Mountain View News Saturday, August 22, 2026 
77THE GOOD LIFETHE GOOD LIFE Mountain View News Saturday, August 22, 2026 
77THE GOOD LIFETHE GOOD LIFE 
WHY A BOARD 
& CARE SENIOR 
LIVING HOME 
MAY BE THE RIGHT 
CHOICE 

When families begin looking at senior 
living options, large assisted living 
communities are often the first thing 
that comes to mind. But for many 
seniors, a smaller board and care 
home can provide a more comfortable, 
personal, and supportive alternative. 


Board and care homes typically serve a small number of residents in a residential setting. This 
smaller environment can feel more like home and may be especially appealing to seniors who 
become overwhelmed by large communities. 

One of the biggest advantages is personalized attention. With fewer residents, caregivers can often 
get to know each person’s routines, preferences, personality, and needs. Meals, activities, and daily 
schedules may be more individualized rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. 


A board and care home can also provide a greater sense of community and companionship. 
Residents live together in a smaller setting where they can develop relationships with caregivers 
and other residents. For seniors who may feel lonely living at home, this social connection can 
make a meaningful difference. 

Families also appreciate the home-like atmosphere. Instead of navigating a large building with 
numerous residents, dining areas, and activity rooms, seniors may enjoy a quieter and more 
familiar environment. 

Board and care homes can be appropriate for seniors who need help with activities of daily living, 
medication reminders or assistance, meals, personal care, and supervision, depending on the 
home’s licensing and services. 

Most importantly, choosing senior living isn’t simply about finding a place that provides care. It’s 
about finding the right environment for the individual senior. 

For some families, a smaller board and care home offers the ideal combination of safety, personal 
attention, companionship, and the comfort of home. 

Best Wishes, Steve 


CHRISTOPHER NYERGES 

[Nyerges is the author of “Urban Survival Guide,” “ExtremeSimplicity,” and other books. Information about his books and 
classes is available at www.SchoolofSelf-Reliance.com] 

IN PURSUIT OF PRINCIPLES 

Human evolution has many metrics by which you can estimate the level to 

which one has evolved. Social norms, religion, and group dynamics all tell us 
an insightful picture. Perhaps one of the most fundamental of human traits is the determine an 
allegiance to something we will call “universal principles.” Once we set upon these ideals, these 
universal principles, we inevitably get to have our ideas challenged, usually in the form of “us” vs. 
“them.” It plays out in various ways. Gangs and mafia play it out in an inviolable devotion to the 
gang or group or family, against all challenges and challengers, even if one of their own is objectively 
wrong. The mafia and gang mentality is that you never ever say anything against one of your own, 
and you definitely don’t go against one of your clan. 

The question, sometimes asked, but usually not, is whether or not the member of your group is 
actually wrong or has actually committed an offense. Should your greatest commitment be to a 
higher principle, or merely the knee-jerk reaction in defense of your own? 

In some Asian religious traditions, there are ceremonies to the ancestors. In some cases, the 
ceremonies have developed a dichotomy: My ancestors (meaning, the ancestors of my family), vs.
The Ancestors, meaning, all ancestors. Is one right? Is one wrong? 

In “Next of Kin,” Patrick Swayze plays a small town cop who gets involved in a dispute the big city 
mafia. The armies assemble in a local cemetery, the well-armed mafia on one side and the countryboys on the other, also well armed. Before the shootout begins, one of the mafia leaders considers 
what has brought them all to this fate. The big shootout is about to occur because one of the mafia 
guys did a bad deed, and everyone was about to be brought into the battle because of that. The 
mafia leader turns and dispatches the bad guy on his own side. End of story. Guns are holstered and 
everyone returns home. Resolution with minimal casualties. 

The movie “Next of Kin” was first recommended to me by Linda Sheer, a teacher of mine who grew 
up in rural Kentucky. She would tell me that it’s very important that the various groups in our 
society “police their own” so that there need not be outside influence. Sheer decried the knee-jerk 
reaction of too many to “defend my group” at all costs, rather than looking to the rightness of the 
situation. 

Politics in the world is no different. An elevated society seeks to abide by a higher principle, and 
they place those principles above the allegiance to any individual. That means, regardless which 
“side” you place yourself into, those in an elevated society should always strive to emulate the highest 
standards of conduct, personal interactions, ethicality, honesty, etc., in the effort to create a better 
society. That this does not usually occur is obvious in our society. 

I like the phrase “What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.” In terms of laws and regulations, 
especially in a “free” society, we don’t need or want rules and regulations that apply to one group but 
not another. This is, for example, why slavery was a bad thing and had to be abolished. And it’s why 
the Second Amendment has to apply to everyone, or it’s not meaningful. 

