The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s Senior Nutrition Program is offering free nutrition counseling and classes to Ventura County residents as part of an effort to promote healthy living among older adults.

Nutrition counseling services and classes include personalized one-on-one or group settings with a registered dietitian and a focus on healthy eating on a budget, understanding food labels, managing weight loss, controlling diabetes, controlling high blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, enhancing bone health, and variety of other individualized concerns.

Additional services offered through the VCAAA’s Senior Nutrition Program include congregate and home-delivered meal services, which provide older adults with access to nutritious meals and contribute to maintaining their health, safety, dignity and quality of life.

The services are free and open to the public. Participants must be 60 and older.

For more information visit www.vcaaa.org or call (805) 477-7339.

by Rob Falkenberg, CEO, UnitedHealthcare of California

Open enrollment season is here, a time when more than 18.3 million people in California and millions of Americans across the country will have the opportunity to select or switch their health insurance plan for 2020.

To help guide you during this important time, here are some tips that may help lead you to better health and cost savings.

1: Know your open enrollment dates

For the more than 178 million Americans with employer-provided coverage, many employers set aside a two-week period between September and December when employees can select health benefits for the following year.
For the more than 64 million people enrolled in Medicare, Medicare Annual Enrollment runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year.

For most people, changes made during this time will take effect Jan. 1, 2020.

2: Understand your options. When it comes to selecting a plan, one size does not fit all. Take the time to understand your options so you can find what will work best for you. A good first step is to make sure you understand health insurance lingo, such as premium, deductible, coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximum. If you need a refresher, check out UnitedHealth Group’s Just Plain Clear Glossary (in English, Spanish and Portuguese) to learn and understand health care terms. And if you’re eligible for Medicare, make sure you’re familiar with the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage as you weigh your options.

3: Anticipate next year’s health expenses. When reviewing your options, plan ahead. Maybe you are expecting a significant health event next year, such as a surgery or having a baby. If so, then it’s even more important to compare the “total cost” of your plan, not just your monthly premium. Plan designs vary, so also compare deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.

4: Check to make sure your medications are covered

Even if you don’t expect to change plans, it’s important to make sure your prescription drugs will still be covered next year. Costs can change from year to year, and how much you pay for generics vs. brands may differ among health plans.

5: Ask about well-being programs. Many health plans now offer financial incentives that reward you for taking healthier actions, such as completing a health survey, walking, going to the gym or not using nicotine. Also, many Medicare Advantage plans offer gym memberships and wellness programs for members at no additional costs.

6: Don’t forget about specialty benefits

Additional benefits, such as dental, vision, hearing, disability or critical illness insurance, are often cost-effective coverage options that can help protect you and your family from head to toe. For Medicare beneficiaries, some may be surprised that Original Medicare doesn’t cover prescription drugs and most dental, vision and hearing services, but many Medicare Advantage plans do.

7: Try the convenience of virtual visits. If you are busy juggling kids’ schedules or work travel, or simply prefer to connect with a doctor from the comfort of your own home, consider choosing a plan that includes 24/7 virtual visits. It may be a convenient, lower-cost way to talk to a doctor about minor health issues, and all you need is a smartphone, tablet or computer. Often, telehealth is available to members of employer-sponsored, individual and Medicare Advantage plans.

For more helpful articles and videos about open enrollment and health care, visit UHCOpenEnrollment.com.

Walking is great exercise and walking in the mall is second only to walking in neighborhoods in popularity. Malls are great places to walk because they provide a sheltered indoor space free from traffic and bad weather.

There are many benefits to walking in the mall:

You can walk alone or with a group. Even if you arrive at the mall alone, you’ll probably meet other walkers. The support of others can help motivate you to keep going.

It’s convenient. Although a formal mall walking program may have set hours, you can also set your own schedule, and walk any time the mall is open.

Malls are easy to get to. Many have bus stops on site or nearby.

Malls are pedestrian friendly. They have level floors, benches or other places to rest, water fountains, and accessible restrooms.

It’s free. You might be tempted to window-shop, but you don’t have to buy anything. If you do shop, some stores may give discounts to mall walkers.

You don’t need special exercise equipment other than comfortable walking shoes.

Walkers of all ages and fitness levels are welcome.

Malls are accessible to those with varying physical abilities.

You can walk at your own pace. As you get used to walking, increase the frequency, intensity, and/or duration of your walk to improve your fitness. Try taking the stairs to the second level instead of the escalator.

Mall walking is non-competitive. You can exercise and socialize in a friendly environment.

Security staff help make malls a safe place to walk.

Ask if your local mall currently has a mall walking program. If not, check out Mall Walking: A Program Resource Guide from the University of Washington and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and see how easy it is to start one. Learn best practices from other mall walking programs, see how to work successfully with mall management, and more.

