The Pride LA (Golden Ager): Aug 01 - Aug 31, 2023

City Council Honors Long Beach Pride’s Dedication as the 40th Anniversary Festival Nears

Long Beach Council Also Approves Matching Donation To Long Beach Pride

The Long Beach City Council unanimously voted to approve the proclamation of the 40th anniversary of Long Beach Pride at a city council meeting in late June. Long Beach Pride’s official Facebook page said, “We are also immensely proud of our friend Tonya Martin, who represented us with grace and passion at the City Council meeting. Your unwavering support has made a significant impact on our journey. We are also grateful to Bob Crow, Co-Founder of Long Beach Pride, whose vision and dedication have brought us to this momentous 40thanniversary milestone.”

The Council also approved a matching

donation from the City to support the Long Beach Pride Parade. Long Beach Pride responded, “We are overwhelmed with gratitude! Last week, City Council bestowed us with wonderful accolades, acknowledging our efforts in making Long Beach Pride truly special. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Councilwoman Suely Saro, Vice Mayor Cindy Allen, and Councilwoman Megan Kerr for their generous sponsored donations that have helped us raise over $40,000 for our upcoming festival”

It was truly a joyous occasion for everyone to see the City government’s support of Long Beach Pride. Their social media post added, “As we celebrate this incredible achievement, we remain committed to fostering inclusivity, love, and acceptance within our community. Long Beach Pride stands tall, and it’s all thanks to each and every one of you who make this event a true celebration of diversity and unity.”

Long Beach Pride will open this weekend

Line Dance and Ride the Mechanical Bull at the Exciting Country-Themed Celebration

Saddle Up for a BootStompin’ Weekend at Long Beach Pride’s Country Stage

By Dolores Quintana

Long Beach Pride is back, and is bringing the country spirit to the heart of the celebration this year! Don’t forget to put on your Stetson and cowboy boots.

Saturday, August 5th: Starting the party with DJ Rick’s infectious beats and energetic line dance lessons, we’re all set to

get the dance floor moving. But that’s not all - be dazzled by the fabulous performances of Jennifer Corday and The L.A. Wranglers as they take the stage with their captivating

tunes. And for the thrill-seekers, hop on the mechanical bull and hold on tight for the

ride of a lifetime.

Celebration, see page 3

to honor the history of LGBTQ+ pride and inclusion in the City of Long Beach and in Southern California.

Long Beach Pride Unleashes a StarStudded Music Extravaganza

Headliner Mya, Amazing DJs, at the 40th Anniversary Festival

By Dolores Quintana

Get ready to let loose and dance with joy as Long Beach Pride unveils its phenomenal lineup of headliners who will grace the stages and fill your hearts with music and love! Long Beach Pride has curated a diverse and star-studded array of artists who are all set to make this year’s festival an unforgettable experience.

Urban Soul Stage: A Journey with R&B Queen Mya:

On the Urban Soul Stage, get ready to groove to the sensational sounds of R&B queen Mya as she takes us on a musical journey like no other. Her soulful tunes and mesmerizing presence will captivate the audience, creating an electrifying atmosphere that will have you moving to the beat. Prepare to be enchanted by Mya’s remarkable talent and immerse yourself in the magic of her performance.

Fiesta Caliente Stage: A Star-Studded Fiesta:

Club Papi is bringing the heat with the Fiesta Caliente Stage, featuring a star-studded lineup that will ignite your soul. Prepare to be mesmerized by the incomparable talents of La Diva Lucia Mendez, the legendary Laura Leon, the captivating Edith Marquez, the enchanting Ambar, the soulful Mar Solis, the electric Esteman, and the mesmerizing Jessica Esoterica. It’s going to be a fiesta like no other, filled with music, dance, and celebration!

Incredible DJs: Keeping the Vibes Going Strong:

Let’s not forget to show our incredible DJs some love! They’ll keep the energy high and the vibes going strong all weekend long. Get ready to dance the night away with DJ Ivan, DJ Joe Pacheco, DJ Jerac, DJ Kidd Madonny, DJ Kimberly S, DJ Dawna Montell, DJ Ana Paula, and DJ Liza Rodriguez. Their beats will have you on your feet and grooving to the hottest tunes.

Long Beach Pride Dates: August 4th, 5th, and 6th

Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 5th, and Sunday, August 6th, as we embark on a journey to celebrate 40 years of love, acceptance, and progress. Long Beach Pride has been a symbol of unity and inclusivity, and this year’s festival promises to be a spectacular celebration of Long Beach’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community. You can find more information at Long Beach Pride.com.

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Teen Pride: Embrace Your True Colors at Long Beach Pride’s Inclusive Event for LGBTQ+ Teens

Dance, Celebrate, and Make Memories in a Safe and Vibrant Space on August 4th, 2023

By Dolores Quintana

Long Beach Pride will kick off with an event for teens this year. The Teen Pride event brings a Live DJ, Performances, and Dancing geared towards LGBTQ+ teens in the Long Beach area in a safe environment. Come out, meet other teens, and make new friends while enjoying activities such as a live DJ, performances, and dancing.

Date: August 4th, 2023

Time: 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Location: Rainbow Lagoon Park, 400 E. Shoreline Drive, Long Beach, CA 90802

Let your true colors shine at this amazing celebration of love, acceptance, and unity! Whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or simply love spreading love, everyone is welcome to join the fun.

Get ready to dance your heart out to the hottest beats, enjoy fun performances, and

Celebration, from page 1

As the sun sets, the party keeps going with DJ Jonno’s open dancing and more line dance lessons. And to top off the night in style, we’re bringing back the Retro Disco Night! So dust off your disco boots and get ready to boogie under the moonlit sky.

Sunday, August 6th: The excitement continues on Sunday with another day of music, dance, and pure joy! Paige Matthews takes the stage, showcasing her incredible talent and lighting up the atmosphere with her performances. And, of course, The L.A. Wranglers are back, ready to rock the crowd once again with their country hits.

Did you miss the mechanical bull on Saturday? Fear not - it’s back for more thrills on Sunday, so don’t miss your chance to ride! Plus, we’ve got open dancing and line dance lessons every 30 minutes, leading up to the ultimate Late Night Line

make unforgettable memories with your friends!

Bring your energy, besties, and a lot of pride. The event seeks to create a vibrant, inclusive space together and celebrate teens being who they are unapologetically. Head to our website for additional details: Long Beach Pride.com.

Dancing session with DJ Rick! A night of fun and dancing awaits!

Times and Performances May Change, but the Fun and Pride Remain the Same. As with any vibrant event, there may be slight changes to schedules and performances, but one thing is certain - the spirit of Long Beach Pride and the celebration of love and acceptance will shine bright throughout the weekend. So put on your best country attire, bring your pride, and let’s create memories that will last a lifetime.

