Category Archives: Senior Living

Retiree has a Passion for Glass Art 

Her work is inspired by nature.

by Juliette Nasarenko

Pamela Klebaum found a new passion during her retirement years in Ventura. She found a love for glass art and created the art in the heart of her home. Her work is inspired by nature and her latest work deals with climate change and its effect on our earth. She is working on a new piece that references plastics in the ocean.

When Pamela was 55 years old, she was looking through old boxes and came across a diary that belonged to her dad. Her father was in the navy while on a voyage to Greenland and the diary described his journey, the icebergs, and life at sea. This was when she decided to start making art based on the diary. In order to take on this project Pamela attended Ventura College and took an art class each semester to learn life drawing and life painting. She wanted to learn the basic principles of art since she never had any formal instruction when she was young.

Pamela retired in 2010 and after she redid her kitchen she wanted to put glass figurines inside the cabinets. At the stain glass store, she found a new process and started studying all over the country taking workshops. She was invited to do residencies and fell in love with the process. In 2018, she was also invited to attend a professional artists’ residency on the northeastern shore of Scotland. It was only nine artists with two mentors, and she was able to feel at peace with nature as she fell “back in that time”.

According to Pamela, it takes 6 to 8 weeks to make glass art. It takes multiple firings and when it comes out of the kiln it is very rough and must be finished with a chemical polish to bring out the shine. After the Thomas Fire destroyed several homes in her neighborhood, she felt compelled to create Project Phoenix which is a small glass house for each neighbor who needed to rebuild their home. Each glass house was different as well as unique and she wrote in a note to each returning family, “…to hope that the glass house would bring beautiful light into your beautiful new home.” In August of 2023, she finished her final Project Phoenix house which was number 112! Out of all her beautiful art pieces her favorite is called Glaciers Disappearing which shows the ice melting. She says, “You can see through her work what we are doing to the earth.”

Pamela loves to keep herself busy and started playing soccer for the first 3 years of her retirement. She also continues to study the piano since starting retirement. She enjoys walking around her neighborhood and staying active. One piece of wisdom that Pamela always likes to think about is gratitude as it “becomes a way of our life.” She loves to think about smaller graces every day and people spreading kindness to each other. She loves to go to Yosemite every year for her and her husband Nohl’s anniversary. She loves to read and started reading the Pulitzer Award winner The Caine Mutiny by Herman Wouk. She said it was a very compelling story and similar to her dad’s diary illustrating life on a ship and how intimate it can be. My conversation with Pamela was compelling and fascinating as she has so much ambition and passion for what she does. I loved listening to her story and journey as she has a big heart to help others and make the world a better place.

Editor: If you are a senior (over 70-years), or know of one, who would like to share their retirement, or job, with us please let us know at [email protected].

 

Spring Into Action

Leslie and her students are having fun and getting a great workout!

by Leslie Sokol

The Spring season symbolizes fresh starts. It is the perfect time to try out new and exciting workout ideas that will help you get in shape and feel great. You can also enjoy your indoor workouts outside too. With spring comes warmer weather, longer days and lots of sunshine. Wake up and smell the roses, hear the birds chirping and enjoy the benefits of getting outside. If you have been looking for fun ways to spruce up your workout routine, here are some simple suggestions to help you get started:

  1. Design an exercise plan that works for you.
  2. Find a workout you love.
  3. Stay motivated.
  4. Mix it up, variety is the spice of life.
  5. Give yourself time to rest and recover from your workouts.
  6. Stop pressuring yourself, do positive self-talk.
  7. Be consistent and dedicated – start a workout routine.
  8. Dress the part – wear comfortable athletic clothes and good, supportive shoes, preferably sneakers.
  9. Eat healthy and drink plenty of fluids.

Although humans are creatures of habit and comfort, frequently changing your workout program can help you avoid burnout or boredom. Mix up your workouts by doing a variety of different activities to improve your fitness level, get you in better shape, and utilize different muscle groups. Plan well-balanced activities that work the body from head to toe.

