From In Health

Changes in hearing are a common part of aging. Almost half of adults over the age of 75 will have some degree of hearing loss. Changes in hearing can occur due to damage, illnesses, or even genetics.

Although many people will experience hearing loss in their lifetime, there are ways to protect your hearing. Taking care of your ears and preventing hearing loss can be as easy as following these four tips.

Protect Your Ears

Loud noises can damage hearing whether the noise exposure is brief or prolonged. Protect your hearing by wearing ear plugs or earmuffs when you are going to be around loud noises. Limit your exposure to loud sounds by moving away from the source and keeping volumes low in your home.

Spencer Eaton, executive director of Pinnacle Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, works with older individuals and has seen how common hearing loss is. “Exposure to loud noises is a common and preventable cause of hearing loss,” he says. “Use ear protection whenever possible around loud sounds.”

Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary for most people to clean their ears frequently. Earwax is a natural production of the ears, and the ears are designed to clear the earwax out on their own. However, some people may find that their ears do not clean themselves as well as they should as they age. Hearing aids, extra ear hair, and the aging process may contribute to additional wax buildup that can obstruct hearing. If earwax does build up more than normal, over-the-counter cleaning products can help clear it out. A doctor can also use special tools to clean out the ears. Regardless of the amount of waxy buildup, foreign objects like cotton swabs should never be put into the ear canal.

Upper respiratory illnesses can contribute to hearing loss if they are not treated appropriately. Get treatment promptly for illnesses of the ears, nose, and throat in order to reduce the risk of an ear infection. Some illnesses or medications can cause hearing changes, so be sure to consult your doctor if any sudden changes in hearing occur.

Hearing aids do not restore hearing loss, but they can vastly improve quality of life and even help prevent other impairments. Hearing loss can be difficult for people who find themselves unable to participate in conversations and daily activities. It can also be dangerous if a person is unable to hear a fire alarm or a honking horn. Recent research even suggests hearing loss can speed up cognitive decline in older adults. If you have suffered some hearing loss, talk to your doctor about whether hearing aids can help.

When you are young, protecting your hearing may be low on your list of priorities. However, your ears may feel the effect of those concerts and motorcycle rides. Take the time to protect your ears, whether from sound or illness, and you may prevent some hearing loss. If you do suffer from hearing loss, be sure to seek medical help. Hearing aids may not reverse the damage, but they can dramatically improve a person’s life.

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) have announced an unprecedented new partnership with the National Council on Aging (NCOA) to offer a wide range of life-changing benefits to the growing number of Latino seniors and adults with disabilities throughout the United States.

“LULAC is extremely pleased and excited to form this new relationship with such a respected and well-known organization because we share a similar vision of creating a just and caring society in America,” said Sindy Benavides, LULAC National Chief Executive Officer. “A partner such as NCOA enables LULAC to help ensure that millions more older adults, adultos mayores, in our community living with disabilities and those with limited economic means are made aware of vital benefits, which will help them remain healthy and enjoy a better quality of life,” she added.

“NCOA and LULAC have more than 160 years of combined experience and are two of the nation’s oldest and most respected organizations serving two of the fastest-growing demographics in America,” said Anna Maria Chávez, NCOA Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer. “This partnership leverages NCOA’s broad experience with LULAC’s deep roots in the Latino community and will help millions of Latinos to age well, with dignity and economic security.”

Through the partnership, LULAC and NCOA will offer information and assistance in connecting Latinos who qualify for one or more of the following benefits programs: Medicare Part D Extra Help/Low-Income Subsidy, Medicare Savings Programs, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs, and Supplemental Security Income.

Recent research shows that older adults in the United States have experienced unprecedented growth in the past several decades, with Latinos representing the fastest-growing segment. In 2010, 2.9 million Latinos in the U.S. were aged 65 or older, a number projected to reach 17.5 million (19.8% of 65+ population) by 2050.

“LULAC’s mission includes serving Latino boomers who are now 60 years of age or more as well as other, younger adults facing the challenge of disabilities in their lives and feeling alone or uncertain about what to do or where to turn,” said Benavides.

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest Hispanic civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1,000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit lulac.org.

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is a trusted national leader working to ensure that every person can age well. Since 1950, our mission has not changed: Improve the lives of millions of older adults, especially those who are struggling. NCOA empowers people with the best solutions to improve their own health and economic security—and we strengthen government programs that we all depend on as we age. Every year, millions of people use our signature programs BenefitsCheckUp®, My Medicare Matters®, and the Aging Mastery Program® to age well. By offering online tools and collaborating with a nationwide network of partners, NCOA is working to improve the lives of 40 million older adults by 2030. Learn more at ncoa.org and @NCOAging.