Are You Ready for the Most Exciting Country-Themed Weekend Ever? Let’s Do This, Long Beach Pride: Tickets are still available, so don’t miss out on this incredible weekend of country music, dancing, and unity. Secure your spot now and join us at the COUNTRY STAGE for a weekend that will fill your heart with love and your boots with dance.

Get tickets online at Long Beach Pride. com.

40th Annual Long Beach

Pride Parade: Celebrating Diversity and Unity

Parade Has A Stellar Lineup of Commentators and Grand Marshals

By Dolores Quintana

Long Beach Pride is thrilled to announce the 40th Annual Long Beach Pride Parade, a celebration of love, acceptance, and LGBTQ+ pride! This year’s parade promises to be an unforgettable event, with a fantastic lineup of commentators and esteemed grand marshals representing various facets of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.

Commentators Set to Keep the Energy High:

Jewels Long Beach, Nick Pagliochini, Mallery Jenna Robinson, Mia Farrow, and Cory Allen will grace the stage as the parade commentators. Their infectious enthusiasm and insightful commentary will keep the energy high and the spirits soaring as the parade unfolds on Sunday, August 6th.

Route and Viewing Areas:

The parade will step off at 10:30 am on Ocean Boulevard at Lindero Avenue, embarking on a joyous journey of celebration and pride. Jewels, Nick, and Mallory will take their place at the Parade Central viewing area on Ocean Blvd, located between Cherry Avenue and Junipero Avenue. Meanwhile, Mia and Cory will be announcing from Ocean Blvd and Alamitos.

Grand Marshals: An Inspiring Lineup:

The 40th Annual Long Beach Pride Parade is proud to honor an inspiring lineup of grand marshals, each contributing significantly to the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. The parade’s celebrity grand marshal is the iconic Valentina, known for her immense talent and charisma. Joining her is the Mary Jane Girls Parade Grand Marshal, whose contributions to the LGBTQ+ community are celebrated with pride.

Community Grand Marshal Honoree

Marilyn Barlow will represent the Equity Plaza Selection Committee. Councilwoman Mary Zendejas will be recognized with the “Whitey

Littlefield” Community Bridge Building

Award for her outstanding contributions.

The Los Angeles Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will be present as Judith Doyle Community Grand Marshal Honoree, exemplifying the spirit of community service and empowerment. Robert “Bob” Crow Community Grand Marshal Honoree is Mayor Rex Richardson, whose leadership and dedication have been invaluable to the community.

Morris Kight, Political Grand Marshal, Lotus Laguardia, will be honored for their impactful work in advancing LGBTQ+ rights and advocacy. Dr. Robert Garcia, Youth Grand Marshal, Annabelle Sedano, represents the bright future of the LGBTQ+ community, and her leadership and passion inspire others to create positive change.

The Media Grand Marshals are NBC4 LA and Telemundo 52, represented by Enrique Chiabra, acknowledging their commitment to spreading awareness and understanding through media.

An Unforgettable Parade of Pride:

With such an incredible lineup of commentators and grand marshals, the 40th Annual Long Beach Pride Parade promises to be a vibrant, inclusive, and joyous celebration of diversity and unity. On Sunday, August 6th, from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM, join us along E. Ocean Blvd between Lindero Ave and Alamitos Ave to witness the beauty of love and acceptance on full display.

Long Beach Pride welcomes everyone to join in this momentous occasion, celebrating 40 years of progress and solidarity within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.

For more information and updates on the Long Beach Pride Parade, visit the official website: longbeachpride.com.

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Film Review: The People’s Joker

Unrated 92 Minutes Released September 13, 2022 (Toronto Film Festival)

By Dolores Quintana

“The People’s Joker” is a heartfelt and ultimately heartwarming journey of the self. The film received its US premiere last week at Outfest. Vera Drew directed, co-wrote with Bri LeRose, and stars as Joker the Harlequin. Joker is called an “unfunny clown,” and the film has the guts to go through with it. Quite a bit of the film’s lacerating humor is directed at Joker the Harlequin, and that’s pretty brave. Normally, Joker would be considered the Princess of Crime, but if this Joker were said to have a superpower, it would be stand-up comedy. Oh wait, no, that’s not

right.

You may remember films like “Punchline” where admittedly great actors like Sally Field and Tom Hanks floundered when cast as stand-up comedians. Stand-up is a different art form. I’ll talk a little later about how Drew successfully handled that in this film, but first, a quick segway.

Of course, this film can help you understand what it is like to be trans or just what it is like for other human beings. I felt like some things clicked into place while watching the film, and I could really relate to how Joker feels, particularly about Joker’s mother and less-than-perfect relationship with Jason “Mr. J” Todd. One of the things that Drew and the film do well is making the character’s situation so relatable. There is only the most diaphanous of filmy scarves over Joker’s open wounds, but that need to perform and seem okay no matter what is always there, just under the surface.

You see these wounds with young Joker and adult Joker interacting with Joker’s mom. The addiction to Smylex is a big part of that relationship. Joker seeks love and acceptance hence the road to comedy is

the one that Joker takes. Identity is at the core of the film. Who you are and your own struggle for self determination. But funny.

The film itself has a satirical style that shows itself with the characters, situations, and background scenery. Much of it is animated, and some seem like rear projection, but this artifice only adds to the film’s dreamlike quality. I feel a temptation to talk too much about many of the different characters and scenes, but I don’t want to spoil too much. But suffice it to say that Drew leans into the discomfort of comedians who bomb. In fact, Drew makes that idea, which terrifies most people who do standup, a virtue.

After the brouhaha at the Toronto Film Festival, it was believed by the few critics who saw and reviewed the film that it might never be seen again, and that would have been a shame. “The People’s Joker” is so much of a personal statement by a director and, in parody, such a different take on the superhero tale that I feel that distribution companies should be racing to give Drew a distribution deal for the film. People complain about seeing many of the same things in the many superhero films

and franchises, and “The People’s Joker” has many familiar touchstones but then diverges wildly.

I’ve always been of the opinion that if you are going to make a film about an already existing cinema idea that has been explored extensively or reboot or remake a film, you have to bring something of yourself to the film to be successful. You have to bring new and fresh ideas, or the film is doomed to failure. In cinema, the worst kind of failure is to not be interesting, not engage the audience emotionally, or simply regurgitate what has gone before. Vera Drew has taken the iconography of the Batman movies. and made something that is different from everything that has gone before it, despite using many of the same devices. The difference is that Drew made it personal. That’s what makes “The People’s Joker” a gem.

