Events - Month View

Do you wonder how Social Security calculates your benefits and how to verify them? Can you collect benefits based on your former spouse’s earnings? Or perhaps you’re struggling to decide when to start taking Social Security, at age 62, 65, or 70? Join SSG Specialist, Evan Press, Certified Financial Educator, to learn the answers to these and other important questions that could increase your lifetime benefits by tens of thousands of dollars, or save you thousands in taxes.

Learn the basics of decluttering and downsizing, and explore the types of placement services available. Facilitated by SSG Specialists, Danielle Jackson, Senior Real Estate Specialist, Jay Minor, Senior Placement Specialist, and Sharilin Peters, Founder of Pack My Parents.

The holidays can stir up both joy and heartache — memories, changes, and expectations all mixed together. This session with SSG Specialist Annie Charles, CPCC, CSA invites you to slow down, breathe, and rediscover the true gifts of the season: presence, connection, and meaning. Together we’ll explore practical ways to stay uplifted, simplify traditions, and nurture joy through small, mindful choices.

Loss isn’t just about what’s missing, but about what mattered. In a culture that rushes us to move on, we often skip the most essential parts of healing—allowing ourselves to fully feel, honor, and integrate our grief. This discussion group with SSG Specialist, Stephen Carmody, Vice President of Community Relations at MD Care Hospice, offers a safe, compassionate space to share experiences, find support, and move toward peace and meaning on your healing journey.

Please join us for the SSG Chapter meeting on Tuesday, December 2nd from 4:30pm - 6:00pm hosted by Northridge Valley Senior Living, 8700 Lindley Ave, Northridge 91325.

This gentle practice of yoga can be done while sitting or standing with the support of a chair, reducing the risk of falls or strain. Chair yoga helps improve flexibility, boosts balance and stability, and lowers the the risk of injuries. Beyond the physical benefits, chair yoga helps reduce stress, enhance mental clarity, and promote overall well-being. Join us for a rejuvenating session led by SSG Specialist, Sally Hartinian, Yoga Expert.

Join SSG Specialists, Carol Pilkington, CSA, Spiritual Counselor, Gabriel Ostrow of Senior Home Transitional Services, Doris Ford Certified Medicare Specialist, and Annie Charles, Personal Growth Coach for an open discussion and activities on key topics to live an enjoyable, rewarding, and meaningful quality of life. Topics will include how to make peace with yourself and others, find joy within, and “what living with grace” looks like for you. We will discuss how to draw from our life experiences & perspectives to move through difficult times with relationships and how to change behaviors & develop more positive thinking and productive action to stay socially connected.

Join us for a monthly caregiver support group hosted by Clearwater at South Bay and facilitated by SSG South Bay member Blanca Nazareth, LCSW. This meeting is open to anyone in the community who would like to discuss challenges related to caring for aging loved ones as well as discover resources and education regarding aging issues.

This is the fifth and final session in a five-part series. The more caregivers know about the disease and what to expect, the more prepared they will be for future changes and care decisions. Learn why it’s important to plan ahead for care transitions, and explore available resources and support services — including respite care, long-term care, and end-of-life options.

Join SSG Specialist, Chef Shirrell “Chef Chi” Edey, Owner & Executive Chef, for an inspiring and interactive session on nutrition and healthy aging. Discover practical tips for living well, explore fresh ideas for everyday nutrition, and learn how to stay balanced as we prepare for the holidays and special celebrations.

Discover the fundamentals of Tai Chi and how it promotes successful aging and fall prevention. Join SSG Specialist, Susan Layfield, PT, DPT, MS, OCS, Certified Tai Chi Instructor as she explores how Tai Chi connects the body and mind to reduce stress, relieve pain, and enhance strength and cognitive focus.

Join us for our monthly Senior Specialists Group meeting. Build new relationships and business partnerships with other qualified professionals serving the senior community.

Join SSG Specialist, Michael Barrett an Independent Insurance Professional, for a clear and insightful discussion on how long-term care insurance can safeguard your income, assets, and loved ones from the rising costs of extended care not covered by health insurance or Medicare. Michael will break down how these policies work, the different types available, and why planning early is essential for long-term financial security and peace of mind.

In collaboration with UCLA Health, the Foundation for Senior Services presents a program with Gabriela Sauder, MD (Geriatric Medicine). Social connection is as vital to health as exercise and nutrition, yet many older adults experience increasing isolation. SSG Specialist, Carol Pilkington, CSA, Spiritual Counselor, will join Dr. Sauder for a discussion on the physical and mental health impacts of loneliness and what current science reveals about meaningful connection. We will also share practical strategies to stay socially engaged, strengthen relationships, and build a supportive network that promotes vibrant, independent living.

