Boys & Girls Club of Ventura Silent Auction

Support the Boys & Girls Club of Ventura by participating in their 2024 Great Futures Auction, happening on Saturday, November 9, from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion. This event helps raise vital funds for the club’s programs and services.

The silent auction is already live on their dedicated auction website, where you can browse and bid on a wide range of items. It’s the perfect time to register and start bidding! Visit www.bgclubventura.org for details.

Event tickets are $110 per person or $800 for a table of 8, which includes dinner and an evening supporting a wonderful cause. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Ashley Hofer at 805-641-5585 or [email protected].

Vol. 18, No. 02 – Oct 16 – Oct 29, 2024 – Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers
The Last of the Sea Women – Apple TV+

Breeze rating from 1 to 4 palm trees,
4 being best.

The Last of the Sea Women” is an incredible documentary detailing the lives of the stellar senior sea women of South Korea that live on Jeju Island and are known as Haenyeos, which free dive in the ocean harvesting marine life as their primary source of food and income. They say it’s a calling to be a haenyeo, serving as guardians of the sea and sharing a very symbiotic relationship with the ocean fulfilling their duty to protect it for hundreds of years. Jeju is known as the home of the haenyeos and the island is famous for three things: rocks, wind and women.

The 1960s was the heyday for the haenyeos with the number of haenyeos peaking at 30,000 when the population of Jeju was 200,000, but the number has steadily declined and now there are about 4,000 haenyeos left mostly in their 60s, 70s and 80s. They serve their duty with all their hearts and the traditions are passed down from their mothers and grandmothers. Even when it’s cold or they don’t feel like diving, they still dive as it’s in their bones.

Being a haenyeos is a very dangerous job and haenyeos are not covered by health insurance because the job is considered too dangerous. The currently older generation of haenyeos doesn’t think that the younger generation has the tenacity to live like they do and no one seems to want to become haenyeos anymore, which may cause the haenyeos way of life to become extinct. The sea itself has also changed and the haenyeos are disappearing, seeming like the haenyeos culture is melting away.

They sing traditional songs boating out to sea and spend hours free diving filling large floating baskets. The singing actually began when they had to row boats out to sea. Culturally, when they were young people used to look down on haenyeos, especially those married to influential people in the village. That was a long time ago and now even UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) recognizes the haenyeos giving them the courage to stand tall against those that would judge them.

During the Joseon Dynasty being a haenyeo was a tough job and primarily done by men. After they found out it was hard, men just quit doing the job because they could handle it and women had no choice but to do this job to provide income for the family. Young women start training to be haenyeos at ages 7-10 years old, learning how to swim, dive and the necessary breathing techniques to free dive. They are also taught where to find and how to harvest the food, and then once they reach 15-17 years old they would officially become a haenyeo.

In August 2024, Japan began releasing radioactive wastewater into the ocean causing a future where haenyeos would lose their homes and livelihoods. In Geneva Switzerland, the UN Human Rights Council met to work on the Fukushima issue. Haenyeos were invited to the meeting to speak about the impacts of Japan’s decision. Soon Deok Jang was 72 years old and learned to be a haenyeos when she was 16. She represented the haenyeos and back on Jeju Island the elders teased she was a national hero, now known everywhere for working to save their island.

The Jeju Haenyeo Festival is for when they leave this world so future generations can remember them by the festival and learn the history of the haenyeos culture and to not be forgotten. This documentary is inspiring insightful look at senior women taking on global issues to guard the seas and inspire younger generations to continue the haenyeo traditions and preserve their culture.

Runtime: 1h 27m

Vol. 18, No. 02 – Oct 16 – Oct 29, 2024 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

Tuesday 9/24

2:35pm, received report of an injured pelican in the Harbor Town point. Officers responded, chased the bird, but it scrambled into the water.

3:35pm, officers practicing getting the truck stuck in the sand near the Santa Clara Rivermouth. Utilizing new towing straps with other patrol truck.

Wednes 9/25

6:32am, observed NWS issued Small Craft Advisory, raised warning pennant.

11:59am, received “MayDay” call from a 20ft inflatable near the outside of the breakwall. Officers responded in Fireboat, passed tow line just before the vessel went on the rocks. Towed the vessel to the launch ramp and released.

5:35pm, received request to assist sea bird rescue with an injured pelican at Harbor Cove. Officers were able to capture the bird for rescue volunteer.

