recently took his life. I visited him on a Friday at his home.
Nonchalantly, he said:
“I’m going to die next week."
Sitting upright in a chair and tethered to an oxygen tank, he explained in a calm manner that he was terminally ill and didn’t want to die in a hospital hooked up with tubes and machines.
When he died seven days later, I was not shocked but grateful that
he told me. I understand why he did it. He was clear-headed and at peace.
Currently, 10 states including California offer physician-assisted death also called the “End of Life” option.
California’s “End of Life” Option Act went into effect in 2016. This law allows terminally ill adults who are California residents to request a medication from his or her physician that will end his or her life. It is not considered suicide.
The law and rules are strict. To receive the aid-in-dying medication, a person must be 18 years or older. Be a resident of California and
have a terminal disease that is expected to result in death within six months. Three physicians must agree to the prognosis and consult with the patient.
Personally, I'm not advocating for anyone to take his or her life. It's a very private and personal decision.
Since the law went into effect through December 31, 2021, over 2,500 California individuals died from ingesting the medication.
Got a Question? Or Comment? Ask me anything. If I don't know the answer, I'll ask someone who does. Ask Larry is written by Larry Hayes, publisher of A050. Email: larry@activeover50.com. Visit: ActiveOver50.com
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Discover Resort-Style Living
For The 55+ In San Jose, CA
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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 in San Jose, CA. Resort-style senior living for the active adult 55+ years. Mid $400,000s 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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Meet Norm!
"Pet Of The Month"
Photo Contest Winner
Submitted by Joni Padron
"This is Norman (Norm)…one of four cats born in our house. They are each named based on the shape of their tail: Squiggy (piggy tail), Crook (slight crooked tail at the end), Fifi (fluffy tail), and Norm (normal, straight tail).
Norm has quickly become a ‘Mama’s Boy' when my 87-year old mother needs to use the restroom in the middle of the night. He walks (guides!) her to the restroom, then sits and waits until she’s done. He watches her as she walks slowly around the house waiting for the opportunity to jump on her lap when she sits/naps.
Norm can nap anywhere and any position at the drop of a hat, creating laughter from whomever sees him. My mom attributes her amazing recent blood pressure reading (120/72) to the amusement and companionship she feels from (especially) Norm as well as his siblings!"
In honor of our pets, we're having a "Pet Of The Month" photo contest. Winners will be featured in the Scoop and on the A050 website.
Entries are FREE with the following guidelines:
• One pet per photo
• Name of pet, gender, age and how long a member of your family
• In 100 words or less, tell us why your pet brings happiness to your life
• Photos must be clear
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Ask Marilyn
"Is a Reverse Mortgage Right
For Me?"
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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, feel free to call me today.
408.722.0010.
Marilyn Brown Ross Branch Manager & Reverse Mortgage Professional NMLS #453436/1221981
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Everyone is a winner. Sunnyvale's 7.0 65 team finished 2nd at the USTA NorCal Sectionals in Santa Rosa, CA. Captained by Larry Hayes (yellow cap) and co-captain Tony Serksnis (dark blue cap) |
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Is a Run On Banks Possible?
By Evelyn Preston, The Money Lady
To most of us seniors, “a run on the bank” is something from old movies and Depression Era history. Whether our money is secured in a local or national bank, we choked on the news that in this day and age there could be a possible bank failure—including our very own.
Hadn’t the powers-that-be instituted reforms after the ‘70s Savings and Loan Scandal? What about the mortgage debacles of 2008? The American public has again been saved from losing its collective shirt, not by the Government but a few big banks including our very own.
Q: No one lost when strapped-for-cash banks were bought by their larger peers. Was that really a good sign or a gobble-up tactic that will hurt the system in the long run?
We all know that fewer companies—Amazon (Whole Foods, MGM, et al,) or Wells Fargo (Wachovia and smaller banks) can mean greater volume/enhanced savings…or fewer choices/higher costs.
“Favors” from takeover companies often have strings attached.
Customers will have to wait and see what JP Morgan Chase gains besides its customer base from First Republic in return for covering their reduced assets and most importantly, what it means for depositors.
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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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Do You Have High Blood Pressure? Are Your Numbers Too High?
Know your numbers. Knowledge of one’s blood pressure and then taking action if it is elevated, greatly reduces the possible risks of related health problems. High blood pressure affects one in three Americans and tends to show either minor or even no symptoms at all.
How can you have a positive effect on your blood pressure? First by checking your numbers. A visit with your primary care provider is the most accurate way to check your numbers. Ask your physician what your blood pressure numbers mean and if they are too high. Stick to your treatment plan and follow your provider’s advice if you are diagnosed with high blood pressure.
By living a healthy lifestyle, you can help keep your blood pressure in a healthy range and lower your risk for heart disease and stroke. A healthy lifestyle includes:
• Eating a healthy diet consisting of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Getting enough physical activity (please speak with your doctor before starting a new exercise regimen)
• Not smoking
• Limiting alcohol use
Have you checked your blood pressure lately? Schedule your appointment with your Physicians Medical Group primary care physician today.
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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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 CA--home to world famous Apple company.
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Beware Of Robot Scams
By Alden Witman
This scam involves automatic robocalls and texts. These scams are designed to trick you into sharing the two-factor authentication codes sent from financial institutions or online companies. The bot sends you a fake text or call that appears to be official and asks you to authorize a fake charge.
The robot prompts you to enter the authorization code you’ve just been sent if the transaction is NOT yours. What’s really happening is that the bot is trying to access your account and needs the authentication code that was sent to protect it.
It’s always important to verify the validity of a text or phone call, especially if it relates to your finances. Never give out your password, even if it is requested for security purposes. If you are ever in doubt about a possible scam, hang up and call the institution directly at a verified phone number.
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