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Phone number: (310)616-5140

Long Beach City Council Declares June as Pride Month, Raises Progress Flag to Celebrate LGBTQ+ Community

Unanimous Vote Also Designates May 22 as Harvey Milk Day

By Dolores Quintana

In a historic move, the Long Beach City Council voted unanimously last month to repeal an old resolution that previously recognized the city’s third week of May as Pride Week, as The Long Beach Post reported. The decision came in response to the need to align the city’s Pride celebration with regional and national declarations and the annual recognition of June as Pride Month.

Over time the official designation of Pride Month became June, with different states in the Union and two previous Presidents declaring June the proper month. Last year, President Joe Biden officially declared June as

National LGBTQ+ Pride Month.

The recent resolution sends a powerful message of support and solidarity with Long Beach’s LGBTQ+ community. Councilmember Megan Kerr, the author of the resolution, expressed her belief in the importance of enshrining the practices in city policy to ensure that future councils won’t need to revisit the decision to fly the Pride flag or acknowledge June as Pride Month.

Not only has June been designated as Pride Month, but the City Council also recognized May 22 as Harvey Milk Day in honor of the first openly gay politician in the state. Harvey Milk, a San Francisco Board of Supervisors member, was tragically assassinated in 1978, just 10 months after taking office. May 22 marks Milk’s birthday and will now be a day of remembrance for his contributions to the LGBTQ+ community.

Under the new resolution, the city will proudly raise the Progress Flag during Pride Month. The Progress Flag includes stripes to represent different groups within the community that had previously not been

recognized in the flag: the transgender community and black and brown stripes to symbolize communities of color. Furthermore, the city’s assets will be illuminated in Pride colors throughout Pride Month and Pride Week, which will be determined based on the timing of the annual festival in the city.

The Long Beach Pride Festival, which previously occurred during the third week of May, has been rescheduled to take place on the weekend of August 5 this year. During the festival, there are plans to unveil a proposed LGBTQ+ mural at Bixby Park, further celebrating the city’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

Channel Q: Your Vibrant Voice of LB Pride - Live Updates, Interviews, and More

Celebrate Love, Unity, and Inclusion with Channel Q at Long Beach Pride

By Dolores Quintana

Are you ready to immerse yourself in the pulsating heart of LB Pride? Look no further than Channel Q, your go-to destination for all things LB Pride this year! As the festivities kick into high gear, Channel Q is thrilled to bring you live updates, exclusive interviews, and comprehensive coverage straight from the heart of Long Beach Pride. Get ready for a celebration of music, love, and diversity like never before!

Whether you’re at home, on the go, or right in the heart of the action, Channel Q is your one-stop source for all the latest happenings at Long Beach Pride. Tune in to CHANNEL Q (97.1 HD2) or simply use the Audacy App to catch all the live updates, behind-the-scenes action, and inspiring interviews with LB Pride participants and supporters.

At Channel Q, we are passionate advocates for equality and representation. We are proud to support and sponsor Long Beach Pride, standing shoulder to shoulder with the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate love, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment is unwavering as we amplify the voices and stories of those who make LB Pride a true celebration of unity and empowerment.

As you immerse yourself in the LB Pride festivities, remember to connect with us online as well. Visit WeAreChannelQ.com to stay updated on all our exclusive content, special features, and LB Pride highlights. We’ll be covering every captivating moment to keep you in the loop.

Celebrate Love and Unity with Channel Q at LB Pride

From live updates to heartwarming interviews, Channel Q is your vibrant connection to all the magic happening at Long Beach Pride. Join us and be a part of this extraordinary celebration of music, love, and inclusivity. We can’t wait to share the LB Pride experience with you!

For more information and LB Pride updates, follow us at:

• Website: WeAreChannelQ.com

• Tune in: CHANNEL Q (97.1 HD2) or Audacy App

• Get Your Tickets: Long Beach Pride. com

Drag Dome Will Bring Fantastic Drag Performances Each Hour At Long

Beach

Pride

Performances Run

From 2 to 8:00 p.m.

Daily Saturday and Sunday

By Dolores Quintana

This year’s Long Beach Pride celebration may have a historic first, as reported by Longbeachize. There will be a tent dedicated exclusively to drag performances called Drag Dome, which is the brainchild of Jewels, Executive Director of Entertainment for Hamburger Mary’s and sponsored by Hamburger Mary’s. In a time when drag is a subject of controversy, this seems like the best time to hold such an event.

Jewels said, as quoted by Long Beachize, “There’s really no complicated story behind why we’re doing this: With the country up in arms over drag and we have this great drag culture in Long Beach—so let’s celebrate it.”

The Drag Dome will take place on August 5 and 6, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. each

day, and will feature six hours of drag shows featuring local, yet nationally famous, Long Beach drag artists like Delta Work, Mayhem Miller, Jasmine Masters, Honey Davenport, Milita Scunt, April Carrion. It is incredible to hear that these drag artists will be doing a

full show each hour on the hour. That’s a lot of hard work and a great opportunity to witness something with this much heart.

Jewels said, as quoted by Long Beachize, “We’re celebrating the art of drag—that’s what I want to emphasize: We are celebrating the art of drag, and that includes all types of drag. That includes drag kings, drag queens,

nonbinary, trans women, trans men…We’re filling every single spot you can imagine.”

Jewels also appeared very early on KTLA 5 News Los Angeles in their studio to discuss Long Beach Pride this morning, as Jewels announced on Facebook. The morning anchors had a great time, and, of course, Jewels was a scintillating guest.

Hotel Maya’s Pride Brunch to Feature World’s First LGBTQ+ Mariachi Band, Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles

Fuego Restaurant at Hotel Maya Celebrates Pride with Unique Musical Experience

By Dolores Quintana

After the Long Beach Pride Parade on Sunday, August 6, Hotel Maya will host a special Pride brunch at the seaside Fuego from 12-3 p.m., featuring the world’s first LGBTQ+ mariachi band, “Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles.”

This groundbreaking ensemble was formed to provide a safe space for mariachi musicians who identify as LGBTQ+ to come together and perform traditional Mexican regional music, pushing back against the “machista” and discriminatory subculture sometimes prevalent in the mariachi world.

“We are celebrating Pride and providing a unique mariachi musical experience for our guests and locals while sipping on

incredible Fuego margaritas and enjoying the great weather at the water’s edge,” said Greg Guthrie, General Manager at Hotel Maya - a Doubletree by Hilton. “In tradition with the Mayan culture and our ‘Mayapalooza’ celebration, this is another opportunity for us to share the amazing Latin American programs at Hotel Maya.”

Long Beach was recently named the nation’s #4 destination to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride by Orbitz. Fuego at Hotel Maya has long supported the LGBTQ+ community in Long Beach and Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles.

As part of Hotel Maya’s “Mayapalooza” celebration throughout 2023, “Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles” will join other exciting events, including live Mesoamerican dance performances, live animal interactions, art demonstrations, culinary experiences, live music, auto exhibitions, interactive storytelling, academic lectures, and more for both kids and adults to enjoy in Fuego or on the hotel property.

