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The Bay Area's Trusted Resource For Healthy Living After 50
Issue 134 May 2026
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Get Helpful Info at ActiveOver50 Resource Fair
Join us June 18 at the Campbell Community Center for an exciting and informative fair featuring valuable resources and expert guidance in healthcare, home care, senior living, transportation, hearing, mobility, financial planning, home improvement and much more!
Saili Gosula. One Tough Lady
What drives 59-year-old Saili Gosula to push through pain and grit in some of the world’s toughest fitness events including Spartan and DEKA? Read now.
"Why I Do What I Do at 86"--Larry Hayes
People ask me all the time: “What keeps you going?”
“Why do you keep doing all this?” “Don’t you ever slow down?”
Romance, History And Buffalos In Catalina Island--Don Mankin
It's been 70 years since I last visited Catalina Island for a two-night excursion unlike anything else on the U.S. mainland.
Prepare Your Body For Summer--Preston Houston
June is when many adults over 50 become significantly more active almost overnight. It's also when many preventable injuries appear.
When Should Youngish Seniors Plan Ahead?--Evelyn Preston
Pre-retirement planning (so the golden years won’t tarnish) often starts with Social Security. Stop to review your expectations.
Ask Larry: "Are Self-Driving Cars Really Safe?"
Self-driving cars may not replace human drivers completely anytime soon but they are already changing the way we think about safety on the road.
Need Help! Start Here
Access the free ActiveOver50 Resource Guides for Bay Area adults 50+. Discover helpful information on Caregiving, Senior Housing and Home Improvement.
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.
| | | Get Helpful Info at The ActiveOver50 Resource Fair
in Campbell June 18
We’re excited to announce that the ActiveOver50 Resource Fair is returning to the Campbell Community Center on Thursday, June 18! 10am--1pm.
The popular Fair will feature resources in healthcare, home care, senior living, transportation, hearing, mobility, financial planning and wellness with participating organizations including Good Samaritan Hospital, Optum, Itani Dental, 101 Mobility,
Pacific Hearing, Steady Grip Home Safety, ClearCaption
and more.
Unlike many crowded, noisy resource fairs with difficult parking, the ActiveOver50 Resource Fair provides one of the most enjoyable and accessible experiences in the Bay Area offering
a comfortable, welcoming setting designed for easy access and meaningful conversations.
Attendees will enjoy FREE raffle drawings and FREE books plus ample parking and the opportunity to connect with trusted local organizations in the newly remodeled Orchard City Banquet Hall--a spacious, elegantly designed venue with room for up to 400 attendees.
Limited exhibitor tables are still available. Organizations serving older adults are invited to participate. Contact Larry Hayes at larry@activeover50.com before we sell out. Early bird exhibitor pricing is available for a limited time.
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Saili Gosula, 59. One Tough Lady Motivated Through Pain And Grit
Read what drives 59-year-old Saili Gosula to push through pain and grit in some of the world’s toughest fitness events including Spartan and DEKA.
Q: Explain the type of events you participate in. What do these events give you emotionally or mentally that you don’t find anywhere else?
"I compete in Spartan races, DEKA events (Strong, Mile and Fit), and more traditional foot races like 5ks and even a half marathon."
Spartan races are obstacle course races. Anything from a 5K
to a half marathon with 20–30 obstacles that test strength, endurance and skill.
DEKA events are more structured fitness competitions with functional exercises and some running, demanding in a different way.
READ MORE
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"Why I Keep Doing
What I Do At 86"
By Larry Hayes, ActiveOver50 Publisher
At 86 years old, people still ask me: “What keeps you going?” “Why do you keep doing all this?” “Don’t you ever slow down?”
And honestly, after what just happened at our USTA 65+ 6.0 NorCal Sectional Championships, I think I understand the answer better than ever.
We just won our 6th straight NorCal Sectional championship and are now headed to our 6th consecutive National tournament in January 2027 in Surprise, Arizona.
As I walked off the court, exhausted but proud, I realized this is exactly why I keep doing what I do. Not because of trophies. Not because of rankings. Not because I have something left to prove.
I do it because competing keeps me alive. It gives me purpose.
It gives me teammates depending on me. It gives me goals, friendships, pressure, excitement and the feeling that tomorrow still matters.
That feeling is priceless.
