Back for its 10th year, Golden Future Expos is going virtual with the All Things Senior Virtual Expo Series! COVID-19 will not stop us from connecting with Ventura County Baby Boomers and Seniors.
This virtual series was created specifically for SoCal Baby Boomers and Seniors to safely from the comfort of their home, explore options and resources available for retirement, learn about new products and services, and connect with others who share the same goal of healthy aging. The series will showcase a vast range of exhibitors from industries such as healthcare, financial services, legal matters, travel and recreation, home and garden, mobility devices, government programs, diet and exercise, Social Security, Medicare, and more! Attendees can also expect live entertainment, health surveys, job and volunteer opportunities, online bingo, raffles, giveaways, meet & greet, and educational seminars from industry experts.
The 2020 ALL Things Senior Virtual Expo schedule is as follows:
Ventura County Edition: October 23rd – October 24th
Los Angeles County Edition: November 6th – November 7th
Orange County Edition: November 20th – November 21st
Inland Empire Edition: December 4th – December 5th
Toyia Moore, Event Director with Golden Future Expos Inc. says, “With no admission fee, these two-day online events feature a who’s who of those who offer goods and services to the 50+ market. The objective is to safely provide Baby Boomers and Seniors with information and resources that they may not be aware of or have access to during this pandemic. Best of all, participants only need Internet Access, and a Computer or Laptop (or their phone) to be a part of this terrific event!” Attendees can go directly to http://www.allthingsseniorvirtualexpo.com to register!
The All Things Senior Virtual Expo Series provides sponsors and exhibitors the opportunity to meet safely from the comfort of their home or office with attendees. In order to reserve your virtual exhibit space, please contact the Sales Team directly at 805-716-3303 or via e-mail at [email protected].
As of October 1, 2020, Clinicas del Camino Real, which serves 40,000 patients enrolled in Medi-Cal or Medicare plans in Ventura County, and AmericanHealth Plan, has joined the network of SCAN Health Plan, a not-for-profit Medicare Advantage plan serving senior in Ventura and other communities in California. Clinicas’ network is comprised of specialists providing the following on-site services:
Primary Care Dental services Internal Medicine
Optometry Obstetrics/Gynecology Behavioral Health
Pediatrics Pharmacy Cardiology
Laboratory Podiatry Health Education
Chiropractic Radiology
SCAN, which has been in California since the 1970’s began serving Ventura County in 2004. “As a nonprofit, SCAN’s mission is to keep seniors healthy and independent,” according to, Sherry Stanislaw, general manage of SCAN, headquartered in Long Beach, CA. “We offer a variety of services (see above), along with offering a wide network. By adding Clinica, there are now more choices.”
According to, Stanislaw, “SCAN is a Medicare Advantage Plan. This means that you don’t need a supplemental plan. Also, you won’t have any deductibles. Thus, you can have SCAN Medicare Advantage with full payment vs. having Medicare with an 80%/20% payment, that only covers 80% of costs. Other benefits of enrolling in SCAN include: having a vision and hearing coverage, along with a prescription plan. A drug prescription plan is also offered. Also, a gym membership is provided: Silver Sneakers.”
“Thus, with SCAN, you will have a wide access of providers”, according to, Stanislaw. “You’ll also have routine transportation provided. And, you’ll be saving money since you won’t be needing to have a supplemental policy. Thus, it’s affordable and comprehensive.”
Stanislaw mentioned that, “We are super excited to be partnering with Clinica, serving their community, and the Spanish community. We have developed a synergy by being able to partner with Clinica and with several other clinics in Ventura County.”
Open enrollment is from: October 1st, 2020—December 7th, 2020, for people who are eligible for Medicare; 65 or older; or those with disabilities of any age. Coverage will begin on January 1, 2021. “Either go through your health insurance agent/broker; or, call SCAN’s toll free #: (855) 460-7226,” according to, Sharon Armani, Senior Director.
Try some new activities to keep your interest alive.
Physical activity is a great way for older adults to gain substantial health benefits and maintain independence. Try to make exercise a priority. Remember that being active is one of the most important things you can do each day to maintain and improve health. Try these tips to help you stay motivated to exercise.
