Make your summer something to remember by exploring new ideas, staying mentally active, and making new friends at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at California State University, Channel Islands.
The “Taste of OLLI” program offers 25 classes for people age 50+ that are both in-person and online via Zoom. Each class is two hours long, and there are no homework assignments, tests, or grades to worry about. Instead, learning is fun.
Choose from a variety of fascinating topics, such as how Winston Churchill changed history with his inspiring speeches; the psychology of aging; how you can use artificial intelligence online; and even the mystery of who murdered “Mad Monk” Rasputin- the whodunnit of the 20th century!
Classes start on June 12th; and registration opens on May 30th. For more information, go to go.csuci.edu/olli or call (805) 437-2748.
Make your summer something to remember by exploring new ideas, staying mentally active, and making new friends at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at California State University, Channel Islands.
The “Taste of OLLI” program offers 25 classes for people age 50+ that are both in-person and online via Zoom. Each class is two hours long, and there are no homework assignments, tests, or grades to worry about. Instead, learning is fun.
Choose from a variety of fascinating topics, such as how Winston Churchill changed history with his inspiring speeches; the psychology of aging; how you can use artificial intelligence online; and even the mystery of who murdered “Mad Monk” Rasputin- the whodunnit of the 20th century!
Classes start on June 12th; and registration opens on May 30th. For more information, go to go.csuci.edu/olli or call (805) 437-2748.
Set a time each day to do a few minutes of exercise.
by Leslie Sokol
No matter your age, a regular routine is extremely important. If you consistently make time to do something and stick with it, you’ll find it easier to maintain the habit. The idea of a “routine” can bring to mind words such as “mundane” or “ordinary,” but routines can be powerful tools. They support cognitive function, boost health, provide meaningful activities and social opportunities.
For instance, if you set a time each day to do a few minutes of exercise, it will increase your energy, help you get in shape and keep you healthy, both physically and mentally. Regular participation in social activities can also contribute positively to mental health.
Whether you are retired or still working, having things to look forward to each day is rewarding. If you find yourself with time on your hands, then doing volunteer work, socializing with friends, working out, or pursuing a new hobby is a great way to be create a daily routine and become consistent with your schedule.
Here are a few suggestions to help you with your daily routines:
Use a day timer or smartphone app to organize your activities. A simple notepad or a daily planner and a pen can work too.
Choose a regular sleep schedule and try to stick to it most days of the week.
Make physical activity a priority. In-home workouts, walking, hiking, gardening, playing sports, and dance and fitness classes are great options.
Keep an eye out for activities they are happening in your community, such as a book club at the library or a social walking group.
Routines have the power to help you manage your daily activities and feel meaningful, productive, happy and healthy. Always remember – variety is the spice of life!
The healthiest foods come in their own wrapping, such as fruits and vegetables. They come from nature fat free! A well-balanced diet will keep you healthy, energized and strong.
You are what you eat. Always make fruits, vegetables, and salads a major part of your daily meal plans. Lean proteins and complex carbohydrates are essential too. Be sure to get enough water as well because it carries nutrients and oxygen to all of the cells in your body. A proper diet will stabilize your heart beat, regulate your body temperature, cushion your joints and more!
Leslie Sokol is the creator and founder of the adult dance and fitness program For the Young at Heart. She has been teaching adults and children for forty-five years. You can watch For the Young at Heart by visiting her YouTube Channel or on TVSB. She also teaches in retirement communities throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.
Free tutor training for adults 18 and over wanting to tutor adults who would like to learn or improve their English and learn American culture.
Next tutor training is May 20, 2023.
We are looking for tutors available in Ventura County. The training will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at the Laubach Literacy office in Ventura. Tutors would provide instruction in communities within Ventura County, including Oxnard, Ventura, Camarillo, Ojai, Saticoy, Santa Paula, Thousand Oaks, Fillmore, Piru, and Moorpark. Locations can be in public libraries, coffee shops, churches, outdoors, or any place convenient to the tutor and adult learner.
