Mission: The Camarillo Council on Aging (CCOA) is an advisory body formed by the Camarillo City Council. The mission of the CCOA, in collaboration with the Camarillo City Council, is to promote participation, independence and quality of life through advocacy, information and activities that support optimum senior health and quality aging. 

SENIOR NEWS

A Newsletter for Camarillo Seniors

October 2024

Fall/Winter



“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.”

- Anonymous

The CCOA works collaboratively with governmental and community-based organizations in order to provide seniors with information to increase knowledge and awareness of activities and available resources in Ventura County.

CCOA Board Meetings

The CCOA seeks and values your input. Regular CCOA Board Meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 3:00 p.m. at Camarillo City Hall. Meetings are open to anyone interested in senior issues.

Upcoming CCOA Meeting Dates:

• October 15
• November 19
• December - No Meeting
• January 21

CityofCamarillo.org/meetinginfo

For more information, visit the City's webpage for Seniors. A digital version of the Senior Resource Guide is available here. It provides useful information about agencies, organizations, and businesses providing senior services. You can reach the CCOA at (805) 388-5397 or email camarillocouncilonaging@gmail.com.

Download the waiver form: Shred Event Waiver Form (sign and bring with you to the event)

The American Society on Aging (ASA) recently announced Ageism Awareness Day will be celebrated on October 9, 2024. Ageism influences everything from personal interactions to public policy.

Some of the impacts of Ageism include:

• Ageism is deeply ingrained in our culture and often goes unnoticed because it’s so normalized. This can be seen in various forms of media, including movies, TV shows, songs, and even jokes.
• Stereotypes about age are often internalized early, even by children as young as 3, and are then reinforced throughout their lifetime.
• A 2020 poll found that 82% of adults ages 50 to 80 experience daily ageism. Those facing multiple forms of ageism are more likely to have chronic health conditions and depression.
• In healthcare, ageism leads to older adults sometimes being excluded from clinical trials and receiving less preventive care. This bias can negatively impact their healthcare seeking behavior, as they may accept depression, fatigue, and chronic pain as normal aging and not seek medical attention.

The Camarillo Council on Aging welcomes your support to combat ageism in our communities and reframe how we talk about aging and older people in a society where ageism is pervasive.

Since 1954, ASA has developed and led the largest, most diverse community of professionals working in aging in America. Click on the link below to learn more information about ASA.

Scam Awareness from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Scams impersonating well-known businesses and government agencies consistently rank among the top frauds reported to the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network. Stay vigilant and watch for these signs to avoid falling victim.

Four Signs It's a Scam

1. Scammers PRETEND to be from an organization you know.

Scammers can use technology that changes the phone number that appears on your caller ID.

2. Scammers say there’s a PROBLEM.

Watch out for calls indicating you’re in trouble with the government, police, owe money, bank fraud, or family emergency.

3. Scammers PRESSURE you to act immediately.

Scammers want you to act before you have time to think and might tell you not to hang up so you can’t check out their story.

4. Scammers tell you to PAY in a specific way.

They insist on an instant and unstoppable forms of payment. (ie, cryptocurrency, wiring money, payment app, or a gift card that you share the numbers on the back of the card)

How To Avoid a Scam

• Block unwanted calls and text messages.
• Don’t give your personal or financial information in response to a request that you didn’t expect. 
• Resist the pressure to act immediately. 
• Know how scammers ask for payments. 
• Before you do anything else, tell someone you trust — a friend, a family member, a neighbor.
• Report Scams to the FTC - If you were scammed or think you saw a scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and contact the Camarillo Police Department. 

SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH!

Did you know that National Preparedness Month was initiated by FEMA in 2004, following the tragic events of September 11, 2001? This campaign aims to equip individuals, families, businesses, and communities with the essential tools and knowledge to effectively handle emergencies, whether they are natural disasters or unexpected crises. Being prepared can make all the difference.

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging offers disaster preparedness resources, sites and tools on their website at vcaaa.org/our-services/emergency-services.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of the Emergency Services assists residents in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from a local disaster. The Ready Ventura County website offers comprehensive resources, including information on local hazards, emergency plans, and preparedness steps like building a kit and making a plan.

Successful preparedness requires a community effort. By taking proactive steps, we can all contribute to a safer and more resilient Camarillo. 

Benefits of Self-Care

1. Improved Physical Health: Regular physical activity reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, stroke, and bone and muscle degeneration. It also helps decrease anxiety and depression.
2. Enhanced Mental Well-Being: Taking care of your emotional and mental health helps manage stress, lowers the risk of illness, and boosts energy levels. Focusing on positivity and enjoyable activities increases self-worth and improves life outlook.
3. Better Relationships: Focusing on relationships strengthens bonds, leading to more durable and satisfying connections. Relationships tend to improve with age, providing more happiness and satisfaction.

How to Practice Self-Care

1. Identify Current Self-Care Activities: List what you already do daily that counts as self-care.
2. Find Realistic Activities: Choose activities that improve physical and mental health and fit your lifestyle. For example, if you want to spend more time in nature but live in an apartment, consider volunteering at a community garden.
3. Build a Self-Care Plan: Incorporate self-care into your daily life gradually. Create a checklist or set goals to accomplish each day or week.

