JOANIE GREGGAINS - ActiveOver50.com

PROTECT YOUR
NEST EGG
TRAVEL TIPS
FOR CRUISING
HOMECARE
PROVIDERS
THE VILLAGES
OF SAN JOSE
SEX &
INTIMACY
JOANIE GREGGAINS
Radio/TV Health &
Fitness Educator
FREE COPY
Summer Issue 2008
Enjoy a Carefree Senior Lifestyle at
The Villages Golf & Country Club
Active Adult Community 55 years+
Happy Clients Say it Best
Villas & homes from 650–2,490 sq. ft.
Offered at $280,000 to $900,000s
“Carla made the buying experience
effortless for us.”
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Peace of mind with gated, 24/7 security
Over 100 clubs & activities
18 & 9 hole USGA rated golf courses
Country club membership INCLUDED
Riding & hiking trails
Tennis & fitness centers
4 swimming pools
RV/boat storage lot
And much, much more!
“Carla provides honest information
about The Villages’ lifestyle.”
“We’re living a lifestyle we never
thought we could afford.”
CALL today for an
introductory tour.
408.274.8766
Voted among
the top 20 active
adult communities
in America
All Villages properties are
RESALE VILLAS and
HOMES offering over 60
floorplans. 550 acres near
Diablo Mountain range in
Evergreen District, San Jose.
Carla Griffin
“Seniors Real Estate Specialist”
Villages #1 Buyer's Agent in 2006
www.BandARealtors.biz
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INSIDE
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Publisher’s Note
You’re Never Too Old
for Sex and Intimacy
Profile: Joanie Greggains
HomeCare Agencies
Cruising the Med
Money Lady: Evie
The Villages of San Jose
Home Sweet Home
Sex and Intimacy
TM
over 50 magazine
Published by Hayes Marketing
Communications, Inc.
P.O. Box 321209
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Larry W. Hayes/Publisher & Editor
408.921.5806
Email: [email protected]
Website: activeover50.com
Gloria Hayes/VP Operations
Charm Bianchini/Associate Editor
Mabel Tang/Art Director
To Advertise
IT’S A MYTH that older adults don’t care about
sex. Sexuality continues throughout life no matter
Larry W. Hayes
what one’s age says Vivian Silva. Read her article
Publisher & Editor on Sex and Intimacy on page 16.
Do you remember seeing Joanie Greggains on
TV? This hit fitness show ran from 1982-1995. She’s still going strong on
KGO radio. Read what this dynamic person is up to today on page 4.
When is the market going to turn around? Is it time to get out or
should you ride it out? Our Money Lady, Evelyn Preston, has some
answers that may calm your nerves. Read her article on page 10.
How do you choose a homecare provider? Read what the experts
say are the biggest challenges. See story on page 6.
Going on a cruise? My wife and I celebrated our 40th with a Mediterranean cruise and live to tell about it on page 8.
Do you know someone over 50 making a difference, doing good or
leading an extraordinary life? Call or email me with your story idea at
408.921.5806 or email: [email protected].
ADVERTISE
NEED A RIDE?
REACH over 45,000 baby boomers
Per so nal Caring Se r v i c e
and older adults in the Bay Area.
$10 discount
for first time riders
For info and Media Kit, email:
[email protected].
Or call 408.921.5806.
Contact Lyn
408.590.5898
Call 408.921.5806 or [email protected]
To Subscribe
Call 408.921.5806 or [email protected]
Copyright 2008 Hayes Marketing Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction
in whole or in part of any text, photograph
or illustration without written permission
by the publisher is strictly prohibited. The
magazine is not responsible for unsolicited
manuscripts, artwork or photographs. The
opinions expressed in ActiveOver50 magazine
are those of the authors and do not necessarily
reflect the views of ActiveOver50 magazine.
The magazine assumes no responsibility.
TM
over 50 magazine
www.activeover50.com
Caring Heart
Healing Hands
Neighborhood Chiropractic
Dr. Tommy Q. Nguyen, D.C.
2007 W. Hedding St. #216
San Jose, 95128
(at N. Bascom near Hwy. 880)
Cover photo courtesy of Patricia Leeds
Photography, San Francisco
For a FREE initial exam,
call today:
408.261.3811–office
408.569.2060–cell
Delivered By Grace
www.deliveredbygrace.org
FREE
For FREE tips on how to market
to older adults, call Larry today
at 408.921.5806.
ACTIVE magazine is a marketing
company specializing in building
sales and awareness for older
adults in the Bay Area.
