I recently spoke at the Agency and Programs for Aging (APA) in Long Beach and it challenged the question: “How do we truly age gracefully?”  Seeing the full spectrum of life stages in my practice, I often notice the deep seated fear of growing old and the paradigm shift that has taken place in our culture. Which, growing old often carries a negative connotation.

The most important thing I have learned is that investment for the long term goes beyond monetary planning.  To age with style and grace it takes a broad and deep “Health Portfolio” investment as well.  This includes, but is not limited to: prayer/meditation, exercise, proper diet, adequate rest, strong social ties, community action, coping strategies, purpose and good relationships with preventative health practitioners (dentist, nutritionist, chiropractor, physical therapist, and medical doctor)

I sat down with two advocates from the Health for the Aging Population to find out what we can do to ensure we age gracefully.

Pattie LaPlace

Michael: Hi Patti, tell me about your job through the city of Long Beach and your position in the APA.

Pattie LaPlace: I am the new Mental Health Coordinator for the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services.  This is a new position for the Health department.  We are not a direct service provider.  My role is to do outreach, education, investigate and provide resources for mental health in the community.  

I have been co-chair along with Diane Johnson, Director of Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), for Agency and Programs for Aging for 3 years. Our mission is improving the lives of older adults and their families through education, advocacy and networking.  APA has been involved in doing educational outreach as well as legislative advocacy in the community. The APA meets the first Thursday of every month from 8-10 a.m. at the Jewish Community Center,  We are dark in July. 

Michael: Tell me a little more about your passion in caring for the aging population?

Pattie LaPlace: Baby Boomers are the largest aging co-horts and therefore there is going to be a huge increase in the senior population in the next decade.  There are many consumers of mental health services who are aging up in the system. Many seniors are isolated, alone and living in poverty.  As a community, it is important to recognize and plan for the specialized needs of this population.

Michael: As mental health coordinator for the City of Long Beach what advice would you have for people to have good mental health throughout their lives?

Pattie LaPlace: Good mental health starts with our awareness of changes in our bodies and mental state.  Knowledge leads to empowerment in making informed healthy lifestyle choices. Get regular physical checkups and practice stress management techniques regularly.  Reach out to others when feeling overwhelmed or stressed.  Ask for help, as you are not alone.  Some great websites for resources include:

  • National Alliance for Mental Illness –   NAMI.org
  • Substance Abuse & Mental Health Administration SAMHSA.org
  • National Suicide Prevention Hotline   1-800-273-8255

Michael: What’s one simple tip we can do every day to decrease the stress in our lives?

Pattie LaPlace: Do something fun, playful and/or restful everyday.  It should be something that takes your mind off of your daily stressors. It does not need to be something that takes a lot of time and financial resources.   Find something that celebrates “you” as a person and do it every day!

Dr. Cheryl Mathieu

Michael: Tell me a little bit more about your job.

Dr. Mathieu: I’m a Certified Geriatric Care Manager, owner of Aging Pro Care Management in Long Beach, creator and president of AgingPro.com, a national online eldercare resource

Michael: Tell me a little more about your passion in caring for the aging population.

Dr. Mathieu: My passion for serving the elderly began many years ago, while assisting both of my grandmothers with their goals to remain independent and to preserve their quality of life. I learned first-hand the physical challenges of aging and the drive to maintain independence while navigating the “systems.” The vulnerability of seniors, the healing of relationships that are possible, and all the difference a loving hand can make to seniors and their families.

Michael: I understand you won an award from O Magazine for you website AgingPro.com, tell me a little about that.

Dr. Mathieu: In the April issue of O(prah) Magazine, I saw a contest – “What is your dream for changing the world? If you want to lead and have an original idea about how you can contribute to our world, we’re going to help you make that happen.”

I sent in my vision for creating AgingPro.com, and out of 3,200 applicants, was 1 of 80 women chosen as a winner!

My vision is to create a website that informs, empowers, and inspires caregivers of the elderly and professionals in aging.  This website, AgingPro.com, is a the national one-stop destination for eldercare – delivering the most comprehensive set of caregiving tools, resources, community support, information and access to professionals in aging available anywhere.