2023: Living Healthy Special Section

LivingHealthy

The55+communityhasawealthof knowledgeandexperience,andit’sour missiontohelpthem stayinformed,active andfulfilled.From senior-friendlyevents andlocalresources,to healthcareoptionsand technologyadvancements,thisspecial sectionprovidesvaluableinformationfor seniorcitizenswho wanttolivealifeof satisfaction.

Maintaininga vibrantlifestyleis essentialforseniors toenjoytheirgolden yearstothefullest.

Prioritizingphysical activity,abalanced diet,andmental engagementcan greatlyenhanceoverall well-being.Regular exercise,tailoredto individualcapabilities,boostsstrength andflexibility,while reducingtherisk ofchronicconditions.Stayingsocially activethroughclubs oronlinecommunitiesisalsoknownto combatloneliness.

Engagingincognitive activitieslikepuzzles andreadingsharpens themind.Prioritizing thesepillarsofhealth ensuresseniorscan relishlife’sjoyswith vitalityandresilience. Thesearejustafew ofthetopicsyouwill findmoreinformationaboutinsidethis HealthyLivingspecial section.

Intoday’sworld, wheretechnologyis rapidlyadvancingand

LIVING HEALTHY

Aspecialsectionaimed toprovidehigh-quality lifestyleinformationfor the55+community

societyisconstantly evolving,it’simportantforseniorstostay up-to-dateonthelatest

trendsandresources availabletothem.We createdthiscollection ofspecializedcontentto

serveasaresourcefor seniorsaswellastheir friendsandfamilies.We hopeourreadersenjoy

thevaluableinsights intohowtomakethe mostofLivingHealthy andmakingthemostof

BEHAVIORSTHATLOWERRISKOFDEVELOPINGILLNESSES

thegoldenyearsofour lives.

Broughttoyouby BayAreaNewsGroup

Habitsthataffectcognitivehealth

Variouschanges toappearanceand healthareassociated withaging.Issuessuch asdiminishedvision, waningmusclestrength andgrayhairareamong themorecommonand noticeablesideeffects ofaging.Cognitive declineisanothersymptomoftenassociated withaging,evenifthat needn’tbethecase.

Certainlifestyle choicescanprotect againstcognitivedecline anddementia.While thereisnosurefireway topreventdementia, herearesomegood habitsformaintaining cognitivefunctionwell intoyourgoldenyears.

Exercisefrequently

HarvardHealth reportsthatexercise,in additiontothemany otherbenefitsitprovides, mayhelpimprovecognitivefunctioninpeople whohavealreadyexperiencedmemoryissues.

Exercisemaybeparticularlyadvantageousto peoplewhocarrythe APOE4genevariant, whichmakespeople moresusceptibleto Alzheimer’s.Speakwitha doctorabouthowmuch exerciseisneededand whatissafeforyourage.

Enjoyvideogames

Playingafavorite videogamemayimprove long-termcognitive function.Researchers atCambridgeBrain Sciencesfoundstudy participantswhoplayed non-cognitive-training videogameswere associatedwithbetter performanceinseveral cognitivedomains,but onlyforyounger(age

18to64)participants.

Cognitivetraining games,ontheother hand,werenotassociatedwithanycognitive improvement. Staysociallyengaged Accordingtoa studypublishedinthe journalExperimental AgingResearch,seniors whohavehighlevelsof socialengagementalso havebettercognitive

function.Getting togetherwithfriends, participatinginaclub, attendingreligiousstudies,andanyotheractivitythatgetsyououtwith otherpeoplecanhelp withcognitivefunction.

Eatahealthydiet Eatingadiverse arrayofhealthyfoods isbeneficial.Nutritious dietscanhelpreduce theriskforillnesses

thatmayaffectcognitiveability.Eatingwell alsohelpskeepthe brainhealthy.AMediterraneandietappears tolowertheriskor slowtheprogressionof dementiainpeoplewho havethecondition.

Gethelpforsleep

disorders

Lackofsleepcan affectmemoryand learning.Bygettinghelp

forsleepdisorders,you mayreduceyourriskfor cognitiveissues.

Whileitisnot possibletopreventor curecognitiveconditionslikedementiawith lifestylechanges,certain behaviorscanlowerthe riskofdevelopingthese illnessesorreducetheir severity.

Contentprovidedby BayAreaNewsGroup

5waystoshowseniorstheyareappreciated

Seniorcitizensaccount forasignificantpercentageoftheoverallpopulation.Estimatesfrom theU.S.CensusBureau releasedin2020indicate thenation’s65-and-older populationhadgrownby morethanone-thirdover theprecedingdecade. By2050,thenumberof seniorcitizensisexpected tobecloseto90million.

Peopleareliving longerthanever,and asindividualsage,the

demandforsenior servicescontinuesto grow—asdoesthe needtobepatientand respecttheelderly. Therearemanyways toshowseniorsjust howmuchthey’re appreciated.

1.Helpwith chores. Lendahand withchoresaround thehousethatmay havegrowndifficult forseniors.Thiscan includemowingthe

lawn,weedinggarden beds,rakingleavesor eventakingthegarbage cansinandouton collectiondays.

2.Visitmoreoften. Frequentvisitsareone ofthesimplestwaysto showseniorsyoucare. Whetherseniorslive inaprivatehomeor managedcarefacility, visitorsbrightentheir days,especiallyifthey nolongergetoutand aboutasfrequentlyas

theyoncedid.Spending timetogetherandsharingstoriescanbring smilestothefacesof olderadults.

3.Planactivitieswithseniorsin mind. Whenorganizingpartiesandspecial events,considerthe needsofseniorsonthe guestlist.Addmusic fromtheireratoplaylistsorDJrequests.Seat seniorswithmobility issuesnearexitsand

restrooms.Makesure toarrangeforphotos withtheguestofhonor tokeepfamilyhistory alive.

4.Thankseniors. Findanyreasontothank asenior.Perhapssomeoneservedinthemilitaryorvolunteeredtheir timewithchildren.Celebrateaccomplishments bigandsmallwitha simple“thankyou.”

5.Prepareameal. Inviteaspecialsenior

overforahome-cooked mealwiththefamily. Makeitaregularoccurrenceonthecalendar.If heorshecannotgetout easily,bringahotmeal overtohisorherplace, instead.

Simplegesturesof gratitudeandappreciationcanbrightena senior’sdayandletthat personknowheorshe hasnotbeenforgotten.

Contentprovidedby BayAreaNewsGroup

There’sFull,ActiveandTurnkeyLiving atMillVillainCalifornia’sGoldCountry

Peopleages55+ wholoveanactivelifestyle,timeoutdoors andlow-maintenance homeownershipare discoveringanideal lifestyleatMillVilla EstatesintheSierra Foothills.Andwith pricesfromthelow $200thousands, owningabrand-new homeinaprimeCalifornialocationcouldn’t lookbetter.

Locatedbetween SonoraandHistoric Jamestown,MillVilla isjustafewminutes fromshopping,dining, thewinecountryand outdooradventure. Withinminutesof home,homeowners cantakeinTuolumne County’swatersports, hiking,backpacking, skiingandmore.

