The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, a department of the County of Ventura’s Human Services Agency, was honored twice in the 32nd annual National Mature Media Awards.

The 2022 edition of LIVEWell received Gold honors in the magazine category. It’s the fourth consecutive year that the publication has been recognized, but the first time it has received Gold status after being Bronze in 2021 and 2022 and Silver in 2020. LIVEWell, an annual publication that provides articles and resource listings, is the premier resource guide in Ventura County for individuals 60 and older, caregivers, and people with disabilities.

Additionally, the agency’s Seminars on Brain Health and Wellness that were held in 2022 received Silver honors in the Online/Digital Resource category. The online video series were informative presentations designed to provide critical resources for Ventura County residents living with a dementia-related diagnosis and their caregivers.

The National Mature Media Awards honors the nation’s best marketing, communications, educational materials, and programs produced for older adults. The awards program is presented by the Mature Market Resource Center, a national clearinghouse for the older adult market.

by Dr. Thomas Duncan, DO, FACS, FICS. This article first appeared in LIVEWell

Falls are still the leading cause of injury deaths among people over the age of 60, and the most common reason for hospital admissions, doctor visits, and emergency room visits. Despite our best efforts, up to 33 percent of adults over the age of 60, and 50 percent of adults over the age of 80, will fall each year. Hip fractures remain the most common injury associated with falls. More than 40 percent of seniors recovering from hip fractures are unable to return to their homes due to complications.

The cause of falls can vary greatly, including inappropriate footwear, clutter, taking multiple and duplicate medications, weak strength in the legs, declining vision, chronic health problems, and occasionally small pets. The COVID-19 pandemic caused another layer of complexity to our seniors’ lives by their needing to negotiate safety guidelines while trying to avoid a life-altering fall.

We live in a county that has many seniors. By 2030, approximately 30 percent of Ventura County’s citizens are expected to be 60 years of age or older. Ventura County’s Elderly Fall Prevention Coalition (EFPC) was originally founded in 2013 after recognizing the life-changing effects of falls suffered by our elders. The coalition was established by a multidisciplinary group overseen by the Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) trauma department. The goal of the coalition is to reduce primary falls that have been recognized as being largely preventable.

The cost of caring for each fall ranges from $37,000 to $60,000. This figure is calculated based on the severity of injury and level of care provided. In 2013, the total cost of fall-related injuries in the U.S. was more than $36 billion. That figure rose to $60 billion in 2020. The average cost of annual healthcare dollars in California for non-fatal falls is $2.4 billion. It is remarkable that an elder dies from a fall every 29 minutes, while similar-aged elders are treated in an emergency room for a fall-related reason every 14 seconds. Local data demonstrates that most falls – 68 percent – occur in elders’ primary residences. As such, our efforts are directed toward their homes.

It is our goal to raise awareness of the dangers of falls by holding multiple presentations at the local and national level. The total number of forums held year-to-date is 16, with the last three conducted virtually.

To raise awareness in the field, the coalition created the Elderly Fall Prevention Program (EFPP) in 2014, which involved EMS championing fall prevention awareness efforts at the point of contact. This pilot program was started in west Ventura County. At the scene of injury, EMS providers determine whether the individual’s call is truly due to a fall when responding to a 911 call. A quick home assessment and mitigation is conducted, including recommendations for improving hallway and room lighting, clearing hallway clutter, affixing rugs, and/or advocating for a medication check by their primary care provider.

We truly appreciate the Ventura County Board of Supervisors’ commitment to preventing elderly falls. Such devotion is shown by a yearly proclamation awarded to the EFPC since 2013. The coalition received an award from the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging in 2015 for ‘a successful program that improves lives of older adults and caregivers.’

The coalition continues to gain ground in the county but appreciates any funding sources that will enable it to maintain sustainability. It is very thankful for the cohesive voluntary efforts of all organizations involved and will not be successful without the multidisciplinary collaboration.

For further information on the fall prevention coalition and program, please visit www.vcaaa.org or call (805) 477-7343.

Note: Dr. Thomas Duncan is the chair of the Elderly Fall Prevention Coalition of Ventura County and Trauma Medical Director at the Ventura County Medical Center

Did you know that your sense of smell and taste are connected? As you get older, these senses can change. Changes in smell or taste can also be a sign of a larger problem.

Smell is an important sense. Certain smells, like your dad’s cologne, can help you recall a memory. Other smells, like smoke from a fire, can alert you to danger. When you can’t smell things you enjoy, like your morning coffee or spring flowers, life may seem dull.

Many problems cause a loss of smell that lasts for a short time. This temporary loss of smell may be due to:

A cold or flu that causes a stuffy nose. The ability to smell will come back when you’re better.

Coronavirus infection, which sometimes causes a new loss of smell. You should regain your sense of smell after all other symptoms have gone away, however if it doesn’t return, seek medical care as soon as possible.

