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Successful Aging

Vol. 1, No. 1

For Santa Barbara seniors, a publication by the Center for Successful Aging.

July / August 2011

Seniors in Santa Barbaras Summer Parades


Strutting your stuff on State Street in summer parades is a long-established tradition in Santa Barbara. Our towns two major mid-summer parades are on Independence Day and the Fiesta cavalcade in early August and local seniors have always played prominent roles in these festive displays. Hattie Feazelle (right, seen riding in a parade in the 1990s) is now 100 years old and has participated in the Old Spanish Days fiesta since the first one, back in 1924. This year, Hattie has the honor of being the parades Grand Marshal. The always popular 4th of July parade has long been organized by the Spirit of 76 organization, which is chaired by Paul Lamberton who, in the photo below, gives a Santa Barbara spin to the iconic Uncle Sam. Being an active member of a community and taking part in celebrations are vital to aging successfully. To see more local seniors who have joined in the fun, visit the parade photo spread inside on Page 6.

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Local news....................

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Photos ........................ Senior Awards............. Health Tips by Jeanne West..............

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Leisure........................ 11 Calendar..................... 12 Social Security quiz.... 12

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Advice on Aging by Gary Linker............. Community Services.... Financial Matters by Sharon Kennedy....

Fitness by Peggy Buchanan........... 10

E-mail us at: editor@csasb.org

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Friendship Center opens site in Goleta on July 11
Friendship Center, an adult day care center, is proudly opening a new facility in Goleta at 820 N. Fairview Avenue, just north of Cathedral Oaks Road. The doors are slated to open July 11. Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, the Center provides day care services in a safe, secure, supportive environment. The majority of clients are frail elderly with Alzheimers disease; the Center also serves adults with developmental disabilities. The Goleta site will accommodate about 40 clients each day, offering such activities as art, music, games, gardening and exercise, along with classes that

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promote both physical and cognitive health. At the same time, the Center enables respite for family members and other caregivers who need rest and time to address their personal needs. Daily fees are based on a sliding scale, as the Center tries to work with low income families to ease the cost and make the service more affordable. To learn more about Friendship Center or apply for their day care service, contact Dr. Eryn Eckert via e-mail at eryn@friendshipcentersb.org or by phone at 969-0859.

Alzheimers Cafe kicks off July 8


The Central Coast Alzheimers Association is working with the Peppers Estate in Montecito and other community members to create the first Alzheimers Cafe in our area. In a relaxed social setting, the Cafe brings together individuals with dementia along with their family members and caregivers. The emphasis is on creating a positive, pleasant social experience for those with dementia while providing a bit of enjoyable respite, useful information and peer support for caregivers.

Frank Newton named interim Executive Director of RSVP program


Frank Newton, Ph.D., who writes the NewsPress column Frank Talk for Seniors, was recently named interim Executive Director of the nonprofit RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program).

RSVP is part of the federally-funded Senior Alzheimers Cafes originated in Europe in the 1990s, Corps programs, and their popularity has spread to Canada and a which include Foster growing number of cities across the United States. Grandparents and Senior Their success and value rest in the sad fact that many Companions. The local people with dementia feel embarrassed or awkward in RSVP sponsor is Senior public, which leads to social isolation; and that isolation Programs of Santa extends to their caregivers, who must remain home Barbara. with them. The Cafe, by drawing them out to a safe, supportive, non-threatening social event, promotes Since 1980 in Santa priceless enjoyment, relief and mutual support. Santa Barbaras Alzheimers Cafe kicks off on Friday, July 8, from 2 to 5 p.m. It will be held once a month at the Peppers Estate, 430 Hot Springs Road in Montecito. It is free of charge. If you would like to attend or need more information, please contact Donna Beal of the Alzheimers Association at 892-4259.

Frank Newton Barbara, RSVP has matched thousands of seniors with scores of local non-profit organizations in need of volunteer help. For details about RSVP, call 963-0474.