Tutor training is about 7 hours on one day. We ask tutors to provide tutoring typically 60 to 90 minutes per week.
No prior teaching experience is required. You don’t have to speak a foreign language to be a tutor. We provide free tutors and materials to adults who want to speak, understand, read, and write English and learn American culture. Laubach Literacy of Ventura County has been teaching English for free for over 40 years in Ventura County.
Price: Free
For More Information contact Laubach Literacy of Ventura County to register for the tutor training. Phone: (805) 385-9584. Please leave a message and we will call you back. Email: [email protected]. Website: http://www.laubachventura.org
Get regular eye exams so any problems can be spotted early.
Having trouble distinguishing colors, such as blue from black?
Needing more time to adjust to changing levels of light?
These problems are often easily corrected. Glasses, contact lenses, and improved lighting may help and enable you to maintain your lifestyle and independence.
Your risk for some eye diseases and conditions increases as you grow older, and some eye changes are more serious. Keep your eyes as healthy as possible by getting regular eye exams so any problems can be spotted early.
Have your eyes checked regularly by an eye care professional — either an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Finding and treating any problems early can help protect your vision and prevent vision loss. Make a list of your questions and concerns to share with the doctor. Tell them which medications you are taking. Some can affect your eyes.Eye doctor using medical equipment to examine an older adults eyes
Normal changes in the aging eye usually do not harm your vision. However, sometimes they can be signs of a more serious problem. For example, your eyes may leak tears. This can happen with light sensitivity, wind, or temperature changes. Sunglasses and eye drops may help. Sometimes, leaking tears may be a symptom of dry eye or sign of an infection or blocked tear duct. Your eye care professional can treat these problems.
Many people don’t notice any signs or symptoms in the early stages of eye diseases. A dilated eye exam performed by an eye care professional is the only way to find some common eye diseases while they’re easier to treat — and before they cause vision loss. Everyone over age 50 should have a dilated eye exam every year or as recommended by your eye care professional, even if you have good vision and don’t wear contacts or glasses. After age 60, you should get a dilated eye exam every year or two. Most people with diabetes or high blood pressure need to get a dilated exam at least once a year.
During this exam, the eye care professional will put drops in your eyes to widen (dilate) your pupils so that he or she can better see inside each eye. Your vision may be blurry after the exam, and your eyes may be more sensitive to light. This only lasts a few hours. Make plans for someone else to drive you home.
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, get your prescription checked, too. Even small changes in sight can increase your risk for falls and injuries. It’s important to use the proper prescription glasses or contact lenses.
See your primary health care provider regularly to check for diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure. These diseases can cause eye problems if not controlled or treated.
How do you connect people to the services that they need? How do you use the technological devices to connect people to a greater world?
Victoria Jump
“’Digital’ is not just connecting to another person. It is either connecting to a person, to a service, or to a platform,” according to Victoria Jump, MPA, Director of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging(VCAAA). “We connect others to a network, which is a way of dealing with loneliness.”
There are various technological resources available on the website, www.vcaa.org, under: ‘Digital Resources.’ ‘VC Connects,’ at: www.vcconnects.org, was launched in summer of 2021, is a program designed to bridge the digital gap for older adults and people with disabilities living in Ventura County. VC Connects allows users to complete any online task, including video chats with friends, family members, and doctors. The program offers the use of Chromebooks, which includes internet enabled hotspots, and is provided at no charge. This allows users to stay active and engaged.
“Get Set Up: www.getsetup.com, according to Jump, “is a platform to take classes with others in the privacy of your own home. People make friends in small live classes online which are provided in multiple languages. In fact, this gives older adults the opportunity to watch a class, and then realize that they can teach a class on a particular topic themselves since Get Set Up is always looking for instructors. Thus, it is a good possibility of employment.”
