108 Stores with Senior Discounts
Contibuted by: Mr. Tony Talarico
Gone are the days of your grandmother’s “early bird special” at the local diner. As our baby boomers reach retirement age, hundreds of retailers are featuring new and improved discounts exclusively for the 60 and older crowd. We have composed a list of senior savings that will help you keep more cash in your pocket. Whoever said getting older was a bad thing, obviously didn’t know about these fantastic senior discounts!
Senior Sound Off…
How Wasteful the Older Generation was
Contributed by Ms. Barbara Jones
In line at the store, the cashier told an older woman that she should bring her own grocery bag because plastic bags weren’t good for the environment. The woman apologized to him and explained, We didn’t have the green thing back in my day.
The clerk responded, “That’s our problem today. Your generation did not care enough to save our environment.”
He was right, that generation didn’t have the green thing in its day.
Back then, they returned their milk bottles, soda bottles and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over. So they really were recycled.
But they didn’t have the green thing.
In her day, they walked up stairs, because they didn’t have an escalator in every store and office building. They walked to the grocery store and didn’t climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time they had to go two blocks.
But she was right. They didn’t have the green thing.
Back then, they washed the baby’s diapers because they didn’t have the throw-away kind. They dried clothes on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 220 volts, wind and solar power really did dry the clothes. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing.
But, they didn’t have the green thing back in her day.
Back then, they had one TV, or radio, in the house not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief, not a screen the size of the state of Montana. In the kitchen, they blended and stirred by hand because they didnt have electric machines to do everything for you. When they packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, they used a wadded up old newspaper to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.
Back then, they didn’t fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. They used a push mower that ran on human power. They exercised by working so they didn’t need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity.
But, they didn’t have the green thing back then.
They drank from a fountain when they were thirsty instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time they had a drink of water. They refilled their writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and they replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull.
But they didn’t have the green thing.
Back then, people took the streetcar or a bus and kids rode their bikes to school or rode the school bus instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service. They had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And they didn’t need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza joint.
But isn’t it sad the current generation laments how wasteful our older folks were just because they didn’t have the green thing back then?
Retirement Living Updated
A leather-clad, silver-haired gentleman stares out from a Florida retirement community marketing mailer. It reads, “Where it’s cool to be in the 70s.”Yes, the face and taste buds of retirement are a-changing. Baby Boomers that shook up the establishment in the 60s and 70s are rattling the traditional retirement profile – changing terms such as old folks’ homes to retirement communities and pushing menu offerings from institutional meals to better quality dining. No longer will the simple fare of yesteryear be offered up in boring menus – the new face of retirement means on demand dining; gourmet coffee choices; and wine tastings. SupermarketGuru.com sees this as an opportunity for both CPG and foodservice companies to focus on global offerings and healthy alternatives in easy-to-prepare food service sizes. Additionally, this trend points toward growth at retail for gourmet-style grab-and-go prepared food selections designed for two-person and single family households. Innovative frozen selections for singles pose another potential growth market for both grocers and manufacturers.
Whether it’s Wauwatosa, WI where Harwood Place Retirement Community’s executive chef Justin Johnson began revamping the dining program two years ago to reflect current culinary trends or Seattle, WA where Mirabella’s Food & Beverage director is sourcing local ingredients and upscale brands to appease his audience, the retirement community dining room has changed. Chefs are left to craft new diverse, creative seasonal menus – balanced meals made from scratch with fresh ingredients – to meet the new demands of retiring Boomers. And while there are still the meat-and-potato entrees in demand, the balance is definitely shifting. “We use Seattle’s Best Coffee versus something middle of the road,” Terry Jones said in an interview with Supermarketguru.com. “[Residents] truly want upper-end products.” Jones, Mirabella’s Food & Beverage Director, continued, “The clientele is definitely more challenging [today]. They want more choice and value.