TM
over 50 magazine
www.activeover50.com
ACTIVE
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PR O F I LE
Health
&
Fitness
Profile: Joanie Greggains
Age: 50 plus
Marital Status: Married
Occupation: Health & Fitness Educator
on Radio and TV
Former Job: School Teacher
Residence: Marin County
Many of us remember your hit TV fitness
show, “Morning Stretch.” How long did it
run and where?
In Syndication 1982-1995 –Satellite 1996-2000.
Since 1986, you’ve been a Radio Talk Show host
on KGO Radio AM. What keeps you going and
your secrets of success?
I’m dedicated to bringing legitimate information
concerning all aspects of health into my listener’s
lives--everyday people are bombarded with misinformation concerning health and fitness “Lose
20 pounds in one week,” “Drink this,” “Eat that,”
“Lose weight without exercising” and on and on.
I also let people know about health and fitness
events going on in Northern California and bring
them information on Health hazards like LBAM
spraying that will affect us all.
Who are some of the most interesting
people you’re interviewed?
Dr. Walter Bortz, Dr. Kenneth Cooper,
Dr. James Garrick, Natasha Trenev, Dr. Daniel
Amen, Dr. Elson Haas, Dr. Shames, Deborah
Francesconi R.N., Jack LaLanne, Sheila Cluff.
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“When you treat your body with respect you will be rewarded by
sleeping better, thinking clearer and being a participant in life.”
Who are your listeners? Age groups?
Pacewalk CD--one hour walking CD--music especialMen and women 25-65 plus.
ly composed so a person can walk either a 12 minute
or 15 minute mile. I give mileage cues from 1/4 mile all
How has your fitness/exercise programs changed
the way to 4 miles–a person can walk as much as they
over the past 10 years?
want--music will help you keep pace. I provide mileage
Adding balance–Cardio, Resistance Work, Yoga/
and fitness tips--nothing to do but walk.
Pilates. Making sure all components of fitness are addressed.
Morning Stretch Weekday Workout
Are people more serious today
DVD--five of my best workouts from
my award winning TV show “Morning
about their health and exercising. Is this a trend?
Stretch.” One for each day of the week.
People are more concerned
(All of the above can be ordered from:
about their health and fitness.
www.greggainshealthmatrix.com)
What are some of the biggest challengImportant thing is to put this
es facing older adults today?
concern into practice by eating
nutritious food, exercise on a
Same as people of any age--to make
regular basis, take time to relax,
Exercise, Healthy Diet a priority--when
get a good night’s sleep and take
you treat your body with respect you
time for family and friends.
will be rewarded by sleeping better,
Your exercise videos have sold
thinking clearer and being a participant
over $16 million worldwide.
in life.
What is your new DVD about?
What are your secrets for being Fit
Healthy Back Solutions DVD.
and Healthy?
I teamed up with world reI practice what I preach!
nowned orthopedic surgeon
Who inspires you?
Dr. James Garrick to create
People who take responsibility for
Joanie (right) with Patricia O’Brien of
the most comprehensive Back
their choices in life--don’t blame others
Lifelong Fitness Alliance
Healthy DVD ever produced.
for their problems--face life and take
Over two hours of critical inforaction.
mation about back health, plus I led two vital
What are you most passionate about?
workouts--one to strengthen and one to stretch
Health & Fitness...very thankful that I’m doing what
core muscles.
I love...family and animals.
Biography
• Radio Talk Show Host - KGO Radio,
810 AM (Oct 1986-present)
• Greggains Health Matrix (Dec 2006) –
fitness and health products such
as PACEWALK and Healthy Back
Solutions with Dr. James Garrick.
www.greggainshealthmatrix.com
• MarinontheMove.org – Marin County
Dept. of Health & Human Services.
Monthly website health tips.
• Author of The Fat Flush Fitness Plan
(McGraw Hill, NY; Jan 2005) Fit Happens
(Villard Books, NY; Jan 2000), Total Body
Shapeup (New American Library 1990)
• Who’s Who in American Education (2002)
• American Directory of Who’s Who in
Executives and Business (1997-98)
• Star and producer of TV’s Morning Stretch
• Silver Spoon Award for 1995
(California Dietetic Association)
• Producer/star/choreographer of 15
exercise videos
• American Biography Institute’s
Honor List (1995)
• “Best On-Air Personality,” American
Women in Radio and Television (2001)
• International Who’s Who of Professional
and Business Women, 4th Ed. (1995)
• Who’s Who in American Women (2001)
• President’s Council on Physical Fitness
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HO M E C A R E
HomeCare Agencies
Who to Call for Help?
t
Home Swee
Over 22,000 agencies nationwide provide homecare services
to over two million people with
disabilities, illnesses or chronic
health problems. In Santa Clara
County, there are more than 60
homecare agencies serving thousands of people. The number
continues to grow as our aging
population rapidly increases
due to people living longer and
wanting to stay at home.
