Spring Aging Well Guide

Aging Well

FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART

Stretch & Socialize

Parr inspires seniors through exercise

TO THE Aging Well Guide

Picket Fence Media is returning with our latest edition of Aging Well — a biannual guide for readers to find exciting new ways to thrive and flourish.

For this spring issue, we spotlight the many local nonprofit organizations, clubs and groups that put on fun events, create gathering spaces and provide volunteer opportunities to help seniors stay active in their communities.

From the San Clemente Village, to the ASAP Community in San Juan Capistrano, there are plenty of activities in South Orange County that cater to a variety of interests and needs.

For seniors looking to both stay healthy and connect with their neighbors, group fitness classes can be just the thing that gets them out of the house and on their feet.

We chat with Joy Parr, a volunteer fitness instructor at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center, about the benefits of regular exercise and social

interaction. Not only do her classes help seniors get their sweat on, they provide a space for conversation.

Age Well Senior Services, which runs the area’s senior centers, highlights the wide array of activities and events it regularly hosts for older adults to enjoy — from movie screenings and museum outings, to free breakfasts and baseball games. There are even programs to help navigate the latest in tech.

We’ll take a peek at Watermark Laguna Niguel. This brand-new assisted living and memory care facility proves that senior living can be stylish. Check out these stories to find out more about Aging Well without going far.

ASAP

Volunteers are the lifeline to the tourism industry Help

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

San Juan Capistrano sees plenty of tourists, and there’s one thing they have in common — they want a great experience.

Dubbed ASAP, a group of volunteer downtown ambassadors are ready to help. The program was founded in 1992 to provide auxiliary support to police. Now, its members are an integral part of the city’s events, like the Swallows Day Parade, July 4th Celebration, Christmas Tree-Lighting Ceremony and the San Juan Summer Nites Concert Series.

The volunteers — many of whom are baby boomers — also direct the public to parking, shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities. A key initiative is encouraging the use of the city’s summer trolley service and the train.

The bike patrol team visits parks, public facilities and rides the city’s trail system to observe and report maintenance issues and also abate graffiti. The parking management team travels throughout the city to monitor parking zones, parking lots, the depot parking structure, multimodal parking lot, illegal ADA parking, and to assist residents and visitors with information.

“Volunteering is a very good job for a senior,” said Bill Mase with ASAP.

“It helps with physical activity with the bike patrol. Everyone gets out of the car and walks around. Nobody sits behind a desk. They have social interaction. It gives us a sense of purpose. Working with a team gets them out of the doldrums of sitting at home. We’re having fun. It’s a pretty demanding cognitive type of thing, considering we utilize the apps

George Dressel and Dave Cox patrol the streets for ASAP. (Rich Schmitt/Contributor)

Stretch and Socialize

Volunteer instructor inspires seniors through exercise

By Nikki Link

One San Juan Capistrano senior is inspiring others through the power of exercise. Hosted by the city’s Senior Services department, the free “Stretch and Tone” class has been transformed into a health and wellness gathering place by volunteer instructor Joy Parr.

While the UK native moved to the area to be closer to her daughter, the city’s com munity center quickly became a second home. Parr explained that she was quick to join the fitness program.

“I’ve always been active,” Parr said. “... This class was a good size. I liked the community center and the warmth of all the people. I quickly made friends in the class … and I kind of like the routine. It’s a little bit of everything.”

Trained as a ballerina, Parr said she was also an avid badminton player. She decided to volunteer as an instructor in order to give the class consistent leadership.

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STRETCH AND SOCIALIZE from page 14

Anyway, eventually I took over, and that was 16 years ago.”

Now 87, she helms the class every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The hourlong workout kicks off at 8:45 a.m. with 15 minutes of weightlifting led by other volunteers. Parr takes over at 9 a.m. for the main workout.

“We play music from the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s. We have about 100 tapes, and we just play them in order,” Parr said. “... I start with shoulder exercises and we go on from there.”

Classes feature a diverse mixture of exercises with special emphasis on stretching and balance. It’s also a roster Parr has added to over the years.

“When I started, there were 32 exercises that we did in 45 minutes,” she said. “Now, there are 72. So, you can guess what pace we work at — very fast.”

Parr explained that she finds most of the exercises online. She went on to say that while she gets some pushback from mixing up the routine, eventually, everyone is up for the challenge.

See STRETCH AND SOCIALIZE on page 17

The community center where Joy Parr holds her fitness classes. (Rich Schmitt/Contributor)

ASAP from page 13

with train information, schedules on the internet. That helps people keep on top of it.”

