August 2015

Many Opportunities to Stay a Student

BY ELLEN SCHMEDING
DIRECTOR, AGING & INDEPENDENCE SERVICES

Libraries and senior centers are go-to places for learnearning has always been a way of life for Judy Lewis.
The former San Diego State University psychology ing, as well. The big benefit of these sites is that they are
professor taught and conducted research for 36 years, in nearby, easily accessible in each neighborhood.
Although the joy of learning is what brought Judy in
addition to founding SDSUs Weight Control Clinic and
OASISs door, she sees other benefits too.
mentoring first-generation college students. So,
Everybody 60-plus wonders, Am I losing
when she retired in 2008, she was delighted
it? but my brain is being stimulated. Im
to learn about OASIS, the lifelong learning
learning new things I didnt have time for
organization for adults 50-plus. Since discoverwhen workingand I am keeping up with
ing OASIS, Judy seems to hardly ever leave.
what is going on in the world.
She holds the record for the most classes ever
Research supports that keeping mentally
attended600 and counting. She exclaims, I
active in retirement is one of the keys to
feel like a kid in the candy shop when I look
healthy aging. Scientists used to believe that
at the course catalog; theres so much to do!
the brain stopped growing and changing in
As children say farewell to their summer
adulthood. However, according to University
break and prepare to head back to school,
of Pittsburgh neuropsychologist (and recent
older adults might consider how they too can
Vital Aging speaker) Dr. Paul Nussbaum, the
JUDY LEWIS
get back into the classroom as Judy does and
brain is a dynamic system. By introducing
reap the benefits of being a student. Whether
new stimuli and learning opportunities, people
an in-depth, semester-long exploration of Greek mythol- can develop a brain reserve of additional brain cell
ogy, or a one-day crash course on how to use an iPad, connections that may even be able to delay the onset of
local lifelong learning opportunities abound.
degenerative diseases such as Alzheimers.
OASIS is just one of many options for older adults seekSocial connection and physical activity are also esing lifelong learning opportunities. Most local universi- sential components of a brain-healthy lifestyle. OASIS
ties and colleges have low-cost, quality programming offers opportunities for both. Judy explains, There is a
that focuses on the learning needs and interests of older real sense of community with lots of student-to-student
adults. Each has its own unique format and offerings so interaction. People linger after class and chat. People
seniors can decide on the style that best fits their sched- who may have never crossed paths in their previous lives
ule. For instance, Judy enjoys traveling and spending have the opportunity to connect. And, for those who do
time with her grandchilren, so she doesnt commit to
semester-long classes.
(CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE)

not have family, this is family for them.
Since retiring, Judy finds she is busier than ever, taking
classes five days a week. And she is taking better care
of her health, too. I did not exercise before I retired. I
always had an excuse. Now I do six classes a week
and I hate exercise! But what Im doing is fun: Zumba,
line dancing.
She adds that her fitness instructors, many of whom are
in their 70s and 80s, are an inspiration: They are not all
20 year olds who are a size 4 and you say, Theres no
way I can do that.
Taking classes may be second nature for Judy, but even
those who have not set foot in a classroom in 50 years
will feel comfortable at OASIS and other learning sites.
Theres the opportunity to try something new without
being judged. No one will argue with you or make you
feel lesser. There is no stratification of any sortno one
has a title on the door; former physicians, waitresses
that doesnt matter. Its who we are now.
Looking back at how she thought her retirement might
look, Judy says, laughing, I thought I would initially
spend a lot of time sorting through piles of paper. Well,
I havent sorted through any papers!
Older adults are fortunate to have many wonderful
lifelong learning options in San Diego. The following
organizations offer high-quality, affordable educational
opportunities without the pressure of grades or tests. So
consider going back to school:
San Diego OASIS
Mission Valley: (619) 881-6262
Escondido: (760) 796-6020
http://www.oasisnet.org/San-Diego-CA
OASIS offers adults 50+ the opportunity to experience a broad
range of stimulating classes, from the arts and humanities to
wellness, fitness, and more. Members can also participate in
day trips, special events, and intergenerational volunteer work.
San Diego Continuing Education
(619) 388-1950
http://www.sdce.edu/classes/emeritus
The Emeritus Program through San Diego Continuing Ed
encourages adults 55+ to stay active intellectually, socially and
physically. Topics such as Brain Fitness and Job Search Skills
offer practical solutions to lifes challenges while other offerings
target physical health or satisfy students intellectual curiosity.
MiraCosta College
(760) 795-8710
www.miracosta.edu/noncredit
MiraCosta College offers older adult residents in North County
free, non-credit courses in art, health, music, psychology and
writing.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes

Osher programs provide university-quality courses with
outstanding faculty in state-of-the-art classrooms. Many class
formats are offered including one-day mini-courses, workshops,
book clubs, special events and more:
Cal State University San Marcos Osher Lifelong Learning
Institute
(760) 750-4020
http://www.csusm.edu/el/olli/
SDSU Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
(619) 594-2863
www.neverstoplearning.net/osher
UCSD Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
(858) 534-3409
http://olli.ucsd.edu/
University of San Diego University of the Third Age
(619) 260-4585
http://pce.sandiego.edu
Join fellow learners 55+ at USD every January and July for a
3-week intellectual feast. Learn from the regions top leaders
in a variety of industries such as medicine, technology, business,
religion, military, and literature. Courses take place Monday
through Thursday mornings.
Libraries
Many stimulating classes and workshops are available right in
your neighborhood at your local library.
San Diego County Library
(858) 694-3900
www.sdcl.org
San Diego Public Library
(619) 236-5800
http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/
Escondido Public Library
(760) 839-4684
https://library.escondido.org
City of Carlsbad Libraries
Dove: (760) 602-2011; Cole: (760) 434-2870
www.carlsbadca.gov/services/depts/library
City of Oceanside Library
(760) 435-5600
www.library.ci.oceanside.ca.us
City of Chula Vista Libraries
(619) 691-5168
www.chulavistalibrary.com
Coronado Public Library
(619) 522-7390
www.coronado.ca.us
Online Classes
If getting out of the house is a challenge, free online courses
are an alternative. Consider these:
https://www.coursera.org/
https://www.khanacademy.org/

Honoring
RSVP: LEAD WITH EXPERIENCE
RSVP VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
The RSVP volunteer of the month
is Bob Weishan, Administrator for
California Highway Patrol Senior
Volunteer Program in El Cajon. Bob
organized the first California Highway Patrol Senior Volunteer Program
in the state in 1996 and has led the El
Cajon organization since its inception. His dedication, knowledge and BOB WEISHAN
experience have made him a valuable
resource for all CHP Senior Volunteer Programs throughout the state. He has been instrumental in developing
programs and activities that are used statewide for volunteers to support both administrative staff and CHP officers on the road. Bob coordinates schedules and reviews
requests and reports submitted by the community and
Senior Volunteer Patrol road personnel, plus coordinates
follow-up on those issues. He also organizes monthly
meetings and runs training classes. He coordinates with
local organizations and businesses to promote the Senior
Volunteer Program and solicits donations to expand and
fund operational needs.
Bob has always been active in the community. He is
now president of the San Diego Chapter of The Chosen
Few and has also volunteered at the annual PGA Golf
Tournament in La Jolla. He retired this year as Director
of Marshalls after 45 years of service with that organization. Other endeavors include 23 years volunteering
with the Chargers and 30 years coaching high school and
college baseball and football.
A. Robert Donohue had this to say about Bob: I believe Bobs caring for the community and assisting in
community organizations and projects marks him as a
superior candidate for this public acknowledgement of
his service. Congratulations, Bob, and thank you for the
tremendous impact you are making in your community!

VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION REMINDER

In case you missed last months announcement, the Vol-

unteer Recognition Celebrations will be held regionally

in September and October. The emphasis this year will be
on more fun and recognition. Invitations will go out this
month to all those who volunteered 100+ hours in 2014.
Your invitation will indicate your celebration location,
date and time. Come and enjoy your fellow volunteers
from a variety of volunteer sites. We are looking forward
to honoring and celebrating with you!

GOT TIME?
If you have the time, we have a volunteer opportunity
for you! Across San Diego County, there are 94 organizations that need your help with 287 different volunteer
job opportunities. The Senior Volunteer Office can help
you find the right volunteer job for you. Call (858) 5056399 for more information.

BOARDS VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

At the June meeting of the
Board of Supervisors, Rudy Shappee was honored as the Boards
Volunteer of the Month.
Rudy volunteers at the USS
Midway Museum, where he
started in plane restoration for
the museum before the ship had
even arrived in San Diego. After
the ship arrived, Rudy continued
RUDY SHAPPEE
to volunteer in development and
docent services.
Rudy has now been a leading force at the Midway
Museum for more than 11 years. He established the
docent program, which is a vital part of the experience,
especially since many docents have previously served
aboard the ship.
Rudy played a major role developing the museums
educational curriculum. His crowning achievement was
serving as the primary consultant on a multimillion dollar, multimedia theater and exhibition to tell the story of
the battle of the Midway.

