Senior Living by Santa Maria Times

Senior Living

Luis Oasis senior Center presents 2017 Spring Gala Friday, March 24, at the Radisson Hotel in santa Maria

• 5-6pm Check-in & social hour • 6-7pm Dinner • 7-8pm Auction (live and cake auctions) Tickets & Sponsorships available for purchase online or at the OASIS office For more information call 805.937.9750 or visit www.oasisorcutt.org

ATTENTION SENIORS HICAP is here to help!

Senior Living A Publication of Lee Central Coast Newspapers 3200 Skyway Drive Santa Maria, CA 93455

2 February 2017 / Senior Living / Lee Central Coast Newspapers

HICAP, the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program is here to help seniors and their care givers with questions regarding: • Medicare

• Supplemental Insurance

• HMOs

• Long Term Care Options

Services of HICAP are FREE and our trained volunteer counselors are available to answer all your questions. Call HICAP today at 1-800-434-0222 or visit centralcoastseniors.org. Program is brought to you by Area on Agency on Aging.

This project was supported, in part by grant number 90SAPG####, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy.

CONTENTS Staying safe...................................................4 Driving safely.................................................5 Keeping in touch............................................7 Take time to organize ....................................8 Winter car shopping ......................................9 Avoiding phone scams .................................10 Escape the cold ...........................................11

You eat right and You’re

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Lee Central Coast Newspapers / Senior Living / February 2017

where compassion meets technologY

Staying Safe Winter weather brings many challenges for senior citizens, so it’s important to take your time and keep safe during this potentially hazardous time. While you may not be able to stop the bitter cold from biting this winter, there are many simple steps you can take to ensure a happy, healthy winter season.

Keep Walkways Clear Applying salt to your walkways before you’re expecting winter weather can be a big help when it comes to keeping your path clear. Be sure to tread slowly even if you have applied salt. While most ice will have melted, there still may be a few slick spots that will not be easily visible. If you are unable to apply the salt yourself, get in touch with a local snow removal company. You can likely sign a contract with these companies to have your property cleared throughout the entire season. If you live in an area with constant snowfall, a professional contract may be your best bet. © Fotolia

Stay Inside

Tops by Pulp Check out our selection

4 February 2017 / Senior Living / Lee Central Coast Newspapers

of tops from Pulp in tencel, and in the latest fashion colors. Once you try them on you will want more than one. You will love the quality, the look and the comfort. Stop by Elna’s Dress Shop today.

Elna’s Dress Shop 1673 Copenhagen Drive Solvang • 805-688-4525 OPEN 7 DAYS 9:30- 5:00 VISA • MASTERCARD • DISCOVER CARD • AMERICAN EXPRESS

Your walkways should be kept clear in case you need to leave the house. Unless an emergency happens to arise, do your best to stay indoors. Your main concern before a winter storm should be preparation. The American Red Cross recommends keeping the following items on hand to stay prepared: • 7-day supply of medicine. Be sure you have at least a week’s worth of prescription medicine on hand. This is to ensure you will have enough medicine to wait out a long storm. • Warm clothes and extra blankets. In case of an excessive power outage, have plenty of warm clothes available to keep warm if your heater becomes inoperable. • Battery operated radio. A battery-operated radio will keep you informed of any additional incoming weather during a power outage.

Community Support Be sure to address any concerns you have with your family and neighbors and always keep those around you updated during a winter storm. If you feel uncomfortable about an upcoming weather situation, a good support system can ease your mind and even assist you with your needs to weather the storm.

Driving Safely You can’t predict the weather or ask it to stop snowing if you have somewhere you must be. Chances are you will likely find yourself driving in unfavorable conditions. Learn a few ways to prepare your vehicle and practice safe driving techniques to make winter driving less stressful.

Winterize Your Vehicle To drive safely during winter weather, there are specific aspects of your vehicle to focus on to make sure they are in peak condition. The AARP has laid out helpful guidelines in order to get your vehicle in winter weather shape. A few of these items include: • Brakes: If you notice your brakes squeal or seem shaky when you come to a stop, take your vehicle to a local auto shop to give your

brake pads and rotors an inspection. • Heat and defrost. A working heating system will keep you safe and comfortable during the cold months. In addition, a defroster will keep you safe by keeping your windshield clear in case of fogging. • Battery. Don’t get stranded, get a battery inspection. Cold weather is extremely hard on a battery that’s not in working order. Also be sure to keep battery terminals clear of corrosion.

applying your brakes. Utilizing these practices can reduce your risk of sliding. Even if you feel the roads have been sufficiently cleared after a storm, it is still important to drive cautiously. Black ice may form when a surface is below freezing and rain is falling. This type of ice is very difficult to spot and may send your car into a slide if you’re not prepared.