Each year, the volunteers contribute 6,000 to 8,000 hours, Mase said. The kiosk is next to the historic area of San Juan, near Mission San Juan Capistrano. They assist 15,000 to 20,000 people each year.

Bike patrol group

During the week, a two-person team patrols the city’s trails and streets. Each month, they visit the parks 100 times.

“We visit public facilities and report on safety and park issues,” he said. “We remove most of the graffiti. With a city our size, it saves the city about $90,000 a year.”

The city provides the bikes for them—and it’s a popular group, according to Mase.

“A lot of seniors are committed to biking and don’t want to do it alone,” he added. “They can do it with a partner and with a mission in mind. It’s a

See ASAP on page 18

Senior community volunteers include, from left, Bill Mase, George Dressel, Mary Hall, Dave Cox, Ted Sands and Allen Edwards. (Rich Schmitt/Contributor)

Mary Hall and Bill Mase are ready to answer passengers’ questions. (Rich Schmitt/Contributor)

“They moan and groan when I put in a new exercise, but after a while, we’re all laughing,” Parr said. “And a few weeks later, they’re all doing it.”

It’s a pretty impressive feat considering the average age of participants in her classes is 80. For Parr, it’s a testament to the idea that regular exercise can keep some side effects of aging at bay. She’s often told people can keep up their mobility, thanks to her.

There’s also the social aspect. Parr recalled a recent class where she was running a few minutes behind, but when she showed up, everyone was standing around in little groups talking among themselves. Aging can be isolating, and opportunities like this give seniors a chance to connect with others.

Parr said there’s also a community room at the gymnasium where the classes are held and where participants can visit over a cup of coffee and pastries. They’re even joined by a furry friend. Parr’s German shepherd, “Zeus,” often sits in as an observer.

“It’s very social. We laugh a lot,” Parr said.

For anyone interested in trying out Parr’s class for themselves, it’s as simple as showing up. An exercise mat, some water and a positive attitude are the only “requirements.”

“Grit your teeth and try it,” Parr said. “And don’t expect to

do everything immediately. I always say to them, ‘You’re here and that’s what’s important. Just do what you can.”

Stretch and Tone Exercise

WHEN: 8:45 to 9:45 a.m., every Monday, Wednesday and Friday

WHERE: San Juan Community Center, 25925 Camino Del Avion, San Juan Capistrano

COST: Free

INFO: 949-493-5911

Our skilled nurses provide individualized care to assist patients in restoring health and minimize the effects of their illness or disability. Patient’s designated nurse will also expound on personalized teaching and education to patient and the family regarding preventative and rehabilitative nursing treatments. If recommended or necessary, nurses may endorse medically prescribed coordinated services which are appropriate to the patient’s plan of care and will enhance the patient’s return to independent activities.

Our skilled nurses provide individualized care to assist patients in restoring health and minimize the effects of their illness or disability. Patient’s designated nurse will also expound on personalized teaching and education to patient and the family regarding preventative and rehabilitative nursing treatments. If recommended or necessary, nurses may endorse medically prescribed services which are appropriate to the patient’s plan of care and will enhance the patient’s return to independent activities.

At Genezen Home Health Care Services, we aim to provide our clients with the highest quality of home health services available, by assisting our patients in the comfort of their homes. Our philosophy is that every patient should receive in the safest, most appropriate and least restrictive environment possible.

At Genezen Home Health Care Services, we aim to provide our clients with the highest quality of home health services available, by assisting our patients in the comfort of their homes. Our philosophy is that every patient should receive care in the safest, most appropriate and least restrictive environment possible.

Office: (949) 380-6930

FAX: (949) 466-4700

Email: teamgenezen@genezenhomehealth.net

25910 Acero, Suite 110 Mission Viejo, CA 920691

Joy Parr (Rich Schmitt/Contributor)

Joy Parr, Lenore Arrigoni and Becky Riley share a laugh before the start of class. (Rich Schmitt/Contributor)

Parking management group

Volunteers — in two-person teams — patrol parking lots and school sites to make sure people are parking correctly. On average, they write 1,600 citations a year, which brings in $100,000 in revenue.

“All of our people participate in special events, too,” Mase said.

“We wear uniforms, so people notice that we’re city-sponsored. We answer a ton of

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questions, and we really are ambassadors for the city. The people really like that. We originally were a seniors-only program. We have people who are not senior age, but they like working on the weekend. Seniors babysit on the weekend or visit with family. This has been a popular program.”