S i l v e r Nu g g e t s

The trouble is, old age is not interesng unl one gets there. Its a foreign country with an unknown language to the young and even to the middle-aged. from May Sartons As We Are Now

Successful Aging

July / August 2011

Advice on Aging
Are You Aging Successfully?
by Gary Linker, Ph.D.
because my parents lived to ripe old ages. And then I realized that is why I havent given much attention to this issue. As I learned what goes into aging successfully, I found out that apparently unconsciously I was doing some of the things necessary to find fulfillment in later life. Being active has lots of parts. We need to push away from that chair or couch and be moving. But our brain needs stimulation too. Yes, I know youve heard all about those cross word puzzles and mind games, but Im told the real difference comes when we do something new. Apparently, our brains like uniqueness. Doing something we have never done like sing a new song, learn a new language or a musical instrument encourages the dendrites in our brain to grow and expand. So, we need to break that routine and open our minds and broaden our horizons. And that is where the activities at the Center for Successful Aging come in. Our Center has just developed several new programs where you can become involved in activities that are not only fun but maybe a bit different as well. We have a group called Lets Have Fun, where people come together and plan relaxing entertaining outings and activities. For little or no cost, you could be having some real fun. One week the activity may be arts and crafts; another, a walk in a nearby park; and another, making popcorn and enjoying a good movie. A second group we are starting is called, Walking Down Memory Lane, Lets Reminisce. In this one, seniors come together twice a month and share stories of their life. Can you think of a better way to meet and learn about others than through sharing stories of where you have been and what you have done? Each week the leaders offer a theme such as the neighborhood you grew up in or stories about your favorite family relative. A third group that CSA is starting is the Spirituality, Consciousness Raising Group. Many people want to discuss the existential issues of their lives, looking at what does a spiritual life look like and what daily practices will enhance our conscious development. This nondenominational group

About four months ago, I became the Clinical Director for the Center for Successful Aging. I was thrilled to get back to the work I love the most: teaching, training and supervising people who are helping others. I was looking forward to working with our cadre of volunteers who provide support and encouragement to seniors and those caretaking for seniors. What I didnt expect was to be confronted with the important question of what it means to enjoy the third chapter in our lives and successfully age. Although I am over 60, I really hadnt given much thought to what I really need to do to be ready for this period in my life. Maybe it was because I married late in life and have fairly young children. Maybe it was because I am still actively pursuing professional goals. Maybe it was because Ive always watched what I ate and my waistline as well. Maybe it was

will be meeting twice a month looking at all kinds of issues. With more and more people finding fulfillment in psychological and spiritual practices, this is a great way to learn about other peoples traditions while sharing your own.

Lets Have Fun meets at 1 p.m. on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month at CSA. The Spirituality/ Consciousness Raising group meets at 11 a.m. each Thursday at CSA. CSA office: 1528 Chapala St. Suite 205 phone 963-8080.
There is never a charge for any of our services and you can come and go as you please in terms of your level of participation. I hope to meet you in the weeks and months ahead.

Gary Linker, Ph.D., is Interim Clinical Director of the Center for Successful Aging; phone 963-8080;

July / August 2011

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CareLine phone service dials in July 1
Phone calls help homebound frail elderly
The Center for Successful Aging is initiating in July a phone call service for homebound older adults on the central coast, made possible by a collaborative grant from the Santa Barbara Foundation and the Orfalea Foundation, and a grant from the WilliamsCorbett Foundation. The service is free of charge and consists of a daily or weekly phone call to check on the safety and wellbeing of a frail senior who is homebound and living alone. In simple terms, explains project director Gayle Golden, One senior who may be lonely or feel isolated is called by another senior who cares about them. The call only lasts 3 to 5 minutes, mainly as a friendly check on their well-being; and it reassures that person that they are connected and valued.

Community Services
however, will be the voice of a caring and compassionate senior volunteer. The caller will offer a greeting and reassurance, careful to maintain confidentiality. And they will be trained to activate a prearranged emergency response if the senior fails to answer or in some other way appears to have a problem. Golden at 963-8080. She will speak to the applicant to determine their suitability for the CareLine service. The basic criteria are that they are age 50 or older, have frail health or a disability and are homebound. Gayle will also make arrangements for the best time to make calls to the seniors home. Also, anyone over the age of 50 who is interested in becoming involved as a volunteer for this or any of the other programs offered by the Center for Successful Aging is encouraged to call CSA at 963-8080.