“Salesbeganearlier thisyearandwehave 35brand-newhomes andsites,manyof whichhavegorgeous views,”saysGia Andreos,HomeSales DirectorforInternationalPropertyGroup (IPG),whichownsand operatesMillVilla.

“Ourspacious, newtwo-andthreebedroomhomesare wellappointed,”she adds.“Theyinclude avarietyofupgrades suchasfullappliance packages,cabinetry, flooring.Andtheyhave frontandrearporches forenjoyingtheviews.”

Thetranquil communityoffersstunningvistasandthe homesitesprovidethe perfectbalanceofgood

privacyandasenseof community.

Theadvantagesof thebrand-newmanufacturedhomesat MillVilladon’tstop attheexcellentprice. Fromincredibleenergy efficiencytocustom option,lowmaintenanceandcomfort, amovetoMillVilla makesaterrificlifestyleupgrade.

Rightathome,the amenitiesatMillVilla featureabeautiful poolandspa;atwolevelclubhousewith wraparoundbalconies, largepatiosforbarbecuing,twoshared kitchensalibraryand commonrooms.Stroll orjogpastthewellmanicuredgardens; playshuffleboard, horseshoes;takea wateraerobicsclass; enjoybilliardsand tabletennis;orgather attheterraces,poolor patios.

“Ourresidentsalso havethebenefitof reservingourclubhouseatnoadditional costfortheirown privateevents,”says Andreos.“Theyget accesstothelarge spacewithtablesand chairsplususeofafull kitchen,”

Inaddition,the homeownersandthe HOAatMillVilla organizeseveral ongoingfitnessand socialactivities. Theseincludefitness classes,walkingclubs, ice-creamsocials, communitybarbeques andmore.TheHOA

alsoplansdaytrips andoutingstonearby attractions.

Homeownersalso enjoythefabulous proximitytoTahoe, Sacramentoandthe BayArea,andnot tomentionthelocal outdoorfare,along withgreatdining choices,shopping,and casinos.MillVillais

lessthananhourfrom PinecrestLake,Dodge RidgeMountainResort andevenYosemite NationalPark.Amere 30minutesfromthe community,residents enjoydaytripsto wineriesandtasting rooms,stateparksand severalquaint,historic downtownsofNorthernCalifornia.

“ThebeautyofMill Villaisthatishas somethingtooffer everyonewhowantsto purchaseahomeata 55+communityinthe SierraFoothills,”says Andreos.“There’sareal senseofprideamong ourhomeowners;they lovetheirhomesand arethrilledtolivein Jamestown.”

Learnmoreabout MillVillaathttps:// millvillaipgliving.com/ andscheduleatourwith onsitesalesassociate, NathanCouch.Besure toaskaboutthescheduleofregularbuyer incentivesandspecials asplantomoveyourlife totheGoldCountry. Contentprovidedby CameronSullivan

It’snevertooearly tostartplanningfor thehappiesttimeofthe year,andourbackyard oasisonthePeninsula isgettingreadyforthe holidayseason!Each yearduringHolidaysat Filoli,thishistoricestate glittersandglowswith over25milesworth oflightsstrunginthe garden,everyinchof theirhistoricmansion festoonedinholiday cheer,anduniqueexperienceseverydayand night.ThismonthFiloli islaunchingticketssales forthe2023season whichwillrunfromNov. 19,2023-Jan.7,2024

“Gatheringwithloved onestocelebratethe seasonofpeace,love,and lightiswhatHolidaysat Filoliisallabout,”says CEOKaraNewport.“No matterwhatthecultural tradition,itisashared experiencetomake memorieswithfriends andfamilythistimeof year.Thisseasonhas somethingforeveryone, andwelookforward tocelebratingthemost joyfultimeofyearwith ourvisitorsonceagain.”

Filoli’s2023holiday happeningswillinclude areturnofthesuper popularSantaDaysin December,FloraParties tocreateyourownbeautifully-botanicalholiday wreath,andthealways magicaldisplaysoflights anddecorintheHouse andGarden.

IntheGarden,spectacularlightdisplays drawtensofthousands

eachyear.“I’mmost excitedaboutthenew editiontoourspectaculardisplay—thelight tunnel.”SaysFormal GardenManagerHaley O’Connor.“Wedrew inspirationfromLongwoodGardensforthis dazzlingandimmersive element.”Fromthere, Filoli’sholidayvisitorwill begreetedbyatwinkling wonderland,whereluminousexhibitsofwarm fuchsia,gold,andcrystal takeinspirationfromthe surroundinglandscape anditsnaturalelements.

Nestledintheluminouslandscape,the WoodlandCourtbeckons withmulledwine,hot cider,coffee,andcracklingfirepits.Thisperfect spottowarmupinthe winterchillisframedby glowinglightsandfestive decor,wheregroupsof friendsandfamilycan befoundsnuggledclose. Privatefirepitsarealso availableforadvance reservationeverynight.

Themagicdoesn’t stopoutdoors;Filoli’s historicHouseisdecked outindivinedecor withovertwenty-two Christmastreesand thousandsofornaments. Soundsandscentsbring theseasontolife,like freshbakedcookiesand vanillaintheKitchen andthejoyoussoundsof aNewYearsEvepartyin theDiningRoom.

Learnmoreandplan yourvisitatfiloli.org/ holidays.

Contentprovidedby Filoli

Travelopportunities forretirees

Retirementprovides individualswithample timetoengageinactivitiestheyenjoy.Many seniorsspendthat newfoundfreetime relaxingandseeingthe sights.

Seniorsareatravelfriendlydemographic. TheWorldTourism Organizationsaysthat, in1999,morethan593 millioninternational travelerswere60years andolder.Seniors areprojectedtotake 2billiontripsannuallyby2050.AsBaby BoomersandGenerationXerscontinueto retire,alargerportion oftheoverallpopulationwillhavetimeto travel.

Whenseniorsplan trips,theyhavemany waystogetaroundin style. Cruising Cruisingcanbeanideal wayforolderadults totravel.Cruiseships departfromportsacross theworldandtravelerscanchoosefrom anarrayofitineraries.

Peoplecantravelon cruisesthatareatsea forasfewasthreedays toothersthatareoutfor weeksatatime.

Onereasonseniors enjoycruisingisbecause it’sall-inclusivewith littleextraplanning required.Stepaboarda cruiseshipandenjoya floatinghotelcomplete withfood,lodging, entertainment,shopping,gamblingand muchmore.Organized excursionsatportsof callcanaddtothethrill ofcruising.

Guidedtours

Escortedtours areanotheroption seniorsmaywantto consider.Byworking withreputabletour operators,seniorscan engageinaffordable, safeandcomfortable toursviabus,trainor othermodesoftravel. Tourcompaniestake theworkoutofthe tripsbyhandlingthe detailsandshowcasing thebestlocales.Tour expertsknowwhento schedulemealsand sightseeingtoavoid thecrowdssothat everyonecansitback andrelaxontheir adventures.

RVexcursions

Travelbyrecreationalvehicleisa greatwayforindividualswithtimeontheir handstoseethesights upcloseandpersonal. WhenRVing,thetime spenttravelingisthe adventureandthe destinationissimply thecherryontop.

