Issue 104 November 2023

Featured Stories

In This Issue


How To Live Long & Well

Learn how Maddy Dychtwald, co-founder of AgeWave, stays active and fit at 73.


Why Go To Osaka, Japan?

Travel writer Don Mankin discovered that the street food in Osaka is great but the city (and the country) offers much more.


Is Medicare Advantage Worth It?

Are Medicare Advantage plans better than regular Medicare? What are the benefits? Money Lady Evelyn Preston explains the pros and cons.


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.


Fostering a Pet May Save a Life

With animal shelters in crisis and over capacity, fostering and adopting a pet may save a life. And enrich your own.

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]


Tips To Stay Healthy For The Holidays

Common sense practices will help keep you healthy and

safe during the holidays and beyond. Learn more.


Are You a "Fit Midlifer" Or a "Cool, Old Granny?"

What are the seven new types of old age? Which one are you?


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].


How To Live Long And Well


By Maddy Dychtwald, co-founder AgeWave


Publisher's Note: In an interview with Katana Abbott, host

of "Smart Women Talks," Maddy Dychtwald, 73, shares her experience of "ageless aging"--the topic of her new book

coming out next year.


Recognized by Forbes as one of the Top 50 female futurists globally, Maddy Dychtwald has been deeply involved for nearly 40 years in exploring all aspects of the age wave and how it’s transforming the marketplace, the workplace, our world, and our lives. She is an internationally acclaimed author, public speaker, Wall Street Journal blogger, and thought leader on longevity, aging, the new retirement and the ascent of women.


Tips For Ageless Aging


• Exercise is the "magic bullet"


• Having a purpose adds years to your life


• You control your health and life span


• Your genes account for only 10% toward longevity


• "Sitting" is the new smoking


For the full interview, go to:

https://youtu.be/onf4PNFc5fA?si=TdX5GYPuu0rNzaMl

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.

ASK LARRY

 

“I Have Medicare. Why Do I

Need Medicare Advantage?”

 --Jim, San Jose, CA

Good question. I’m bias since my wife and I are

happy with Medicare Advantage offered by Kaiser.

 

Basically, Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, 

is an alternative way to receive Medicare benefits. 

 

Offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare, Advantage plans combine the coverage of Medicare

Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance).

 

With a Medicare Advantage Plan, you may have coverage for things Original Medicare doesn't cover, like fitness programs (gym memberships or discounts) and some vision, hearing and dental services (like X-rays, routine checkups and cleanings). 

 

If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must continue

to pay your Medicare Part B premiums and you may pay an additional premium which we do.


Compared to Original Medicare, Advantage plans may have different costs and rules but they must provide at least the same level of coverage.


Bottom line--Medicare Advantage offers an alternative option for individuals who want additional benefits beyond what Original Medicare provides. Costs may vary from one Medicare Advantage plan to another so, it pays to shop around.


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.

Fostering a Pet Sometime Means Expecting the Unexpected


By Karen Zamel


“OMG! There’s a puppy on my living room floor!” 


That’s not a phrase we hear very often, even being steeped in rescue. But that’s the message that Silicon Valley Pet Project (SVPP) Foster Manager Andrea Lee received from foster mom Laura Bower late one Friday night in September. 


That evening – and unexpectedly – her new foster Chihuahua, "Pepper," gave birth to four puppies at her home.

 

Every foster journey is different. And, they all matter. With twists and turns, ups and downs, surprises and challenges, the end result is saving a life – and in this case, five.


READ MORE


More Than Great Street Food In Friendly

Osaka, Japan


By Don Mankin, Travel Writer


“Why go to Osaka?” a fellow travel writer asked at my annual adventure travel conference. “It’s like San Bernardino.” Not exactly a ringing endorsement. Another travel writer disagreed: “It’s the only place in Japan with soul.”

 

My wife, Katherine, and I were attending the conference in Sapporo, Japan, and were looking for a place to visit afterward.

 

I’ve toured Tokyo and Kyoto, hiked the Kumano Kodo trail, and visited the southernmost island of Kyushu. I was looking for someplace new to explore.


READ MORE

What Are The "Seven

New Types" Of Old Age?


Which One Are You?


By Shane Watson, The Telegraph


This month's reminder that age is not what it used to be comes courtesy of Mary Jane Farquharson who was filmed dancing at a gig in Birmingham given by New York rapper 50 Cent.


The video of the 64 year old fan, who has white hair and spectacles, was shared by the rapper with his 12 million followers along with the words ‘the coolest person at my show tonight by far’ and has since been viewed thousands of times. 

 

Depending on your age you will either view Farquharson as a "Cool Old Granny," a "Typical Boomer," or a not that "Fit Midlifer."


Farquharson herself has objected to being described as ‘old’ by people online which makes her a "Typical Boomer". So at the risk of upsetting older readers (whatever that means) here are the Seven New Ages of Old.


READ MORE

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.

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]..


Is Medicare Advantage Worth It?

By Evelyn Preston, Money Lady


Besides upcoming holidays, the open enrollment period for Medicare, Supplemental and Drug insurance is ending. While home and healthcare concerns fade against world-wide catastrophes, we seniors must continue our self-care. We can count our blessings along with our choices—in dollars and satisfaction.


 Q: Monitoring our health plans is such a drag; how important is it to check every year?


Very! I’ve mentioned overpaying my own Medicare part D drug coverage by not checking carefully. Now, with insurers moving out of long-covered states and communities, we must carefully check all coverage—house, health, car. I shopped and changed to a completely new drug insurer—saving almost $500 a year. 


READ MORE 

Staying Healthy For The Holidays

 

The holiday season is upon us! From spending time with family and friends to preparing and eating delicious meals – there is so much to love about this time of year. Here are a few tips to keep your health in great shape during this season.


Wash your hands often

It’s not the time to get lax on your hand washing routine. Washing your hands thoroughly and often can help prevent sickness for you and others.


Keep your exercise routing going

It can be easy to neglect your normal routine during the holidays but do you best to keep up the good work. Daily exercise is crucial for good health. Even a simple walk will do.

 

Decorate safely

Be careful when putting up your holiday décor and save the ladder climbing to the young ones. Especially if it is wet outside, be extra careful to not slip and fall.

 

Make healthy food choices

Be the one to bring a healthy salad or veggie tray to the big dinner so you are guaranteed healthy options. And remember, you should always stop eating when you are full.


Get a flu shot

If you have not already, please get vaccinated for the flu – it is the easiest way to prevent outbreaks especially with so many travelers.


Make some “you time”

Stress can take a toll on your body so be sure to allow yourself to take a break. Whether it’s reading or perhaps a hobby you enjoy, carve out some time each day to unwind.

 

Get plenty of sleep

Adults need 7 hours of sleep each night – at the very least. Good sleep improves your brain performance, reduces your stress, improves your mood and more.


Drink enough fluids

It is important to stay hydrated for your overall health. Water is the best liquid to keep you hydrated all season.


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.


Get The "Inside Scoop" On

Living a Longer & Healthier Life


Published by A050, the Scoop is a free, online publication for boomers and seniors in the San Francisco Bay Area reaching over 100,000 across multiple platforms including the A050 website and social media. For editorial and advertising opportunities, email: [email protected] Visit: ActiveOver50.com.

Get The Inside Scoop On Boomers & Seniors
Facebook  Twitter  Linkedin