After Publishing a Print Magazine For 15 Years,
Larry Hayes, CEO/Publisher of ActiveOver50 Media, Reveals The Shift to Digital--Charm Bianchini
|
|
|
Q: You replaced your longtime print magazine with The Scoop, a monthly, digital publication. After all these years, why the shift to digital?
Actually, the “shift” to digital began several years ago but accelerated last year because of Covid. Online is where people spend most of their time and money including seniors. 15 years ago, the Internet and digital publishing were just getting off the ground. Today, 90% of active older adults are online daily searching for new products and services.
Everyone—everything---is online today which is why Amazon has taken over our lives. The next time you’re at a doctor or dental office, check out how many people—young and old—are reading magazines or newspapers. Few, if any. They are glued to their mobile devices.
Another reason for digital? Drop-off locations where I and other publishers used to distribute print magazine are now permanently closed. Hospitals, doctor offices, senior centers and other locations have banned print publications for fear of spreading Covid and other diseases.
Recently, I got my Covid shots at the main Kaiser hospital in Santa Clara, CA. There were NO magazines or newspapers in sight. Same situation at my dentist office and other drop off places. Covid is the final nail for print. It's not coming back even after a return to some form of normalcy.
Q: Why Is print dead?
If not completely dead, print is certainly on life support with little or no chance of survival. We live in a “Breaking News” world of instant 24/7 information that only digital can provide.
Print is “old school” but I don't say that critically since I’m from the “print world” myself having worked as a reporter for the San Jose Mercury News and, of course, publishing my own print magazine for many years.
For publishers--the advantages of digital are tremendous including wider reach and faster publishing and distribution. Not to mention
that digital publications are far less costly to produce. No expensive printing costs for one thing. It's inevitable that all magazines and newspapers will move to digital. The majority have already abandoned print due to high costs and declining readership. The handwriting has been on the wall since the advent of the Internet.
However, publishers need more than digital to survive. You need to provide useful, interesting information and stories that people actually want to read. Content is " king" whether digital or print.
For readers--the major advantages are instant "clicks" and "links" to news and current information-- anywhere, anytime--on any device including mobile. Digital makes it easy to share articles, photos and videos with family and friends anywhere in the world.
Q: What keeps you going at 81?
My CPA asks me that same question all the time. He says “you’re
not getting rich; you not getting any younger; it’s hard work. Why do it?”
It's definitely not for the money. My good friend Walther M. Bortz,
M.D, says: “Find a purpose for getting up in the morning.”
Now 90, Walter is an expert on wellness and longevity and author of one of my favorite books: “Dare To Be 100.” Still active today, he practices what he preaches.
My “purpose” is to continue publishing useful content for boomers and seniors. It helps define who I am. As a publisher, I feel that I'm doing something important and useful. I honestly believe my working helps keep me active and engaged in the community. I’ve met and interviewed so many inspiring older folks who are leading productive and meaningful lives. Many in their 80s, 90s and beyond. Their active lives inspire me to keep moving and doing.
Click Here to learn why it took Larry 40 years to achieve his dream of becoming a publisher.
|
|
Vaccines And Boosters Every
Adult Should Have
|
|
Flu vaccine
Flu, or influenza, is a contagious illness caused by viruses that infect the respiratory tract-- your nose, throat and lungs. Doctors suggest your chances for getting the flu are cut in half if you get the flu vaccine each year.
Tdap vaccine
The Tdap vaccine protects you from tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, which is commonly called whooping cough. If you did not receive the Tdap vaccine as an adolescent, it’s a good idea to get it as an adult.
Hepatitis A and B
Hepatitis A and B are dangerous illnesses that spread virally through stool, blood, or bodily fluids. You may be at a higher risk and should consider vaccination if you frequently travel internationally, use illegal drugs, have chronic liver disease, or have been in close contact with someone who has Hep A or B.
Shingles
If you’re over the age of 50 and have had chickenpox, it’s a good idea to get the shingles vaccine. The vaccine is given in two doses called Shingrix, separated between 2 and 6 months.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella
Measles, mumps and rubella, also known at MMR, is a commonly transmitted set of diseases that spread quickly if you are not vaccinated. If you were born after 1957, haven’t gotten your MMR vaccine, and have never had measles, the MMR vaccine is recommended.
Getting regular vaccines is important for your overall health. To prevent contagious diseases, visit the doctors of Physicians Medical Group of San Jose for convenient, holistic and quick access to vaccines and other health care needs. Call 888.988.8682 or visit pmgmd.com for more information.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Physicians Medical Group of San Jose is the largest independent physician’s association in Santa Clara County. We have been part of the community for 40 years with more than 1,000 doctors in 460 offices plus we speak 30+ languages.
|
|
In Contract In 7 days
$865,000
2 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 1751 sq.ft., new Frigidaire kitchen appliances, new carpeting in living room and master bedroom, separate Den/Office, separate Dining room, extra large back
patio recently re-landscaped
This was a MUST SEE - MOVE IN READY!
|
|
Why live in an adult 55+ senor living community?