Monique Nowlin
“The mission that we have has been for ‘Digital Inclusion,’ in order for no one to be left out,” according to Monique Nowlin, MPPA, Deputy Director at VC Area Agency on Aging. “Remember, during the pandemic, we were using Zoom more, which included having Tele-Health appointments. This broke down geographical barriers.”
“Trualta (www.trualta.com) provides me with information, if I want to know more about caregiving,” according to Nowlin. “It is an online tool for managing care at home that enables caregivers to explore options for challenging behaviors and discover ways to further connect with loved ones, connect, share, and learn with fellow caregivers.”
“Trualta is a web-based caregiving platform,” according to Jump. “If the only time that you have is in the middle of the night, you can go on Trualta and receive a brief training then.”
“We can not do Tele-Health appointments unless we have a laptop. We are helping people of modest means to have laptops and Chromebooks for them to be able to be connected. The Chromebooks for people can be checked out since we are in a partnership with the VC Libraries.”
The VC Connects Website: www.vcconnects.org, also offers seniors and people with disabilities to get access to Google Home, which can be set up with WIFI. It can remind people when to take their medicine or answer a question about the weather for the day, etc.
Jump focused on how things are different now by saying, “Things have been changing. Over ten years ago, we saw a larger percentage of people in their 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s who did not use computers other than using them for email. But now we are seeing how much more well-connected older adults are with using computers. However, there are still difficulties in all the changes taking place in technology. We view technology as a tool for people to be connected to the greater world.”
Nowlin elaborated upon this by saying, “Older people have become more independent using Zoom, etc. It is a continuous education because, ‘You don’t know what you don’t know” Through learning and gaining knowledge about technology, older adults and individuals with disabilities can and will feel more comfortable with using technology in order to deal better with the expanding technological world.”
“I became a volunteer in the program through my membership with a local church.”
More than 35 years later, Jack Colling’s investment in CAREGIVERS: Volunteers Assisting the Elderly is now his legacy. Next year, he will witness volunteer caregiving celebrate 40 years of demonstrated success throughout the nation, knowing that he had a small role in helping launch one of the original pilot programs in his hometown.
Here’s one volunteer who started making his imprint on CAREGIVERS from the moment he arrived on the scene. Sister Veronica of the order St. Joseph of Carondelet, who helped to establish the organization, welcomed Jack in the second year of operations when volunteers were serving 105 seniors. Within the year, Jack was leading presentations for the Interfaith Retreat Day, which was fostering participation from congregations throughout the community. He volunteered with seniors, he picked up manicotti for the volunteer recognition dinner, and eventually he was invited to serve on the board of directors serving alongside Mary Braitman, Harry Walsh and Wayne Dugan and he supported the rummage sale to help raise money for operations.
“I am 30 years old, an owner of a small business. I became a volunteer in the program through my membership with a local church. After experiencing the need in my own family, I chose to work with the elderly. I see this as a very positive means of channeling my energy,” Jack wrote in 1987 further describing the transportation, grocery shopping and errands he provided for an 86-year young woman.
In 1991, Norm Weitzel joined the CAREGIVERS’ Board, and together Norm and Jack launched the Wearin’ o’ the Green golf tournament, one of CAREGIVERS’ signature fundraising events that has since been adopted by the McGrath Family Clan—cousins Berry, Borchard, Coultas, Doud, Dunbar, Haynes, Laubacher, McCormick and Morris families—who have helped to set new heights surpassing recent years’ high gross of well more than $50,000 last month.
“From a decade of close observation, I can attest that our CAREGIVERS leadership team runs an extremely efficient organization, with a commitment to quality,” said Honorary Director Dan McGrath. “Jack Collings has been instrumental in setting that standard.”
Jack will be the first person to tell you that he never thought the tournament would be a major force of friends and funds more than 30 years later. “We were so happy to make a profit the first year,” Jack said, adding that it was always important to both Norm and him that the tournament be open for golfers of all skill levels to play. Upon Norm’s passing, it was Jack’s suggestion to name the tournament “The Norm Weitzel Open.”