Ninety-five percent of the people
in the Bay Area want to “age in
place” or live at home until the
end. Homecare agencies (nonmedical) provide a solution for
those who want to remain in their
home and community but need
some help with daily living.
Assistance may include tasks
such as light housekeeping,
medication reminders, shopping,
meal preparation, transportation,
e
m
Ho
companionship and
personal care/hygiene.
With so many homecare
providers, how do you select
the right agency? Not easy since
most offer similar services with
costs ranging from $18 to $28 per
hour, depending upon the type of
service needed. Many have four
hour minimums. Some offer free
assessments. Your best bet is to ask
for referrals and check around.
“Deal only with a national
organization which will have
established rules, guidelines,
policies and procedures in place,”
said Gene Lennon, Right at Home.
“Consumers need to ask how
long an agency has been in business,” said Tani Wheaton of
Visiting Angels. ”Can they provide
local references? What are their
after hours policies? What is the
cancellation policy?”
“It is important to hire through a
responsible agency which screens,
does background checks, bonds,
insures and trains its employees
and covers their worker’s compensation,” said Cheri Jackson,
Institute on Aging.
What are the biggest challenges
facing the industry?
Gene: “The bottom line is the
aging of America will bring about
issues that we have never faced
before. Medical insurance costs, a
lack of care facilities for those who
wish to live there, not enough
caregivers, the impact on employers and the healthcare system.”
Tani: “The greatest challenge is
really educating the public about
the differences between hiring a
“private” caregiver or using the
services of a full service agency
such as Visiting Angels. At first
glance, it appears to be a cost
savings to hire someone who you
would pay “under the table” but
this leaves seniors at great risk and
vulnerable to both abuse and
lawsuits.”
Cheri: One is the cost of care.
Medicare doesn’t cover hourly
custodial or non-medical care so
it’s usually paid for out of pocket.
Long term care insurance provides
some homecare coverage but few
older adults have it. Another
challenge is finding skilled,
trained caregivers who are willing
to do home work.”
While cost is always an issue
with homecare services, perhaps
the biggest challenge to overcome
is the “fear” factor–allowing “a
complete stranger in your home.”
Gene: “Security is paramount.
That’s why I spend hours interviewing and evaluating each
person to assess their needs and
fears. We then match them with
the right caregiver.”
Tani: “When you go with the
services of a full service agency,
you are protected by both liability
insurance (in case of theft or
abuse) and also worker’s compensation insurance which protects
you in case your caregiver is
injured on the job.”
Cheri: “It is always risky to hire
an unknown person to work in
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Partial List of Homecare Agencies
Visiting Angels
Central San Jose 408.977.1133
West San Jose 408.241.5100
Morgan Hill 408.846.2988
Sunnyvale 408.735.0977
Right at Home
Santa Clara 408.496.0833
one’s home but this risk is greatly
reduced when a trusted and reputable agency is the employer.”
That’s why you need to hire an
agency, says Tiffany Mikles of
Dementia Care Coaching. “Find
someone who fits your needs and
whom you can trust. Do your
research and go with your gut
feeling.”
Finding and retaining good
caregivers is not easy. The pay is
not great, ranging from $9 to $12
per hour with few or no benefits.
Most caregivers are women working part-time, ranging in age from
30 to 70.
“Caregivers are special people
and deserve our appreciation,”
said Tiffany. “I don’t know what
our society would do if not for
them.”
Institute on Aging
Palo Alto 650.329.1411
Senior Helpers
Silicon Valley/Santa Cruz
408.655.5875
Matched CareGivers
Redwood City 650.839.2273
San Mateo 650.375.0580
San Jose 408.286.2339
Pritchard HomeCare
Campbell 408.843.1310
Home Instead
Campbell 408.370.6408
Five Words Can Mean Everything To Seniors
Home... Comfort... Assistance... Caring and Independence.
From a few hours a week to around the
clock care, Right at Home’s trained
caregivers can assist you with the everyday
activities of living including light housework,
meal preparation, laundry, medication
reminders, shopping and errands, local
transportation and light exercise.
To find out how we can help you
maintain your lifestyle in your home,
please contact Right at Home.
Right at Home
3140 De La Cruz Blvd., Suite 107
Santa Clara, CA 95054
408.496.0833
Maintaining
www.rightathome.net
Independence
is an Option.
Note: For a comprehensive list of
homecare providers, contact Council
on Aging, Silicon Valley, 408.350.3297.