On January 15, by a bipartisan vote of 251-155, the House passed H.R. 1230, the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act. NCOA supports the bill, which restores fairness and well-established pre-2009 legal standards of proof on workplace discrimination undermined by certain court decisions. According to a 2018 AARP survey, 61% of older workers said they had either faced or seen age bias in the workplace. Advocates are urging the Senate to pass a companion bill, S. 485, sponsored by Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA), who is the Ranking Member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging.

Ventura County Library READ Adult Literacy Program announces the opening of its new tutoring site in West Ventura and is now recruiting adult volunteer tutors who would like to help other adults improve their reading and writing skills. No teaching experience is required and the training is free. The next five-week tutor training series will be starting the first week in February in Ventura.

The READ program trains adult volunteers to provide free one-to-one reading instruction for English speaking adults in need of basic literacy skills. Instruction in basic literacy includes the development of phonetic reading skills combined with communication skills. Ventura County Library is encouraging residents to take this opportunity to volunteer as a tutor or encourage someone you know to take advantage of the free program.

After completion of the five-week training, tutors will meet with their adult learners at the West Ventura tutoring site. Tutoring is scheduled by the availability of the tutors and the learners.

Illiteracy is an issue that can be debilitating in so many ways for adults who never received the proper instruction. Adults who are unable to read have a much more difficult time with many daily activities that others may take for granted, along with a clear disadvantage in today’s competitive job market.

For more information about how you can support literacy and make a difference in someone’s life, call (805) 677-7160.

If you own a phone, chances are you’ve been subject to some type of robocall. You might receive one or even multiple robocalls daily. These pesky and unwanted phone calls are not only a nuisance, but they’ve also led to innocent victims being scammed out of their own money.

Unfortunately, seniors are among the hardest hit when it comes to scam phone calls. In fact, people 60 and older lost a total of $298 million to scams and fraud in 2019, according to the Federal Trade Commission. The median loss for 60-69-year olds was $615 and for 70-79 year olds the loss was slightly higher at $802. But those 80 and older reported the largest amount.

Colorado was the hardest-hit state in terms of receiving the most robocalls. According to the FTC, residents in the Rocky Mountain state filed 130,640 robocall complaints, or 2,403 robocalls per capita. Neighboring Arizona was No. 2 with 158,549 robocall complaints, or 2,328 per capita.

However, if you’re looking for a little solace from robocalls, your best bet might be to move to Alaska. In 2019, the state was home to the fewest robocall complaints with just 4,287, or 580 per capita.

Regardless of where you live, robocalls have only gone up in the last five years. Nationwide, robocalls have seen an average annual increase of 14% since 2015.

While tougher fines and restrictions are being put in place to deter robocalls and scams, it’s still important to be educated and vigilant on these unwanted phone calls, especially to avoid becoming a victim to a potential scam (make sure that is your grand child on the phone).

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging is partnering with the City of Santa Paula to host A Community Conversation on Aging on February 29 at 9 a.m. at the Santa Paula Community Center. This event is free and open to the public.

A Community Conversation on Aging is a platform to address gaps in services and any concerns related to resources for older adults and individuals with disabilities. As part of a countywide series of community conversations, this event will help shape Ventura County’s Master Plan on Aging.

Currently there are 196,000 individuals 60 and older living in Ventura County. That number is expected to climb to 270,000 by 2040. One in four people are living with a disability, and more than 5.8 million are living with a dementia-related disease. The needs of these populations are growing, and the time to address those needs is now.

All Santa Paula (and others) residents are encouraged to participate in this vital conversation on aging and accessibility in Santa Paula and all of Ventura County. Translation services will be available for individuals who speak Spanish. The Santa Paula Community Center is located at 530 W. Main Street. For more information, call (805) 933-4226 ext. 356.

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, an agency of the County of Ventura, is the principal agency in Ventura County charged with the responsibility to promote the development and implementation of a comprehensive coordinated system of care that enables older individuals, people with disabilities, and their caregivers to live in a community-based setting and to advocate for the needs of those 60 years of age and older in the county, providing leadership and promoting citizen involvement in the planning process as well as in the delivery of services.

by Carol Leish

On January 21, 2020, at The Ventura Avenue Adult Center, the Ventura Council on Senior’s chair, Suz Montgomery, said that, ‘The importance of doing this talk about dementia and Alzheimer’s within our community is essential, since we need to find ways to improve things for those, who are affected, in order for them to be able to live better lives. The issues of caregiving and transportation are also important topics for us to discuss.”

Teresa Valko, who is a Board Chair, at the Alzheimer’s Association, CA Central Coast Chapter, first mentioned that the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s is, “Dementia is the umbrella diagnosis of memory loss/cognitive impairments that affect daily life in which 60-70% of the time is caused by Alzheimer’s.”