READ MORE
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Master AI with Ease
AI Made Simple for Beginners focuses on demystifying complex technology for everyday use. Whether you are looking for an ePub, paperback, hardcover or audio book, this guide shows you how to use modern tools with clarity and confidence. Ideal for readers of all ages, it is especially helpful for older adults who want a friendly, supportive introduction to AI.This resource is designed for you.
Key Highlights:
- Productivity: Discover smart problem-solving techniques to get faster results.
- Hands-on Learning: Engage with practical exercises tailored for tech novices.
- Career Transformation: Modernize your skill set to stay competitive in a digital-first world.
Start your journey today and learn at your own pace!
About the author
After more than 35 years as a Broker/REALTOR® in her beloved California Bay Area, Dawn O'Neal remains licensed in California and Washington State. She is now semi-retired and focuses on writing and helping others discover and confidently navigate the AI landscape through practical, beginner‑friendly guidance.
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Prepare Your Body for
Summer Activity
By Preston Houston
June is when many adults over 50 become significantly more active almost overnight. Golf leagues are in full swing, gardens demand attention, vacations begin, and long walks, biking, hiking, swimming and pickleball return to the weekly routine.
Unfortunately, June is also when many preventable injuries appear.
The problem is rarely the activity itself. The problem is doing too much too quickly after months of lower-intensity movement during winter and early spring. Even active adults lose some conditioning, flexibility, balance and heat tolerance over time.
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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Stop, Look And Listen
"When Should Youngish Seniors
Plan Ahead?"
By Evelyn Preston, Money Lady
I’m reminded of a long-ago lesson from grammar school. In my day, we walked long blocks to and from school plus home for lunch. The old joke being—it was “uphill both ways.” However, when it came to crossing streets—no rides or adult crossing guards—we never failed to: stop, look and listen.
No kid would jaywalk, not stop at lights, nor fail to look both ways, heads up and alert. We went with the lights and were attuned to sounds as well as sights.
What an apt metaphor to counteract modern cellphone distraction along with the rushing and rudeness in today’s real and virtual worlds.
When should youngish seniors plan ahead?
READ MORE
| | Discover how to get around your community with ease and confidence at the Senior Transportation Symposium June 25 from 12:30pm to 2:30pm in Campbell. The free, educational event is designed for older adults to explore convenient transportation options, navigate the community with confidence and save money on travel. RSVP: Call: 408.866.2146. Or click/scan the QR code. | | |
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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"Are Self-Driving
Cars Really Safe?"
Q: "Larry, I recently rode in a self-driving Tesla from Sunnyvale to Fremont and back, and honestly, I was blown away. The car seemed to drive more carefully than a lot of people I see on the road every day. Are self-driving cars really safe?"—Amazed in the Bay Area
I can understand your reaction. A lot of people who experience self-driving technology for the first time come away pretty impressed. The car stays in its lane, keeps a safe distance, uses turn signals and never gets distracted by a phone call or text message.
Since human error causes most accidents, many experts believe this technology could eventually make driving safer overall.
That said, today’s systems are not perfect. Drivers still need to stay alert and be ready to take over at any moment. Construction zones, bad weather, pedestrians and unpredictable drivers can still create problems for the technology.
Still, it’s hard not to feel that we’re getting a glimpse of the future. Self-driving cars may not replace human drivers completely anytime soon but they are already changing the way we think about safety on the road.
Have a question for Larry? Send your questions for future “Ask Larry” columns. larry@activeover50.com. Feel free to forward this monthly newsletter to family and friends who may be interested. 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.
Because when it comes to senior care, you don’t have to figure it out alone. 📞 Call me today for a free consultation. 408.513.7838. Email: info@handnhandsp.com. Hand n' Hand Senior Placement
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Romance, History And Buffalos On Catalina Island
By Don Mankin, travel writer
"Twenty-six miles across the sea, Santa Catalina is a-waiting for me."
In 1957, the Four Preps crooned about an “island of romance” off the coast of southern California. Back then, this song caught the imagination of this anxious, tortured, barely pubescent 15-year-old with visions of swaying palm trees, balmy breezes and especially California blondes.
Now, 70 years later, an older, wizened version of that teenager was heading to that island of romance with his own California blonde (now white-haired) for a two-night excursion unlike anything else on the U.S. mainland.
READ MORE
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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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Today's Chuckle
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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