Stories from March, 2026
Stories from March, 2026
The Visalia Senior Games are now the Visalia Games, with competitions open to more age groups. "The additional generations will not impact senior competitions," said City of Visalia Recreation Supervisor Holly Ellis before registration even opened. "The Visalia Games will continue to honor the legacy of the Visalia Senior Games by keeping dedicated senior age divisions. " Ellis was right. There were already 91 registrants ages 50 and older as of Feb. 13. "Currently,...
The AgeTech Collaborative from AARP returned to CES 2026 in Las Vegas in January to demonstrate how artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies are transforming the future of aging. At CES 2026, AARP imagined a future where aging is about living boldly, supported by technology that empowers independence, creativity and connection at every stage of life. The AgeTech Collaborative, made up of nearly 700 companies across industries and product categories, plays a...
For the first time, a team of researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, has successfully performed a coronary artery bypass — a normally open-heart surgery — without cutting the chest wall. The team employed a novel intervention to prevent the blockage of a vital coronary artery, which is a very rare but often lethal complication following a heart-valve replacement. The results suggest that, in the future, a less traumatic alternative to open-heart surgery could become...
An experimental drug developed at Northwestern University has demonstrated further promise as an early intervention for Alzheimer’s disease. In a new study, Northwestern scientists identified a previously unknown highly toxic sub-species of amyloid beta oligomers — toxic clusters of peptides — that appear to drive several of the brain’s earliest changes, including neuronal dysfunction, inflammation and activation of immune cells. The experimental drug, a small-molecule compound called NU-9, decreased this toxic...
Shingles vaccination not only protects against the disease but may also contribute to slower biological aging in older adults, according to a new study published in The Journals of Gerontology, Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences. Using data from the nationally representative U.S. Health and Retirement Study, researchers from the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology examined how shingles vaccination affected several aspects of biological aging in more than...
The Shiley Haynes Institute for Palliative Care at CSU Fresno will host a conference titled "Compassionate Whole Person Care: Embracing Palliative and Hospice Support" at Fresno State's Alice Peters Auditorium on April 22 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The conference will bring together healthcare professionals, educators and students to explore contemporary issues and innovations in hospice and palliative care through presentations, interactive workshops and experiential learning. For more information, call (559)...
Eating cheese and cream with a high fat content may be linked to a lower risk of developing dementia. This is shown by a new large-scale study from Lund University in Sweden. The researchers analysed the dietary habits of more than 27,000 people and linked these to the occurrence of dementia over a follow-up period of up to 25 years. The debate about low-fat diets has long shaped our health advice and influenced how we view food and health. For several decades, fear of...
In a new survey of older adults, the National Council on Aging (NCOA), the national voice for every person’s right to age well, found that 71% of respondents reported affordability is a main obstacle to their ability to choose and purchase healthy foods. Survey respondents said they are confident in their knowledge of what types of foods are healthy for older adults to eat, but having the funds to purchase that food is often challenging. “Eating healthy food is essential to aging well, but these results confirm what we...
When it comes to retirement planning, one of the most common mistakes people make has nothing to do with their investment strategy or savings rate. It's a fundamental misunderstanding of how long they're likely to live. If you've heard that life expectancy in the U.S. is around 78 years, you might assume that at age 65, you only need to plan for about 13 more years. But that math is completely wrong, and it could leave you running out of money in retirement. The Real Numbers:...
Many older Americans are returning to the workforce due to economic necessity, according to a new AARP survey of adults age 50 and older. The survey finds that in the past six months, 7% of retirees have “unretired,” or reentered the labor force. Forty-eight percent said their primary reason for returning to work is to make money, with the desire to stay active a distant second, at 14%. “Basic expenses are the number one reason older adults continue to work or job-hunt,” said Carly Roszkowski, vice president of...
Visalia is fortunate to have within easy reach, two of Tulare County's finest parks. Both contain beautiful remnants of the old oak forest that once dominated the area and both have names of pioneer families that provided the land. Mooney Grove Park, established in 1909, is a well-known popular county park, and has a well-documented history. While the other, Cutler Park, seems to be is lesser known whose past is less familiar. Cutler Park encompasses about 75 acres and is...