--Carla Griffin, CRS, SRES, B&A Realtors, DRE #0071085
|
One of the best kept secrets in senior living housing is the Villages Golf & Country Club in San Jose, CA--the only active adult community in Silicon Valley.
Home to over 4,000 residents living in 2,309 condos and single family homes scattered throughout 550 secluded and scenic acres.
Gated community for your safety and privacy. Lots of activities, clubs and fun things to do. Prices from $400,000 to $1,000,000+
To learn more about The Villages, take an in-person tour with me.
|
|
ASK LARRY
--Larry Hayes, A050 CEO/Publisher
"Is It Safe To Move
Into a Senior Living Community?--R.N
Yes. But do your homework. Check first how many residents and staff are vaccinated. More than likely, all will be fully vaccinated and follow strict safety protocols. Long term care communities have done a really good job making their places safe from Covid. Their livelihood depends upon it.
More good housing news--discounts! While units are starting
to fill back up, there are still vacancies at many communities. Many are giving a full month rent free and other discounts. It doesn't hurt to ask.
Q: Should I buy An Annuity? My accountant tells me they are all bad and not a good investment. My wife and I are in our 70s--LG
Annuities are not for everyone and some are bad. Financial expert Jane Bryant Quinn advises to stay away from "variable annuities with living benefit guarantees." She's also against "fixed" or "fixed income" or " fixed indexed" annuities. High sales commissions and high fees will drain your money. However, she does recommend "immediate-pay annuities" which are the simplest and cost the least. Annuities are complex products and you need to do lots of research before investing. But they're not all bad.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Got a Question? Ask me anything. If I don't know the answer, I'll find someone who does. Email me at larry@activeover50.com. ASK LARRY
is written by Larry Hayes, CEO/Founder of A050 ActiveOve50.
|
|
How Long Before You Kick
The Bucket?
|
|
The creative genius behind Under Cardiac Arrest comics is John Donaghue, a talented art director from San Francisco. He has created dozens of comics depicting the frolics and life of older adults. For more laughs, go to: UnderCardiacArrest
|
|
BitCoins: Funny Money?
By Evelyn (Evie) Preston
|
|
OK, I don’t understand Bitcoin either! For more than 10 years this cryptocurrency (?) soared and sank in value and even lured the “little guy” to outsmart the Hedge Funds that corner this computerized trading market. This alt-currency (alternate) also tries—but so far fails—to land on Wall Street as an accepted Exchange Traded Fund. As I’ve yet to master Facebook,
I’m probably not the best person to explain the phenom of online currency...but we seniors need to get with the times!
Q: Is Bitcoin real, can it be traded, saved, spent like other kinds of money?
Yes. But Bitcoin is digital currency—an app with specific parameters for trading. So far, it and others exist only online, but there’s a move to come out with real coinage at some point.
Q: Why is it called cryptocurrency…sounds like black magic?
Crypto refers to encrypted, a digital ledger (a blockchain) designed to keep the personal information of this app ultra-safe—less prone to hacking than other online information.
Q: Is it legal?
Bitcoin is not legal tender like cash, checks or coins from the bank; it’s not insured by the FDIC. It is regulated and licensed, used by traders and others—a unique medium of payment and a store of value, especially useful in unstable governments and economies.
Q: Is Bitcoin the only online cryptocurrency?
No! Litecoin, Ethereum, Ripple plus others like Coss, Ceff, Kucoin even pay dividends for holding onto them.
Q: How does it all work?
Via digital wallets. A Hot Wallet is a software program like a checking account on a computer, mobile device or desktop, with a private key, the entree to each account, the only way to keep the site secure or risk losing the entire investment. A Cold Wallet is safer, hardware that can’t be hacked, used for advanced trading programs to assess and secure value and that becomes more and more sophisticated for retail investors.
Q: What’s an NFT?
A Non-Fungible Token is a digital file/ledger (a blockchain) used to verify identity and confirm ownership such as artwork or music that’s uploaded to an NFT auction market. Unlike Bitcoin, NFTs are not mutually interchangeable. This network of computers records transactions and provides proof of authenticity and ownership.
Q: Will digital currencies do away with
real money?
Unlike gold as a standard medium of exchange, the speculative and changing price of Bitcoin and others is not related to its usable value. It’s designed as “electronic cash” between unknown parties. And bitcoins are finite, with a complicated formula for keeping to a certain number—only 21 million are in circulation reduced by 50%, every four years.
With fluctuating value, no payment networks, no customer support or transparency, it’s not sure whether cryptocurrencies remain a bird, a plane or for now, just another bubble. But watch this space! Bitcoin will be back!