Pritchard HomeCare
“Compassionate HomeCare Professionals”
➙ Available 24/7
➙ Full-time, Part-time
➙ Hourly
➙ Live-in, Sleep-over
➙ Light Housekeeping
➙ Personal Care
➙ FREE Assessment
Call today
408. 843. 1310
www.pritchardHomeCare.com
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A D U LT LIVING
Photo courtesy of Norman Plate Photography
“Why I Love The Villages”
By Carla Griffin, B&A Realtors
My journey to The Villages Golf
& Country Club began in the
1980’s when I was looking for a
place to move my mother-in-law
from Northern California.
After I got her moved to a new
model home in the community
in the late 1980’s, a college friend
started inviting me to walk the
community. We always ended
with breakfast at the Clubhouse.
As I approached the “ripe old
age of 55,” I began to ponder the
value of living in a community
rich in history and tranquility.
The history never seems to
completely evaporate. It tends
to seep through the fabric of this
community, leaving fragments of
the past in the old ruins, the trees,
landforms and even the names of
streets and places, all within the
community.
The Villages was developed
over 40 years ago on 550 acres of
former vineyards and agricultural
estates off San Felipe Road in the
Evergreen District of San Jose.
This haven of natural beauty
now hosts approximately 4,400
residents living in the 2,309 condominiums and 227 single family homes nestled comfortably
on acres of lush landscaping and
sparkling lakes surrounding 9-and
18-hole USGA-rated golf courses,
swimming pools, tennis courts,
picnic areas, hiking trails, stables
and bridle paths.
Our beauty is shared by the
wildlife that have grown with
the developments in and around
our hillsides. It is common to see
many animals such as deer, wild
turkey, quail and rabbits plus
many different species of birds.
My move to The Villages happened in March 2000 when the
Dot.com business collapsed and
my business of Mergers and
Acquisitions tumbled around me.
I also lost a couple of best
friends and loved ones. I knew
that I needed a drastic change in
my life. When my college friend
suggested moving to The Villages,
I came that afternoon just to look.
I went home and began packing
and the rest is history.
I feel like I own a “little” corner
of paradise that is obscure to so
many people in the Bay Area…to
feel and experience the peace and
tranquility of having a secure gate
manned 24/7.
Plus having over 100 active
clubs and activities to participate
in. The lush vegetation and hillsides to hike with views to San
Francisco are breathtaking!
Moving to The Villages was the
beginning of a new lifestyle and a
new career. I had gotten my Real
Estate Broker’s license in 1985 so
I decided to start a residential real
estate company, working exclusively within the gates of The Villages Golf and Country Club.
I have never looked back and
have been so happy working and
playing in this beautiful community. For information about The
Villages, call Carla 408.274.8766.
Editor’s Note:
The Villages is an active adult
senior living community. Although
technically a retirement community, many residents continue to
work while living there. It is age
restricted. One person must be
55 or older. Housing prices range
from $280,000 to $900,000+. Approximately 250 properties (10%)
appear on the market every year.
Rental properties do exist. To visit
The Villages, you must be invited
by a resident or a real estate agent.
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“Why I Became a Tutor”
Profile: Judy Walko
Age: 60
Marital Status: Married
Former Occupation: Manager,
South County Vision Literacy
Present Occupation: Volunteer tutor for
Vision Literacy and Monterey Bay
Aquarium volunteer guide
Favorite Activities: Monterey Bay
Aquarium, pets, wildlife and reading
Why Vision Literacy?
“It’s so much fun helping people and a
wonderful opportunity to be creative.”
Vision Literacy is dedicated to helping adults in
Santa Clara County to read and to improve their
quality of life. To learn how you can become a tutor,
call Vision Literacy today at 408.262.1349 or visit
www.visionliteracy.org.
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T R AV E L
Celebrating 40 Years
Cruising the Mediterranean
By Larry Hayes
Cruising with Trevor & Dolly deSouza of Australia, wife Gloria and yours truly.
My wife and I recently celebrated our 40th anniversary with
a 12-day cruise to the Mediterranean aboard the Royal Caribbean
International departing out of
Barcelona with stops in Cannes/
Nice, Pisa/Florence, Rome, Naples,
Venice, Split, Croatia and Valletta, Malta. I’d like to share some
observations.
Tip 1: With flight delays quite
common today, arrive at your
cruise departure at least one day
early. We spent one night in Barcelona and wish we had planned
more. Beautiful, fun place.
• Our flight from San Jose to Chicago took 4.30 hours. Then another
8.30 hours to Brussels and another
1.45 hours to Barcelona. Total travel
time to Barcelona from San Jose,
including waiting at airports: 24
hours.
Tip 2: If you’d like to save money
and help the environment, bring
“empty” water bottles for fill up after you go through security. On the
ship, we filled up our empty bottles
for the day trip excursions. You can
also buy water on the ship for $3.50
per bottle.