While similar services exAnyone interested in reist in other states, many of them are automated phone ceiving a CareLine phone call should contact Gayle calls. CSAs CareLine,

Serenity House opens on the Mesa


In July, Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care is moving its 6-bed Serenity House hospice at Valle Verde to a state of the art 12bed inpatient facility on the Mesa, overlooking downtown Santa Barbara. The move is a direct response to the increasing demand for quality endof-life care. And VNHC is hoping pending state legislation will soon allow them to expand to 18 beds.

Hospice provides end-of-life peace, dignity


Hospice delivers compassionate end-of-life care through an integrated team of doctors, nurses, social workers, and spiritual counselors who work around the clock to support a patient and family through the dying

Successful Aging

1. August 14, 1935 2. Franklin D. Roosevelt 3. Economic Security Act

The hospice care provided at Serenity House is a benefit covered under Medicare, Medi-

4. Dwight D. Eistenhower 5. $22.54

Patients will be cared for in a beautifully crafted, home-like setting, with state of the art private rooms, lounges, patios and gardens. The lovely setting promotes comfort, peace and dignity.

and grieving process, says Cal and most private Lynda Tanner, President insurances. This means and CEO of VNHC. that admission requires a doctors order. NonThe new Serenity House medical care entails promises individualized, private pay, but VNHC quality care through will work with families to its dedicated team of facilitate affordability. medical staff, counselors and volunteers. Patients For information about will have private rooms admission or other and care tailored to their details about Serenity particular condition, aided House and VNHC, call by modern technology. 965-5555 or visit online www.vnhcsb.org. They also will have ample room to gather with Dont peek! Answers family and other loved to the Social Security Quiz ones. The care model on page 12 is family-centered to promote both emotional and spiritual support for the patient and family.
6. Austin, Texas 7. Ida May Fuller

July / August 2011

Financial Matters
A Fool and His Money...
by Sharon Kennedy
they are targeting older adults who are nearing or already in retirement. So what can we do to protect ourselves from falling victim to being scammed? Here are a few simple suggestions that I highly recommend. Whats more, all these protective actions are free of charge! 1. Remove your name from direct mail lists. Send your name and address to: DMA Mail Preference Service (known as DMA Choice), P.O. Box 643, Carmel, NY 10512; www.dmachoice.org. 2. Remove the name of a deceased family member from direct mail lists. Sign up for Deceased Do Not Contact at www.ims-dm.com/cgi/ ddnc.php. 3. Remove your name from telemarketing lists by signing up with the National Do Not Call Registry. Register online at www.donotcall.gov or call toll-free 1-888-3821222 (TTY 1-866-2904236) from the number you wish to register. 4. If you prefer not to receive pre-approved offers of credit cards, you can opt out of such unsolicited offers by

prey to smooth-talking telemarketers while others have lost money by participating in sweepstakes or foreign lotteries. Others have given out personal financial information in response to bogus e-mails There is something very in a practice known as misleading about the old phishing. Or perhaps saying A fool and his you know of someone who money are soon parted. has been conned out of We all want to believe that only fools are capable money by paying for phony home improvement servicof being scammed out of es. The tricks used to septheir money. arate us from our money are endless, and scammers But the truth is that we are all at risk. Each one of are very persuasive and us is a potential victim for very persistent, too. It can being scammed, regardless be very, very hard to resist the pressured sales pitch. of how smart we may be. For example, nearly twoScammers go where thirds of investment fraud the money is. victims are older married Can you guess what men, who tend to be colage group has the lege educated and selfmost money? reliant, have aboveaverage income and aboveScammers also go where average financial knowledge. Ostensibly, they are the money is. And take a wild guess as to which nobodys fool. group is not only the fastest growing population But we are only human, cohort in the U.S. but also and who hasnt felt some the group that holds the temptation when a free most money. If you anlunch is offered or when swered, those over 65, they hear guaranteed returns, limited time of- you are absolutely correct. According to the U.S. fer or this is a once in a Census Bureau, over 80 lifetime opportunity? percent of those 65 and Every one of us probably older own their own home, own a car and have money knows of someone who in the bank. Scammers has been scammed out of know this, and that means money. Some have fallen

calling 1-888-5 OPT OUT (1-888-5678688) or by going to www.optoutprescreen.com 5. If you would like to remove your e-mail address from unwanted e-mail or Internet ads, log onto www.e-mps.org. Removing your name from telephone and mailing lists will not guarantee that you will never be the target of a scam. But it will help reduce the number of ways that you can be targeted. And always keep in mind what we tell children about the need to be wary of strangers. Stranger danger holds true at any age. Be wary of anyone who approaches you unsolicited with an offer to sell you some service or has some fanciful story. Anything that ever sounds too good to be true never is true. Dont be that fool.