The Ombudsman Program of Ventura County is looking for volunteers in the west county area to advocate for older, and dependent adults, living in long-term care facilities. Did you know that 60% of all older adult residents in skilled nursing facilities have no family or friends to speak for them? Join the LTC Ombudsman Program and make a difference in the lives of the forgotten, vulnerable older adults in your community. For more information about January training, please call Long Term Care Services of Ventura County, Inc., Ombudsman Program at 656-1986, and/or visit www.ombudsmanventura.org.

by Patty Jenkins

Get into the Holiday spirit on Wednesday, November 13, 2019, from 12:30-2:30PM, with the Ventura Parkinson’s Disease Support Group as we host one of Ventura County’s most talented magicians, Mr. Paul Dwork of Merlin Medical Supply. Join us as we celebrate making it though another year of “the seriousness of Parkinson’s” with some lighthearted magic by Paul followed by “the best medicine – laughter!” Lorelei Woerner-Eisner of the Wellness Arts Village will lead us in some Laughter Yoga and we’ll all leave with smiles to start the Holiday Season!

Paul Dwork is a Master Magician who performs at many fundraisers for various charities in Southern California including an annual show in Moorpark organized by the Rotary Club of Camarillo where proceeds go to worthy charities such as the Brain Injury Center of Ventura County. Paul has been performing magic since 1969 and has developed a reputation as “The Merlin of Magic”. He created his show in 1985 as a fund raiser for his children’s pre-school and continues to perform using Science and Magic as part of a magical experience for children of all ages.

Merlin Medical Supply in Camarillo is a great source for durable medical goods, specialty equipment for the physically challenged, which would include Parkinson’s, diabetic, incontinence and wound management supplies and other medical aids. Paul is an inventor of many products that help improve quality of life, which includes the GeeWhiz Condom Catheter for male incontinence.

Lorelei Woerner-Eisner is the Founder of Wellness Arts Village in Ventura (Grand opening in the Spring of 2020!). Lorelei has over 25 years of Occupational Therapy experience and more than 10 years as a yoga therapist in pediatrics, acute care, home health, rehabilitation, mental health, and skilled nursing. She is a regularly featured national speaker on various topics from an integrative perspective and has written several handbooks. Lorelei is a Fieldwork Educator with USC, on faculty with the Optimal State of Living program, and leads retreats. She is the developer of the Integrative Wellness Therapy method, which blends western medicine with research-based complementary techniques, with an emphasis on neurological concerns (Parkinson’s, Post-stroke, brain injury, dementia) and mental health (executive function, anxiety, depression, ADHD). She received her degree in Occupational Therapy from USC and her Yoga Therapy certificate from Loyola Marymount University and the Optimal State Method.

Join us for our last meeting of 2019 on Wednesday November 13, from 12:30 to 2:30 at Ventura City Hall’s Community Meeting Room # 202; 501 Poli Street. The Ventura Parkinson’s Disease Support Group welcomes the public along with those who find themselves navigating the challenges of Parkinson’s Disease and other neurological conditions. Hand-out resources available at every meeting. We are an independent and volunteer-organized group not affiliated with any other organization or group. For more information and important detailed directions to our meetings, please call Patty at 805-766-6070.

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) is tackling all questions and concerns related to Medicare Open Enrollment by hosting a variety of one-stops throughout Ventura County through December 6th. All services are free and open to the public.

The transition to Medicare can be daunting and understanding plan options and the costs associated with each is often overwhelming. The VCAAA’s HICAP team is made up of highly trained counselors who provide free and unbiased assistance to Medicare recipients. Counseling services vary and are based on individual needs. Other services provided include a full assessment through the VCAAA’s Benefits Enrollment Center to determine eligibility for a variety of other benefits and services.

Medicare Open Enrollment One-stops are currently scheduled in Ventura, Ojai, Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Oxnard, Simi Valley, Santa Paula, and Fillmore. For a complete list of dates and times, please visit https://www.vcaaa.org/our-services/medicare-help/ or call (805) 477-7310 or 1-800-434-0222.

This project was supported, in part by grant number 90SAPG0052-03-00, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201.

Senior News Line
by Matilda Charles

Aging in place means that we remain in our home as we get older. Many of us want that … to stay where we’re comfortable and things are familiar. With enough advance planning and a few changes, it’s possible, but it means anticipating what our needs will be as we face the challenges of age.

For example, if you know you’ll be staying in your home, there are some things you’ll need to do in advance, basics like moving the master bedroom to the first floor, making the outside safe with better lighting and adding grab bars in the shower.

What about all the daily tasks you’ll no longer be able to handle — driving and mowing, meals and shopping — that you’ll need to hire others to do.

But what if you want to move first because your current environment isn’t what you’ll need?

