(Note: If you live within the District, look for our winter edition of Healthy Attitudes magazine, which will hit mailboxes next week. Today's newsletter showcases one of the stories featured in our magazine.)

Nutrition, exercise and staying socially connected all play a vital role in living a long and fulfilling life. Just ask Rikki, who, at the age of 99, is an example of how healthy habits fuel longevity. “A lot of the energy that I have now is due to my diet,” she says.

Eating well has helped Rikki stay mentally sharp. While she makes her own healthy meals she appreciates the support through the District’s Senior Nutrition Home-Delivered Meals Program.

Like Rikki, Gracia, 94, receives supplemental meals through the program and calls them her healthiest habit. For exercise, she pedals a floor cycle while seated in the comfort of her home. She finds joy – and social connection – in attending the District’s virtual reality classes.  Her new favorite? Pedaling the Planet VR class is a perfect combination of social connection and exercise (See Page 6).

Candelaria, 83, focuses on moderation, mindfulness and healthy foods.  She eats plenty of fruits and vegetables, grows kale, spinach, bitter melon and Swiss chard in her garden – a hobby she started after the passing of her husband. Since 2016, she’s attended Bone Builders classes, where exercise and camaraderie keep her energized and engaged.

As many of us set healthier goals in the new year, the District is Spotlighting its Senior Nutrition Program – delivering nutritious meals and much more to homebound older adults, their caregivers and individuals with disabilities.

“Our staff also deliver connection, care and a reminder that no one should age alone,” Camarillo Health Care District CEO Blair Barker notes in her column in the winter edition of Healthy Attitudes magazine.

Each week, 215 clients receive up to five ready-to-heat meals, including beef, chicken, turkey or other specialty dishes – all low-sodium and balanced, with whole-grain bread, yogurt, milk and fruit. On average, 3,500 meals are delivered monthly, with more than 660,000 meals provided since the program’s inception in 2005.

In Camarillo, the Senior Nutrition Program is a partially funded grant program with the Ventura County Human Services Agency - Area Agency on Aging (VCHSA - AAA), and the City of Camarillo.  As a federally funded program through the Older Americans Act, it serves District residents who are age 60 and older and homebound, or individuals 18-59 who are homebound due to illness, disability or isolation, such as, needing short-term assistance during or after medical recovery. 

Quarterly assessments, alternating between a home visit and a telephone check-in, help ensure clients’ safety, wellness, wellbeing and connection to additional resources, like home care services, medical supplies, services that can assist in independent living, and many other resources the District can assist with.

District staff pack and deliver meals on Monday through Friday, often accommodating special dietary needs or requests.  

“We enjoy getting to know our clients and building relationships,” says Senior Nutrition Program coordinator April Colbert. “That connection, helps us notice is someone seems unwell and we can call for help right away.”

For more information about the program, call 805-388-1952, ext. 168.

 

How are diet and life expectancy linked?

• Food provides nourishment
• Food affects your risk of chronic disease
• Food affects inflammation
• Food can help your body’s DNA repair itself
• Food can affect your gut microbiome

Even though there’s no one-size-fits-all diet for living a long life, experts say it’s important to eat nutrient-dense foods, healthy proteins and fats. Your diet is only one factor in the quest for health and longevity. Reduce your stress, maintain personal relationships, get quality sleep and exercise regularly, and you’ll be on the right track.