Aging Well - Spring 2023

Aging Well

Picket Fence Media is back again with our latest edition of Aging Well, our biannual guide for readers to learn how they can continue to thrive and flourish.

For this spring issue of Aging Well, we spotlight the many local clubs, groups and nonprofit organizations that provide volunteer opportunities and other fun activities to help seniors stay active in their communities.

From our three towns’ individual historical societies to clubs that offer advice on handling money, there are plenty of great groups in South Orange County that cater to a variety of interests and needs.

For older adults looking for more companionship, senior pets can be just the thing to add a spark of joy back into their lives. An aging furry companion can be a great match to an older adult’s lifestyle.

We chat with officials from the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter and the Laguna Beach-based nonprofit Unconditional about these mutually beneficial relationships for both seniors and senior pets.

Age Well Senior Services, which runs the area’s senior centers, highlights the plethora of activities and events it regularly hosts for older adults to enjoy, such as bingo nights and line dancing lessons.

And some area seniors who are truly Aging Well talk to us about how they’re staying fit, active and energized. We also turn to them to offer some advice for others who are maybe starting to feel a bit long in the tooth.

Take a gander at all these stories to learn how you can Age Well down here in sunny South Orange County.

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Golden Generation

LOCAL SENIORS CAN EXTEND ATHLETIC COMPETITIVE PRIMES IN CALIFORNIA SENIOR GAMES

By Zach Cavanagh

The weather and abundance of facilities in South Orange County encourage local seniors to stay active, and for those who have continued to extend their athletic primes, there are even more opportunities available to continue their competitive athletic careers.

Each year, senior athletes of all ages and abilities gather to compete in various Senior Games with local editions held throughout the state and across the country. While qualifying for this year’s Summer National Senior Games in Pittsburgh is closed, there are still plenty of California Senior Games sites where older athletes can compete.

The Capo Classics, a senior men’s basketball group out of San Juan Capistrano, has competed in these games and taken home state and national championships at various age levels in the past. Some of those Capo Classics athletes have gone on to represent Team USA in international competitions and won world championships.

For the senior games, there are numerous age categories in five-year increments from 50 years old to over 100 years old for athletes to compete—and to eventually qualify for the National Senior Games, which will next be held in 2025. There are individual sports like track and field events, golf, disc golf, tennis, race walking, power walking, archery and even billiards and bowling. Additionally, there are events for cycling, powerlifting and swimming. Seniors can also group together for team events including basketball, beach and indoor volleyball, soccer and softball. Paddleball and pickleball are, of course, also offered for top competition.

While there are no Orange County senior games, local athletes can still make their way to other local events.

Next up in Southern California are the Pasadena Senior Games, hosted by the Pasadena Senior Center at various venues across the San Gabriel Valley from May 20 through

July 23. For more information or to register, check out pasadenaseniorcenter.org/activities-events/senior-games.

Later in the summer with some event locations closer to South Orange County, the San Diego Senior Games will be held from Aug. 25 through Sept. 24. Registration for the events opens in May at sdseniorgames.org. Pickleball will be the closest-held event in Oceanside.

San Diego and Pasadena will be co-hosts of the 2024 California Senior Games State Championships.

The Inland Empire Senior Games close out the Southern California slate of contests from Sept. 22 through Oct. 6 and are hosted by the City of San Bernardino and the Fontana Community Senior Center.

Instead of a broad goal of general fitness, which is still encouraged for all seniors, local athletes can aim for gold and shine on well into their twilight years.

California Senior Games provide opportunities for older athletes across numerous age divisions and sports to participate in a competitive environment and stay active and athletic. Photo: File

By C. Jayden Smith

or older adults in South Orange County looking to stay active, Age Well Senior Services and local community centers have combined to provide a bevy of mentally and physically captivating activities.

The Dana Point Senior Center, Dorothy Visser Senior Center in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano Senior Center all serve as hotbeds for fellowship through nutrition, exercise, and programs that assist with learning about technology and other personal affairs.