TheRVindustry explodedduringthe pandemicbecauseit providedasafewayto enjoyavacationand getawayfromhome.

MARVACMichigan RV&Campgrounds sayscurrentlymore than9millionhouseholdsownanRVinthe UnitedStates.There’s noagelimittobuying anRV,althoughtheRV IndustryAssociation saystheaverageowner is48andmarried.

RV-friendlycampsites andparksenabletravelerstominglewith eachother,providing

affordableandfun waystotravel.

Timeshares

Seniorswhogot inonthetimeshare bandwagonearlyin lifecanchoosetoenjoy theirtravelyearseven further.Thetimeshare modelenablesbuyers topurchasetherightto useparticularhomes, condos,hotelrooms, resortsorotheraccommodationsforspecific periodsoftime.For example,sometimeshareagreementsare foroneweekeach yearinadesignated location.Seniorswith moretimeontheir handsmaywantto revisittimeshareagreementstoincreasethe frequencyinwhich theycanuseproperties ortofindtimeshare companiesthatenable swappingproperties withotherssothat differentlocalescanbe enjoyed.

Visitingfamily Retireesmayaspire tospendmoretime withfamilymembers whodonotlivenearby. Familiesmaywant toconsidermotherdaughterresidencesor propertieswithsmall guesthousessothat seniorscanstayin theresidenceswhen visitingbuthavesome privacyatthesame time.

Seniorshavemany traveloptions,and retirementistheideal timetogetoutand enjoytimeawayfrom home.

Contentprovidedby BayAreaNewsGroup

I’veretired.HowdoIbreakintoconsulting?

Manyolderadults

choosetotradeinthe regularhoursof9to 5whentheyretire todelveintoamuch morepersonallyguided passion:consulting.

Generallyspeaking, consultingisaterm looselygiventoprovidingbusinessadviceand sharingexpertisewithoutworkingdirectlyfor acompany.Consultants lendtheirknowledge andflairforproblemsolvingtoguidecompaniesontopicssuchas marketing,operational improvementandeven staffing,accordingto MyConsultingOffer.

Consultantsdonotoften workforthecompany theyareassistingbut maybebroughtinon acontractualbasisfor asetperiodoftime.

Moneymagazineadvises thatconsultantstypicallycanearnmoreper hourasconsultantsthan theywouldiftheywere actualstaffmemberson payroll.

Consultingmay attractseniorsconsideringretirementbecause oftheflexibilityit provides.Retirees unsureabouthowtoget startedinthefieldof consultingcanconsider thisrundownofwhat ittakestopursuethis option.

Knowledgeofkey

concepts

Consultantsprovide guidanceinanynumber ofareas,butskillsin thesedisciplinesare highlydesirable:

•Dataanalysis

•Projectmanagement

•Management

•Reporting

•Ethics

•Humanresources/ hiring

•Financeandeconomics

•Publicrelationsand marketing.

Workyournetwork

Gettingstartedin consultingmayjustbe amatterofpickingup whereyouleftoff.Reach outtopastemployers whobenefittedfrom yourworktoseeif theymaybeinneedof

consultingservices.Even iftherearen’tanyopportunitiesthere,former employersmayputyou intouchwithotherbusinesseswhoareinneed ofyourservices.

Alsospeakwith friends,neighborsand otheracquaintancesto seeiftheymaybeableto helpyoufindtheright consultingopportunity.

Getcertified Whilecertificationandextensive

education,including master’sdegrees,may notbeneededtoget intoconsulting,they certainlycansetyou apartfromothers. Exploreindustryspecificcertification, certifiedmanagement consultingcertification orprojectmanagement consultingcertificationtorefreshyour skills.Thesecertificationsalsomayshow employersthatyou

arecommittedto consulting.

Polishupyourresume

Consultantsare billedasexpertsin theirfieldsorareasof concentration.Make sureyourresumepoints toconcreteexamplesof positiveclientoutcomes anduseittoemphasize yourpriorsuccesses.

Expecttobea problem-solver Consultingrequires figuringoutwhatis

missingandfilling thatvoid.Thatmeans stayingontopofyour industryanddeterminingwhichsolutionswill fixspecificproblems theindustrymaybe facing.

Consultingmay bethenextpathfor retireeswhoarelookingforaflexibleway togetbackintothe workforce.

Contentprovidedby BayAreaNewsGroup

Activelyimproving onahealthylifestyle beginswithadecision.All decisionsaredrivenby choices.Luminescenceat Liberty,inbeautifulRio Vista,California,offers manychoicestolivea healthylifestyle.

“Luminescenceat Libertyisa55+communitywithterrificamenitiesforhealthyliving,” saysBrigitteNowinski marketingmanagerfor DeNovaHomes,headquarteredinConcord, CA.“Theneighborhood takesadvantageofits positionrightnearthe Deltaandthereare somanythingstodo withinthecommunityor nearby.”

State-of-theart constructionofthehomes atLuminescencegoes aboveandbeyondthe CaliforniaBuildingCode requirementsforclean air,temperaturecontrol andenergyefficiency.

“Ourbuyersappreciatethefactthatthey likehowweworkwith thembeforeandduring construction,”adds Nowinski.Shenotes thateachnewreleaseat Luminescencefeatures uptofourhomesper releaseandthateach homeisbuiltwiththe buyer’sdirectinput.

“Welikesellingthe homesbeforethefoundationispoured,”shesays. “Forinstance,ifthebuyer wantsthepatiooption, wecandoitfromthe start;theycanpickand chooseeverythingthey wantintheirhometosuit theirlifestyle.”

Becauseconstructiondoesn’tstartuntil afterbuyerschoosetheir lotsandhomeplans,the experienceisalmostlike buildingacustomhome. DeNovahasjustreleased anotherphaseofhomes withtheexpectationof completingconstruction byeithertheendofthe yearorearly2024.

Thisnewreleasecoincidesthismonthwitha specialLifestyle&Lunch tourfrom11am—2pm, Saturday,August19. RSVPforopen-houseof themodelhomesandthe communityamenities.

Withsomuchtodo, fromthepoolandthe clubstoclassesanda calendarofeventsatthe LibertyRanchHouse, peoplefeelmotivatedto getout,besocial,andstay active.

Theclubhousehasa pool,afitnesscenterwith groupclasses,acommunitygarden,boccecourts andgatheringspaces.The RanchHousehasamultipurposeroom,acafé, conferencerooms,abusinesscenterforremote workandwinelockersfor temperature-controlled winestorage.

Thecommunityis fulloflife,withnew friendsandneighbors spendingtimetogether andgroupsforwalking,jogging,orenjoying otherinterests.Those wholovedogsquickly strikeupfriendships withneighborswalking theneighborhoodtrails severaltimesaday.

Onehomeowner recentlyravedaboutthe experienceofbuying andbuildingatLuminescenceatLibertywith DeNovaHome,saying thatwithintwomonths ofmovingin,theyhad

alreadyrecommended theirfriendslearnabout this“resort-style,quiet, secureandnice”place tolive.