• We could not find any drinking water fountains at Brussels and
Barcelona airports or any of the
cities we visited. (Europeans apparently drink only bottled water
which is expensive.)
• Graffiti everywhere. I was
shocked by the amount of graffiti on buildings along the French
Riviera from Cannes to Nice. Rome
was the worst city but graffiti is
everywhere, although Spilt was
pretty clean.
Tip 3: If your tour guide can’t
speak English, complain. Our tour
guide in Naples spoke poor English
and was difficult to understand.
This was very disappointing since
the tour was about Pompeii. After
complaining to Royal Caribbean,
we promptly received a letter saying that the tour guide was fired.
All in all, our tour guides were
good and spoke good English.
Tip 4: Change dinner tables if
you want. My wife and I were
not happy with the people at our
assigned table. Next night, our
waiter moved us and we thoroughly enjoyed our new tablemates. It’s
your vacation. You can move if you
want for any reason.
Tip 5: Watch your wallet! Pickpockets are everywhere, especially
in Barcelona and Rome. My sisterin-law had her purse stolen in Paris
by four young girls. We heard of
other passengers losing their valuables in Barcelona.
Tip 6: If you have to stay connected to the business world, bring
your own laptop. Internet service
is high: $.55 cents a minute and the
connection was slow.
• Food and service on the ship
was outstanding, especially dinner
with a wide selection of entrees.
Most 4-star. You pay extra for wine,
beer or liquor. Most wines are $20+
a bottle. Beer $5, drinks/cocktails
from $5 to $8.
• You don’t have to gain weight!
There are walking paths, swimming pool, basketball court, miniature golf, rock climbing wall and
all kinds of exercise machines to
keep the pounds off. Activities galore from dancing, nightly shows,
games, bingo, cards, auctions--something for everyone including
kids. This cruise was not only for
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the “newly wed” and “nearly dead.” Lots of teens, too.
• Cruising is a great way to visit multiple cities. I
personally would not drive in Europe due to high gas
costs ($8+ per gallon.) Plus driving is insane, especially
in Rome with unbelievably bad traffic congestion with
thousands of scooters and tiny cars everywhere, including parked on the sidewalks.
• Flying back was a nightmare. We were five hours
late leaving Barcelona for New York which meant that
we (and everyone else) missed our connecting flight.
American Airlines booked us free at a 1-star motel near
Kennedy Airport. Coming from a 5-star cruise ship, this
was a reality check. Next morning driving to the airport, our shuttle bus was rear-ended. Nothing serious,
though. The bus driver didn’t even stop!
• After boarding our flight to Dallas, our pilot informed us of a “flat” tire. This was a concern since we
only had a one hour turnaround in Dallas. We arrived
with 20 minutes to spare. Fortunately, our connecting
gate was near by. Our luggage made it home, too.
• Forget about “service” on airlines. You’re on your
own. It’s far better and cheaper to bring your own food
and drinks. We received a “free” meal on our flight to
New York and it was bad and tasteless.
• Europe is very expensive because of the low value of
the dollar. However, we ate all of our meals on ship so
eating out was not a problem.
• Most unique city—Venice. See before it disappears.
Most disappointing—Naples and Valletta. Most crowded with most graffiti: Rome. The city I’d like most to
revisit: Venice.
• My thoughts on cruising? Great way to travel and
relax. Actually, it may be the most inexpensive way to
see many famous cities of Europe in a short time. Our
ship, Brilliance of the Seas, is only six years old. Very
modern and classy. Approximately 2,000 passengers
and 975 staff. Felt and looked like a 1st class resort with
all amenities and activities you could imagine. We were
treated like royalty.
READ WHAT
THEY’RE SAYING...
“The last ad earned me a commission. Hooray.”
—Realtor
“Just to let you know my ads work for me.”
—Moving company
“Will definitely continue running the half page
ad for next year. It gets results.”
—Retirement community
WITH OVER 45,000 readers and rapidly growing,
ActiveOver50 is the ONLY magazine in the Bay Area
written for baby boomers and older adults.
If this is your target market, advertising in ACTIVE
is a smart way to reach this burgeoning and dynamic
age group.
For more information and a Media Kit, contact Larry
Hayes at 408.921.5806 or email: [email protected].
TM
over 50 magazine
www.activeover50.com
ACTIVE
11
A G IN G I N PLACE
Home Sweet Home:
How To Stay There
By Tom Binder, Real Estate Advisor
As a large segment of the population ages into its “Senior” years,
the question of where elderly
people live becomes more important. Whether we are in this age
group, or have family members
that are, this is a very important
issue for most of us.