They’re also interested in newer items and variety in the selections.” The biggest challenge Jones says they face in Mirabella’s three kitchens is tending to the two diverse generations who now reside in these communities. “We still have one generation that wants the meat and potatoes and those that want healthy, creative choices,” he said. The new culinary scene goes hand-in-hand with how retirement communities are marketing themselves these days. In order to attract Baby Boomers who would never accept placement at an “old folks’ home,” these new lifestyle communities promote futures that are “bright, vibrant, and exciting.” Mirabella – which offers everything from penthouse dining to wine tastings – markets itself as “the retirement community of the future, for residents of the future.” Margaret Wylde, president and chief executive of research firm ProMatura Group, told Supermarketguru.com that the changing focus on upscale dining options began in the early 1990s with companies such as Classic Residence by Hyatt.
In 2005, the company opened its Palo Alto, Calif. location. Residents here didn’t choose to move because of pushy children or poor health; instead they’re attracted to the gourmet food, attentive service and access to Stanford University programs. Wylde places rough estimates on independent living and assisted living properties across the United States at about 25,000. Active adult communities number around 1,200 with continued growth on luxury communities. She explained that retirees place a high priority on dining options when selecting where to move, concluding that communities, which recognize the importance of good dining experiences, are the most successful.
Your Medical Record Rights
A federal law called the HIPAA Privacy Rule gives you the right to see, get a copy of and amend (correct) your medical record by adding information to it. (HIPAA stands for the “Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.”) Most states also have laws that give you rights in your medical record. These consumer guides are intended to help you understand your rights to your medical records under a combination of these laws. Search records in all 50 states. Your Medical Rights and Privacy Contributed by: Pam Winterbauer
Seek and Ye Shall Find Mission Peak Bible Church Online, an outreach of Mission Peak Bible Church in Fremont , CA , a non-denominational, evangelical, Christian Church founded in 1980 by Senior Pastor Bob Bruton. Spreading the Gospel and keeping in step with Christian beliefs is what this site is all about, with over 40 years of Sermons and outlines, available from Pastor Bruton. Meet Pastor Bob Bruton.
Visit Pastor Bob
Len 
Tillem has been a practicing attorney since being admitted to the State Bar of California in 1972. The Len Tillem Program is heard on KGO AM-810, Sundays from 4-7pm and now Len Tillem is on KGO radio daily from 12:05 to 1:00 p.m. Len answers general legal questions, provides legal advice, and solves legal problems, live and on the air. Len Tillem’s law practice, Len Tillem and Associates, concentrates on Elder Law. Elder Law is a specialized field of law focusing on the unique needs of the elderly. Len Tillem & Associates of Sonoma, California, is a law firm practicing in the fields of Estate Planning, Elder Law and Medi-Cal Planning, Trust Administration and Probate, and Personal Injury.
Free phones, etc. for the Hard of Hearing - Contributed by Mr. Richard DeBiaso
The California Telephone Access Program (CTAP) distributes telecommunications equipment and services to individuals certified as having difficulty using the telephone. CTAP is a California State mandated program, under governance of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Equipment and some network services are available at no charge to eligible consumers. Californians who are deaf, hard of hearing, speech disabled, blind, or who have low vision, cognitive impairments, or restricted mobility, are eligible to receive equipment with certification by a medical doctor, a licensed audiologist, a qualified state agency, or a hearing aid dispenser. With a CTAP specialized phone, you CAN…
- Make your caller’s voice louder
- Carry the phone with you
- Dial using large or talking buttons
- Call with memory-dialing picture buttons
- Make your voice louder
- Read conversation in text
CTAP is funded by a small surcharge that appears on all telephone bills in California. The money collected from this surcharge pays for both the California Telephone Access Program (CTAP) and the California Relay Service (CRS). This surcharge appears on your phone bill as “CA Relay Service and Communications Devices Fund.”
