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Check Out Featured Stories In This Issue
"What We Learned Walking
The Portuguese Camino"
--Howard Cohen
It was a bit daunting at first, especially after the first day with our sore feet and muscles, wondering if we could really do the entire walk.
Join The "Solo Agers" Workshop
Discover how to reach a robust, more secure-feeling place in your preparation for later life as a Solo Ager. For workshop info, email
Save The Date For ActiveOver50 Resource Fair
Coming Wednesday, September 25 in Campbell. Explore the latest offerings from 25 vendors on healthcare, housing, financial planning, home improvement, recreational activities and educational classes tailored for older adults.
Do More Laws Mean Less Justice?
In the zeal for tighter regulation by the SEC, the very entities (brokers, banks, accounting firms) most responsible for clients’ financial well-being, may at times produce opposite results.
--Evelyn Preston, Money Lady
Ask Larry: "My Partner Of 20 Years Died. We Were Not Married. He Had No Will. Am I Entitled To His Assets?
In California, if you are unmarried and your partner passes away without a will, you are not automatically entitled to inherit any of the assets.
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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.
Living The Good Life As An Expat In Mexico
My original plan to stay two weeks in Mexico stretched into months when I discovered a cosmopolitan tango group with dancers from Kiev and Montreal.
"Redefining What It Means To Grow Older"
Interview of Ken Dychtwald, CEO of Age Wave by Colin Milner, CEO
of The Journal On Active Aging. As boomers reach their later years, they’re actively shaping a new paradigm for what it means to grow older.
Be Kind To Each Other
Let me know what kind of stories you like to read in the Scoop, the leading monthly, online publication for boomers and seniors in the San Francisco Bay Area. Feel free to share with your family, friends and colleagues. It's FREE reaching over 100,000 readers.
For more stories and news about boomers and seniors, visit ActiveOver50.com.
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"What We Learned Walking The Portuguese Camino"
By Howard Cohen, 78
Publisher's Note: Howard & Marilyn Cohen recently walked the "Portuguese Camino" to Santiago de Compostela. During their
8-day, 75 mile adventure, Howard kept a detailed daily journal of their remarkable trek. For those thinking about walking the Portuguese Camino, check out Howard's journal for lessons learned and reflections.
We could have made all the travel arrangements ourselves; booking accommodations, deciding on where to stop, etc. And, yes, that would have saved quite a bit.
However, it is so much easier to have “experts” not only plan the trip but also advise and recommend. The information provided, including an app that covers every aspect of every day’s activities, was invaluable. And, having emergency numbers to call (which we used
a couple of times) was reassuring and effective.
Although we “only” walked 4-6 hours per day, do not underestimate the toll this takes on your body – feet, knees, etc. The travel planners provided a training schedule which we followed quite diligently – hiking on flat routes and in the local hills. We even started walking to our church (6 miles round trip) each Sunday.
After doing this awhile, it becomes just second nature, e.g., I noticed
a discomfort at a big toe joint and visited a podiatrist. This turned out to be very beneficial both in terms of treating this particular condition but also getting additional advice on foot care, shoes to buy, etc.
It was a bit daunting at first, especially after the first day, with our sore feet and muscles, wondering if we could really do the entire walk. We knew we could get a taxi usually quite close to the trail to go to the next town. But we were determined and delighted at the end of the walk that we could do what we set our minds to.
To read about their day-by-day Camino adventure,
click here.
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Workshop For Solo Agers
"An Opportunity To Plan Wisely For The Future"
By Sara Zeff Geber, PhD
Are you single? Child-free? Do your family members live far away? If you answered yes to these, you are likely a SOLO AGER.
If you have been following AO50 and The Scoop for several years, you may remember me from the cover and title article on Solo Aging in the Summer 2018 issue.
Now you can join me and fellow solo agers in a workshop designed to help you plan for a secure, safe, and supported future as we get older.
The overall goal of this experience is to have you reach a robust, more secure-feeling place in your preparation for later life. We can’t possibly foresee everything in our future but we can create a safety net with a support network of experts, family and friends.
READ MORE
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You're Invited!
ActiveOver50 Resource Fair In Campbell
Wednesday, September 25 10am--2pm
Campbell Community Center
Orchard City Banquet Hall
1 W. Campbell Ave
Campbell, CA
Explore the latest offerings from 25 vendors on healthcare, housing, financial planning, home improvement, recreational activities and educational classes tailored for older adults.
Enjoyable, free event! Half hour raffles to win prizes! Plenty of free parking. For more information, contact Larry Hayes at larry@activeover50.com. 408.921.5806. Visit ActiveOver50.com
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Living The Good Life As An "Expat" In Mexico
By Elena Hiatt Houlihan
What inspired you to move to Mexico?
My artwork had already been inspired by travel and images
from over 35 countries, yet I chose Mexico because of its proximity to my aging parents.
The open-air markets with scents of ripening mangoes and the corner stand where churros simmered in hot oil then were dunked in cinnamon sugar hooked me immediately.
Shopkeepers patiently told me the Spanish names for both familiar and unfamiliar vegetables. And all along the Malecon or beach walk, living statues dressed as pirates or mermaids posed for tourists while the sun sparkled on the sea behind them. It’s a photographer’s dream.