The music of the ancient Mayan courts will also be featured in this celebration, described in native and Spanish 16thcentury texts and depicted in the art of the Classic Period (200–900 AD). The Maya used various instruments, such as trumpets, flutes, whistles, and drums, in their music for funerals, celebrations, and other rituals.

Fuego, the modern, Latin-infused indoor-

outdoor restaurant and lounge, offers a unique seaside setting with 13-foot-tall glass walls that fully retract, providing seating on the patio area. Guests at Fuego can enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, the Long Beach skyline, and Queen Mary. The restaurant is open daily from 6 am to 10 pm Sunday - Thursday and 6 am to 11 pm on Friday and Saturday. To make

reservations, please call 562-481-3910 or visit the Fuego Restaurant website or OpenTable.

Hotel Maya - a DoubleTree by Hilton, is conveniently located at 700 Queensway Drive, Long Beach, CA 90802. For additional information or to make room reservations, please call 562-435-7676 or visit the Hotel Maya website.

GOLDEN AGER 2023

Welcome to the “Westside Golden Ager Series” of 2023, where we celebrate the vibrant and adventurous spirit of those who have reached the golden age of their lives.

In this special series, we are proud to showcase local advertisers who are dedicated to supporting our community and providing invaluable resources for life after 55. These businesses understand the unique needs and aspirations of our golden agers, offering a wide array of products and services to enhance their lifestyles and plan for their future.

Let’s come together to celebrate and honor our golden agers, while also expressing our gratitude to the local businesses that make this series possible. Thank you for reading and supporting the community that helps us embrace the golden years with vitality and grace!

Forest Lawn: A Special Place for Your Loved Ones

By Susan Payne

Personal and meaningful: Two important words that should encompass the impact of a pre-planned end-of-life funeral arrangement for your loved one.

One of the most important decisions is whether to choose traditional burial or cremation. For some people – because of religion, family tradition, or personal preferences – there is no question. For others, this can be quite difficult, especially when making it on behalf of a loved one that is unable to communicate a preference.

For over 100 years, Forest Lawn has been a trusted funeral service provider in Southern California with locations across Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside Counties, assisting you in choosing the right burial style for your loved one. No matter your faith, culture or language, Forest Lawn is committed to helping you create a personal and meaningful final resting place, one that will be visited time after time for years to come.

Forest Lawn funeral homes offer the convenience of mortuary, crematory, memorial services, flowers and traditional and cremation cemetery property all in one special place; everything from traditional funeral services to customized celebrations of life in stained-glass churches and/or elegant visitation/reception rooms and personalized with special tributes such as horse-drawn carriages, dove releases or online memorials. They have a variety of cemetery properties to choose from — ground, crypt, family spaces, beautifullylandscaped single or double cemetery properties, private, semi-private gardens, walled courtyards, and a wide selection of cremation properties, like indoor or outdoor, wall or in-ground, granite or glass-front niches, as well as outdoor gardens with rock niches and tree bases. Cremation services through Forest Lawn are respectful, dignified and affordable with funeral and memorial service packages designed to fit every budget.

In Southern California, Forest Lawn Memorial-Parks are landmarks for important community events such as Memorial and Veterans Day ceremonies, Black History Month, Easter Sunrise Services, Día de los Muertos, Ching Ming and several educational artistic

presentations through the world-renowned Forest Lawn Museum in Glendale, which houses a permanent classical collection, as well as a periodic rotation of contemporary exhibits.

Deciding which memorial park is the right location can be influenced by family considerations such as proximity and tradition, as well as religious and cultural considerations. Beyond the rolling hills and world-famous art and architecture, any Forest Lawn six scenic parks chosen to lay rest your loved ones are special and uniquely cared for by Forest Lawn and the community, a place where friends might take a walk or where one may read a book under a tree. It’s also a place for those who have lost a loved one to receive continued grief support through Journeys Through Grief and Corazones en Duelo programs and resources.

Much like you have life insurance, a college fund, or even a retirement plan, pre-planning your cemetery and funeral arrangements is another way you can protect your loved ones:

• Pre-planning helps alleviate some confusion and stress on your family during an already very trying time since you would have already stipulated your final wishes ahead of time.

• Your traditional or cremation cemetery property will be locked in at current prices, protecting you and your loved ones from future price increases.

• Financial plans are also available and can be financed in a way that’s comfortable for you

• The average cost of traditional or cremation service varies depending on selections and personal preferences. Forest Lawn is proud to provide honest pricing during a one on one appointment.

• Forest Lawn welcomes all faiths, culture, and languages. They can help you in any language you’re comfortable with, for example, Spanish, Armenian, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Filipino and several more.

Consider highest quality, most personal caring service and a trusted reputation when making this very important decision of choosing a funeral provider.

For more information, visit Forest Lawn’s pre-planning page or call 800-2 FOREST with any questions you may have.

Extraordinary Living at The Watermark at Beverly Hills

Enjoy 15 WESTSIDE GOLDEN AGER 2023

• Patient, warm, and diligent team delivering expert nurturing care customized to your needs and preferences

• 24/7 associate support

• Spacious, boutique-style residences featuring newly renovated luxury studios and one-bedrooms with designer kitchenettes, high ceilings, and private balconies to enjoy the warm California sun

Come thrive in the serenity of our supportive oasis located in the heart of Beverly Hills, just minutes from world-class dining, shopping, cultural attractions, entertainment, sporting events, and beautiful beaches. Explore our allinclusive lifestyle where you’ll receive all the benefits of living at a luxury hotel but also get to revel in the vibrancy of a close-knit community where opportunities for friendship, fun, and adventure abound.

We’d love to welcome you to our friendly community. Call 424-512-7129 to schedule your private tour today!

• Five-star, chef-prepared gourmet cuisine – from comfort food favorites to adventurous, elegant dining prepared with fresh, local ingredients

• Fully stocked personal wine cellar and pantry

• 24-hour “white glove” personal concierge services, including personal drivers and shoppers

• Dynamic calendar full of exciting events, Extraordinary Outings, and interesting Watermark University classes

• Fitness center

• Massage therapy room

• Housekeeping, dry cleaning, and salon and barber services

Community Redefining Aging: New Luxury Senior Community to Open Near Summer’s End

By Susan Payne

In a few short months, a new wellnessfocused luxury senior community will open its doors in Pacific Palisades, centered on the principles of purpose, community, environment and movement.

Surrounded by nature, Ciela is committed to ensuring independent, assisted living, and memory care residents experience rejuvenation and joy while aging.

More than just a home for seniors, the idea of Ciela — a modern resort-like community — was born seven years ago by founder and president Rony Shram.

