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The Bay Area's Resource For Active, Healthy Living After 50
Issue 122 May 2025
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Check Out Featured
Stories In This Issue
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Is Age Really Just a Number?
Age is just a number, the saying goes. But that’s not really true. Age is at least two numbers—your chronological age and your biological age.
What's The Hidden Cost Of Caregiving?--Maddy Dychtwald
It’s more than time. More than money. It’s impact that echoes across health, career and future financial security—especially for women.
ASK LARRY: "When Do Things Start Going Downhill?"
After 70, aging does pick up speed for everyone but how fast it happens still depends a lot on how you’ve taken care of yourself.
Make a Difference After 50
If you have a passion for a cause, now may be the perfect time to consider starting a non-profit organization. Email: indu@localbiznetwork.com.
Thinking Of Moving To a Senior Living Community?
Let Katie Cooney help you find the perfect place. She does the homework and takes you on tours. At no cost to you. Call 408.513.7838.
Quiz: Asking The Right Questions--Evelyn Preston
Most seniors appreciate that no matter our skills or varied interests, we simply can’t know it all. We’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that every field has its own language and methods.
Need More Income?
Unlock the equity in your home. Call Marilyn Brown Ross to see if a reverse mortgage is right for you. 408.722.0010.
Looking For Independent Senior Living?
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. Call Marie Louise Cates 408.446.4300.
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Be Kind To One Another
ActiveOver50 is a monthly, online newsletter for active, healthy living after 50 reaching over 100,000 boomers and seniors. Share it with friends and family—it’s completely free!
For more stories and news about boomers and seniors, visit ActiveOver50.com.
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Is Age Really Just a Number?
By Larry Hayes, A050 CEO/Publisher
People often ask me, “Larry, why are you still working? Why are you still playing tennis?” My answer’s always the same: Keep moving—'til you can’t.
I’m 85 now. Still the publisher and CEO of ActiveOver50, a digital media company I started over 20 years ago. We focus on older adults who are still in the game, whatever that game is. I’m not slowing down anytime soon.
In fact, I’m headed to Surprise, Arizona again this year for the USTA National 65+ tennis tournament. It'll be my fifth year in a row going to the "Big Dance" to compete against the best senior teams in America. Most of my teammates are in their 70s. A few are over 80. And yes—we’re still competing at a high level. It’s not easy but it’s worth every minute on the court.
Here’s something I’ve learned
Chronological age doesn’t mean a whole lot. Biological age? That’s where it gets real. You can be 80 on paper but if you’ve taken care of your body—stayed active, eaten right, kept your mind sharp—you might actually be functioning like someone 10 or 15 years younger.
That’s not wishful thinking. That’s science. And it’s my reality.
Look, I’m not pretending age doesn’t matter. Things ache. Recovery takes longer. But I also know the worst thing you can do is stop. The body slows down fast when you stop using it. So I keep moving. I keep showing up. I keep swinging the racket.
The motto I live by is simple: Keep moving—and play 'til you can’t. Because the moment you stop playing, you start aging for real. Age is just a number, the saying goes. But that’s not really true. Age is at least two numbers—your chronological age and your biological age. Chronological age is the one you count with birthday candles.
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Stay Safe And Supported
In Your Own Home
SYNERGY HomeCare provides compassionate and reliable in-home care. Specializing in Alzheimer’s/Dementia, Parkinson’s, Cancer and Respite Care; credentialed to serve Veterans.
Call 408.429.8769 or visit synergyhomecareofsiliconvalley.com for a free care assessment. No daily or weekly minimums; one hour to 24 hours/day.
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Get Up & Go!
Trek on nature trails, learn about different cultures, explore historic sites, experience new culinary flavors, connect to people with shared interests and stay healthy. Info: Bay Area Older Adults.
