by NIH

Much of the communication between doctor and patient is personal. To have a good partnership with your doctor, it is important to talk about sensitive subjects, like sex or memory problems, even if you are embarrassed or uncomfortable. Most doctors are used to talking about personal matters and will try to ease your discomfort. Keep in mind that these topics concern many older people. You can use booklets and other materials from NIA or the organizations listed at the end of the article to help you bring up sensitive subjects when talking with your doctor.

It is important to understand that problems with memory, depression, sexual function, and incontinence are not necessarily normal parts of aging. A good doctor will take your concerns about these topics seriously and not brush them off. If you think your doctor isn’t taking your concerns seriously, talk to him or her about your feelings or consider looking for a new doctor. Read on for examples of ways to bring up these subjects during your appointment.

Anyone at any age can have a drinking problem. Alcohol can have a greater effect as a person grows older because the aging process affects how the body handles alcohol. People can also develop a drinking problem later in life due to major life changes like the death of loved ones. Talk with your doctor if you think you may be developing a drinking problem. You could say: “Lately, I’ve been wanting to have a drink earlier and earlier in the afternoon, and I find it’s getting harder to stop after just one or two. What kind of treatments could help with this?”

Driving is an important part of everyday life for many people, and making the decision to stop driving can be very difficult. Tell your doctor if you or people close to you are concerned about your driving and why. He or she can go over your medical conditions and medications to see if there are treatable problems that may be contributing to driving difficulties.

A fall can be a serious event, often leading to injury and loss of independence, at least for a while. For this reason, many older people develop a fear of falling. Studies show that fear of falling can keep people from going about their normal activities and, as a result, they may become frailer, which actually increases their risk of falling again. If fear of falling is affecting your day-to-day life, let your doctor know. He or she may be able to recommend some things to do to reduce your chances of falling. Exercises can help you improve your balance and strengthen your muscles, at any age.

Regular exercise makes you stronger and can help you prevent falls. NIA has articles and free videos designed for older adults that can help you fit exercise and physical activity into your daily life.

by Sheli Ellsworth

Patricia Caloia had two choices after graduating from Elsinore High School. Did she want to be a nurse or a teacher? After four years at UCSB, she was qualified to teach secondary English and Math. She received a Singer sewing machine and a Betty Crocker cookbook for graduation. All she needed to set up housekeeping was a husband.

But during the graduation process, fate had another plan. She was handed her student computer punch cards for the administration office. Fascinated by the idea of holes that could spawn information, she studied them until she deciphered what each said. Inspired by an acquaintance studying computer technology, Caloia snuck into a programming class. The rest, as they say, was history.

“In 1962, computers weren’t common. My parents were shocked that I wanted to be a computer programmer,” Caloia says. “Programming was a tedious, repetitive task eventually relegated as women’s work. But when my folks realized I was making more money than my dad, they came around.”

She started at Douglas Aircraft programming business applications and later moved to TRW. “I became head of an all-male group that maintained systems for TRW’s business sector.” Caloia transferred to the scientific sector supporting Federal Aviation Administration contracts. That led to the FAA’s technical center in New Jersey. Still following FAA contracts, she wound up in Camarillo on loan to Unisys. Loving the coast since her UCSB days, she purchased a hillside home in Ventura, but Unisys lost the contract.

Needing income, Pat bought into the candy vending machine business. She traveled around Ventura County stocking machines, collecting coins and baking cookies with broken M&Ms.

Fortunately, a former FAA employee started an air traffic control software consulting
company and asked Caloia to help maintain the ATC software at England’s CAA—equivalent to the FAA. Excited to live overseas, it was also an awesome opportunity for her young son. The home was rented out and they moved to London. “The England experience was wonderful. My son became a Sea Scout, vowing to defend the Queen.” Caloia recalls standing in the control tower at Heathrow, watching the Concord land. Her mother even visited London to see the sights. “Mom never did understand my job. She just knew it had something to do with airplanes and computers.”

Three years later, she went to New Jersey contracting with the FAA. They returned to Ventura in time for her son’s freshman year at VHS. She considered early retirement, but fate was not finished with Caloia. She received another offer from the CAA. Caloia and her son moved back to England. “It felt a little like going home.”

