As the baby boomer generation ages, they are experiencing more change than any generation before them. Yet, most boomers are not prepared for their futures. 51% of all boomers are not prepared for job loss; 55% do have not wills; 66% will have to provide eldercare to a family member; 42% do not have plans in place to deal with disability or long-term illness; 60% are not prepared in case of financial crisis; 40% have less than $10,000 saved for retirement; and 68% say they could save more if only they made the effort. To help the boomers successfully prepare for a happy, healthy and comfortable future, Senior Concerns and the Thousand Oaks Council on Aging present Boomer Bootcamp, a creative distinguished speaker series designed to help boomers plan and look forward to the next 30 years. Boomer Bootcamp is planned for three Wednesday evenings, November 6, November 13, and November 20 at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, Scherr Forum Theater. All programs begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 per event or $60 for the series and can be purchased online at www.seniorconcerns.org or by calling Senior Concerns at 805-497-0189. The three-part lecture series promises to be educational, entertaining and motivating, and will provide the tools baby boomers need to get ahead of the curve. The focus of each evening is: November 6, 2013 – A New Vision for 21st Century Aging – Whether we live long lives with vitality and purpose or sickness and suffering will depend to a great extent on our ability to reshape the skills, services and incentives of our current healthcare system. Join us as David Baxter, Senior Vice President of Age Wave, provides a visionary glimpse into the future, outlining the critical course corrections required to create healthy aging and productive longevity. November 13, 2013 – Magical Thinking and Aging Parents – Is the drama of aging parents mostly about denial and magical thinking, or is it something else? Join David Solie, author of How to Say It to Seniors, as he reveals the critical and unappreciated developmental tasks that emerge when older adults move into their late 60s. These breakthrough insights and communication strategies can help families avoid the emotional quicksand that can ensnare everyone’s best intentions to do the right thing. November 20, 2013 – Fierce with Age – Why do some of us thrive as we age while others find themselves thrown by adversity? Join Carol Orsborn, Ph.D., an aging and spirituality expert and best-selling author of 21 books, in dialogue with caregiving professional and radio host Cindy Laverty to identify, face and transcend engrained stereotypes of aging. Drawing upon the social sciences, spiritual teachings and lifetimes of wisdom, the conversation will capture the essence of what it means to become fierce with age. Mary Olson, general manager of the highly regarded National Public Radio affiliate KCLU 88.3 FM, will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the series. Mary’s passion for senior issues led her to Senior Concerns, where she is serving her third term on the Board of Directors. About Senior Concerns Senior Concerns is a Thousand Oaks-based private, non-profit organization dedicated to serving all seniors, especially those who are frail and have special needs, as well as their caregivers and families. It offers a range of services, programs and resources, including a professionally managed adult day program for cognitively impaired seniors, Alzheimer’s Daycare Resource Center, Senior Advocates information and referral service, Brain Fitness programs, evening informational seminars, and case management. Senior Concerns administers the Meals on Wheels program in Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park, runs support groups for caregivers, participates on the County’s Financial Abuse Specialist Team, and manages the Bargain Boutique & Thrift Shop. The organization also hosts two annual fundraisers—the Love Run and the Ultimate Dining Experience—and receives invaluable community support from more than 500 volunteers. More …
