QUESTION: I am concerned about falling. Do you have any thoughts about steps that can be taken to decrease one’s chances of having a fall?
ANSWER: Falls can happen both inside and outside of your home. They can happen during the day and at night and the weather can be clear or stormy.
Sometimes we are aware of why we fell and at other times we have no idea why it happened. Eliminating hazards, slowing down, watching where we are going, keeping fit and wearing proper footwear all play a part in reducing accident opportunities.
First let’s talk about the right footwear. What we should be looking for are comfortable well fitted shoes that also look good. Lace-ups are considered better than slip-ons for a snugger secure fit.
A fall will more likely happen when you are rushing to get something done. Slow down and concentrate on where you are and what you are trying to do. If you are carrying packages you may be off balance. It is better to make two trips and carry less than to try to carry too much in one trip.
Vision is a big part of moving around – make sure you are wearing correct eyewear or sunglasses. Incorrect eyewear can distort potential dangers. Vision is a large part of balance and good balance and good posture are both an important part of eliminating falls.
Be aware of uneven sidewalks and curbs. Concentrate on where you are going. Put your phone away. Keep your mind and eyes on what is in front of you.
If climbing stairs hold the handrail and if at night make sure you have sufficient lighting. Make sure you have a bedside lamp that you can turn on before getting out of bed.
Keep clutter out of walk ways. Eliminate any clutter that could cause you to trip. Keep yourself healthy. Perhaps taking a balance or exercise class would help maintain your muscle strength. Keep active.
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QUESTION: Sometime late last year you wrote about a new program “Breakfast at the Goebel Center” was opening on a trial basis. Do you know if the program is ongoing?
ANSWER: Yes, that trial period proved to be very successful and breakfast at the Goebel Café is now an ongoing program. The café is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 11:00 am.
The menu is varied and includes blueberry-almond oatmeal, whole wheat pancakes, egg sandwich, breakfast plate of eggs, bacon or sausage and potatoes or toast, breakfast burrito, toasted bagel with cream cheese, butter or jam, and fruit and yogurt parfait with homemade granola. All entries are $5.00 or less and payment can be cash or check.
This would be a wonderful way to meet with friends and enjoy breakfast before attending a meeting or class. All proceeds from this program support the Conejo Senior Volunteer Program. Thinking of holding a breakfast meeting – this might be just the place – call Julie at (805) 381-2742.
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HAPPENINGS:
WEDNESDAY – July 4 – 9:00 am – Goebel Adult Community Center Home Run Derby – at Borchard Community Center, Field #1, 190 N. Reino Road, Newbury Park. Men’s and Women’s divisions – fee $5 and registration is from 8:30 to 9:00. For more information call 1-805-381-2744.
SATURDAY – July 7 – 7:30 am to 2:00 pm – “9th Annual Rummage Sale” – at Wilson Senior Center, 350 N. “C” Street in Oxnard – if you have items to donate or want a spot to sell your items, call 1-805-385-8042 for more information.
WEDNESDAY – July 11 – 8:30 to 11:00 am – “Free Smoothie Day” – buy breakfast at the Goebel Café, 1385 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks and enjoy a free smoothie.
THURSDAY/FRIDAY – July 12 – 13 – 8:30 am to 12:30 pm – AARP Smart Driver Course at Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. Cost is $15 for AARP members, $20 for non-members. For reservations call 1-805-381-2744.
FRIDAY – July 12 – 1:00 to 2:00 pm – Seminar – Ventura County Crime Stoppers – come and listen and learn about senior safety and security – at Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks.
SATURDAY – July 14 – 11:30 am to 1:00 pm – “Memory Café” a social gathering for those with memory loss and their family caregivers – at Senior Concerns Day Care Center, 401 Hodencamp Road in Thousand Oaks. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 1-805-497-0189.
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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, CA 91362 or call (805) 495-6250 or e-mail bberry@seniorconceerns.org (please include your telephone number.) You are invited to submit questions on senior issues.
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