Jack’s leadership continues to set the bar higher and higher as he remains an active advisor and Honorary Director—even returning to serve on the Board of Directors once again this last year.
With his wife Wendy, Jack is among the most avid and generous supporters of volunteer caregiving in Ventura County, ensuring the advancement and ability of the organization to reach and serve seniors in every city.
“California’s over-60 population is projected to diversify and grow faster than any other age group. In Ventura County, older adults now make up over 25% of Ventura County’s population and is projected to increase to 30% by 2030. In 2030, there will be 10.8 million older adults in California” (April 4, 2023, Hospital to Home Alliance of Ventura County).
In 2019, Governor Newsom issued an Executive Order (N-14-19) calling for the creation of a Master Plan for Aging, which would become a blueprint for state government, local government, the private sector, and philanthropy to prepare the state for the coming demographic changes. California issued their Master Plan for Aging in January 2021. “There are five goals within the CA Master Plan. Goal 1: ‘Housing for All Ages and Stages.’ Goal 2: ‘Health Reimagined.’ Goal 3: ‘Inclusion and Equity, Not Isolation.’ Goal 4: ‘Caregiving that Works.’ Goal 5: Affordable Aging.’”
The County of Ventura has been working on these goals and the unique needs of older adults and people with disabilities in our county. Multiple entities solicited input from the community for what the challenges of growing older in Ventura County were and what was needed in our county. In October of 2022, the Board of Supervisors approved a Master Plan for Aging for Ventura County, which can be found on the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s website at: http://www.vcaaa.org/about-us/planning-strategy/.
On May 11th 2 of these 5 goals will be discussed: Health Reimagined and Caregiving that Works. The work that is being done, the successes achieved so far, and what is still needed to accomplish these goals will also be discussed.
“Goal 2-Health Reimagined, envisions having access to the care and services needed to live at home in our communities and to optimize the health and quality of life. This will be pursued through: 1) Bridging Health Care with Home; 2) Health Care as We Age; 3) Lifelong Healthy Aging; and, 4) Dementia in Focus.
“Goal 4-Caregiving that Works, imagines one being prepared and supported through the rewards and challenges of caring for aging loved ones. This will occur through two strategies: 1) Family and Friends Caregiving Support; and 2) Virtual Care Expansion” (September, 2021 County of Ventura- ‘Ventura County Master Plan for Aging).
“The question is: ‘Are we as a county preparing for the aging population and the increased needs that come with it? And, the answer to that question is, yes, we are preparing. With the Ventura County Master Plan for Aging now in place, the next question for all of us to ask is: What is still needed and how can we help? It takes a village.’” Lynette Harvey, RN, Clinical Services Director, Camarillo Health Care District, and lead member of Hospital to Home Alliance of Ventura County.
During the Thursday, May 11th event, hosted by the Hospital to Home Alliance of Ventura County, expert speakers and panels will focus on issues around 2 goals in the California Master Plan for Aging. Sarah Steenhausen, Deputy Director of Policy, Research and Equity from the California Department of Aging will give the keynote address. This forum is open to local legislators, health care entities, county administrators and staff, community-based organizations, faith-based groups, caregivers of all kinds, and members of the public.
The event if free but tickets are limited. The event is being hosted by the Hospital to Home Alliance with a grant from the SCAN Foundation. It will take place at the Ventura County Office of Education at 5100 Adolfo Rd., Camarillo, on May 11th from 8:00a.m.-12:30pm. To register, please sign up at: https:/EngAGEConference.eventbrite.com. Or, for further info., contact Lynette Harvey-805-388-1952 ext. 107, [email protected]; or, Maureen Hodge-805-948-2815, [email protected].
The mild days of spring are a great time to get outside and move more – whether it’s walking, gardening, or hiking. As you age, you may find yourself becoming more sedentary, which causes you to lose strength and energy. Fight off those sluggish winter doldrums and get moving – you can keep your strength and get stronger no matter what age you are!