After two years, they came back to Ventura. Her son graduated from VHS and headed to Santa Barbara for college. Caloia continued consulting on air traffic control software in New Jersey, El Paso, and Raytheon outside Boston. Eventually, she longed to return to California.

Caloia had invested in real estate through the years, and retired in her Ventura home. These days she oversees her properties, enjoys gardening, walking, and always theater. She supervises a writer’s group and is working on a couple of novels. She recently completed a fun children’s book for her grand-daughter: London Magic based on their unique experiences across the pond. She is a voracious reader who enjoys the occasional lazy afternoon with a book and her rescued cat, Patch.

Caloia loves living in Ventura. “It has the conveniences of a city but with the feel of a small town. If I choose, almost everything I need is within a couple of miles.” Her favorite places are So Cal theatres, the beach and on a plane. Occasionally she finds herself snorkeling in Hawaii or flying to visit her son, daughter-in-law and grand-daughter in Maryland.

by Bob Warnagieris

I met Philip Boehme about 10 years ago in a bible study course at the Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church. We established a friendship that has involved regular coffee discussions on topics that often turn into debates. Two things are characteristic of a serious talk with Phil; he is well read and backs up any statement with facts. Secondly, we can discuss controversial topics from two different points of view without getting upset – now that’s a rare friend.

Phil and his wife Dea have been in Ventura since 1995. Phil, a physicist, retired from the Department of Energy 13 years ago after a career involving nuclear radiation safety. Dea (USC PhD) retired several years ago from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Crime Lab. They have 3 grown children, two boys, a daughter and 5 grandchildren.

Regarding retirement, Phil says he’s happy and enjoys the leisure time he has to spend more time with his family and his many hobbies and projects. Currently he’s occupied with reading, watching old movies, setting up a ham radio operation after passing the federal exam, writing a play about witches in Ojai, learning German for a trip to Germany and playing poker. His advice on the latter item is “Don’t draw to an inside straight”. He remains interested in travel and adventure, be it in California or abroad.

Looking back at his life, Phil cites the high and low of his years. The high would be enlisting in the Marine Corp and getting married to Dea. On the challenging side has been a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. His advice for a good life is “Love your family and keep meeting new friends”. As to principles to live by, Phil counts the Code of Chivalry and the Catholic religion. Having been around Phil for many years, I would also add love of country to his strong beliefs.

This introduction would not be complete without citation of Philip’s combat experience as a photographer with the 3rd Marine Division in Vietnam at the age of 22. Phil is a 100% disabled veteran from PTSD with vivid memories of the war. His official DOD photos from the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration can be viewed on YouTube video. Click here to see them: http://youtube/watch?v=WJ5WBLApc-k. The photos mostly cover Operation Idaho Canyon, the last major Vietnam engagement for the 3rd Marine Division. President Nixon announced the first troop withdrawal of the war during this operation in August 1969. The 3rd Marine Division was selected to leave first.

For anyone interested in other websites regarding the war and special events or people of Phil’s experience, please contact Bob Warnagieris at [email protected] for a listing.

by Carol Leish, MA

“Every program we offer at the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) is free, with no charge,” according to Roger Horne, Public Information Officer at the VC Area Agency on Aging. “We have a ‘No Wrong Door Policy,’ which means if an older adult, a person with disabilities, or a caregiver call needing help, but is not sure of what services are in the community to help them, we will first try to connect them with our programs if we can. If not, we will try to refer them to other agencies that can assist them.

“The Information & Assistance team at our agency takes the initial phone call from someone who calls asking for assistance. A social worker figures out what that person’s needs are to help them out. Our overall goal is to help people to stay in their own home, since people do better by staying in their own homes, while keeping them safe and healthy.”

Some of the various types of programs provided by the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging include: 1) Transportation; 2) the Senior Nutrition Program; 3) Digital Services; 4) Health Insurance Counseling; 5) Employment; 6) Housing through HomeShare; 7) Fall Prevention, and 8) LiveWell (annual publication).

Free transportation is provided for those who are 60 years old or older, along with those, of any age, who have an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) card through a free bus pass. Those who are 65 years old or older can get free Dial-A-Ride tickets to use for transportation. Medi-rides may also be available to individuals who have no other way to get to a medical appointment.