Here are some activities and exercises to put a spring in your step:

1) Dance workouts
2) Golf
3) Hiking
4) Brisk walking
5) Biking
6) Swimming
7) Yoga
8) Playing with your grandkids
9) Low impact sports
10) Pickle Ball
11) Calisthenics, stretches, and/or strength exercises

Spring Into a Heart-Healthy Diet

Another component of living a healthy lifestyle is eating well. Remember the old saying, “You are what you eat.” The 80/20 rule is a smart guide for your everyday diet. If you aim for 80 percent of what you eat being healthy, then the other 20 percent can be treats or snacks. Included in the 80 percent would be fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, fish along with unsaturated fats. “Your food is your body’s fuel.” You also want to make sure you are drinking plenty of water and other hydrating liquids. Drinking healthy fluids is important, especially if you exercise a lot. Keep in mind that your body is over sixty percent water. I always suggest to my students to drink water before, during and after any exercise routine.

Let’s get this Spring off to a healthy and happy start!

Leslie Sokol is the creator and founder of the adult dance and fitness program For the Young at Heart. You can watch For the Young at Heart by visiting her YouTube Channel or on TVSB. She also teaches in retirement communities throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.

For more information contact Leslie at [email protected] 805-312-8089
or visit the website: www.LeslieSokolDance.com

Project Love event for seniors

Children will be seeing the positive impact that they had on seniors.

by Carol Leish, MA

“Since elementary school students last year wrote such heartwarming messages to seniors, we at Assisted Home Health & Hospice decided to continue our Project Love on an annual basis,” according to Natalie Uribe, the HospiceCare Specialist at Assisted Home Health & Hospice. This year, Ventura Elementary Schools, Portola, EP Foster, Will Rogers, Montalvo, Poinsettia, and Elmhurst Elementary Schools have participated again. New schools in Oxnard and Camarillo also participated in the Project Love Event this year.

‘We supplied 4-5 different color sheets, to give the children options of what to color. The cards said things, such as, ‘You are wonderful; and, ‘You are special,’ as well as a spot for their own message The Valentine’s Day Cards were delivered to various senior residential facilities in Ventura: Cypress Place Senior Living; Aegis Living; Cal Vet; The Palms of Buenaventura; Victoria Care Center; Ventura Post Acute; and, Coastal View. Some seniors were moved to tears of joy, after seeing the cards. They reminisced bout when their children were going to elementary school.”

Children will be seeing the positive impact that they had on seniors since Assisted Home Health & Hospice took videos of the kids coloring and of the seniors receiving the heartwarming messages, which they will be sending to the schools in March for teachers to show to the children who participated.

“We look forward to this event growing each year so it can touch more lives,” according to Uribe. “The event has grown by 25% with more schools participating each year. With all that is going on in the world, we need to realize the importance of loving one another. This event has created more caring within children by making them more aware of thinking about others, such as seniors, especially since some of them have grandparents.”

Let us continue to spread love and joy to others throughout the year.

Captivating mural, “Memories of Ojai” at the Artesian of Ojai

Doris Mendel and Clara Dunwoody enjoying the mural.

A captivating mural, “Memories of Ojai”, unfolds with a burst of color, rich and vibrant hues at the Artesian of Ojai, 203 E. El Roblar Dr.,Ojai.

Many thanks and appreciation to Gayel Childress, Member of Ojai Studio Artist as she inspired Artesian residents on this project for 6 months.

This 4 by 8 wooden canvas brought tears to some of the residents as they felt a tremendous pride for their work. Standing before their creation with family and friends, brought a profound sense of accomplishment and fulfillment as they recalled the effort poured into bringing their vision to life on a canvas.

Bingo night for the Parkinson’s Foundation

It’s time to mark your calendars! The Parkinson’s Foundation and the Ventura County Neurofitness Center are hosting a Bingo/Talent Show to support fundraising efforts for the Parkinson’s Foundation. The event will be held Friday, March 15th from 7-9pm at the Ventura Marina Community Clubhouse located at 1215 Anchors Way in Ventura. The event will include 5 regular games of bingo, a talent show, desserts, coffee and water.

Doors open at 6:00pm with regular bingo games starting promptly at 7pm. Entry fee is $10 per person plus $5 buy-in for bingo. Every game has a minimum $100 prize value (Amazon, Wood Ranch gift cards). Talent show starts at 8pm immediately following the bingo games and will feature the many talents of our local community.

This event is open to the public and 100% of the proceeds go directly to support the Parkinson’s Foundation and its mission to improve care and advance research toward a cure.