Thursday 9/26

9:05am, received a request to tow a disabled gator off the beach for Ventura PD. Officers were able to tow the vehicle to the Surfers Knoll parking lot.

10:25am, dispatched to an Ocean Rescue at Mandalay Beach. Officers responded in Rescue B19 to a single victim in the surfline, assisted responders.

5:25pm, observed that the Santa Clara Rivermouth had breeched, a lot of water draining from the estuary creating a large standing wave.

Friday 9/27

7:49am, contacted by a surfer who sustained 2inch laceration above his right eye while on patrol in the truck. Officers cleaned and bandaged the wound.

9:09am, received report of a small vessel adrift near the fish offloading pier. Officers responded, towed the dinghy to VIM, returned to the mother ship.

6:00pm, lobster season opener 2024, officers observed 40 vessels fishing near the breakwall. Contacted several for fishing in prohibited areas.

Saturday 9/28

3:25am, officers checking on hoop netting activity in the Fireboat. Contacted a vessel engaged in hoop netting in the Harbor Entrance, issued warning.

9:50am, Marine Safety Officers preparing for National Registry EMT exam.

10:30am, senior officers training Marina Safety Officers with emergency tow training with the Fireboat and Rescue Boat 19.

11:45am, observed a small motor vessel disabled, towed to the launch ramp.

12:06pm, dispatched to a fall victim near Harbor Cove. An apple watch fall detection alerted dispatch. Searched the area, but no patient was found.

7:23pm, observed several hoop nets placed illegally outside the breakwall. Officers began pulling and commercial charter vessel Island Fox advised the nets belonged to them, issued stern warning for the violation to the 60ft vessel.

Sunday 9/29

9:20am, received complaint about the commercial lobster trap buoys outside “Pelican” island. Ascertained area was breakwall, informed of lobster season.

Caller was concerned the dolphins would be in danger of entangling the lines.

7:30pm, checking on hoop netting activities. 11 vessels fishing the breakwall.

Monday 9/30

4:05pm, officers conducting sea trial of Rescue Boat 19 after repairs to a coolant leak on the Starboard engine. Sea trial successful, leak mitigated.

Tuesday 10/1

6:45pm, dispatched to an Ocean Rescue at Ventura Point. Officers responded in Fireboat to assist State Parks and VFD with a kite surfer in distress.

Wednes 10/2

10:31am, while on patrol, officers observed a petroleum sheen at VHV. Officers investigated, talked to a witness but were unable to ascertain a source.

8:29pm, dispatched to a medical at the holiday Inn. Officers responded with AMR/VFD to assist with treatment and transportation prep.

Thursday 10/3

12:00pm, officers training and preparing for EMT testing.

1:50pm, while on patrol in the truck, officers monitoring 3 children boogie boarding near the South Jetty. Contacted and moved to safer water.

8:05pm, contacting several small vessels engaged in hoop netting outside the breakwall within the 250ft buffer zone. Issued warnings and moved traps.

Friday 10/4

10:30am, officers conducting dock line maintenance on the patrol dock. Training new Marine Safety Officers with splicing/whipping etcetera.

3:00pm, dispatched to a stingray strike at Harbor Cove beach. Officers responded with VFD/AMR to assist the patient with treatment/transport prep.

6:03pm, while on patrol in the Fireboat, officers conducting hoop net ordinance enforcement. Contacted 6 fisherman for illegal placement of hoop nets, issued warnings and educated legal areas for fishing for lobster.

Saturday 10/5

12:40pm, officers training new Marine Safety Officers with Fireboat operations: monitor, induction line, electronics, specifically radar and audio direction finder.

5:35pm, dispatched to an unconscious person at Brophy Brothers. Officers responded with VFD/AMR to assist the patient with treatment and transport prep

6:42pm, received an inquiry from a Ventura Marina Community tenant concerned that the fog signal hasn’t been activated when the fog has come in lately. Officers advised signal is turned on by keying mic on VHF 81a 5 times.

11:10pm, officers training new Marine Safety Officers on nighttime operations onboard the Fireboat, radar & navigating to the harbor in restricted visibility.

Sunday 10/6

10:01am, officers training Marine Safety Officers with Fireboat 1 and Rescue Boat 19 operations and electronics operations, also coastal navigation.

4:20pm, received report of illegal fishing near the Harbor Cove Café. Officers responded in the truck and educated 10 young adults of legal areas to fish. The crew left the scene on their electric bikes.

