by Lesie Sokol

Life is about balance. The word balance has two definitions and both are important to consider as you age. Balance can refer to distributing your energy among different things in the right proportion, for example, we sometimes talk about trying to find the perfect balance between work and play. Creating balance between your obligations and interests creates a stable foundation that equips you to embody your best self, cope with unexpected obstacles, and manage stress. Balance also means an even distribution of weight to hold something upright and steady, such as your physical body. Both types of balance are important in order to maintain a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.

Physical Balance

As we get older, it’s important to take a proactive approach to our health and build awareness around our sense of balance. Good balance requires the coordination of several parts of the body: the central nervous system, inner ear, eyes, muscles, bones, and joints. Problems with any one of these can affect how you stand or move without falling or recover if you trip. Aging leads to a natural loss of muscle strength and flexibility, making it challenging to maintain balance and stability. Here are some simple activities that improve balance by increasing your strength and flexibility:

• Standing exercises (holding on to something or free standing). Balance on one foot, do toe raises, tuck ups, leg extensions, leg kicks, leg swings, and/or step touches.
• Walk a fictitious balance beam, one foot in front of the other.
• Standing or walking lunges.
• Seated chair exercises: sitting and standing squats, leg lifts, tuck ups, and bending side to side with your arms moving.
• Walking, hiking, or jogging.
• Ballet dancing, ballroom or jazz dance.
• Practicing yoga or tai chi.

Mental Balance

Poor mental health can make physical issues worse, and poor physical health can exacerbate mental health challenges. It’s important, therefore, to strike a balance that allows you to look after yourself both physically and mentally. Your attitude and how you approach and handle situations can make or break the balance in your life. If you are having difficulties living a well and balanced life, then you may need to reevaluate and set different priorities. A good work-life balance is essential because it helps reduce stress and prevents burnout in both your professional and personal life.

Here are some simple ways to improve your mental health:

• Eat a healthy diet. A nutrient-rich diet helps limit mood swings and improves your ability to focus.
• Adopt or foster a pet. Having a furry companion can help reduce feelings of stress and lower levels of depression (for both you and your four-legged friend!)
• Volunteer or give back. Volunteering helps you feel a sense of purpose and allows you to socialize with others.
• Exercise regularly. Physical activities can release endorphins, reduce stress and improve your mood.
• Learn something new. Challenging your brain is both fun and beneficial and helps keep your mind sharp.
• Stay social. Staying connected to other people lowers feelings of loneliness and depression.

The Benefits of a Balanced Life

Maintaining balance in every part of your life is an important way to experience better health, feel happier, reduce stress, and be more productive. Balance, love and joy are the fruits of a successful life! Recognizing your abilities and finding ways to serve others by using them is a treasured gift. Enjoy a balanced life and have fun!

About the Author

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.LeslieSokolsDance.com

by Carol Leish, MA

“The Community Memorial Outreach Lab Program provides convenient mobile lab service to various skilled nursing and assisted living facilities throughout Ventura County,” said Megan O’Neil, Business Development Manager at Community Memorial Healthcare.  “This program is more than 10 years old, and we are the only health system in Ventura County to offer this service.  The community-based program enhances the continuum of care as patients discharge from the hospital to assisted living and skilled nursing facilities.”

According to O’Neil, lab results are securely shared with the ordering physician and the facility where the patient resides.  “STAT lab services are also available and results are provided within 4 hours from the time of the lab draw.  This is helpful when a patient is very sick and the physician needs to determine the next step in medical care,” said O’Neil.  “ Complete lab results for patient review are also available through Community Memorial Healthcare’s patient portal.”

Community Memorial currently partners with the following skilled nursing facilities to provide mobile lab services:

• Glenwood Care Center
• Camarillo Healthcare Center
• Victoria Care Center
• Ventura Post Acute
• Coastalview Healthcare Center
• Maywood Health Care Center
• Camarillo Senior Living
• Shoreline Care Center
• Oxnard Manor Healthcare Center
• Santa Paula Post-Acute
• Greenfield Care Center of Fillmore.

Assisted living facilities benefiting from the program include:

• The Ventura Townhouse
• Aegis Assisted Living
• Cypress Place Senior Living
• The Palms of Bonaventure
• AlmaVia of Camarillo
• California Veterans Home of Ventura.

In addition to the Outreach Laboratory Program, Community Memorial has three outpatient lab draw stations:

1. Community Memorial Hospital-Ventura, at  147 North Brent Street, Ventura.  805-948-3138.
2. Community Memorial Hospital-Ojai at 1306 Maricopa Highway, Ojai.  805-948-2245.
3. Community Memorial Health Center, at 422 Arneill Road, Camarillo.  805-948-4523.

For current hours, online scheduling, and additional information, please visit:  mycmh.org/lab.

The Senior Community Services Employment Training Program (SCSEP) provides limited employment training and wages for low-income persons aged 55 and older. This program helps older adults seeking employment to gain the skills needed in today’s job market. SCSEP is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor and focuses on the needs of mature workers, the community, and employers.

Discover what SCSEP can offer you:
• Services tailored to each individual
• Second career training opportunities
• Training at community-based organizations
• Training with flexible schedules
• Receive on-the-job training
• Receive a paid stipend while participating

What are the eligibility requirements?
• 55 years or older
• Be unemployed & need further training to perform jobs available in the area
• Be a resident of the county where the program is managed by VCAAA
• Authorized to work in the U.S.
• Meet family income requirements (limit of 125% of Poverty Guidelines)

Learn more about the Senior Community Service Employment Program: Visit www.vcaaa.org/work or call (805) 477-7300.

The Ventura County ADRC provides a coordinated point of entry to ensure older adults and people with disabilities have access to the services and support needed to remain independent in the community. The ADRC is a partnership between the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) and the Independent Living Resource Center (ILRC). Core services provided include: Enhanced Information & Referral, Options Counseling, Short-Term Service Coordination, and Transition Services. 

ADRC Transition Advocates will facilitate transitions for individuals from a hospital, nursing facility, intermediate care facility, or any other institutional settings back into the home. Living in the community is significantly more cost effective compared to institutional living, but more importantly it increases quality of life and improves overall health outcomes. 

For more information on Ventura County’s ADRC, visit www.vcaaa.org or call (805) 477-7300.