“We are partnering with the Parkinson’s Foundation to raise money for our relentless pursuit of a cure for Parkinson’s,” said Dr. Vanessa White, owner/founder of the Ventura County Neurofitness Center and Director of the Ventura County Parkinson’s Support Group. Dr. White added that she “would love for you to be a part of this fun-filled night you won’t want to miss,” and, she “hopes to make this an annual event” held in conjunction with the Foundation’s Moving Day event (scheduled for Saturday, April 13th this year from 9-11am at the Ventura County Fairgrounds).

Seats are limited to 200 attendees and this exciting event will fill up fast—please arrive early with your friends and family and the bingo fun will start promptly at 7pm—all for a good time and an even better cause. For those unable to attend this event, but would still like to support the Parkinson’s Foundation, please visit the A-Team page (on the Parkinson’s Foundation website—Ventura County Moving Day—http://www3.parkinson.org/goto/ATeam_2024) to make donations directly through the Parkinson’s Foundation website.

For more information, please visit vcneurofitness.com or contact Dr. Vanessa White (cell: 805.300.7749 or email: [email protected]).

Taking care of yourself if you have dementia

Ask friends or family to help with cooking.

Ask friends or family to help with needs like cooking, paying bills, transportation, or shopping.
If you live alone, find people you trust who can visit often.
Consider letting trusted neighbors know of your diagnosis so they can help if needed.
Use social service agencies, local nonprofits, and Area Agencies on Aging to connect with in-home help, transportation, meals, and other services.
Learn more about support and services.

Safety Tips for People Living With Dementia

Carry identification with you in case you get lost or need help. If you drive, talk with your doctor about changes in your driving and take seriously family and friends who express concerns. Make minor changes in the home to create a safer environment to prevent falls and injuries. Good balance, a habit of standing up slowly, and non-skid shoes can also help prevent falls.

Home-safety tips:

Simplify the amount and layout of furniture and remove small rugs.
Have a sturdy handrail on stairways.
Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed in or near the kitchen and in all bedrooms.
Install an automatic shut-off switch on the stove and set the water heater temperature limit to
120 F to avoid burns.
Consider safety devices, like fall monitors and emergency call buttons.

As much as you might want to put off difficult decisions about the future, now is the time to think about health and finances to make sure you have a say and are prepared. Start discussions early with your family members while everyone can still help make decisions together. There are several areas you will want to consider, including legal and financial matters, and options for in-home care, long-term care, and funeral and burial arrangements.

Eating healthy by the National Institute on Aging

Eating healthfully and having an active lifestyle can support healthy aging. Use the resources below to learn about different patterns of healthy eating and ways to create a nutritious meal plan.

Simple adjustments can go a long way toward building a healthier eating pattern. Follow these tips to get the most out of foods and beverages while meeting your nutrient needs and reducing the risk of disease:

Enjoy a variety of foods from each food group to help reduce the risk of developing diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Choose foods with little to no added sugar, saturated fats, and sodium.

To get enough protein throughout the day and maintain muscle, try adding seafood, dairy, or fortified soy products along with beans, peas, and lentils to your meals. Learn more about protein and other important nutrients.

Add sliced or chopped fruits and vegetables to meals and snacks. Look for pre-cut varieties if slicing and chopping are a challenge for you.

Try foods fortified with vitamin B12, such as some cereals, or talk to your doctor about taking a B12 supplement. Learn more about key vitamins and minerals.

Reduce sodium intake by seasoning foods with herbs and citrus such as lemon juice.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help stay hydrated and aid in the digestion of food and absorption of nutrients. Avoid sugary drinks.

It can be hard for some people to follow through on smart food choices. Read about common roadblocks and how to overcome them and check out the USDA’s tips for older adults.

Answering the question “what should I eat?” doesn’t need to leave you feeling baffled and frustrated. In fact, when you have the right information and motivation, you can feel good about making healthy choices. Use these tips to plan healthy and delicious meals:

Plan in advance. Meal planning takes the guesswork out of eating and can help ensure you eat a variety of nutritious foods throughout the day.

Find budget-friendly foods. Create a shopping list in advance to help stick to a budget and follow these SNAP-friendly recipes.

Consider preparation time. Some meals can be made in as little as five minutes. If you love cooking, or if you’re preparing a meal with or for friends or family, you may want to try something a little more challenging.