5:03pm, observed a heavy thick fog bank roll in, visibility less than 100ft. Officers activated the fog signal on the South Jetty by keying mic on VHF 81a.

Monday 10/7

10:00am, received report of an RV on Spinnaker Drive dumping black water onto the street. Officers responded with VPD, owner was cited for the pollution.

12:03pm, received report of a Hazard-to-Navigation at the Harbor Entrance. Officers responded in Rescue B19, removed a large log, deposited at the L/R.

7:20pm, received request for an escort from the #2 navigation buoy from a large sailboat with malfunctioning radar. Officers responded in Fireboat to assist.

Tuesday 10/8

8:50pm, received a Mayday call on VHF 16, large sailboat with a fouled prop just outside the harbor. Officers responded in Fireboat, found the vessel anchored just outside the surfline near the Surfers Knoll groin. Towed to harbor.

 

Vol. 18, No. 02 – Oct 16 – Oct 29, 2024 – Music Calendar

For more listings, additional times and genres go to VenturaRocks.com

Aqua Beachfront Bar (Crowne Plaza)
450 E. Harbor Blvd., Ventura
Wed 10/16: Big Adventure Duo
Wed 10/23: Big Adventure Duo

Boatyard Pub
1583 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Music 6-9; except Thurs 4-9
Wednesdays: Frank Barajas
Thursdays: Jim Friery (4 pm ); Bluegrass Jam (6:30 pm)
Fri 10/18: Teresa Russell & Stephen Geyer
Sat 10/19: Déjà vu Three
Fri 10/25: Mack and D
Sat 10/26: Karen Eden and the Bad Apples

Bombay Bar and Grill
143 S. California St., Ventura
Thursdays: Ventura Blues Night

Café Fiore
66 California St., Ventura
Wed 10/16: Donna Butler
Fri 10/18: Heathers on Fire
Wed 10/23: Fabulous Hangovers
Fri 10/25: Little Alice

Dargan’s
593 E. Main St., Ventura
Sun 10/20: The Pipes

Deer Lodge
2261 Maricopa Hwy., Ojai
Sat 10/19: Destroyer
Sunday 10/20: Burch Studios Showcase
Fri 10/25: Buckmoon

Duke’s Beach Grill
1124 S. Seaward Ave., Ventura
Sat 10/19: Vinny Berry
Sat 10/26: Electrik Love In

Four Brix
2290 Eastman Ave., Ventura
Fri 10/18: Ignition
Sun 10/20: Frank Barajas & Joe Hamilton
Fri 10/25: Ray Jaurique Band

Garage
1091 Scandia Ave., Ventura
Fri 10/18: Operation 90s
Sat 10/19: Breaking Bored
Fri 10/25: Steph’s Rockin’ Roadshow
Sat 10/26: Reverend Ricky & the Rockabilly Rebels
Sun 10/27: Sirsy

Gigi’s Cocktails
2493 Grand Ave., Ventura
Fri 10/25: The Afraid, Hunting Lions, Toledo Panic, Scun Thorpe, YOBS, Plot

The Grape
2733 E. Main St., Ventura
Tuesdays: The Gratitude Jazz Jam
Wed 10/16: Blanket of Clouds
Thurs 10/17: Jose Antonio Rodriguez
Fri 10/18: Guil Juliano feat. Sophie Holt
Sat 10/19: Delta by the Beach (2p); Maria Muldaur and her Red Hot Bluesiana Band (8p)
Wed 10/23: WoRK Quintet
Thurs 10/24: TD Lind & the Aviators
Fri 10/25: Vardan Ovsepian Quartet
Sat 10/26: Fred Kaplan West Coast Blues All Stars (2p); The Doug Webb Group (8p)

House of Dance
3007 Bunsen Ave., Ventura
Sun 10/20: Lenny and Susan LaCroix Septet

Keynote
10245 Telephone Rd., Ventura
Thursdays: Open Mic
Fri 10/18: Pull the Trigger
Sat 10/19: Vinyl Gypsies
Fri 10/25: Vinyl Gypsies
Sat 10/26: Ventu Park Band

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Thurs 10/17: Jacob Marquez & Good Vibes
Fri 10/18: Keyth G & the Universouls
Sat 10/19: Heavy Rotation
Sun 10/20: Brandywine Buskers
Sat 10/26: Heavy Hitters
Sun 10/27: Van Allen Twins

Libbey Bowl
210 S. Signal St., Ojai
Fri 10/18: In the Air Tonight
Sun 10/20: Pops Concert

