Mountain View News Saturday, February 7, 2026 
99 
Mountain View News Saturday, February 7, 2026 
99 
SENIORS & VALENTINE’S DAY: 
LOVE THAT GROWS RICHER 
WITH TIME 

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for the young—it 
holds a special, often deeper meaning for seniors. 
With years of life experience behind 
them, older adults tend to view love not as a 
whirlwind of grand gestures, but as something 
steady, resilient, and deeply meaningful. For 
many seniors, Valentine’s Day is a celebration 
of connection in all its forms: romantic love, 
friendship, family bonds, and even self-love. 

Long-term couples often cherish the holiday as 
a reminder of shared memories and enduring commitment. A simple card, a favorite meal, or a quiet 
moment together can carry far more weight than extravagant gifts. After decades together, love is 
found in the small things—inside jokes, shared routines, and the comfort of knowing someone truly 
understands you. 

For seniors who are single or widowed, Valentine’s Day can still be an opportunity for joy and connection. 
Friendships become especially important later in life, and many seniors celebrate the day with 
friends, community gatherings, or social events. Senior centers and retirement communities often host 
dances, lunches, or themed activities that bring people together and foster a sense of belonging. 

Valentine’s Day can also be a time for reflection and self-care. Seniors may use the day to honor past 

loves, appreciate family members, or simply do something kind for themselves. Writing letters, looking 
through photo albums, 
or sharing stories with loved 
ones can be a powerful way 
to celebrate a life rich with 
relationships. 


Ultimately, Valentine’s Day for 
seniors is less about hearts and 
chocolates and more about 
gratitude, companionship, 
and the lasting power of love. 

It’s a reminder that love doesn’t 
fade with age—it deepens, 
evolves, and becomes even 
more meaningful over time. 

DO I NEED TO FILE A TAX RETURN THIS YEAR? 

Dear Savvy Senior,
What are the IRS income tax filing requirements 
for retirees this tax season? I didn’t file a tax return 
last year because my income was below the 
filing threshold, but I got a part-time job in 2025, 
so I’m wondering if I need to file this year.
Semi-retired Joe 


Dear Joe,
Whether you need to file a federal income tax return this year depends on several factors: how much you earned 
in 2025, the source of your income, your age, and your filing status. 

Here’s a quick guide to this year’s IRS filing thresholds. For most people, it’s straightforward: if your gross income 
(all taxable income, excluding Social Security benefits unless you’re married and filing separately) is below the 
threshold for your filing status and age, you generally do not need to file. But if it’s over, you will. 

2025 IRS Federal Filing Thresholds:

Single: $15,750 ($17,750 if you’re 65 or older by Jan. 1, 2026).
Married filing jointly: $31,500 ($33,100 if one spouse is 65 or older; or $34,700 if you’re both over 65).
Married filing separately: $5 at any age.
Head of household: $23,625 ($25,625 if 65 or older).
Qualifying surviving spouse: $31,500 ($33,100 if 65 or older). 

For a detailed breakdown, including taxable vs. nontaxable income, you can request a free copy of the IRS “1040 
and 1040-SR Instructions for Tax Year 2025” by calling 800-829-3676, or view 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 2025, 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 may 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 
assuming you’re off the hook. A complete list of state tax agencies is available at Taxadmin.org/fta-members. 

Tax Prep 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 2025 adjusted gross income must be below 
$89,000 to qualify. 

If you need some help with your tax returns, the IRS sponsored Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program 
provides free tax preparation and counseling to middle and low-income taxpayers, age 60 and older. Call 800906-
9887 or visit IRS.treasury.gov/freetaxprep to locate services near you. 

You can also get help through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide service at AARP.org/findtaxhelp or call 888-2277669. 
You don’t have to be an AARP member to use this service. 

Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, 
OK 73070. 


SENIOR HAPPENINGS 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! …FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS* 


Tracy Verhoeven, Beatrice DaRe, Catherine Adde, Hilda Pittman, Anne-
Marie Stockdale, Susan Henderson, Allie Attay, Ursula El-Tawansy,
Gladys 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 
For 30 years, The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage and I have 

lived here in Florida, enjoying the beautiful weather. The other 

morning, I got up, got my coffee, and sat down to begin the day.