Beth Apodaca, executive director of the Dorothy Visser Senior Center’s operations, and San Juan Capistrano’s Community Services Manager Heidi Ivanoff both spoke with Picket Fence Media about everyday life at their cities’ respective centers.

Apodaca, whose center functions independently of the City of San Clemente, says that while there are positives associated with not having city involvement, the negatives include having to fundraise to achieve its main objective.

“We want to keep seniors in their homes as long as we can, so we’d like them to come down to the center and socialize, get out (of the house),” she says. “We offer a ton of activities that appeal to different ages. Then, when the time comes, and they are no longer able to come down here, we provide the Meals on Wheels program … we will take the meals to them.”

Ivanoff says that Age Well handles the congregate meal program, where older adults gather at the San Juan Capistrano center for lunch from Monday to Friday.

Older adults who come to the Dorothy Visser facility have access to a gym and exercise classes such as chair yoga and strength and flexibility programs.

Wednesday night bingo events are a big hit, according to Apodaca, who notes that the game’s use of numbers helps to keep the participants’ minds stimulated.

Additionally, they can participate in tech support classes for using iPhones or computers, a food pantry, and a recently initiated transition support group for focusing on events such as retirement or losing a loved one.

“It’s a great class to help seniors branch over to dealing with the changes that happen when you get over 60 or 70 years old,” says Apodaca.

Over in San Juan Capistrano, Ivanoff spoke

about classes for learning English as a Second Language (ESL), a United Way-sponsored tax preparation service, an open gym for basketball, and hosting programs from Saddleback College’s Emeritus Institute.

Programs have included art classes, tai chi, and yoga.

The exercise classes are what the San Juan Capistrano community especially “gravitates” to, according to Ivanoff. With options for people looking to attain various goals, the classes can reach as many as 60 attendees.

The Dorothy Visser Senior Center hosts game events for playing bridge or Mexican Train Dominoes, and brings in experts on teaching conversational Spanish, answering Medicare questions, drafting wills and trusts and more.

As the staff welcomes anyone over 50 years old to the facility, Apodaca says they are always trying to change up the routine and find new things to do.

“We have seniors that are extremely active in their 60s, or we have seniors that are in their 80s and 90s that are using a walker or a cane,” she says. “So, we appeal to all levels of seniors to make sure everyone gets out and gets an opportunity to come out.”

Ivanoff adds that the community partners in San Juan Capistrano are part of the center’s efforts to have accessible programming for all participants, a practice other centers also try to follow.

“All of the programs and the services that we offer from the center are generally free,” says Ivanoff. “We pride ourselves on that, that

everything is no cost to our seniors, and many of the programs and services are offered and run by volunteers.”

F Exercise, Social Opportunities Abound for South OC Older Adults

Although the City of San Juan Capistrano oversees all the programs, Age Well does step in on occasion to put on special events. It may be a Bingo Blast or a party on a major holiday such as Christmas or Mother’s Day, including a special meal and live entertainment.

“We both do similar functions, but they do more of the parties,” Ivanoff says, referring to Age Well.

A sizeable portion of those who come to the Dorothy Visser Senior Center “have no filter,” according to Apodaca, which always makes for a good laugh. She recalls getting to know the older adults and the achievements they’ve fulfilled.

“Every one of them has served a full life, and there’s so much history with them,” says Apodaca. “They are a ton of fun.”

Ivanoff, who has worked with the City of San Juan Capistrano in several different capacities, says she and her department have a passion for serving adults and that they bring “joy to the center of our lives.”

“I think our staff learn a lot of life lessons from those that we meet, because we meet seniors of all different backgrounds, (a) very diverse group of men and women,” says Ivanoff. “It really is something that they really bring us joy, and we love doing what we do.”

Apodaca adds that her staff receives significant appreciation from not only the older adults, but their family members and caregivers.

“We are truly so blessed by this community and the support they show for the seniors,” says Apodaca. “Their families really appreciate that we’re here to help their parents transition into the next stages of their lives.”

