Vivalon Connections May 2021

MAY 2021 vivalon.org

HEALTHY MIND HEALTHY BODY HEALTHY LIFE

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M AY I S N AT I O N A L M E N TA L H E A LT H AWA R E N E S S M O N T H

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Marin County’s Access Services Call Center Partnership

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Yoga for Mind and Body

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Covia’s Katie Wade, Social Call

VIVALON PERSPECTIVE

By Linda Jack Laurence Suter-Gunn Director, Agin Programs Director lsuter-gunn@whistlestop.org Initiative

BY ERICK VILLALOBOS, GENERAL MANAGER, Jennifer Golbus TRANSPORTATION

Marin County’s Access Services Call Center Partnership Marketing Strategist jgolbus@whistlestop.org

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, CEO

Development Director info@whistlestop.org

Programs Director lsuter-gunn@whistlestop.org

Whistlestop Express Editors 916.751.9189 john.bowman58@gmail.com

, Volunteer Manager volunteer@whistlestop.org

VIVALON CONNECTIONS MAY 2021

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President Vice President Treasurer Secretary

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Publisher rolson@pacificsun.com

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WH IS TLES TO P E XPRESS O C TO B E R 2 018

Marketing Strategist jgolbus@whistlestop.org

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930 Tamalpais Avenue | San Rafael,would CA 94901 Kate Fitzsimmons, Vivalon Connections Editor CarePool Volunteer Driver Program | 415-454-0927 they grow older. residents Will there have an opportunity to age unit in Marin. community.

Closed except for 11:30am-1:00pm lunch take-out 415-472-1499 | kf@fitz-com.com We wanted a smaller place Travel Navigators/Marin Access Eligibility | 415-454-0902 be housing for others who Kara Brown, with dignity, independence and grace.

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NEED HELP SCHEDULING A COVID-19 VACCINE APPOINTMENT?

WE ARE HERE

TO HELP! CALL

Do you know someone who does not have internet access and needs help making a vaccination appointment?

833-641-1988

TO GET HELP MAKING A VACCINATION APPOINTMENT. People Eligible to Get Help from this Call Center are:

• Age 65 or older • Living with disabilities and age 18 or older • In need of home care or personal assistance

I’ve been helped twice by a Call Center Vaccine Scheduler named Claudia who is truly excellent. She is very knowledgeable ... and she resolved questions that require thinking beyond a Call Center script.” –Annette

• Need language interpretation (including ASL) • Have limited or no internet access • Need help arranging transportation I am so grateful for Vivalon’s help through the County Call Center to get my first vaccination. Everything went smoothly and I want to thank my driver who was so prompt and got me there on time — he even waited for me!” – Ilene

THROUGH THE END OF MARCH, OUR CALL CENTER HAS:

Completed 9,000 Calls • Scheduled 1,700 Vaccine Appointments • Provided 40 Rides W E A R E H E R E T O H E L P YO U . C A L L U S T O D AY !

NEED A RIDE TO YOUR VACCINE APPOINTMENT?

Let Your Call Rep Know!

Join Marin HHS for free vaccine information sessions. Learn about vaccine truths, myths and misinformation.

When: Every Tuesday & Thursday in May, 9:00am-10:00am How: Dial 408-638-0968, Meeting Code: 9948 0065 846# Questions: 415-473-7191

VIVALON CONNECTIONS MAY 2021

SE LA HAB OL Ñ ESPA

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Older Americans Month: Communities of Strength

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n these difficult times, communities find strength in each other, and people find strength within their communities. In the past year, in Marin, we’ve seen this time and again as friends, neighbors, and businesses found new ways to support each other. Volunteerism increased in many agencies, even with social distancing restrictions.

In our community, older adults are a key source of our strength.

Through their life experiences, successes, and difficulties, they have built

IS THERE A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE? Telehealth & Bridging the Digital Health Divide

VIVALON CONNECTIONS MAY 2021

May 27, 2021 10:00am–12:30pm

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The Marin County Commission on Aging presents this special webinar designed to promote an understanding of Telehealth—the new normal—and what the County is doing to provide wider access throughout Marin.

