Save the date for Santa Barbara’s premier event for seniors and caregivers! Offering a plethora of activities and resources for active aging, the 2024 Senior Expo will take place on Thursday, October 17, from 9am – 12pm at the Earl Warren Show Grounds in Santa Barbara.
For over 30 years, Santa Barbara’s Senior Expo has been a premier health fair and services exposition for older adults and caregivers. The 2024 Expo offers an exciting array of health screenings and fun activities for seniors and those who care for them. More than 1,000 seniors attended the 2023 Senior Expo, which featured health screenings, exhibits, music, food, and activities for seniors and their caregivers. Flu shots were provided by Rite-Aid, including the senior dose for those 65+. Exhibitors included financial services, residential facilities, travel clubs, health care providers, home care services, government agencies, local nonprofits, Caregiver Café, and many more.
Highlights include:
Live Music, 110+ Exhibits, Free parking, $5 admission
Free Haircuts, Photo Booth, Music…and much more!!!
Caregivers’ Café – a relaxing place to receive support and information
Blood Pressure Screening by VNA Health Loan Closet
Glaucoma Screening by Lions Sight & Hearing Center
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 65th 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 64th 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 64th 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 65th birthday.
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.
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
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!
“The Ventura County Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) provides a coordinated point of entry to ensure that older adults (over age 60), people with disabilities (of all ages), and caregivers have access to the services and supports needed to remain independent in the community,” according to, Denise Noguera-Valenzuela, MSG, Call Center Manager, Area Agency on Aging. “The ADRC is comprised of a partnership between the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging and the Independent Living Resource Center, Inc. (ILRC).”
“The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) became part of the Human Services Agency (HSA) on July 1, 2023. The VCAAA’s programs (such as the Aging & Disability Resource Center partnership with the Independent Living Resource Center), are devoted to older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers. The new structure has been designed to create a more streamlined process to serve these populations.” (Roger Horne, ‘LiveWell,’ 2024, pg. 4)
Core service areas provided by the ADRC include: 1) Enhanced information and referral 2) Options counseling 3) Short-term services coordination and 4) Transition services. “We use the ‘No Wrong Door’ approach, in which long-term services are streamlined,” according to Noguera-Valenzuela. “This happens through ADRC transition advocates who facilitate transitions for individuals from hospitals, nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, or any other institutional settings back to their homes. Living in the community is significantly more cost effective compared to institutional living. More importantly, it increases quality of life and improves overall health outcomes. People are happier to live independently, with added support in their home. Added support that individuals can get from us include: 1) Caregiving support 2) Nutrition services (home delivered meals), and 3) Home Modifications (grab bars/ramps, etc.)”
Information and referral are enhanced through person centered care and screening. Noguera-Valenzuela said, “Every contact we receive is handled in a way that is tailored to the person’s needs. And, with the ‘No Wrong Door’ philosophy, we see what the person wants, or what they are looking for and coordinate and connect them to the service that best supports their needs. Through ‘warm referrals,’ we are better able to remove barriers and provide coordinated systems of care. Our short-term (90 days or less) or one-time services may deal with transportation; meals; or bridging the gap for someone to avoid long term institution.”
Through a warm hand off to Transition Services for example, the Independent Living Resource Center (ILRC) helps facilitate the change from hospital to home or care facility. People can get back into the community with the help of ILRC.
ILRC promotes independent living and full access for people with disabilities. Visit https://ilrc-trico.org, call 805-650-5993 or contact the Deputy Director, Alexa Martin at 805-650-5993 ext. 202 or email her at [email protected].
The Aging & Disability Resource Center does provide both public and private help that deals with both medical and nonmedical concerns. There are different eligibility criteria for different programs and services. For more information, contact Denise Noguera-Valenzuela at [email protected] or [email protected] or call 805-477-7300.
California is facing a looming shortage of caregivers for older adults and adults with disabilities over the next five to 10 years. To address this critical need, the California Department of Aging (CDA), under the California Health & Human Services Agency, has introduced the CalGrows program. This initiative aims to support caregivers by providing free training courses and incentive payments.
CalGrows is designed to enhance the skills of both paid direct care workers and unpaid family and friend caregivers. More than 70 organizations across California have received funding through the CalGrows Innovation Fund to develop and scale innovative training courses. To date, over 13,000 caregivers have participated in more than 89,000 training courses, earning more than $7 million in incentive payments.
“CalGrows has been instrumental in addressing the impending shortage of caregivers in California,” said CDA Director Susan DeMarois. “Thousands of enrollees across the state—many of them women and people of color—have been able to take free training courses and earn financial incentives of up to $6,000 while building their skills. CalGrows offers a tremendous opportunity for caregivers to learn new skills and improve existing ones to deliver the best possible care to older adults and adults with disabilities. I encourage all California caregivers to take advantage of this free training before the program ends on September 30, 2024.”