The Senior Nutrition Program funds congregate meals at various senior centers throughout the county. Seniors can get free meals, or give a suggested donation of $3 for a meal. “There is also a meal delivery program for those who are homebound. Some receive the same meals that the senior centers serve,” according to Horne. “At the VCAAA, we send out boxes that have a week’s or month’s amount of food in them.”

“Digital resources,” according to Horne, “help to deal with the ‘Digital Divide,’ by offering education. GetSetUp offers classes for older adults in which they can learn about anything that may interest them. Trualta offers free online support and training for caregivers. To sign up for these free services, first go to the VCAAA website at www.vcaaa.org, and click onto ‘Digital Resources.’”

For those who need free help with Medicare, Horne said, “We offer health insurance counseling through our HICAP department by giving one-on-one help, and through giving presentations to various groups. This is unbiased help to support older adults who need it.”

Employment help for seniors is also offered. The Senior Community Service Employment Program assists low-income individuals to get back into the workforce. Help on the www.vcaaa.org website is available through a video done by the Workforce Development Committee, which is part of the Advisory Council for the VC Area Agency on Aging: ‘Get That Job!’ The committee also recently did a job fair in Eastern Ventura County. A job fair in Western Ventura County is in the works.

“Housing can be difficult, especially with the high costs of housing within Ventura County,” according to Horne. “HomeShare is a program that matches home seekers with home providers. Some people may have a house that is too big for them. We help them to find compatible people to rent a room, who may be able to help them with various things around their homes.”

The Fall Prevention program aims to help people who have fallen, or who are fearful of falling, by offering several evidence-based classes that are aimed at keeping people on their feet.

“LiveWell, which is an annual publication, has various interesting articles that we think older adults, caregivers, and people with disabilities would want to read,” according to Horne. “It also has listings of agencies throughout the county that deal with topics like: 1) Health; 2) Legal; 3) Food; 4) Caregiving; 5) Community Resources; and, 6) Transportation.”

For more information about the free services provided, or to get assistance, please contact the VC Area Agency on Aging at either their phone number: 805-477-7300; or, through their website: www.vcaaa.org.

There are things you can do to help protect yourself or a loved one from the negative effects of loneliness and social isolation. First, it’s important to take care of yourself. Try exercising, eating healthy, getting enough sleep (7 to 9 hours), and pursuing activities you enjoy to help manage stress and stay as mentally and physically healthy as possible.

It’s also important to stay active and connect with others. People who engage in meaningful, productive activities they enjoy with others feel a sense of purpose and tend to live longer. For example, helping others through volunteering helps you feel less lonely and allows you to have a sense of mission and purpose in life, which is linked to better health. Studies show activities like these may help boost your mood and improve your well-being and cognitive function.

Find an activity that you enjoy, restart an old hobby, or take a class to learn something new. You might have fun and meet people with similar interests.

Schedule time each day to stay in touch with family, friends, and neighbors in person, by email, social media, voice call, or text. Talk with people you trust and share your feelings. Suggest an activity to help nurture and strengthen existing relationships. Sending letters or cards is another good way to keep up friendships.

Use communication technologies such as video chat, smart speakers, or even companion robots to help keep you engaged and connected.

If you’re not tech-savvy, sign up for an online or in-person class at your local public library or community center to help you learn how to use email or social media.Older adult holding a dog to combat loneliness and social isolation.

Consider adopting a pet if you are able to care for them. Animals can be a source of comfort and may also lower stress and blood pressure.

Stay physically active and include group exercise, such as joining a walking club or working out with a friend. Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes (2 1/2 hours) of activity a week that makes you breathe hard.

Introduce yourself to your neighbors.

Find a faith-based organization where you can deepen your spirituality and engage with others in activities and events.

Check out resources and programs at your local social service agencies, community and senior centers, and public libraries.

Join a cause and get involved in your community.

If you or a loved one has dementia and lives alone, family members, friends, or other caregivers may be able to help in different ways.

Identify a person you trust, such as a neighbor, who can visit regularly in-person or via a video call and be an emergency contact.