Anothernewhomeownertoldthestaff atLuminescencethat buyinginthisfamilyfriendlycommunityis thebestdecisionsheever made.Thatnewresident echoedNowinski’spoints onDeNova’sattentionto detailinhomeconstructionatLuminescence.

“Mynewhome exceedsmyexpectations oncost,comfortand modernconveniences,”

thehomeownerstates. There’s“afeelingof livingataluxuryresort. Ihaveaffectionately dubbedittheRitzCarltonofRioVista.”

TheLuminescence officeisat2209Stripes GleninRioVista.Visit thesalesofficetoday andtourour4models. Opensevendaysaweek from10a.m.to6p.m. Findoutmoreat Denovahomes.com orcallourOn-Line Conciergeat(925) 255-1808.

Contentprovidedby CameronSullivan

RanchHousehasamultipurposeroom,acafé,artstudio,abusinesscenterforremoteworkandwinelockersfortemperature-controlledwinestorage.

MAKEPLANSTODELAYRETIREMENT

Howtoplan forapost-50careerchange

Professionalschange careersformany reasons.Somedoso inpursuitofahigher salary,whileothersseek amoreevenbalance betweentheirpersonal andprofessionallives.

Careerchangescan renewaperson’spassion forworking,whichcan growstaleforindividualswhohavebeendoing thesamejobforyearson end.Thoughthere’snot necessarilyabadtime tochangecareers,there aretimeswhenmaking suchatransitioncarries morerisk.Suchisthe caseforindividualsover 50.Manyindividuals over50maynothave thefinancialobligations theyhadwhentheywere younger,aschildren mayhavegrownupand movedoutofthehouse. Thatcanmakechanging careersafter50more palatable.However, someindividualsintheir 50smaybehesitant toleavethesecurityof anestablishedcareer behindinfavorofsomethingnew.Hesitance aboutjobprospectsafter 50alsocanmakesome lesslikelytotakethe plungeintoanewcareer.

Thoughhesitancy aboutacareerchange after50isunderstandable,arecentsurvey fromtheAmerican InstituteforEconomic Researchfoundthat 82%ofworkerswho respondedtothesurvey wereabletosuccessfullytransitiontoanew careerafterage45.In addition,projections fromtheU.S.Bureau

ofLaborStatisticsestimatedthatlaborforce participationamong individualsaged65and overwouldincrease significantlyby2022, nearlydoublingtherate ofparticipationin1990. Thosefiguressuggest thatamidlifecareer changeisnotnecessarily thesamethingasalatecareercareerchange. Thatshouldgiveprofessionalstheconfidence theyneedtosuccessfullytransitiontoanew career.

Individualsmulling acareerchangeafter50 alsocantakethesesteps

tomakesuchatransitionlessrisky.

•Paydownasmuch debtaspossible. Financialfreedomcanbean allyforindividuals50 andoverwhowantto changecareers.Career changesoftenrequirea paycut,soindividuals whocanpayofftheir mortgages,consumer debtsand/orauto loanspriortomaking acareerchangemay findthetransitiontoa lowerincomegoesmore smoothlythanitmight ifthey’restillcarrying suchsizablefinancial commitments.

•Makeplansto delayretirement. As BLSdataindicates, individualswhowant todelayretirement certainlywon’tbealone. Delayingretirement affordsindividuals moretimetosave,and afinancialadvisercan helpadultsover50come upwithanewretirementplanthatreflects theirwillingnessto worklonger.Delaying retirementalsomeans delayingwithdrawals fromretirementsavings accounts,whichcan providepeaceofmind againstalossofincome

resultingfromacareer change.

•Downsizeyour lifestyle. Evenapost50careerchangethat willrequireasignificant dropinincomecanbe doableforprofessionals whodownsizetheirlifestyles.Emptynesterscan considermovingintoa smallerhome,whiletravelerscancutbackonthe numberoftripstheytake eachyear.Cutbackswon’t necessarilybeeasy,but theycanbeworthitfor individualslookingfor newcareerchallenges.

•Gobacktoschool. Muchlikeyoungpeople

INCORPORATESTRENGTHTRAININGINTOWEEKLYROUTINE

gotocollegebefore enteringtheprofessionalarena,adultsover 50whowanttochange careersmayneedtogo backtoschooltoimprove theircareerprospects. Remotelearningand part-timeschooling canmakejugglinga careerandschoolmore manageable.

Asuccessfulcareer changeafter50is entirelypossibleforindividualswillingtomake somesacrificestobe happierintheirprofessionallives.

Contentprovidedby BayAreaNewsGroup

Howagingadultscanmaintainahealthyweight

Calorie-countingand watchingone’sweight isoftenseenasayoung person’sgame.Buteven agingmenandwomen shouldrecognizethe importanceofmaintainingahealthyweight. Olderadultsmayexperienceweightgainor unintentionalweight loss.Understanding howtoaddresseach inhealthywaysis important.

Weightlosstips

Morethantwo-thirds ofAmericans,includingadultsage65and older,areoverweight andobese,according toU.S.News&World Report.Acombination offactorscancontributetoweightgainin olderadults,including aslowermetabolism andatendencytobe moresedentarywith age.Emptynestersalso maybelesslikelyto cooktheirownmeals, relyingonconvenience foods—someofwhich maybehighinfatand/ orcalories.

Sustainedhealthy weightatanyageis linkedtoimproved hearthealth,mental healthbenefitslike increasedself-confidence,healthyjoints, andmuchmore.These tipscanhelpaging individualsmaintain healthyweights.

•Incorporate strengthorresistancetraininginto yourweeklyroutine.

Hormoneproduction slowsdownasthebody ages,andthatmay resultinalossofmuscle

mass.Liftingweightsor engaginginresistance trainingwithelastic bandsorbodyweight canrestoremuscletone andspeedupmetabolism.Adultsshouldaim forstrengthtraining twiceaweek.

•Monitorsugar andstarchintake. Manyolderadultshave elevatedbloodsugar levelsduetoinsulinresistance.When cellsbecomeresistant toinsulin,glucose doesn’tgetusedupand

remainsintheblood. Eventuallythiscan leadtopre-diabetes, metabolicsyndrome andtype2diabetes. Manypeoplewiththese conditionshaveahard timelosingweight. Avoidingaddedsugars andextracarbohydrates couldhelp.

•Practiceportion control. A60-year-old can’teatthesameway heorshedidatage30 or40.Nutritionistssay that,witheverydecade thatpasses,people

generallyneedabout 100fewercaloriesa daytomaintaintheir weights.Cuttingcalories slowlyandsteadilyhelps peoplemaintainhealthy weights,especiallywhen theycouplethiswith exercise.

Avoidingmalnutrition

Malnutritionisa commoncomponentin unintentionalweight lossinagingpopulations.Reductionin sensesofsmelland taste,smallerappetites andlackofdesireto

makemealscancontributetomalnutritionand weightloss.Underlying healthproblemsalso mayleadtounwanted andunhealthyweight loss.Trackingweight lossandgettingsufficientnutrientsisvital toagingadults’overall health.

