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Mountain View News Saturday, February 15, 2025


FREE ASSISTED LIVING PLACEMENT SERVICE

 

 Discover the perfect assisted living community with 
Safe Path for Seniors. Our compassionate advisors 
specialize in assisting individuals with unique needs. 
Benefit from our extensive network and affordable 
options. Plus, we offer personalized tours to help you 
explore each community firsthand. Call (626) 999-
6913 or visit www.safepathforseniors.com for free 
assistance.

SENIOR HAPPENINGS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! …FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS*

Tracy Verhoeven, Beatrice DaRe, Catherine Adde, Hilda Pittman, Anne-
Marie Stockdale, Susan Henderson, Allie Attay, Ursula El-Tawansy, ladys 
Moser, Sylvia Lorhan, Ana Ptanski, Winifred Swanson , Janet Gillespie, 
Marian DeMars, Vickie Vernon, Mary Beth Knox, Sharon Lefler.

 * To add your name to this distinguished list, please call the paper at 
626.355.2737. YEAR of birth not required 


GETTING THROUGH THE RAINY DAYS AND BEING A SENIOR

Rainy days present unique hazards for seniors, requiring careful attention to safety. Seniors are more 
vulnerable due to age-related changes such as reduced mobility, balance issues, and health conditions. 
Common risks during rainy weather include slips and falls on wet surfaces, reduced visibility 
while walking or driving, and exposure to cold temperatures leading to hypothermia.

To stay safe, seniors can take proactive measures. At home, it’s important to ensure clear, well-lit 
pathways, use non-slip mats, and install grab bars in bathrooms. Wearing proper footwear, such as 
shoes with non-slip soles and waterproof options, can reduce the risk of falls. For outdoor safety, 
reflective clothing and accessories improve visibility, and walking with a companion can help avoid 
dangerous situations. It’s also wise to check the forecast and stock up on essentials ahead of time, 
ensuring that any medications or supplies are on hand during storms.

The psychological impact of gloomy weather can also affect seniors, with some experiencing Seasonal 
Affective Disorder (SAD). Staying socially connected, engaging in hobbies, and maintaining a 
routine can help mitigate these effects.

Medical conditions like arthritis or heart issues can worsen in damp or cold weather, making it essential 
to monitor health closely. Seniors should work with their healthcare providers to manage 
chronic conditions and consult them if symptoms worsen during bad weather.

Community support is also vital, with local senior centers and emergency services available to offer 
assistance in times of need. By preparing homes, staying physically active, and maintaining strong 
social networks, seniors can significantly reduce the risks posed by rainy weather and continue to 
live safely and independently.


HOW MUCH DO YOU HAVE TO 

MAKE TO FILE TAXES IN 2025

Dear Savvy Senior,

What can you tell me about the IRS income tax filing requirements 
for retirees this tax season? My earned income stopped when I retired last March, so I’m 
wondering if I need to file a tax return this year.

Retired in 2024

Dear Retired,

Whether or not you are required to file a federal income tax return this year will depend on how 
much you earned last year, as well as the source of the income, your age and filing status.

Here’s a rundown of this tax season’s IRS tax filing requirement thresholds.

For most people, this is pretty straightforward. If your 2024 gross income – which includes all taxable 
income, not counting your Social Security benefits unless you are married and filing separately 
– was below the threshold for your filing status and age, you probably won’t have to file. But if it’s 
over, you will.

Single: $14,600 ($16,550 if you’re 65 or older by Jan. 1, 2024).

Married filing jointly: $29,200 ($30,750 if you or your spouse is 65 or older; or $32,300 if you’re 
both over 65).

Married filing separately: $5 at any age.

Head of household: $21,900 ($23,850 if 65 or older).

Qualifying surviving spouse: $29,200 ($30,750 if 65 or older).

To get a detailed breakdown on federal filing requirements, along with information on taxable 
and nontaxable income, call the IRS at 800-829-3676 and ask them to mail you a free copy of the 
“1040 and 1040-SR Instructions for Tax Year 2024,” or you can see it online at IRS.gov/pub/irs-pdf/
i1040gi.pdf.

Check Here Too

Be aware that there are other financial situations that can require you to file a tax return, even if your 
gross income falls below the IRS filing requirements. For example, if you earned more than $400 
from self-employment in 2024, owe any taxes on an IRA, Health Savings Account or an alternative 
minimum tax, or get premium tax credits because you, your spouse or a dependent is enrolled in a 
Health Insurance Marketplace plan, you’ll need to file.

You’ll also need to file if you’re receiving Social Security benefits, and one-half of your benefits plus 
your other gross income and any tax-exempt interest exceeds $25,000, or $32,000 if you’re married 
and filing jointly.

To figure all this out, the IRS offers an online tax tool that asks a series of questions that will help 
you determine if you’re required to file, or if you should file because you’re due a refund. It takes 
less than 15 minutes to complete.

You can access this tool at IRS.gov/Help/ITA – click on “Filing Requirements – Do I need to file a 
tax return?” Or you can get assistance over the phone by calling the IRS helpline at 800-829-1040.

