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.

by Leslie Sokol

Aging is one of life’s greatest gifts, bringing with it a wealth of experiences, opportunities, and wisdom. As we enter our golden years, we find ourselves in a new phase filled with potential and strength. Over the years, we’ve learned resilience, patience, and determination, and we gain a deeper sense of acceptance and awareness.

Our accomplishments throughout life shape who we are, and with age comes a sense of calm and wisdom. We discover that aging opens up new choices and opportunities to live our best lives, especially when we stay active and engaged.

Being mindful about aging positively impacts our physical, mental, and emotional health. Staying connected to our inner selves fosters contentment, confidence, and happiness. Aging is a beautiful process, and there are countless reasons to embrace it with optimism and hope.

Here are just a few reasons to celebrate getting older:

• We have more choices
• Our relationships are richer
• We receive more discounts
• We’re now the grown-ups with answers
• We worry less
• We have more free time

No matter our age, our bodies are designed to move. It’s never too late to improve your health. Staying active and exercising are essential as we age, offering endless benefits. The best advice for healthy aging includes physical activity, eating well, and maintaining strong connections with friends and family. Your chronological age doesn’t define how old you really are. For example, I have students in their 70s, 80s, and 90s—some of whom, in their 90s, are in the best shape of all my students, proving that everyone ages differently.

Exercise can help us age gracefully. Aerobic activity improves heart health, circulation, strengthens the immune system, burns calories, and releases natural feel-good endorphins. Weight-bearing exercises strengthen muscles and joints, help prevent bone loss, and promote the creation of new tissue.

So, how do we let our inner beauty shine through as we age? We embrace self-acceptance, nurture our physical and mental well-being, commit to lifelong learning, and maintain a positive outlook despite challenges. We treat others with kindness, explore new passions, practice gratitude, and reflect on what truly matters in life.

The goal of optimal aging is to achieve a higher level of function and slow the rate of decline as we age. We all strive to live longer while maintaining independence and quality of life in our later years. That’s the true beauty of aging—being healthy, happy, and thriving.

About the Author

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 on her YouTube channel or on TVSB. Leslie also teaches in retirement communities throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.

For more information, contact Leslie at [email protected], call 805-312-8089, or visit her website: www.LeslieSokolsDance.com.

by Patricia Schallert

The Ventura Avenue Adult Center (VAAC) is a vibrant community hub offering a variety of classes, drop-in activities, the Westside Cafe Senior Nutrition Program, facility rentals, and a range of free and affordable services for older adults. Central to the center’s mission is its commitment to providing exceptional food services to elderly residents, serving nutritious and delicious meals that support their health and vitality.

Menus are thoughtfully crafted to cater to different dietary needs and preferences, ensuring seniors receive the nourishment they require. Beyond sustenance, these meals foster social connections and a sense of community, as seniors come together to enjoy shared meals and participate in activities like sewing, knitting, exercise, and art classes.

By emphasizing well-being and happiness through nutritious food, engaging activities, and companionship, senior centers in Ventura significantly enhance the lives of older adults in the community. Alice, a long-time regular at the VAAC since 2010, expressed her appreciation for the center: “With its friendly staff and inviting atmosphere, the senior center in Ventura fosters a strong sense of community and overall well-being, making a positive impact on my life and the lives of older adults in the area.”

Gian Morehead, who works closely with the food services program, underscores the importance of offering nutritious and enjoyable meals, both on-site and for homebound seniors. The program meticulously packages and delivers a two-week supply of meals to over 150 homebound seniors, ensuring they receive adequate nutrition while also promoting social interactions and a sense of community through shared meals.

Ventura Avenue Adult Center
550 N. Ventura Ave.
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 am – 3 pm
Phone: 805-648-3035
Website: www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1821/Senior-Resources

Upcoming Holiday Luncheon Events:

• Halloween: Monday, October 31
• Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 17
• Winter Holiday: Friday, December 23

by Debbie Lasley, CAREGIVERS Volunteer Engagement Coordinator

I’ve always found solace in the company of elderly people. There’s a comfort and connection that comes naturally to me—I often feel like I have an old soul. When I applied for my position at CAREGIVERS a year ago, drawing on my experience with senior volunteers, I anticipated enjoying the role. Little did I know how profoundly it would impact my perspective on the aging population in Ventura County.

Many seniors here are homebound, lacking the company of family or friends, and facing profound isolation and frustration. The realization of my job’s significance hit me hard. My role involves seeking out volunteers to support these seniors, from providing essential transport to medical appointments, to weekly check-ins, picking up prescriptions, and helping with household chores and groceries—simple tasks we often take for granted.

As I approach these later years myself, I can’t help but wonder about my own future. Will my children be there for me? What about those without children? These questions weigh heavily on many of our volunteers too. They choose to dedicate their time now, knowing they may one day rely on similar support.

When asked why they volunteer, their answers are poignant. “Someday I will appreciate having someone help me, so I am investing in my future needs,” remarked one. Another shared, “I didn’t spend enough time with my parents when they were alive, so I want to give back now.” Whatever their motivation, we always welcome more helping hands.

Recently, I spent three hours with a senior suffering from MS and other ailments, living alone with her ailing cat. Despite her sharp mind, her body fails her daily. Her story as a single mother facing relentless job discrimination due to her illness was deeply moving. Her struggles, and those of countless others I’ve encountered, underscore the immense challenges they endure alone. Leaving that visit in tears, I was overwhelmed by the desire to do more. If this article can connect even one person with a senior in need, it could mean one less lonely soul. The impact of being there for someone in their time of need cannot be overstated.

Our communities are calling for your help! Even a couple of hours a week could be invaluable. The idea that there’s never enough time to volunteer is a myth—a few hours can transform a senior’s life. Join us today and see the impact you can make firsthand!

Please join me in making a difference. To learn more, visit www.vccaregivers.org, email [email protected], or call 805-658-8530.