Senior Advocate

 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 gave it up pretty quickly. [...]

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 this change implemented in November. [...]

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 praise for what they do [...]

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 season. The flu vaccine is [...]

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 was recently reminded of this [...]

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 care, and skilled nursing care. [...]

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.  Still, when embraced and used [...]

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 December 7th. Any changes you [...]

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 associate memory loss with a [...]

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 does not have an email [...]