A2014study publishedintheAmericanJournalofClinical Nutritionfoundthat havingabodymass indexatthelowerend oftherecommendedage

foradultsincreasedrisk formortalitymoreso thanbeingoverweight. IndividualswhoseBMI islessthan23couldbe puttingthemselvesin jeopardy.

Olderadultsneed toadjusttheirroutines astheyageinorder tomaintainhealthy weights.Suchadjustmentscanreduce seniors’riskfordisease andimprovetheirqualityoflife.

Contentprovidedby BayAreaNewsGroup

Peoplewhomove toTheLodgeatGlen Covechoosealifestyleof activitiestofillthesoul, justashortstrollfrom thewaterfrontGlen CoveMarina.

Here,community membersgettheactive andindependentliving theycrave.Theyand theirlovedonesalso gainpeaceofmindfrom healthylivingamenitiesandtieredsupport programs,saysColleen Berumen,directorof residentialdevelopment forTheLodge.

Ofthe141,twobedroom,one-bedroom andstudiofloorplans atTheLodge,101are dedicatedtoindependentlivingorassisted living.Theremaining 40unitsareavailable topersonsthatarein needofmemorycare services.

Activityandengagementarecentraltolife atTheLodge.

“Withalltheactivitieswehave,it’slikea cruiseshiponland!” saysBerumen.“Each residenthasopportunitiestogetfullyengaged inactivities,dining, socialevents,exercise andotherenrichment,” saysBerumen.

“Ourrestaurantstylediningexperience getsravereviewsfor itseclecticmenu,”says Berumen. “Weservebreakfast, lunchanddinnerdaily withspecialsforlunch anddinnereveryday.”

Eachitemonthe wide-rangingmenu

ispreparedtoorder. Offeringsincludeallthe basicspluseverytype ofmeatandfishplus vegetarianandspecial dietoptions.

“Andeveryonehere getstoknowandlove ouractivitiesdirector. Shekeepstheminformed andmakessurethey’re asinvolvedastheycanor wanttobe.”

Thecalendarofactivitiesandeventsincludes dailyexerciseprograms suchasdancing,boxing, resistancebandstrength training,yogaclassand outdoorwalks.

“Staffmembers attendthedailywalk downtotheGlenCove Marinaandback,”says Berumen.“Depending onthegroup,they’ll sometimeswalkupthe hill.Andoftentimes, people’sguestsorfamily memberscomealongas well.”

Scheduledexcursions thatextendbeyondthe campusofTheLodge featuretripstolocal casinos,parks,museums andrestaurants.Within walkingdistanceora shortdrive,residents enjoyparks,shopping

andlocaldining.Residentsandfamiliesalso feelassuredbyhaving severalstate-of-thearthospitalswithin10 miles.

Meanwhile,for routinewellness,The Lodgehasanonsite examroomforbasic dental,medicaland personalmassage appointments.There’s evenaprofessionalsalon onsite.Peoplecantake advantageofscheduledtransportationfor offsiteshopping,medical appointmentsandother outings.

Otherdailyactivities includeresident-ledbingo, pokerandhappyhour events.Everyotherweek, thestaffleadscafécraft activitiesincludingjewelry making,wreathmaking, watercolorpaintingand more.Andanonsite libraryhasperiodicals andothermaterialsfor researchingandexploring personalareasofinterest.

TheLodgeatGlen Coveisdottedwithseveral communityloungeand recreationsareasforresidentsandgueststogather, relax,read,watchmovies, playgamesandsocialize.

Residentsparticularly enjoythecalendarof eventsthatisregularly postedforthemtosignup andjoinin.

Serenelyinsulated yetjustminutesfromall oflife’snecessities,the picturesqueCalifornia DeltasettingofThe Lodgeevokestranquility.Fromthoughtfulstaff membersandstunning viewstofriendlyresidentsandactivitiesthat generatehappiness,The Lodgeisawelcoming placetoliveandtovisit.

Contentprovidedby CameronSullivan

Strengthtraining forseniorsweight

Abalanceddietand exercise,whichincludes acombinationofaerobic activitiesandstrength training,isnecessary tomaintainlong-term health.

Accordingtothe CentersforDisease ControlandPrevention, regularphysicalactivityisoneofthemost importantthingsolder adultscandotoprotect theiroverallhealth. Exercisehelpstodelay orpreventmanyofthe conditionsthatcome withage.Adultsages65 andoldershouldaim

fortherecommended 150minutesaweek ofmoderate-intensity activity,suchasbrisk walking,andatleasttwo daysofactivitiesthat strengthenmuscles.

Whenitcomesto musclestrengthening,seniorscanfollow thesesafetyguidelines astheyembarkon theirstrength-training journeys.

•Speakwitha healthcareprovider first. Getthegreen lighttoproceedwithan exerciseregimenbefore beginningbyhavinga

discussionwithyour generalpractitioner aboutyourfitnessgoals. Yourdoctorcanrecommendstrategiesthat aresafeandpointout anyexercisesthatmay compromiseyouroverall health.

•Masterbasic exercisesfirst. Anyone newtostrengthtraining,whichissometimes knownasresistance training,canstartout slowly,evenusingjust bodyweight,toprovide resistance.Resistance exercisescaninclude squats,crunches,

modifiedpushups, planksandlunges.

•Graduatetoresistancebands. When you’rereadytomove ontosomethingelse, considerresistance bandsasanalternativetofreeweights. Thebandscanhelp youdevelopgoodform beforeintroducing weight.Goodformiskey toavoidinginjury.

•Workwitha trainer. Workingwith acertifiedpersonal trainercanhelpyoulearn howtousefreeweights andstrength-training

machinescorrectly.A traineralsocancreate aroutinethatincludes therightnumberof setsandrepetitionsto graduallybuildand maintainmusclemass. Ifyoudecideagainst hiringatrainer,gymstaff membersmayguideyou throughequipmentand demonstrateproperform.

•Exercisewitha friend. Strengthtraining withafriendorfamily membercanprovidemotivationandkeepyouon targettomeetyourgoals.

•Buildupgradually. Yourfirststrengthsession

shouldonlylast10to15 minutes,accordingto TiffanyChag,astrength coachattheHospitalfor SpecialSurgeryinNew York.Thisenablesyouto gaugesoreness.Waituntil sorenessabatesbefore beginningyournext sessionifyouarenewto strengthtraining.

Strengthexercises areavitalpartofmaintaininghealthasa senior.Suchexercises helpmaintainmuscle massandalsoimprove balanceandbonehealth.

Contentprovidedby BayAreaNewsGroup

BraininLawOff ice:Enhancing LivesandSecuringFutures

“Weseeitalltoo often:afamilyfacinga dilemmathatmanycould relateto—thechallenge ofplanningforthefuture whentheirchildrendon’t getalong,”saidGary Brainin,“andtheyoften struggletodecideonwho willmanageeverything ifsomethinghappens tothem.It’sacommon problemthatleaves clientsparalyzedwith planningandunsureof howtoensuretheirfamily’slegacyandprotect theirlovedones.”

