by June Fletcher

According to the 2015-2016 National Study of Long-Term Care Providers (NSLTCP), more than twice as many women live in residential care communities compared to men. Often, the activities, décor and social events at assisted living facilities and nursing homes seem to appeal overwhelmingly to female residents. However, the baby boomer generation is aging rapidly and facilities will soon be forced to take more notice of their male residents’ preferences. While there are more people looking to stay in their own homes during retirement with the aid of extra care services – you can learn more about Care For Family here – there are others looking to senior living communities as a way to live out their retirement in independence and comfort. It’s important to remember that there are various forms of elderly care out there and even those that are exclusive to existing members of specific organizations – Masonic charities like the Masonic Home of Virginia provide free shelter and care for elderly Virginia Masons, so that’s worth keeping in mind if you’re a fraternity member. It’s also good to know if you’re the charitable type who likes to make donations to worthy causes.

Plenty of senior living communities are expanding activities and amenities geared towards elderly men. For example, The Arbors Assisted Living in Westfield, Massachusetts, hosts a regular men’s night at its onsite pub, while Canyon Creek in Cottonwood, Utah, offers weekly Wii Sports events in simulated bowling, baseball and tennis. The Cottages, an assisted living and memory care community in Weiser, Idaho, frequently takes residents on field trips to practice putting and play a few holes at a local golf course.

Kim Blocher, social programing manager at Brandon Woods at Alvamar in Lawrence, Kansas, explains that the stereotype surrounding senior living facilities and their lack of masculine appeal, “Just isn’t true.” While male residents typically aren’t interested in more feminine activities like sewing and afternoon tea, they flock to Blocher’s regular blackjack and Texas hold ’em events. In fact, outings to a Kansas City Royals baseball game and a Father’s Day car show and brunch were both hits with the elderly men at Brandon Woods. “They tend to like activities that are competitive,” Blocher notes, even if the prizes are sundries like paper towels.

Many facilities have run with this concept and created permanent events and amenities oriented to men, too. New Horizons in Marlborough, Massachusetts, has installed a putting green, a horseshoe pit, and a devoted space for residents to play lawn games like croquet and bocce ball. Features and events at Cypress Palms in Largo, Florida, include a veteran’s club, a computer club, men-only chats over coffee and even an intergenerational drum circle.

Granted, getting a group of men together isn’t always easy. Debi Trammell, an activity director in Texas, points out that men tend to enjoy talking with other men, but they are not likely to seek each other out. In fact, men sometimes need multiple reminders, encouragement from peers and reassurance that their friends are also attending before they’ll agree to participate in an event or activity. When they finally do show up, however, “They enjoy sharing stories and accomplishments,” Trammell admits.

Finding activities that appeal to senior men can certainly be tricky. Of course, some male residents do enjoy playing bingo or honing their artistic skills, but many would rather discuss politics or watch sports. Still, a number of games, activities and social opportunities can spark their interest, including chess, cards, trivia, building and painting model cars, trains, planes, and ships, current events clubs, karaoke, woodworking, and fly fishing. Outings to comedy clubs, sporting events, musical performances, rodeos and restaurants can provide an exciting change of scenery for elderly men, too.

The easiest way to find a pastime that an aging loved one will enjoy is to get to know their personality and individual interests. A senior living community’s activity director should devote time to getting to know their residents and curate events and opportunities to meet those needs and interests. Most seniors require some gentle encouragement to get involved at first, but once they make some friends and find a few activities they like, it will help them settle into their new home and greatly improve their quality of life.

A range of health issues that women face as they age, from hormonal imbalances to cognitive issues to good nutrition, will be the focus of a free half-day symposium on Saturday, June 22, at the Ventura Beach Marriott.

Community Memorial Health System is hosting the Women’s Symposium as part of its 2019 Speaker Series. The June 22 symposium will begin at 7:30 a.m. with a light continental breakfast and exhibit tables before the moderator, Dr. Ali Shuman, presents the opening remarks at 8 a.m. The event, with the theme “Aging Gracefully,” runs until noon.

Participating expert physicians will discuss health issues important to women as they age with a focus on aging gracefully. Issues to be discussed include hormonal havoc, good nutrition, varicose veins, sports injuries and exercising for your age, how to stay focused, Botox and fillers, and looking younger with a mini facelift. The event also will include a panel discussion as well as information about the latest research, procedures, treatments and support available.

Registration is free but reservations are required. For reservations, visit www.cmhshealth.org/rsvp

or call Brown Paper Tickets at 800-838-3006.

