Prevalence of Falls

• Approximately 36 million falls are reported among older adults each year in the U.S. (adults aged 65 and older).
• Out of these, about 8 million result in injury.
• Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among seniors. In 2021, there were around 36,000 deaths attributed to falls in older adults.

Injuries from Falls

• Every year, about 3 million seniors are treated in emergency departments for fall-related injuries.
• More than 800,000 hospitalizations occur due to falls, often involving serious injuries like hip fractures or head trauma.

Fractures

• Falls cause over 95% of hip fractures among older adults.
• Many fall-related fractures involve the spine, forearm, leg, ankle, pelvis, upper arm, and hand.

Impact on Quality of Life

• Falls can lead to a loss of independence, with many older adults unable to return to living independently after a fall.
• Fear of falling can also lead to a decrease in physical activity, contributing to further decline in balance, strength, and overall health.

Information and statistics sourced from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Council on Aging (NCOA) National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

by Carol Leish, MA

The 2024 Annual Fall Prevention Forum for Ventura County was held on Friday, September 27, at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks. Organized by the Ventura County Elderly Fall Prevention Coalition, the forum aimed to educate seniors on preventing both initial and subsequent falls.

“People who experience a first fall are more likely to fall again, so our goal was to provide education on how to avoid future falls,” said Julianna Eusanio, MSW, Fall Prevention Coordinator at the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA).

Over 400 people attended the event, which featured two keynote speakers: Dr. Thomas Duncan, Trauma Medical Director at Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC), and Dr. James Hornstein, a family medicine doctor also affiliated with VCMC.

Registered dietitian Aurora Meadows led a healthy recipe demonstration, showing attendees how to prepare a smoky black bean, butternut squash, and kale salad. The event also included an interactive Zumba demonstration, which participants enthusiastically joined, as well as a Tai Chi demonstration led by instructor Fred Case. Physical therapists provided balance assessments, blood pressure screenings were available, and attendees had the opportunity to receive their annual flu vaccinations.

“Staying active is key to reducing the risk of falls,” said Eusanio.

The forum, free and open to all Ventura County residents, attracted many seniors, some accompanied by family members. “It was important to raise awareness about fall prevention in a fun and engaging way, which is why this year’s theme was ‘All Aboard the Fall Prevention Train,’” Eusanio added.

A free lunch, catered by Caribbean Haven, was provided. The event also featured a variety of vendors, including government agencies, home health organizations, and adult day health care providers. Los Robles Hospital and Tri-County GLAD (Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness) were present, with ASL interpretation available for those who needed it.

The day concluded with a raffle of donated gift baskets.

This year’s forum was held in Thousand Oaks to serve the eastern part of Ventura County, while last year’s event took place in Oxnard to accommodate residents in the western region. Next year’s forum will return to the western part of the county, continuing the annual effort to help older adults prevent falls.

For more information on free fall prevention classes for those over 60, contact Julianna Eusanio at [email protected] or 805-477-7300. You can also view available classes at www.vcaaa.org.

Eating organic can offer health benefits, especially for seniors looking to reduce exposure to pesticides and harmful chemicals. However, organic produce often comes at a higher cost. To help prioritize spending, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has identified certain foods to avoid unless organic and others that are safer to eat conventionally. Known as EWG’s ‘Dirty Dozen’ and ‘Clean Fifteen,’ these handy lists are a great resource for making healthier, budget-friendly choices at the grocery store.

Visit www.ewg.org for more information

The Ventura Council for Seniors (VCS) is hosting two upcoming events offering valuable information on topics relevant to the senior community. For more details about these free events, call 805-648-3035 or visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/vcs.

• Tuesday, October 15, 2024 – Elder Safety and Scam Prevention, presented by the Ventura Police Department.
• Tuesday, November 19, 2024 – L.I.F.E. (Legal Information for Elders), presented by Grey Law.

Location:
Ventura Avenue Adult Center
550 N. Ventura Avenue
Ventura, CA 93001

The City of Ventura’s website offers detailed information on common scams targeting people of all ages and backgrounds. Unfortunately, elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable to these crimes. It’s essential to stay informed, recognize warning signs, and know where to seek help.

The Grandparent Scam:
In this scam, victims receive a phone call from someone pretending to be their grandchild, claiming to be in jail, hospitalized, or recently involved in an accident. The scammers typically say they are out of state or in another country and need money wired to a “bail bondsman,” attorney, or other individual to resolve the emergency. The requested amounts have ranged from $500 to $5,000. To make the ruse more convincing, scammers may use phones with static to mimic a distant location.