Grief is the experience of coping with loss that can really disrupt or challenge our sense of normalcy and self. With that being said, you do not need grief alone. In this safe and confidential group, participants will have opportunity to share feelings and experiences and gain insight as we explore and process our grief in community. This current group is open to all grievers, and facilitated by SSG Specialist, Stefanie Elkins, family caregiver consultant and end of life doula with Be Present Care.

This gentle practice of yoga can be done while sitting or standing with the support of a chair, reducing the risk of falls or strain. Chair yoga helps improve flexibility, boosts balance and stability, and lowers the the risk of injuries. Beyond the physical benefits, chair yoga helps reduce stress, enhance mental clarity, and promote overall well-being. Join us for a rejuvenating session led by SSG Specialist, Sally Hartinian, Yoga Expert.

Loss isn’t just about what’s missing, but about what mattered. In a culture that rushes us to move on, we often skip the most essential parts of healing—allowing ourselves to fully feel, honor, and integrate our grief. This discussion group with SSG Specialist, Carol Pilkington, CSA, Spiritual Counselor, offers a safe, compassionate space to share experiences, find support, and move toward peace and meaning on your healing journey.

Join SSG Specialists, Jennifer Weintraub, Senior Living Advisor/Owner of Assisted Living Locators, Jill Love, Senior Care Consultant & Geriatric Care Manager, and Grace G. St. Clair, Esq., Estate Planning Attorney, as they explore the key reasons why conflicts often arise among family members when planning for aging loved ones. Learn effective communication strategies, mediation techniques for navigating differing perspectives, and how to create compassionate, consensus-driven action plans.

Join us for an open discussion in a safe environment as we explore the challenges of aging and caregiving. Facilitated by SSG Specialists, Buzz Brown of Spiritual Care Ministries, and Carol Pilkington, CSA, Spiritual Counselor.

While the holidays are often filled with sharing, laughter, and memories, a person living with Alzheimer‘s or another dementia may feel a special sense of loss. Come listen for tips and ideas for safely enjoying time with family and friends during the holidays with SSG Specialist, Catherine Koetters of the Alzheimer‘s Association.

Eating nutritious food keeps us energized and ready to take on each day! As the holiday season rolls in, with celebrations and tempting treats everywhere, let’s make sure we enjoy it all while staying healthy. Join our SSG Specialist, Kenny Ossen, CSA, as he shares practical tools and tips on how to indulge mindfully and make smart food choices without missing out on the festive fun!

Don’t be a victim! Empower yourself with the knowledge to prevent scams and fraud by learning how to spot red flags, outsmart common scams targeting older adults, and protect what matters most. Join SSG Specialist, Stephen Carmody, Vice President of Community Relations at MD Care Hospice, as he shares practical tips and best practices to help keep you senior-safe and cyber-secure. Stay protected, stay confident, and don’t miss this essential session!

This “age well” discussion group is facilitated by SSG Specialist, Carol Pilkington, CSA, Spiritual Counselor, where seniors can come together in a welcoming place to discuss everyday topics. From personal experiences to current events, the focus is on shared, relatable subject matters, intentionally steering clear of issues that tend to spark strong divisions. Participants are encouraged to share thoughts and listen to one another with respect and empathy.

This gentle practice of yoga can be done while sitting or standing with the support of a chair, reducing the risk of falls or strain. Chair yoga helps improve flexibility, boosts balance and stability, and lowers the the risk of injuries. Beyond the physical benefits, chair yoga helps reduce stress, enhance mental clarity, and promote overall well-being. Join us for a rejuvenating session led by SSG Specialist, Sally Hartinian, Yoga Expert.

As part of our ongoing Disaster Recovery Series, join SSG Specialists in this session to explore spiritual practices and perspectives that help you stay rooted during times of uncertainty. Gain guidance to deepen your connection with self, spirit, and meaning. All are welcome

Join SSG Specialist, Xavier Figueroa, U.S. Marine Veteran and Founder of LA Trash Junkers, who will guide attendees through the programs, financial assistance, and healthcare options available to senior veterans and their families. This talk offers practical advice and expert insight to help veterans access the support they’ve earned through their service.

Join SSG Specialist, Buzz Brown of Spiritual Care Ministries, in a group designed as a safe, respectful space where each individual‘s journey is honored. Conversations include topics such as “Combatting Depression and Loneliness”, “Transforming Grief into Wisdom”, “Understanding the Grief Indicators”, and “Honoring the Memories while Healing the Heart”. Participants are invited to share their experiences at their own pace, whether just beginning to process a loss or have been living with it for years.