Coming up at the Dorothy Visser Senior Center, there will be live entertainment that will include an octet singing group of women and an Elvis Presley impersonator—whose legitimacy Apodaca fully endorses.

Age Well also provides weekday lunches, Meals on Wheels, legal consultations, and other services in Dana Point, in addition to the Dana Point Community Center hosting activities such as beginner and intermediate chair exercises.

Call 949.496.4252 to learn more about services in Dana Point or access the city’s Recreation Department information at danapoint.org.

Call 949.498.3322 for additional information about San Clemente’s senior center.

For San Juan Capistrano, visit the city’s Senior Services webpage, sanjuancapistrano. org/175/Senior-Services.

Older adults at San Clemente’s Dorothy Visser Senior Center participate in hula dancing. Older adults at the San Juan Capistrano Senior Center pose after competing in a pool tournament. Photos: Courtesy of Beth Apodaca and Heidi Ivanoff

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A typical roadmap on the dementia journey

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Important questions to ask doctors and nurses.

When is it time for hospice & how to find a quality one?

Power of Attorney and how to advocate for my loved one.

How to deal with grief & the sense of my loved one slowly 'disappearing'--losing them before they re actually gone?

ical environment.”

The Historical Society was founded in 1973 to curtail the demolition of historic buildings—particularly the Bartow, Rasmussen, and Ole Hanson Jr. mansions.

“Since then, we have expanded our membership and our efforts across a variety of initiatives to preserve and promote the heritage of San Clemente,” Hardeman says. “We just celebrated 50 years of service with a special Golden Anniversary Gala at Casa Romantica in March.”

ACTIVITY CLUBS OFFER SENSE OF BELONGING FOR OLDER PEOPLE

By Collin Breaux

W A Sense of Purpose

hether you’re living in a retirement community in Rancho Mission Viejo or enjoying the coast in San Clemente, there are plenty of groups in South Orange County catering to a variety of interests and needs.

Some may be looking for financial advice, while others want to volunteer at a local landmark, or just want to meet new friends and get out the house. No matter the reason, there’s something for everyone.

We asked around and found out about different clubs in the area and what they do.

The Wizards of Wall Street

Members of Reata Glen, a retirement community in Rancho Mission Viejo, are welcome to get involved with the Wizards of Wall Street—a financial advisory group in which residents can give and get advice on handling money, whether it’s about investments, writing a will, and other fiscal topics.

The so-called Wizards was started in late summer 2019 by residents Bob Franz and Tom Hoffmeister as a casual get-together to share investing information. The original group included about 12 men and met monthly in a Reata Glen Clubhouse conference room.

“The group grew to about 18 men and moved to Zoom in late spring 2020,” co-chair Jeff Zakaryan says. “As COVID restrictions eased, the Wizards began to meet again in person monthly and, in response to questions, began offering presentations from outside professional experts on a broadening range of financial, estate and philanthropic topics.”

Today, the meetings average more than 50 attendees, with more than half of them women. The talks help retirees navigate handling finances, particularly as they enter a later stage of life, Zakaryan says.

For instance, attorneys have spoken to the group about estate planning. Other advice covers what to do after the loss of a longtime partner, particularly if that partner was the one who handled finances.

“Most of us will get to this stage of our lives,” Zakaryan says. “We want a peace of mind. We all have challenges that come with aging.”

In addition to the monthly programs, the Wizards meet for an informal open forum talk over coffee on the first Thursday of each month.

San Clemente Historical Society

As a nonprofit driven by volunteers, the San Clemente Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the history of the beach town.

“We seek to unite all persons who are interested in the historical and cultural aspects of San Clemente in order to foster greater community appreciation and local identity,” member Diana Hardeman says. “We work to present the Society’s views to the appropriate governmental agencies regarding proposed major developments and legislative action affecting our histor-

The Historical Society meets monthly as a group and comprises subcommittees dedicated to different aspects of preservation. Visit sanclementehistoricalsociety.org for more information.

San Juan Capistrano Historical Society

Similar to the town’s slogan, the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society’s motto is “Remembering our past ensures our future.”