No sooner had I sat down than I felt cold and began to shiver, 
as I hadn't shivered in a long time. The temperature was below my appreciation. 
I don’t like it when it is cold. The only cold I like is in my iced tea and ice cream. 

About that time, The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage came into the room and 
said, “What happened to Global Warming?” 

I was thinking the same thing at the time. We have heard about Global Warmingfor all this time, and now, all over the country, it is freezing, and snow is at an all-
time high. If this is Global Warming, I need to see a psychiatrist. 

Really, I do not understand what this Global Warming is all about. I hear it 
through the media, but I've reached a point where I question it. They will report 
one thing one day, and by the next day, it will be completely the opposite. 

Handling cold weather is something I’m not very good at. I grew up in Pennsylvania, 
where we had lots of snow and cold weather. I loved it back then, but I was 
younger and could handle cold much better than I can today. 

One result of getting older is that you can’t handle cold. That’s why people move 
to Florida. At least that is why we moved to Florida to get away from all that cold 
weather and snow. 

A relative of mine who still lives up north asked me if I missed the cold, wintry, 
snowy weather. I told them, “Yes, I do miss all of that cold weather, and I plan to 
miss it the rest of my life.” 

In getting older, I have noticed that handling cold weather becomes more challenging. 
I heard it said here in Florida that when the temperature drops below 
your age, it is cold. When I first heard that, I chuckled, but I’m beginning to think 
it’s somewhere close to being true. 

Where people get the idea of a change in the weather is beyond me. This year, I’ll 
turn 75, and as I look back through those years, there has been constant climate 
change. Spring leads into summer and summer into fall and fall into winter. That 
hasn’t changed. 

What has changed is my ability to handle cold weather. Once, I could handle 32°, 
but now I struggle with 50°. It can never be too hot for me, but it sure can be too 
cold. 

As The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage and I were sitting together, we had a 
shivering contest. I think she thought she could outshiver me, but I won that one. 
I can shiver like nobody you’ve ever seen. My shivering is to tell the cold to go 
north, where it belongs. 

It puzzles me why these scientific organizations spend all their money and time 
on figuring out how old the Earth is, and that the climate is changing. Don’t theyhave something better to spend their time and money on? 

As we were shivering together, The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage and I 
reflected on our times up north, where we experienced all the cold and snow. She 
grew up in New York, where there was much more snow than in Pennsylvania.
One thing I have learned about running away from the cold is that it is healthier 
for me to stay warm than to get cold. I love to be warm. But I don’t love shiveringin the cold as though I have nothing else to do. 

Maybe one of these days I’ll become accustomed to the cold here in Florida. But 
until that time, I’m not a very happy camper with all of this cold. 

I want to sue the weather broadcasters because I think it’s their responsibility for 
all of this cold weather that I’m experiencing. Why can’t they get on their media 
platform and say, “It’s going to be a perfect day to day, enjoy it.” But no, they have 
to say it’s going to be colder today than yesterday. 

Why can’t all these weather broadcasters across the country get together and plan 
perfect weather every day? No more cold, or snow, or rain, but everything would 
be absolutely perfect. I could handle that. 

Of course, I know that if the weather were perfect every day, all of those people 
would lose their job. However, I’m willing to take the chance. 

I’m old enough to know nothing is perfect, except The Gracious Mistress of the 
Parsonage. Besides her, nothing in this world is perfect. 

If everything in the world were perfect, what would I have to complain about?
As I shivered in my chair over a cup of hot coffee, I was reminded of a verse in 
the Bible. 

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of 
your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will 
of God” (Romans 12:2).
Nothing in this world is perfect. My hope rests in the transforming power of God, 
grounded in God's perfect will. 

Dr. James L. Snyder lives in Ocala, FL with the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. 
Telephone 1-352-216-3025, e-mail jamessnyder51@gmail.com, website 
www.jamessnyderministries.com. 

OUT TO PASTOR 

A Weekly Religion Column by Rev. James Snyder 

WHAT HAPPENED TO GLOBAL 
WARMING? 

Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com