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Reader's Choice REVERSE MORTGAGE LENDER! FIND OUT WHY!!! www.pacificinland.com Office 831.475.2600 | Cell 831.818.7700 jchubb1@gmail.com Jim Chubb, Home Loan Consultant Pacific Inland Financial Inc. DRE #00911706, NMLS #360542; DRE #00956877, NMLS #361091 REFINANCE NOW TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LOWER RATES WHILE THEY LAST Get Lower Payments • Pull Cash Out • Consolidate Debt CALL US BEFORE YOU AGREE TO A REVERSE MORTGAGE ANYWHERE AND GIVE US A CHANCE TO MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE HCO# 444700020 600 Frederick Street • Santa Cruz, CA 95062 • (831) 469-4900 • www.lifespancare.com Home Care Personalized care up to 24 hours a day by experienced and registered home care aides. Enhancing life and finding joy through activities that increase engagement, fulfillment, and a sense of connection. Well-Being Program Care management promotes peace of mind through professional, person-centered assessment, coordination of personal care, medical, and social needs. Care Management AGING CARE YOU CAN TRUST SINCE 1983 Best of Senior Home Care Bringing Back Joy to Santa Cruz Seniors By Steven Matzie, BSW It is uplifting to begin seeing a light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, as more Santa Cruz County residents get vaccinated against COVID-19. This is wonderful news for all of us but perhaps even more so for our seniors, who have been experi- encing increased social isolation and loneliness over the past 16+ months. As we continue to move onward and upward and the community becomes safer to go out into, let us consider ways to enhance their well-being and bring back joy into their lives. When we think of a se- niors' well-being it is im- portant to look at it from a whole-person perspec- tive. Their quality of life is not only dependent on physical health, but also their emotional, spiritual, and intellectual. When we use this holistic approach to well-being, we can dis- cover ways to help them remain engaged in life and in community, regardless of physical or cognitive limitations. In addition, since no two seniors are alike, it is beneficial for us to learn as much as we can about them across all domains of well-being. Social Work Researcher Brene Brown said "we are hardwired to connect with others, it's what gives purpose and meaning to our lives, and without it there is suffering." Such a poignant statement considering the times in which we are living. During the pandemic, many seniors already at risk for loneliness and iso- lation, found themselves retreating further into those places and suffering. In addition, loneliness can lead to increased risk of depression and feelings of low self-worth. To combat those negative side effects, find a way to connect with a senior you know. Be that through a telephone call, a safe physically distanced visit, or if they are tech- nologically connected, a video visit. These simple acts will have a positive impact on their emotional well-being. When you hear the word spirituality, what comes to mind? Perhaps it is your chosen place of worship, a ritual, or special holi- day. Let us think outside the box for a moment. Consider spirituality like a filing cabinet and within it are drawers that hold every faith background and belief. However, there is also a drawer labeled environmental. Consid- er exploring spirituality with a senior by catching a sunset on your way up Highway 1 to the bluffs in Davenport or a safe walk through the ancients at Henry Cowell State Redwood Park. After being cooped up for the past 16 months, being out- doors can have a positive influence on their mood and offers an opportunity to enhance their spiritual well-being and bring them joy. Did you know that research has shown that social isolation can lead to poor cognitive perfor- mance, faster cognitive decline, and the onset of dementia? Therefore, it is imperative that we engage our seniors intellectually, regardless of their perceived cog- nitive abilities. Consider working on a crossword or jigsaw puzzle with them, listening to their favorite music, or reading the newspaper together. If they can participate in a video meeting, share your screen, and escort them on a virtual adventure or visit their favorite museum. The key to intellectual well-being is to continue engaging them in mind Bigstock photo Continue on page 5

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