Magnavino Cellars
961 Rice Ave., Oxnard
Fri 10/18: The Way
Sat 10/19: Karen Eden w/ Bill Macpherson (2p); Live Band Karaoke (7p)
Sun 10/20: The Mary White Duo
Fri 10/25: Rock the Boat
Sat 10/26: David Brookings and the Average Lookings
Sun 10/27: Mack and D

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut St., Ventura
Wed 10/16: Less Than Jake
Thurs 10/17: Candlelight Concerts feat best of Hans Zimmer
Mon 10/21: Underoath
Sat 10/26: Panchiko

Manhattan
5800 Santa Rosa Rd., Camarillo
Thursdays: Tom McMorran
Sundays: Robert Van
Fridays: Tour Support
Wed 10/16: Robert Van
Sat 10/19: Tony Maddox
Wed 10/23: Warren Takahashi
Sat 10/26: Sound Effect trio

Masonic Center
482 E. Santa Clara St., Ventura
Mon 10/21: Hot Roux

Margarita Villa
1567 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Fri 10/18: Frank Barajas
Sun 10/20: Los Amigos
Fri 10/25: Cinnamon Whiskey
Sat 10/26: Crosscut 805
Sun 10/27: CRV

Mrs. Olson’s
2800 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Fri 10/18: Sick Boy, The Indignants, Dropsy, Spider Baby, No Class
Sun 10/20: Teresa Russell
Fri 10/25: TheDeal

Ojai Underground Exchange
616 Pearl St., Ojai
Fri 10/18: Jean Rohe & Sadie Gustafson-Zook
Sat 10/19: Johnny Cash & Linda Ronstadst Experience
Sat 10/26: Birds & Arrows

Ojai Valley Brewing
307 Bryant St., Ojai
Fri 10/18: Ted Lennon
Sat 10/19: Benjamin Buttner
Fri 10/25: Zydeco Zippers
Sat 10/26: Keyth G

Ojai Valley Day
S. Signal St, Ojai
Sat 10/19: Josephoenix, Spencer the Gardener, Dianne Miller Band, Van Allen Twins…

Onyx
2390 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo
Fri 10/18: Vinny Berry
Sat 10/19: Ray Jaurique Trio
Fri 10/25: Ashun
Sat 10/26: Steve and Sally Williams

Oxnard Performing Arts Center
800 Hobson Way, Oxnard
Sat 10/19: Blank Space
Fri 10/25: 98 Degrees

Peirano’s
204 E. Main St., Ventura
Thursdays: Bobby Campbell
Sundays: Vinny Berry
Fri 10/18: Mack and D
Sat 10/19: Frank Barajas
Fri 10/25: The Elektric Love In
Sat 10/26: Mack and D

Plan B Wine Cellars
3520 Arundell Cir., Ventura
Sun 10/20: Déjà vu

The Raven Tavern
1651 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard
Fri & Sat 7:30 pm; Sundays 2 pm
Fri 10/18: Brandon Ragan Project
Sat 10/19: Heathers on Fire
Sun 10/20: Tyler Blair
Fri 10/25: Doc Rogers Band
Sat 10/26: Duke Fame Band
Sun 10/27: Teresa Russell

Ric’s
2500 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo
Tuesdays: Tour Support
Wed 10/16: Doc Rogers
Sat 10/19: Band of Brothers
Wed 10/23: Brenna Larsen
Sat 10/26: Steph’s Rockin’ Roadshow

Rincon Brewery
4100 Telegraph Rd., Ventura
Sat 10/19: Skadaddyz

Sans Souci
21 S. Chestnut St., Ventura
Wed 10/16: Two Seam, Loc Dawgs
Fri 10/18: Adrian Floy and THC

The Shores
1031 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Wednesdays: Jake McClelland
Fri 10/18: Ventu Park
Sat 10/19: Wildside
Fri 10/25: Nuestro
Sat 10/26: We are the 80s

Sportsman
4426 Central Ave., Camarillo
Sun 10/27: Swing Shift

Strey Cellars
951 N. Rice Ave., Oxnard
Sat 10/19: Vinyl Gypsies
Sun 10/20: Caught Red Handed
Fri 10/26: Ignition
Sun 10/27: Adrian Floy & THC