Keep calories in mind. The number of calories people need each day varies by individual. Always discuss your weight and fitness goals with your health care provider before making big changes. Read about calorie goals and healthy food swaps.

Next Dementia Friendly Ventura County One-Stop Shop is March 6

Dementia Friendly Ventura County’s next one-stop workshop to help people living with a dementia-related disease and their caregivers is scheduled for Wednesday, March 6, at the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging.

The public is encouraged to stop by anytime during the “Living Well, Caring Well” event and meet with many local providers who can assist with dementia-related issues, including adult day centers, adult protective services, the Alzheimer’s Association, caregiver resources, financial resources, in-home care, health insurance counseling and advocacy, legal and advanced planning, long-term care ombudsman, neurology, and public benefit programs.

The March 6 workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the VCAAA office, which is located at 646 County Square Drive in Ventura.

For more information, email [email protected] or call (805) 477-7300.

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, a division of the County of Ventura’s Human Services Agency, is charged with the responsibility to promote the development and implementation of a comprehensive coordinated system of care that enables older individuals, children and adults with disabilities, and their caregivers to live in a community-based setting. The VCAAA advocates for the needs of those 60 years and older in the county, providing leadership and promoting citizen involvement in the planning process as well as in the delivery of services.

How to Improve Your Mental and Physical Strength

by Leslie Sokol

Have you ever found yourself admiring people you think of as strong, both physically and mentally? Strong individuals take care of themselves, show confidence and serve as an inspiration to others. Physical and emotional strength are also important components of your overall health and it’s critical that you focus on both areas when creating your fitness plan!

It Starts with Mental Strength

Building your emotional wellbeing is fundamental to living your best life. Optimal mental health helps you live a life you love, have meaningful social connections, and can improve self-esteem. It’s never too late to maintain your strength or discover new ways to get even stronger. There are numerous studies showing people who are strong emotionally are also physically healthier and have stronger immune systems.

A good way to start building up your mental strength is by creating a daily routine based on brain-boosting habits. Try mindfulness activities, such as meditation, yoga and breathing exercises to help you deal with stress or challenges in your life. Being mentally strong helps you resist both internal and external influences that weaken your self-confidence and well-being.

How Physical Strength Correlates with Mental Strength

Your physical strength goes hand in hand with your mental strength. As I tell my students, “Strong mind, strong body.” Regular physical activity will not only help keep your muscles, bones and joints strong, but it will also build up your mental resilience. Regular workouts may actually change the way your brain responds to stress, thereby improving your ability to deal with any stressors that may come your way. Also, when you exercise, your mind produces a variety of “feel good” neurotransmitters and hormones, which delivers a major boost to your mood. Those positive emotions go a long way in improving your mental health!

Muscle strength and dynamic balance are vital at every age, but in older populations it becomes even more crucial for maintaining independence and quality of life. As we age, we do lose muscle mass and strength. Muscles atrophy and become weak when we do not exercise or keep our bodies strong. “If you do not use it, you lose it” That’s why it is so crucial to do strengthening exercises and keep physically active.

Tips for Improving Your Mental Strength

Cultivate a growth mindset.
Develop emotional regulation skills.
Set realistic goals.
Strengthen your support system.
Practice self-compassion and love.
Step out of your comfort zone.
Develop a daily routine.
Keep your connections strong (socialize).
Practice mindfulness and start a meditation practice.
Be a believer.

Tips for Improving Your Physical Strength

Exercise and stay active to prevent muscle and bone loss.
Do activities that are fun, get you in shape, increase your alertness, and feel good to your body and mind.
Do exercises that actually strengthen your muscles, such as:
• Lifting weights
• Resistance bands
• Walking
• Hiking
• Dancing
• Push-ups, sit-ups and pull-ups
• Heavy gardening such as digging and shoveling.

I want to share one of my favorite quotes by Tim Grover: “Physical strength measures what you can do, Mental strength measures whether you’ll actually do it!” We can all live a productive, healthy, and well-balanced life by focusing on strengthening both our minds and our bodies. By choosing to do things that make you happy and content, you will see immediate boosts in your attitude, energy, motivation and outlook on life. Stay Strong! Be Happy and Healthy!

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 by visiting her YouTube Channel or on TVSB. She also teaches in retirement communities throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.
For more information contact Leslie at [email protected] 805-312-8089
or visit the website: www.LeslieSokolDance.com