BraininLawOffice meetsthesedilemmas withcompassionand understanding.Ledby AttorneyGaryBrainin, thisinnovativefirmgoes beyondofferinglegal services;theyprovide reassuranceandalifelongpartnership.“Inthis situation,”saysBrainin, “clientsoftenaren’t awareofalltheoptions theyhave,including professionaltrusteeswe canrecommend.Often that’sallittakestoget pastthatlogjam.”

EstatePlanningisat thecoreoftheirexpertise.Buttheirservices donotstopatsimply creatingdocuments; theyinvesttimeintruly understandingeach client’suniquecircumstancesandaspirations.Theirphilosophy revolvesaroundbuilding lifelongrelationships basedontransparency, opencommunication, andclearfeestructures.

Astheseniorpopulationgrows,Brainin

LawOfficehastakenon themissionofhelping clientsnavigatethelegal complexitiesthatcome withaging.Theywalk sidebysidewiththeir clientstoaddressretirementconcerns,plan forlong-termcare,and protectindependence anddignity.

Onekeyaspectthat setsthislawfirmapart istheirdedicationto education.Empowering clientswithknowledge isparamount.This commitmentextends beyondtheirimmediate clientbaseandintothe communitythroughfree educationalevents.

Lifeisever-changing, andtheystayaheadof legaldevelopments, seekingwaystoprovide clientswithlegal,financial,andtaxbenefits.

ChoosingBrainin LawOfficemeansmore thanjustreceivinglegal services;itmeansgainingpeaceofmind—an invaluableasset.The firm’sgoalistoprotect clients’futuresandlegacies,ensuringtheirplans workexactlyasintended

whenneededmost.

Theyaimtobetrusted advisors,guidingclients inmakingthebest personal,legal,financial, andbusinessdecisions. Knownfortheirinnovativeandcreativesolutionstailoredtoeach client’suniqueneeds,they provideablueprintto addresstoday’sconcerns whilesecuringtomorrow’speaceofmind.

Asyoujourney throughlife’stransitions, knowthatthisteamis heretosupportyou, everystepoftheway. Yourfamily’slegacyand theprotectionofyour lovedonesareatthe heartoftheirpractice. Welcometoaworldof compassionatelegalsolutionsandaplacewhere yourpeaceofmind mattersmost.

Todiscovermore abouthowtheycanhelp yousecureyourfuture andprotectyourlegacy, contactthemtodayat (408)889-1290,Brainin Law.comoremailthem athelp@braininlaw.com

Contentprovidedby BraininLawOffice

PROBATE COSTS AND DELAYS: Avoid potential delays of 9 months to 1 year or more Eliminate

Datinglaterinlifeoftenbeginsincyberspace

Peopleareliving longer,arealitythatcan betracedtoanumber offactors,including advancementsinmedicine andgreaterdissemination ofinformationregarding preventivehealthcare. Accordingtodatafrom theUnitedNationsPopulationDivision,theaveragelifeexpectancyinthe UnitedStatesis81.65for womenand76.61formen. Canadahasevenhigher lifeexpectancies,at84.74 forwomenand81.15for men. Aspeoplelivelonger, somemayoutlive

theirsignificantothers andultimatelyfind themselvesonceagain interestedinsharingexperienceswitha specialsomeone.Seniors readytore-enterthe datingpoolmayfindthat thingsarequitedifferent fromwhattheyexperiencedasnaiveteenagers oryoungadults.Dating usedtobeabouthangingoutwithfriendsand meetingpeopleatshared events,suchasschool dancesorworkparties orevenwhileenjoying anightoutwithfriends. Nowadays,datingoften

beginsincyberspace. Thiscanbeconfusing andanxiety-inducingfor adultswhodidn’tgrow upwithtechnologyguidingtheireverymove.

Accordingtoa reportinTheAtlantic, morethanone-thirdof babyboomersarenot currentlymarried,and thisgenerationhashad higherratesofseparationanddivorceand lowerratesofmarriage thanthegenerationsthat precededthem.Many boomershaveyears aheadofthemtodevote tonewrelationships.

Here’swhattheymay wanttoknowbefore navigating21stcentury datingwaters.

•You’renotinthis alone. Whileonline datingmaybeportrayed asayoungperson’sgame, plentyofolderadults arenowfindingconnectionsonline.Infact, manydifferentdating appsaregearedtoward theseniorset,including SeniorMatch,eHarmony, Singles50,OKCupidand SilverSingles,among others.

•Youhavemoretime forfun. Asasenior,you

mayhavemoretimeto devotetorecreationand leisure.Thiscanbea greatopportunitytoget outandmeetsomeone whosharesyourpassions andinterests.

•Onlinedatinghas itsadvantages. While onlinedatingappsand websitesmayhavecertain thingsworkingagainst them,particularlyiftheir algorithmsforpairing peoplearenotfine-tuned, theyalsocanbehelpful.

Onlinedatingcanexpand socialcirclesbeyond localneighborhoodsor evenstates,provincesor

SIMPLEWAYSTOIMPROVECOMMUNICATIONWITHHEARINGLOSS

countries.You’recastingyournetoveramuch largerbodyofwater. Furthermore,datingapp profilestypicallyspell outexactlywhatanother personisseeking,which cansaveseniorsfrom havingtorevisitawkward datingmomentsfrom yearspast.

Seniorsmayhave tonavigatenewwaters inmoderndating.But withagoodmindsetand alittlepersistence,itis possibleforseniorstofind aspecialsomeone.

Contentprovidedby BayAreaNewsGroup

Auralrehabilitation:commoncommunicationstrategies

Avoidsaying“What?” or“Huh?”

Instead,trytomake aspecificclarification request.Ifthespeaker mumbles,askthem topleasespeakmore clearly.Ifthetalker speaksinaquietvoice, politelyaskhimorherto speaklouder.Manytalkerscovertheirmouths whentheyaretalking.

Whenthishappens,tell themyoucanunderstandthembetterifthey wouldnotcovertheir mouths.

Informothersabout yourhearingloss

Yourdifficultyhearingandlikelyyour hearingaidsarenot visibletothepeople youconversewith.They mayforgettospeakina mannerhelpfultoyou.

Onewaytoovercome thisistoexplainthat youarereallyinterested inhearingwhatthey havetosayandthatyou wouldliketouseacue, liketappingyourearor yourmouth,toremind themofthebestways tocommunicatewith you.

Modelgood communication

Speakslowlyand concisely.Resistthe temptationtoshout, whichcanleadto distortedspeechand makeyourwordsmore difficulttounderstand.Pausebetween sentencestoensure whatyouaresayingis understood.Remember, communicationisa two-waystreet.Givethe otherpersonachance tospeak,anddonot interrupt.

Reduceoreliminate backgroundnoise

Backgroundnoise (music,peopletalking, dishesclanking,television)cancreategreater difficultyforpeoplewith hearinglossorhearingaidstounderstand speech.Youmightchoose quieterrestaurants,orask yourplaceofworshipto carpetthesocialhallto reducereverberation;you mightmovetoaquieter

locationtohaveaconversation.Anticipatedifficult listeningsituationsand thinkaboutyourcommunicationstrategy.Your audiologistcanhelpyou withthesestrategies. Faceeachotherwhile talking Tellyourfamily, coworkersandfriends thatyoucommunicate mosteasilyifyoucansee theirface.Thisisactuallytrueforeveryone.