Participant fee has been waived.

For more information, email: TelehealthWebinar@gmail.com Or check the Marin County Commission on Aging webpage at: https://www.marinhhs.org/ boards/ commission-aging To register for this event, https://zoom.us/webinar/ register/WN_kDIhuf8mSW-Nlb0AaSrTDA

resilience to face new challenges. When we pull together, we tap into that collective strength.

Each May, the Administration for Community Living leads the celebration of Older Americans Month (OAM). This year’s theme is Communities of Strength, recognizing the important role older adults play in fostering the connection and engagement that build strong, resilient communities.

Vivalon lives this theme every year. Strength is built and shown not only by bold acts, but also small ones of day-to-day life. Working in the garden, checking in on a friend, testing out a new recipe to deliver to a disabled neighbor, or taking time to practice intentional breathing with your yoga practice. These activities help to center our hearts and minds. And when we share these activities with others—even virtually or by telling about the experience later—we help them build resilience too.

This year, Vivalon will celebrate OAM by encouraging community members to share their experiences.

Together, we can find strength—and create a stronger future.

Here are some ways to share and connect: • Reach out to neighbors: Even if you can’t get together in person right now, you can still connect with your neighbors. Leave a small gift on their doorstep, offer to help with outdoor chores, or deliver a home cooked meal.

• Try something new: Skill building comes in many ways. Learning something new allows us to practice meeting challenges and getting beyond them. Try a Zoom exercise class, or take an art course online.

Vivalon has many classes to offer. Be sure to check our calendar of classes at vivalon.org/calendar/. Have a skill to share? Find an opportunity to teach someone, even casually.

• Share your story: We are wired for stories and sharing your story can have a positive impact on others. This is also a fascinating time to interview family, friends, and neighbors about how they are experiencing the pandemic.

When people of different ages, backgrounds, abilities, and talents share experiences—through action, story, or service—we help build strong communities. And that’s something to celebrate! Please join Vivalon in strengthening our community — check out our classes and activities, pages 5-8 or call today to volunteer 415-456-9062 or email volunteer@vivalon.org.

Pull out this section as your monthly reference guide to classes, workshops & activities

WEEKLY VIRTUAL ACTIVITIES ● Vivalon Classes & Activities ● Partner Classes & Activities

TIME

CLASS

FEE

TUESDAYS

9:00AM–9:50AM 10:00AM–11:00AM 11:00AM–12:30PM

11:00AM–12:00PM 11:00AM–12:00PM 1:00PM–2:00PM

Singing Seniors Karaoke ● (Lou Walker Center) Phone/Zoom BINGO ● (Vivalon) Phone/Zoom (May 18) Webinar: Healthy Living for Your Brain & Body ● (Vivalon) Zoom Whistlesizers ● (Vivalon) Phone/ Zoom Chair Yoga with Rayner ● (Age-Friendly Center) Phone/ Zoom Senior Qi Gong (Cantonese) ● (YMCA) Zoom

FREE FREE FREE FREE

WEDNESDAYS

Phone/ Zoom FREE Zoom FREE Zoom FREE Phone/ Zoom FREE Zoom FREE

9:00AM–10:00AM 10:00AM–11:20PM 10:00AM–10:45AM 10:30AM-12:30PM 11:00AM-12:00PM 12:00AM-12:50PM 12:30PM-1:30PM 1:00PM–2:00PM

Yoga with Weights with Jane ● (Age-Friendly Center) Healthy Cooking ● (Lou Walker Center) Zumba ● (Vivalon) Watercolors with Debra ● (Age-Friendly Center) Ukulele – Beginner ● (Vivalon) Senior Strength ● (YMCA) Ukulele – Intermediate ● (Vivalon) Chair Exercises with Pam ● (Age-Friendly Center)

Phone/ Zoom Phone/ Zoom Phone/ Zoom Phone/ Zoom Phone/ Zoom Zoom Phone/ Zoom Phone/ Zoom

FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE

THURSDAYS

10:30AM-12:00PM Talking Tech 4 Seniors ● (Vivalon) 11:00AM-11:30PM Beginning Guitar ● ((Vivalon) 12:00PM-12:30PM Intermediate Guitar ● ((Vivalon) 1:00PM-2:00PM Stretching with Pam ● (Age-Friendly Center) 1:30PM-2:30PM Senior Zumba Gold ● (YMCA)

INFO

Zoom 9:30AM-10:15PM Senior Strength ● (YMCA) Phone/ Zoom 10:30AM-12:30PM Acrylics ● (Age-Friendly Center) Phone/ Zoom 11:00AM–12:00PM Whistlesizers ● (Vivalon) Phone/ Zoom 11:30AM-12:00PM Hula ● (Vivalon) 1:00PM–2:00PM Chair Yoga with Jane ● (Age-Friendly Center) Phone/ Zoom Zoom 1:00PM–1:50PM Senior Feldenkrais ● (YMCA)

FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE

FRIDAYS

MONDAYS

FREE FREE

9:30AM-10:15PM Senior Strength ● (YMCA) 10:00AM–10:45AM Zumba ● (Vivalon) 1:00PM–2:00PM Senior Tai Chi (Cantonese) ● (YMCA) 1:30PM–2:30PM (May 7) Mother’s Day Musical Celebration ● (Vivalon) 3:00PM–4:00PM Yoga ● (Vivalon)

Zoom FREE Phone/ Zoom FREE Zoom FREE Zoom FREE Phone/ Zoom FREE

For more information regarding the classes and activities above, please see descriptions on pages 6-8.

MAY For more information In the regarding SPOTLIGHT the following announcements, please call Vivalon Guest Services at 415-456-9062.

New! Guitar Classes Beginner and Intermediate classes offered starting on Mondays in May. Basic and advanced skills, techniques and styles in a slow-paced and supportive learning environment will be introduced.

Zumba now on Fridays!

If you like dancing while exercising, try Jimna’s virtual Zumba class now on Fridays!

Join Jimna for a rhythmic and fun workout!

Talking Tech for Seniors Back by popular demand!

We’ll cover iPhone, Android, Mac and PC, Social Media, Photo Management and much more. And it’s FREE! Please join us starting on May 3.

Webinar: Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body Save the Date: Tuesday, May 18, 11:00am–12:30 pm Join Vivalon and the Alzheimer’s Association to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging.

VIVALON CONNECTIONS MAY 2021

HAPPENINGS@VIVALON

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Please visit Vivalon.org/classes or Vivalon call Vivalon Guest Services at VIRTUAL 415-456-9062 for information on C L A S S E S how to register for the following Virtual Classes & Activities. &ACTIVITIES

Bingo Tuesdays 10:00am – 11:00am Join Penny Markrack and Diego Madera every Tuesday at 10:00am for Bingo! You can join via phone or Zoom.

Registration is required. There will be at least three rounds played with a gift sent to each winner.

Hula Thursdays 11:30am – 12:00pm Practice the Hawaiian spiritual dance form known as Hula (Auana), with Charlotte Kobayashi. With its gentle rhythm and relaxing nature, Hula allows for all to participate. Occasionally, this class may extend beyond the 30 minutes as needed.

Ukulele, Beginner Wednesdays 11:00am – 12:00pm Ukulele, Intermediate Wednesdays 12:30pm – 1:30pm Practice songs in group form, tune your Ukulele, and rock out with Sandy via Zoom.

Financial Advice (Free) Wednesdays 10:00am – 11:30am by phone appointment only Peter Tabet, CLU, ChFC, AEP, MBA, brings a wide-ranging portfolio of education, experience, skills, and interests to his career in insurance and financial services. Please call Vivalon Guest Services at 415-456-9062 to schedule your appointment.

Guitar, Beginner (NEW) Mondays, 11:00am – 11:30am Interested in learning how to play guitar? If so, you’ve already taken the primary step in starting your musical journey. Learning guitar can be intimidating, but we’re here to help you get started off on the right foot with the basic skills and techniques in a slow-paced and supportive learning environment.