REGISTER NOW FOR SENIOR GAMES

NATIONAL HONORS FOR AIS PROGRAMS

he San Diego Senior Olympics will be held in September and October, but now is the time to register
as registration for many of the events closes three weeks
prior to competition. There is a wide variety of sports
including golf, basketball, swimming, track and field,
pickle ball and more. Participants must be at least age 50
on or before Dec. 31 of this year.
Cost is $40 to register, plus an additional sport fee from
$2 to $45 depending on the event (some events have other
fees, such as golf). If you are interested in participating
in a team sport, such as volleyball, you can contact the
sports commissioner assigned to that sport (and listed on
the website) or email info@sdseniorgames.org.
Opening ceremonies will be held Sept. 11 at Casa
De Manana, 849 Coast Blvd., La Jolla 92037. To see a
listing of sports and the dates of competion, visit www.
sdseniorgames.org, or call (858) 292-5812.

NEW COUNTY SENIOR HEALTH REPORT

id you know that nearly 60 percent of San Diego seniors are overweight or obese? And that the leading
cause of death among adults 65+ is heart disease, followed
by cancer? These are just a couple of facts in the new San
Diego County Senior Health Report.
The report includes basic demographics, such as the
number of veterans age 65+ (23.8 percent) and the median
income of senior households ($44,975). There are statistics
on a variety of chronic and communicable diseases, plus
injuries and mental health issues.
The report gives our County and other providers of services for seniors the ability to see what areas might need
more effort in prevention and education. For instance,
the rate of falls continues to increase, especially among
residents who are 85 or older.
You can find the Senior Health Report on the website for
the Community Health Statistics Unit; visit http://www.
sdhealthstatistics.com and look under Reports.

everal programs that AIS originated or that AIS coordinates have just received awards from two national
organizations.
The National Association for Area Agencies on Aging
has presented Aging Achievement Awards to four of our
programs: the Countys Alzheimers Project; the RCFE
(Residential Care for the Elderly) Rating System (both
of which originated through the advocacy of Supervisor
Dianne Jacob); the Acutely Vulnerable Adult protocol
through Adult Protective Services, which provides wraparound services for seniors who are at high at risk of
becoming for elder abuse victims; and the PIC program
(Promoting Independence & Choice), a case management
service through our Public Conservators office. All the
national winners can be seen on the n4a website: www.
n4a.org/Files/2015Awards_Final.pdf.
The National Association of County governments also
awarded The Alzheimers Project and the Acutely Vulnerable Adult protocol. Also honored were our Legacy Corps
program, which provides respite for veteran/military
families that have caregiving needs; and our Communitybased Care Transitions Program that has been successful
partnering with local hospitals and health plans to prevent
unnecessary rehospitalizations.

NEW TAI CHI CLASS IN SOUTH BAY

he South Chula Vista Library is the site for a new

Tai Chi class that will meet from 11 a.m. to noon on
Tuesdays and Thursdays. The library is located at 389
Orange Ave., Chula Vista 91911.
The County also coordinates interactive, goal-oriented
workshops throughout the county called Healthier
Living for people with chronic health conditions. Visit
www.HealthierLivingSD.org to see the current schedule.
To register for any of these free classes, contact Katherine Casabar at katherine.casabar@sdcounty.ca.gov, or
call (858) 495-5500, ext. 3.

HELP KIDS - AND YOURSELF - BE HEALTHIER BECOME A LEGACY CORPS VOLUNTEER

he Five & Fit programs in East County and South

Bay are looking for adults (age 55-plus) to guide preschoolers and their families toward improved nutrition and
enhanced physical activity. Activities include gardening,
tasting fruits and vegetables and other nutritional education. The program pays a stipend of $100 per month for a
commitment of 16 hours per month. For details, contact
Pam Plimpton at pam.plimpton@sdcounty.ca.gov or call
(858) 495-5769.

he Legacy Corps is recruiting for its upcoming service

year with applications being accepted at a volunteer
orientation from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 6, at
the AIS headquarters, 5560 Overland Ave., Third Floor,
San Diego 92123. This unique opportunity accepts volunteers into a national service program to support veteran
and military families through in-home companionship
visits. Accepted members begin service on Nov. 1. Call
(858) 505-6300 for details.