Attentioniskey Itisnotuncommon tomisunderstandwhat someonesaysifyour attentionisonsomething else,likeanemailoraTV show.Geteachother’s attentionbeforespeaking.Remindpeopleto sayyournameortapyou ontheshouldersoyou canbereadytolisten.

Takenotes

Supplementyour conversationbywriting

downimportantinformation.Thismight includejottingdownthe topicyouwillbediscussingbeforehand Ittakestwo Communication takestwopeople.Yes, manypeoplemumble, speaktoofast,cover theirmouthsordrop thevolumeoftheir voicesattheendof sentences.Ifyouare usinghearingaidsand

payingattention,you arefulfillingyourend oftheefforttocommunicateeffectively,and youcanfeelgoodabout that.Keepinmindthat communicationhabits arehardtochange.You mayneedtoremind peopleyouspeakwith regularlythebestways tocommunicatewith you.

Contentprovidedby MarinHearingCenter

Howtomakeacharityabeneficiary

Givingtocharitycan bearewardingendeavor thatmakesadifference inthelivesofpeople inneed.Manypeople donatethroughouttheir lives,andsomepeople maywanttoimparta morelastinglegacyby continuingtosupporta charityevenafterthey havepassedaway.

Incorporatinga charityintoanestate planisagreatwayto continuegivingafter

youpassaway.Individualsmaynotknow howtomakecharities beneficiariesintheir wills.Afinancialplanner,attorneyoraccountantcananswerthe morecomplexquestions individualshaveabout namingcharitiesas beneficiariesinawill. Inthemeantime,this generalguidecanserve asasolidfoundationfor individualswhowantto givebackintheirwills.

Mostpeoplethinkof beneficiariesasloved ones,butabeneficiary canbeanypersonor entityonechoosesto leavemoneyto,includingnonprofitorganizations.It’srelativelythe sameprocesstoname acharityasabeneficiaryasitisanindividual.Accordingtothe resourceTrust&Will, firstidentifythecharity thatwillbesupported, includinggettingits

EmployerIdentification

NumberorTaxpayer IdentificationNumber.

Next,determinewhich typeofgifttomake, whichmaybeapredeterminedfinancial contribution,agift ofproperty,orother assetslikestocks.For largedonationslike realestateorcars,it maybebesttocontact thecharityinadvance toensuretheyareable toacceptsuchgifts.

Finally,besureto includeyourwishesin anestateplan.Aqualifiedattorneycanhelp clientsdraftawillthat spellsouttheirwishes indetail.

Keepinmindthat charitiesalsocanbe namedasbeneficiaries onlifeinsurancepolicies orindividualretirement accounts.Theyalso canbelistedonbank accounts.Again,people areurgedtodiscuss

alloptionswithestate plannerstoensuretheir plansfullyreflecttheir wishes.

Whennamingacharityasabeneficiary,itcan bewisetoinformfamily membersandother beneficiariessonoone iscaughtoffguardupon yourdeath.Thiswaythe charitablegiftisnotheld upbydelaysinexecuting thewill.

Contentprovidedby BayAreaNewsGroup

EnjoyLifeFullyatTheKensington

There’sneverbeen abettertimetoliveat TheKensington.The seniorlivingcommunity isanoasisinWalnut Creek,tuckedaway fromthebustleofthe city,butcloseenough youcouldwalk.Providingassistedlivingand memorycare,lifeatThe Kensingtonofferssomethingforeveryonein anenvironmentwhere residentsthrivesocially andpersonally. Stepinsideand experiencethebeautyof oneofour184spacious one-andtwo-bedroom apartments,each withitsownoutdoor spaceprovidingresidentsamagnificent viewoftheredwood treessurroundingthe

property.Yourcomfort andwell-beingareat theheartofourdesign, ensuringyoufeelat homeandinspiredby yoursurroundings. Weunderstandthe importanceofpreservingyourdignityand independenceasyou age.Ourpersonalizedcareprogramsare thoughtfullycraftedto strikeabalancebetween offeringthesupportyou needandempowering youtocontinueenjoyingyourfriendships, pursuingyourhobbies, andseizingnewopportunities.Ourhealth andwellnessprograms encompasseveryaspect ofyourwell-being, promotingabalanced mind,body,andspirit,

THEKEYISTOBEINCLUSIVE

allowingyoutoleada lifethat’srichinvitality andjoy.

DiningatThe Kensingtonisalways amemorableexperience.Weofferavariety ofvenuestochoose from,andonlyusethe freshestingredients, withourmenusrivalingWalnutCreek’sfinest restaurants.Nomatter whereyoudecideto

eat—theBistro,openconceptdiningroom, ortheshadedpatio— youcanexpectflavorful,healthyoptions thatfityourdietary requirements. AtTheKensington,wearedevotedto makingyourgolden yearstrulygolden.Our compassionateteamis dedicatedtohelping youembraceafulfilling

andjoyfullife,tailored toyourpreferences anddesiressurrounded byallthecomfortsof amodernresort.Our unwaveringcommitmenttoyourwell-being ensuresthatyoureceive thecare,attention,and supportyoudeserve.

DiscoverthedifferenceatTheKensingtonandembarkona newchapterfilledwith

purpose,connection, andcontentment.Join TheKensingtonfamily, whereyoucanlivelife tothefullest—because youdeservenothingbut thebest!Formoreinformation,call925-2483905orvisitourwebsite (https://bit.ly/kisco kensington)toschedule acommunitytour. Contentprovidedby TheKensington

Howtoorganizeasocialclub:thinkof auniquehobby

Theearlystages oftheCOVID-19 pandemictaughtthe worldmanylessons, nottheleastofwhich washoweasyitcan betakesocializingfor granted.Lockdown wasabigpartoflife duringtheearlydays ofthepandemic,as peoplewereforcedto stayhomefromwork andschoolandremain largelyisolated,even fromtheirownfriends andfamilymembers.

Thesenseofisolationthatmanypeople developedduring thoseearlydaysofthe pandemiclikelydidn’t comeasasurprise tomedicalresearchers,particularlythose whohavestudiedthe effectsofisolationon agingpopulations.

TheNationalInstitute onAgingindicates thatsocialisolation andlonelinessare linkedtodepression aswellasahostof othernegativehealth outcomes,including highbloodpressure, heartdisease,obesity, andcognitivedecline.

Socialclubscanbe agreatwayforadults over50toavoidisolationandloneliness. Suchclubscanprovide opportunitiesto connectwithindividualswhosharesimilar interests,layingthe foundationfornew friendshipsthatcan behardtodevelopin midlife.

Perhapsthebest thingaboutsocialclubs isthatanyonecanstart one.Thesetipscanhelp

individualsover50 startsocialclubsthat appealtolocalswho areonthelookoutfor funwaystomeetnew people.

•Thinkofahobby uniquetoyourlocation. Oneofthebest waystoattractother localsistofinda hobbythatcatersto residentsinyourarea. Forexample,coastal residentsmaywant tostartalocalfishing club,whilecitydwellers maydrawmoreinterest

startingaclubfocused onlocalmuseumsor restaurants.