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Healthy Aging Resource Fair
Hosted by Sourcewise
Santa Clara Senior Center
Saturday, June 14, 9am-12pm
1303 Fremont St., Santa Clara
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Get Involved In Your Community
Join AARP Campbell Chapter, attend monthly meetings, events and learn about volunteer opportunities.
Info: AARP Campbell Chapter
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What’s The Hidden Cost
Of Caregiving?
By Maddy Dychtwald, Co-founder, Age Wave
It’s more than time. More than money.
It’s impact that echoes across health, career and future financial security—especially for women.
➡️ 80% of caregivers say the experience changed their outlook on life.
➡️ 65% say it affected their career and work life.
➡️ 57% say they experienced emotional strain.
➡️ And nearly half of all caregivers report long-term financial consequences.
This is a wake-up call—and an opportunity.
We need to reimagine caregiving not just as a family issue but as a national priority. That includes support in the workplace, better planning tools and a new conversation about how we care for others and ourselves.
I’m proud that Age Wave, in partnership with Edward Jones and Morning Consult, just released a powerful new study that sheds light on the real costs of caregiving in America. I hope you’ll read and share this important research. Let’s give caregiving the visibility and respect it deserves. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gW5_QYyB
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"When Do Things Start Going Downhill?"
If you're reasonably fit, the decline is pretty gradual—about 0.5% a year from your 20s to your 70s. But if you’re not active, that drop can be way steeper—anywhere from 5 to 10% a year.
After 70, aging does pick up speed for everyone but how fast it happens still depends a lot on how you’ve taken care of yourself.
The good news? You have way more control than you might think. Exercise, your daily habits, your mindset and what you eat all play a huge role. Genetics? They only account for about 20% of how long you live. So just because your relatives lived to 100 doesn’t guarantee you will—unless you put in the work too.
Short answer-- exercise, eat healthy, stay active and fully engaged in life. And when the "aches and pains" come, don't panic--it's normal but the good news is you can slow down the process.
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, ActiveOver50 publisher. Email: Larry@activeover50.com. Visit: ActiveOver50.com.
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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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Make a Difference After 50
Start Your Own
Non-Profit Organization
By Indu Jayakumar
Most people, when they reach 50, start thinking about giving back to the community. If you have a passion for a cause, now is the perfect time to consider starting a non-profit organization.
But should you go through the process of setting up an organization with all the commitments of tracking income and expenses? Will your idea really work? Should you test the waters first? One effective way to start is by publishing a website and studying market interest before making a full commitment.
Will someone meet with me to understand my project?
Absolutely! We can meet with you in person or online to discuss your project in detail. Understanding your vision is key to helping you successfully launch your non-profit. We take the time to understand your project before recommending the best hosting plan for you.
READ MORE
| | 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.
📞 Contact me today for a free consultation. Because when it comes to senior care, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
info@handnhandsp.com | 408-513-7838 handnhandseniorplacement.com
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Quiz: Asking the Right Questions
By Evelyn Preston, Money Lady
Most Seniors appreciate that no matter our skills or varied interests, we simply can’t know it all. We’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that every field has its own language and methods.
From decorators to mechanics, gardeners to golf pros, it’s smart to seek the “know-how” of experts. Especially as we get closer to retirement, we can benefit from solid and specific financial advice.
However, long before withdrawing our savings or even starting to plan, it’s cost-effective to ask all the right questions. Professionals usually don’t give free advice which often backfires. “She’s so pushy. He’s trying to sell me some deal. I never asked for a detailed plan, so I shouldn’t be charged!”
Check your financial savvy of the following terms, acronyms and concepts—positive reinforcement of your knowledge and experience. I suspect this is an “easy A” for most Scoop readers, so enjoy “speaking” financial! (Due to space, brief answers are mainly clues to further checking on your own.)
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
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: gmross2404@comcast.net.
Marilyn Brown Ross reverse mortgage professional
NMLS #453436/1221981
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To Add A Chuckle To Your Day, Check Out John Donaghue's Latest Comics.
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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