“By getting an assessment and diagnosis in the early stages,” according to, Valko, “People affected will be able to do some planning and to have a voice according to what their wishes/desires are.” She said that, “14,000 people in Ventura are living with Alzheimer’s, which is the 3^rd leading cause of death in California, with no cure.” That’s why she mentioned that, “Funding for research is important, especially with no cure yet, since we are all paying taxes.” She said that many bills at the federal level seek to support caregivers.” Continued funding has put more money in research from top scientists through the world. “All researchers, from all over the world, are sharing their data, since everyone wants to see a change, and a cure.”

Teri Helton, MSN, Community Engagement Coordinator for Ventura County Caregivers: Volunteers Assisting the Elderly, focused on ways of managing common behaviors in dementia sufferers. She stressed that, ‘It is important to be understanding, and to offer support to those who are suffering.” She said that this includes, “Helping others by simplifying and organizing their daily routines and limiting distractions. Also, by empathizing and saying, ‘I see you’re frustrated. How can I help?’”

“Late stage challenges within people with dementia,” according to, Helton, “include, the ability to communicate, and possible trouble with sleeping.” She said that, ‘It’s essential to give slow and direct/compassionate statements, since emotions remain intact.” She said that by maintaining a regular routine, and by asking only one question at a time, others feel more comfortable with their particular situation.

Phil Chandler, MBA, Owner/President of Right at Home of Ventura County, is a Senior Advisor, focused on the importance of self-love for caregivers. He said, “It’s important to keep our loved ones safe, happy, and to keep them engaged.” He said that there are many support groups within Ventura County to help out caregivers of those with dementia. “Also, seeing a therapist or counselor might be helpful to those who are caregivers.”

Chandler also emphasized that, “It is very important to set up a legal Power of Attorney and do Estate Planning, if you’re over the age of 18, in order to be able to have a voice of how you want to be treated if you can’t voice it for yourself.”

According to Suz Montgomery, “It’s important to understand how to manage the maze of dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, since it is a current crisis that we need to make a priority by finding treatments and cures in order to improve situations.”

by Carol Leish

Phase 4, of the Senior Strategic Plan’s community meeting occurred on January 27-28, 2020, and focused on the findings and visioning meetings that were held in December, 2019, which was Phase 3.

Phase 2 included a senior needs assessment survey, which was completed after Phase 1, which entailed community engagement meetings. GreenPlay, LLC’s consultant, Dr. Theresa Pambroke, “Was hired by money provided by the Ventura City Council, that was allocated from Measure O funding,” according to Ventura City Council Member, Cheryl Heitmann. “We wanted to find ways to improve the community. In fact, yesterday we just opened a 55-bed homeless shelter. We need to focus on homeless seniors, especially on a way to house them in inclement weather conditions.”

During the Phase 4 meetings several goals were focused on in order to deal with the key challenges, which included not enough staff for seniors; the need for more money to run senior programming and important issues of housing and transportation for seniors in the City of Ventura.

The first goal focused on working with partners in order to improve housing in order for senior to be able to age in place. The development of affordable housing is important, especially with the high cost of living within the city.

The second goal focused on the need to improve transportation, in which more money needs to be allocated to deal with. This is a big priority at the city level.

Goal three focused on the need for overall staffing in order to provide for people of all ages.
Goal four focused on utilizing partners, who are already within the community, in order to expand their reach. This includes a leadership task force to meet on a regular basis.

Goal five focused on the need for staffing needs to be increased for all, especially adding one more senior position at the Ventura Avenue Senior Center.

Goal six focuses on the importance of regularly updating the website:www.cityofventura.ca.gov/seniors.

Goal seven focused on the additional needs for programs for senior: Increasing physical fitness and sports; Making sure programs are offered also on the east side of Ventura; Expanding the senior nutrition program; and addressing the need/demand for medical help.
Goal 8 focuses on the need for improved facilities and amenities for seniors, and making sure places are ADA (Americans with Disabilities, 1990) compliant.

Goal 9 focuses on the utilization of more space at the Ventura Ave. Senior Center; or, co-use within a multi-generational space in order to serve people between the ages of 8-year-old to 80-year-old.

Goal 10 focuses on the need for funding for additional staff; and, looking into funding through grants.

Emily Fox, Community Partnerships Manager, City of Ventura, said: “I’m excited about us coming together, and meeting together. The next phase will occur in March, 2020. If you have a community neighbors/groups that want to reach out, let me know. I appreciate the groups that are providing feedback.” For more information, visit: www.cityofventura.ca.gove/seniors. Contact: [email protected]; (805) 658-4793.

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers glaucoma tests once every 12 months.

You’re at high risk if one or more of these applies to you:
You have diabetes.
You have a family history of glaucoma.
You’re African American and age 50 or older.
You’re Hispanic and age 65 or older.

You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount and the Part B deductible applies.

To find out how much your test, item, or service will cost, talk to your doctor or health care provider. The specific amount you’ll owe may depend on several things, like:

Other insurance you may have
How much your doctor charges
Whether your doctor accepts assignment
The type of facility
Where you get your test, item, or service