Many of us are moving to aging-in-place communities. They’re loaded with amenities to keep us happy and healthy: libraries, grocery stores, buses and rides, lawn services and maintenance, meals in a dining room if desired, medical facilities, clubs, churches, classes — and the ability to upgrade to an assisted-living situation should it become necessary.

If you’re just now at the thinking stage, consider signing up for AARP’s free e-newsletter, Livable Communities (www.aarp.org). While it’s aimed toward community leaders and residents, it will give you some ideas about things you might want or need.

Look at the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging website (www.n4a.org) and put in your ZIP code to find aging resources near you. Call one or two to get more information. Ask for any to-do lists they have for aging in place.

Aging in place can work, but you need to plan for it.

(c) 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.

Volunteer leaders are needed for both RSVP Bone Builders and Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance. No experience is necessary to become an instructor for either program, although the first training step is to attend a class and observe. Interested volunteers will need to attend training dates scheduled in October.

RSVP is an age 55+ volunteer engagement program that oversees the two distinct exercise programs designed for seniors. The program’s trained instructors make a difference in the lives of those enrolled in the class, as well as contribute to their own well-being by engaging in a regular exercise program. Both RSVP exercise programs are free and open to the public.

Volunteer positions are available in RSVP’s four-city service area of Oxnard, Ventura, Camarillo and Port Hueneme. Call 805-385-8023 to learn more about the training. To see current class locations, go to http://seniors.oxnardrec.org.

RSVP is a volunteer recruitment and placement program, helping people 55 and older find volunteer positions that match their interests, talent and available time. Oxnard RSVP has about 550 members and is locally sponsored by the City of Oxnard with grant funding from the federal Corporation for National and Community Service. To learn more about the benefits of being an RSVP member or for help finding a volunteer position, call 805-385-8019.

by Lisa M Cini

Each year in the U.S. one in four people over 65 experiences a fall. It’s a common problem and can lead to a loss of independence, hospitalization, lack of confidence, and in some cases death. Avoiding falls in the first place is a vital aspect of living independently. Here’s how to prevent accidents in the home and make living independently a positive experience.

Assess Your Living Space. A few simple adjustments can mean the difference between falling and living independently safely. Take a minute to answer the following questions:

Is there a phone within easy reach?

Are there rugs on a polished floor surface?

How easy is it to get around your room?

Is clutter posing a hazard?

Do you need better lighting?

Get Safe Flooring. Making your floor as safe as possible is essential for preventing falls.

Invest in anti-slip tiles for bathrooms and kitchens to avoid sliding on water spillages or polished surfaces.

Make sure any rugs have anti-slip fixtures underneath to avoid slipping across the floor.

Consider a contrasting color for steps and rails to make them easier to see.

Since your feet spend so much time on the floor, make sure you have well-fitting shoes and slippers. Avoid flip-flops and flimsy footwear as these easily lead to trips and slips.

Consider the Lighting. Lighting equipped with sensors to come on when movement is detected is very helpful for stairs and bathrooms –or any room, really. Amber colored night lights help you see around the home at night and should be placed in stairs and bathrooms.

Install Handrails to Keep You Steady. Having a handrail in all high-risk places, such as the shower or stair, is another example of an easy adjustment to prevent falls.

Make the Garden Safe. Gardens are full of hazards so make sure your green space is as safe as possible.

Clear moss and old leaves from the paths to minimize the risk of slippery spaces.

When it is icy, make sure you lay some grit and have someone clear your paths.

Avoid too many pots and ornaments as they are easy to trip over.

Install lighting so you can see your way along paths in the dark.

Remember that you don’t have to do all the work in the garden or house yourself; you can get help from others to do the heavier jobs, which lessens your risk of falling.

Remove Clutter. Clearing clutter from steps and floors helps you avoid slips and trips. Don’t leave things lying around on the floor where they can cause a hazard. And avoid trailing wires when using electrical items.

Don’t stretch or balance on step ladders to get things on high shelves or awkward places, as it leads to falls.

Make sure you organize your living space so things you use frequently are within easy reach and you don’t need to climb on steps.

Avoid carrying too much at one time as this can set you off balance, resulting in a fall.

Join a Pilates / Yoga class or other exercise programs designed to help you avoid falling by maintaining good balance, core strength and posture techniques. Some exercises are chair-based, but most are gentle and set at a pace that the group can follow.

Footwear is important in the prevention of falls.

Give yourself time to adjust when moving from a sitting position. This helps you avoid dizziness from changes in blood pressure.

Taking these few easy steps to make your living space safer will help you avoid falls and stay independent for longer in your home.

Lisa is the author of The Future is Here: Senior Living Reimagined, Hive: The Simple Guide to Multigenerational Living, and BOOM: The Baby Boomers Guide to Leveraging Technology, so that you can Preserve Your Independent Lifestyle & Thrive.

Editor: Once again we have an article on fall prevention because it is so important for seniors.