The group collects genealogies, biographies, books, photographs, charts, aboriginal relics, and other historic objects.

“They preserve such materials and make them accessible to those who wish to examine or study them,” local preservationist Ann Ronan says. “They operate a museum site on Los Rios Street, where their collection is housed. They welcome you to join as they celebrate their 60th anniversary.”

Volunteers provide tours every week of Los Rios Street and the Historical Society buildings and museum.

“Some work in the archives, filing, digitizing, and cataloging documents and objects,” Ronan says of the work that volunteers perform. “Volunteers are also needed for events—registering guests, selling raffle tickets, preparing and serving food and more.”

tour other historic sites such as the Aliso Viejo Ranch and the Moulton Museum.”

The DPHS also sponsors and maintains the Baby Beach Tile Wall, where people design their own tiles at Fired Up in San Clemente. The tiles are then installed by professional DPHS volunteers. DPHS also leads historical tours of the Lantern District above Dana Point Harbor during the Festival of Whales.

“We encourage young people to be interested in Dana Point’s history,” Johannes says. “We offer two $1,000 scholarships each year to graduating seniors living in the City of Dana Point.”

The DPHS website at danapointhistorical.org has further information on its activities.

Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens

Kathi Koehler, volunteer services director at Casa Romantica—a historical venue in San Clemente—says it has a “very robust and active” program.

“We maintain about 150 volunteers on our roster, with an average age of 70,” Koehler says. “Some are in their 90s. They are asked to commit to five hours per month.”

Ways that volunteers help include welcoming guests and sharing Casa Romantica’s history while collecting admission fees, maintaining the venue’s gardens, providing tours for groups of eight or more people, or working in the gift shop.

“Anyone wishing to become a volunteer can apply on our website. They will then be contacted by the volunteer director and scheduled for an orientation and training,” Koehler says. “Volunteering at Casa Romantica is a very rewarding experience. Being able to give back to your community while volunteering in a beautiful site is very fulfilling.”

San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library

The SJC Friends of the Library mission is to support the San Juan library by promoting and supporting library programs and enhancing literacy, arts and culture in the community by engaging with the public, Ann Ronan says, wearing a different hat.

“Volunteers are needed to sort and process donated books, maintain the bookstore shelves (by) ensuring they are filled, organized and neat, and working shifts in the bookstore assisting customers and ringing up sales,” Ronan says. “Volunteers also give downtown tours of the city’s unique architecture, including the postmodern library, every Saturday.”

American Legion Post 721

Based in San Juan Capistrano, Post 721—formed in 1946 by World War II veterans—has more than 100 members from San Juan and surrounding communities.

“We feel honored to participate in many of the city’s activities such as the Swallows Day Parade since 1959, Veterans Day, Independence Day celebration and carnival, Memorial Day remembrance, Rotary Club annual Classic Car Show, and Summer Nites Concert Series,” Commander David Berg says. “Please stop by and say hello to us.”

Dana Point Historical Society

Historic artifacts, buildings, and sites that contribute to the visual character of the community and serve as reminders of Dana Point’s colorful past are kept intact through efforts by the Dana Point Historical Society.

“We have encouraged the owners of historic commercial buildings and homes to apply to the City of Dana Point for historic designation,” President Barbara Johannes says. “More recently, the DPHS donated the first significant sum to the Hobie Memorial in Waterman’s Plaza, and our members volunteered in fundraisers for the cause.”

The DPHS maintains a museum at the City Hall Plaza, which people can visit on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 1-3 p.m. or by appointment.

“We have quarterly program meetings where speakers share their research on local and family history,” Johannes says. “Local residents, as well as those from other communities, have made appointments to research their books on surrounding communities. We sponsor field trips where our members and guests

This past year, Post 721 held ceremonies for several Korean War and WWII veterans, and citizens who support veterans and families of the community.

“Some of the organizations that we provide support to are Homefront America, SJC Little League; (California) Boys and Girls State; Veterans Relief Foundation; San Clemente Military Family Outreach; and Camp Pendleton’s 1st Battalion, 11th Marines,” Berg says.