Yet, in our society of increasing discontent and division, it’s hard to determine what is right, and 
therefore, what is right for All. It’s a question worth contemplating and finding some resolution. 
It is, by the way, why I refuse to be a member of either the Democratic or the Republican party –
both have some great theoretical ideas, yet both contain members who are clearly liars, crooks, and 
defenders of “my group,” at whatever cost. 

These are the questions and concerns that keep me up at night. 

SENIOR HAPPENINGS 


HAPPY BIRTHDAY! …AUGUST Birthdays*

Nancy Beckham, Karlene Englert, Juanita Fernandez, Jeanette Francis, 
Joseph Kiss, Jacquie Pergola, Pat Miranda, Margaret Aroyan, Phyllis 
Burg, Beverly Clifton, Rosemary Morabito, Susan Poulsen, Joy Barry, 
Marcia Bent, Joan Spears, Ruth Torres, Jane Zamanzadeh. Helen 
Stapenhorst, Chandy Shair, Heidi Hartman, Erma Gutierrez, Margaret 
Switzer 

FLU SHOTS FOR SENIORS: WHAT’S NEW THIS FALL 

Dear Savvy Senior,
I always get my annual flu shot, but I never know whether I’m getting the right one. 
Can you explain which flu vaccine is best for seniors this fall and whether there are any 
other recommended vaccines 
I should get?
--Trying to Stay Healthy 

Dear Trying,
If you’re 65 or older, getting 
your annual flu shot is 
one of the most important 
things you can do to protect 
yourself during flu season. But with new vaccines and changing recommendations, 
many older adults aren’t sure which shots they need. 


The good news is that this fall’s advice for seniors is simple: Get an enhanced flu 
vaccine, and use the opportunity to make sure you are up to date on other important 
vaccines, including RSV, pneumonia, shingles and, depending on your health situation, 
COVID-19. 

Best flu shot for seniors 
Influenza can be especially dangerous for older adults. As we age, our immune systems 
don’t respond as well to infection, which is why people 65 and older account for most 
flu-related hospitalizations and deaths. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults 65 
and older receive one of three enhanced flu vaccines instead of a standard-dose shot: 
Fluzone High-Dose, Fluad or Flublok. 

Each of these vaccines is designed differently, but all produce a stronger immune 
response in older adults. Studies have not shown that one works better than the others, 
so there’s no need to wait for a specific brand. The important thing is to get one of these 
enhanced vaccines when it’s available. 

Also new for the 2026-27 flu season is Moderna’s mFLUSIVA, the first mRNA flu 
vaccine authorized in the United States. It is fully approved for adults ages 50 to 64 
and has received accelerated approval for those 65 and older, pending additional study 
results. While mRNA technology could eventually allow flu vaccines to be updated 
more quickly to match circulating strains, adults 65 and older should continue to follow 
CDC recommendations and choose one of the three enhanced flu vaccines whenever 
possible. 

The best time to get your flu shot is September or October, but it’s not too late if you miss 
that window. Even a flu shot in November or later can still provide valuable protection. 

Medicare Part B covers one flu shot each flu season at no cost when it’s given by aMedicare-participating doctor, clinic or pharmacy. 

Other vaccines 
While you’re getting your flu shot, it’s also a good time to review your other vaccinations 
with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. 

The CDC recommends a one-time RSV vaccine for everyone age 75 and older, as well 
as adults ages 50 through 74 who are at increased risk for severe RSV illness. Medicare 
Part D covers RSV vaccines. 

Adults age 50 and older who have not received a pneumococcal vaccine should also 
consider getting protected against serious forms of pneumonia. The preferred options 
are Prevnar 20 (PCV20) or Capvaxive (PCV21). Most people need only one dose, and 
Medicare Part B covers these vaccines. 

If you have not received the Shingrix shingles vaccine, it is another important vaccine to 
consider. The two-dose vaccine is more than 90 percent effective at preventing shingles 
and the painful nerve problems that can follow. Medicare Part D covers both doses. 

COVID-19 recommendations have become more individualized in recent years, but 
older adults remain at higher risk for serious illness. Talk with your healthcare provider 
about whether an updated COVID vaccine is appropriate for you. Medicare Part B 
covers COVID vaccines. 

Vaccine timingFlu, RSV, COVID-19 and other recommended vaccines can generally be given during 
the same visit. But if you’re concerned about temporary side effects such as fatigue, 
muscle aches or a sore arm, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about spacing 
them out. To find pharmacies and other providers offering vaccines near you, visit 
vaccines.gov. 

Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, 

P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070. 
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