What challenges did you face when you first arrived?
Originally, I had booked two nights in a hostel a block from the beach in Puerto Vallarta when my earlier travel practice had been to buy a plane ticket and arrive with no reservations.
Since it was January and high season, I combed the streets searching for apartments to rent, drawn to the ones with colorful bougainvillea and light-filled interiors.
My original plan to stay two weeks stretched into months when I discovered a cosmopolitan tango group with dancers from Kiev and Montreal.
A few weeks later, I was rubbing shoulders with published authors at the Puerto Vallarta writers conference. Since only short-term rentals were available, I ended up staying in four different neighborhoods which was challenging, as well as invaluable research for my future location. My first visit lasted over three months and I’ve been going back ever since.
READ MORE
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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, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that offers physical, educational and social activities for active adults age 50+ in the San Francisco Bay Area!
Learn more. Visit www.bayareaolderadults.org/BAO-group-events
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Sometimes More Laws
Mean Less Justice
Two True Sad Tales
By Evelyn Preston, Money Lady
By now everyone should be aware of the recently tightened financial fiduciary law cementing the legal obligation of licensed professionals to act solely in the best interests of clients.
However, there’s another side or unintended consequences of this new legislation that can backfire for clients. In the zeal for tighter regulation by the SEC, the very entities (brokers, banks, accounting firms,) most responsible for clients’ financial well-being, may at times produce opposite results.
Effective personal advisors can only go so far on behalf of clients. Regulations demand that these licensed professionals must run all transactions through their Broker/Dealer. Yet, to avoid expense, lawsuits or any hint of fraud or bad faith, these financial firms often succumb to caution, fear and their own self-interest.
READ MORE
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ASK LARRY
By Larry Hayes, A050 Publisher
"I’ve lived with my partner for 20 years, unmarried, and he recently passed away suddenly from a heart attack. Am I entitled to inherit any of his assets? He didn’t leave a will."
--JoAnn, Palo Alto, CA
I’m sorry to say, JoAnn, but the short answer is "no."
In California, if you are unmarried and your partner passes away without a will, you are not automatically entitled to inherit any of their assets.
California does not recognize “common law” marriages which means that living together for many years—even decades—does not grant you the same rights as a legally married spouse.
Unfortunately, this means your rights to your partner’s assets after their death are very limited, similar to those of a roommate.
However, while California doesn’t recognize “common law” marriages, there are legal protections for cohabiting couples, regardless of gender, who live together long-term without getting married.
These protections can include wills, living trusts or domestic partnership agreements. For couples living together without
legal marriage, it’s crucial to establish these kinds of legal arrangements to ensure that your rights and assets are protected in the event of a partner’s death.
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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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: MarieLouise@chateau-cupertino.com.
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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: mbrownross@Americansenior.com
Marilyn Brown Ross reverse mortgage professional
NMLS #453436/1221981
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"Redefining What It Means To Grow Older"
Interview of Ken Dychtwald, CEO of Age Wave by Colin Milner, CEO of The Journal On Active Aging.
Age Wave's study New Age of Aging reveals a strong yearning among older adults for sustained health, intergenerational relationships, meaningful contributions and continued personal growth.
As boomers reach their later years, they’re actively shaping a new paradigm for what it means to grow older.
This change is driven by increased longevity, advances in healthcare and a cultural shift towards valuing experience and wisdom over youth alone. The evolving narrative is creating a landscape where the potential for later life is vast and varied.
READ MORE
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Live Longer And Healthier
September Is National Healthy Aging Month
Celebrate National Healthy Aging Month this September by embracing the vitality and joy that come with age. As we grow older, our bodies and minds evolve, requiring us to adapt our lifestyles to maintain optimal health and well-being. Alongside lifestyle adjustments, regular visits to healthcare professionals play a crucial role in ensuring we age gracefully and healthily.
Stay Active, Stay Strong
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week, but don't forget to check in with your doctor before starting any new exercise routine. They can offer personalized advice based on your health needs and fitness level, ensuring you stay active safely.
Nourish Your Body
Maintain a healthy diet with the guidance of a healthcare provider or dietitian. They can help tailor a meal plan that meets your nutritional needs and supports healthy aging. Additionally, discuss any necessary supplements with your doctor to ensure you're getting essential nutrients.
Stay Connected
Engage with your community by trying new activities and attending classes that interest you, whether online or in person. Use technology like Zoom or Facetime to stay connected with friends and family, fostering meaningful relationships and social connections.
Mind-Body Balance
Cultivate a positive attitude and keep your mind sharp by staying mentally active. Regular check-ups can also include cognitive assessments to monitor brain health and catch any cognitive changes early.
Prioritize Your Health
Schedule regular check-ups, including dental and optometry appointments, to maintain overall health. Your doctor can assess your health status, provide preventive care, and address any concerns that arise. Don't hesitate to discuss any changes in your health or concerns you may have during these appointments.
Celebrate Healthy Aging
Embrace the journey of healthy aging with enthusiasm and positivity, knowing that regular visits to your doctor are a vital part of your wellness routine. By prioritizing preventive healthcare, you can enjoy the journey of aging with confidence and vitality.
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 1.408.937.3600 or visit pmgmd.com for more information.
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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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