VIVALON CONNECTIONS MAY 2021

Guitar, Intermediate (NEW) Mondays, 12:00pm – 12:30pm Grasp the essentials needed to take your beginner guitar skills to the next level. You’ll learn additional techniques to build upon your skills through a combination of exploring the instrument, performance technique and basic music theory.

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Webinar: Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body Tuesday, May 18, 11:00am – 12:30 pm For centuries, we’ve known that the health of the brain and the body are connected. But now, science is able to provide insights into how lifestyle choices may help you keep your brain and body healthy as you age. Join Vivalon and the Alzheimer’s Association to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging. To register, please call Guest Services at 415-456-9062.

Talking Tech 4 Seniors Mondays 10:30am – 12:00pm* (May 3 – June 21) Learn how to connect through technology! Virtual classes over several weeks starting with the very basics and building up your tech knowledge as you go. Join from the start if you are a true beginner or if you are already familiar with how to use a computer or device, join just the classes you need.

May 3, 10:30am – 12:00pm: Intro to Digital Literacy May 10, 10:30am – 12:00pm: Understanding Your iPad/ iPhone (Part 1) *May 10, 1:00pm – 2:30pm: Understanding Your Android (Part 1) May 17, 10:30am – 12:00pm: Understanding Your iPad/ iPhone (Part 2) *May 17, 1:00pm – 2:30pm: Understanding Your Android (Part 2) May 24th, 10:30am – 12:00pm: Computer Basics for PC (Part 1) *May 24th, 1:00pm – 2:30pm: Computer Basics for Mac (Part 1) No class May 31 June 7, 10:30am – 12:00pm: Computer Basics for PC (Part 2) *June 7, 1:00pm – 2:30pm: Computer Basics for Mac (Part 2) June 14, 10:30am – 12:00pm: Social Media June 21, 10:30am – 12:00pm: Photo Management for iPhone & Mac *June 21, 1:00pm – 2:30pm: Photo Management for Android & PC

Yoga Fridays 3:00pm – 4:00pm Namaste everyone! Time to re-center and replenish your energy with Kelly! Stretch, meditate, and join the virtual class from the comfort of your living room.

Zumba Wednesdays & Fridays 10:00am – 10:45am Do you like to exercise to music? How about trying Jimna’s virtual Zumba class? Now also on Fridays! Join Jimna for a rhythmic and fun workout!

Funding for these programs, at least in part, is made available by the Older Americans Act, administered locally by the Marin Department of Health and Human Services, Aging and Adult Services.

For more information on how to register for the following Partner Vivalon Virtual Classes & Activities, please PARTNER visit Vivalon.org/classes or call PROGRAMS Vivalon Guest Services at 415-456-9062.

Age Friendly Intergenerational Center Vivalon is proud to partner with the Age Friendly Intergenerational Center to bring you a variety of free virtual classes, including chair yoga, watercolor, stretching and more. We encourage you to take a look at what’s available and sign up for these FREE classes and events: agefriendlycenter.org/classes Center for Attitudinal Healing North Bay provides support groups in the Bay Area for people facing such issues as a chronic and life-threatening illness, care-giving of loved ones, bereavement, aging, unemployment, marriage and parenting problems, divorce, loneliness, and stress.

The groups utilize a model that supports inner growth, and they assist members in adopting new ways to solve problems and relate to others. Their work is based on the Principles of Attitudinal Healing — twelve tenets that inspire one to live in the present moment, to realize that no matter what their life circumstances are, they have a choice as to whether they experience peace or conflict, love or fear. To receive more information or to join a group, please call 415-457-1000 or email the Center at centerforah@gmail.com

MOTHER’S DAY MUSICAL CELEBRATION Friday, May 7, 11:30am–1:00 pm (Lunch To-Go, $8.00), 1:30pm–2:30pm (Mother’s Day Musical Celebration, Free)

Join us for an acoustic session to celebrate Mother’s Day with local musical artists. Pick up your special Mother’s Day entree from the Jackson Café from 11:30 am–1:00 pm then join us on Zoom at 1:30pm to enjoy a special performance just for you from the comfort of your home.