_______________________________________________________________________
Evelyn (Evie) Preston is a financial columnist for The Scoop and has worked as a financial advisor for over 25 years. She can be reached at 650.494.7443. Her book: Memoirs of The Money Lady is available at eviepreston.com.
|
|
 |
Book Review
--Larry Hayes
Finishing
Our Story.
Preparing
For The End
Of Life
--George L. Eastwood, MD
This pocket-size book (5" x 7") packs a big message: "We need to prepare for one of the most important times of our life--the end
of it."
The message hit home particularly hard for me. I recently lost my big brother Jim, 86, who died suddenly at home. No hospital. No unnecessary or costly treatment. No tubes or machines to prolong his life. A good death but most of us are not that lucky.
Without medical jargon, Dr. Eastwood explains in plain, easy to understand English how to prepare for the final chapter of our lives.
This excellent book is for people who have serious questions about the end of life--what to expect, how to prepare for it and what to do when you get there.
"Should life be extended at all costs--financial, social and emotional? What is quality of life and how much does it matter
to me? Who can make decisions about my life and healthcare if I'm unable to make those decisions?"
Good, hard questions we all need to ask before our story is finished. Highly recommend this book which took me less than two hours to read. Invaluable information. Well worth your time and money. To order, go to:
|
|
|
|
Looking
For Senior
Living Housing?
Sue Gibson is with CarePatrol and she helps families find assisted living, memory care, board & care and independent living facilities.
She checks the state care and violation reports and only recommends safe options. She tours with her families to be there to ask and answer questions. She follows up 2, 7 and 30 days after move in to be sure all is going as planned.
CarePatrol is a FREE placement service. Sue is compensated by the 200+ homes and communities in her network. She is a trained Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) and has helped over 600 families in the past 6+ years. And although she personally covers San Mateo county, there are over 150 CSAs in her network so she can help you all across the US with just one phone call or email.
What people are saying about Sue Gibson and CarePatrol:
"It has been wonderful to work with Sue Gibson. She is competent, helpful and extremely knowledgeable. She has provided an invaluable service to our family."~Helen S.
"Sue is amazing! She guided us through the process of finding
a memory care facility for my mom with empathy, care and efficiency. It was clear she had done the hard work for us. We were able to place my mom within 36 hours. I highly recommend Sue."~Diane P.
|
|
|
|
YOUR LOCAL
REVERSE
MORTGAGE
PROFESSIONAL
|
|
With over 15 years experience right here in Silicon Valley,
I can answer all your questions.
Q: Will the bank own my home?
The bank does not take ownership of your home; they simply extend a loan to you. You continue to own and live in your home and are responsible for payment of property taxes, required insurance and if applicable, HOA fees.
Q: Do my children/family members lose their inheritance?
No, a borrower may designate an heir of their choosing.The heir(s) will inherit the home after the last surviving borrower passes away and may then choose to keep (by paying off the amount of reverse mortgage balance) or sell the home. Should they choose to sell, any remaining equity after paying off the loan (minus interest and fees) would be theirs.
Q: What is the lending limit of the HECM reverse mortgage?
As of January 1, 2021, it increased to $822,375. Which means it's very likely you can qualify for more money.
Marilyn Brown Ross Branch Manager & Reverse Mortgage Professional
|
|
|
Inside Scoop!
New Luxury Senior Living Communities Open In San Jose, CA
This month I had the pleasure to tour two new luxury senior living communities in San Jose, CA. Both upscale and very impressive. Both assisted living and memory care but they
differ in "look & feel," size and amenities.--LH
Atria Almaden, 4610 Almaden Expressway, San Jose
This is a large, state-of-the-art, 4-story community with 200 spacious apartments--30 devoted to memory care. Atria's flagship, Almaden, has nearly everything you would expect or want in a high-end hotel. Amenities galore. Spectacular inside and out. Prices from $5,495 to $10,995. Open for residents now. In-person tours. 669.258.4567. AtriaAlmaden.com
Oakmont of Silver Creek, 3544 San Felipe Rd, San Jose
This new community has a homey, "look & feel." Two-story complex; much smaller than Atria Almaden. 90 large apartments including memory care. Not the same "wow" factor as Atria Almaden but upscale and luxurious, nonetheless. Amenities
and prices similar. $5,500 to $11,000 per month. Opens in June. In-person tours available. 669-288.5000. Oakmontofsilvercreek.com
Valuable Resource
Over 50 and looking for help and resources for yourself or loved ones? Check out Avenidas of Palo Alto, CA. Avenidas provides a wide range of programs, information and services to help older adults stay active, maintain independence, help their aging parents or care for a spouse. For a complete list of programs and classes, go to: avenidas.org.
Got News?
What's happening in your life and/or business? Send us news items that you think would be of interest to boomers and seniors. Share The Scoop with your friends, family and colleagues. Your comments are always welcome. Reach me at larry@activeover50.com. 408.921.5806
Get The Inside Scoop
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
