can umbrella term referring to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult. d The vulnerability of seniors coupled with the affluence of Marin have made older residents in the county targets for abuse, especially of the financial nature.<br><br> A 2001 survey by the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services found that 8% of adults 65+ have experienced some act of crime or vio- lence in the past year. They have been robbed and fallen prey to a variety of scams. In 2006, Marin County 9s elder abuse prevention efforts received a major boost through a grant from the Department of Justice.<br><br> The Marin Elder Abuse Prevention Project Expeditions to Morocco, Socrates by Phone, Ways to Explore Interests Abound By Ana P. Bagtas, MHA Editor, Great Age ; Health & Human Services Program Coordinator As the surge of the more active, leisure-seeking, and affluent baby boomers enters the silver age wave, alterna- tives to the traditional senior center offerings will be in high demand. Subsequently, activities appropriate for the less mobile older segment of the senior population, and those who may have issues with transportation, must be considered.<br><br> This issue of Great Age explores various programs for older adults, suitable for the more intrepid all the way to frail and home-bound individuals. Pages 4 and 5 feature recrea- tion, health, and social networking groups and activities that appeal to diverse interests. There are many clubs and groups joined together by their members 9 shared interests that meet all over Marin.<br><br> From bridge clubs at senior centers to the Senior Swim group that plunges into the icy waters of West Marin, we hope that you re-discover an old passion or find a new endeavor that rouses your interests. 2 A Message from the Commission Chair By Patricia Lewis Chair, Commission on Aging Early this year, a new online resource for older adults and disabled was introduced in Marin County called the Network of Care. A vast array of programs, services, and information is available through the Net- work of Care website, which may be accessed at: http:// marin.networkofcare.org/aging .<br><br> For example, there is a list of agencies that provide transportation and another for counseling. Articles about fall prevention, disaster preparedness, and other special topics of interest may be found. Large print display and translation in several languages are available.<br><br> It is also suitable for screen read- ing programs used by people with vision problems. 211 is another resource new to Marin. Not to be confused with 911, the emergency contact number, 211 is a phone number to call to get information about a variety of services available in your area.<br><br> It is a service provided in many communities in California. Another opportunity for the public to find out about issues and topics that impact older adults in the county are the Commission on Aging meetings. The Commission holds monthly meetings and sponsors presentations at each meeting on a variety of topics of interest to older adults.<br><br> The public is welcome at both the Commission business meetings and the programs. The real work of the Commission, however, is done at the committee level. Committees include health, housing and transportation, nutrition, public informa- tion, planning, and legislation.<br><br> Individuals with experi- ence, expertise, or interest in these areas are invited to participate as public members of these committees. The schedule for all committee and Commission meetings is available online at www.co.marin.ca.us/aging or by call- ing the Division of Aging office at 415-499-7396. Senior Legislation Report By Larry Glazier Commissioner, Mill Valley; Senior Senator, Marin Six months after the conclusion of the 27 th Annual Session of the California Senior Legislature (CSL) the organization is very busy trying to get proposals passed into law.<br><br> Raising the necessary funds for this year and introducing new methods of communication with the CSL membership are also priorities. CSL must raise $250,000 in order to continue its important work. With State and Federal taxes due in April, an easy way to contribute to CSL is to check Line 52 of the State Form and pledge a dollar amount.<br><br> A colorful new flyer is now available to promote cgiving d to CSL. Members will be distributing the fundraising flyers widely. Anyone interested in helping distribute the flyers should contact Sherry at the CSL office 3 1020 N Street, Room 513, Sacramento, CA 95814; telephone 916-552-8056.<br><br> The CSL has also introduced a monthly newsletter available for postal and electronic distribution to mem- bers. Contact the CSL office for more information on the newsletter. The CSL 9s Legislative Committee is asking mem- bers to help pass AB 2149 and AB 2150, bills dealing with Elder Financial Abuse Prevention.<br><br> Both measures will help protect older Californians by prohibiting the use of credential or professional designation by insur- ance agents and financial advisors unless it is recog- nized by either the Insurance Commissioner or the Corporations Commissioner. Special certification or training will also be required to advise senior investors. The Commission on Aging and the Division of Aging celebrate May 2008 Older Americans Month For another chance to learn about Network of Care When: June 18, 2008 Time: 10:30am 412:00noon Where: Margaret Todd Senior Center, 1560 Hill Road, Novato Call 415-499-7396 for more information.