“I’ve visited communities all over the country and realized the industry does some things really well; designing communities that help seniors thrive socially and providing care,” Shram said.

In his unrelenting research into the industry, Shram found that addressing the process of aging and how that can be done better was the missing piece.

“What can we do to fight off some of the issues that affect older adults? They’ll start losing muscle mass and their ability starts to decline, and they end up doing less and less,” Shram said. “We aim to optimize our members’ health, by keeping them moving, active and vibrant for as long as possible. Paired with our bespoke approach, assessment tools and nutrition program, Ciela was created for a new generation of older adults.”

Ciela features incredible 360-degree views, expansive outdoor spaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, light-filled residences, gourmet California cuisine, engaging activities and a robust wellness program designed specifically for residents — all to help them age better.

“Most senior communities are built in major commercial districts near hospitals. But we believe those settings aren’t natural for people — older adults desire a greater connection to nature in a quiet setting that resembles how they lived or grew up. We’re right by nature, and Ciela overlooks the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains from every corner of the property,” Shram said.

Although the community doesn’t open until September, here is what you can expect from this luxury senior living development:

SOCIAL

Residents at Ciela are always invited to social spaces, but never obligated. Meaning, you can be as social as you’d like in the fireplace lounge, game room and bar, or arts and crafts area. Ciela also features a dynamic calendar of cultural programming, arts and entertainment, local excursions and guest speakers and educators.

NATURE

For residents drawn to nature, Ciela believes

in the restorative effects of being in nature and sunlight including improved psychological health, physical health and overall wellbeing. An abundance of dedicated walking paths, vegetable gardens, a rooftop terrace with spectacular views of the Santa Monica mountains will help you indulge in nature in a beautiful way — by yourself, with a friend or partner, or a pet! Even the interior lighting systems are programmed to match natural circadian rhythms.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Food at Ciela is served in either an indoor or outdoor setting. Residents are served fresh, vibrant Mediterranean and California cuisine inspired by the renowned Blue Zone diet protocol, organically sourced from local farmers and purveyors. A brick pizza oven, coffee shop and smoothie bar, and minutes’ drive from Palisades Village with over 40 boutiques and restaurants give residents many different exploration options for food and shopping.

WELLNESS & BEAUTY

Inside of Ciela is the Verso Vitality Center & Spa that takes an integrative approach to physical, emotional and mental well-being, driven by observational and scientific data. Wellness and beauty enhance the quality of life for residents, giving them access to a fullservice hair and nail salon, bespoke wellness plan for each member, a hydrotherapy pool,

massage and acupuncture, recovery lounge as well as physical therapy and personal training.

SAFETY

In tandem with happiness and comfort, Ciela equips residents with wearable technology for security and has an available concierge 24-hours per day — services and

transportation to appointments, shopping and recreational activities.

Ciela is a community redefining aging located at 17310 West Vereda de la Montura at Palisades Drive. To learn more, visit liveciela. com or call 310-310-8218.

Green

Is Green Burial right for you?

Green burial is a form of interment designed to have minimal environmental impact, especially when compared to traditional burial methods. With this process, burials are performed using a a simple wooden casket or a shroud made of organic fabric. No cement vaults are used, and no embalming chemicals that contain hazardous products such as formaldehyde are used.

Eternal Meadow is the section of Woodlawn Cemetery devoted exclusively to green burial. It is a naturalistic wildflower meadow garden featuring diverse grasses and wildflowers native to California that display a natural cycle of flowering, degeneration, and re-seeding throughout the year. The plants selected also promote the presence of native birds and pollinator insects, including the endangered Monarch butterfly.

Each year, traditional burials place hundreds of thousands of gallons of toxic embalming fluid and millions of pounds of metal and concrete into the earth for perpetuity. Rather than add more imperishable waste to the environment, green burial nurtures the natural growth cycles of the Meadow and fosters a greater union with nature. It offers an eco -friendly process to return our bodies to the earth and a meaningful way to honor the life of a loved one. Contact our office for more information.

In Your Time of Need, Woodlawn Cemetery is Available

By Susan Payne

For over 125 years, Woodlawn Cemetery, Mausoleum & Mortuary, wholly owned and operated by the city of Santa Monica, has served the community as one of the few municipally owned cemeteries and mortuaries in the United States.

For most people, the choice of final resting is incredibly personal, but Woodlawn’s caring and compassionate staff are available to assist you during the most difficult circumstances.

Woodlawn offers traditional burial and green burial plots, crypts, cremation niches and cremation graves. Service options can involve burials, cremations, viewings, funerals, and memorial services.

“Our caring staff will help you find the most meaningful resting place,” said Adam Lopez, Woodlawn’s Cemetery Administrator.

Much of the services at Woodlawn involves helping family and loved ones recognize and honor those who have passed on. Many look for personal ways to remember their loved ones.

“We invite you to visit this beautiful setting and tour our facilities. We think you will agree that Woodlawn is a pleasant place to rest, reflect and celebrate life,” said Lopez.

In 2015, Woodlawn was officially designated a Monarch butterfly habitat by Monarch Watch, the leading conservation organization for the endangered butterfly. 2016, Woodlawn became one of the three cemeteries in Southern California to offer green/natural burial upon the addition of Eternal Meadow, designed with beautiful California-native wildflowers, plants and grasses.

In keeping with the City of Santa Monica’s commitment to sustainability and the environment, Eternal Meadow offers families an eco-friendly burial option. Green burials minimize environmental damage because no toxic chemicals, metals or cement vaults are used. Green burial uses a simple wooden casket or an organic shroud with carrier. Cremated remains are placed in biodegradable urns.

“Green burials hasten the return of the body to the earth while simultaneously providing nourishment to the plant life around it. It is a meaningful way to honor the life of a loved one,” Lopez said.

Planning a form of tribute for a loved

one is an important step toward healing. If a death has occurred while not under the care of a medical or hospice professional, Woodlawn recommends dialing 911 if police or paramedics are not present. Woodlawn can be reached at 310-458-8717 ext. 1 for arrangements to pick up your loved one and guide you through the funeral planning process. Woodlawn also helps families make pre-planned arrangements for funeral services.

“Making arrangements, whether preneed or in a time of need can be difficult. Woodlawn’s staff is compassionate, knowledgeable, and respectful, so we can ensure to handle all arrangements in a way to honor loved ones that have passed,” Lopez added.

“We like to be transparent with our prices. We are required to have our mortuary’s General price List posted on our website, but we decided to go one step further and have a Comprehensive Price List that has all the fees listed for the Cemetery and Mortuary,” Lopez said. Woodlawn lists a general and comprehensive list of prices at www.santamonica.gov/places/cityfacilities/woodlawn-cemetery.