SEND IN YOUR ITEMS

This monthly calendar welcomes your
contributions. Just send items by the
10th of each month preceding the issue date to: Denise G. Nelesen, editor,
Aging & Independence Services, PO
Box 23217, San Diego, CA 921933217. Or you can e-mail to: denise.
nelesen@sdcounty.ca.gov.

AUG. 3, MONDAY
9 A.M. TO 1 P.M.
Veterans, Military and Families
Benefits Expo will be held at the War
Memorial Building, 3325 Zoo Dr.,
Balboa Park. RSVP: (858) 268-4432.

AUG. 3, MONDAY
1 TO 2 P.M.
Transportation will be the topic of
a workshop by Judi Bonilla at the
McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale
Terrace Dr., Vista 92084. Fee is $15;
register at OASIS: (760) 796-6020.

interactions among drugs and vitamins. For details: (858) 637-3217.

AUG. 29, SATURDAY

12:30 TO 4:30 P.M.

AUG. 13, THURSDAY

2 TO 3 P.M.

Decades of Dancing will be presented by the Wheelchair Dancers

Organization at the Balboa Park
Club, 2150 Pan American Rd. in Balboa Park. Wheelchair dancers, their
partners and local dance groups will
display dance styles from the 20s
to the present. The event is free. For
details, call (858) 573-1571 or email:
bevweurding@san.rr.com.

Maximizing Your Brain Health

will be presented Amy Abrams with
the Alzheimers Association at the
Grossmont Healthcare District Conference Center, 9001 Wakarusa St.,
La Mesa. RSVP: (800) 827-4277.

AUG. 20, THURSDAY

10 A.M. TO NOON
Good Start Workshop for those
newly diagnosed with Parkinsons
disease and their families will be held
at the Point Loma/Hervey Branch
Library, 3701 Voltaire St., San Diego.
RSVP: (800) 827-4277.

AUG. 27, THURSDAY

9:30 TO 11:30 A.M.

Learn if you want to become an entrepreneur at a training sponsored by

AUG. 4, TUESDAY
the Small Business Administration to
be held at the Chamber - East County,
11 A.M. TO NOON
Aging & Driving is a free program 3201 S. Magnolia Ave., El Cajon
for caregivers at Temple Solel, 3575 92020. Learn about the mentoring
Manchester Ave., Cardiff 92007. A provided to potential entrepreneurs
similar talk will be presented from by the SBA. To register, contact Rosa
11 a.m. to noon on Monday, Aug. Rodarte at rosa.rodarte@sba.gov, or
10, at Temple Adat Shalom, 15905 call (619) 727-4877.
Pomerado Rd., Poway 92064. To
AUG. 29, SATURDAY
RSVP: (858) 674-1123.

AUG. 13, THURSDAY

12:45 P.M.
Over-the-Counter Pharmaceuticals
and Vitamins will be presented by
pharmacist Orly Shakked at the College Avenue Center, 4855 College
Ave., San Diego 92115. Learn about

SEPT. 4, FRIDAY
8:45 A.M. TO NOON
The Golden Age of Intimacy, a
health fair sponsored by the San
Diego County Council on Aging
and focused on various aspects of
intimacy, will be held at the War
Memorial Building, 3325 Zoo Drive,
San Diego 92101. Includes health
screenings, speakers and resources.
For details: (858) 674-6903.

SEPT. 22, TUESDAY

10 A.M. TO 2 P.M.
Live Stronger Longer, an event
sponsored by the South County
Action Network and dedicated to
seniors and caregivers, will be held
at the Community Congregational
Church of Chula Vista, 276 F St.,
Chula Vista 91910. Free breakfast
and lunch. RSVP: (800) 827-4277.

8:30 A.M. TO 1 P.M.

ADVISORY COUNCIL

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

event will be held at the San Marcos
Community Center, 3 Civic Center
Dr., San Marcos 92069. Speakers,
resources, lunch and networking with
other families in similar situations.
RSVP for this free event: call 2-1-1.

There will be no AIS Advisory Council meeting in August.

The next meeting will be at noon
Monday, Sept. 14, at AIS, 5560
Overland Ave., Third Floor, San
Diego 92123. These meetings are
open to the public.

WHEN YOU DONT KNOW

WHERE TO TURN,
TURN TO US.

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