<br><br> 3 From the Director 9s Desk By Nick Trunzo, LCSW, MSW Division of Aging Director On a recent episode of the Sunday morning political talk show, Meet the Press , the issue of John McCain 9s age came up. He will be 72 years old on his next birthday. The panel of political experts questioned his ability to attract younger voters and his capacity to serve two full terms as President, assuming he gets re-elected.<br><br> These viewpoints illustrate ageism that is so subtle it is easily missed, yet, it is very much present in our society. Has ageism contributed to the chronic under- funding of aging services in California? While the aging population continues to expand, rarely do we see an increase in state and federal funding for programs and services for the elderly.<br><br> At the direction of the Gover- nor, the California Department of Aging was required to propose cuts of up to 10% for some critical aging ser- vices. This comes at a time when the fastest growing age group is 85+, and when the number of older adults con- tinues to skyrocket in almost every California commu- nity. More funding, not less, is needed.<br><br> Ageism also promotes the notion that older adults are well-off and are not in need of help. As the gap widens between the rich and the poor, older adults are often living on retirement incomes that do not cover the basic expenses for housing, food, transportation and health care. A recently published study from the UCLA Center for Health Policy and Research indicates that an older person in Marin, living in a one-bedroom apart- ment, would need an annual income of $26,581 to cover these basic expenses.<br><br> Surveys showed that almost 20% of older adults 65+ in Marin have annual incomes of less than $20,000, and more than 30% have annual incomes of less than $30,000. Poverty is a real issue in Marin for many older persons. Marin has a fine network of community organiza- tions that defy ageism and work tirelessly to serve older adults and promote their continued contribution to soci- ety, even in later years.<br><br> The Commission on Aging con- tinues to support affordable housing, transportation, and a number of aging services to help older persons live healthy and independent lives. Much more needs to be done, and it cannot be accomplished without widespread support to provide the means for all older members of the community to live with security and dignity. Commissioners Appointed to Major Legislative Roles The two members who represent the California Senior Legislature (CSL) and are members of the Marin County Commission on Aging have both been appointed to major Committee positions for 2008.<br><br> The appointments were made by the Chair of the Joint Rules Committee (JRC), Joe Cox. Senior Assembly Member Eleanor Bloch of Tibu- ron was named an alternate on the CSL 9s Legislative Committee, the principal advocacy group for the organization 9s legislative proposals. She will work in the Housing and Transportation unit.<br><br> Senior Senator Larry Glazier of Mill Valley was appointed Member of the Public Relations Committee of the JRC, the CSL 9s policy-making body. He was also named an alternate on the JRC. Glazier works with the State and Local Government segment of the Joint Rules Committee.<br><br> For more information about the CSL and to find out about legislation and proposals pertaining to older adults, visit the CSL website at http://www.4csl.org/ or call 916-552-8056. Presenting&.. Community Workshops on Nutrition and Medication Management " April 29, 11am-1pm, Medication Management Marguerita Johnson Senior Center, 640 Drake Avenue, Marin City " May 27, 11am-1pm, Medication Management Margaret Todd Senior Center, 1560 Hill Road, Novato (Spanish interpreter available) " June 24, 11am-1pm, Nutrition Whistlestop, 930 Tamalpais Avenue, San Rafael (Spanish interpreter available) Workshops are sponsored by the Division of Aging 9s Public Health Nursing Program.<br><br> Call 415-499-7396 for more information. 4 SAVE A TREE, GET IT ONLINE! Help us protect the environment by receiv- ing Great Age online via email.<br><br> Send us a message with your email address and type csubscribe newsletter d on the subject line. Submit your request by emailing us at: divisionofaging@co.marin.ca.us . Let us know if you would also like to receive email notifications about new publications, future events and public meetings.<br><br> Got A Nickel? Go Elderhosteling! By Nancy Peters-Janover Member, Public Information Committee; Former Commissioner About thirty years ago, a young man from New England, just returning from a European backpacking trip, had an idea.<br><br> He loved traveling, meeting new peo- ple, and learning about new places and subjects with- out spending a lot of money and giving up comfort. At the University of New Hampshire, he and a friend began what would become the immensely popular world-wide organization known as Elderhostel. Geared to people 55 and older, Elderhostel pro- grams are intended for those who have the time, the inter- est, and the money to travel and learn.