Woodlawn is the final resting place of more than 54,000 people including nationally known persons such as astronaut Sally Ride, cosmetics guru Merle Norman, and political activist and former California State Senator Tom Hayden. Some of the top Hollywood actors resting at Woodlawn include Glenn Ford (Superman, The Big Heat, and The Blackboard Jungle); Irene Ryan (The Beverly Hillbillies); Harvey Korman (The Carol Burnett Show); Barbara Billingsley (Leave It to Beaver); Hal Smith (The Andy Griffith Show); Ted Bessell (That Girl); Doug McClure (The Virginians); and Paul Henreid (Casablanca).

For more information, visit santamonica. gov or email woodlawn.cemetery@ santamonica.gov.

Executive Referral Care ‘Caregivers Serving with Passion’

By Susan Payne

Choosing caregivers for your loved ones can be a hard decision to make, and it is never easy bringing someone into your home to provide care, but trusting a family owned and operated business of almost 25 years can help make that decision easier.

Executive Referral Care Inc., formerly known as Executive Home Care, Inc. is the “Care you can count on!” and has been the standard for in-home elderly care in Los Angeles since 2001.

“We are an affordable, full service in-home eldercare company serving southern California. Care you can count on isn’t just our motto, it’s our creed,” said Executive Referral Care founder and president, Richard Hartley.

Executive Referral Care provides inhome caregivers, companions, certified nurse assistants (CNAs) at any hour of the day or night.

“We are dedicated to exceeding your expectations by providing premium home care and unrivaled service,” Hartley said. “We take all variations of cases, from simple companion cases to hospice, to custodial care.”

Executive Referral Care caregivers are carefully matched with the client’s personalities, specific needs, and condition to help ensure compatibility. Each caregiver is fully screened and requires a minimum of three to five years of practical eldercare experience and/or certification by the State of California.

“We are committed to helping you find a caregiver who will care for your loved ones with compassion and patience in the same way they would care for their own family. We know how important it is for your loved ones to remain in the comfort of their home own as they age,” Hartley said.

During the onboarding process, Executive Referral Care works with your family to identify the client’s needs and develops a personalized plan of care for each client for wherever they call home — a private residence, independent senior living community, assisted living or group home, skilled nursing facility,

hospital, acute care, rehabilitation, or hospice. Caregivers routinely assess and monitor the service to ensure the plan continues to meet the clients’ needs.

“We provide a service that allows aging clients the independence to remain in the comfort and safety of their own home, hospital, or other facility. The family also sees the benefit, something that brings them peace of mind, flexibility, and the freedom to engage in other activities,” Hartley said.

Services include, and are not limited to companionship, exercise and recreation, light housekeeping, laundry and linen change, meal preparation, assistance with eating, driving, shopping or other errands, answering phones, record keeping, organization, tracking changes in health, live-in care and personal care services including transferring and ambulation, personal hygiene, grooming and dental care, bathing and dressing, continence care and toileting, medication assistance and reminder.

“We are so proud of the exceptional care services that we provide and will continue to provide for years to come. It is our highest priority and as a family owned and operated company, we are available to you anytime, including holidays,” Hartley added.

To receive more information or set up a free in-home consultation, call the Executive Referral Care office of Richard Hartley at 310-859-1555, his cell number 310-922-0948 or email richard@ executivereferralcare.com.

More information on Executive Referral Care, you can check their website: exehomecare.com.

No Growing Back With Permanent Hair Removal

By Susan Payne

For those looking for a permanent solution for pesky, unwanted hair on the body, electrolysis is the best route to take.

Electrolysis is the permanent removal of hair roots or small blemishes on the skin by heat application using an electric current. While laser removal can be a more immediate solution, electrolysis permanently removes the hair — no growing back.

“Once it’s off your body, you never have to think about it again,” said Marla Mintz, founder of Marla Mintz Electrolysis in Los Angeles.

Licensed by the state of California, Mintz carries close to 40 years of experience in permanent hair removal, helping everyday people reach their goals and feel more confident in who they are.

Electrolysis is the only FDA-approved permanent hair removal treatment that fascinated Mintz at an early age as she struggled with unwanted hair growth.

“I became an electrologist because my aunt was one and I am living proof that it works. The hair never grew back, even when I went through menopause,” Mintz said.

Mintz offers free consultations through her private, secluded West Los Angeles office and develops a tailor-made plan for her patients’ specific hair removal needs.

“Hair removal plans depend on how much hair you want removed and how you have treated the hair. For hair that’s been waxed or tweezed, the process takes longer because the hair follicle has been damaged. Repeated damage causes your blood supply to nourish the hair, thus allowing the hair to grow back stronger. We then must wait for the hair to grow,” Mintz said.

If you are considering hair removal, it’s better to shave or cut the hair as opposed to tweezing, waxing or laser hair removal, Mintz explained.

“However, lasers can often stimulate the hair to grow more,” she added.

In her decades of experience, Marla has

perfected the gentle touch and approaches each patient with a personable warmth, ensuring complete comfort and satisfaction with each visit. Her patients run the gamut from men and women of all ages, professionals, entertainers, and LGBT clients to name a few. Offering the practice of free confidential consultations is something she highly values in her field of work — something that every electrologist should do to gain trust.

“There’s more to life than making money. I’m helping people and when someone appreciates what you do, there’s nothing more fulfilling than that. When you see them happy and the problem is solved, I feel so good that I was able to help them,” she said.

HOW IT WORKS

A probe is gently inserted into each unwanted hair follicle, followed by an electrical current that heats up and destroys the root of the hair. The heat fuses shut contributing capillaries and nerves with scar tissue to ensure the hair will never grow back. As the heated probe is killing the root, the hair is then gently plucked.

Most follicles respond well with only one treatment, while others require several treatments to eradicate the hair. Stubborn hairs grow back weaker and thinner with each subsequent treatment until complete removal is achieved.

BEST PRACTICES

When making the decision to undergo electrolysis, it’s important to know best practices that aid in the success of your treatment.

• Do not wax, tweeze or remove the hair with chemical depilatories.

• Do not shave the area to be treated for two or three days before the session.

• Apply liberal amounts of numbing gel thirty minutes ahead of the session.

• Avoid direct sun exposure after each session.

Marla Mintz Electrolysis is located at 1328 Westwood Blvd Suite 3 in Los Angeles. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit marlamintzelectrolysis.com or call 310-625-8261.

WISE & Healthy Aging Exists to Empower the 50+

By Susan Payne

Every year, more than 20,000 older adults are reached by WISE & Healthy Aging, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of the growing older-adult population on the Westside of Los Angeles and throughout Los Angeles County through advocacy and high quality, innovative services.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, WISE has more than 50 years serving the community and is a trusted resource, premier service provider and influential voice on aging, serving adults 50 and older.

