Betty Berry’s Column
Senior Concerns’ Senior Advocate Betty Berry’s column appears weekly in the Ventura County Star.
Tips For Turning Over A New Leaf In Life – Whatever Your Age
Q: I have been unhappy lately and I feel like I need a new start in my life. How can I find ways to make changes and start over in a later phase of life? A: It is one thing to get a fresh start by moving or changing careers, [...]
Senior Concerns In The Winner’s Circle at Charity Karaoke “Sing For A Cause”
A big Thank You to all who supported Senior Concerns at the 2023 Charity Karaoke Sing For A Cause! Sunday night at the Canyon was wild, and Senior Concerns Board Member Peter Cappos gave his all performing Justin Timberlake's Can't Stop The Feeling! Your tremendous enthusiasm — and your [...]
How To Decide Which Mementos To Keep
Q: I am trying to clean out my home and de-clutter. How do I know what mementos are worth keeping and what I should give away? A: Evaluating our own belongings and making tough decisions about what to keep and what to give away is always a challenge. But, [...]
Information Overload May Come At A Cost
If you are anything like me, your mailbox and email in box are filled with statements every month. They arrive for credit cards, banks, investments, utilities, service providers, and more. If you want to stay on top of them, it is easily a multi-hour a week job to review [...]
Warning Signs A Senior Neighbor May Be In Trouble
Q: I usually see my elderly neighbor almost every day checking his mail. For several days I did not see him, and I was worried. He has come out again and let me know he had been sick. It got me thinking: what should I do if I cannot [...]
What Does Being An ‘Advocate’ Mean?
Q: I know I need to be an advocate for my mother who is having medical problems, but I am not sure what that means. How can I be the best advocate for her? A: I commend you for stepping up to advocate for your mother and her medical [...]
Complimentary Home Repairs For Seniors!
Introducing a New Program from Senior Concerns & Sunrise Rotary Club Complimentary Home Repairs For Seniors Available to Seniors Living In the 91361 & 91362 Zip codes. Senior Concerns is working in partnership with the Westlake Village Sunrise Rotary Club to provide complimentary home repair services for seniors living [...]
Funerals Can Be A Time For Reflection
I recently attended a celebration of life for an acquaintance. She was a lovely woman who lived a full life filled with family, close friends, travel, and lots of fun and adventure. She was also a very giving person. Her wish was for her friends to come and select [...]
Are Older Adults More Vulnerable To Heat?
Q: Why do people say older adults are more vulnerable in the heat? What do I need to know to protect myself? A: Studies show that it is difficult for older adults, even healthy ones, to notice the signs that they are too hot or dehydrated. It is interesting [...]
It’s Time For Charity Karaoke!
Last year Senior Concerns Board Member Peter Cappos and the dynamic backup duo of Ilona Clark and Marissa Buss WON the Voter's Choice Award netting a $3,000 contribution to Senior Concerns! This year Peter is back and ready to rock! Come join us and Vote [...]
What Gift To Give The Senior Who Has Everything
Q: My mom is turning 80 and I feel like I have already exhausted all the usual gift ideas. What are some meaningful gifts that I can get her that she will appreciate? A: It can be challenging to think of gifts when we put a lot of pressure [...]
Finding Friends After Moving To A New Community
Q: I just retired and moved by myself to live closer to my children so I can be near them as I age. How can I make a new community for myself and find new friends at this stage of life? A: I was recently at an event where they [...]
Working From Home Uncovers Cost Saving Opportunities
My husband Peter has been working from home for quite some time now. Mid-pandemic he joined a new firm in a remote job. His company is headquartered in New York City. Unlike me, he’s the kind of guy that can go all day crunching numbers and talking to workmates [...]
What To Do When A Loved One With Alzheimer’s Does Not Want Help
Q: My father was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, but he still lives alone and insists he does not need any help. I care about him and am worried. How do I know when I need to get more involved? A: I am sorry to hear your father was [...]
What To Do If Your Parent Refuses To Use A Walker
Q: My mom’s doctor recommended that she use a walker, but she refuses. How can I convince her she needs to use the walker? A: Many people are in the same situation as you. They can see their loved one would be safer with a walker, but that person just [...]
How To Decide If Therapy Is Right For You
Q: I am considering going to therapy, but I have never been before. How can I know what to expect and if it will help me? A: I commend you for doing something good for yourself and your mental health. Start by being proud of yourself for wanting to take [...]
Join Us At The Stand Fundraiser
Enjoy a delicious meal and support a great cause all at the same time! Join us at THE STAND in Westlake Village, June 25th, 11:00 am – 9:00 pm. Twenty percent of your food and beverage purchase will support CONEJO VALLEY SENIOR CONCERNS. See you there! Download the Flyer [...]
Necessary Legal Documents For Seniors
Q: What legal documents do I need to have in place as I age or if my spouse or I become ill? A: Every adult should think about and put documents in place for their advance care planning. This means preparing for future decisions to be made about your medical [...]
The Gift of Friendship – Asking Tough Questions
My friend, a fellow solo-ager (older adult without children), recently asked me some provocative questions. They were, I think, a sign of the times that people are broadening their thinking around what’s important. She began by sharing a recent article in the New York Times about individuals who bequeathed assets [...]
How Can I Stop Worrying About Things I Can’t Control?
Q: I often find myself worrying about things I cannot control. How can I stop myself from worrying all the time? A: Worrying and anxiety can be a normal part of our lives. In fact, some worrying helps ensure we get things done. We worry about bills being paid, or [...]