A Win for Caregivers
“We can apply what we learn in our everyday work life immediately,” said Jeannie Smith of Napa Valley Support Services about her experience with CalGrows. “People feel empowered by being able to take what they learned and immediately use it in their workplace.”
Sean Hidalgo, who manages CalGrows courses at Sacramento’s ACC Senior Services, remarked, “Being a caregiver and direct care worker is a very hard job. Having the opportunity not just to take these free courses but also to receive incentive pay is a huge win for them.”
ACC driver Keng Thor, who has taken CalGrows courses, was also positive about his experience, stating, “The knowledge I received from CalGrows was put to use and made me more confident in being able to meet and interact with my clients.”
California’s Aging Population is Growing Quickly
By 2030, 25% of the state’s population will be over age 60, outnumbering younger generations for the first time. This population shift increases the need for skilled caregivers as more Californians face age-related conditions like Alzheimer’s and limited mobility. CalGrows is a critical step toward increasing California’s workforce of high-quality caregivers.
About the Free Caregiver Trainings
CalGrows provides a foundation for increased skills, job satisfaction, retention, and career development opportunities for direct care workers. This includes both paid professional caregivers and family and friends who step into caregiver roles. More than 600 free, virtual, and in-person courses are available on CalGrows.org. The course catalog is searchable by topic, location, and language, with courses offered in nine languages to address the needs of California’s diverse population. Topics include:
Dementia care
Patient-centered communication
Mobility assistance techniques
Healthcare professional self-care
Managing chronic disease
Care team collaboration
Paid caregivers eligible for up to $6,000 in incentive payments must submit an Incentive Claim by August 30, 2024. While CalGrows courses will be available online through September 30, all Incentive Claims must be submitted by August 30.
As we age, personal safety becomes increasingly important. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the elderly population can be vulnerable to crime due to social isolation, urban living, reliance on public transportation, and predictable behavior patterns. Seniors often face unique challenges when it comes to personal safety. Physical strength may decline, and mobility issues can arise. Recognizing the importance of self-defense is the first step toward empowering seniors to lead confident, secure lives.
Mindset Matters: Cultivating Awareness
Self-defense starts with a mindset of awareness. Seniors can enhance their safety by staying alert to their surroundings and potential risks. This includes being mindful of unfamiliar environments, understanding common scams targeting older individuals, and recognizing the importance of personal space.
Simple and Effective Physical Techniques
Balance and Stability Exercises: Many self-defense techniques for seniors focus on improving balance and stability. Incorporating exercises like tai chi or yoga can enhance core strength and coordination, making it easier to maintain equilibrium during unforeseen situations.
Self-Defense Classes: Taking self-defense classes can be beneficial for seniors. These classes teach practical techniques tailored to seniors’ abilities, helping them feel more secure and confident.
Defensive Tools for Seniors: Carrying non-lethal defensive tools, such as pepper spray or personal alarms, can provide an extra layer of protection. Understanding how to use these tools safely is crucial, and many self-defense classes for seniors cover their proper usage.
Mental and Emotional Preparedness
Confidence Building: Self-defense is not just about physical techniques. Building confidence is equally important. Seniors can benefit from classes that focus on boosting self-esteem and instilling a sense of capability.
Conflict Resolution Skills: Learning effective communication and conflict resolution skills is essential for seniors. These skills can help de-escalate potentially dangerous situations, allowing seniors to navigate daily life with more confidence.
Tailoring Techniques for Health Conditions
Seniors often deal with specific health conditions that may impact their ability to engage in traditional self-defense techniques. It’s crucial to tailor the training to accommodate these conditions, ensuring that the techniques taught are safe and feasible for individuals with various health concerns.
A Holistic Approach to Self-Defense
As we age, self-defense goes beyond physical strength and techniques. It involves cultivating a mindset of awareness, learning simple yet effective physical techniques, and addressing mental and emotional aspects of personal safety. Seniors can enhance their security by embracing a holistic approach to self-defense that considers their unique needs and challenges. Embracing self-defense is not just a matter of physical protection but a declaration of independence and resilience, ensuring that seniors can enjoy their golden years with peace of mind and confidence.
By investing time in self-defense training and adopting safety measures, seniors can lead more independent and secure lives. The City of Ventura offers adult programs and resources to empower seniors in their journey toward enhancing personal safety. The Essential Self-Defense course at the Barranca Vista Center covers the four core areas of self-defense: Threat Recognition, Situational Control, Physical Engagement, and Aftermath Management. Using a variety of drills and scenario simulations, seniors can learn mental, physical, and emotional skills to help develop a proactive approach to self-defense. The City also offers adult and senior yoga classes, T’ai Chi: Moving for Better Balance, weight training, and more. Visitwww.cityofventura.ca.gov and click on Parks and Rec to check out the Fall 2024 Activity Guide.