Sharon C. Kennedy, Sharon Kennedy Estate Management, 5951 Encina Road, Suite 106, Goleta, CA 93117; (805) 681-1347.

July / August 2011

Successful Aging

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Participating in community life: As Woody Allen once said, 90 percent of being successful is just showing up. So like the seniors in these photos, show up and be part of the action in July and August. [Parade photos by Frank Newton] The Independence Day parade is a particular favorite of veterans organizations (as noted
in the two photos left and below), and also inspires the

Summer in S.B.

patriotric panoply of the Knights of Columbus (right).

The Old Spanish Days parade produces colorfully flamboyant costumed displays, always of colonial Spanish finery and equestrian splendor. As photos from years past clearly demonstrate (below), local seniors are gung ho enthusiasts, matching the best of the best. If youd like to become a volunteer in Old Spanish Days 2011, phone 962-8101.

Successful Aging

July / August 2011

Successful Seniors

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Senior Award Winners

Older Americans Month celebrates outstanding seniors


May is Older Americans Month a time to express our thanks and to honor the tremendous contributions that seniors make to our community. So every May the Area Agency on Aging pays well-deserved tribute to the many ways local seniors serve Santa Barbara. The awards ceremony recognizes seniors achievements in six service categories, including Senior Citizen of the Year, Older Worker of the Year and four other honors. As noted in the Area Agencys awards ceremony program, Their efforts remind us that when older adults are active and engaged in their communities, everyone benefits. [Award ceremony photos by Carolyn Newstrom.] For details about these award winners, please see Page 8. Sharing the Caregiver of the Year award were (l-r) Nancy Warda, Center for Successful Aging, and Jeanne West, FAST Coordinator. Sharing the award for Senior Citizen of the Year were Naomi Schwartz (right) of the Gildea Foundation and Beverly Schydlowsky (below), clinical psychologist. Honored as Older Worker of the Year was Marcus Thrane (left) of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). Sharing the Intergenerational Effort of the Year award were Rosemary Perry (left), volunteer at Marian Medical Center, and Marco Quintanar (below) of the Family Service Agency.

Publisher of Noozhawk, William Macfadyen (right), was honored as Media Advocate of the Year.

The award for Senior Citizen Program of the Year went to the Food Banks Brown Bag program; accepting the award (right) were Frank Clark and Renate Butler.

July / August 2011

Successful Aging

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Outstanding Local Seniors Honored in May Older Americans Month
On May 18, at an award ceremony arranged by the Area Agency on Aging, a dozen local seniors and several community organizations were honored for their exceptional service to older adults in Santa Barbara County. Certificates of Appreciation were also bestowed by Congresswoman Lois Capps and State Senator Sam Blakeslee. (Photos of the award winners are featured on Page 7.) Following are accounts of their achievements, extracted from the awards program booklet:

Caregiver of the Year (2 honorees): Nancy Warda is a Peer Counselor with the Center for Successful Aging (CSA), and Jeanne West is Coordinator of the Financial Abuse Specialist Team (FAST). In 2010, Nancy and Jeanne worked together in assisting a senior who was the victim of financial fraud by a trusted family member. They did not give up until evidence had been gathered; and now the case is pending in legal action that hopefully will result in restitution for the senior. Without Nancy and Jeannes collaboration, dedication and persistence, the victim would not have the funds to continue living as she had planned for her retirement.