Check Your State

Even if you’re not required to file a federal tax return this year, don’t assume that you’re also excused 
from filing state income taxes. The rules for your state might be very different. Check with your 
state tax agency before concluding that you’re entirely in the clear. For links to state tax agencies see 
Taxadmin.org/fta-members.

Tax Preparation Help

If you find that you do need to file a tax return this year, you can Free File at IRS.gov/FreeFile, which 
is a partnership program between the IRS and tax software companies. Your 2024 adjusted gross 
income must be below $84,000 to qualify. Or, if you have a simple tax situation and your income is 
below $200,000, or $250,000 if you’re married and filing jointly, you can now file your taxes for free 
through the new IRS Direct File program in 24 states at DirectFile.IRS.gov.

If you need some help, contact the IRS sponsored Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program, 
which provides free tax preparation and counseling to middle and low-income taxpayers, age 60 
and older. Call 800-906-9887 or visit IRS.treasury.gov/freetaxprep to locate services near you.

You can also get tax preparation assistance through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide service at 
AARP.org/findtaxhelp or call 888-227-7669.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.
org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.


OUT TO PASTOR 

A Weekly Religion Column by Rev. James Snyder

MY TOK DOESN'T ALWAYS TIK

Throughout my life, I have always lived on a schedule. Every day is 
devoted to certain tasks, and it has worked for me so far.

I know what day it is by what I am doing that day.

Unlike The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage, I cannot multitask. I 
have to do one thing at a time, which has to be on my schedule. I am often impressed 
by my wife’s ability to multitask. She can do a dozen things at once and get them accomplished 
the way they are supposed to be, but I have a hard time knowing what 
she is doing at any given time.

I plan my week in a very precise routine. I can only do one thing at a time, which 
must be on my schedule.

I schedule each week by assigning a particular project to each day. I spend one day 
doing my radio ministry, another doing my weekly column, and then several days 
working on my sermon for Sunday. I follow my routine very precisely each week.

Unfortunately, my schedule has been interrupted. I spent five days in the hospital 
and then over two weeks in bed recuperating from my health problem.

Being in the hospital is a very boring time. There is not much I can do because I have 
medical personnel coming in and out poking me with needles and all sorts of things. 
Just when I think I’m asleep someone comes.

Some even came in around 3 a.m., and unfortunately, I was not sleeping because how 
in the world can you sleep in a hospital with such a routine?

I never knew what day it was and was so very confused. One day was just like the 
other, and I was not getting anything done.

Now, I’m trying to get back on schedule. Boy, is this difficult. I guess it’s because of 
my age I can’t begin to pull everything back together again as quickly as I need to.

Every day of the week is identified by the project I’m working on. Now, I’m so confused 
that I have no idea what day it is or what I should be doing. I remember asking 
The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage one day, “What day is it today?”

Looking at me with one of her grimaces, she said, “What day would you like it to be?” 
Then she laughed and walked away. If I had my way, today would be the day before 
I went into the hospital.

I had to spend some time searching my journal to figure out what I had been doing 
before I went into the hospital. The good thing is that I keep notes or I would be 
completely lost.

I spent one whole day going through four years of journals to figure out what I was 
doing each day. I carefully made notes and began understanding what I was doing 
Monday through Friday.

Going through these journals enabled me to figure out my schedule for the week. I 
usually don’t spend much time figuring out what I’m doing; I just do it. I was getting 
close to the end of my re-search and was happy to work these out.

One morning, I got up and walked out to the kitchen, where The Gracious Mistress 
of the Par-sonage was preparing breakfast. She looked at me and said, “So, what day 
is it for you?”

Looking at her I said, “Today is National Apple Fritter Day.”

I laughed and went to sit down in my chair, and then realized I didn’t know what day 
it was. Now, what do I do? If I don’t know what day it is, how will I know what I’m 
supposed to be doing today?

It could be my old age, but I’m terrible at remembering the day. If I don’t know what 
day it is, how am I going to spend the day productively and what project I am going 
to be working on.

The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage brought my breakfast and a nice hot cup of 
coffee. Be-fore walking away, she said, “Today is Wednesday, and it’s the day you do 
your radio work.” Then she went back into the kitchen.

Aha. That will solve my problem for today. I’ll spend the morning doing my radio 
programs for the week. I was kind of happy to hear that. Now I know how I will 
spend the day. Nothing is more satisfying than knowing what you’re doing. Unlike 
The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage, I’m not multitasking because if I was, I 
would never get back to my schedule like I had it before. I cannot handle 100 tasks 
like my wife can. I can only handle one task at a time.

I often think about what it would be like to multitask and juggle hundreds of tasks 
simultaneously. I wonder how much I could get done if I could do that. My Tok needs 
to Tik on time everyday. Getting back to my regular schedule is a very relaxing thing 
for me.

I thought of a verse of scripture along this line. Ephesians 5:15-16, “See then that ye 
walk cir-cumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days 
are evil.”

Although the days are evil, each day I need to walk exactly in a way that honors God.

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