Every survey shows that, as
people age, the vast majority of us
want to stay in our own home.
Many organizations and agencies
are focusing attention on the
“Aging in Place” concept.
Why stay in our current home?
Various reasons are given: independence, familiarity, location/
convenience, finances, family,
social and lifestyle. However,
staying in our homes presents
many challenges, including health,
safety/security, home maintenance, required services, transportation, caregiver support, finances
and even meals.
So let’s look at some of these
challenges and possible solutions
to assure our safety and comfort.
• Safety becomes an ever-increasing concern as we age.
Seniors living by themselves
should always complete a safety
check of their house.
This will identify those situations
dealing with house layout, stairs
and adequate support, appliance
usage, electrical facilities and
security.
The biggest risk is injury due to
falls and a review of trip hazards
such as bad lighting, small throw
rugs, missing or loose handrails
and cluttered stairs can head off
many accidents.
Specialized services, known as
“Certified Aging in Place Specialists,” can be contracted to do an
in-depth analysis of these hazards
and make necessary corrections.
• Outside Services become
important as we can do less for
ourselves. Transportation can be
solved by outside services for any
number of needs: shopping,
medical appointments, bridge
games, etc.
For general assistance and
support at home, there are certified and bonded “In-Home Care”
services that offer as much, or as
little, on-site help as required. For
those seniors who need more
specific attention, but want to get
out of the home for broader
stimulation, “Day Care” centers
provide a variety of medical and
social services.
• Finances can become an issue
with increased cost of living,
increased taxes, support services
and hired home maintenance
contractors. Many of us that have
owned our homes for many years
have our home equity as our
largest financial asset. While this
heightens our sense of financial
security, it doesn’t pay the bills for
us. A reverse mortgage can safely
allow us to utilize this financial
asset without moving out of our
home.
• Downsizing can be a strategy
that can address many of the
challenges. Although requiring a
physical relocation, it can result in
a much more practical way to stay
at home rather than move in with
family or to assisted living. Downsizing will retain the independent
living that we want and can even
solve many of our senior living
challenges.
We can select a home much more
suited to our situation: single
story, no stairs, smaller, easier to
maintain, closer to key services,
closer to family, etc.
Plus, by downsizing, we free up
the financial asset now tied up in
our home equity and thus provide
more financial freedom. The IRS
has made it easier to keep a good
amount of the funds from the sale
of our principal residence.
Tom Binder is a Seniors Real Estate
specialist with REALTY WORLD
and can be reached at 408.923.7758.
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CLASSIFIED A D S
Looking for
A Soul Mate?
Job? Housing?
Handyman?
For Sale/Barter?
Help Wanted?
PERSONALS
Pretty, youthful 59yr lady seeks active
gentleman 55-62 for companionship and
social outings. Email: [email protected]
TRAVEL
Do You Love to Travel? Learn how to travel
like the Pro’s, get paid a commission and ALL
is Tax Deductible! Call Carla 408.274.8766 or
www.ytb.com/GriffinGlobalTravel
SHREDDING
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Pathway Hospice needs volunteers.
Call for information: 408.773.4219.
www.pathwayshealth.org.
Meals on Wheels: The Health Trust is
seeking volunteers to deliver hot meals to
homebound elderly and disabled adults in
Santa Clara County. Email Katie Plante at
[email protected]. Call 408.961.9889.
Vision Literacy needs volunteer tutors
to teach adults to read. For information
on how to become a tutor, call Pat at
408.262.1349.
Be Part of a Miracle. Help families with
babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
at Good Samaritan Hospital by volunteering as a driver or host home for ACCESS,
part of The Auxiliary of GSH. Flexible
times. Contact ACCESS at 408.559.2395
or online at www.goodsamsanjose.com.
ACUPUNCTURE
For healing of joint pain and arthritis,
acupuncture works. Call Dr. Andrew Pham,
O.M.D. 408.926.9787. FREE consultation.
www.Phamilyacupuncture.com.
ANTI-AGING
SLOW the AGING process. Need more
energy? Live Longer? Look Younger!
Guaranteed or Your Money Back.
Visit www.deteraging.com.
HOME FINANCING
ARE YOU EQUITY RICH and cash poor?
Great programs for those with high home
equity who want cash out with no monthly
payments. Also available an alternative
program to reverse mortgages. Call now
for more information. Loan Consultant
Norma Martinez 408-540-1142 Ext 21;
email: [email protected].
SIZZLING SENIORS
Join our popular dance troupe and exercise
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M O N E Y L ADY
How to Grow and Protect
Your Nest Egg
Ask Evelyn
Preston
Send your personal
money questions to:
Evelyn Preston,
ActiveOver50 magazine,
P.O. Box 321209,
Los Gatos, CA 95032
or email:
[email protected]
or fax to 408.871.1277.
