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Check Out Featured
Stories In This Issue
Solo Motorcycle Ride
To Baja. A Reckoning
--Carla King, Motorcycle Queen
My month-long trip to Baja, Mexico, was supposed to be like all the others—thrilling, rejuvenating, transformative. Instead, it became a reckoning.
Being Old Is When You Think You Are
Do you convey that your expiration date is right around the corner
or that age is just a number?
Ask Larry: "Why Is It So Hard To Find a Dentist
Who Accepts HMO?
It’s all about the “money” which is why most dentists
don’t accept HMO insurance. Frustrating.
Losing My Husband At The Age Of 50 Shattered
My World--Kim Silverman
His passing brought immense pain and fears I’d never anticipated--navigating life as a single mother, running our household alone, putting my kids through college and saying goodbye to the business we built.
Is Your Financial "Afterlife" In Order?
--Evelyn Preston, Money Lady
Questions and concerns arise about how our wishes and assets
are managed after death and the power of attorney role is no
longer viable.
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Get Up And 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 with Bay Area Older Adults.
Be Kind To Each Other
ActiveOver50 is “The Bay Area’s Resource for Active Living
After 50” reaching over 100,000. Feel free to share with your family, friends and colleagues. It's FREE.
For more stories and news about boomers and seniors, visit ActiveOver50.com.
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Bittersweet
Riding Solo To Baja At 66. A Journey Of Reckoning
By Carla King, Motorcycle Queen
Publisher's Note:
Carla King is an adventure travel writer known for her solo motorcycle journeys—navigating the USA on a Russian Ural, crossing China on a Chang Jiang, exploring India on a Royal Enfield Bullet and touring Europe on a Moto Guzzi.
Adventure motorcycling has always been my passion. The hum of the engine beneath me, the open road stretching endlessly ahead, the smell of dust and freedom—this isn’t just something I do; it’s who I am.
But lately, the road has begun to feel different. Each journey is a story, and each story is proof of resilience, curiosity and strength. Now, though, I feel that identity slipping through my fingers like sand. My month-long trip to Baja, Mexico, was supposed to be like all the others—thrilling, rejuvenating, transformative. Instead, it became a reckoning.
READ MORE
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Visit bandarealtors.biz.
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You're As “Old” Is You
Think You Are
By Ardith Bowman, Senior Living
“I Just Never Thought I Was Old.”
This is the wisdom shared by many older adults over 90. They say they don’t and never have considered themselves to be old. They really do not feel old so, why act that way?
I read about a 102-year-old who was indignant that there are few birthday cards available for those over 100. Wouldn’t you love to meet her?
Contrast this with my friend at 70 years who said she has hit her “best if used by date!” This friend is active, younger than I am, and involved in many activities such as golf and book groups.
To my knowledge, there is no expiration date stamped on her! When asked, she explained that she expects to decline and to become dependent on help. Thus, she is preparing for that scenario to define her older years. Of course, having a plan seems prudent. Yet, the plan should not define an entire phase of life before it is lived!
The reality is that each of us does have an expiration date.
However, it can be found nowhere on our packaging! If we don’t know the number of years ahead, why not choose a perspective that brings us vitality? So, take a moment and reflect on how you talk about age. Do you convey that your expiration date is right around the corner or that age is just a number?
READ MORE
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Ask Marilyn
"Is a Reverse Mortgage Right
For You?"
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, call me today 408.722.0010. Email: gmross2404@comcast.net.
Marilyn Brown Ross reverse mortgage professional
NMLS #453436/1221981
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"Losing My Husband At
50 Shattered My World"
By Kim Silverman, 59
Q: Losing a life partner is deeply challenging. How did your grief journey influence your decision to become a hypnotherapist and life coach?
Losing my husband at the age of 50 shattered my world. His passing brought immense pain and fears I’d never anticipated—navigating life as a single mother, running our household alone, putting my kids through college and saying goodbye to the business we built.
When our company became a source of sorrow, I knew I had to let it go and selling it marked the start of a new chapter.
During those early years of grief, I turned inward and focused on my children, healing and reconnecting with loved ones. This reflection revealed a surprising truth: I had a gift for helping others navigate challenges. This became apparent when friends and family confided in me, sharing their troubles. Many suggested I become a life coach and the seed was planted.
READ MORE
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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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ASK LARRY
“I Spent Two Frustrating Days Trying To Find a Dentist Who Accepts HMO."--Brenda
Ironic, isn't it? Since it seems like there's a dentist office on every corner so, why so few dentist who accept HMO insurance?
It’s all about the “money." Or so they say.
Low reimbursement
HMOs pay less than PPOs, making it financially difficult for dentists to provide complex or frequent care often needed by
older adults.
Fixed fees
Dentists receive a fixed fee per patient, regardless of how much care they provide which can lead to losses with higher-need patients.
Administrative hassle
Managing approvals, claims and reimbursements with HMOs creates extra work for minimal financial return.
If you're an older adult seeking dental care, it’s a slog trying to find a dentist who accepts HMO insurance. As for me, I'm still looking. Any suggestions?
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, A050 publisher. Email: Larry@activeover50.com. Visit: ActiveOver50.com.
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Is Your Financial "Afterlife”
In Order?
By Evelyn Preston, Money Lady
Last month’s column, exploring the important power of attorney role as we age, generated interest and feedback.
However, questions and concerns now arise about how our wishes and assets are managed after death and the power of attorney role
is no longer viable. While my family knows my daughter-in-law gets the big, yellow, salad bowl…
Q: Who takes over a decedent’s estate, an executor or trustee?
Whether with a will or a trust, an executor must be appointed for the management and distribution of a deceased person’s estate according to their instructions. A trustee may fill the role. (The State provides a custodian for those who die intestate, without any legal framework for passing on their assets.)
Q: So an executor is an easy, short-term job, right?
Not always! Last month’s column noted that an executor should be someone qualified and who wants the job. In a WSJ article, Ashlea Ebeling, writes that just naming someone doesn’t work; many people aren’t up to the task or don’t want to get involved. And no one wants to be surprised!
READ MORE
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To Add A Little Humor To 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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