Check out the latest from the Alliance for Aging Research and find out about: The Fight Against Heart Disease – Nearly 80 million American adults have one or more types of cardiovascular disease. Although improved treatments have led to lower death rates, an aging and overweight population poses challenges for the U.S. health care system. Find out how medical research can lead to better prevention and treatment of heart disease in
Keeping Up The Fight Against Heart Disease. Read more>>
- Maintaining Good Nutrition With Age – As you age, eating right continues to play a vital role in whether or not you will enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle. Adapting to these changes and adjusting your eating habits are some of the simplest but most important ways you can contribute to your overall health. Learn more about The Secrets of Eating for Your Age. Read more>>
- Caregivers at Risk – According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, more than 44 million people are involved in caring for a friend or relative. Caring for others can be physically, emotionally and mentally demanding, and can cause the health of caregivers to decline. The Alliance weighs in on Caring for Caregivers.
- Managing Your Medications Safely – Over-the-counter medications can be an effective and relatively inexpensive way to reduce pain, get a good night’s sleep, and be more productive. But because they’re available easily without a prescription, many people mistakenly believe that taking them contains no risk. With many older people taking multiple medications, learn how to, Manage Your Over-the-Counter Medications. Read more>>
- A Labor of Love – Recognized as a national leader promoting an intimate, “low tech, high touch” approach to childbirth, nurse-midwife Ruth Lubic, a Living Legend, continues to advocate for women and families.
Are America’s Communities Ready For An Aging Population? 
A new study, the most comprehensive report ever on the aging-readiness of America, finds that less than half of American cities and counties have plans in place to meet the needs of aging baby boomers. The baby boom generation-born between 1946 and 1964-is rapidly approaching retirement age.
The study, called “The Maturing of America: Getting Communities on Track for an Aging Population,” was conducted through a partnership with the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, the International City/County Management Association, the National Association of Counties, the National League of Cities, and Partners for Livable Communities, and funded by MetLife Foundation.
The results show that although many communities have some programs to address the needs of older adults, very few have fully assessed what it would take to make their community “elder friendly.” Studies indicate that the vast majority of Americans would prefer to remain in the communities where they live as they age, in order to stay close to family and friends.
Key findings of the report include the following: 
• Health Care-In one-third of communities surveyed, older adults do not have access to a range of needed preventive health care services, such as health education, community-based health screenings and counseling on prescription drug programs.
• Nutrition-Eighty percent of communities have programs providing home-delivered meals for older adults, though only 25 percent provide nutrition education for seniors.
• Exercise-More than one-third of communities do not have fitness programs for older adults, though 86 percent report having biking/walking trails.
• Transportation-Many communities are not addressing the mobility needs of an aging population. For example, only 40 percent of communities reported having road signage that meets the needs of older drivers.
• Aging/Human Services- Although it is expected that aging baby boomers will demand it, many communities do not offer a comprehensive single point of entry for information and access to all aging services. “The aging of the population will have a dramatic impact on America’s cities and counties,” said Sibyl Jacobson, President of MetLife Foundation. “This report sheds light on how our towns and cities can prepare to handle the aging boom. By taking action now, communities can avoid problems and improve the quality of life for all citizens, as well as for older adults.”