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, ASAP had about 40 volunteers. However, a lot of people found something else to do after two years off.

“We, the guys in the group, we’re all buddies now,” he added. “It’s a pretty big deal for some of these people who were not homebound but had nothing to do but the group.

“The bike-riding guys go out and ride the bike on their own. The guys who work in the parking management group, they have their spouses and go out every once in a while. It’s a good way to meet people.”

They meet monthly for food and discussion.

Healthy move

Mase moved to San Juan from Minnesota in 2014. He happened to meet a couple guys who were on bike patrol and thought it would be fun.

“When I got into the program, I found this is the perfect thing for people who are new to the area. They don’t know people or the area very well. After a couple months volunteering by the train depot, I met people who are now lifelong friends. I learned everything I needed to know about where to go and what to do locally.”

He said the same about retirees. Mase said this keeps up their well-being, reducing stress and keeping them occupied by something other than watching television.

Heidi Ivanoff, the City of San Juan Capistrano’s community services manager, agreed with Mase’s assessment.

“A lot of times, the volunteers work intergenerationally as well — especially at events,” she said.

“It’s a good opportunity for them to do something that’s meaningful and it’s something that really prolongs life. This is a positive program; I can’t tell you about a time when we came across someone who’s not in a good mood. When they’re doing these activities and working for the city, they’re serving. They’re doing something of value and something that is good.”

The volunteers find that the activities are learning experiences, according to Mase. They have fun chatting with the train passengers, who talk about where they’re going, whether it’s a festival in Ventura or headed to DTLA.

“My wife and I got on the train and went to LA for $10 each roundtrip to the Hollywood Bowl to see Diana Ross,” he said. “It was something I would never had thought of doing. It’s a real motivator to get out and experience new things.”

ASAP

https://bit.ly/ASAPSJC

Mary Hall helps passengers at the train station kiosk. (Rich Schmitt/Contributor)

Mary Hall and Bill Mase help a passenger at the Amtrak station.

Local Knowledge

‘Join the Movement’ Volunteer-run the Village helps residents stay connected

By Jessica Reiter-Flax Executive Director San Clemente Village

Did you know that 30% of San Clemente residents are over the age of 55? California is on pace for 25% of the population to be over 55 by 2030, and the trend continues nationally, as baby boomers outpace any other generation.

As we age, maintaining an active, independent lifestyle while remaining at home becomes more important than ever. However, as we age, our mobility and pace of life also

change, and it becomes crucial that we depend on others for support.

San Clemente Village (the Village) was founded with our older residents in mind. We are a nonprofit, membership organization that provides nonmedical services to San Clemente and Capo Beach residents 55 and older. Services such as transportation, grocery shopping, errands, help around the house, pet assistance, socialization and more!

Our mission is to bring together local residents, 55 and older, to help one another enjoy an active, connected and independent lifestyle.

Local Knowledge

The Village was founded by local residents and city council members in 2014, becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2015, and began service delivery in 2016. We are a 100% volunteer-driven organization, meaning that all of our services are provided by well-vetted volunteers.

As executive director, I am the only staff. Our average volunteer age is 65, with our average member age at 87. Truly an organization of “Neighbors helping neighbors.”

Our volunteers will provide a record amount of services this year, surpassing 2,500,

equating to more than 5,000 volunteer hours.

Our No. 1 service requested is transportation, with socialization being a close second. With the surgeon general just declaring loneliness and isolation an epidemic, especially among older adults, the Village aims to provide meaningful social interactions and friendly visits, to help our members thrive mentally and emotionally.

We certainly can’t do this alone; it takes a “village.” We welcome anyone who is interested in joining us to volunteer, become a member or partner with us to continue to serve the older residents of San Clemente, Capo Beach and, eventually, beyond.

To join the movement, please contact:

Jessica Reiter-Flax Executive Director

949-441-1348 jessicar@scvillage.org

Watermark Laguna Niguel Modern senior living is the stylish new thing

When you think of senior living, what comes to mind? Something dreary and boring, maybe? You’re not alone. Many of us are stuck believing in outdated notions about senior living, but it’s time to refresh our thinking.

Today’s seniors are demanding more. Smart senior housing providers have stepped up to exceed expectations for upscale, resort-style properties with a wealth of elevated amenities to match.