The programs at WISE reflect the many stages of aging and range from active older adults to those needing extra support, including those who care for them. Depending on you or your loved ones’ needs, here are just some of the services that WISE offers:

ADULT DAY CENTER

Adult day services can be an excellent solution for older adults with early, moderate, or advanced dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, or the residual of stroke as well as for those who are physically frail. All WISE services are tailored to engage each person mentally and physically through supportive stimulating activities, while allowing family caregivers to get the respite they need. Families report that the Adult Day Center helps their

loved ones to be more alert and social, lessens depression, improves sleeping patterns, and demonstrates improved physical ability.

“Often family members struggle with feelings of overwhelm and uncertainty about their role as a caregiver with all of the competing demands of daily life, earning a living and providing fulltime care to their loved ones,” said Molly Davies, President and CEO at WISE. “Our Adult day center allows respite and peace of mind for the caregiver, and social activities and interaction for their loved one.”

CLUB WISE

Social isolation is common as people age and can lead to issues such as depression and cognitive decline. To combat these issues, WISE has a membership-based program to give older adults options on how and when they want to socialize. Memberships are open to anyone age 50 and older and offer fun and engaging programs that promote health and wellness in Santa Monica and Baldwin Hills. Activities range from fitness to computer classes, day trips, workshops, and training, and much more!

CARE

MANAGEMENT

The WISE Care Management team is comprised of Care Coordinators who support older adults who wish to “age in place,” safely and at home. Some of the older adults we support may have disabilities, chronic

medical conditions, and/or be socially isolated, but through regular visitation, interaction, and connection to resources, WISE Care Coordinators are professionals who ensure that older adults get the help they need to improve their self-sufficiency and quality of life. Peer Counseling Support groups are also offered in an array of topics from bereavement to decluttering to caregiver support.

WISE DINER

Serving healthy lunches, WISE Diner members aged 60 and over can dine Monday through Friday from noon to 1 p.m. at the Ken Edwards Center and Reed Park in Santa Monica, excluding holidays.

LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM

Advocating for the rights of residents in long term care, representatives from the WISE Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program serve residents who occupy the more than 76,000 beds in long-term care facilities throughout Los Angeles County. This program investigates and attempts to resolve complaints made by or on behalf of individual residents in skilled nursing, assisted living and board and care facilities. The program additionally conducts elder abuse investigations in these settings and routine monitoring visits. All calls to the WISE Ombudsman Program are confidential.

ELDER ABUSE PREVENTION

An estimated one to two million Americans aged 65 or older have been injured, exploited, or otherwise mistreated by someone on whom they depended for care or protection. To prevent elder abuse, WISE provides older adults and other organizations within the community with the knowledge and skills they can use to protect themselves from becoming victims of financial, physical or emotional abuse. In July, WISE was awarded the contract to run the new Adult Protective Services Center of Excellence to tackle the most egregious abuse cases of older adults and adults with disabilities in Los Angeles County.

To learn more about WISE, or to enroll in its programming, visit https://www. wiseandhealthyaging.org or call 310-394-9871.

Indulge in Extraordinary Senior Living at The Watermark at Beverly Hills

Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary: Traditions for a New Generation

By Susan Payne

In the heart of Beverly Hills, assisted living residents thrive in the serenity of The Watermark at Beverly Hills minutes from world-class dining, shopping, cultural attractions, entertainment, sporting events and beautiful beaches.

The Watermark offers an all-inclusive lifestyle in which residents revel in the vibrancy of a close-knit community where opportunities for friendship, fun and adventure abound.

Custom to your needs and preferences, a team of patient, warm and diligent caregivers meet your needs around the clock. Each studio or one-bedroom residence features a spacious, boutique-style living space with designer kitchenettes, high ceilings and private balconies to enjoy the warm California sun.

From comfort food favorites to adventurous, elegant dining, five-star chef-prepared gourmet cuisines are resident ready and prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Each residence also features a fully stocked personal wine cellar and pantry.

The Watermark boasts “white glove” personal concierge services including personal drivers, a dynamic calendar of exciting events, classes and programs, and a rooftop that gives you a 360-degree view of the city.

For Watermark residents, a dynamic fitness center is available for use, along with daily housekeeping, dry cleaning and salon and barber services.

Gracious hospitality infused into all aspects of The Watermark ensure that every detail — and every resident — matters. Watermark hosts a number of innovative signature programs such as the award-winning Watermark University that allows residents to learn a new craft, embrace their passions, keep their body strong, explore new interests and indulge in inspiration. Watermark University gives residents an opportunity to test and improve their strength and flexibility in a yoga class, bring a new recipe to life in Creative

Cooking, discover a new artistic talent in The Artist Within, or dance the day away in Ballroom Dancing.

360Well, another signature program of The Watermark, is rooted in four key “circles” of wellness: mind, body, spirit and community. While each serves an important role on its own, the circles are interconnected. You’re in the driver’s seat when it comes to mapping your own 360Well path – traveling it independently or with your 360Well Coordinator serving as a guide. And when everything comes full circle, the result is a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.

For residents wanting to tap into their lifelong sense of adventure, Watermark’s Extraordinary Outings defy traditional expectations of what’s possible for residents in a senior living community. Residents, associates, families, and volunteers work together to plan safe, adapted outings you’ll be talking about for days to come — from overnight camping trips to day trips to a local winery, a night out at the ballet, hot-air balloon rides, museum tours, picnics in the park, and everything in between.

With EngageVR, Watermark’s virtual reality program, residents can indulge in curiosity and imagination as the universe unfolds and use computer technology to create interactive virtual experience that transport you to another place and time. Swim with dolphins, discover the glorious sights and sounds of Paris, visit your childhood home, take a journey through the majestic Grand Canyon, experience the Apollo 11 Moon landing, run with the bulls in Pamplona, or pilot a fighter jet for a real rush of adrenaline. Awe-inspiring adventures are right in front of you — no suitcase required.

The Watermark gives residents choices and endless opportunity to pursue passion and nourish their mind, body and spirit through this luxury, lifestyle-centric assisted living, short-term stays or senior living.

The Watermark at Beverly Hills is located at 220 N. Clark Drive in Beverly Hills. To schedule a private tour, call 424-512-7129 or visit beverlyhills.watermarkcommunities. com.

By Susan Payne

Serving the Jewish and Interfaith community, Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary in Los Angeles is a peaceful, serene oasis from the moment you enter the grounds.

Amid lush landscaping, waterfalls and quiet courtyards, the tranquil environment allowing families and visitors to take a moment of time in a supportive environment to reflect on the lives of their loved ones.

“It’s important for us to create and maintain a beautiful place for families to visit, reflect and honor amidst a comfortable and quiet peace surrounding their loved ones,” said Rafael Ochoa, General Manager at Hillside.