Post 721 recently formed a Color Guard for flag presentation ceremonies and can play the military song “Taps” upon request. Post 721 also has a flag disposal bin at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center, so people can properly dispose of an old American flag.

“We meet on the third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in the senior lounge at the SJC Community Center,” Berg says. The Community Center is at 25925 Camino Del Avion.

Contact Berg at LegionPost721@gmail.com or call 949.633.2341 if you are a veteran, spouse, son or daughter of a veteran, or are related to a veteran and interested in learning more about membership.

American Legion Post 721 member Matt Gaffney walks in the 2023 Swallows Day Parade in San Juan Capistrano. Photo: Collin Breaux

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By Shawn Raymundo

Here at Picket Fence Media, our editorial team has an average age of about 31 years old, so we understand any hesitancy in trusting anything we write on how to “age well.” With that in mind, we’ve chatted with a handful of successful, older individuals who are truly aging well and can offer their advice for thriving in South Orange County.

ALEX RENTZPERIS, 67, San Clemente

For the past 33 years, Alex Rentzperis has owned and operated the Sports Barber in Dana Point. He had moved to South Orange County in 1980, when he began learning how to cut hair as an apprentice under the stewardship of his uncle.

At 67 years young, Rentzperis lives in San Clemente, near the 12th hole of the Shorecliffs Golf Club, though that doesn’t mean you’ll find him on the links most days.

In fact, Rentzperis is an avid fisherman who enjoys logging some serious hours aboard his 19-foot fishing boat, catching Calico Bass—when he’s not running his local barbershop, of course.

“I’ve averaged over 100 days a year fishing for 27 years,” boasts Rentzperis, who routinely fishes every Sunday and Monday, when the launch is wide open. “It’s my pastime, it’s my hobby, it’s what I like to do.”

Asked how others his age and older can live their best life in South Orange County, Rentzperis says to just get out and enjoy the area’s year-round beautiful weather.

“I suggest getting off the couch, go out for a walk, walk the (Dana Point) Harbor, take a bike ride, play some tennis,” Rentzperis says, adding: “We have the weather that lets us do what we like to all year-round.”

TAMMY LUTZ, 67, Dana Point

At 67 years of age, Tammy Lutz acknowledges that her body and physicality are not the same. Mentally speaking, though, she doesn’t feel 67; rather, she says, “I feel like I’m in my 40s.”

For 40 years, she was a self-proclaimed gym rat, waking up early five days a week to be at the gym, pumping iron and taking spin classes. Things have, unfortunately, slowed down on that front recently.

“Things are just starting to slow down, and my body is betraying me, but my mind hopefully will stay fit,” says an optimistic Lutz, a former nail salon owner who’s now a realtor working with her partner—both romantically and professionally.

She’s hasn’t let her health issues keep her down, though.

“Whatever, I love the beach, I love to travel, I love sunshine,” she says. “If I say anything, I don’t think it’s a good idea to retire; it’s not easy to retire. It’s important to do something. Get up, get out, take walks. Keep living. Find something you do that gives you joy; keep active.”

Giving her advice on how South County

folks can keep aging well, Lutz recognizes the blessing it is to live here.

“It’s paradise. It’s one of the best places to live on the planet,” she says. “Keep moving, stay active, get out, go to the beach, go to a community pool. Stay active and keep moving.”

HEATHER KNOTTS, 70, Dana Point

After a fruitful career in residential lending of 42 years—constantly on a laptop or cellphone “just 24/7, seven days a week”—Heather Knotts was ready to step away after the death of her husband in 2016.

“I finally, finally get to have ‘Heather time,’ ” she jokes before noting that it wasn’t long until she found a new job to keep her busy. “I’m such a livewire that I couldn’t stop working, so I went to work for Trader Joe’s and had a blast with that.”

Most recently, she’s been spending time with her partner, Reuben, a devout gymgoer of 45 years, which has highly motivated Knotts, who starts each of her weekdays exercising at Life Time Rancho San Clemente.