Take Watermark Laguna Niguel, for example. This new, boutique-style assisted living and memory care community for modern

seniors features a sophisticated lifestyle that brings inspired living and wellness together in an intimate, laid-back setting. Residents also enjoy the perfect blend of tailored support that honors their personal freedom and independence.

“Human beings are all the same,” said David Barnes, Watermark Retirement Communities president.

“They all want choice. They all want flexibility. So, we’re working hard, throughout all of our communities, to provide this feeling of flexibility and choice.”

In today’s upscale senior living communities, like Watermark Laguna Niguel, no detail has been overlooked. You’ll find a pet-friendly community with refined residences and elegant living areas that are warm and welcoming. Extraordinary amenities, award-winning adult education, and inspiring opportunities are around every corner.

There’s a signature restaurant with three tenured chefs, a full-service salon, and a fitness center with space for yoga, Pilates and other pursuits, a movie theater, an outdoor courtyard and garden, integrative wellness offerings, and so on.

It’s exactly what you’d expect from a luxurious getaway at your favorite boutique hotel — except this is life every day in a senior community like this.

A new resident’s family recently shared, “We moved our mom in two weeks ago and she absolutely loves it! It truly is a resort! The food is amazing, and the daily activities are exceptional! She is working out every day and says, ‘I love my new world.’ Everyone is so attentive and caring — they truly epitomize ‘above and beyond.’ … Thank you for revitalizing my mom. We are beyond grateful!”

Watermark Retirement Communities has been reimagining the concept of senior living for more than 30 years, maintaining its passion and commitment to creating extraordinary and innovative communities where people thrive.

Elevated communities like Watermark Laguna Niguel go beyond a maintenance-free lifestyle with offerings of concierge services, catering and in-residence dining, transportation service, and even move-in coordination assistance.

With expert, personalized care and opportunities for engagement and growth, it’s easy to have the lifestyle you’ve always imagined in a modern, resort-style senior living community in the heart of Orange County.

Not sounding too dreary or boring now, is it?

Watermark Laguna Niguel features refined residences for assisted living and memory care with signature dining, a wealth of resort-style amenities, enriching programs, curated wellness offerings, and personalized care. Learn more at watermarklagunaniguel.com or call 949-561-3740 to schedule a private tour.

Watermark Laguna Niguel 27762 Forbes Road, Laguna Niguel 949-561-3740

watermarklagunaniguel.com

Assisted living, memory care

RCFE license No. 306006360

In today’s upscale senior living communities, like Watermark Laguna Niguel, no detail has been overlooked. (Watermark Laguna Niguel/Submitted)

Watermark Laguna Niguel’s new, boutique-style assisted living and memory care community for modern seniors features a sophisticated lifestyle that brings inspired living and wellness together in an intimate, laid-back setting. (Watermark Laguna Niguel/Submitted)

The City of Dana Point Recreation offers special events for seniors ’Tis the Season

By Ashley Meza

The City of Dana Point Recreation is offering the senior community a summer full of special events.

“We serve all ages, but we do have kind of a little niche for our seniors here,” Melissa Muraira, recreation manager for the City of Dana Point, said.

Dana Point Recreation offers the senior community daily, weekly, monthly, and bi-monthly events. The majority are free or priced low.

For instance, the Garden Café at the Dana Point Community Center is free for seniors and simply requires them to sign in — no reservations required. The eatery offers coffee, tea, pastries and microwaveable breakfast foods Monday through Friday between 8 and 9:45 a.m.

Many of the activities are in partnership with Age Well, which is a nonprofit that aims to provide programs and resources for the older adult community.

“The city has always wanted to partner with them because they do a lot of great things for our community and our seniors that we love and we want to take care of,” Muraira said.

Age Well provides a lunch service Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It’s free for any senior over 60 with a suggested donation and $7.50 for anyone under 60 years of age. Those who would like to attend can sign up through Age Well either in-person, over the phone or via email. The center and Age Well provide a menu for all upcoming lunches at least a month ahead; that way everyone knows what to expect.

“We put out nice linens for them; we’ve got centerpieces. It’s like restaurant-style service,” Muraira said. “It’s really sweet, very cute.”

The center also offers different types of activities on different days of the week. On Mondays, they offer something called Bagels & Binge. This event is held in the Garden Café, where currently the seniors are binge-watching the series “Seinfeld.”

After lunch on Mondays, the table games are brought out for another fun activity they call Stay n’ Play.