Curb to Curb is a door-to-door service provided by the City of Ventura, that takes seniors to a different place for lunch or dinner every month. Curb to Curb is reserved for people who no longer drive but want to have a fun day out with friends. They are picked up at their homes.This lunch was at the Black Angus Steakhouse on Telephone Rd.

Attending were Sylvia, Hazel, Ann Marie, Venture Breeze’s own Breezy Gledhill (tour leader), Andrea, Ginny, Betty and Kenna (bus driver and tour leader) standing.

Matt Norklun wasn’t looking to become a supermodel – his dream was always to be a stuntman. He got his start in the movie “So Fine” starring Ryan O’Neal. But after a chance encounter with renowned fashion photographer, Bruce Weber, Matt was swept up in the fashion world and became an international supermodel, best known as the face of Perry Ellis menswear.

Today, the bicoastal actor, model and director, is as busy as ever, but he still reserves time for his philanthropic work. When in Southern California, Norklun volunteers his time with the Commemorative Air Force Museum, Southern California Wing (CAF SoCal).

On June 26, Norklun, on behalf of CAF SoCal, will be piloting a WW II Warbird flyover as part of the “Salute Our Veterans” celebration at Cypress Place Senior Living. The senior living community is hosting their 11th annual celebration of Veterans with a ceremony recognizing residents of Cypress Place, as well as members of the public, who served their country. The event is free and open to the public. The flyover is new to the event this year.

In addition to the flyover, a real Huey Army MEDEVAC helicopter will be on display from 11am to 1pm during the event. The helicopter on display has bullet holes from its time in Vietnam.

No less emotional will be the ceremony recognizing residents of Cypress Place, as well as members of the public, who served their country.

Leading the tribute will be a bagpipe processional and military Color Guard presentation followed by a special Veteran recognition, along with recognition of widows and widowers of Veterans. Keynote speaker will be Captain Michael France, from Naval Base Ventura County.

Special words of thanks will be also be offered during the ceremony by local dignitaries. There will be live musical entertainment, a flag folding ceremony, and TAPS will also be played at this touching tribute.

A free BBQ lunch will follow the powerful program. Military memorabilia from residents of the senior community will be on display.

CAF So Cal will also have a display of memorabilia curated from their extensive aviation museum, along with an Army jeep available for attendees to sit in or pose next to for photographs. There will also be information available about Veteran’s benefits from representatives of the Veteran Services Office from the County of Ventura.

After the flyover and ceremony portion of the event, Norklun will be at the event to greet those in attendance and answer questions about the WWII aircraft used in the flyover.

“I understand there is a resident at Cypress Place who actually flew this type of aircraft in World War II. I can’t wait to meet him, and the other vets, and hear about their experiences”, said Norklun.

All Veterans are encouraged to attend, as well as families, friends and neighbors.

Free shuttle parking will be available at Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura (corner of Ralston Street and Cypress Point Lane).

To learn more about Cypress Place Senior Living of Ventura, visit their web site at www.cypressplaceseniorliving.com.

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If you’d like more information about this press release, please contact Mike Macke at 805.650.8000 x102, or via email at [email protected].

On Friday, June 21, Genesis Programs invites you to stop by from 1 to 4pm at their Ventura office at 1732 Palma Dr Ste 208. You’ll receive a no cost Health and Safety Goodie Bag. Bags will include such things, as a “How to Dispose of Prescription Drugs” – By Addiction Policy Forum. Prescription Drug removal is a very important, know how to dispose of properly knowledge to have. With overdose on the rise in our senior community and 156 accidental of youth and seniors’ deaths alone in Ventura County last year, be sure to get the knowledge you need. Ensure your family is safe from accidents and the environment is not affected by improper disposal of prescription drugs.

Summer Survival Kits from Diversity Collective is another must have for all LGBTQ+ family’s this summer. You’ll also enjoy healthy treats by Food Forward, a local nonprofit, helping fresh local produce find low income families in need and keeping produce from going to waste.

Door prize treats and raffles will be part of the event.

Just another way Genesis Programs Inc. is supporting the future of Ventura County!

The Ventura Parkinson’s Disease Support Group is excited to announce that starting with their meeting on July 10th , they will be meeting at the Ventura City Hall’s Community Meeting room on the second floor from 12:30pm to 2:30 the second Wednesday of each month (except December). Please watch for more details in the July 3rd edition of the Ventura Breeze. To be put on their email list please call Patty at 805-766-6070.