Referring to herself as a purveyor of good times, Knotts notes that she’s not one to sit still for too long, telling her daughter that she would prefer to receive experiences as gifts rather than stuff.

“I just can’t sit still,” she says. “That’s been the nature of me almost all of my life.”

“Last weekend, Reuben and I went on a dolphin excursion, and the next day we went to a beer tasting,” she recalls. “And Reuben built me these beautiful, 3-foot-high corrugated planter boxes on the oceanview side of my home, and we both get out there.”

In her free time, Knotts makes sure she gets her steps in, enjoying walks around the Dana Point Harbor with her two hunting dogs, and greeting the many beautiful people she passes by in the morning.

“On Thursdays, I volunteer at the senior center, and I deliver Meals on Wheels, which I love,” she says. “I love to cook, and I love to have people over to eat, and they love to eat my food, so that all works out really well.”

Knotts, who also meets with her gal pals a couple times a week and spends time spoiling her two grandchildren with fun trips to Sea World, Knott’s Berry Farm and the Santa Ana Zoo, says one of the keys to aging well is to get out of the house.

“Enjoy all that we have around us,” she says. “We’ve got so many lovely places to visit. There’s great museums that are not far away. Beautiful beaches to walk on. There’s just no reason to just sit in your house. There’s people out there who are intriguing. Just start up a conversation. I think I scare people when I’m walking my dogs, because I always greet them.”

Chronic Diseases and Medicare

As people age, they often face an increased risk of developing chronic diseases. In fact, nearly 95% of people over the age of 65 have at least one chronic condition and nearly 80% have two or more. These conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, can significantly impact an individual’s health and well-being and their ability to access and pay for healthcare services. For those who are eligible for Medicare, these chronic diseases can also have a significant impact on their coverage and costs.

Chronic diseases can impact coverage and costs in several ways for those who are eligible for Medicare. First, individuals with chronic conditions may require more frequent medical care. This increased demand for healthcare services can lead to higher out-of-pocket costs and higher premiums for Medicare coverage.

Second, individuals with chronic diseases may have difficulty accessing certain types of care, such as specialized treatments or procedures. Medicare coverage is designed to be comprehensive, but there are still gaps in coverage for certain services. For example, Medicare does not cover most dental care, which can be a significant issue for individuals with chronic conditions that impact their oral health.

Third, chronic diseases can impact an individual’s ability to participate in Medicare Supplement insurance, which are private insurance plans that provide additional coverage beyond traditional Medicare. Medicare Supplement insurance plans typically require individuals to meet specific health requirements to enroll. Individuals with chronic conditions may not be

Local Knowledge

Good oral hygiene is the foundation for the health of your entire body, particularly as one ages. Lack of attention to oral hygiene by failing to brush twice daily and floss at least once a day, may lead to periodontal disease. Genetics, hormonal changes, medications, smoking, immunosuppression, and diabetes are also risk factors that contribute to the development of periodontal disease. 80% of Americans will be afflicted with periodontal disease by age 45, and 4 out of 5 patients with the disease are unaware they have it. Periodontal disease increases with age and 70% of adults 65 years and older have periodontal disease.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is characterized by the inflammation of gum tissue, presence of disease-causing bacteria and infection below the gum line. Infection and bacteria in the mouth can cause bone loss, tissue recession and even tooth loss. These infections and bacteria can spread beyond the mouth and lead to disease in other parts of the body.

Treatment may include deep cleanings, LANAP (laser assisted new attachment procedure), bone regenerative therapy or gum grafting to restore and strengthen tissues that have been damaged.

When should you see a Periodontist?

· Unexplained bleeding while brushing or consuming food

· Bad breath that continues despite thorough cleaning

eligible for these plans or face higher premiums.

Despite these challenges, there are steps that individuals with chronic diseases can take to manage their healthcare costs and access necessary care. For example, individuals with chronic conditions should work closely with their healthcare providers to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. They should also explore all available Medicare coverage options, including supplemental plans and Medicare Advantage plans, to determine which plan best meets their needs and budget. There are many local non-profit associations that provide resources and education for chronic conditions as well.

