Brad Berens, who led the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center for approximately 20 years and became involved in multiple community projects, died Wednesday. He was 74. During his years of social work in the
Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend some good online resources for writing a simple will? I’m 70 and divorced and want to get my affairs organized, but I hate
Dear Savvy Senior, What simple tips can you recommend for making a home age-friendly? My husband and I are in our late-60s and want to remain living in our home
Dear Savvy Senior, Are there any proven strategies to preventing cognitive decline? I have a family history of dementia and worry about my own memory and cognitive abilities as I
By Jack Phillips Contributing Writer Monthly Social Security payments for tens of millions of retired Americans are set to receive a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment increase throughout 2026, the Social Security Administration announced
Dear Savvy Senior, What does Medicare factor into their star rating system? I need to find a new Medicare plan during the open enrollment period and want to get it
By Jack Phillips Contributing Writer A new study has found that America’s seniors are also hard-hit by the ongoing fentanyl crisis. A report issued by the American Society of Anesthesiologists, analyzing federal health data,
Dear Savvy Senior, I’ve read that the Social Security Administration offers a lump-sum payment to new retirees who need some extra cash. I haven’t yet filed for my retirement benefits
By Jack Phillips Contributing Writer The Social Security Administration said Tuesday that it will release its cost-of-living adjustment for next year’s payments and confirmed the ongoing government shutdown won’t impact payments
Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, D-Chatsworth, hosted her third annual Senior Resource Fair at the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center at Bella Vida on Thursday morning. The event featured 30 different vendors
Dear Savvy Senior, My husband and I have been thinking about getting a long-term care insurance policy, but we hate the idea of paying expensive monthly premiums for a policy
For some, art is a way to bring one’s imagination to life, and for others it’s how they channel their emotions and lay it out on a blank canvas. Each
Dear Savvy Senior, With a longtime vaccine critic leading the nation’s health departments, can you give me updated information on which vaccines are recommended for Medicare seniors this fall? —
Dear Savvy Senior, My pet-loving mother has two cats and a dog, but her knee and back problems make caring for them increasingly difficult. Are there pet care products you
Dear Savvy Senior, Does Medicare offer any financial assistance for struggling seniors? My mom lives primarily on her Social Security survivor benefit and is having a hard time paying
Rose Rowsey was born in the midst of the Roaring ’20s. Demonstrating her zest for life, Rowsey, who celebrated her birthday on Saturday at The Break Room in Newhall with
By Jack Phillips Contributing Writer The projected cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security recipients next year will likely be slightly higher than the 2.5% COLA that was implemented for 2025’s payments, according
Despite losing her job during the COVID-19 pandemic, Stevenson Ranch resident Robin Blate found solace in drumming. She believes drumming has numerous health benefits, and she’s now trying to take
Dear Savvy Senior, My 80-year-old father, who lives alone, has fallen several times over the past few months. Are there any tips or precautions you recommend that I can implement
Dear Savvy Senior, Do I have to pay taxes on my Social Security retirement benefits? I heard that President Donald Trump’s big, beautiful bill eliminated that. What can you tell