The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s award-winning Fall Prevention Program has opened registration for A Matter of Balance, a series of evidence-based classes that focus on increased mobility and balance. The course is free to all participants.

A Matter of Balance emphasizes practical strategies to manage and prevent falls. Participants will learn to view falls as controllable; set goals for increasing activity; make changes to reduce fall risks at home; and exercise to increase balance and strength.

Nationally recognized research shows that one in three adults over the age of 65, and half of the population over the age of 75, fall each year. Of those individuals, half will die within a year from complications and injuries sustained from the fall.

A Matter of Balance welcomes all individuals concerned about falls, as well as those who are interested in improving balance, flexibility, and strength. Individuals who have recently experienced a fall, or who have restricted activity due to the fear of falling, are encouraged to participate.

The eight-week course will begin on July 29th, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at the VCAAA headquarters located at 646 County Square Dr. To learn more about the program, or to register, please contact the VCAAA Fall Prevention Coordinator, Dina Ontiveras, at  477-7343.

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, an agency of the County of Ventura, is the principal agency in Ventura County charged with the responsibility to promote the development and implementation of a comprehensive coordinated system of care that enables older individuals and their caregivers to live in a community-based setting and to advocate for the needs of those 60 years of age and older in the county, providing leadership and promoting citizen involvement in the planning process as well as in the delivery of services.

The Ventura Council for Seniors (VCS) will present a free educational forum “Workforce Re-Entry for Seniors” on Thursday, July 28, 10 am to 12 pm at Ventura Adult and Continuing Education (VACE), 5200 Valentine Rd.

Four speakers will discuss tools, tips and strategies for older adults wishing to rejoin the workforce. Speakers include Marleen Canniff with Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, Cathie Jimenez from the Employment Development Department, and Kay Miller and Suz Montgomery with VACE.

RSVP to 658-4742 to reserve a free lunch following the forum from noon to 1 pm compliments of the Downtown Ventura Rotary.

VCS meets on the third Wednesday of the month from 9:30 to 11 am at alternating locations: Ventura Avenue Adult Center (VAAC), 550 N. Ventura Ave. and Silvercrest Senior Residence, 750 S. Petit Avenue:

At VAAC September 21 and November 16

AT Silvercrest: August 17 and October 19 – there are no VCS meetings in December.

VCS Ventura City Council Candidates Forum on September 20

Mark your calendar for the VCS Ventura City Council Candidates Forum to be held on Tuesday, September 20, from 10:15 am to 12 noon, hosted at Ventura Missionary Church, 500 High Point Dr.

To find out more, obtain agendas or get involved go to: http://www.cityofventura.net/adult where you may also subscribe to the monthly Silver Tsunami newsletter published by the city to publicize events and services for adults or request it by calling 648-3035. Or contact VCS liaison and PRCP Supervisor Cary Glenn at 658-4732 or [email protected].

Hearing loss happens for many reasons. Some people lose their hearing slowly as they age. This condition is called presbycusis. Doctors do not know why presbycusis happens, but it seems to run in families.

Another cause is the ear infection otitis media, which can lead to long-term hearing loss if it is not treated.

Hearing loss can also result from taking certain medications. “Ototoxic” medications damage the inner ear, sometimes permanently. Some antibiotics are ototoxic. Even aspirin at some dosages can cause problems, but they are temporary. Check with your doctor if you notice a problem while taking a medication.

Heredity can cause hearing loss, but not all inherited forms of hearing loss take place at birth. Some forms can show up later in life. In otosclerosis, which is thought to be a hereditary disease, an abnormal growth of bone prevents structures within the ear from working properly.

One of the most common causes of hearing loss is loud noise. Loud noise can permanently damage the inner ear. Loud noise also contributes to tinnitus, which is a ringing, roaring, clicking, hissing, or buzzing sound in the ears.

Noise-induced hearing loss is 100 percent preventable. You can protect your hearing by avoiding noises at or above 85 decibels in loudness, which can damage your inner ear.

Lower the volume on personal stereo systems and televisions. When you are involved in a loud activity, wear earplugs or other hearing protective devices.

There are other ways to prevent hearing loss.

If earwax blockage is a problem for you, ask your doctor about treatments you can use at home such as mineral oil, baby oil, glycerin, or commercial ear drops to soften earwax.

If you suspect that you may have a hole in your eardrum, you should consult a doctor before using such products. A hole in the eardrum can result in hearing loss and fluid discharge.

The ear infection otitis media is most common in children, but adults can get it, too. You can help prevent upper respiratory infections — and a resulting ear infection — by washing your hands frequently.

Ask your doctor about how to help prevent flu-related ear infections. If you still get an ear infection, see a doctor immediately before it becomes more serious.

If you take medications, ask your doctor if your medication is ototoxic, or potentially damaging to the ear. Ask if other medications can be used instead. If not, ask if the dosage can be safely reduced. Sometimes it cannot. However, your doctor should help you get the medication you need while trying to reduce unwanted side effects.