The Importance of a Smile

BY DR. HAMILTON LE

A prosthodontist is a dentist who has completed dental school plus at least three additional years of advanced training and education in a prosthodontic graduate program. They specialize in treating and handling dental and facial problems that involve restoring missing teeth and jaw structures.

The term “prostho” means replacement and “dentist” means dealing with teeth. Essentially, prosthodontists are THE recognized experts when anything needs to be replaced in your mouth. This can range from a single tooth, multiple teeth, or all teeth and gums in the mouth. While many other dentists can do some of these treatments, prosthodontists are the specialists dedicated to this type of care.

Ronald Stock 714.664.0607 ron@betabenefits.com www.betabenefitsmedicare.com

· Loose teeth or gum recession. (Oftentimes, bone loss may be associated with both of these conditions)

· Related systemic health concerns such as diabetes, heart disease or osteoporosis.

Periodontists are highly trained surgeons with three-plus years of training beyond dental school. They work with your general dentist to improve esthetics and achieve optimum dental health. In addition to the treatment of periodontal disease, periodontists remove non-restorable teeth, replace missing teeth with implants, treat gum recession with grafts and re-contour gums (crown lengthening) to improve the restorations of existing teeth.

Dr. Raymond Wright is the Periodontist at San Clemente Periodontics & Implants. As a highly trained surgeon. Dr. Wright can perform the following Procedures: tooth extractions, crown lengthening, correction of gummy Smiles, gum/bone grafting, LANAP (laser assisted new attachment Procedure), LAPIP to help with failing/ailing implants, sinus lifts, and single tooth to full mouth dental implants. For more information or to schedule an appointment, go to scgums.com or call 949.361.4867 (gums).

Prosthodontists have advanced training in restoring and replacing teeth. Prosthodontists are considered the leaders of the dental treatment plan. They regularly lead teams of general dentists, specialists, and other health professionals to develop solutions for your dental needs.

They construct oral prostheses to replace missing teeth and associated oral structures with permanent fixtures, such as implant-supported prostheses, crowns and bridges, or removable fixtures such as dentures and removable partial dentures. These specialists also restore function and aesthetics to traumatic injury victims, and to individuals with diseases or birth defects. Choose a prosthodontist because of their advanced education and training, efficiency, and expertise with advanced technology. Prosthodontists are extensively trained in state-of-the-art techniques and procedures for treating complex dental conditions and restoring optimum function and esthetics.

Rigorous training and experience give prosthodontists a special understanding of the dynamics of a smile and the preservation of a healthy mouth.

Dr. Hamilton Le is a board certified prosthodontist and is part of the San Clemente Periodontics & Implants team located at the mouth of Talega in San Clemente, He is a native of Southern California who attended UC Berkeley for his undergraduate training. After earning his Bachelor’s Degree, he moved to Boston where he attended dental school and a prosthodontics residency at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. As the leading prosthodontist in South Orange County, Dr. Le’s commitment to dentistry and patient care is the foundation for his treatment philosophy, providing you the necessary information to understand your dental needs and concerns. For more information, visit scgums.com or call 949.361.4867.

Senior Pets Offer Companionship for Older Adults

By Breeana Greenberg

For older adults looking to bring a companion pet into their lives, senior pets can be a great match to their lifestyle, offering a mutually beneficial relationship for both the seniors and senior pets.

Senior pets are often overlooked by younger families looking for a more active pet, says Animal Services Supervisor Jennifer Stinett of the Coastal Animal Services Authority, which oversees the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter.

As older pets tend to match the activity levels of their senior adopters, it’s a natural fit, Stinett adds.

Pet Project Foundation Board Chair Stephanie Cocumelli echoed that sentiment, explaining that it’s all about finding the right match between adopter and pet.