Tony’s Pizzeria
186 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Thurs 10/17: Jah Standards
Fri 10/18: 805 Social Club
Sun 10/20: Brandon Ragan Project
Thurs 10/24: Ska Daddyz
Fri 10/25: The Zepp Heads
Sat 10/26: The Way
Sun 10/27: Heart & Soul

Topa Topa Brewing
4880 Colt St., Ventura
Sun 10/20: The Trivle Omdobble
Tuesday: 10/22: Ventura Music Jams
Sun 10/27: Kelly’s Lot

Topa Topa Brewing
2024 Ventura Blvd., Camarillo
Fri 10/18: Jazzmen Suites
Sun 10/20: Erinn Alissa

Twist on Main
454 E. Main St., Ventura
Sat 10/19: Jocky Jord (1p); Joe Delia (4p); Guy Martin (8 pm)
Sun 10/20: Kris Simeon (1p); Keyth G (5p)
Sat 10/26: Matt Bartels (1p); Infinity Project (8p)
Sun 10/27: Bella Lucarelli (1p); Hot Roux (5p)

Vaquero y Mar
435 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Tuesdays: The Sea Hunter, Lowered Expectations
Wed 10/16: Tribal Me

Ventura Coast Brew Co.
76 S. Oak St., Ventura
Fri 10/25: Brasscals

Ventura College Performing Arts Center
4700 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura
Sat 10/26: Symphony Orchestra
Sun 10/27: VC Chamber Music

Ventura Music Hall
1888 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Wed 10/16: Macy Gray
Thurs 10/17: Brett Dennen
Fri 10/18: Prince Daddy & the Hyena
Sat 10/19: La Lom
Wed 10/23: Girl Ultra
Fri 10/25: Lupe Fiasco
Tues 10/29: Y La Bamba & Kiltro

Winchesters
632 E. Main St., Ventura
Music Fri 7 pm; Sat 3 pm; Sun 3 pm
Fri 10/18: George & Michael
Sat 10/19: Teresa Russell
Sun 10/20: Dianne Miller Trio
Fri 10/25: Sweet N’ Juicy
Sat 10/26: Big Adventure
Sun 20/27: Sweet Alice

1901 Speakeasy
740 S. B St., Oxnard
Thurs 10/17: Delta by the Beach
Fri 10/25: Teresa Russell, Stephen Geyer

Falls are a significant concern for seniors in the U.S.

Prevalence of Falls

  • Approximately 36 million falls are reported among older adults each year in the U.S. (adults aged 65 and older).
  • Out of these, about 8 million result in injury.
  • Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among seniors. In 2021, there were around 36,000 deaths attributed to falls in older adults.

Injuries from Falls

  • Every year, about 3 million seniors are treated in emergency departments for fall-related injuries.
  • More than 800,000 hospitalizations occur due to falls, often involving serious injuries like hip fractures or head trauma.

Fractures

  • Falls cause over 95% of hip fractures among older adults.
  • Many fall-related fractures involve the spine, forearm, leg, ankle, pelvis, upper arm, and hand.

Impact on Quality of Life

  • Falls can lead to a loss of independence, with many older adults unable to return to living independently after a fall.
  • Fear of falling can also lead to a decrease in physical activity, contributing to further decline in balance, strength, and overall health.

Information and statistics sourced from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Council on Aging (NCOA) National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

Ventura County Forum Educates Seniors on Fall Prevention

by Carol Leish, MA

eynote speakers Dr. Thomas Duncan, Trauma Medical Director at Ventura County Medical Center, and Dr. James Hornstein, Family Medicine Doctor, shared insights on fall prevention at the 2024 Ventura County Fall Prevention Forum.

The 2024 Annual Fall Prevention Forum for Ventura County was held on Friday, September 27, at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks. Organized by the Ventura County Elderly Fall Prevention Coalition, the forum aimed to educate seniors on preventing both initial and subsequent falls.

“People who experience a first fall are more likely to fall again, so our goal was to provide education on how to avoid future falls,” said Julianna Eusanio, MSW, Fall Prevention Coordinator at the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA).

Over 400 people attended the event, which featured two keynote speakers: Dr. Thomas Duncan, Trauma Medical Director at Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC), and Dr. James Hornstein, a family medicine doctor also affiliated with VCMC.

Registered dietitian Aurora Meadows led a healthy recipe demonstration, showing attendees how to prepare a smoky black bean, butternut squash, and kale salad. The event also included an interactive Zumba demonstration, which participants enthusiastically joined, as well as a Tai Chi demonstration led by instructor Fred Case. Physical therapists provided balance assessments, blood pressure screenings were available, and attendees had the opportunity to receive their annual flu vaccinations.

