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Featured Stories
In This Issue
Who Wants To Play Pickleball?
A seasoned USTA tennis player/captain for 30+ years, I decided to give pickleball a try--America's fastest growing sport. This is my take,
New CA Law Empowers Seniors With Supported Decision Making
Older people with health or cognitive conditions can now name someone to assist them...casually and legally...from unwarranted conservatorship. New law may affect you now or later.
Steps To Prevent Cancer
Research has found that 40% of cancer cases in the United States are attributed to preventable causes. Learn more.
Discover Resort-Style Living For The 55+ In San Jose, CA
One of the best kept secrets for senior living for the 55+ is the
Villages Golf & Country Club. Check it out.
Ask Larry: "My Grandma Lived To 100. Will I?
Just because your grandma lived a long life doesn't necessary mean that you will. Contrary to popular belief, your DNA only counts for 20% (or less) toward longevity. What really counts?
Looking For Senior Independent Living?
Check out Chateau-Cupertino in Cupertino, CA starting at $3,400
per month. Independent, home-style living with meals included.
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Free Senior Housing Guide
Looking for senior housing in the SF Bay Area? Many options are available from independent living to continuous care. Get your free copy. Email: [email protected]
Be Kind To Each Other
Let me know what kind of stories you like to read in the Scoop, the leading digital publication and website for boomers and seniors in the San Francisco Bay Area. Feel free to share the Scoop with your family and friends. It's FREE.
For more stories and news about boomers and seniors, visit ActiveOver50.com [email protected].
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Who Wants To
Play Pickleball?
America's Fastest Growing Sport
By Larry Hayes, A050 publisher
As a seasoned USTA captain/player with over 30 years of experience, my love for tennis runs deep.
The court, the racket and the ball have been my companions for over 300 USTA matches. Through victories and losses. Yet, the emergence of pickleball, with its simplicity and ease of learning, intrigued me.
So, I tried it out and here's my take:
• If you can hold a paddle, you can play pickleball. Far easier and quicker to learn than tennis which can take years to play competitively.
• Pickleball is fun and more sociable than tennis. Rules are simple
and the game is easy for beginners to learn but can develop into a fast-paced, competitive game similar to tennis, especially playing singles.
• Pickleball's smaller court and slower pace make it accessible and enjoyable to players of all ages, fitness and skill levels. A sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis.
• Tennis, with its larger court and faster-paced game play, demands
a higher level of agility, endurance and strategic thinking. The power and precision required to ace a serve, the skill to maneuver around the court and the intense rallies that unfold in each match create an unparalleled adrenaline rush.
READ MORE
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Some Good News
New CA Law Empowers Seniors With Supported Decision Making
By Evelyn Preston, Money Lady
This month I’m happily “re-gifting” important info from my ever-aware trust attorney, Linda Silveria. She recently sent a heads-up about important new legislation that may affect you now or later. Enjoy some really good news.
California recently passed a law allowing those with a disability, or elderly (age apparently is considered a disability now, Linda quipped,) to name someone to assist them casually, yet legally. It’s called Supported Decision Making.
The SDM rule is designed to keep those seniors who need minor, “sometime” help out of possible conservatorship or guardianship and is less formal than a Power of Attorney. There’s often no need of a complete take-over for someone when all that’s needed is a little time and gentle assistance. SDM can fill a definite need for older people who may begin to slow down or become overwhelmed by the financial, legal, healthcare and other complications of daily life.
Q: How would this work in practice?
A friend of mine often goes along to doctor’s appointments as a “second pair of ears.” But in some situations, info sharing or in-room attendance isn’t allowed.
Under SDM, an authorized representative can help review legalese, clarify terms and discuss choices. Whether a home sale, medical diagnosis or other personal transaction, seniors can legally appoint a friend or relative they trust and can rely on.
This assistant can step in to gather personal data from a banker, realtor, etc., then explain and answer questions at a better time or in a more relaxed and familiar setting.
READ MORE
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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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Discover Resort-Style Living For The 55+ In San Jose, CA
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.
Visit bandarealtors.biz.