Find Simple Ways to Make Exercise Fun and Enjoyable
Some people like to walk on a treadmill at the gym. Others find that kind of activity boring. The key to sticking with exercise is to make it interesting and enjoyable. Be creative. Do things you enjoy but pick up the pace. Do all four types of exercise—endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. The variety helps keep things interesting! Try some new activities to keep your interest alive.
Find Ways to Fit Exercise into Your Day
You are more likely to exercise if it’s a convenient part of your day. Try exercising first thing in the morning. Combine physical activity with a task that’s already part of your day, such as walking the dog or doing household chores. If you don’t have 30 minutes to be active, look for three 10-minute periods. As you progress, add more 10-minute sessions until you hit your goal!
Work Out at Work
There are many ways to fit physical activity into your regular schedule, even while you are at work! Look for easy ways to add physical activity to your regular schedule:
Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
Take a walk with co-workers during your lunch break. An exercise buddy can help you stick with your plan to be more active!
Walk down the hall and talk with a co-worker instead of sending an e-mail, .
Park a little farther away from your office and enjoy the walk.
Join your company’s fitness center if there is one.
Search for Move Your Way: Tips for Busy Days on YouTube for more tips on fitting more activity into your day.
Make Exercise a Social Activity
Many people agree that an “exercise buddy” keeps them going.
Take a walk during lunch with coworkers.
Try a dance class—salsa, tango, square dancing—it’s up to you.
Use family gatherings as a time to play team sports or do outdoor activities.Women exercising together
Keep Track of Your Exercise Progress
The best way to stay motivated is to measure and celebrate your successes:
Make an exercise and physical activity plan that works for you.
Track your daily physical activity.
Find new ways to increase your physical activity.
Keep track of your monthly progress to see improvement.
Update your exercise plan as you progress.
Don’t forget to build rewards into your plan. Write down something you will do for yourself when goals are achieved. Treat yourself to something special: a movie, a trip to the museum, a new audiobook, or a massage. Celebrate your successes!
Tips For Coping with Breaks in Your Exercise Routine
It is normal to have life events and changes get in the way of staying active. However, there are ways to get yourself back on track. Remember, to get the most out of exercise and physical activity, they need to be a regular part of your life.
Medicare word on tablet screen with medical equipment on background
Set a reminder—it’s time to get ready for Medicare Open Enrollment.
Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7, but did you know you can get an early look at next year’s health plans and prescription drug plans starting on October 1?
Premiums for Medicare Advantage Plans are dropping to historic lows for 2021. This type of Medicare health plan, offered by a private company that contracts with Medicare, is an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare. These “bundled” plans include Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Medical Insurance), and usually Part D (prescription drug coverage). Most plans offer extra benefits—like vision, hearing, dental, and more.
Starting on October 1, you can take an early peek at Medicare health plans and drug plans by using the Medicare Plan Finder. If you have a Medicare Number, you can log in or create an account to put together or access a list of your drugs, compare your current Medicare plan to others, and see prices based on any help you get with drug costs.
If you’re among the 1 in 3 people with Medicare who has diabetes, here’s some more good news: starting in 2021, many participating drug plans will offer a 30-day supply of insulin for $35 or less per month. If you take insulin and enroll in one of these plans, you could save an average of $446 per year on your out-of-pocket costs for insulin next year.
Get ready to compare and save on Medicare health plans and Medicare drug plans.
A recent NIA-supported study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology suggests that obesity may be associated with an increased risk for developing dementia. Obesity, like cardiovascular disease and stroke, is a modifiable risk factor for dementia since it generally can be countered through lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.
For the study, researchers at University College London analyzed a group of participants from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) who were at least 50 years old when enrolled in the study. Baseline measurements, including body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, were collected when the participants enrolled. The participants were followed up on average 11 years later to determine whether they had developed dementia.
The researchers found that participants who had a BMI corresponding with overweight or obese were more likely to develop dementia. This outcome supports previous studies that indicate obesity is a risk factor. The research team also found that abdominal obesity, associated with high waist circumference, at baseline is a risk factor that affects women more than men. In addition, the study found that the association between obesity and dementia was independent of whether a person was a smoker, had hypertension or diabetes, or carried the APOE ε4 gene, a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Obesity continues to be a major public health issue across the world, so further study could help determine whether early interventions and lifestyle changes could reduce dementia risk. There is also a need to understand the mechanism by which obesity increases the risk for dementia, such as through inflammation or genetic factors. Subsequent studies should involve frequent check-ins to monitor the development of dementia and potentially find common symptoms or factors among obese participants.