Last day to preorder the special Mother’s Day entree is Wednesday, May 5. Please contact Guest Services 415-456-9062. Zoom information available at vivalon.org

Jackson Café Friday Special Meals Come by the Jackson Café to purchase a special Friday meal for $8. “We look forward to seeing you on Fridays as we are very excited about these special meals. We will be creating something unique and flavorful!”

— Stacy Scott, Culinary Director, Jackson Café Highway61 Vivalon has partnered with Highway61 to offer you real-time conversation groups, including Aging Alone Support Group, Trivia, French Culture, Entrepreneurs Circle, Opera, Classic Movies, and more. Older adults from all over the US are on Highway61 and it is a great way to stay connected. To attend one of the virtual discussion groups, send an email to info@highway61.com and let them know you are with Vivalon. They will send you a code which will allow you to join the group.

Lou Walker Senior Center Established in 2006, Lou Walker Senior Center offers classes and amenities to meet the needs and interests of today’s active older adults with activities that stimulate the mind and body. Join free classes via Zoom with their members! *All classes are Eastern Standard Time.* louwalkercenter.com Dominican University Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Vivalon has partnered with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) to offer their classes to Vivalon members at no additional membership cost. Course fees still apply. To find out more, call 415-458-3763 or visit olli@ dominican.edu

VIVALON CONNECTIONS MAY 2021

Whistlesizers Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:00am – 12:00pm Activate your muscles with tips and exercise routines specifically created for the aging body. Have your chair ready and your phone on speaker for Elizabeth Lynn’s Whistlesizers class.

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Spahr

The Spahr Center and Vivalon are launching a partnership to reach LGBT seniors interested in building community with their peers. Spahr’s Senior Program offers two engaging social and educational meetings each week on Zoom, fun events, and emails packed with information and resources relevant to LGBT seniors’ lives. A Friendly Visitor Program for those living in residential facilities who feel isolated from other LGBT people pairs them with a trained LGBT volunteer for weekly visits—for now on Zoom or by phone. For more information or to get on their mailing list, contact Bill Blackburn at bblackburn@thespahrcenter.org.

YMCA

The YMCA of San Francisco has a great selection of Virtual Classes for older adults. Please visit their website for more information: ymcasf.org/virtual-seniorofferings

Caring Connections

Vivalon is proud to partner with LITA Vivalon (Love Is the Answer) to offer Caring SOCIAL Connections, matching volunteers PROGRAMS with homebound older adults for weekly social visits. Meetings normally take place in the home, but during the pandemic, the visits are taking place by phone or through doors and windows with proper physical distancing and face coverings. If you would like to participate in Caring Connections, contact Erika Vaughn at 415-456-9062 x176.

VIVALON CONNECTIONS MAY 2021

Social Call

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Now more than ever, we know the importance of having meaningful relationships in our lives.

Social Call thoughtfully matches volunteers and older adult participants based on shared interests or values, for weekly phone or video visits. Social Call in Marin County is a partnership between Covia and Vivalon.

To join Social Call please call Vivalon Guest Services at 415-456-9062.

DON’T FORGET TO VOTE FOR VIVALON

BEST NONPROFIT pacificsun.com/best-of-marin-2021-ballot Under Food & Drinks: Vote The Jackson Café for Best: Tea ⁄ Cafe Under Everyday: Vote Vivalon for Best: Nonprofit and ⁄ or Best Senior Services

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Imagining a New Future

We’re Re-Opening!

Vivalon is thrilled to announce that the day we have been dreaming of, when we can safely re-open our doors, is now here! Vivalon has been approved by the County of Marin for a phased re-opening.

Volunteer or Enjoy a Class

V

ivalon offers a variety of ways to get around and stay connected.

