Q: I am amazed at what I read and hear about people who commit acts of violence. Do you have any advice on avoiding being a victim? A: A “Can You Pass the Street Smarts IQ/Test?” seminar on May 8 in Westlake Village will address this subject. Most people know dangers exist but think that nothing bad will happen to them. People often put themselves in dangerous situations without thinking. The seminar will test your “street smarts IQ” — you may be surprised at what you are doing without even thinking about it. The seminar will be from 1:30-3 p.m. at the Westlake Village Civic Center, 31200 E. Oak Crest Drive. For more information, call 495-6250. Q: My aunt who is not in the best of health lives out of state. I would like to help her from here. How can I get information about what is available in her location? A: The Eldercare Locator is a nationwide directory assistance service designed for those providing long-distance assistance. The locator will be able to provide organization names and telephone numbers based on the ZIP code of the person you are trying to help. The service is available from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time Monday through Friday. The toll-free number is 800-677-1116. Q: I just discovered an IRA that I started years ago in another state and forgot about. I would like to update the beneficiary. Is that difficult? A: Changing a beneficiary is not hard. You will need to obtain a designation of beneficiary form from the trustee holding that IRA, complete the form and return it to the trustee. Name a primary and a contingent beneficiary for each IRA you own. If naming multiple beneficiaries, be sure the share for each is clearly defined with a fraction or percentage or the word “equally.” Verify that the records on file with your IRA trustee agree with your choices, keep a copy of your designations with other important papers and let your family know how to locate them. HAPPENINGS: Wednesday: “Depression Is Not a Normal Part of Aging” presentation, 1-3 p.m., Thousand Oaks Council on Aging, Civic Arts Plaza, 2200 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. in Thousand Oaks. Dr. Lisa Hayden will discuss two new programs dealing with depression. Friday: Free preview of brain fitness program, 11 a.m. to noon, Agoura Hills Recreation Center, 30610 Thousand Oaks Blvd. in Agoura Hills. For information and reservations, call 818-597-7361. May 7: “Getting Your Loved One’s Affairs in Order: The Talk” panel presentation. 4-5:30 p.m.; Senior Concerns Day Care Center, 401 Hodencamp Road in Thousand Oaks. For information and reservations, call 497-0189. May 9: “New to Medicare and Ambulance Coverage” presentation, 10 a.m. to noon, Area Agency on Aging offices, 646 County Square Drive in Ventura. For information, call 477-7310. May 14: “New to Medicare and Ambulance Coverage” presentation. 9:30-11 a.m.; Camarillo Pleasant Valley Senior Center, 1605 E. Burnley St. in Camarillo. For information, call 477-7310. May 15 through June 19: Brain fitness class, 1-2:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Agoura Hills Recreation Center, 30610 Thousand Oaks Blvd. in Agoura Hills. For information and to sign up, call 818-597-7361. May 15: “Caring for a Loved One” panel presentation. 5:30-7 p.m., Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks. For reservations, call 381-2744. More …
