The Bay Area's Trusted Resource For Healthy Living After 50

Issue 136 July 2026

Featured Stories

It's Here! The Newly, Updated ActiveOver50 Caregiver Guide

Explore the updated Caregiver Guide in this Caregiving issue. Your trusted resource for practical caregiving tips, local services and

helpful advice.


FAQ: Senior Caregiver Options

What's the difference between Independent Living, Assisted Living and Home Care?


Migraine Aura: A Mini-Stroke or Something Else?

If suddenly your vision becomes blurry with wiggly lines and flashing lights, don't just assume it's a migraine aura. Could be a mini stroke

or something else.



Whale Watching in Baja Sur Mexico--Don Mankin

"The large gray whale drew close to our boat. Crusty barnacles on its skin stood out like dense clusters of thread woven into an abstract tapestry."


The Older I Get, Less Is More--Evelyn Preston

I’ve pushed elections and politics onto the proverbial back burner.

For now, I’ll appreciate summer and count my blessings.


ASK LARRY: Why We Keep Coming Back Every Sunday Morning

Some people think 8am Sunday is a crazy time to play tennis.

Maybe they're right. But every Sunday, eight to ten of us show up anyway. Why do we do it?


P.S. Feel free to forward The Scoop to anyone who may be interested. Helpful 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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Newly Updated. ActiveOver50 Caregiver Guide. Free

Our newly updated Caregiver Guide is packed with practical resources, expert advice and local services to help caregivers navigate every stage of the journey. Whether you're just getting started or have been caregiving for years, this comprehensive guide is an invaluable resource. Caregiver Guide

Senior Caregiver Options:

Frequently Asked Questions


Q: What's the difference between Independent Living, Assisted Living and Home Care?


Independent Senior Living

  • Best for active, independent older adults.
  • Private apartment with amenities, dining, housekeeping and social activities.
  • No personal care or medical assistance included.

Assisted Living

  • Best for seniors who need help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, medication management and meals.
  • Private apartment with 24/7 staff, dining, housekeeping, activities and supportive care.

Home Care

  • Caregivers provide assistance in the person's own home.
  • Services are scheduled by the hour and may include personal care, companionship, meal preparation and transportation.


READ MORE

Belmont Village Sunnyvale. Exceptional Assisted Living

& Memory Care


Experience exceptional senior living at Belmont Village Sunnyvale, where compassionate care, engaging programs, chef-prepared dining and 24/7 licensed nurses come together in a welcoming community. From Assisted Living to Memory Care, we help residents thrive with personalized support and meaningful connections.



LEARN MORE

Reduce Your Risk Of Falls

With Home Safety Solutions


Steady Grip Home Safety helps older adults stay safe and independent with professionally installed grab bars, handrails, ramps, and other aging-in-place solutions. Owned by a licensed contractor, we provide personalized recommendations and quality craftsmanship to help prevent falls and give you confidence in your home.



LEARN MORE

SYNERGY HomeCare

of Silicon Valley


SYNERGY HomeCare provides compassionate professional caregivers, in your home, for seniors across Silicon Valley and the Peninsula. Whether care is needed a few hours a week or around the clock (no minimum hours required), we provide a perfect caregiver match for your care needs. Free consultations.

 

LEARN MORE

Experience the Warmth

of Palo Alto Commons


Premier Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care in the heart of Palo Alto, offering private apartments, chef-prepared meals, housekeeping, transportation and compassionate 24/7 care. Discover comfort, connection and peace of mind. Call 650-494-0760 to schedule your tour today and see the difference.


LEARN MORE

Reverse Mortgage

Myth Of The Month


By Marilyn Brown Ross


Myth: The bank owns your home if you

get a reverse mortgage.


Fact: You keep ownership of your home. Reverse mortgages are often misunderstood. Discover the truth about this common myth and learn how they really work. 


LEARN MORE

Discover Chateau-Cupertino.

A Community Designed 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. Enjoy a home-life environment in your own senior apartment with three fresh served home-style meals daily. 

Starting at $3750 monthly.


LEARN MORE

Migraine Aura: A Mini Stroke

Or Something Else?


By Preston Houston, common sense health


Suddenly, if your vision becomes blurry with wiggly lines and flashing lights, don't just assume it's a migraine aura. It could be a mini-stroke, a retina detachment or something else.



READ MORE


Caring Hands Caregivers.

Trusted Care Today.

Smarter Aging Tomorrow


For 15+ years, Caring Hands Caregivers has helped Bay Area families age well at home earning 60+ 5-star Google reviews. Now, our Active Lifestyle Advocates program pairs trusted core care with real prevention: balance testing, fall-risk reduction and connected home monitoring.


LEARN MORE

Whale Watching Up Close in Magdalena Bay, Baja Sur, Mexico


By Don Mankin, Travel writer

 

The large gray whale drew close to our boat. Crusty barnacles on its skin stood out like dense clusters of thread woven into an abstract tapestry. Several people scrambled to the side to lean over and touch the majestic beast as it sidled alongside. I could have either joined them or sit back and take photos. I opted for the latter. I’m not sure I made the right choice.


READ MORE

Family Matters In-Home Care

Supporting Families Through Every Stage of Aging


When a loved one needs extra help at home, families are often overwhelmed and unsure where to start. Family Matters In-Home Care was founded in 2002 to provide compassionate, personalized support for older adults and peace of mind for the people who love them. From companionship and personal care to specialized dementia support, our caregivers help seniors remain safe, comfortable and independent at home.


LEARN MORE

AI Doesn't Have to Be Confusing


Learn to use today's AI tools with confidence while protecting yourself from scams and online threats. AI and Online Safety for Seniors is a practical, easy-to-follow guide for everyday readers. Explore Dawn O'Neal's books, free resources and newsletter.


LEARN MORE

The Older I Get, The More I Realize That “Less Is More”


By Evelyn “Evie” Preston, Money Lady

 

We already gallop toward the looming midterms, the pros and cons of the many initiatives and measures ballot issues soon to descend. However, I’ve pushed elections and politics onto the proverbial back burner. For now, I’ll appreciate summer and count my blessings.


READ MORE

AARP Complete Guide to Hands-on Caregiving

Whether you are new to caregiving or have been helping your spouse, parent or in-law for several years, AARP has solutions to help you navigate the caregiving journey. Learn how to create nutritious meals, care for bed sores or get expert advice about the services such as occupational therapy and palliative care.


LEARN MORE


Caregivers Count!

16th Annual Conference at Campbell Community Center

2-Part Series on Saturdays

September 19 10am-12pm (virtual)

September 26 9am-12pm (in person)



LEARN MORE

Why We Keep Coming Back

Every Sunday Morning at 8am


By Larry Hayes, ActiveOver50 publisher


For as long as I can remember, I've reserved courts at the Campbell Community Center every Sunday morning for team practice. At 8am, no less. Some people think that's a crazy time to play tennis. Maybe they're right. But every Sunday, eight to ten players show up anyway.

But tennis is not the only reason they show up.


READ MORE

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.

Get The "Inside Scoop" On

Living a Longer, Healthier Life


Published monthly by ActiveOver50, the Scoop is a free, online newsletter for boomers and seniors in the San Francisco Bay Area reaching over 100,000. For editorial and advertising opportunities, email: larry@activeover50.com. ActiveOver50.com

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