By: Stacey Moore - Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
SNAP… Senior Nutrition Activities Programs (SNAP), a healthy and convenient alternative to cooking, offers hot, nutritious meals at nearly 30 Alameda County locations. Our dining sites ease the burden of cooking and provide seniors with the opportunity to enjoy tasty food, meet new people, and participate in a variety of activities. Senior Dining Locations What the Meal Plan Offers
- meets 1/3 of senior’s daily nutritional requirements
- no extra salt added
- homemade soups
- sugar-free dessert substitutes
- a hearty chef’s salad (with meat or vegetarian)
- wide variety of menu items
Sample Menu
- Baked Chicken Quarter with Gravy
- Cornbread Stuffing
- California Blend Vegetables
- Pea Salad
- Apple Turnover
- 1% milk
Meals / Nutrition Info: Annemarie Parrish - (510) 881-0300 ext. 222, aparrish@spectrumcs.org Calling all Castro Valley and Hayward Seniors
The Hayward Area Senior Center is located at 22325 North Third Street, and the Kenneth C. Aitken Senior & Community Center is located at 17800 Redwood Road in Castro Valley. Both Centers offer social services, special events, bingo, delicious lunches, classes, pool tables, activities, day trips and tours, computer laboratories with Internet access and libraries. The Hayward Area Senior Center has a full service woodshop. Hayward Senior Center
Senior Seasons was founded by Kaye Sharbrough to provide the highest quality services to help seniors and their families identify, evaluate, and choose the best senior housing to improve well-being and happiness.Just like many of her clients, she got involved because of her mother’s altered housing needs. And because that move was so successful and her Mom is so delighted with her new situation, Kaye has established Senior Seasons in order to help others be just as happy. Senior Seasons
ThirdAge Inc.is an online media and direct marketing company focused exclusively on serving the needs of midlife adults—generally those in their 40s, 50s and 60s—and those who want to build a genuine relationship with them. Third Age
Elder Abuse … What Everyone Should Know Elder Abuse Brochure View online or print a copy free.
The “E-cyclopedia” of housing options and information for retirement, finance, insurance and care. Senior Resources
The information on the following pages has been developed specifically for senior drivers. DMV wants you to maintain your driving independence for as long as you can safely drive. California Senior Driver Information
Sirtuins, Famine, and the Fountain of Youth
There has been a lot of buzz lately about a “red wine drug that could be a fountain of youth” combating the effects of aging and age-related disease. The drug, along with other promising breakthroughs, is being developed by Sirtris Pharmaceuticals company recently purchased by drug giant GlaxoSmithKline. The drug is based on resveratrol, a chemical found in red wine that activates important sirtuin genes and has extended healthy life in animal studies.
Pharmaceutical Companies Offer Free Medications to Those in Need -
For the 47 million Americans without health insurance, each day is a struggle to find a way to pay for prescription drugs. Older adults, who are often prescribed several medications at a time, can find it even more difficult to pay medical bills. Despite the start of Medicare Part D in 2006, the elderly still spend thousands of dollars a year on prescription drug costs. What many people don’t know is that they may be eligible to receive their medications for free.
Bob Hope’s Observations on Aging
ON TURNING 70 “You still chase women, but only downhill”. ON
TURNING 80 “That’s the time of your life when even your birthday suit needs pressing.”
ON TURNING 90 “You know you’re getting old when the candles cost more than the cake.”
ON TURNING 100 “I don’t feel old. In fact I don’t feel anything until noon. Then it’s time for my nap.”
Thank you,
Joanne
Assisting buyers and sellers throughout the San Francisco Bay Area for more than 30 years.
P.S. For information on buying or selling east bay homes, please contact me at 510-429-4800 or send me a note on the Contact Joanne form.
Joanne L. Gardiner, Broker, e-PRO Realtor®
California Department of Real Estate Brokers License Number: 00822285
California Department of Housing and Community Development Occupational License Number: SP1178511
Office: 510-429-4800
Cell phone: 510-589-4794
We serve the greater San Francisco bay area.
Our primary service areas in the San Francisco Bay Area are: Hayward, Castro Valley, Pleasanton, Dublin, San Ramon, Danville, Fremont, Newark, Niles, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, San Ramon, Sunol, Oakland, Foster City, Burlingame, and San Mateo.
The types of real estate in which we specialize are: single family homes, duets, condominiums, townhomes, garden homes, PUDs, manufactured homes, mobile homes, income property, investment property, tri-plexes, four-plexes, apartment property, and special use properties such as churches and mobile home parks.
Count on us for: Alameda County homes for sale, Contra Costa County homes for sale, San Mateo Country homes for sale. And now with our expanded Multiple Listing Services (MLS), we easily serve all bay area communities.
