Betty Berry - Senior Advocate

By Betty Berry, April 27, 2010  Q: My friends and I are closing in on the magic age of retirement and thinking about our plans for the future. Some of us are considering retirement while others are not. We are looking for a class, workshop or seminar that might address our options. Do you know of any?

A: It is never too early to start planning for the rest of your life. Because we are living longer, millions of people can expect to live many healthy active years after reaching “retirement” age.

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By Betty Berry, Tuesday, April 20, 2010  Q: Spring is in the air, which usually means it must be time for organizations to put on fairs and expos. Do you know of anything being planned?

A: Yes. The Camarillo Council on Aging is planning a day full of fun and great information geared toward boomers, centenarians and everyone in between.

The Camarillo Senior Expo, “Living Life to its Fullest,” is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 4 at the Camarillo Community Center and Pleasant Valley Senior...

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, April 13, 2010  Q: I recently heard about a program called CarFit. Could you tell me something about this program and if it is available in Ventura County?

A: CarFit is an educational program created by the American Society on Aging in collaboration with the American Automobile Association, AARP and American Occupational Therapy Association.

The program has a 12-point checklist designed to help drivers find out how well they “fit” their automobile and offers suggestions...

By Betty Berry, Wednesday, March 31, 2010  Q: Since driving is so important in our part of the world, my friends and I are concerned about driving safely and keeping our licenses as we age. Do you know of any seminars that address this subject?

A: You and most seniors are very concerned about keeping the privilege to drive. The secret to keeping that privilege is understanding how the aging process affects our ability to drive, knowing the rules of the road and taking the responsibility of knowing when...

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, March 9, 2010  Q: Some time ago you mentioned Senior Concerns Thrift Shop in an article and my friend gave me the address — but I lost it. Could you provide the address again and perhaps tell me a little about the shop and any special events they might be planning?

A: I am so glad your friend told you about Senior Concerns Bargain Boutique. Everyone who has ever entered the shop has had wonderful things to say about the merchandise.

First, the shop is at 80 E. Hillcrest...

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, March 2, 2010  Q: I’ve read that one of the benefits under Medicare coverage is hospice care. Can you explain exactly what hospice care is and does that replace regular Medicare benefits?

A: Hospice is a type of care for the terminally ill.

The focus of hospice care is comfort and pain relief rather than treatment of the disease itself.

Those qualifying for hospice care can obtain medical and support services...

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, February 16, 2010  Q: I recently made a purchase and paid for it with a check. When I received my bank statement, it showed that check to be an electronic check conversion. Can you explain?

A: What you experienced was a process where your check was used as a source of information — but the check itself was not considered as the method of payment. That information was then used to make a one-time electronic payment from your account.

When you provide your check, you must...

By Betty Berry, Monday, February 8, 2010  Q: I have a friend who is really in debt because of her credit cards. I’ve tried to talk to her about the problem, but my words seem to fall on deaf ears. I think if she read about credit card debt in your column, she might realize the trouble she is in. Will you help?

A: You have brought up a very serious problem that is being experienced by many, including seniors.

I’m sure most of us have known of those who have used their credit cards to extremes.

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By Betty Berry, Monday, February 1, 2010   Q: I am a senior who has just become computer literate. I am enjoying my newfound hobby of visiting the Internet and have viewed a number of Web sites offering health information. How can I determine if the information provided is reliable?

A: First, let me congratulate you on becoming computer literate. It is the way of the future, and seniors should take every opportunity available to keep up with technology.

Seniors who don't learn how to use a computer...

By Betty Berry, Monday, January 25, 2010  Q: Each year in January, I promise myself to live a healthier life, and this year is no different. But I need some stimulation to get me going. Is there any event on the calendar to give me a push?

A: You and many others start the new year out with this promise to yourselves, and it is not a bad idea. Yes, there are several events on the calendar that would possibly give you that extra push you think you need.

Senior Concerns' next presentation in its Solving...