February is a bonanza month for programs intended to help us plan and prepare for a good old age

Woodrow Wilson once said, “Wisdom doesn’t necessarily come with age. Sometimes age just shows up all by itself.”

What happened to the older is wiser theory?

When I was young my father defined wisdom as the combination of experience, knowledge and good judgment. I am sure he was hoping that I would latch on to wisdom at some point in my adulthood.

Parents may have warned us, and teachers may have lectured us, but most of the time it took the school of hard knocks to teach us life lessons in our growing up years.

It’s been my experience, though, that one of the advantages of getting older is that we have a greater willingness to learn from the experience of others.

I think that’s why I see so many seniors at local programs. The road to a long, healthy and happy life has been less traveled, and many of us are searching for that right path.

February is a bonanza month for programs intended to help us plan and prepare for a good old age.

Eat, Play, Sleep: Healthy Senior Living focuses on lifestyle choices that lead to happier, healthier lives.

Looking to live a vital life? Come to this program to discover ways to rethink your future. Specialists in life planning, nutrition, play and sleep will provide wisdom for healthy living.

This is the eighth in a popular, often sold-out series of forums offered by the Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation.

The program will be from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wed., Feb. 1 at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, 5801 Kanan Road, Westlake Village.

Doors and exhibits open at 8:45 a.m. Admission is free, but seating is limited, so call for reservations at (818) 880-1054 or email info@clvff.org.

Self Assess Your Driving Ability: Hosted by the ever popular Betty Berry of Senior Concerns, this program showcases the tools and skills you need to continue to be a safe driver. If you are wondering if you or someone you love should still be driving, this is a must-see program.

The presentation will begin at 1:30 p.m. Wed., Feb. 8 at the Westlake Civic Center, 31200 E. Oak Crest Drive, Westlake Village. No reservations are required. For information, call (805) 495-6250.

How to Choose a Senior Community: What to ask, what to look for and when is it the right time? This seminar for seniors and their families will showcase a panel of professionals to talk you through what’s ahead. In particular, join them to learn the ABCs of senior living terminology, including “bundled services,” “points versus level of care,” “memory care” and “move-in criteria.”

The program will begin at 11 a.m. Sat., Feb. 11 at The Reserve at Thousand Oaks, 3575 N. Moorpark Road. Seating is limited, so call (805) 492-2471 for reservations. Ask for Annette and leave a message with name, phone number and number of people attending, or email abroersma@leisurecare.com. Refreshments will be served.

The Loneliness of a Caregiver, featuring Dr. Lisa Hayden: Caregiving, especially for a loved one with dementia, can be a very isolating experience. In scientific studies, loneliness was the most important factor predicting low quality of life among caregivers, including a loss of self and significantly higher levels of depression.

If you are a caregiver and are experiencing loneliness, this program is for you. Hayden will offer tips and techniques to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, and to get the help you need to take care of you.

This presentation is offered from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tues., Feb. 14 at Senior Concerns, 401 Hodencamp Road, Thousand Oaks. Light refreshments will be served.

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