This scam works by exploiting the emotions of caring, trusting seniors who are concerned for their grandchild’s safety. Some victims reported to the Ventura Police Department that, despite being suspicious, their worry and anxiety for their grandchild overshadowed their doubts. Others complied out of fear that the scammers had additional personal information about them or other family members. Sadly, some victims were initially too embarrassed to report the crime.

How to Protect Yourself:
Never follow instructions from someone on the phone who is asking for money or personal information. Take time to verify the caller’s story. For example, ask a question that only a family member would know the answer to. If you are suspicious, do not send any money—hang up and report the incident to the police.

You can also report scams online to the National Consumers League’s Fraud Center at www.fraud.org. They maintain a national repository of scam information and will ensure your report reaches the appropriate authorities. If you are the victim of a crime, report it immediately to the Ventura Police Department at 1425 Dowell Dr., Ventura, CA, or call 805-339-4400. Visit cityofventura.ca.gov for more information.

A well-rounded exercise program offers numerous benefits, delivering the healthy results you need as you age. There are four types of exercise: endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. Research shows it’s important to include all four in your workout routine, as doing one type also improves your abilities in the other three areas.

The Four Types of Exercise

1. Endurance: Aerobic exercise (meaning “with air”) utilizes your cardiovascular system, strengthening your heart and lungs. Endurance exercises increase stamina, improve lung capacity, burn calories, and release endorphins, boosting your mood. Examples include dancing, walking, jogging, swimming, biking, and jumping rope.
2. Balance: Balance exercises aim to improve your postural control by helping various parts of your body work together to create and maintain stability. Good balance increases coordination and helps prevent falls. Examples include dancing, calisthenics, tandem walking, Pilates, balancing on one leg, and leg extensions.
3. Strength: Maintaining muscular strength as you age is vital. Strength training involves physical exercises designed to make you stronger and increase endurance. Some strength exercises to incorporate into your routine include lifting weights, using resistance bands, pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, lunges, squats, standing and sitting exercises, and using exercise balls.
4. Flexibility: I like to call flexibility training the “three L’s”—longer, looser, and limber. Flexibility exercises improve your joints, making daily tasks and physical activities easier. Stretching is the best way to improve flexibility. It elongates muscles, reduces stiffness, and helps prevent injuries, while also promoting good posture and improving balance. There are two types of stretching: static and dynamic. Static stretching involves holding a position for a short time without moving, while dynamic stretching combines movement with stretching. It’s important to stretch both before and after your workouts.

Improving Your Quality of Life

Physical exercise is only part of the equation but has a tremendous impact on reducing the adverse effects of aging. Regular movement can keep your mind sharp and youthful. As you age, there are many reasons people tend to slow down and become sedentary—health problems, weight gain, pain, fear of falling, or simply the belief that exercise isn’t for them. Whatever the case, try your best to stay active. Physical activity contributes to longevity and happiness, adding not just years to your life but life to your years. Let’s get moving and have fun—so you can enjoy every day to the fullest!

Healthy Tips for Seniors

• Exercise regularly and stay active
• Maintain strong bones
• Don’t let joint pain slow you down
• Eat a heart-healthy diet
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Keep up with wellness appointments and screenings
• Make sure your hearing is clear
• Get enough rest
• Take care of your eyes
• Keep your medications organized and safe
• Engage in activities you enjoy
• Spend time with friends and family
• Keep your mind engaged through classes, hobbies, games, and reading
• Know that you can do anything you set your mind to
• Maintain a positive outlook on life

Leslie Sokol is the creator and founder of the “For the Young at Heart” TV show and program.

Join the fun and subscribe today to our membership program, featuring dozens of fun and active dance and fitness videos to choose from. In-person dance and fitness classes are also available, geared toward individuals aged 55 to 105.

Contact Leslie at: LeslieSokolsdance.com

September is National Preparedness Month, making it a perfect time to plan and prepare for what you and your loved ones will do in an emergency. California faces various risks, including wildfires, floods, extreme heat, earthquakes, and landslides. These risks vary depending on where you live, but every community in California is vulnerable. You can learn more about the risks in your area by visiting MyHazards.caloes.ca.gov, a resource from the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. By planning ahead, you empower yourself and your loved ones to navigate these challenges with resilience and preparedness.

Do you and your loved ones have an emergency plan?

California offers a wealth of resources to help older adults prepare for disasters. The California Department of Aging recently released an Emergency Preparedness Guide, available for viewing or download at Aging.ca.gov. This guide helps older adults, individuals with disabilities, and people with access and functional needs prepare for emergencies while considering their unique circumstances. California’s network of 33 Area Agencies on Aging, along with community partners and emergency services managers, is actively developing and revising disaster preparation and response plans to help all Californians be ready in the event of a disaster.