Other Dangers

It is important to remember that speed Avoid Sliding on Roads limits are made based on dry weather and Sliding while driving on icy roads is clear roads. Always drive slowly during sometimes unavoidable. By driving at safe winter conditions and increase your speeds according to conditions, you will have following distance. an advantage at overcoming these slides. Bridges and overpasses will most likely be As a rule of thumb, take curves slowly and the first area of a highway to become icy. Be give yourself plenty of stopping room when ready to slow down as you approach a bridge.

Lee Central Coast Newspapers / Senior Living / February 2017

There is much to be excited about at the Luis Oasis Senior Center! There is much to be excited about at the Luis Oasis Senior Center! We have reached the 1,300 member milestone, and our calendar is filled with activity. Besides the wonderful groups of all genres meeting from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, our evenings have been creating quite a stir as well. OASIS 2017 Spring Gala We invite you to join us on March 24th at the Santa Maria Radisson for the OASIS Spring Gala! This dinner and live auction will be raising funds for our future home: new OASIS Center in Old Town Orcutt! Cocktail hour starts at 5 p.m. and dinner is served at 6 p.m. with the live auction to follow. For more information and to buy tickets, please visit our website www.oasisorcutt.com or call our office at (805) 937-9750. Exclusive Events & Discounts

6 February 2017 / Senior Living / Lee Central Coast Newspapers

Did you know OASIS members receive exclusive discounts from several local

merchants and restaurants? They are also invited to exclusive members only tastings and food pairing events that the public doesn’t have access to. Orcutt is a wonderful place to shop for all your needs. We work with locally owned businesses to keep our dollars here, while having a good time doing it. Check our website for more information. Evening Dancing Fun OASIS is now recognized as the “Dancing Hub” of the Santa Maria Valley. We have the best instructors here during the evenings every week. Different styles of Dance. Open to everyone. We have it all!

Mondays: 6:30 ~ Line Dance Wednesdays: 6:30 ~ Ballroom Dance Thursday: 6:30 ~ Country Dance Thursday: 6:30 ~ Hula Dance And more…

Faceting & Silversmithing Painting Card Making Creative Arts

Sample of Daily Activities TRAVEL Abroad Domestic Local

EDUCATION Lifelong Learning Presentations Smart Phone/Gadget Classes AARP Safe Driving Course Foreign Language Courses

EXERCISE & FITNESS Intermediate Exercise Arthritis Exercise Evening Dancing Yoga & Pilates Tai Chi Zumba

CARDS & GAMES Oasis Bridge Club Mah Jonng Hand & Foot Games Hour Bingo

HOLISTIC HEALTH Reflexology Chair Massage Nutrition Counseling ARTS & CRAFTS Ceramics Knitting & Crocheting

HOBBIES HAM Radio Operators Ukulele Band Choir Computer Lab Photography

420 Soares Ave, Orcutt, CA 93455 Mail: P.O. Box 2637 Orcutt, CA 93457

SOCIAL SUPPORT USDA Food Distribution New Grievers Support Bereavement Phase II Braille Institute OASIS Pancake Breakfast OASIS Member Farmers Market Tradewinds Newsletter KinCares “Grandparents Raising Grandchildren” Al-Anon Family Group Narcotics Anonymous Special Events Cultural Enrichment Programs FACILITY RENTAL Special Events Community Club Meetings

Phone: (805) 937-9750 Email: info@oasisorcutt.org Website: www.oasisorcut.org Facebook: OASIS Center Twitter: @OasisSeniors

Keeping In Touch Today’s technology can be intimidating to seniors. Technology advances so fast that if you didn’t grow up with it to learn the basics, it can be easy to get left behind. The good news is, it’s never too late to begin learning. The Internet is full of great tools for keeping in touch with family. Whether your friends and family live locally or some distance away, it’s easier to keep in touch than ever before. Take advantage of social media and video call sites to keep solid contact with your loved ones.

software that is meant to be used on a Video Calling smartphone or tablet. From making and Learning how to use current technology keeping checklists to chatting over video may show you realities that you could have with family members, nearly every action you can think of has an app available for free only fantasized about as a child. For or a small charge. instance, phone calls are now more than just