Senior Citizen Program of the Year: More than 1,200 seniors received 624,000 bags of groceries in 2010 from the Brown Bag Program. Brown Bag utilizes food from the Food Bank to provide low income seniors with Senior Citizen of the Year (2 honorees): Naomi Schwartz is the Executive Director of the Gildea Foun- highly nutritious groceries, including fresh produce, rice, beans, canned goods and other non-perishable dation. In 2010 she led the planning for the Second foods. The programs success is assured by the work of Sympoisum on Aging in Santa Barbara County, which drew more than 150 participants from many civic orga- over 200 volunteers who bag, distribute and deliver the nizations serving the needs of local seniors. The Gildea bags of groceries. Foundation also conducted a community assessment of food serving agencies to mitigate duplication of food donations and home delivery services. Older Worker of the Year: Marcus Thrane has served Beverly Schydlowsky, Ph.D., a founder of the Censince 2000 as the administrative assistant for the ter for Successful Aging is also co-founder of the Santa Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). He brought Barbara Village, which is a a nonprofit program for seniors who want to live safely and comfortably in their to this job his years of experience as administrator of several nonprofit, skilled nursing facilities. Through own homes. Beverly helped bring together a diverse spectrum of service providers and community members RSVP, Marcus is able to match senior volunteers with a wide array of community-serving programs that need to research and design this cutting-edge membership volunteer support which is vitally important given program for Santa Barbaras older adults. the budget cuts and staff reductions countless agencies and nonprofits have endured in recent years. Marcus has combined his knowledge from a lifetime of work with his very strong work ethic to serve as a model for Intergenerational Effort of the Year (2 honorees): all who are part of the RSVP program. Rosemary Perry is a volunteer with Marian Medical Center in Santa Maria. She took on the responsibility of calling to register mothers for Lamaze classes, and she helped assemble packets for doctors offices to give to each new mom patient. Rosemary also reorganized all the files for Marians Healthy for Life Nutrition Media Advocate of the Year: William Macfadyen, lecture series. as publisher of the Internet news site Noozhawk, Marco Quintanar is a case manager at Family Serlaunched a Senior Living section in January of vice Agency and a trainer for the 5 Wishes program. 2010. This site enables local seniors to quickly search He has significantly contributed to enhancing awareonline for news and information about events, services ness of the needs of the elderly Latinos in Santa Barand programs by agencies and nonprofits that serve bara. He also established a Spanish-language support the rapidly growing older adult population of Santa group for those caring for Latino seniors. Barbara.

Successful Aging

July / August 2011

Health Tips
Successfully Managing Your Medicines by Jeanne M. West, RN, MHA
or instruction about a new medicine. The pharmacists offer is FREE and can help make you aware of the nuances to watch for as you start the new medication. I suggest to everyone that they take up the pharmacists offer and learn more than what might be contained in the long 2 or 3 pages of information that accompany all new prescriptions and which few of us thoroughly read. Another rule of thumb that is seldom practiced is maintaining a current list of medications, including both the prescription and the over-the-counter products. For those of you who have a Vial of Life, this is the perfect place to keep that list. Should you have a medical emergency requiring a 9-1-1 call, the paramedics know to look for the Vial of Life on the refrigerator door. Remember: it does you or the first responders no good if that list is not up to date. Do you use the same pharmacy for all your prescriptions? Relying on one pharmacy is critically important because it is the pharmacist who sees all your prescriptions from all your treating physicians. The expert in medications of all types is the pharmacist, and at a glance it is the pharmacist who will spot the order of a new medication that might negatively impact other medicines you are already taking. Dont be penny wise and pound foolish by trying to pharmacy hop looking for the best deal! Sticking with one pharmacy is vital to successful medication management.

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of unused or expired medicines by simply throwing them in the trash or flushing them down the toilet. We now know that this practice is not safe or acceptable, for these strong chemicals are known to contaminate our ground and water. Proper medication disposal involves either taking the unused medicines (including liquids, patches, ointments, as well as any pills) to your pharmacy for disposal, if they offer this service. Better yet, you can take those unused products to any Sheriffs station site in Santa Barbara County, disposing of them in a locked container that sits outside each station. Understand the power and purpose of all medicines that you take. Follow instructions for proper use. Talk to your physician and your pharmacist regularly about all your medicines. Be safe! Be informed! Be consistent!
Jeanne West, RN, MHA, is the Project Manager for the Area Agency on Aging, which includes conducting Medication Use Safety Training (MUST) for the general public. For more information or to schedule a MUST training presentation, contact Jeanne at (805) 886-4234 or via e-mail at jw@jeannewest.com.