Join us for an afternoon of fun and service at The Bonaventure’s Senior Social event, hosted by the Ventura Downtown Lions Club. Enjoy painting, lunch, and wine on August 10, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Bonaventure Clubhouse.
For $40 per person, your registration includes painting materials, wine, and lunch catered by The Greek Restaurant at Ventura Harbor Village. Additionally, part of your registration fee will cover the cost for 15 seniors at the facility to participate for free!
Seats are limited, so don’t delay. Visit artispassion.com or use the QR code to register.
The ElderHelp Program (EHP) provides free, short-term assistance to frail seniors to maintain their independence at home. It is funded by the Older Americans Act (OAA). Due to the high number of referrals, clients may be placed on a waiting list and, if approved, receive assistance from one service category. Because of the cost of providing the service, EHP referrals must come from senior service agencies or from VCAAA Information and Assistance (I&A) staff.
Who is eligible to receive services?
Ventura County residents age 60 or older (the OAA requires clients to be aged 60+). The only exception is for Medi-Ride Transportation, as additional grant funds were obtained to provide a limited number of rides to disabled adults under age 60.
Seniors requiring help with activities of daily living such as bathing, shopping, and housework.
Referrals for seniors age 85 or older, living alone, recently discharged from the hospital, and/or referred by Adult Protective Services (APS) are given priority.
What services are available?
Medi-Ride Transportation: This service provides rides to medical appointments only. Transportation can be provided outside city limits (for example, a senior in Ventura needing to get to Kaiser in Woodland Hills). Clients must provide proof of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) eligibility, such as a copy of their ADA card or ADA application letter. Clients must show that they are unable to take public transportation because of their disability (e.g., a senior requiring door-through-door gurney transportation). Caps on the number of rides provided may be instituted at any time.
Dial-A-Ride Tickets: This service provides paratransit tickets or coins for any transportation need, such as medical appointments, shopping, errands, visiting family, etc. This service targets low-income seniors for whom paying for the cost of Dial-A-Ride is a financial burden. Tickets are assigned and given directly to the senior for tracking purposes (i.e., not handed out to senior service agencies for bulk distribution). Referrals will only be accepted from a senior service agency that is familiar with the senior’s situation and can certify that the senior qualifies for Dial-A-Ride.
Personal Care: This service provides assistance with tasks such as bathing, dressing, and grooming; it also includes stand-by help and/or supervision.
Homemaker: This service provides assistance with light housework tasks such as dusting, vacuuming, laundry, and meal preparation.
Chore: This service provides assistance with heavy housework tasks that require more energy and deep cleaning, such as decluttering, mopping, and scrubbing bathtubs. One instance of Homemaker and/or Chore service is allowed per household. Due to the high demand for these services, clients who received Personal Care, Homemaker, and/or Chore assistance last year are ineligible for services this year.
Home Modification and/or Assistive Devices: This service assists with minor physical changes to the home, such as installation of grab bars or replacement of door handles, construction of an entrance ramp, etc., and/or assistive devices such as bathtub transfer benches, handheld showers, grab bars, and chair lifts. Due to the cost of this service, major home renovations are not covered. If clients do not own their residence, the owner must first be asked to cover the repairs. Services are provided by licensed and bonded construction vendors.
Meals: This service forwards meal referrals to the local Senior Nutrition Program provider, who will determine if the senior meets program eligibility for Congregate or Home-Delivered Meals (HDM). Congregate meals are provided Monday through Friday. HDM are available for eligible homebound seniors in most communities. Due to high demand, some communities have waiting lists for meals. All meals meet the USDA’s Dietary Recommended Intake for Older Adults, and all menus are approved by a registered dietitian.
How does the program work?
The senior service agency will make the referral and email it to [email protected] or fax it to (805) 477-7312. Email referrals are preferred. The ElderHelp Program Committee will determine if the senior qualifies and forward the referral to the appropriate vendor providing the ElderHelp Program service. Ventura County Area Agency on Aging staff will notify the referring senior service agency that the referral has been approved, which vendor will provide the service, and what has been approved. Approved service units have expiration dates. Services will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional service units may be authorized on a case-by-case basis depending on the circumstance and available funding. If the referral is denied, staff will notify the referring senior service agency and explain the reason for the denial.
It is the responsibility of the referring senior service agency to notify the senior that the request has been accepted or denied. Ventura County Area Agency on Aging is the pass-through agency for the ElderHelp Program; seniors should not contact Ventura County Area Agency on Aging directly for status updates. The ElderHelp Program is not an emergency program and cannot provide services immediately. Due to the volume of referrals and limited resources, the ElderHelp Program cannot provide long-term services. The intent of the ElderHelp Program is to help as many frail seniors as possible by offering short-term assistance while the senior and the referring senior service agency look for long-term solutions.
For more information about the ElderHelp Program, call the VCAAA Information & Assistance line at 805-477-7300.