Social Media

Social media websites are a great tool to keep in touch with family or friends who you don’t typically talk to on a day-to-day basis. You can breeze through a compilation of pictures and comments of friends of your choice. What Exactly Are Apps? On a social media site such as Facebook, it You’ve likely heard the word “app” thrown around constantly. App is short for is up to you who can see your posts and whose posts you can view. Only add the application. Computers have used applications since their invention. However, friends you would like to keep in touch with the term app is typically used to describe to keep the clutter down on your page.

voice based. Using a video-calling app allows you to see the person on the other end of the line. These apps come with clear instructions that will have you viewing your family members in no time. Think of the excitement of seeing the joy on your family’s faces when you call to give birthday or other holiday wishes. Technology has made this possible, so it’s time to get on board.

Lee Central Coast Newspapers / Senior Living / February 2017

Take Time to Organize

Spring cleaning is a popular tradition among many Americans, but who wants to be stuck in the house when the weather is finally warming up? Take advantage of winter weather to organize a cluttered closet. It might surprise you that your closet could be a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Be sure your clothes are sufficiently dry before putting them in a closet. Any level of moisture is an ideal environment for mold to begin growing. You may consider using a small dehumidifier in your closet to reduce the risk of mold forming on your clothes, walls or floor.

Donate Extra Clothes

8 February 2017 / Senior Living / Lee Central Coast Newspapers

E LIV LIVIN TIVE A ING CTIV G AC

Go through your clothes rack, drawers or shoe boxes to see what items you may be holding onto but no longer need. Pull out clothing that isn’t in your regular rotation. Separate them into different piles according to the different weather conditions you experience in your region. You’re looking for clothes you haven’t worn or even noticed for at least six months. Inspect the clothes you plan to donate for holes or stains. Unusable items should be discarded. Any clothing you feel are in good condition can be donated to a local thrift store. You’ll get a good boost of self-esteem by helping those less fortunate while decluttering your closet.

A Thorough Cleaning and Inspection CHANGE THE WAY YOU AGE! Participate in a variety of programs at various city facilities and parks designed to keep you active and well. Participation in Recreation and Parks Department sponsored programs is open to adults ages 50 and older. Additional information can be found in the City of Santa Maria Recreation Guide available online at www.cityofsantamaria.org. Programs offered at various City facilities: Yoga • Zumba Gold • Build Your Own Body Chairobics • Ballroom Dancing • Santa Maria Folk Dance Table Tennis • Fitness Center • Deep Water Walkin’ Makin‘ Waves • Drop-In Softball • Drop-In Pickleball City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department 615 S. McClelland Street (805) 925-0951 ext. 2260

This is a good time to inspect every nook of your closet. Check your walls for signs of mildew or mold. If you discover this type of bacteria, it may be time to call a professional cleaning service. Mold can be dangerous to you and your family. Pull out any furniture or boxes that may have wound up in your closet space. Don’t be surprised to see dust bunnies or old clothing tags once you have everything out. An empty closet can benefit from a good vacuum or mopping job. Wipe down any fixtures that are not removable with a disinfecting cleaner. You also may consider a fresh layer of paint on the walls to give your closet a new feel. Be sure to choose a paint that is mold resistant.

Winter Car Shopping

When choosing your new vehicle, consider safety features, comfort and value. Trust the experts at your local dealership to ensure you are getting the perfect car to fit your lifestyle.

Rear Visibility Twisting your body to check for blind spots or while backing up may be becoming more difficult with age. Today’s vehicles offer features that can take the strain away. Many new cars come stocked with a built-in back-up camera. These cameras activate on a monitor in your dashboard as your vehicle is placed in reverse. Not only does the camera give you a clear picture of what is behind you, it will usually place virtual markers for assistance in backing up in perfect position every time. Wide-angle rear-view mirrors also can

Pure

give you a better view of the traffic behind you without having to contort your body. For added assistance, consider a small adhesive-backed convex mirror to apply to your side mirrors. This will expose blind spots.

AARP Auto Buying Program

Members of AARP can take advantage of a great program that will ensure you’re getting the best deal and save money when buying a used car. Here is how to take Safety Features advantage of the program: When considering what to look for in • Log onto AARP.org to search for your your new car, be sure to shop for these vehicle of choice. Here you will find the fair features that will add safety to your driving market price on what others have purchased experience: the vehicle for, as well as a Guaranteed • Anti-lock brakes will improve your vehicle’s stopping ability. They also can Savings Certificate, which adds additional improve steering during sudden stops. savings. • Air bags in both front and side positions • Find one of over 11,000 certified can protect you during a front or side dealers. Bring in your Guaranteed Savings impact collision. Certificate and your price from the website • A bright exterior paint color will make you more visible to other drivers. to enjoy hassle-free buying.

