Betty Berry’s Column
Senior Concerns’ Senior Advocate Betty Berry’s column appears weekly in the Ventura County Star.
Connecting with Thanksgiving
The holiday season is thought of as the stretch of time beginning with Thanksgiving and continuing through New Years. It can be a busy time filled with decorations, gatherings, food, gift buying and gift giving. There is an expectation that it is a joyous and busy time. But for [...]
The heartbeat of our community: A thank you to volunteers
Every community has a heartbeat. Here in the Conejo Valley, that heartbeat is made stronger, steadier, and kinder because of the volunteers who show up—day after day, year after year—to make life better for someone else. I am fortunate to see volunteerism up close through my work at Senior [...]
The Value of Lifelong Learning
I was recently reminded that it is never too late, and we are never too old to learn something new. Although it is not always easy, we can find a way to stretch ourselves and stay engaged and involved in lifelong learning.I tried to learn to knit this year but [...]
Upcoming Changes to your Electricity Bill
Q: I heard there are changes coming to our electric bills. What do I need to know? A: There was an Assembly Bill 205 (AB205) that passed in 2022 that takes effect this month, which will shift the billing structure seen on your electricity bill. You will see [...]
Everyone ages, but senior-focused organizations receive little in charity
Every so often, I read something that makes me stop and catch my breath. Recently, it was an article in “The Chronicle of Philanthropy” listing America’s 100 favorite charities. On the surface, it was a remarkable summary of generosity, listing billions of dollars given by caring people across the [...]
National Family Caregivers Month
Q: What is National Family Caregivers Month? A: November is National Family Caregivers Month. I often write about different months that are recognized because I think it can be an important tool in raising awareness. Family caregivers are an often unseen force in our community that deserve attention and [...]
Senior Concern’s Annual Boat Bash Buoys Community
Senior Concerns’ Annual Boat Bash Buoys Community Conejo Valley Lifestyle recently featured Senior Concerns' annual Boat Bash in the "Giving Back" section of Conejo Valley Lifestyle Magazine's November issue. View it here: https://cvlmagazine.com/senior-concerns-annual-boat-bash-buoys-community/
When “fine” isn’t the whole picture
My friend recently had dinner with a long-time neighbor who has been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. She told me, “He carried on a good conversation all through dinner. He seemed fine to me.” She was questioning her neighbor’s diagnosis, since in my friend’s mind, her neighbor appeared normal. [...]
Safeguarding your health this season
Q: What can I do to protect myself from the flu this year? A: Protecting yourself from the flu virus is important to safeguard your health. One of the first lines of defense is the flu vaccine which needs to be taken every year at the start of flu [...]
Small acts of kindness make a big difference
I wrote a column a few months ago about how micro interactions can make a difference in our moods and our sense of community. Even small interactions with people at the grocery store or doctors’ office waiting room can change the course of our day and feel meaningful. I [...]
Medicare open enrollment doesn’t have to be overwhelming
A few weeks ago, I received the thick Medicare & You government handbook that is mailed to every Medicare household each fall before open enrollment (Oct. 15–Dec. 7). Seeing it immediately made me feel anxious and overwhelmed. The handbook is a comprehensive guide to Medicare and covers many topics [...]
Downsizing with Intention
My mother’s cousin, Elizabeth, recently reached out to me. She is moving from her own home and downsizing to live in a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). A CCRC is a retirement community that has different levels of care all in one location, usually including independent, assisted living, memory [...]
The uses of AI to support us as we age
Q: Is AI something that would be useful to me as an older adult? A: Artificial intelligence (AI) can be beneficial for older adults in particular as a way to maintain safety, access resources, increase independence, and reduce isolation. Any new concept and technology may seem overwhelming at first. [...]
Seeing clearly: How a simple magnifying glass can make a big difference
As I was struggling at work this week to read some fine print, I realized I needed the help of my twenty-something workmate, Max. It took him seconds to read what I could not. I know my eyesight is weakening, but honestly, I have had a good run; being [...]
Important information regarding Medicare’s Upcoming Open Enrollment
Q: What do I need to know about Medicare Open Enrollment this year? A: Medicare Open Enrollment is a set time each year when anyone who has Medicare health insurance can change their health plan and their prescription drug plan. Open Enrollment starts on October 15th and ends on [...]
Fifty Years of Care – Pacific Coast Business Times
Pacific Coast Business Times recently posted Senior Concerns in their Giving Guide. Click on image above to see enlarged. Or see it directly linked on their website: https://www.pacbiztimes.com/50-years-of-caring/
Improving your brain health
Q: I am so worried about losing my memory and am starting to see some signs. What can I do to help my memory? A: Most people have some level of fear of developing dementia and having memory loss as they age. This fear is so prevalent because people [...]
Tips for encouraging older adults to embrace new technology
Q: My parents resist all new technology, and I think they are missing out. How can I encourage them to try new technology? A: Technology can feel very overwhelming to people who did not grow up using it. And yet our society has moved so quickly that anyone who [...]
Senior Concerns Swings for Seniors at 4th annual “Par and Away” Golf Tournament, featuring MLB legend Mike Scioscia
Senior Concerns Swings for Seniors at 4th annual “Par and Away” Golf Tournament, featuring MLB legend Mike Scioscia Thousand Oaks, Calif.— Registration is open for Senior Concerns’ 4th annual “Par and Away” Golf Tournament, presented by Logix Federal Credit Union, on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the Moorpark [...]
Being seen helps caregivers seek support
Over lunch the other day, a dear friend was talking about the fact that she has been caring for her mother since her dementia diagnosis 14 years ago. She shared key points in her journey, like when she moved her mother into residential care, and how now, many years [...]
