QUESTION: I have never been one to exercise, but I know I should. I’ve attempted several times but always find some excuse to postpone it. Any suggestions on how I might get myself “in the habit?”
ANSWER: There are many reasons why some people find exercise a chore while others find it fun.
As we attempt to start something new, we usually have to work at it for a while to have it become part of our routine and something we look forward to doing.
My first suggestion would be to make exercise part of your normal routine. Put it on your schedule. Write it on your calendar several days each week. If you see it written then you are more likely to do it and you will get satisfaction when you can scratch it off as an item completed.
My second thought is to start slowly. Don’t try to do it every day, and as time goes on you can increase the number of times or length of the activity. A good way to start exercising is walking. It is one of the simplest exercises you can do and one you can build on as you go. Walking gets you outside, it is free and it requires no type of equipment except sturdy shoes.
Perhaps you can find a friend who would also like to walk. Walking with someone can make the time more enjoyable. You can encourage each other and you will be less likely to skip a walk because it would be letting down a buddy.
Looking to the future, you may want to try other types of exercise. One that comes to mind is balance exercises. These help prevent falls and are available at most senior centers. Exercising with others is motivating and a good way to socialize.
No matter what exercise you select, it will be good for your general health and I am sure once you get started you will look forward to it.
QUESTION: Each year I look forward to the Senior of the Year Award Banquet at the Goebel Center in Thousand Oaks. Do you know when it will be this year?
ANSWER: The Thousand Oaks Council on Aging is currently working on the 2018 event. The nomination period for the Senior of the Year is now open and will close on April 1.
Individuals and organizations may nominate any senior over the age of 60 who has been an exemplary volunteer over his or her lifetime. The banquet honoring the Senior of the Year is scheduled for Thursday, June 7, at the Goebel Adult Community Center.
For more information or to obtain a nomination form, visit toaks.org/seniors or call Senior Services staff at 805-381-7362.
HAPPENINGS
Saturday, 10 to 11:30 a.m.: Seminar — “Dementia 101: What You Need to Know” — at Cypress Place Senior Living, 1200 Cypress Point Lane in Ventura. To make reservations call 805-650-8000.
Tuesday, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.: Presentation — “Live Longer Without Medications” — at Simi Valley Senior Center, 3900 Avenida Simi in Simi Valley. Reservations can be made at 805-582-6363 or at the main desk.
March 15, 12:30 to 2 p.m.: Presentation – “Local Travel Training Workshop” – at Grant R. Brimhall Library’s Community Room, 1401 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. To register call 805-449-2491 or go online to www.totransit.org.
March 16, 5 p.m.: St. Patrick’s Day Party with dinner, dancing, live music and fun at Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks. Tickets are $9 and available at Goebel’s front desk.
March 18, 2 to 3 p.m. (doors open at 1:30): Music Comes Alive — “Forever Rod,” a tribute to Rod Stewart featuring his greatest hits from the 1970s and 1980s — at Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks. Tickets are $5 and available at Goebel’s front desk.
March 21, 1:30 to 3 p.m.: Seminar — “Let’s Do Spring Cleaning” and how we can control clutter — at Westlake Village Civic Center, 31200 E. Oak Crest Drive in Westlake Village. For more information call 805-495-6250.
March 28, 1 to 5 p.m.: AARP Smart Driver Refresher Course, Pleasant Valley Senior Center, 1605 Burnley St., Camarillo. Registration is required and must be made by March 21. Cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. Call 805-482-4881 for more information.
Betty Berry is a senior advocate for Senior Concerns. The advocates are located at the Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, or call 805-495-6250 or e-mail bberry@seniorconcerns.org. Please include your telephone number. You are invited to submit questions on senior issues.