<br><br> Groups are limited to 30 people. Each trip is graded for its logistical and physical difficulty. Many older adults are no longer able to take long trips or withstand physically arduous activities.<br><br> Elder- hostel is a welcoming, open experience. Lectures and tours provide elders 55 and older the opportunity to travel locally or abroad. cWe 9ve gone on an Elderhostel Morocco trip that was unbelievably classy, d beams Hope McCrum, for- mer Commissioner and Elderhostel Bay Area host.<br><br> She says, cA friend of mine claims she went to Australia on a nickel because everything but the airfare was included in the price of the trip. There were no worries about insurance, gratuities, meals, and transportation. Every- thing was taken care of by Elderhostel. d Unlike the couple from the movie, cSame time Next Year, d widows and widowers who meet on a trip often pair-off year after year and travel to various Elderhostel locations.<br><br> With over 400 U.S. and 130 sites worldwide, Elderhostel offers fourteen categories of activities, including a new intergenerational program, designed to attract, excite, and nurture the social and educational desires of mature travelers. Get your nickel ready.<br><br> To plan your next trip or for more information, check your local library for Elderhostel catalogs or contact Elderhostel, Inc., 11 Avenue de Lafayette, Boston, MA 02111 or call 1-800- 454-5768. Visit their website at www.elderhostel.org . Travel Far, Expand Social Network Without Leaving Home By Veta Jacqulin Member, Public Information Committee Two wonderful and creative programs for older adults have broken down the barriers to learning, flex- ing the imagination, and participating in activities.<br><br> Ser- vices are delivered to the home or through the phone line FREE of charge. The Library Beyond Walls is a program of the Marin County Free Library. Print and audio materials are distributed to customers who are unable to come to the library due to a temporary or permanent disability.<br><br> Clients receive deliveries at least once a month from trained volunteers. The program brings the continued connection of library services to homebound patrons and a gift of friendship to the volunteers. For more information, contact Victoria Gonzalez, volunteer coordinator, at 415-499-7451 or send an email to: vgonzalez@co.marin.ca.us .<br><br> The San Rafael and Mill Valley City libraries have similar outreach programs and may be contacted directly. The Senior Center Without Walls offers tradi- tional senior center activities and educational opportu- nities over the telephone. Bingo, current events, brain aerobics, and play reading are just some of the activi- ties available through the program.<br><br> Friendly conversa- tions, support groups, and an array of classes are now accessible to homebound older adults and those who find it difficult to go to a community center. The pro- gram is available throughout the Bay Area. No special equipment is needed and calls to join the activities are free.<br><br> For more information, call toll-free 1-877-797- 7299 or go to www.SeniorCenterWithoutWalls.org . 5 Just Call Me 8SIR 9 By Russ Brubaker Commissioner, City of Larkspur Retired? Staying in bed until your tee- time needs you?<br><br> Your wife says, "I mar- ried you for better or worse, but not for lunch. d For you men out there, we have something for you. Fifty years ago, a group of friends were faced with these and other issues, and decided to form a club specifically for retired men. The group held monthly luncheons with speakers from the com- munity.<br><br> Occasionally, the ladies were included in social events. Thus, the Sons in Retirement (SIR), was born. It wasn't long before the idea took off and branches formed all over North- ern California.<br><br> SIR is a social group with no political or charitable affiliation. Mem- bers have formed many sub-groups with affinity to specific interests like golfing, bowling, fishing, investing, traveling, RV 9ing and many more. SIR welcomes any man who is no longer working full time, will attend monthly luncheons, and is able to participate in activities.<br><br> If you would like to meet a lot of guys from all walks of life, check-out SIR. Marin has a number of SIR groups. There may be one in your community.<br><br> Call or drop a note to Ana Bagtas, Division of Aging at abagtas@co.marin.ca.us , or call 415-499-6947. A SIR member will be in touch with you and answer all your ques- tions about the group. COME PLAY WITH US.<br><br> Get Going with Marin On The Move! By Ana Bagtas, MHA Editor, Great Age ; Health & Human Services Program Coordinator Marin On The Move is a collaboration of organizations and individuals whose mission is to promote physical activity and healthy nutritional choices for all in Marin. It is sponsored by the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services.<br><br> MarinOnTheMove.Org is the program 9s web-based resource. The website main- tains a Recreation Calendar featuring yoga workshops, spring wildflower walks, and kayaking. The Health and Wellness Calendar lists classes on topics such as anti-aging skin care, joint replacement, and nutrition to help individuals optimize their well-being.