“Staying active is key to reducing the risk of falls,” said Eusanio.

The forum, free and open to all Ventura County residents, attracted many seniors, some accompanied by family members. “It was important to raise awareness about fall prevention in a fun and engaging way, which is why this year’s theme was ‘All Aboard the Fall Prevention Train,’” Eusanio added.

A free lunch, catered by Caribbean Haven, was provided. The event also featured a variety of vendors, including government agencies, home health organizations, and adult day health care providers. Los Robles Hospital and Tri-County GLAD (Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness) were present, with ASL interpretation available for those who needed it.

The day concluded with a raffle of donated gift baskets.

This year’s forum was held in Thousand Oaks to serve the eastern part of Ventura County, while last year’s event took place in Oxnard to accommodate residents in the western region. Next year’s forum will return to the western part of the county, continuing the annual effort to help older adults prevent falls.

For more information on free fall prevention classes for those over 60, contact Julianna Eusanio at [email protected] or 805-477-7300. You can also view available classes at www.vcaaa.org.

Smart Organic Choices: A Guide for Seniors

Image by Freepik

Eating organic can offer health benefits, especially for seniors looking to reduce exposure to pesticides and harmful chemicals. However, organic produce often comes at a higher cost. To help prioritize spending, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has identified certain foods to avoid unless organic and others that are safer to eat conventionally. Known as EWG’s ‘Dirty Dozen’ and ‘Clean Fifteen,’ these handy lists are a great resource for making healthier, budget-friendly choices at the grocery store.

Visit www.ewg.org for more information

Dirty Dozen
Strawberries
Spinach
Kale, Collard, and Mustard Greens
Grapes
Peaches
Pears
Nectarines
Apples
Bell and Hot Peppers
Cherries
Blueberries
Clean Fifteen
Sweetcorn
Avocado
Pineapple
Onions
Papaya
Sweet Peas
Asparagus
Honeydew Melon
Kiwi
Cabbage
Watermelon
Mushrooms
Mango
Sweet potatoes
Carrots

A Positive Outlook on Aging

by Leslie Sokol

Image by Freepik

What is your outlook on aging? Do you welcome it with open arms, or do you worry that you may not be able to continue the activities you currently enjoy? Many people have mixed feelings about aging, and it’s human nature to doubt yourself and lose confidence in your abilities. However, by cultivating a positive mindset and embracing change, you can learn to see the aging process as a valuable rite of passage. In doing so, you harness the power of positive aging.

Aging is a healthy, normal part of life. Maintaining a positive mindset as you grow older is essential, especially if you want to keep doing the things that bring you joy and meaning. I truly believe that a positive outlook can help you live a longer, healthier, and happier life.

Positive Aspects of Aging:

  • A greater sense of self-acceptance
  • Improved emotional control
  • Increased resilience
  • Enhanced happiness
  • Less stress over minor issues
  • Greater kindness toward oneself
  • Plenty of good stories to tell

You can foster positive emotions by practicing mindfulness and embracing self-talk that builds your confidence. It’s also helpful to recognize how your attitude and lifestyle choices affect your physical and emotional well-being. By staying active, eating well, being social, exercising your brain, setting goals, embracing change, and minimizing stress, you can enrich and enhance your golden years.

The Power of Positive Thinking

Positive thinking can significantly influence your overall well-being and quality of life. I always encourage my students to maintain a positive outlook. A great way to cultivate this is through daily affirmations or gratitude practices, which help you appreciate the present moment. Getting involved in your community and engaging in activities that bring you joy can also support a positive mindset.

It’s equally important to maintain a sense of purpose by finding projects that align with your values. Reject negative stereotypes about aging, such as the belief that poor physical health is inevitable. Stay socially active by joining a club or community organization and participate in activities that keep you physically and mentally engaged.

Embracing Change

Aging gracefully means being able to embrace change. Your body and lifestyle will inevitably evolve as you age, but staying open to these changes allows you to navigate the process with resilience and grace. Everyone’s aging journey is unique—what works for one person may not work for another. By maintaining a positive outlook, you can age gracefully and enjoy a higher quality of life. Remember, age is just a number. Be healthy and happy!

For more information, contact Leslie at [email protected], by calling 805-312-8089, or by visiting her website: www.LeslieSokolsDance.com.