“We pull out different board games and cards, and we have adult coloring pages too, which is

really popular,” Muraira said. “(They) have their lunch, and then they hang out afterward until like 2 o’clock just playing games.”

Monday is also the day the center features an event called Helping Hands from 2:30 to 3 p.m. Although this activity is not exclusive to seniors, it’s a popular event that many like to take advantage of to give back to the community. Through this activity, volunteers head to local grocery stores to find food that is nearing its expiration date but still safe to eat, which then gets sorted and passed out to people waiting.

The Recreation Center also brings in on the fourth Monday of every month high-cap counseling, or Medicare counseling that many seniors take advantage of. On Mondays and Wednesdays, the center partners with Saddleback Community College. Through the college’s Emeritus Program, movement classes are offered at the center’s gym. Seniors interested in things like chair yoga, aerobics, and other movement classes can sign up through the Saddleback Emeritus Program.

Tuesdays and Thursdays during lunch, the city staff come and offer bingo for seniors attending. They provide prizes of $10-$15 gift cards to local businesses around the area. On the third Thursday of each month, Age Well features a commodity event, where sustainable foods, like rice and canned foods are donated by the Second Harvest Food Bank. Volunteers, including seniors, help distribute it to the local community coming to the center to pick up.

The third Thursday of every month is also the day that the Mobile Library comes around. The Orange County Public Library brings a library-on-the-go, allowing not only seniors, but anyone in the community to continue to enjoy the luxury of a library while the current local one is under construction.

“We have a lot of people coming in and grabbing, checking out books,” Muraira said. “It’s pretty fun.”

Friday Flicks happen at 1 p.m. every Friday, presented by the City of Dana Point Recreation Divi-

Dana Point Recreation offers the senior community daily, weekly, monthly and bi-monthly events. The majority are free or priced how. (Melissa Muraira) Friday Flicks happen at 1 p.m. every Friday. (Melissa Muraira)

The center offers different types of activities on different days of the week. (Melissa Muraira)

sion. They play a variety of different movie genres every week to make sure that there is something for everyone. They even take recommendations from the seniors; for example, they will be featuring “Shawshank Redemption” as per a request from a few different seniors. Seating is limited, so guests are encouraged to arrive early. This free event only requires a sign-in at the door. Popcorn, candy, a beverage, and hot dogs are included.

Along with the commodities and mobile library featured once a month, the city sponsors a catered lunch one time each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. They go through a rotation of different local restaurants or fast food venues. In May, the sponsored lunch will be on May 30 with Costco pizza.

The center also brings in professionals to perform free memory screening and blood pressure tests for seniors to be able to take advantage of and take care of their health and wellness.

Every other month, seniors can sign up for excursions to different places around the city. The excursions are sponsored by the City of Dana Point for anyone over the age of 50, and take seniors to hidden gems around Orange County. Pre-registration is required and fees may vary depending on the location and duration of the trip. Age Well provides transportation, and all departures and arrivals are from the Dana Point Community Center. The next excursion will be on May 16 for a tour of the Mission San Juan Capistrano for $15, followed by some free time to explore the city.

The center also offers fun social events for seniors every other month. Past events have included a senior prom, beach bashes, casino night, and a masquerade ball. Their next social activity will be an Angels baseball game in June, which will cost $25.

“It’s pretty cool; we usually raffle off prizes, too,” Muraira said. “We give them a raffle ticket and cute little prizes that are usually with the theme, and then we draw names, and they love it.”

The center also provides other events and activities for any senior interested in them. They have started providing technology seminars and an activity known as Techy Teams, which is sponsored by the Dana Point Youth Board. The youth board is run by high school students who act as a city council by doing good deeds around the community. Their Techy Teams help seniors with any questions they may have regarding technology, like with laptops, tablets, or cell phones. Seniors would just have to sign up for a time slot between 3 and 4:30 p.m, with the next one coming up on May 17.

“They come in and they can sit down and whatever they need help with, our Techy Teams are there to help,” Muraira said.

The center will continue to provide fun events and activities all spring and summer for seniors in the community. To sign up or find more information on registration or what programs, events, ac-

tivities, and resources are upcoming and available, visit the City of Dana Point Recreation’s website. Muraira encourages any older adults in the community to join them for any activity, whether it’s a quick bite to eat or a trip to a new destination. All are welcome.

“We do a lot of fun things here,” she said.

INFO: 949-248-3539, bit.ly/4ddfMRV

After lunch, the table games are brought out for a fun activity they call Stay n’ Play. (Melissa Muraira)

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