<br><br> Check out Marin On the Move at www.marinonthemove.org and start your way to an active, healthy lifestyle. 6 Spotlight on Marin Senior Resource The cSpotlight on Marin Senior Resource d is a regular column in Great Age that aims to inform older persons and caregivers of programs funded by the Division of Aging as well as other resources available for seniors in the community. Cathy Ly does not look like a hero, but she is one of many immigrants who make a home in Marin.<br><br> One terrible night in 1979, Cathy escaped from Viet- nam aboard a leaking 20-foot boat packed with 37 women and children who were fleeing for their lives. After 15 days at sea with no food and only rain water to depend on, they landed on an uninhabited island. Like Robinson Crusoe, they had to find a way to survive on the island on their own.<br><br> It took several months before they were found. Though they arrived in America with nothing, Cathy says, cWe are so thankful for the freedom and opportunity we have found here. d Today, Cathy Ly is the Asian Outreach Coordina- tor for Whistlestop 9s Multicultural Program. Since 1994, Cathy has assisted thousands of senior immi- grants and their families transition to American life.<br><br> She provides them with vital resources to help become successful and vibrant members of the community. Whistlestop 9s Multicultural Program annually serves over 1,000 elderly individuals and their families. Last year, the program made contact with more than 10,000 clients.<br><br> Ongoing Citizenship and English as a Second Language classes are conducted. In collabora- tion with the Marin County Community Mental Health Services, Senior Peer Counseling is offered in Spanish through the Amigos Consejeros a Su Alcance pro- gram. Other activities include weekly social gatherings, multicultural picnics, luncheons, and holiday celebra- tions like the Tet Festival (Vietnamese/Chinese New Year), Cinco de Mayo and Persian New Year.<br><br> For more information, call 415-456-9062, go to www.thewhistlestop.org , or stop by the Whistlestop Center in downtown San Rafael in the old train station just north of the Transit Center. The Division of Aging funds Whistlestop 9s Multi- cultural Program through the Older Americans Act Supportive Services grant. Drive Safer, Smarter, Longer By Nancy Sangster Commissioner, District 5 The ability to drive is key to remaining independ- ent and active in the community.<br><br> What can a person do to be a safer driver? What steps should one take to improve driving skills and pass the written and road tests when it is time to renew the driver's license? Awareness of one 9s declining capacity to drive safely is the beginning of a challenging journey for the older person, his family, and friends.<br><br> Confronting someone to give up his driver 9s license is never easy. The conversation triggers fear, hurt, and resentment. Thoughts of isolation and increasing dependency on others for rides to the grocery store, medical appoint- ments, or a friend 9s house raise concern.<br><br> On Wednesday, April 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon , the Drive Safer, Smarter, Longer work- shop will be held at the Margaret Todd Senior Center, 1560 Hill Road, Novato. The workshop will focus on driving issues of older adults.<br><br> Among the many topics to be presented are CarFit, safe driving skills, driving assessments, health factors influencing driving, and conversations about giving up a license. A certified driving rehabilitation specialist will be available. Senior transportation options will be presented.<br><br> Workshop sponsors include the Marin Commis- sion on Aging, Margaret Todd Senior Center, and the Novato Independent Elders Program. Baby boomers and children of older parents are welcome to attend, especially those who think it is time for someone you love to quit driving. Space is limited.<br><br> Call 415-899- 8290 to register or for more information. GETTING RIDES FROM WHISTLESTOP WHEELS To qualify, you must have a physical or mental condi- tion that prevents you from accessing public transpor- tation (such as Golden Gate Transportation) on your own. An application must be completed and is subject to approval.<br><br> Whistlestop serves most of Marin. Cost is $2 each way within Marin and varies outside of the county. For more information or to apply, call Janet Van Rijsbergen at 415- 456-9062 x160 or email janet.vanrijsbergen@thewhistlestop.org .<br><br> 7 Let 9s Talk About Drugs 4 By Ana P. Bagtas, MHA Editor, Great Age ; Health & Human Services Program Coordinator Marin County 9s Public Health Nursing kicked-off its 2008 Medication Management and Community Education workshop series on February 27 at Whistlestop in San Rafael. More than thirty older adults from Whistlestop 9s Cora- zon Latino y Alma Latina multicultural group participated.<br><br> Interpreted in Spanish by Public Health Nursing staff Eugenia Vial, Dr. Paul Lofholm, pharmacist, owner of the Ross Valley Pharmacy and volunteer for the program talked about the most common diseases that afflict older persons and the drugs used to treat them. He responded to concerns about rapid heart rate, blocked arteries, and daily aspirin use.