Learn about home- and community-based support and services from social service agencies, local nonprofits, and Area Agencies on Aging.

Stay connected with family and friends through video chats, email, and social media. If you’re not tech savvy, ask for help to learn.

Experiencing a negative wealth shock, defined as a sudden loss of 75% or more in total wealth, was linked to cognitive decline among older adults in the United States and China, but not in England or Mexico, according to an NIA-funded study. The results, published in Lancet Healthy Longevity, suggest that factors such as government policies and social safety nets may account for cross-national differences in the adverse health effects of negative wealth shocks.

There is a positive association between household wealth and cognitive health outcomes in later life, with poorer outcomes among people with lower socioeconomic status. However, the link between negative wealth shock and cognitive function in later life had not been examined. To look more closely at a potential relationship, and whether the association varied in countries with different income levels, University of Michigan scientists in this study examined data from four NIA-funded longitudinal studies of aging: the Health and Retirement Study in the United States and international partner studies in China, England, and Mexico.

These study findings suggest negative wealth shocks may be a potential risk factor for cognitive decline. The researchers note some limitations of the study, including possible errors in wealth measurement, and respondents experiencing declines in cognitive function may face problems with money management that could then lead to loss of wealth. The authors also underscore several strengths of the study, including its large, representative sample. Future studies may explore differences in government policies and social safety nets that contribute to variations across countries.

This research was supported in part by NIA grants U01AG009740-35, P30AG012846-26, R01AG069128-04, R01AG070953-04, and K99AG070274-02.

by Carol Leish, MA

How do you get involved in volunteering for the Fall Prevention Classes at the Ventura County Area Agency on Agency? Is there much training involved in becoming an instructor?

“Our volunteer instructors are passionate about helping seniors in the community,” according to, Julianna Eusanio, MSW, Program Coordinator for the Fall Prevention Classes. “No previous experience is needed to become an instructor. We are flexible with our instructors’ hours to fit into their schedules.

“Volunteer trainings to instruct classes varies depending upon the class. For a Walk with Ease class, the training is 2 hours online. For the Matter of Balance class, the training is 2 days. Class members and instructors are very supportive of each other. Volunteers gain a sense of community while helping seniors. Training for volunteers, along with the classes for the community, are free to those who are age 60 and older, along with those with disabilities, who qualify for the classes.

“Carol Vaughn has been teaching Tai Chi with the Area Agency for 7 years, and is a senior advisor and master trainer. Pam Hantgin has been teaching Tai Chi for almost 2 years. Pam first started taking the classes, and enjoyed the classes so much that she decided to become an instructor of the classes.”

Through the classes: 1) Bingocize; 2) A Matter of Balance; 3) Stepping On; 4) Walk with Ease; and, 5) Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance, adults 60 and older are helped in maintaining their independence at home. A good method of preventing falls is by participating in one of these five FREE evidence-based classes. The classes help those who are mildly active and have fallen or who have a fear of falling to help them to improve their balance, mobility, and their confidence.

Bingocize is a 10-week series that meets twice weekly for 1 hour per session Participants play bingo, answer trivia questions, and participate in seated and standing exercises that they can also do at home. In a Matter of Balance, which is an 8-week series that meets once a week for 2 hours per session, that focuses on improving balance, strength, flexibility, and self-confidence.

Stepping On is a 7-week class that meets once weekly for 2 hours per session. Participants complete standing and seated exercises with gradual use of leg weights, both in class and at home. This class also offers access to a physical therapist, and a vision expert, who provides information linking vision issues to falls. A public safety expert discusses how to avoid falls in public. A pharmacist explains how various medicines affect a person’s risk of falling.

Walk with Ease is a 6-week class that meets three times weekly for 1hour per session. This class gives motivational tips on how to exercise with arthritis while still maintaining a walking goal. Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance is a 12-week class that meets twice weekly for 1.5 hours per class. Participants participate in slow and controlled seated and standing movements. Participants also focus on improving their strength, stamina, balance, and body awareness.

Those who are interested in trainings to become a volunteer to support seniors within the community, along with getting exercise for themselves, please call the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging at: 805-477-7354; or, email: [email protected].