Question: I have been considering moving out of my home and into a senior community. How will I know when it is time? The best time to move into senior living is typically between the ages of 75 and 85, or when daily maintenance, social isolation or safety concerns outweigh the desire to stay in your current home. If you move in while you are still active, it will allow you to enjoy community amenities that will take away a lot of burden. Amenities such as weekly housekeeping services, free maintenance, transportation and...
The wildflowers and some fruit and nut trees have begun to bloom, oak trees are leafing out...the parade of spring is beginning. The equinox is March 20, but we could have reminders of winter along with hints of summer all month. Wildlife, including insects and lizards, emerge and we see increased activity of all kinds in our gardens in spring. Planting Spring is the second season of major planting. You can plant all varieties of trees, shrubs, perennials, ground covers and...
Family HealthCare Network announced that its Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), located at 500 E. School Ave., Visalia, has completed its first year in operation, welcoming more than 100 participants. PACE is designed to assist participants and their families by providing transportation, physical therapy services, care coordination, social services, meals, an inviting environment and opportunities for participants to connect with their peers. In its first...
The 54th Senior Day in the Park will be held at Mooney Grove Park in Visalia on Friday, May 1, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sponsored by CSET, the event will once again feature vendor booths, games, lunch, and entertainment by Jeremy "Elvis" Pearce. This year's theme is fiesta. "We're going to have traditional folkloric dancers that will be performing, and we'll be decorating in fiesta-style decor," said Angel Avitia, CSET assistant director of community initiatives. The event is...
As people age, a lot of things change and evolve in their lives - it's only human nature. From dedications to a career, to nurturing different relationships, and even shifting in personal values, priorities and identities, it's impossible to fight off the natural evolution of change as we grow older. By intentionally leaning into change, crafting hobbies and habits that assist in grappling with their new realities, the healthiest people make space for evolution that adds...
It's another season of family-friendly fun at Valley Strong Ballpark and part of that fun is the Rawhide Rustlers Senior Club. The Rawhide Rustlers are those Rawhide family members 55 and older who come out to every Rawhide home Wednesday game throughout the season. For just $35 dollars, any 55 and older Rawhide fan will receive a ticket to every Wednesday home game, a Rustlers T-Shirt and the chance for exclusive giveaways and activities at Rawhide games. The Rawhide...
The annual Heart of Seniors event on Feb. 12 featured entertainment, in addition to a luncheon, fashion show, raffles, and informational booths. Keynote speaker Dr. Dayna Ball offered a toast to the audience, and the fashion show featured models who clearly enjoyed the experience. The Mighty Oak Chorus entertained the crowd, which was estimated at 350 guests and 50 exhibitors. Once again, the annual Heart of Seniors event filled the ballroom of the Wyndham...
A Granny Basketball League exhibition has been scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 22, the last day of the Visalia Games, at the Anthony Community Center in Visalia. The game, which will feature members of the California Poppies and the Oakdale Broncos, was arranged by Barb Trammell, coach of the California Poppies, and Holly Ellis, Visalia recreation supervisor. "I hope that a lot of ladies will see us play and say to themselves, 'I could do that,'" Trammell said. "Because...
"Goodbye June," the directorial debut of Academy Award winner Kate Winslet, takes place just before Christmas, when an unexpected turn in their mother's health thrusts four adult siblings and their exasperating father into chaos, as they navigate messy family dynamics in the face of potential loss. But their quick-witted mother, June, played by Helen Mirren, orchestrates her decline on her own terms - with biting humor, blunt honesty and a lot of love. Mirren's career spans...
AARP recognized the winners of the annual Movies for Grownups Awards, honoring standout films and television projects that celebrate the voices, creativity, and stories of people 50 and older. Honorees from "Frankenstein," "Is This Thing On?," "Jay Kelly," "Matlock," "One Battle After Another," "Sentimental Value," "Sinners, "Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere," "The Pitt," and more were in attendance. "Hamnet" was awarded Best Picture/Best Movie for Grownups while Adam...
Hello all. I’m back again with a very complicated topic: VA Non-Service-Connected Disability Pension. Let’s try to make the muddy water just a little clearer. First is eligibility. The veterans must have served at least one day during wartime. The veteran must be at least 65 years old, or have a permanent and total disability, or be a patient in a nursing home for long-term care because of a disability. The VA will base your pension payment amount on the difference...