Evelyn’s new book,
Memoirs the Money Lady,
is available at
www.money-lady.com.
Or call 650.494.7443.
Put down those weights for a
minute, brake the bike and catch
your breath…you’ve probably
noticed…the stock market’s spent
a lot of your precious time this
year going the wrong way, definitely marching out of step with
your retirement planning.
What’s an ActiveOver50 to do
—be mildly proactive, rabidly
overactive or catatonically inactive
whenever well-hoarded nest eggs
craze and crack?
Readers ask the darndest—and
smartest—questions. I invite you to
send me yours!
Question: Most of the queries I
receive are in the “Where’s the
market headed?” category.
Answer: No matter how many
pundits weigh in, there is no
certain answer. However, instead
of looking ahead toward the
unknown, it’s much more telling
and infinitely more comfortable to
take a look back… as far back as
the 1900s in fact, to see how many
declines—and “going nowhere”
years—preceded this latest economic rollercoaster.
My own advent into investing
began in ’72, just as the market
tanked and went pancake flat for
the next decade.
Question: How can anyone make
money if the market doesn’t go up?
Answer: I made a great deal of
money during those level years.
Experienced money managers of
stellar mutual funds say that you
can earn most in bear (down)
markets but only realize it a few
years later on the upswing. Unlike
the average investor, these pros
really do know when to “Buy Low.”
Question: How can we keep
emotions from sabotaging
investment decisions?
Answer: Like most people, when
the market goes up, we barely
notice. How astute and sure of our
decisions we can be when in good
times home prices rise, investments
grow, our knees still bend and we
don’t look our age whatever it is.
However, backs have been
known to spasm from real estate
woes and frown lines can settle
in as deeply as a prolonged market slump. So according to many
experts who track market performance, here’s old news that may be
pure Botox for smoothing out those
financial worry wrinkles:
• A routine dip of 5% or more
occurs about 3 times a year
• A moderate decline of 10%
or more about once a year
• A severe loss of 15+% as much
as every 2 years
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• A bear market of 20%+ about
every 3-5 years—and can last
almost a year. Since 1900!
Question: What can help us sit on
our hands during the large market
swings?
Answer: Investing truisms need to
be trotted out in troubled times:
• It’s time in the market not timing
the market, that wins in the long
run
• Missing even a few days out of the
market can substantially lower
returns
• Most amateur “timers” wind up
buying high and selling low
• Don’t put all your eggs in the
same asset class–diversify
• It’s not what you make, it’s what
you get to keep–costs do count
These may be clichés that you’ve
heard before, but unlike “the check
is in the mail,” they’re rooted in
reality and proven by the numbers
over time.
Question: Besides the stock market,
what other choices have a positive
upside with less volatility long
term?
Answer: 1) Real estate is a grand
buffer–with built-in tax benefits–
depending on location. But there
are no guarantees. Your personal
residence should be rock solid
solvent, first as your real shelter
and only then viewed as an emergency piggy-bank haven from
other economic storms.
Note the recent dent in the
American Dream for those buyers
and brokers–and no-money-down
speculators–who fudged the
long-term affordability factors.
2) U.S. Government and state
bonds can plug along safely for
that good night’s sleep, while 3)
guaranteed bank savings serve
as a cushion of cash.
Question: Any truly secret formula
to wealth?
Answer: Absolutely none!
During the past 25 years, Evie
has held real estate, insurance
and securities licenses. Evie
built her client base from
offering financial seminars and
“Money Smarts” workshops,
enjoyed stints on TV and radio
and is proud to call herself the
“cold calling queen” with no
“hang-ups.”
She continues to speak professionally to organizations,
clubs and other groups in order
to share her expertise while
entertaining her audiences.
In her “past life,” Evie taught
secondary education, wrote a
humor column for the Palo Alto
Weekly, was featured as a
Redbook “Young Mother” and
co-authored/published newspaper and magazine articles, most
recently on women and finances.
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SE X U A L ITY
Sex and Intimacy
in the Later Years
By Vivian I. Silva, MSW/Geriatric Care Manager
“Just because I’m in my 80s,
doesn’t mean I want you to give
me a flannel nightgown!”
My client’s comment was the
first time since working with
elders that I became aware of
aging and sexuality. A frail, homebound client living alone, she was
answering the question regarding
a gift for the holiday gift baskets.
The program allowed my clients
to choose one main gift they
wanted or needed. She wanted
a silky nightgown because she
wanted to feel sexy. I don’t even
remember a class in graduate
school where we discussed sexuality and aging.