Allergies. Try to stay away from things you’re allergic to, like pollen and pets. Talk to your doctor about how to manage your allergies.

A harmless growth (called a polyp) in the nose or sinuses that gives you a runny nose. Having the growth removed may help.

Some medications like antibiotics or blood pressure medicine. Ask your doctor if there is another medicine you can take.

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging and the Ventura County Elderly Fall Prevention Coalition’s award-winning Fall Prevention Program has a new set of Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance classes starting up in August.

There are six options at four different sites in Ojai, Oxnard and Ventura:

HELP of Ojai (108 S. Montgomery Street) – Tuesdays & Thursdays – August 8 through October 26 – 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Oxnard Performing Arts Center (800 Hobson Way) – Tuesdays & Thursdays – August 8 through October 26 – 9 a.m to 10:30 a.m. OR 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

County of Ventura California Room (669 County Square Drive) – Wednesdays & Fridays – August 9 through October 27 – 9 a.m to 10:30 a.m. OR 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Ventura Church of Christ (5401 N. Bryn Mawr Street) – Wednesdays & Fridays – August 9 through October 27 – 10:45 a.m to 12:15 p.m.

Classes, which are free, are designed for individuals 60 and up. For additional information visit vcaaa.org/falls. To register for most classes, call the VCAAA at (805) 477-7300, option 6, or email [email protected]. For the Tai Chi class being hosted by HELP of Ojai, call (805) 646-5122.

Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance is an exercise program developed especially for older adults using modified practices designed to improve and strengthen balance and mobility. Classes are intended for beginners. Canes and walkers are welcome. This class is proven to reduce falls by 55 percent.

Individuals concerned about falls or those who have recently experienced a fall, as well as those who are interested in improving balance, flexibility, and strength, are encouraged to participate. Nationally recognized research shows that one in four adults over the age of 65, and half of the population over the age of 75, fall each year. One out of every five falls results in a serious injury, and about three million older people are treated at emergency departments for fall injuries each year. Approximately 32,000 older adults die each year as a result of falls.

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, a division of the County of Ventura’s Human Services Agency, is charged with the responsibility of promoting, developing, and implementing a comprehensive coordinated system of care that enables older individuals, children and adults with disabilities, and their caregivers to live in a community-based setting. The VCAAA advocates for the needs of those 60 years and older in the county, providing leadership and promoting citizen involvement in the planning process as well as in the delivery of services.

by Patricia Schallert

I met Cheryl Immel almost immediately upon moving into the Ventura Marina Community Park. She is a senior among us who continues to live a life that can be considered a successful and happy story.

Cheryl was born in Sherman Oaks, located in the San Fernando Valley. She and her husband Dean were given a sailboat as a wedding gift in 1994 and it was stored at the Channel Island Marina. They often came up to sail here and fell in love with the community of Ventura and always kept Ventura in mind for future retirement.

As a registered nurse for 17 years, Cheryl received her teaching credentials and taught Science at Burbank High School. She also taught at the New York Film Academy campus located at Universal Studios. Dean, Cheryl’s husband, taught instrumental music at Burbank High School and then went on to teach music at USC.

Cheryl and her husband decided to retire when felt they were ready to move on and were old enough after teaching for so many years. Always keeping Ventura in mind  Cheryl and her husband settled into the Ventura community full time in 2013.

The friendships that she has made in her community have made her very happy and it is evident in her infectious smile and laugh. She and her husband have joined the Ventura County Concert Band through Ventura’s Adult Education program. She plays the flute and Dean plays the bassoon and he is a also guest conductor.

Cheryl has reflected on the many things she has learned as a retired person. She is the editor of the monthly community newsletter, “The Village Voice” and is Vice President of the HOA Board of Directors at the Ventura Marina Community Park.

She currently works with the Activities Committee and is the director of the “Footlighters Theater Company”.  During the pandemic, Cheryl had time to write a play called “Come Sail Away” for the “Footlighters Theater Company” and she is proud to have it being performed September 8, 9, 10, 2023 on stage in the Ventura Marina Park Community.

Retirement has given Cheryl opportunities to do many things she didn’t have time to do before retirement.  She continues to follow her interest in music, theater and writing along with discovering other possible projects as she goes along.  Cheryl is not afraid to try new things and have new experiences. Taking the time to listen to stories from friends and families is important to her and allows patience…. And she always has a good book lined up to read.

When Cheryl looks back on her life, her most treasured event was meeting her husband Dean.  He encourages her to go after her dreams and most of them include him which also makes her happy. As retirement seems to fit Cheryl, she continues to be open to new experiences and ideas while traveling different paths with her husband. Her values include kindness, helping others and not to be afraid to ask for help if needed.

I loved meeting Cheryl as she shares her joy in life with those around her.