As you move along through life, it is likely you will be faced with a medical condition that requires careful monitoring and may even necessitate medication management. While your goal should be to minimize pharmaceutical intervention, it may not be possible to do so especially today, given the advent of so many new medicines that successfully treat acute and chronic diseases. Therefore, you need to be vigilant in monitoring and carefully managing your use of medications. A cardinal rule when it comes to medications is that a person should be knowledgeable about each medicine they take: the name, the reason for use and any possible side effects that might arise from continued use. Yet when I give presentations on Medication Management, I almost always learn from those in my audiences that few people ever take time to talk to their pharmacist, even when the offer is made to give information

The pharamacists expert advice is offered for FREE... but most of us fail to ask for their help!
In todays world, we are bombarded with television commercials advertising a variety of products, from prescriptions to overthe-counter medicines to supplements. Once again, it is important that before you decide to add that vitamin, mineral, or herbal supplement, you should have a discussion with your primary care physician about the possible risks and benefits get advice before you buy it! In times past, we all felt comfortable disposing

July / August 2011

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NO exercise class. NO expensive equipment! JUST WALK!
by Peggy Buchanan, MA
an exercise class 2-3 times per week (although that definitely helps). Using traditional assistive walking devices can help individuals maintain their mobility. However, I have actually seen balance decline over time. The constant use of a cane and/or walker can diminish your sense of balance, especially if you use the device to lean on rather than stabilize yourself with good posture. Maintaining vertical balance is no more than being able to keep your center of gravity over your base of support. Leaning to the side or forward while using a cane or walker actually trains your body to be off center, creating more of a fall risk when not using the device. and want to do! By adding poles to your walking regime, you will maximize the use of overall muscle mass while increasing bone density. People of all ages and abilities love walking poles because... They make the worlds favorite exercise walking a more fun, total body exercise! They improve walking confidence, balance and posture and promote a younger gait. They enhance the aerobic benefits of walking (by 25%), with no change in perceived exertion. They combine total body muscle conditioning resistance exercise while enhancing the aerobic benefit of every step. Theyre easy to learn, fun, social and feel good! They spark the production of mood and energy enhancing chemicals, hormones in the brain and throughout the body. Whats more, you can do this exercise whenever and wherever you like! Active agers and their families also love pole walking because They love the way it makes them feel!

Fitness
It allows them to walk faster, longer and farther with better posture and a more normal gait. It allows them to slow (even reverse) many of the normal effects of aging! It rapidly enhances their quality of life and vitality. It extends independent living lifespan. Its a highly social activity, as you can talk, talk, talk while you walk. Putting all major muscles to good use allows you to feel empowered. Not using your muscles leads to the declines usually labeled the normal effects of aging, and abusing your muscles just makes them feel sore! Good use exercise enhances physical function and overall vitality and energy in addition to changing your invalid mindset to a senior athlete mindset.

You can prolong your independence and optimize your lifestyle with two very simple tools and the easiest most popular form of exercise walking. There are few things you can do that have a more profound effect on more bodily systems than movement. Regular exercise offers benefits across a wide range of health conditions and problems, from cancer to osteoporosis. Perhaps most importantly, physical activity can preserve function and independence. Lets look at a simple, cost effective program guaranteed to enhance your life.

Consider trying a pair of walking poles. They allow you to stand tall while Scientific studies by having the support of two Drs. Ralph Paffenbarger, poles. Pole walkers can of Stanford University, increase upper body and and Steven Blair, of the cardiovascular strength Dallas Aerobics Center, while improving posture found a significant positive and overall balance. Just relationship between add a pedometer and you human physical activity have the perfect combo for levels and longevity. movement motivation. The key to making a Walking poles allow difference in the lives of Americans, says Dr. Blair, walkers over age 65 to significantly increase the is increasing overall daily number of steps they can activity, not just going to

Peggy Buchanan, M.A., is the Director of Fitness, Aquatics & Physical Therapy at Vista del Monte in Santa Barbara . You can learn more on her website at www.peggybuchanan.com or you can contact her via e-mail at pbuchanan@ frontporch.net or at 879-7632.

