By Betty Berry, Monday, January 25, 2010 Q: Each year in January, I promise myself to live a healthier life, and this year is no different. But I need some stimulation to get me going. Is there any event on the calendar to give me a push?
A: You and many others start the new year out with this promise to yourselves, and it is not a bad idea. Yes, there are several events on the calendar that would possibly give you that extra push you think you need.
Senior Concerns’ next presentation in its Solving the Aging Puzzle series for 2009-10 is “Health and Fitness Tips for Longevity.” It is scheduled from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 9 at Senior Concerns Day Care Center, 401 Hodencamp Road, Thousand Oaks.
Dr. Douglas Markham, wellness adviser and national health and fitness authority, will be the facilitator. He will speak about achieving “Generation C” — making it to 100 and living independently.
The presentation will include information on how healthy eating and exercise can help prevent, reduce or eliminate the need for prescription drugs. You also will hear about forms of exercise that promote relief for arthritis sufferers and learn the importance of enhancing active brain function through memory techniques and exercise.
Following the presentation, there will be ample time for discussion, questions and answers.
Reservations are suggested and can be made by calling Senior Concerns at 497-0189. If you forget to make reservations, walk-ins are always welcome.
If you need respite care for a special-needs senior so you can attend the seminar, you can arrange for the care at the center when making your reservation. Reservations for respite care are required.
There are no fees for the discussions; however, a suggested donation of $5 would help to cover the cost of the event.
Another event that might be of interest to you is the Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation’s sixth annual Senior Congress Forum, “Thanks for the Memory, Part 2: Recognizing, Diagnosing and Managing Its Loss.”
This event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 3 at Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, 5801 Kanan Road, Westlake Village.
Admission is free, and reservations are required, by calling 818-880-1054. Deadline for reservations is today.
Both of the events will provide a lot of good information on keeping both your body and brain in good working condition.
Q: My neighbor just told me she has been attending seminars at the Westlake Village Civic Center that address issues of interest to seniors. Can you tell me about these seminars?
A: Your neighbor is right on the mark. Senior Concerns, in cooperation with the city of Westlake Village, presents a monthly seminar at the Westlake Village Civic Center complex.
The series, called Senior Issues and facilitated by the Senior Concerns Advocate, normally is scheduled the second Wednesday of the month, from 1:30 to 3 p.m.; however, the next scheduled seminar will be on the first Wednesday — Feb. 3; it is one week earlier than usual because of other commitments.
This seminar, “Time Is A Terrible Thing To Waste,” is the second of a three-part miniseries titled “Let’s Take Better Control of Our Money — Time — Space.”
It provides an opportunity to look at how we are using or not using our time. Discover that making some small changes could open opportunities that will allow more time to do the things that are more meaningful to us.
Why not plan to attend and see what you can learn as well as what you can offer to the group?
For more information about the series or this seminar call the Advocates Office at 495-6250.
Happenings
Today: Health & Wealth Senior Expo: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Cypress Place Senior Living, 1200 Cypress Point Lane, Ventura. Free blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, vision and hearing exams will be available and a healthy gourmet lunch.
— Betty Berry is a senior advocate for Senior Concerns. The advocates are at the Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks, CA 91362; or call 495-6250 or e-mail betty@seniorconcerns.org. You are invited to submit questions on senior issues.