This research was funded in part by NIA grant R01AG017644. ELSA is funded in part by NIA grant R01AG7644.
These activities relate to NIA’s AD+ADRD Research Implementation Milestone 2.B, “Determine interrelationships among aging, cerebrovascular disease and risk factors, resilience factors, genetic variants, amyloid, tau, and neurodegeneration.”
Reference: Ma Y, et al. Higher risk of dementia in English older individuals who are overweight or obese. International Journal of Epidemiology. 2020;dyaa099. Epub 2020 Jun 23. doi: 10.1093/ije/dyaa099.
The Oxnard Walk to End Alzheimer’s continues but not like this.
The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting Ventura County residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® on Saturday, September 26, 2020.
The Oxnard Walk to End Alzheimer’s continues, but instead of hosting a large gathering, the Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging participants to walk as individuals or in small groups on sidewalks, and trails across their local communities.
“This year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be everywhere,” said Wendy Vizek, vice president, constituent events at the Alzheimer’s Association. “The pandemic is changing how we walk, but it doesn’t change the need to walk. This year, more than ever, we need to come together to support all those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia. With the dollars raised, the Alzheimer’s Association can continue to provide care and support to families during these difficult times while also advancing critical research toward methods of treatment and prevention.”
For many participants, this year is a trivial and emotional time to come together in support of this cause. Some, like Mary Simpson, are experiencing a very recent loss; her mom struggled with Alzheimer’s for 10 years. “It is difficult now not being able to meet with my church and support group, but my faith, friends and family have been a huge support,” Mary said. “ I’ll still be walking this year as part of Team His Sparrows because it is so important to continue to raise awareness and support for the cause.”
For volunteer and Alzheimer’s advocate Terry Seidel, this year will be his fourth time participating in the annual Oxnard Walk to End Alzheimer’s – only his second Walk since the passing of his wife and love of his life, Gina. Terry explained the increased difficulty of navigating a new Walk experience amidst the pandemic.
More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 16 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In California alone, there are more than 690,000 people living with the disease and 1,624,000 caregivers.
To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimers, visit: act.alz.org/oxnard.
For questions and more information, contact Aracely Avila at [email protected].
Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
The California Department of Insurance is alerting the public about a fraud scheme involving genetic testing or screening.
Genetic testing fraud occurs when Medicare or other health insurance is billed for a test or screening, typically a cheek swab, that was not medically necessary and/or was not ordered by a treating physician. If the claim is denied, the beneficiary may be responsible for the cost of the test, which could be thousands of dollars.
Fraudsters offer these so-called “free” screenings in order to obtain personal information for use in identity theft or for fraudulent billing purposes. These screenings may be offered through telemarketing calls, booths at public events, health fairs, or door-to-door visits. Never give out personal information such as your Social Security number, bank account information, credit card numbers, or Medicare or other health insurance information to individuals offering these screenings.
If you are a Medicare beneficiary who has been offered or completed a so-called “free” genetic screening, contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General’s hotline to file a complaint at https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud/.
If this type of fraud has been perpetrated by a licensed insurance agent or you have been offered or completed a “free” genetic screening in relation to your health insurance coverage, contact the Department of Insurance at 1-800-927-4357 or visit the Department’s website at https://www.insurance.ca.gov.
Additional information about genetic testing fraud is available from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General at https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/consumer-alerts/alerts/geneticscam.asp.
Starting a conversation about mental health might make them feel hopeful.
by Kara Lewis
Loneliness and deteriorating health contribute to elderly suicide, an often overlooked national health crisis. More than 48,000 Americans died from suicide in 2018, according to research from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Though middle-aged men have the highest risk for suicide, seniors follow close behind — especially those 85 and older — with 19 suicide deaths per 100,000 people.
Despite these numbers, elderly suicide is rarely discussed. Jill Harkavy-Freidman, vice president of research at AFSP and associate professor of clinical psychology at Columbia University, shares her advice for observing warning signs, improving senior mental health, and reaching out to aging loved ones.