Focus on Your Core
What does it mean when someone tells you to focus on your core? Your core are the muscles in your midsection or torso surrounding the spine and pelvis. This includes the abdominal muscles at the front but also muscles within the lower back and around your sides. You use your core muscles while performing daily tasks like getting up from a chair, standing, walking, vacuuming and lifting things.
As with other muscles, if you don’t use our core muscles enough, they become weak. As the muscles weaken, your movements become less supported, which can put pressure on other parts of your body. Weakness in the core can also be associated with lower back pain, particular among older people.
The good news is you can improve core strength with exercise. And there is no one exercise that is best – choose an approach that works best for you. Start slowly and keep your movements slow to warm up the muscles and prevent injuries. In my next article I will give you examples of good exercises to do to improve your core strength.
As the weather gets warmer and you increase your physical activity, you need to remember to drink more fluids. Keeping hydrated is so important. Over 70 percent of our body is made up of water. Water helps regulate your body temperature, keep joints lubricated, prevent infections, deliver nutrients to cells and keep organs functioning properly. Being well hydrated will also improve your sleep quality, cognition and mood. Always drink before, during and after you exercise.
Remember if you use it, you will not lose it – so take advantage of the beautiful spring weather and start moving more! Be healthy and happy, and always remember – age is just a number!
Leslie Sokol is the creator and founder of the adult dance and fitness program For the Young at Heart. She has been teaching adults and children for forty-five years. You can watch For the Young at Heart by visiting her YouTube Channel or on TVSB. She also teaches in retirement communities throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.
For more information contact Leslie at [email protected] 805-312-8089
or visit the website: www.LeslieSokolDance.com
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition in which people have more memory or thinking problems than other people their age. The symptoms of MCI are not as severe as those of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. People with MCI can usually take care of themselves and carry out their normal daily activities.
People with MCI are at a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Estimates vary as to how many people who have MCI will develop dementia. Roughly one to two out of 10 people age 65 or older with MCI are estimated to develop dementia over a one-year period. However, in many cases, the symptoms of MCI stay the same or even improve.
If you have this condition, it’s important to see a doctor or specialist regularly to help monitor changes in memory and thinking over time.
Many factors can cause problems with memory and thinking. There is no single cause of MCI, and it’s more likely to occur as someone ages. Estimates vary, but roughly 10% to 20% of people over age 65 have MCI, with the risk increasing as someone gets older. Other factors like genetics and certain conditions — including diabetes, depression, and stroke — may affect a person’s risk for MCI.
In some cases, memory and thinking problems may be caused by conditions that are treatable. For example, a bad reaction to medication, emotional problems, drinking too much alcohol, blood clots or tumors in the brain, or a head injury can all cause serious memory problems that can be resolved with treatment.
Symptoms associated with MCI lie in the space between what are considered normal age-related changes and dementia. Signs of MCI include losing things often, forgetting to go to important events or appointments, and having more trouble coming up with words than other people of the same age. It’s common for family and friends to notice these changes. Movement difficulties and problems with the sense of smell have also been linked to MCI.
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of MCI, discuss these with your doctor. Your doctor can perform medical tests and assessments to help determine whether the source of memory problems is something treatable or may be MCI. He or she may also suggest that you see someone who specializes in the diagnosis of memory disorders, such as a neurologist, psychiatrist, or neuropsychologist.
There is currently no treatment or medication for MCI, but there are things you can do that may help you stay healthy and manage changes in your thinking. Keeping your mind active is one thing that may benefit your brain. The following tips may help you feel better, and could help your memory:
Follow a daily routine.
People with MCI may worry that their memory problems will progress to Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Because MCI may be an early sign of a more serious memory problem, it’s important to see your doctor every six to 12 months to track any changes in your memory and thinking skills over time.
If symptoms do progress to dementia, getting a diagnosis early can help you and your family prepare for the future. While there are no medications to stop or reverse Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, there are medicines that may help slow down certain symptoms, such as memory loss or behavioral problems.