•Takeallcomers. Individualsover50 mayaspiretomeet peopleinsituations similartotheirown, buttheyshouldstill allowanyoneinterestedintheirclubto join.Adultsintheearly stagesofmidlife(i.e., their30sand40s)are oftentoobusywith theirpersonaland professionallivesto makemuchtimefor

socialclubs,soit’slikely thatthoseinterested willbe50orolder.But acceptingallwhoare interestedcanincreases thechancesofstarting adiverseandengaging group.

•Spreadtheword. Meetup(meetup.com) hasbeenfacilitating connectionsfortwo decades,makingita greatplacetostart agroupforpeople withsharedinterests.Inadditionto utilizingaservice

likeMeetup,founderscanspreadthe wordthroughtheir socialmediaappsand createflierstoposton publicboardsatlocal communitycenters andlibraries.

•Findapublic placetogettogether. It’sbesttoavoidhostingclubeventsand meetingsataprivate residence,including yourown.Instead, priortostartingthe club,lookaroundfor meetingplaces,which

canincludelocal churches,librariesor communitycenters. Askaboutreserving spacesformeetings andlookforplaces thatareaccessiblefor allpeople,including thosewithmobility issues.

Startingasocialclub canbeagreatwayfor individualsover50to meetnewpeopleand exploreneworexisting passions.

Contentprovidedby BayAreaNewsGroup

Enhancingyour propertyvaluesand providingmuch-needed housingsolutionsfor familymembersand rentershaveputaccessorydwellingunits (ADU)inthespotlight and,mostrecently,in proposedlegislation.

Lowinventory,high prices,andsoaringinterestrateshavemade Californiansturntothe ADUasacreativesolution.Danville-based PerpetualHomes,one ofthemostsuccessful companiesleadingthe solution,isheretohelp.

Since2019,Perpetual Homesanditsteamof realestate,homebuildingprofessionals,civil engineers,architects,and thefounder’soverfour decadesofexperience havebeencommitted toofferingsustainable turn-keybackyardhomes throughouttheBayArea. Theteammanagesthe projectfromtheinitial siteinspection,permits, andsitepreparation toconstruction,utility connections,sitecleanup, andfinalinspections.

PerpetualHomes

FounderandPresident KatherineAnderson’s visionhasbecomea reality:Creatingfactorybuiltaward-winning designswithecofriendlyandsustainable materials.

Theproposedlegislation(California’sAB 1033)wouldfurther improveandenhance currentADUlaws.On thecoattailofSB9,a statelaweffectiveJanuary1,2022,thatallows theconstructionofup

totwodwellingunitson asingle-familylot,AB 1033,ifpassed,would allowCaliforniacities andcountiestodecide iftheywantresidentsto havetheoptiontosell theirADUsasaseparatepropertyfromtheir primaryresidence.

AccordingtoAssemblymemberPhilTing, thebill’sauthor,“the lackofhomeownership opportunitiesinmost Californiacommunitiesforworkingfamilies iscontributingtothe State’sgrowingpopulationofrentersanddrivingfamiliesoutofstate,” wheretheycanaffordto buyahome.

“Manyneighborhoodshavebecome de-factogatedcommunities,withmedian homepricesof$700K to$1Mkeepingoutall butasmallpercentage ofCaliforniansfrom everdreamingofhome ownership,reducingthe state’spopulationand harmingoureconomy,” hewrites.Headds, “Theabsenceofavailablehomesforpurchase atratesaffordableto moderate-incomeworkingfamiliesbarswealthbuildingandhousing stabilityforCalifornians harmedbyhistoric discriminatoryhousing policies.”

Byrepealingthe currentlawprohibiting theseparateconveyanceofADUs,AB1033 “wouldallowcitiesand countiesthefreedomto pursuehomeownership programsandtocreatea pathtowealth-building forfamilies,”headds.

Uptothispoint,the onlyauthoritytoconvey ADUsseparatelyfrom theirprimaryresidence wasinarelatively narrowsetofcircumstancesforADUsbuilt ordevelopedbyaqualifiednonprofitcorporationwithatenancyin commonagreement.

TheSenateHousing Committeeapproved AB1033atitsJune 20,2023,hearingona voteof8-1.TheSenate GovernanceandFinance Committeeishearing AB1033asthecommitteeofsecondreference thismonth.

Supporters,includingtheCaliforniaState AssociationofCounties, outnumbertheoppositionbymorethan10to1.

Anotherpieceof legislationcurrently underreviewisAB976,

whichseekstopermanentlyeliminateowner occupancyrestrictions forADUsthatpresentlyexistincitiesand counties.Theserestrictions,whichprohibitthe requirementofthepropertyowner’soccupancy toeithertheaccessory dwellingunit(ADU)or theprimaryresidence, aresettoexpiresoon. However,thisnewlaw aimstoremovethese restrictionspermanently.

Builtonexisting properties,theADUs expandthehousing supplyandtendtobe usedaslower-costrentals,whichplayakeyrole inincreasingthehousingsupplyinneighborhoodsacrossCalifornia.

Accordingtoa reportfromUCBerkeley’sTernerCenterfor HousingInnovation,

homeownerscitethe abilitytoofferADUsfor rentasoneofthemain reasonstheybuildthese typesofhomes.

“Rentalincomecan serveasanimportant sourceoffinancialsecurity,”thereportreads, and“sinceADUrent typicallyoffsetsthe costofconstruction, ADUsaremoreaccessibleforlower-income homeowners.”

AB976passedthe StateAssemblylast Maywitha54-0vote.It passedtheSenateHousingCommitteeinJune andnowheadstothe

SenateGovernanceand FinanceCommittee.

TurntoPerpetual Homeswhenconsidering addinganADUtoyour property.Sizesrangefrom a430-square-footmodel withonebedroomandone bathtoa1,200-squarefootmodelwiththree bedroomsandtwobaths.

Takeavirtual tourthroughseveral modelsbyvisiting perpetualhomesadu.com orcallPerpetual Homesat925-3090205formore information.

Contentprovidedby MonicaLander

E N J O Y L I F E F U L LY

Over three decades of experience means senior living that you can depend on. We have a reputation for offering a friendly, family-like setting with a full continuum of senior lifestyle options. We are continually committed to offering quality care, consistent service and the senior living expertise that you and your family deserve.

Life at The Kensington is vibrant, fulfilling and as active or carefree as you desire - the choice is yours. Our community offers Assisted Living and Memory Care in a friendly environment where our residents and associates enjoy being served and serving others Our caring team will customize a lifestyle program that’s unique to your needs, as you continue enjoying your hobbies, making new friends, and discovering new life-enriching opportunities.

Surrounded by mature redwood trees and filled with the comforts of a tranquil resort, our community immediately feels like home, with down to earth, compassionate associates that tailor services to anticipate our residents’ needs. We are located in Walnut Creek, one of the Bay Area’s most desirable communities with its close proximity to shopping, restaurants, arts and culture. Visit The Kensington today to discover the warm surroundings, friendly associates, and compassionate, qualified care for you or your loved one.