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Lee Central Coast Newspapers / Senior Living / February 2017

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Avoiding Phone Scams Today’s con artists have many techniques when it comes to scamming you out of your hard-earned money. Some of them include telemarketing, investments and even lottery scams. It’s important to be able to recognize and react to different types of phone swindles that can hang you and your finances out to dry.

Types of Phone Scams

Estate Planning Seminar 10 February 2017 / Senior Living / Lee Central Coast Newspapers

Thursday, March 30, 2017 • 4 pm to 5pm

Seminar Presented by the North County’s only State Bar Certified Estate and Trust Specialist • Complimentary Seminar by a Certified Estate & Trust Specialist Attorney • Learn about Wills, Trusts and Probate Avoidance • If your Trust was prepared many years ago it may be outdated • Learn how you can simplify your trust and reduce costs • No sales pitch for insurance or annuities at this seminar

Limited Seating - Please RSVP by phone to 688-3939 or email to: lana@lanaclarklaw.com

Lana Clark, Attorney at Law

Certified Specialist, Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization

1607 Mission Drive, Suite 107 Solvang, CA 93463 • (805) 688-3939 lana@lanaclarklaw.com www.lanaclarklaw.com

One of the most common scams among con artists is a fake telemarketing call. Seniors make twice as many purchases over the phone as other age groups based on the national average. This may make it easier to entice you into giving them your personal information. Another popular scam you may experience is called the pigeon drop. This is performed by a con artist claiming to have inherited a large sum of money but needing a good-faith payment from you in order to gain access. They will offer to split the inheritance once they receive the funds. A fake accident scam is another common call to avoid. A scammer will claim that a loved one has been involved in an accident and needs financial assistance to get the help they need. Always check with your loved one or other close family before even considering payment.

How to Recognize a Scam Some phone scams will be easily recognized, but others are designed to startle you into making a payment. It is crucial to remember that U.S. companies or government agencies will never try to reach you by phone. Any legal issues needing resolution will be handled by U.S. mail or even certified mail. Knowing this will prepare you for any calls that claim to be from the Internal Revenue Service or a false deputy claiming you owe a penalty for missing jury duty.

How to Handle a Scam Your first response to a scammer should be to immediately hang up the phone. Creating a conversation will let the scammer know you are willing to engage. This may cause your number to be shared amongst other scammers. Report any suspicious phone calls to the Federal Trade Commission. You may enter your claim online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP. The FTC will ask for information about the call and share your case with law enforcement offices across the country.

Escape the Cold

Seniors are more vulnerable to winter’s harsh conditions, so do yourself a favor this winter by planning a warm-weather getaway. Planning a vacation to escape winter weather is a great way to keep yourself safe from falls and cold-related illnesses. Luckily, there are many options seniors have when it comes considering affordable and easily accessible vacation spots. Talk to your local travel agent about booking the perfect getaway.

Plan Ahead Planning your vacation with plenty of time to spare will be a less stressful experience than booking everything at the last minute. A local travel agency can take even more of the responsibility off your plate by booking rooms and flights for your vacation. Make a checklist for the items that are required for your trip. Doing so will give you the chance to pick up a few items every few weeks rather than having to buy it all at once. This can save headaches and won’t hit your wallet all at once.

Research Your Destination

Lee Central Coast Newspapers / Senior Living / February 2017

Look online for references and ratings regarding your dream destination. You can get a good idea on what to expect and how to plan. By researching, you will be able to discover what kind of activities you can participate in. Knowing what to expect can make packing a simpler process. Traveling Abroad If you have never left the country, now may be the best time. You should enjoy your retirement by seeing what the world has to offer. There are a few important differences when traveling abroad than traveling from state to state. First, you’ll need a passport. You will be required to pay a small fee, provide a notarized copy of your birth certificate and a photo ID. You can access a passport at a Passport Acceptance Facility. Your passport may take up to six weeks to become available, so be sure to begin the process long before your departure date. Depending on the country you choose to visit, you may be required to carry a visa. A visa can become available just as easily as a passport if you apply for it long before your vacation. However, a rushed visa may make things complicated and hinder your international vacation.

12 February 2017 / Senior Living / Lee Central Coast Newspapers