<br><br> A crowd gathered around Dr. Lofholm following the presentation. Armed with a bagful of medications, a participant inched towards the crowd for a chance to meet with the pharmacist one-on-one.<br><br> Others had their list of medica- tions ready. Ross Reyes, Whistlestop 9s Hispanic Outreach Coordinator and Mirta Cuevas, Public Health Nurse were also on hand to help with the interpretations. The County 9s Public Health Nursing is conducting a series of these commu- nity workshops this spring (see page 3 for a schedule of upcoming events).<br><br> Span- ish interpreters will be available for the presentations at the Margaret Todd Senior Center on May 27 and at Whistlestop on June 24. For more information, call 415-499-7396. The Division of Aging funds this program through the Older Americans Act Health Promotion and Disease Prevention grant.<br><br> (MEAPP) was developed. As a grant recipient, Marin was chosen as one of only ten communities nationwide to pilot a law enforcement training program to combat elder abuse. The District Attorney 9s Office, Division of Aging, Social Services, San Rafael Police Department, Jewish Family and Children 9s Services, and Community Vio- lence Solutions collaborated to obtain the grant.<br><br> The Commission on Aging 9s Elder Abuse Task force and the Elder Financial Protection Network also supported this effort. Approximately 250 police officers will receive a two-day training covering all elements of abuse, from physical to financial, to abuse in facilities and more. Presentations are delivered by the project partners, as well as the County Ombudsman and the Public Guardian.<br><br> Roberta Romeo, Chair of the Elder Abuse Task Force commented that, cThe team-teaching approach increases understanding of the complexity of the issues surrounding elder abuse and the key roles that each of these partners play. The greater our ability to collaborate, the more effective the service delivery system will operate. d Partners acknowledged that the goal is to cfocus on continuous improve- ment d so that the best possible system to address elder abuse may be developed. District Attorney Ed Berberian says that the MEAPP Team is cvery open to looking for new ways to continue strengthening partnerships and serving our community. d The training was launched in December for front line officers.<br><br> They identified cbetter collaboration with other agencies d and cimproved understanding of what each partner can contribute d as valuable skills they learned that are applicable to their work. Officers become more aware of the opportunity to participate in an existing multi-disciplinary team managed by Adult Protective Services. Their ability to recognize both the covert and overt signs of abuse is also strengthened.<br><br> Trainings for prosecutors and judges will start this summer. Marin also developed an Officer Resource Guide to help law enforcement quickly identify signs of abuse and find appropriate resources. Penal codes and potential civil remedies are in the guide.<br><br> Marin is the first community in the state to have penal codes and civil remedies on elder abuse together in one document, due largely to the hard work of a number of legal professionals and the District Attorney 9s Office. This is a tremendous resource in addressing elder abuse in Marin. GRANT: from Page 1 Photos: Mr.<br><br> Ross Dizon and Mrs. Concha Chavez (above); Dr. Lofholm and Eugenia Vial (below) A Time for All Ages Host: Spencer Michels APRIL Should Marin Run its Own Hospital?<br><br> Guests: Sharon Jackson, Chair, Marin Health Care Dis- trict Board; Mike Williams, CEO, Abaris Group MAY Gays and Lesbians in Marin Guests: Paula Pilecki, Execu- tive Director, Spectrum LBGT Center; Betty McAfee, Resi- dent, The Redwoods JUNE Mother Daughter Health Team Guests: Chris Chater, Execu- tive Director, Senior Access; Shirley Chater, RN, PhD Comcast Cable 78: Mondays 9:00pm and Tuesdays 8:30pm The public is invited to participate at all meetings held by the Commission and its Committees. Commission meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month. The Commission 9s business meeting starts at 10:30am, followed by a presentation.<br><br> Please note schedule change starting in June . Meeting dates and presentations are as follows: Marin County Commission on Aging 10 North San Pedro Rd. Suite 1012 San Rafael, CA 94903 415-499-7396 Website: www.co.marin.ca.us/aging Featured in This issue Elder Abuse Prevention Ways to Explore Interests Spring 2008 Calendar of Meetings Got questions?<br><br> Senior Services Info: 457-4636 First Class U.S. Postage PAID County of Marin April 10 Topic: Public Hearing on the 2008 Area Plan Update Place: San Rafael Community Center May 8 4th Annual Healthy Aging Symposium (in lieu of Commission meeting) Keynote Speaker: Cathryn Jacobson Ramin Place: Embassy Suites Hotel, San Rafael. Reservation is required.<br><br> Call 415-507- 2980 to register. June 12 (NEW TIME!!) Presentation starts at 10:30am , followed by the Commission business meeting at 12noon. Topic: TBD Speakers: TBD Place: Belvedere-Tiburon Library If you are receiving Great Age and would like to be added on the mailing list, please call 499-7396.<br><br>

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