By Lucy Wheeler:

On Feb. 26, thanks to the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, the Carlsbad Senior Center and all those involved with senior living, the Older and Bolder Expo raised the bar on what’s available to assist us as we age.
And age we will. From a life expectancy of 67 years when Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act in 1937, until now in 2022, where the average life expectance is hovering close to 80. Just how we utilize these additional 13-15 years of longer life expectancy is not left to chance. Helping people age comfortably has captured the eyes of big business — to our benefit as well as theirs.
We’ve already learned that some of the expectations of retirement weren’t what we thought we wanted. The idea of retiring to a “leisure village” with activities from sunup to sundown left us feeling empty. We discovered we not only wanted to continue to contribute and participate in life but that we needed to do so above all else.
Osher Lifelong Learning is a prime example. There are currently over 124 Osher Lifelong Learning institutes, and California State University San Marcos is one of them. Whether it be learning something we have always dreamt of doing before life got in the way, pursing a hobby we neglected along the way, or something we put on the back burner with the thought of “someday,” now is the time.
Then there are the effects of climate change on senior health. One company, Active Pure Technology, has developed a means of reducing 99% of viruses and bacteria in the air and on surfaces of our homes, especially needed for a better quality of breathing and fitness. Another innovative company is Bodybuzz Fitness, which has developed Whole-Body-Electro Muscle Stimulation (WB-EMS) fitness program that the company says is the most effective workout for people over 50. If you hate going to the gym, this is a viable option.
There were the assisted living and skilled nursing facilities all of which were reflecting newer interest in what older people are truly wanting. These facilities are actively listening and responding to the needs of the modern elders. They, too, are reaching beyond the old belief systems our country has had about aging.
There were specialty groups, Alzheimer’s Association, the North County Parkinson’s Support groups and lawyers, insurance and financial advisors offering support where and when needed.
The Carlsbad Libraries, The Carlsbad Sculpture Garden, which is celebrating its 25th year in the garden, the Cannon Art Gallery and Tri-City Primary Care, “close to home” services were all represented.
Hourly, there were lectures with details about the displays and each participant left with a feeling of comfort in all the resources available to us as we age, whether it be gracefully, prolonged or embracing the changes from technology to a diverse attitude. We are grateful to Carlsbad for reminding us of this wonderful community in which to age, and for all the services available here.
If you were unable to attend, your Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce or Carlsbad Senior Center are great places to visit for additional information.

Lucy Wheeler is a freelance writer and photographer based in San Marcos.
Commentaries from community members represent the views of the individual writer and do not necessarily reflect those of OsideNews’ ownership or management.