Council members hear about the aging of Conejo/Las Virgenes

By Stephanie Bertholdo Acorn Staff Writer

Issues of concern to senior citizens in Conejo Valley/Las Virgenes recently came before the Agoura Hills City Council.

Les Hardie, a representative of the Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation senior task force, presented its 39-page study to council members. The document was titled S.O.S. "Senior Opportunities and Strategies: Enriching the Conejo’s Maturing Population."

The report was compiled after a yearlong study, which culminated in a June 1 colloquium at the Goebel Senior Adult Center in Thousand Oaks. Several agencies and private citizens participated in the study.

Hardie explained to council members that the colloquium covered a vast range of issues. The 120 attendees unanimously called for a regular annual event, according to Hardie.

"Quality of life issues is one area we looked into and is worth exploring," Hardie said. The study delved deeply into a wide scope of concerns faced by local seniors.

Agoura Hills Mayor Jeff Reinhardt, the S.O.S. project chairman, wrote the purpose of the study.

"While S.O.S. is often thought of as a distress call, its use in this case is to call attention to some vital information on emerging trends," he said.

Aging baby boomers will be significant in an already large population of seniors, the report said. The Older Americans Act, federal legislation enacted in 1975, defines a "senior" as anyone who’s 60 or older.

"Healthier living styles, improved medical care and breakthroughs in medicine have made longevity the rule, not the exception," Reinhardt wrote.

Living beyond age 100 may be a reality for today’s teenagers, according to experts interviewed for the study. As a result, the Foundation wondered what the future would be like for senior adults on many levels, from housing options, educational and cultural opportunities, mobility issues and safeguarding finances and other assets.

Reinhardt also explained in the purpose section of the report the task force’s interest in the concept of "wellness," which he said extends beyond doctor visits.

The summary of the keynote address by Colleen House, director of the Area Agency on Aging for Ventura County, covered such topics as population changes. The senior population has grown from 34,000 seniors in 1975 to 107,000 in 2003. House said the number of senior citizens is projected to double in the next decade or so.

House also outlined society’s changes and its impact on its aging population. Retirees often become caregivers of other older people in the family, resulting in dashed dreams of "being footloose and fancy free." She added that these frustrations could lead to abusive situations.

Adult daycare centers have sprung up in the area, along with advocacy and nursing programs. Other options are also needed for seniors.

Transportation issues are paramount to seniors. But older drivers, if healthy, can often drive into their 80s and 90s.

Recreation and volunteer options were also presented at the colloquium. Concerns, issues and solutions were outlined.

Preserving wealth and making more money to supplement fixed incomes are major concerns. Long-term healthcare insurance was discussed. The possible benefits of reverse mortgages were also addressed. Inheritance issues and safe investments were also topics.

Depression among senior citizens was also examined.

In a recent study, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) found that three of 100 people 65 years and older suffer from depression.

The causes were discussed and methods of prevention, early intervention and treatment were summarized.

Doug Hooper, principal planner for the city of Agoura Hills, and Douglas Tapking, executive director, Area Housing Authority for Ventura County, presented a housing opportunities session at the colloquium.

Concerns of participants ranged from the lack of senior housing and transportation in Conejo Valley/Las Virgenes, to widespread affordability problems for both homeowners and renters.

Identity theft was also discussed in a breakout session. Dep. Robert DeSantis of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Lost Hills Station was among the presenters.

For further information or a copy of the study, contact the Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation at (818) 880-1054.