Individuals can take steps to prepare themselves, their families, and their homes. Anchored in the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, ListosCalifornia.org promotes a five-point approach to disaster readiness:

Five Readiness Actions

1. Sign up for emergency alerts: Visit CalAlerts.org to register for emergency alerts in your area. You can also sign up for alerts for older loved ones.
2. Make a disaster plan: Create a list of important contacts, decide on a meeting place if separated, and practice your plan.
3. Pack a go-bag: Include essential items for each family member, such as important documents, keys, wallet, ID, phone, charger, and medication.
4. Prepare a stay box: Pack supplies like non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, trash bags, and enough medication for at least three days.
5. Help friends and neighbors: Exchange contact information and plan how to assist each other in an emergency.

Building trusted connections with family, friends, caregivers, and healthcare providers is critical to ensuring the needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities are met during emergencies. Important considerations include:

• Identifying at least four support individuals
• Planning for accessible transportation and evacuation routes
• Preparing a go-bag
• Planning for backup power for medical devices
• Creating a plan for your pets (visit Ready.gov/Pets)
• Practicing evacuation plans with reliable support individuals, neighbors, or caregivers
• Securing access to food if you rely on congregate meal sites or meal delivery services
• Discussing continuity of care if you receive in-home care
• Labeling assistive medical devices and securing backups if possible

What Should Older Adults Put in a Go-Bag?

• Water
• Non-perishable food
• Medication (especially prescriptions)
• List of prescriptions
• Eyeglasses
• Copies of important documents
• List of important phone numbers
• Cash
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for sanitation
• Personal hygiene items
• Manual can opener
• Cell phone charger
• Backup battery

Additional items for a go-bag might include hand sanitizer, clothing, a blanket, and pet food. Keep emergency kits in an easily accessible location near your main exit route in case you need to leave quickly.

Listos California also offers a Disaster Recovery Resources Guide in English and Spanish, which includes information on housing assistance, replacing vital documents, help replacing prescriptions, accessing food, and more. A variety of safety and disaster preparedness flyers are available, covering topics such as severe storm safety and a Disaster Ready Card in 14 languages.

Preparing for emergencies is easier than you think. From low- or no-cost preparedness actions to ready-made kits, there are numerous resources available to help you and your loved ones stay safe.

Visit aging.ca.gov for more information.

by Gregory Wright, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement, California

If you’re retiring soon or know someone who is, you’re not alone. In 2024, a record 4.1 million Americans are expected to retire, with over 11,000 turning 65 every day. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as “Peak 65” or the “Silver Tsunami” and will continue for the next several years – meaning a lot of people and their families are looking for answers about Medicare.

Companies advertising Medicare plans and Medicare enrollment opportunities may open their commercials with a person asking – “I just turned 65. What are my coverage options?” With all the coverage options and first-time enrollment deadlines, people should begin planning early – and not wait until their 65^th birthday to start thinking about their retirement health insurance needs and options.

Following are some tips to help you, a loved one, or an employee to plan for post-retirement health care and to enroll in Medicare:

Think 3-1-3 – You are eligible to apply for Medicare coverage between the three months before you turn 65 – the month you turn 65 – and the three months after turning 65. This is referred to as your Initial Enrollment Period.

Understand consequences of your choices – While you are not required to get Medicare, if you decide not to enroll at age 65 and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, there may be penalties when you do enroll – and these can be costly.

Celebrate your 64^th birthday – Thinking about retiring and what is next can be stressful so take time to enjoy your birthday, relax and then start planning. 

Begin planning right after your 64^th birthday – Following are some questions to get you started.

• Am I required to get Medicare coverage?
• Are you planning to work past 65? Do you have coverage through your employer or spouse?
• Can I get dental, vision and drug coverage in addition to medical coverage?
• What if I cannot afford Medicare?
• What if my birthday falls during the Annual Enrollment Period? Or just before? Do I need to enroll twice? How long am I covered under my Initial Enrollment plan?
• What if I do not enroll on time?

While beginning to plan early should avoid having to contemplate the consequences of not enrolling on time, choosing the right Medicare plan may still seem confusing. Many pre-retirees may never have shopped for their own health insurance. They chose between plans offered through their employers – if in fact, they were offered options.

However, there are lots of resources that can help guide one’s decisions. One good place to start is www.Medicare.com. You can also visit www.uhc.com/medicare/medicare-education/medicare-guide.html for information on plan benefits, details on various enrollment periods, and other resources to answer your questions.

Medicare plays an important role in the lives of people as they age. Making the right decisions right from the start can have long-term financial and health consequences so plan early – and you can fully enjoy a stress-free 65^th birthday.