“What we’ve seen, what I’ve seen personally at the shelter, is that some of our seniors who are either alone or aren’t super active, they want that companionship, and when we have it here and when you see the match, there’s just such joy,” Cocumelli says.

Pet Project Foundation, a nonprofit, is the rescue partner for the local animal shelter.

“I remember a couple months back, we had an older woman who was assisted by a walker, and her son brought her in, and they wanted to see cats, and she ended up really falling for one of our older cats who was a little bit quieter and just wanted to be held and loved and played with,” Cocumelli recalls.

Cocumelli adds that it was rewarding to see the joy in the older cat as it was adopted and the older woman looking for a new companion.

Through Pet Project Foundation, all the senior animals at the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter receive all the care they need from a veterinarian, as the foundation works to decrease the financial burden of adopting an older dog.

“It decreases the burden, but it also creates a comfort level that even though you’re getting an animal that’s been with us on this Earth for a little bit of time, you’re getting one that its health concerns have been met,” Cocumelli says.

For those concerned about their mobility to meet a pet’s needs, such as bending down to clean a litter box, Cocumelli explains that there are lots of

products available to help, and the Pet Project Foundation is happy to make recommendations.

“We can definitely assist with making recommendations that would get them around those hurdles,” Stinett says.

The Laguna Beach-based nonprofit Unconditional works to get senior and special needs dogs adopted. The often-overlooked population is much less likely to get adopted than younger pets, Unconditional co-founder Amy Mack explains.

“My husband and I started Unconditional a few years ago, because we personally had always adopted senior and special needs dogs and saw some statistics that basically showed how big the problem was becoming in our local shelter,” Mack says.

In many shelters, it’s harder for senior and special needs dogs to compete with younger dogs for attention, so the nonprofit partners with shelters to highlight the personalities of older and disabled dogs.

“You’re looking for someone to fit into your lifestyle, and it can be really hard to determine that with the current technology that’s really available to people,” Mack says. “So, we’ve had people come to us and say, ‘Hey, I really want to adopt. I’d love to get a senior; I’m a senior, but I just don’t really know how to find the right dog.’”

“And so, we’ve actually, through a quick interview, consultative process, we’ve been able to talk to them a little bit about what their lifestyle’s like, what kind of dog they’d be looking for, and there’s an abundance of senior dogs out there, so we’ve been able to make some really great matches,” Mack adds.

Mack says that senior dogs are a great match for

various demographics, not just for older adopters. For example, Mack notes that a senior pet might be a great match for a younger professional who doesn’t have time to house-train or handle the energy and exercise requirements of a younger pet.

“We’re trying to broaden people’s minds to the fact that senior dogs are great pets for so many people,” Mack says. “A lot of times, senior dogs are already house-trained or have some level of training.”

There’s often the misnomer that older dogs will be sad or come from a rough background, but Mack emphasizes that dogs are resilient.

“The truth is, they are the happiest dogs ever if given the opportunity,” Mack says. “Having a senior and special needs dog has been just the absolute best. It’s so rewarding; they’re so grateful. They’re happy to be here.”

Stinett adds that older adults in the community would benefit greatly from the companionship of senior pets.

“And for those that can’t adopt, we have a senior reading program now, so every month we have a day set aside, an afternoon for our senior community to sign up to come and read to all of our pets,” Stinett says.

Cocumelli adds that Pet Project Foundation is there to meet the needs of the community and facilitate finding the right match between an adopter and pet.

“When you see the face of the animal and the adopter, there’s no question why it’s a great thing, and we’re here to see that that happens as often as possible,” Cocumelli says.

Future, a senior Mastiff and Labrador Retriever mix, is available for adoption through the Laguna Beach-based nonprofit Unconditional. Photo: Courtesy of Sarah DeRemer

Guest

Dr. James La Jevic D.M.D. is a former full-time professor of prosthetics at the prestigious University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. In 1982 he founded BioMark Dental Implants, the first all-inclusive implant center in the US. Later in 2015 he earned a national award for “Outstanding Lifetime Service” before establishing Correct Choice Dental Group in Encinitas