Tips for Enjoying the Holiday Season

The holiday season can be a challenging time for many people, often amplifying feelings of loneliness and isolation. Here are some ways to help stay connected and joyful during the holidays:

1. Stay Active: Engage in light physical activities like walking, yoga, or even dancing to holiday music. Staying active can boost mood and energy levels.
2. Connect with Loved Ones: Reach out to family and friends through phone calls, video chats, or social media. If possible, plan visits or small gatherings to stay connected.
3. Volunteer: Consider volunteering at local shelters, food banks, or community centers. Many organizations welcome extra help during the holiday season.
4. Pursue Hobbies: Dedicate time to hobbies and interests, whether it’s reading, crafting, gardening, or cooking. Engaging in enjoyable activities can bring a sense of accomplishment and joy.
5. Join Community Events: Participate in local holiday events, such as concerts, fairs, or church services. These events can provide a sense of community and festive spirit.
6. New Traditions: Create new traditions that are more manageable and enjoyable. This could be as simple as a new holiday recipe or a movie night.
7. Practice Self-Care: Take time for relaxation and self-care. This could include activities like meditation, taking a warm bath, or enjoying a favorite book or movie.
8. Stay Positive: Focus on the positive aspects of the holidays and practice gratitude. Keeping a gratitude journal can help maintain a positive outlook.

Camarillo Health Care District (CHCD) offers a variety of educational opportunities to meet the needs of the community. Some of the programs offered are:

Medicare Annual Enrollment Assistance - Experts are available by appointment to guide residents to assure they get the best value for their healthcare. Assistance includes reviewing the process and answering questions, exploring new coverage options, comparing plans, and reviewing prescription coverage.

Fridays, October 18, November 1 and November 15, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Email HICAP@ventura.org to request an Appointment Form, and a representative from the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging will contact you for a time to meet on the Camarillo Health Care District’s campus.

Gentle Yoga - Improve flexibility, muscle tone, and stress alleviation. Sign up for 10-week series or drop in for single sessions:

• Tuesdays, October 29-January 14, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am
• Mondays, December 9-Janunary 20, 3:45-4:45 pm.

Cost is $15 for drop-in or $80 for the series. Non-District residents add $4.

Dealing with Dementia - Learn tips for caregivers to find time for self-care and stress management. This program was developed by the Rosalynn Carter Institute as an evidence-informed educational support program for caregivers of people living with dementia. The two-part, four-hour workshop highlights the caregiving experience, reviews best practices in caregiving and problem solving with dementia behaviors. Workshop participants will receive a comprehensive manual for dementia caregivers on completion.

December 4 and December 11, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Cost of materials is $30, or $34 for non-District residents.

Depression and Caregiver Burden Screening - A screening that utilizes the Zarit Burden Interview to assess a caregiver's perception of "burden" and the PHQ-9 Depression Screening tool.



November 15. Call 800-900-8582 to make an appointment

Social Media Basics - Participate in a two-part class that provides an overview of several popular platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, SnapChat and LinkedIn. Bring your smartphone or laptop for hands-on learning.

November 6 and 7, 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Cost - $10

BALANCEfit and POWERfit - This award-winning program helps improve strength and response time while reducing the likelihood of a fall. The program received funding from a Community Development Block Grant from the City of Camarillo for Camarillo residents

Call 805-388-1952 to be added to an interest list.

Adventures in Virtual Reality - Sign up for this award-winning program to learn how to use and enjoy virtual reality. Introductory classes allow interaction on land or sea with a variety of creatures. Intermediate classes include the BRINK Traveler program that features natural landscapes and many points of interests.

Visit CHCD website via the link below for available dates. Cost is $5-$10. Non-District residents add $4.

The Senior Center at the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District is dedicated to providing a wide array of special events, recreation, and leisure programs, as well as social services for adults living in the Camarillo area. Here are some upcoming events/programs:

Trivia Night - Friday, October 18, 5:30pm-8:00pm / contact PVRPD for location. Register as a team of four or individual. Fun competition with a chance to win donated prizes. Cost: $5 per person or $20 per team (up to 4 players)

Frankenstein Ball - Friday, October 25, 5:00pm-7:00pm / Community Center Auditorium. Come out for a fun Friday night as you dance to live music, enjoy refreshments, and meet new friends. Cost: Free

Red Carpet Gala - Friday, December 6, 5:00pm-7:00pm / Community Center Auditorium. Bring your dancing shoes and dress in your best Hollywood Glamour for the Red Carpet Gala! Cost: Free

Annual Christmas Concert - Sunday, December 8, 4:00PM / Community Center Auditorium. An evening of great music performed by Camarillo Community Band.  Cost: Free



NOTE: The Senior Center will be closed from September 9 to November 22 for restroom renovations. Classes and activities will continue. 

Links to City Resources Online

Looking for quick access to essential city services? We’ve got you covered! Here are some links to online resources that can be useful for senior residents.

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