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The Bay Area's Resource For Active, Healthy Living After 50
Issue 126 September 2025
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Check Out Featured
Stories In This Issue
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Surviving a Birthday
We'll Never Forget
Seven angels (7 airbags) saved my wife and I from serious injuries or death after getting "t-boned" in a car accident on my birthday.
Long Distance Caregiving In India
--Indu Jayakumar
Indu lives in America and cares for her mother in Chennai, India. Caregiving in India is a whole lot different than in America.
Sales Tax Vote Set For November--Evelyn Preston
Prop 13? Sales Tax? Prop 19? Transportation Tax? What’s the difference? Government wants our money.
Get Free Help With Social Security, Medicare & Medi-Cal
That’s why ActiveOver50 created a free referral guide because getting answers isn't always easy. Click Here.
Free Bay Area Caregivers Resource Guide
Find help in the ActiveOver50 2025 Bay Area Caregivers Resource Guide. Free. Online and updated frequently. Click Here
ASK LARRY: "Nailed It"
Finding a good, reliable contractor for home repairs is not a walk in the park. Nailed It Builders nailed it.
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Surviving a Birthday We'll Never Forget
By Larry W. Hayes, ActiveOver50
This year, my 86th birthday, turned into one we will never forget.
The day started out beautifully. My wife and I celebrated with our daughter and son-in-law, enjoying laughter, cake and the warmth of family. I felt truly blessed to reach another milestone surrounded by love.
But just minutes later, on our way home, everything changed in an instant.
As we drove through an intersection on a green light, another vehicle came barreling toward us. The driver, racing to beat a yellow that had already turned red, slammed into our Subaru Forester with a force I had never experienced before.
The impact was so violent that all seven airbags exploded around us, cocooning my wife and me in a lifesaving shield of protection.
For a moment, time stood still. The crash was deafening. The car shook violently. And then—silence. Miraculously, though bruised and shaken, we were alive.
READ MORE
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Caregiving In India Is
a Whole Lot Different Than In America
Interview with Indu Jayakumar, a U.S. woman caring for her mother in Chennai, India
How has your experience changed your perspective
on family, aging and caregiving?
I’ve been in America for nearly five decades now, and let me tell you—aging here feels like a whole different sport compared to back home in Chennai. In India, the official retirement age is 58. People dream of travel, hobbies maybe, writing that book nobody will read but in reality, 90% just settle into a daily routine of aches, complaints and family drama.
The brain basically whispers, “Buddy, the finish line is near,” and suddenly every joint ache becomes a medical thriller. Cue panic, regrets and endless requests to the family:
“Get me this, do that, spend time with me because, well, I’m dying any minute now!”
READ MORE
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Sales Tax Vote In November
My Most Important Column To Date
By Evelyn Preston, Money Lady
Scoop readers who pay attention to such things may have heard about the pending sales tax measure in Santa Clara County (Measure A.)
Perhaps you’re confused about this measure’s intent because the narrative keeps changing as is the purpose of this measure which is designed to increase county revenues with no accountability.
I believe this new assault on fiscal accountability is just the latest example of a gradual softening of the legislative and court-ordered protections of the public purse.
Prop 13? Sales Tax? Prop 19? Transportation Tax? What’s the difference? Government wants our money. While many unions and others may not support this latest bump-up of the sales tax, it’s not the main problem. Like so many additional calls for our money, it’s the nature of the vote!
READ MORE
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Why Selling a Home "As-Is" Is The Smart Call For Most Long-Time Bay Area Homeowners
By Seb Frey, Compass
For hundreds of thousands of Bay Area homeowners considering a move, the conventional wisdom suggests they fix up the home before selling to “get top dollar.”
But the research shows this approach usually ends up costing money, not making money, when the home is sold. According to multiple studies, most home improvement projects fail to deliver a full return on investment. Major kitchen and bath remodels, for example, often recoup only 50–70% of their cost. That means a $40,000 upgrade could result in a $12,000–$20,000 loss.
Instead, many savvy homeowners are choosing to sell as-is, with prep work concentrated on “high-ROI” improvements like deep cleaning, yard refreshes, and decluttering.
Not only is this approach faster and less stressful—it usually nets sellers more because they skip costly delays and hit the market at a price point that is in much higher demand.
Local real estate expert Seb Frey specializes in helping long-time local homeowners sell as-is with no repairs, no staging and no drama—just a smart strategy for maximum equity extraction.
For a free, no-obligation consultation, call Seb @ (408) 596-1623
## Seb Frey, Compass • Lic. 01369847 Visit: SellSavvy.net
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"Who Nailed It?"
Our backyard had a 35-year-old wood deck that had seen better days. We contacted seven contractors for estimates but one stood out: Nailed It Builders in Santa Clara.
While not the cheapest, they delivered quality from start to finish. Their team kept us updated with daily texts and emails, showed up on time and completed the job right on schedule. The transformation was everything we hoped for. Proof that sometimes it’s worth paying for craftsmanship and peace of mind.
In the end, Nailed It Builders really lived up to their name. They nailed it!
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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20th Annual Caregiver Conference
Avenidas, 450 Bryant Street, Palo Alto
October 4 Saturday 8:30am--3:30pm
Info: 650.289.5400
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Which Is Best?
Medicare Advantage Or Original Medicare
Get the facts about Medicare Advantage (MA) vs. original Medicare (OM). Read what AARP says. Enrollment October 15 --December 7.
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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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Free Online Bay Area Resource
Guide For Caregivers
Find help caring for your loved one in the ActiveOver50 Bay Area Resource Guide For Caregivers. Online. Free.
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Get Involved. Stay Connected
Looking for fun, friends and ways to make a difference? Join the Campbell AARP Chapter for monthly programs, social events and opportunities to make a difference.
Learn more at AARP Campbell Chapter.
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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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Get Free Help With Social Security, Medicare & Medi-Cal
Getting answers isn’t always easy
That’s why ActiveOver50 created a free referral guide with trusted local contacts in Santa Clara County plus resources for anyone living in the Bay Area.
The guide includes info on whom to call.
- Medicare counseling (HICAP)
- Free legal aid for SSI/SSDI & seniors
- Medi-Cal enrollment contacts
- Local Social Security office info
READ MORE
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Senior Moment!
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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