Senior Advocate

Q:  People have commented that I do not seem like I have Parkinson’s Disease because I do not shake. How can I handle these insensitive comments? A:  Parkinson’s Disease includes many symptoms beyond the most well-known one, the tremor. About 25 to 30 percent of people with Parkinson’s never [...]

I have worked in older adult services for close to 20 years, most of that in Ventura County. I have seen many changes in the way services are provided, but a few things have always remained the same. The older adult population keeps growing, and their needs have consistently [...]

The new year is typically a time of reflection and goal setting. But for some it has a different meaning. My friend’s father passed away at the beginning of 2025. She commented to me that she cannot wait to put a “bow” on this year and start fresh. To [...]

I am inspired by the spirit of the holidays and hope to carry some of it with me into the coming year. Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season. Then Chanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and finally the New Year. While Christmas is the most commonly celebrated December holiday and [...]

As a social worker in the field of older adults’ services and dementia care, I have often talked to people who are concerned about their memory. One of the most common responses I get from people when I encourage them to talk to their doctor about their memory is [...]

I recently traveled to visit my mother for the Thanksgiving holiday, and I noticed some things in her home that could be improved for her safety. When we live in the same space for a long time it is easy to get used to how things are and not [...]

Q:  I always have a hard time in the winter when it is so dark out. What can I do to help my mood this time of year? A: Mood changes in the winter are common. You may have heard it referred to as the “winter blues”. But it [...]

The holiday season is thought of as the stretch of time beginning with Thanksgiving and continuing through New Years. It can be a busy time filled with decorations, gatherings, food, gift buying and gift giving. There is an expectation that it is a joyous and busy time. But for [...]

 I was recently reminded that it is never too late, and we are never too old to learn something new. Although it is not always easy, we can find a way to stretch ourselves and stay engaged and involved in lifelong learning.I tried to learn to knit this year but [...]

Q:  I heard there are changes coming to our electric bills. What do I need to know? A: There was an Assembly Bill 205 (AB205) that passed in 2022 that takes effect this month, which will shift the billing structure seen on your electricity bill.   You will see [...]

Q:  What is National Family Caregivers Month? A:  November is National Family Caregivers Month. I often write about different months that are recognized because I think it can be an important tool in raising awareness.  Family caregivers are an often unseen force in our community that deserve attention and [...]

Q: What can I do to protect myself from the flu this year? A: Protecting yourself from the flu virus is important to safeguard your health. One of the first lines of defense is the flu vaccine which needs to be taken every year at the start of flu [...]

I wrote a column a few months ago about how micro interactions can make a difference in our moods and our sense of community. Even small interactions with people at the grocery store or doctors’ office waiting room can change the course of our day and feel meaningful. I [...]

My mother’s cousin, Elizabeth, recently reached out to me. She is moving from her own home and downsizing to live in a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). A CCRC is a retirement community that has different levels of care all in one location, usually including independent, assisted living, memory [...]

Q: Is AI something that would be useful to me as an older adult? A: Artificial intelligence (AI) can be beneficial for older adults in particular as a way to maintain safety, access resources, increase independence, and reduce isolation. Any new concept and technology may seem overwhelming at first.  [...]

Q: What do I need to know about Medicare Open Enrollment this year? A: Medicare Open Enrollment is a set time each year when anyone who has Medicare health insurance can change their health plan and their prescription drug plan. Open Enrollment starts on October 15th and ends on [...]

Q: I am so worried about losing my memory and am starting to see some signs. What can I do to help my memory? A: Most people have some level of fear of developing dementia and having memory loss as they age. This fear is so prevalent because people [...]

Q: My parents resist all new technology, and I think they are missing out. How can I encourage them to  try new technology? A: Technology can feel very overwhelming to people who did not grow up using it. And yet our society has moved so quickly that anyone who [...]

Q:  I have Parkinson’s Disease. What are some gadgets or devices that might make my life easier? A: Using assistive devices to promote your own independence and safety is an excellent idea. Not only can it make things easier, but it also means saving your energy, reducing your stress, [...]

Q:  I am 80 years old and still live independently. My kids are telling me I need to think of a plan, but I am not ready. Why should I make any changes until I need to? A:  Planning for the future is important at every age. It is [...]