With the increase in vaccine appointments, we are seeking drivers for a number of volunteer positions:

through Zoom, and as the state’s tier system evolves, and it is deemed safe, we’ll reintroduce in-person learning.

Check out pages 5 through 8 to discover the current classes and activities.

Do you have a skill you’d love to CarePool (flexible, yet, increasingly share?

We’d like new instructors who important to facilitate vaccine want to lead a reading circle, book appointments) club, movie circle or film critic circle.

Brown Bag Pantry (Friday Do you get joy from your arts and 9:15–11:30am) crafts activities, or want to provide Meals on Wheels (shifts on MWF instruction in painting or drawing? Are 9–11am, or 1–3pm) you a local history buff, or a whiz at Vivalon will also be starting a new tech related how-to issues? program soon for member outreach Virtual teachers can work from and are seeking volunteers available home, so long as they share Zoom links to call members (5–10 minutes) to with us. check in, verify information, and share Imagine your new, more connected updates. future through Vivalon—visit Vivalon.

Our classes and activities provide a org/classes or call Vivalon Guest variety of fun, informative options. Our Services at 415-456-9062. instructors enjoy sharing their expertise

Please mark your calendars: Monday, May 3: Onsite classes begin (remote classes to continue as well) Monday, June 14: Jackson Café re-opens Thursday, July 1: Re-opening summer celebration We are working very closely with County officials and will have new safety precautions in place to keep you safe as we welcome you back. More details about which classes will begin onsite will be available soon. Please call our front desk at 415-456-9062 with any questions.

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Home care is never a one-size-fits-all solution. Our holistic approach to home care provides a personalized experience based on individual needs—ensuring a better quality of life, wherever you call home.

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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Kelly Lynch

M

ay is Mental Health Awareness Month and practicing yoga benefits your physical and mental health. Yoga is the calming of the vacillations of the mind. Volunteer and Yoga Instructor, Kelly Lynch loves sharing yoga. She especially enjoys the sense of community she feels with older adults who come to the practice with a level of groundedness and a life experience level that means they are already well along the yoga path. Kelly said, “They want to move right into the benefits of what yoga can do to make them feel better. They really con-

nect to the deeper aspects of the practice very quickly.

And it is a great community opportunity. To join a new community in your world who is interested in yoga.”

She added, “If you go to a yoga class and you sit and you breathe for the duration of the class, you’ve had a huge success. It is all about the breath and you build from there.”

Kelly believes that doing any amount of yoga is terrific. Consistency is good and asking for help is important and encouraged. Kelly even offers a private appointment to meet virtually with any student that needs

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extra help. At 56, Kelly wants yoga to be part of her life for as long as she can. One of her teachers is in his 80’s so she hopes she’ll have 30 more years of practicing yoga.

Starting the practice of yoga often makes it easier to realize that feeling better in one area makes you want to improve in other areas too, like eating healthier and practicing the quieting of the mind. Kelly has trained in 3 yoga disciplines, Restorative Yoga, Birkram and Bhakti. She explained, “I use a combination of these with my students. And I’ve improved my own practice during COVID. It’s fun to get better at something. At a time in our lives when some things may become more difficult, like running, learning a new practice that you can gradually get better at as you age is wonderful. I still work full-time in a field that is totally unrelated to yoga.

I sell software and services to financial service firms.

Doing yoga everyday has gotten me through COVID. So, for anyone hesitating, I’d recommend you just join us.”

Call Vivalon Guest Services at 415-456-9062 or see page 5 for more information.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Covia Social Call

and are sometimes the loneliest among us. It also ignored the reality that older adults have so much to offer... Why would we be putting them in a box as only the recipients, rather than contributors in the Social Call experience?”

Wade participated in a recent podcast entitled “Seniors and Loneliness” with Covia Social Call volunteer, Jeremy Warshaw (www. theconnectery.com/episode-4-seniors-and-loneliness/). Warshaw happily shared his views, “I really look forward to the calls.

