SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY Senior Information Guide

Recreation & Volunteer Opportunities
on the web (www. centralcoastseniors.org) or by telephoning
the Area Agency on Aging at 800-510-2020.
Special Needs Recreation
Many recreational activities are available to people with
special physical, psychological or neurological circumstances.
These activities are often sponsored by specifi c
disease associations such as the Ostomy Association
through Rehabilitation Programs, or through senior
centers. For assistance in fi nding a club, sport, or other
activity to meet your needs, call Senior Information and
Referral.
Check with the city recreation departments, local
YMCA’s and private health clubs to see if they offer
adaptive programs (specially designed programs for the
disabled and the individual recovering from an illness).
Additionally, a recreational and therapeutic horseback
riding program exists in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara
for handicapped persons of all ages.
Volunteer Options
Everyone is a winner when seniors volunteer; benefi ts
accrue to both individual volunteers and the organizations
that receive their services. A wide variety of
human service programs rely on volunteers. Opportunities
exist in any fi eld in which you have training, talent
or interest. Almost all of the programs in this Guide use
volunteers.
RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program) is a nonprofi
t agency for persons 55 and older who want to use
their lifetime of experience in useful service to others in
the community. RSVP will match your special skills with
organizations in your area that can utilize your abilities.
Examples of involvement include: data processing, working
with police department, sheriff’s department, city
and government agencies. Short-term assignments are
also available.
There are no dues to pay and RSVP volunteers are given
certain benefi ts. Included in these benefi ts is supplemental
insurance coverage for volunteers in the area of
accident, personal liability and excess auto insurance.
RSVP volunteers also receive a quarterly newsletter and
are honored at an annual awards banquet.
You may also want to consider auxiliary services at
almost any hospital or clinic, or docent opportunities at
most libraries; or contact the organization that is of interest
to you and ask if they have a need for volunteers.
A wide variety of non profi t and public agencies rely
on volunteers to accomplish their stated missions or
expand the services provided to clients. Opportunities
exist in any fi eld in which you have training, talent or
interest. Most of the organizations listed in this Guide
utilize volunteers.
84 2007-2009 SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SENIOR INFORMATION GUIDE
Don’t Take It Easy - Exercise
“If exercise could be packed into a pill, it
would be the single most widely prescribed,
and benefi cial, medicine in the Nation.”
Robert N. Butler, M.D.,
former Director, National Institute on Aging
Each year, more and more scientifi c evidence
points to the truth of this statement. Regular
physical activity can help the human body
maintain, repair, and improve itself to an amazing
degree. And most older people - even those
with illnesses or disabilities- can take part in
moderate exercise programs.
Anyone planning to start a fi tness program
should see a doctor fi rst. Those with medical
problems may have to avoid some kinds of exercise
or adjust their level of activity. But even
people who are confi ned to, wheelchairs can do
some exercises to improve their strength and
sense of well being.
It is important to tailor your program to fi t
your own level of ability and special needs. For
example, jogging is not for everyone and may
be dangerous for those who have unsuspected
heart disease.
Although more research is needed, there is evidence
that exercise may strengthen your heart
and lungs, lower your blood pressure, and protect
against the start of adult- onset diseases.
Exercise can strengthen your bones, slowing
down the progress of osteoporosis, a bone thining
disorder common in elderly women. It can
strengthen and tone your muscles, and help you
move about more easily by keeping joints, tendons,
and ligaments more fl exible.
When combines with good eating habits, exercise
can help you lose weight or maintain your
ideal weight by burning excess calories and
helping control your appetite. Exercise may also
give you more energy, help you sleep better and
feel less tense, improve your appearance and
self confi dence, and contribute to good mental
health by keeping you socially active.
The Area Agency on Aging Health Task Force
has compiled a listing of the exercise opportunities.
Please call 800-510-2020 for a copy of
this listing. Or call your local senior center for
more information.
Source : National Institutes of Health, June 1982