Welcome to the December edition of Aging and Still Engaging, provided by the SLO County Commission on Aging (SLOCOA). The text for this month’s column was provided by Traci Mello of Wilshire Community Services and Mike Bossenberry of SLO Hotline, who both spoke at a recent SLOCOA meeting about some of the emotional issues faced by many seniors and others in our area.
Traci Mello stated that the experience of aging is different for every person. Some experience aging as a positive and natural progression through life, others struggle with the idea of aging and the physical, emotional, and mental changes that can sometimes accompany this process. There are many factors that contribute to the way people age and their attitudes about the later years of life. When talking about ways to avoid sadness, loneliness or depression while aging, one of the most significant factors is consistent access to socialization opportunities and a sense of being connected to others.
There are things that individuals can do to reduce the risks associated with loneliness and sadness. One of the most significant is to maintain a diverse support circle that includes family, friends, community, and other social groups. Humans are social beings who thrive on connection and personal engagement. As people age, the importance of being connected becomes even more critical. Those who stay active and involved in the community through volunteering tend to report higher satisfaction with their aging process. It is also important to stay open to experiencing new things and not letting preconceived ideas prevent access to services that may provide critical support and enjoyment. Check out the local Senior Center, join a walking group, attend community events, etc! For more information about opportunities to get involved, call Traci Mello at Wilshire Community Services (805) 547-7025, ext. 15. Wilshire Community Services is a service provided by Wilshire Health and Community Services, a not for profit, public benefit organization.
Mike Bossenberry informed us that SLO Hotline is San Luis Obispo County’s emotional and mental health support, resource referral and suicide prevention phone line, available free of charge 24 hours every day for anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Its confidential telephone services are also available to answer non-emergency calls from anyone seeking emotional or mental health support or referrals. SLO Hotline is also a valuable resource in the community, supporting the work of local government and mental health service agencies, and relieving call volume for the local 911 service. Additionally, SLO Hotline will direct callers with other needs to 211, the resource phone number available for all other community information and referral matters.
In addition to providing these services, SLO Hotline strives to reduce stigma, educate and inform the community about mental illness – what it is and is not. Its mission is to “assist our friends and neighbors by preventing suicide and encouraging mental health recovery and wellness in the community”. SLO Hotline is a program of Transitions-Mental Health Association, a community-based nonprofit that fulfills a vision “To build and maintain a healthy, vital community by providing suicide prevention, stigma reduction and mental health support services”. To reach SLO Hotline, call 805-783-0607 or 1-800-783-0607.
San Luis Obispo County Commission on Aging invites the public to join us at the Veteran’s Hall on Grand Ave. in San Luis Obispo on Friday, January 20, 2017 from 10 a.m. – Noon. Our presenters that day will be from Senior Legal Services and CAPSLO Senior Services For more information about the Commission on Aging, visit www.slocounty.ca.gov/coa.htm, or call 235-5779.