Successful Aging

July / August 2011

Leisure
An interview with 90-year-old Esther Kaminsky
by Deni Osborne, CSA Peer-Counselor

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I wanted to be helpful to the country and, at the same time, have a new experience. So I joined up and served in the Midwest. The year was 1944. At first, it was kind of difficult adjusting to the discipline and the routine; but in time, you adjust. I think theres a particular pride about being in the Army, and it was good experience. What I disliked was getting up early and falling out and standing at what we called parade rest. We did a lot of marching and I liked the precision of it. There were dances as social life. You were always in uniform, and part of the uniform then was a skirt. I also did shows. I sang. I danced around, pranced around a little bit in some kind of costume that we made up, and that was fun. They had an orchestra made up of soldiers. So we sang with them.

90-year-old Esther Kaminsky now resides in Santa Barbara.

I heard many prejudiced remarks. One other woman, a WAC, looked at me when she found out I was Jewish and said You dont have any horns! I was amazed, absolutely amazed. I couldnt believe that I heard that. I stayed in the WACs about 15 months. You could go to school afterward on the G.I. Bill, and it was paid for. I went to music school and finally became an actress. How to play this Word Search game: The words in the SB Streets list are embedded in the puzzle but some are backwards and some are diagonal. Search for these words, circle them, then check them off from the list. (The word Anacapa is provided as an example.)

SB STREETS
Word List
Successful Aging is a bimonthly publication of the Center for Successful Aging, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, at 1528 Chapala Street, Ste. 205, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Phone 963-8080. It is offered free of charge as a public service. An online version of this publication can be seen at www.csasb.org. Editor: Frank Newton Contributors: Gayle Golden; Gary Linker; Sharon Kennedy; Peggy Buchanan. Jeanne West; Deni Osborne; and Carolyn Newstrom. Contact Successful Aging via e-mail at: editor@csasb.org.

ANACAPA ANAPAMU CACIQUE CARRILLO CASTILLO CHAPALA COTA GUTIERREZ HALEY HOPE MASON MILPAS ONTARE ORTEGA VALERIO

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Calendar of Events for July/August 2011
July 4 July 6-9 July 8 July 8-10 July 11 July 13-17 July 28 Aug. 3-7 August 25 Independence Day Celebration noon - State Street Parade / 4 p.m. - Patriotic Concert - Sunken Garden SB National Horse Show - American Saddlebred, Paso Fino, other breeds 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. - Earl Warren Showgrounds - call 687-4711 Alzheimers Cafe 2-5 p.m. - Peppers Estate - Montecito - call 892-4259 SB International Orchid Fair Earl Warren Showgrounds - call 1-800-553-3387 Goleta Friendship Center opens 8 a.m.-5 p.m. - 820 N. Fairview - call 969-0859 SB National Horse Show - Hunters/Jumpers 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. - Earl Warren Showgrounds - call 687-4711 Day Trip to Getty Museum Group bus trip from Goleta Valley Senior Center - call 683-1124 Old Spanish Days - Fiesta www.oldspanishdays-fiesta.org Day Trip to Hearst Castle Group bus trip from Goleta Valley Senior Center - call 683-1124
4. Which president added the disability benefits program to Social Security? A. Franklin D. Roosevelt B. Harry Truman C. Dwight D. Eisenhower 5. How much was the first monthly retirement check? A. $122.00 B. $92.80 C. $22.54 6. The first local SSA District office was opened in October 1936. Where was it located? A. Austin, Texas B. New York City C. San Francisco 7. What is the name of the first person who received the very first Social Security retirement benefit? A. Ernest Ackerman B. Ida May Fuller C. Frances B. Perkins Find the answers on Page 4.

Social Security Quiz

A regular feature of Successful Aging will be news and information about Social Security, Medicare and other government programs serving seniors. In this issue, we begin with a fun quiz taken from Social Securitys 75th Anniversary promotion. Test your knowledge of Social Security history: 1. When was the Social Security Act signed into law? A. September 14, 1934 B. September 14, 1936 C. August 14, 1935 2. What president signed the Social Security Act? A. Herbert Hoover B. Franklin D. Roosevelt C. Harry Truman 3. The Social Security Act was originally named ____? A. American Association for Social Security B. Economic Security Act C Social Security Administration

Successful Aging

July / August 2011

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