Risk factors for elderly suicide fall into three categories: long-term, recent, and situational. Long-term factors can build up and make a person more vulnerable over time. Recent factors represent new and immediate concerns, while situational factors involve having access to means used for suicide. However, Harkavy-Freidman emphasizes, “Suicide is complex. It’s never one single factor.”
Starting a conversation about mental health might make them feel hopeful, and is better than bottling it up inside. Ask seniors what they’d like in their lives that they don’t have now, and how they can create that.
Jill Harkavy-Freidman, vice president of research at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Long-term factors of elderly suicide include:
Having a mental health condition
Having a chronic health condition
A history of substance abuse
Family genetics
A history of early trauma
Having a head injury
Recent factors include:
Being intoxicated
Isolation, or loss of social interactions
Losing the ability to function independently
Experiencing an unanticipated stress
Situational factors include:
More than 90% of elderly firearm deaths are suicides, while only 50% of firearm deaths in the general population are, according to AFSP.
Though elderly suicide and depression may seem difficult to talk about, Harkavy-Freidman urges family members, caregivers, and other loved ones to push past this discomfort. “Seniors are used to talking about death, and you’re not going to shock them by discussing it. Also, you can’t make someone suicidal,” she says. “Starting a conversation about mental health might make them feel hopeful, and is better than bottling it up inside. Ask seniors what they’d like in their lives that they don’t have now, and how they can create that.” Ask if there’s anything you can do to help them achieve those changes.
Start with a simple, “How are you?” Even if your senior loved one isn’t considering suicide, regular conversations — either in-person or virtually — can fend off loneliness and senior depression. If they’ve recently lost a spouse or companion, show you’re willing to listen if they want to talk about their grief.
“We all have mental health, so we all have to do mental health check-ins,” says Harkavy-Freidman. “Ask people what they like to do and if there’s anything that they’re missing.” Caregivers and loved ones can encourage seniors to go for walks, become involved in social activities even while social distancing, play games and puzzles for mental stimulation, and turn to relaxation and meditation techniques, all of which promote senior mental health and well-being.
Jill Harkavy-Freidman, vice president of research at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Physical health can have a profound effect on mental health. Harkavy-Freidman recommends talking to your senior loved one’s doctor about their medications and any side effects that might affect mental health. If your aging parent has a chronic health condition, like COPD or diabetes, talk with them and their doctor about ways to best manage symptoms. Fewer health concerns can help seniors attain peace of mind and reduce anxiety.
For more information on elderly suicide prevention, tune into AFSP’s Talk Saves Lives, a virtual training program on how to intervene. Veterans in crisis can send a text to 838255, the Veterans Crisis Line. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text TALK to 741741.
“I think this helps me to maintain healthy retinas.”
Retinal conditions, including diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic retinopathy, are among the leading causes of blindness and low vision in the U.S., yet they represent an unseen threat for millions of older Americans who are not aware of the symptoms and risk factors, according to a nationwide survey commissioned by the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS).
During September’s Healthy Aging Month, America’s retina specialists urge the public to learn the signs and symptoms of retinal conditions that are more common with age, adopt healthy habits that protect sight, and seek care immediately if they experience sudden changes in vision rather than delaying care during the COVID-19 pandemic, which could lead to vision loss.
“We urge the public to learn the signs and symptoms of retinal disease, and to seek care immediately if they experience sudden changes in vision,” said ASRS President Timothy G. Murray, MD, MBA. “Simply put, delaying care leads to vision loss. We are seeing this clearly among patients who are delaying care due to COVID-19 and experiencing measurable vision loss.”
One of the most common retinal conditions is AMD, which affects 11 million Americans. It is the leading cause of vision loss among older Americans, yet few know the basics about this sight stealing condition.
Of those surveyed, more than 2 in 5 (43%) did not identify gradual or sudden loss of central vision as a symptom of AMD. And nearly half (47%) incorrectly think AMD causes flashing lights or floaters. In fact, in the early stages, AMD may have no symptoms at all. Hallmark symptoms of AMD include distortion (warping) of straight lines; a decrease in the intensity or brightness of colors; a gradual or sudden loss of central vision; and dark, blurry areas in the center of vision.
On top of not understanding symptoms of AMD, many do not fully appreciate the common risk factors. Only about a fifth (21%) correctly identified obesity as a risk factor, and only 1 in 10 (10%) correctly identified that eating too few fruits and vegetables may increase the risk of AMD. Other risk factors include age (the older you are the greater your risk), history of smoking, family history, being Caucasian or of European ancestry and high blood pressure.