Facilitating support groups for
separated and/or divorced persons
50 and older, I soon discovered
that the participants wanted to
talk about sexuality and intimacy.
One woman told me, “I couldn’t
talk to my husband about sex. I’m
not sure I can talk about it in this
group.” A male participant shared,
“I envy the way my son can go on
a ski trip with his male and female
friends—it’s not about sex, they’re
good friends. I never learned how
to have female friends.”
Needless to say, the comments
helped me realize the importance
of these topics not only for my
emotional relationship with
someone. A myth is that older
adults just don’t care about sex
anymore. Some may not, however,
many still want to touch and be
touched, to love and be loved.
• Sexuality and intimacy doesn’t
necessarily mean engaging in sex.
Older adults tend to be touch
deprived. Putting lotion on your
family member’s hands can be an
intimate experience.
• Widows often tell me they miss
forms of affection such as in
cuddling. They miss the relationship of having someone care and
they miss being needed. Studies
show since women outlive men,
there is a shortage of available
partners for women.
• Society has a negative attitude
towards these basic needs of older
adults. Due to advocacy for a
patient’s rights, nursing homes
now allow privacy—couples were
“No matter one’s age, most people want a
close physical and emotional relationship
with someone.”
clients but also for increasing
awareness for professionals like
myself. Thus, I became open to
discussions about sexuality and
intimacy in later life as well as
educating my students in the
gerontology program at San
Jose State University.
The following information
represents areas of discussion
with clients and/or topics in
my workshops.
• No matter one’s age, most
people want a close physical and
often separated without regard for
intimacy or sex.
• Normal aging brings physical
changes for both men and women.
For example, men may find it
takes longer for an erection.
Vaginal dryness may offer challenges for women.
• Mental health issues or a disease
such as diabetes as well as medications can interfere with one’s
libido. Elders have told me they
would like physicians to be more
willing to discuss side effects of
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the diseases and/or medications as they relate to sex
and intimacy.
• One in 10 persons with AIDS is 50 years of age or
older. Women think that condoms aren’t necessary
because they are past child-bearing age but sex
without protection puts them at risk. Women often
need coaching to insist their new partner get tested.
• Sexuality also involves one’s sexual identity.
Studies suggest 10 percent of men and women over
65 are gay or lesbian. While grieving the loss of his
partner, the residents in a housing development
ignored my client when they found out the “brother”
that died was not really his “brother.”
Our society has a long way to go to acknowledge
that older adults still have sex and strive for intimacy.
Foreign films show sex and intimacy in later life as
a normal part of aging. No jokes, no gags. Sexuality
continues throughout the human life cycle.
I’m still looking for the television ad regarding
safe sex with a white haired adult rather than a
teenager or college age student. The Viagra ads
stand out but we know taking the pills doesn’t
necessarily improve intimacy.
Talking to our loved ones with open and honest
communication enhances our intimacy and sexuality. We just have to be willing to
risk starting the dialogue and stop
thinking it’s a hush, hush subject.
Enjoy Your Vacation!
Can’t bring your parents on
vacation with you this year?
Senior Helpers can help make
sure they receive the best care
while you are gone. Experience
the peace of mind that only
Senior Helpers can give.
■
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■
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Caring Companionship
Bathing & Dressing
Walking Assistance
Meal Preparation
and Cleanup
Light Housekeeping
Medication Reminders
Alzheimer’s and
Dementia Care
Up to 24-hour Care
Call 408.655.5875
or visit
www.seniorhelpers.com
FREE In-Home Assessment
®
Western Silicon Valley/Santa Cruz County
Licensed, Bonded & Insured. Senior Helpers locations are independently owned and operated.
Vivian can be reached at 408.209.1247
or [email protected].
Matched
CareGivers
Services available 24 hours per day
San Jose
Redwood City
San Mateo
(650) 839-2273 (650) 375-0580 (408) 286-2339
www.matchedcaregivers.com
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CHUCKLES
CHUCKLES
CHUCKLES
✯ Aging: Eventually you will reach a point
thing either dries up or leaks.
when you stop lying about your age and
✯ I don’t know how I got over the hill without
start bragging about it.
getting to the top.
✯ The older we get, the fewer things seem
✯ First you forget names, then you forget faces.
worth waiting in line for.
Then you forget to pull up your zipper. But
✯ You know you’re getting old when everyit’s worse when you forget to pull it down.
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over 50 magazine
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The Wolfe Packers!
650.917.9009.
•
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• Arrangement for move
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• Other services available; please ask!
• 25 years experience serving
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& payroll service
Call today:
408.559.3337
Email: [email protected]
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