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The Bay Area's Trusted Resource For Healthy Living After 50
Issue 132 March 2026
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Adventures Don't End At 80--Bill Moniz
A reminder that curiosity and adventure don’t have an expiration
date. So far, I've visited 121 countries, seven continents, all 50 states.
Add Years to Your Life--Preston Houston
Many of the habits that help people live longer and healthier lives
take just 10 minutes or less a day.
Living Costs Going Up, Up, Away--Evelyn Preston
The recent sticker shock at the grocery store surprises me more
every visit. And all Californians are gagging on gas prices.
AI Made Simple For Seniors--Dawn O'Neal
What are the biggest misconceptions seniors have about AI?
What I Stopped Buying After 70--Larry Hayes
There are several things I’ve quietly cut back or stopped buying altogether. Not because I can’t afford them but because I simply
don’t need them anymore.
Need Help! Start Here
Free ActiveOver50 Resource Guides for Bay Area adults 50+.
Explore our Caregiving, Senior Housing and Home Improvement guides.
ASK LARRY: What I Learned About Hiring Contractors
After getting several bids on my patio project, here's my simple advice: slow down and check everything.
P.S. Feel free to forward The Scoop to anyone who may be interested. It's free with information and stories on how to enjoy a longer, healthier life. If not already a subscriber, Subscribe Here. It's FREE.
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Adventures Don't End At 80
By Bill Moniz, world traveler
Publisher's Note: One of my longtime USTA tennis teammates recently returned from a solo adventure to Uganda and Rwanda. At age 80, he continues to explore the world—often on his own—and has now visited 121 countries. Seven continents and all 50 states. His story is a reminder that curiosity and adventure don’t have an expiration date.
Q: You’ve visited 121 countries. What inspired you to travel to Uganda and Rwanda this time, especially on your own?
I have been to many countries on my own as my wife sometimes chooses not to go where I want to go (she has over 80 countries herself). Actually, it is a good thing she didn’t go on this trip because the gorilla trekking was very arduous and my gorilla trek in Rwanda wound up being 7 hours of traversing up and down steep mountain jungles. The roads to get into the national parks are terrible, not for the faint of heart or those with physical ailments.
The reason for going to these two countries is I had never been to either and the gorilla trekking and wildlife in both countries is outstanding. I merged a one week G Adventure trip to Uganda with two personally planned guided trips to both Uganda and Rwanda.
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Add Years to Your Life In Just
10 Minutes a Day
By Preston Houston
When it comes to improving your health, most people assume it requires dramatic changes. Hour-long workouts, strict diets or complicated fitness programs.
The truth? Many of the habits that help people live longer and healthier lives take 10 minutes or less a day.
In fact, doctors and longevity researchers increasingly say that small daily habits practiced consistently often matter more than occasional big efforts.
READ MORE
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Come Experience Life At
Palo Alto Commons
A warm, welcoming senior community offering exceptional Assisted Living and Memory Care right in the heart of Palo Alto.
Enjoy private apartments, chef-prepared meals, housekeeping and scheduled transportation, all supported by a caring long-term team that knows you by name. Whether you need a little help with daily activities or just want a vibrant, social lifestyle, our 24/7 trained staff and on-site licensed nurses ensure comfort, safety, and peace of mind. Discover why we’re ranked #1 in Assisted Living & Memory Care in Palo Alto.
Call 650-494-0760 to schedule your tour today! To learn more, visit: Palo Alto Commons
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Tips On Saving Money
Living Costs Going Up, Up and Away
By Evelyn Preston, Money Lady
“Affordability” is the new buzzword, over-hyped, abstract and subjective. The recent sticker shock at the grocery store surprises me more every visit. And all Californians are gagging on gas prices.
However, with most costs trending up, I’ve moved beyond mere grousing. New habits, new words —frugal, economical, careful. I often walk vs. drive to the store, exercise for my budget as well as my body.
My daughter, Ms. Thrifty, daily pares costs in clever choices and action. She proves that small, consistent changes do make a difference. But new habits require mental as well as financial change. Ms.Thrifty opened my eyes to practicing what I—and so many others— preach. Let me count the ways.
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What I Stopped Buying After Age 70
By Larry Hayes, ActiveOver50 Publisher
One advantage of getting older is perspective. After a while you realize you don’t need nearly as much “stuff” as you once thought.