Another retinal condition, diabetic retinopathy, is the leading cause of blindness in U.S. working-age adults. The condition affects 7.7 million Americans and that number is expected to double by 2050. Even so, the public is unsure of diabetic retinopathy symptoms. Fewer than half of adults 40+ (47%) correctly identified blurry central vision as a symptom of diabetic retinopathy and only 37% identified seeing spots or floaters as a symptom. Other symptoms to be aware of that can occur in one or both eyes are a shadow across the field of vision, difficulty reading, eye pressure and difficulty with color perception.
Some risk factors for diabetic retinopathy are well known, such as having Type 1, Type 2, or gestational diabetes. And the longer you have diabetes, the greater the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. Yet nearly two-thirds (64%) of those polled did not identify high cholesterol as a risk factor for diabetic retinopathy and nearly half (48%) did not identify high blood pressure. Other factors that increase risk are kidney disease, pregnancy, a history of smoking and poor control of blood sugar levels over time.
Retina specialists encourage consumers of all ages to take steps to maintain healthy retinas and reduce the risk of developing retinal conditions including:
Quitting smoking
Staying active
Controlling blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol
Eating nutritious food including dark, leafy greens and fish
Maintaining a healthy weight
Getting regular dilated retina exams
The public can test their knowledge of healthy habits that support good vision by taking ASRS’s Healthy Sight for a Lifetime Quiz here: bit.ly/ASRSQUIZ.
For more information about maintaining retina health for good vision, visit asrs.org/retinahealthseries.
At some point in their lives, usually because of illness, many people will lose the ability to make medical decisions or communicate what they want from their healthcare. The legal documents that allow you to spell out your healthcare decisions ahead of time – so you continue to get the care you want and avoid treatments you do not want – are called advance directives (also known as advance care plans).
If you lose the ability to make decisions, someone will have to make decisions for you. The person you choose to make those decisions for you is known as a surrogate. Your surrogate should try to honor any wishes you discussed with them while you were still capable of making decisions. Their job is to make the decisions you would make for yourself if you were still able to do so. That’s why creating an advance directive by thinking about your priorities, discussing them with a surrogate, and writing them on a legal document is so important.
Advance directives go into effect only when you lose the ability to make decisions. (Only healthcare professionals can determine if you do or don’t have the ability to make decisions.)
There are two common types of advance directives that express your wishes about the health care you desire:
Living wills
Durable power of attorney for healthcare
Different states may have different names for durable power of attorney for healthcare, such as healthcare proxy or healthcare declaration.
A specific and common example of an advance directive is a “do not resuscitate” order (or DNR), which guides care only if your heart stops beating (cardiac arrest) or you are no longer breathing. Someone who chooses a DNR order may or may not choose to go without other life-sustaining treatments, including hospital or intensive care.
Whenever possible, your healthcare providers should respect the informed choices that you have expressed while you were still capable of making decisions. Following these advance directives demonstrates respect for you as an individual. It is a legal and ethical obligation. Advance directives can be stopped or changed orally or in writing by you at any time, as long as you maintain the capacity to make decisions.
Think about what treatment you would or would not want if you were critically ill or no longer able to communicate your wishes. One way to do this is to think about people you know who have been in that situation. They may be family members, friends, acquaintances, or famous people. What did you think of their treatment? Would you want that for yourself?
Discuss your wishes with your surrogate, relatives and other people close to you and your healthcare providers while you are still able. It is never too early to have these conversations.
Document your wishes. Your advance directives should be written down carefully so that your wishes are specific, clear, and available later if needed. They should be reevaluated and revised whenever your medical condition changes.
Advance directives help patients and their families. It has been found that advance care planning helps to allow people to have improved satisfaction with their quality of care, die in their preferred place, receive less intensive treatments at the end of life, and reduce hospitalizations at the end of life. It also results in lower stress, depression and anxiety in the surviving relatives of a person who has died.
Throughout the United States, there are laws or legal opinions that authorize living wills. Generally, these laws allow you to direct healthcare providers to withhold or withdraw treatment that is keeping you alive if you become terminally ill and are no longer able to make decisions.