It’s never a burden or obligation. I’m not some savior coming in to save older people. I get as much out of it as I ever could have imagined. We talk freely... about everything from politics, to family, to fear of dying or books, whatever is on our minds. You get to look beyond... to the spirit of a person. You realize they can be and should be vital members of our society.”

Wade added, “We started emphasizing the give and take in the relationship, we changed our training to reflect that, and we changed the language we use to describe the program, and we’ve seen the shift in the last couple of years where the relationships are so rich. 97% of our volunteers this year say they have developed a meaningful relationship as a result of the program and 93% said they feel

more socially connected.

We have volunteers all over the world, so if someone is looking for an individual with a very similar world view or a completely different worldview, we can make a precise match.”

For information on how to get involved in Social Call, please call Vivalon Guest Services at 415-456-9062.

Katie Wade

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W

hile we all know the very human experience of loneliness, chronic loneliness poses significant health issues, especially to older adults. Fortunately, the treatment for loneliness is a joyful one – quality social connection! A visiting program, where volunteers and older adults are thoughtfully matched for regular visits, works. The director of Covia’s Social Call program, Katie Wade, shares an uplifting view of how phone or video visits can be mutually beneficial, providing meaningful connection to both parties - a volunteer and older adult participant.

“We’ve been running our program for 12 years,” Wade said. “It used to be in-person visiting and even pre-COVID, it grew to include phone calls. When COVID hit, we experienced a 100% growth in volunteer and participant interest.

We’d already been unpacking the traditional model of a visiting program that felt really one-sided, where the focus was on the charitable listening from a volunteer. This model was lacking and came from a pretty ageist view, that the older adult was the one in need and the younger person was offering the service.”

She continued, “That ignored the fact that younger people are also in need of meaningful connections

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Vivalon 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901-3325

Stay or Move: Lifestyle Choices for Seniors

BY YVONNE ROBERTS, CHIEF DONOR RELATIONS OFFICER

VIVALON CONNECTIONS MAY 2021

I

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t’s no secret that our needs, personal experience, Millie Anderson choices, and lifestyles change as of Mom’s New Pad helps older adults we age. As our daily activities and make decisions on staying, moving, challenges evolve, the place we call transitioning, and relocating. She home should adapt guides elders through with us. Sometimes tough questions to find this means upgrading solutions that meet their our homes to meet our specific needs and current needs. Other lifestyles. times, we may need to Join Millie for an consider new options, informative presentation including moving or on the options and downsizing. Often, we considerations for staying don’t realize when our at home or moving to a homes need improvenew one through Vivalon’s ments, and enhanceEstate Planning Yvonne Roberts ments can be costly.

Workshop. She’ll be Alternatively, deciding covering topics such as to move can be a difficult choice to the costs of home modifications make. The comforts and familiarity of versus congregate living, residential home, plus the enormous amount of choices, decision-making processes, work involved in moving, can leave and considerations during the us discouraged to change. However, COVID-19 pandemic. This virtual there are important safety and health presentation will be hosted through considerations in both upgrading our Zoom on Wednesday, May 5, at homes and moving to a new location. 4:00 pm. Kindly register by calling With 10 years of professional and 415-456-9062 x100.

WAYS TO MAKE A

DIFFERENCE SCHEDULE A RECURRING DONATION Direct your bank to automatically transfer your donation or call 415-456-9062 X4800.

MAKE AN HONOR OR MEMORIAL DONATION We will send a card in honor or memoriam in your name.

DONATE YOUR VEHICLE We accept automobiles, boats, motorcycles, RVs etc. Call 833-VIVALON (833-848-2566) DOUBLE YOUR DONATION Check with your employer to see if they will match your donation or your volunteer time.

MAKE A PLANNED GIFT Name Vivalon in your will, trust or as a beneficiary of an annuity, life insurance policy, IRA or retirement plan.

VOLUNTEER Become a CarePool Volunteer Driver Deliver Meals on Wheels Teach a Class MAIL A DONATION (Check or Credit Card) Mailing Address: Vivalon | 930 Tamalpais Ave. San Rafael, CA 94901 Vivalon.org/Donate 415-456-9062 X4800