Over the years, I’ve noticed there are several things I’ve quietly stopped buying or cut back on. Not because I can’t afford them but because I simply don’t need them anymore.
Fancy restaurant dinners
Years ago, my wife and I enjoyed occasional upscale dinners. Today, we rarely do that. Instead, we meet friends for breakfasts or casual lunches which are usually just as enjoyable and far less expensive.
Frequent overseas travel
Travel is still wonderful but long international trips have become less appealing for us. Long flights, jet lag and complicated travel plans make shorter domestic trips a lot more attractive.
Replacing cars too often
Many people trade in their cars every few years. I’ve found that keeping a good car for 10 years or more saves a lot of money and hassle.
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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 the San Francisco Bay Area--home to world famous Apple. Come and see for yourself. Chateau-Cupertino.
Call 408.446.4300. Or email: MarieLouise@chateau-cupertino.com.
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AI Made Simple for Seniors
By Dawn O'Neal
Publisher's Note: Artificial Intelligence or AI is suddenly everywhere. Tools like ChatGPT, Alexa and Siri can answer questions, write emails, plan trips and even help with everyday problems. But for many older adults, AI still feels confusing
or intimidating.
That’s why author and former real estate professional Dawn O’Neal wrote AI Made Simple for Seniors, a practical guide designed to take the mystery out of this rapidly changing technology. I recently spoke with Dawn about how seniors can use AI safely, simply and to their advantage.
Q: You spent years as a real estate agent before becoming an author. What inspired that transition?
In high school, I worked with the annual staff and school newspaper as words have always been a passion for me. I would write stories when I needed to work out a problem. After moving to Washington State, I wanted to write fiction but was drawn instead to something that was making a difference in everyone's lives - AI.
I realized that after decades of working in accounting and then helping families navigate one of the biggest chapters of their lives, I could use that same drive to help people in their personal lives as well. I wanted a legacy that existed beyond a "Sold" sign and storytelling gave me the bridge to share what I’ve learned about life, change and technology with a much wider audience.
READ MORE
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What I've
Learned About Hiring Contractors
After getting several bids on my patio project, here's my simple advice: slow down and check everything. Make sure your contractor
is licensed, insured and willing to put details in writing.
A 50% deposit? Negotiate. California law typically limits deposits to 10% or $1,000 whichever is less. Don't be afraid to push back.
Don't chose based on price alone. The lowest bid can become the most expensive mistake.
Ask questions. Get references. Trust your instincts.
And one more tip - treat your crew well. Offering water, refreshments and snacks goes a long way toward a better outcome.
And if you're not sure where to start, check out our ActiveOver50 Home Improvement Guide. A good place to find trusted local pros.
Have a question for Larry? Email larry@activeover50.com
Feel free to forward this monthly newsletter to family and friends who may be interested. Free. If not already a subscriber, Subscribe Here.
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Hand n' Hand Senior Placement
When It's Someone
You Love
By Katie Cooney
Is someone you love struggling to live safely at home alone? Are daily tasks becoming overwhelming or do they need more care than family can provide?
When it's time to explore options for senior living, in-home care
or community resources, I’m here to help.
As a Certified Senior Advisor, I specialize in guiding families through the complex and emotional decisions surrounding senior care.
Whether your loved one has had a medical event, is experiencing memory challenges or simply needs extra support, I provide
concierge-style assistance to match them with the right care and
living arrangements.
From assisted living and memory care to in-home services and local resources, I take the stress out of finding trusted solutions.
My goal is to ensure safety, dignity and peace of mind for your loved one—and for you. Let me help you navigate the next step in their journey with knowledge, compassion and care.
📞 Call me today for a free consultation. 408.513.7838. Because when it comes to senior care, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Hand n' Hand Senior Placement
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Your Reverse Mortgage Questions Answered By
a Local Expert With 15+ Years' Experience
Q: Will the bank own my home?
The bank does not take ownership of your home; they simply extend 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, 2026, it increased to $1,249,125 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: marilyn.ross@goodlifehomeloans.com
Marilyn Brown Ross
Reverse mortgage specialist
NMLS #453436/1221981
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Need Help? Start Here
Free ActiveOver50 Resource Guides For Bay Area Adults 50+
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Chuckles
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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