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The Bay Area's Trusted Resource For Healthy Living After 50
October 2026 Issue 139
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Featured Stories
New! Your ActiveOver50 Healthcare Guide
Helping You Navigate Medicare
Medicare 2027--Same Plan. New Surprises?
Give The Gift of Better Hearing
5 Health Screens You Shouldn't Skip After 50
Good Times On Tap at Oktoberfest Senior Fair
He Knew Better But Kept Putting It Off--Preston Houston
Will AI Make Your Doctor Obsolete?--Charm Bianchini
Time To Vote Again--Evelyn Preston
AI Safety Starts With Confidence, Not Fear
Today's Chuckle--"Time To Turn The Clocks Back"
P.S. Feel free to share The Scoop with your family, friends and anyone interested in living a longer, healthier life. Best of all, it’s absolutely FREE! ActiveOver50
| | New ActiveOver50 Online Publication | | |
Your Guide To Better Health
& Wellness In The Bay Area
Connecting Adults 50+ with Healthcare, Senior Living & Wellness Resources
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Veerman Insurance Solutions. Helping You Navigate Medicare
Veerman Insurance Solutions provides personalized, no-cost Medicare guidance to help you understand your healthcare coverage options. Whether you’re turning 65, retiring or reviewing your current plan, Greg and Linda are here to help you navigate Medicare with confidence. During the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), October 15–December 7, we can help you review available Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans for 2027. Our goal is to make Medicare easier to understand and help you make informed decisions.
Veerman Insurance Solutions - Medicare Guidance You Can Trust.
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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.
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Meet Rina Valia
And Give The Gift Of Better Hearing
San Mateo hearing aid specialist Rina Valia is helping neighbors reconnect through Eartone Hearing Aid Center’s “Hear for the Holidays” giveaway. One person will receive free premium hearing aids and hearing care with discounts for 10 runners-up. Every nominee will be offered a free hearing evaluation and one-week hearing aid trial. Nominations close November 30, 2026.
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Oktoberfest Senior Resource Fair!
You are invited to an informative senior resource fair including speakers on dementia and veterans’ benefits. Our Resource Fair brings together local families, seniors, care providers and community members to connect them with high-quality local services, education, healthcare resources and wellness solutions.
Thursday, October 29, 2026 | 3 PM to 6 PM
Hearts & Minds Activity Center
2380 Enborg Ln, San Jose
See flyer for more information. Click link to register:
https://luma.com/feekgjm1
| FREE. ActiveOver50 Online Guides | | Discover The Perfect Place For You. Click HERE | | |
Find Help For Your Loved One. Click HERE
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Hire The Right People To Get The Job Done. Click HERE
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Make New Friends, Stay Active And Have Fun!
Join Us at AARP Campbell Chapter!
Looking for new friendships, interesting activities, and a welcoming community? Come join the AARP Campbell Chapter!
Enjoy engaging monthly programs, friendly luncheons, lively conversations and opportunities to connect with others who share your interests. Whether you're new to the area or simply looking to expand your social circle, we'd love to welcome you!
Come for the programs, stay for the friendships!
Learn more at https://campbellaarp.org/
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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.
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Will AI Make Your Doctor Obsolete?
By Charm Bianchini
How artificial intelligence can make healthcare
easier for you
Imagine asking your computer to explain your latest blood test results, remind you to take your medications or help you figure out what to ask at your next doctor's appointment. Sounds pretty handy, doesn't it? That's the promise of artificial intelligence (AI). And while it's changing healthcare, your doctor isn't going anywhere soon.
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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.
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Here We Vote Again!
By Evelyn Preston, Money Lady
As the midterm ballots arrive, voters dig deep trying to understand the difficult issues that will impact their fiscal lives. I’m reminded of that old French proverb, “The more things change, the more they stay the same” that explains another election cycle of raising funds for the State and special interests. Little has changed.
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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.
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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.
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AI Safety Starts With
Confidence, Not Fear
Technology is changing fast, and staying safe online has never been more important. Award-winning author Dawn O'Neal helps older adults navigate artificial intelligence with confidence through her book, AI and Online Safety for Seniors. From recognizing online scams to protecting personal information and understanding AI, Dawn offers simple, step-by-step guidance without confusing technical jargon.Because learning new technology shouldn't feel overwhelming, no matter your age. Stay informed. Stay protected. Stay confident. Explore Dawn's Books Dawn O'Neal Publishing
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Make Your Home Safer Before
a Fall Happens
Steady Grip Home Safety installs grab bars, handrails, ramps and other customized safety solutions to help you or a loved one stay safe, confident and independent at home. Every home is different which is why we provide personalized recommendations and professional installations that blend safety with your home's style.
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Five Health Screenings You
Shouldn't Skip After 50
Taking care of your health isn't just about eating right and staying active. Regular health screenings can help detect problems early, sometimes before symptoms appear. Here are five important screenings to discuss with your doctor.
1. Blood Pressure. High blood pressure often has no symptoms but increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Regular checks are essential.
2. Cholesterol. A simple blood test can help determine your risk for heart disease and whether treatment might help.
3. Colorectal Cancer. Most adults should begin screening at age 45. Depending on your health and preferences, options include stool-based tests and colonoscopy.
4. Diabetes. Blood sugar testing can identify prediabetes or diabetes, allowing you to take steps to protect your health.
5. Bone Density. Osteoporosis weakens bones and increases fracture risk. Screening is generally recommended for women 65 and older and certain younger adults with risk factors.
Other important screenings may include breast, cervical, lung and prostate cancer assessments, depending on your circumstances.Your screening schedule should reflect your age, medical history and personal risk factors. Ask your healthcare provider which tests are right for you.
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He Knew Better. But He
Kept Putting It Off
By Preston Houston, wellness writer
Sometimes the hardest part of taking care
of ourselves is simply getting started
Jim was 64, lived in San Jose, and thought he was doing pretty well.
He loved weekend barbecues, watching the 49ers, spending time with his grandkids and puttering around in the backyard. Sure, he'd gained a few pounds over the years. Okay, maybe 25. His blood pressure was high, he got winded climbing stairs and lately he seemed tired all the time. But Jim had an explanation for everything. "Just getting older," he'd say with a shrug.
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Medicare 2027:
Same Plan. New Surprises?
If you're on Medicare, here we go again! It's that time of year when the mail starts piling up with Medicare notices, plan updates, and offers promising better coverage and lower costs.
Confusing? You bet. But before you toss everything into the recycling bin, it's worth taking a few minutes to see what's changing for 2027.
Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7 and even if you love your current plan, don't assume everything will stay the same. Premiums, prescription drug costs, doctor networks, and benefits can change. The good news? A little homework now could save you money, avoid surprises and help make sure you've got the coverage you need next year.
| | 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. | | | | |