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Save Monarchs. Plant Milkweed
Moms Helping Monarch Butterflies To Survive
By Bill Moniz
Two Los Altos California next door neighbors, Judy Moniz and LaRita Desimpel, have joined forces in providing a welcoming habitat for the endangered Monarch butterfly.
Last year they began growing several types of milkweed plants, the only food that Monarch caterpillars can eat which produced a humble 40-50 successfully hatched chrysalises.
This year they have successfully hatched and released nearly 125 butterflies so far and expect, provided the food supply lasts, (the caterpillars eat day and night and can go through multiple branches of milkweed everyday), to release another 50-75 apiece. Their success has encouraged neighbors Jeff and Lisa Blanchard to plan on planting milkweed next year.
As printed in the winter edition of the Nature Conservancy magazine, Monarch populations have declined by more than 75% in the U.S. over the past two decades.
The biggest threats to the Monarch are disruptions to its habit, including loss of grasslands containing milkweed, pesticides and the degradation of the forests where they over-winter in Mexico and California.
“I enjoy watching the lifecycle of the butterfly from butterfly to egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to hatching into a beautiful butterfly” says Judy, noting that the cycle takes 30 days or so.
“I feel good knowing we are doing something to preserve these beautiful butterflies” notes LaRita.
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ASK LARRY
"My Grandma Lived To 100. Will I?
--Cindy, San Francisco
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Maybe. Maybe not. Contrary to popular belief, your DNA only counts for 20% or less toward living a long life. Just because your parents or grandparents lived to 90 or 100 doesn't necessarily mean that you will.
Your "lifestyle" is the key to longevity.
Exercising regularly. Adopting a healthful diet. Not smoking. Not becoming overweight and drinking only moderate amounts of alcohol could all lengthen your life. By 14 years at age 50 for women. And for men 12 years.
The number one thing experts agree upon for longer life is regular exercise. Keep moving. Physical activity keeps the heart and circulatory system healthy and provides protection against numerous chronic diseases that affect the body and mind.
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, A050 publisher. Email: [email protected]. 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 Northern CA--home to world famous Apple, Inc.
Come and see for yourself. Chateau-Cupertino.
Call 408.446.4300. Or email: [email protected].
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Steps To Prevent Cancer
February is National Cancer Prevention Month
This month is an important reminder that there are steps we can take to prevent cancer. Research has found that 40% of cancer cases in the United States are attributed to preventable causes.
So, it is crucial to take steps to be healthier and prevent cancer as much as possible. We can take several steps to prevent cancer throughout our lives and as we age.
Healthy Eating And Exercise
One way to help prevent cancer is to eat a healthy balanced diet and exercise. You should eat a diet with plenty of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and beans. In addition, limiting red meats, processed meats, fast food, and sugary drinks in your diet is a good idea. Regular exercise and staying active can help you stay healthy overall and prevent cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight is vital for preventing cancer as well. As always, please check with your doctor before starting a new diet or exercise program.
Protect Your Skin
Avoid sun damage which can cause skin cancer. It is important not to use tanning beds and wear sunscreen when in the sun. Choosing the shade whenever possible and wearing hats, sunglasses, and more clothes are also important.
Limit Alcohol Use
Drinking alcohol can increase your chances of developing cancers in the mouth and throat, larynx, esophagus, colon and rectum, liver, and breasts. It is best to avoid drinking alcohol altogether. If not, drink in moderation: two drinks or less daily for men and one drink or less daily for women. Drinking less alcohol lowers your risk for cancer.
Stop Smoking
If you are a smoker, one way you can prevent certain types of cancer is to quit smoking. Cigarette smoking is linked with over 80% of lung cancer deaths. However, smoking can cause cancer anywhere in the body. It is also important to avoid secondhand smoke, which is like smoking yourself.
Regular Screenings
Regular screenings may not help prevent cancer, but it can help with treatment. Several screenings should be done regularly. It is recommended that people get screened for colorectal cancer if they are between the ages of 45-75. People who smoke 20 packs or more per year, who either still smoke or quit within the past 15 years, and who are between the ages of 50-80 years old should be screened for lung cancer.
Women should also receive mammograms every two years when
they are between 50-74 years old if they are at average risk. In addition, women should talk with their doctor about which cervical cancer screening is right for them between the ages of 30-65.
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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