Hillside offers a vast selection of ground and wall burial, along with cremation placement and burial, all with a concierge-level of service that helps you honor your loved ones, while reflecting on your families’ unique values and traditions. Hillside’s mission is to support each family with information, education and kindness from the initial appointment through the time of loss, continuing through aftercare.

“We create personal relationships with each of our families to find what resonates best with them. Listening to their unique family history and values, creating each service as a most memorable and beautiful experience for them,” Ochoa said.

Hillside is committed to providing families with the highest quality care and service in their time of need, softening the burden as they take the first steps toward healing.

“The beauty of Hillside is an extension of the extraordinary lives we honor each and every day. We look at every touch point within our families’ experience to provide excellent service in every step,” said Ochoa.

Hillside offers grief support programs,

education programs and resources to the community and to families during and after the loss of their loved ones. Each year, the park hosts Remembrance Services for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Kever Avot in their Large Sanctuary, allowing the community to honor and reflect on their memories of past generations.

“We take tremendous honor in serving our families. Our staff is carefully selected to ensure that each and every one of them has the genuine passion and compassion necessary to do this important and meaningful work,” Ochoa said.

Throughout history, the foundation of a Jewish community has always been built with a cemetery, school and a synagogue. Hillside is a community service of Temple Israel of Hollywood and is committed to the vitality of the greater Los Angeles and Jewish communities.

Education programs and special events are held throughout the year to educate members of the community about Jewish traditions, the importance of advance planning, mourning practices, as well as to reflect on important Jewish events, such as Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Whether you are ready to make your plans now, or in the future, it is important to start the conversation with your family and loved ones. Planning in advance is one of the greatest gifts to share with your family. Removing doubt and understanding their preferences as to how they want to be remembered provides clarity and understanding, opening the path towards healing.

Each Saturday, the park is closed for visitation in observance of Shabbat, in addition to the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret and the first and seventh days of Passover.

For more information, visit www. hillsidememorial.org.

3 Ways Older Adults Can Pay It Forward

Redefine retirement through community connection

(Family Features) Everyone benefits when older adults remain engaged, independent and included. Instead of letting age define their circumstances, older Americans are embracing change, pushing boundaries and transforming their communities through creativity, commitment and service.

Volunteering is one way older adults can improve their quality of life through connections with others, and it’s also been proven to make measurable improvements in the mental and physical health of the volunteers themselves. In fact, 84% of volunteers report stable or improving health after one year of service and 88% report lower levels of feelings of isolation, according to a study conducted by AmeriCorps Seniors.

As a first stop for anyone looking to explore volunteer opportunities, AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors connect individuals and organizations through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps Seniors matches Americans 55-plus with opportunities to improve their communities through the contribution of time, passion, skills and experience.

“AmeriCorps Seniors is tailor-made for those aged 55 and older,” said Atalaya Sergi, director, AmeriCorps Seniors. “It provides a space for older adults to take charge of their ‘second act’ and use their time in valuable and impactful ways. All of our volunteers share a goal of

making a difference in their communities, and many see their involvement as a chance to make friends and form meaningful connections.”

More than 140,000 Americans are matched with volunteer opportunities each year through three programs: RSVP, the Foster Grandparent Program and the Senior Companion Program.

“Our programs offer varying levels of involvement, interaction, time commitments and work with a diverse set of partners,” Sergi said. “We believe there’s a good fit for everyone and many opportunities for volunteers to meet like-minded peers who share their interests or pursue volunteer opportunities that can involve their families, too.”

Consider these ways older adults can get involved in their communities.

Respond to the Needs of Your Community

With more than 115,000 volunteers, RSVP is the largest of the programs. It is a popular choice due to its flexible time commitments and diverse ways to serve. The program partners with national, state and local organizations to offer volunteers a wide range of service opportunities, from building houses to delivering food.

“All the people you meet when you’re a volunteer tell you their stories and experiences,” said Srini Srinivas, a volunteer serving with the RSVP program. “You find that very rewarding and it enriches your life. Doing this service is a way of paying it forward. It supports the community. It keeps me active, which is a good thing. You also feel useful.”

Serve as Mentors

For older adults interested in working with children, the Foster Grandparent Program pairs volunteers with local schools and other programs focused on children, caring for and working with classes, groups or individual students. Volunteers serving with the Foster Grandparent Program serve between five and 30 hours each week based on their availability and may be eligible for a small monetary stipend to offset the cost of volunteering.

“My motto is, ‘There is never a never, you can always accomplish something.’ I’m here to help the kids learn, be there for them and teach them as much as I can,” said volunteer Priscilla Tsethlikai, who has been involved with the program since 2016. “They’re teaching me, and at the same time, I’m teaching them.”

Provide a Helping Hand to Other Older Adults

Fostering relationships with other older adults is also a rewarding, and needed, option. Volunteers serving with the Senior Companion Program give about 20 hours each week and spend time with older adults in need of companionship or help with day-to-day tasks such as grocery shopping, getting to appointments or paying bills. Volunteers may also provide respite to family members caring for loved ones with chronic illnesses. The program may offer a small monetary stipend for volunteers who qualify.

“Volunteering has changed me, it keeps me grounded,” volunteer Carmen Swanson said. “When you help others and do for others, you enrich your life. My favorite part is being available and of service to them. Whatever their desire is, whatever they’d like to achieve – if I can execute the task, follow it through and accomplish it then it makes my day.”

While it may mean different things to different people, the idea of choosing our own paths as we age provides one overarching sentiment: growing older can and should be empowering.

“We know there are stereotypes surrounding older adults, but we want people to shift their thinking,” Sergi said. “See the ways older adults continue to contribute to your life and communities, appreciate their wisdom and lived experiences, and join them in new endeavors.

When the older adults in our communities are engaged, valued and genuinely included, we all

benefit.”

For more information, and to find volunteer opportunities near you, visit AmeriCorps.gov/ YourMoment.

Support Older Adults in Your Community

Though many older adults remain independent and engaged as they age, some may find they are no longer able to complete daily tasks and require assistance. By looking for ways to assist older adults with tasks and engage with them intellectually, you can help them continue to live fulfilling lives. Consider these ways you can make a difference in the lives of older adults in your area:

Offer your services. This may be especially useful if you are a skilled tradesman, such as a plumber, carpenter, electrician or mechanic, or have technical skills and can assist with navigating devices such as computers and cell phones.

Volunteer at an older adult community. Assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care communities often rely on volunteers to host game nights and social events to help residents socialize and stay active.

Assist with household chores. While many older adults choose to age in their own homes, they may require assistance with cooking, cleaning, yardwork and more.

Help with transportation. If you have a car and a valid driver’s license, driving older adults can help them complete their errands more quickly and safely. They may need to get to a doctor’s appointment, go to the grocery store, visit the post office or complete other tasks outside of the home that a driver can assist with.