Wise & Healthy Aging

03/20/2026

Wishing a Happy Nowruz to all who celebrate! Our Adult Day Center and WISE Minds clients learned about the Persian New Year and partook in some of its delightful traditions!

03/20/2026

Coming up Tuesday at The Club: Digital Tools for Brain Health! Explore digital tools and resources to support habits that can help you stay sharp. Learn about wearable devices, engaging websites, informative podcasts, and more!

Presented by Independence at Home, a SCAN Community Service, this program will be held on March 24 from 1:30-2:30pm at 1527 4th Street in Santa Monica.

Call us at (310) 394-9871 or visit MyActiveCenter.com to sign up.

03/19/2026

Coming up this Tuesday, March 24 from 10am to 12:30pm at The Club: FREE 1-on-1 Digital Coaching for older adults, presented by Independence at Home, a SCAN Community Service!

Sign up for a 30-minute, one-on-one session with a digital coach (in English or Spanish) and receive guidance on how to use your cell phone, tablet, or laptop, plus connect to other affordable resources.

To reserve an appointment, email theclub@wiseandhealthyaging.org or call (310) 394-9871.

03/18/2026

Today is St. Patrick's Day and, as you can see, clients and staff alike dressed for the occasion! Wishing you a Happy St. Paddy's Day!☘️

03/16/2026

We still have some spots remaining for our Craftsmen & Confections day trip, which is coming up next Thursday, March 26 and sure to be a delight! Spend the day with The Club and tour the incredible home and workshop of Sam Maloof, woodworker and master craftsman, discovering exquisite handcrafted furniture and an extensive collection of art. Lunch at the Old Spaghetti Factory and an ice cream treat from an old-fashioned shop are both included.

Sign up via MyActiveCenter.com or give us a call at (310) 394-9871.

03/14/2026

WISE staff across various departments were thrilled to attend the 2026 USC Judith D. Tamkin International Symposium on Elder Abuse, where WISE’s own Rachel Tate, LCSW, Vice President, Ombudsman Services (Los Angeles County), received the Georgia J. Anetzberger Award recognizing individuals who have produced, or demonstrated the potential to produce, excellence in research, policy, and/or practice in the field of elder abuse.

Rachel has led groundbreaking practice innovations as the vice-president of Ombudsman Services at Wise & Healthy Aging. With oversight of the Long-term care Ombudsman Program in Los Angeles County, she is an educator, trainer, role model, and leader, who has paved the path for many in this arena to better serve older adults in long-term care. Rachel spearheaded the creation of the first multidisciplinary team dedicated to addressing systemic improvement in long-term care facilities and has contributed to research initiatives in long-term care facilities. In the wake of the Eaton Canyon fire, Rachel marshalled community efforts to provide shelter, food, and necessities for residents who were evacuated from their facilities. She has improved the lives and outcomes of numerous older adults.

During the Symposium, Rachel also presented on “Breaking Down Barriers: Leveraging Partnerships and Understanding to Improve Long-Term Care.”

03/12/2026

Tax season has long been a prime time for scammers — and today, many are using artificial intelligence (AI) to make their schemes more convincing. Older adults are often targeted because scammers are betting that they have savings, steady income, or may be less tech savvy.

But unlike the typical scams of yester-year, AI technology allows scammers to get far more personal on a vastly larger scale using highly realistic emails, text messages, and phone calls that appear to come from the Internal Revenue Service. Scams range from the use of voice-cloning technology to sound like a government official or directing a person to fake tax preparation websites that steal personal information.

Protect Yourself
- Don't click on links in unexpected tax-related messages.
- Hang up on callers who demand immediate payment or threaten arrest.
- Verify concerns by contacting the IRS directly through its official website, IRS.gov.
- Never share your Social Security number, bank details, or Medicare information with an unsolicited caller.

"Remember, pause before responding if something feels urgent or threatening. Scammers rely on fear and pressure. Taking a moment to verify can protect your identity, your finances, and your peace of mind," said Miles McNeeley, Vice President, Elder Abuse Prevention at WISE.

To learn more about AI scams, check out Miles' article, "AI and the New Age of Fraud," in WISE's Relevant! Westside Guide for the 50+: https://issuu.com/wiseandhealthyaging/docs/relevant_-westside-guide-2026/56

03/12/2026

MAPS Charities’ 2026 Community Service Award Luncheon was this past Friday, March 6 at the Skirball Cultural Center. The event honored Professional Senior Advocates and featured a Fireside Chat with Special Guest Rick Caruso, pictured here with WISE’s own Anat Louis, PsyD, Vice President, Care Management.

03/11/2026

If you were displaced by the L.A. fires, WISE is offering up to two months of free care for your older loved one with memory loss. Our Adult Day Center provides a safe environment with stimulating, enjoyable activities facilitated by trained and caring multi-lingual staff. Our Adult Day program also allows caregivers to work, tend to other tasks, or take a much-needed break, knowing their loved one is safe. For more information, or to schedule a complimentary day, please call (310) 394-9871, ext. 482.

03/10/2026

Sharing some photos from our recent “Victorian Charm” day trip out to Redlands, including a visit to the delightful Kimberly Crest Mansion, a formal “tea” lunch at Martha Green’s, and a tasty trip to Logan’s Candies!

To learn about upcoming day trips, visit wiseandhealthyaging.org/adventure. Trips will be added as they are scheduled!

03/08/2026

Our WISE Ombudsman team was out in force to help assist the relocation of the residents in four unlicensed facilities when the operators were arrested for elder abuse and fraud.

Several elderly patients were rescued in Carson, where investigators say a couple was operating multiple unlicensed facilities. That couple has now been arrested on accusations of elder abuse and fraud.

03/06/2026

Join WISE's Cancer Support Group for individuals navigating a cancer diagnosis. Not only will you find emotional support from others who understand, but you will get practical tips for coping with treatment and life changes. Meets in-person every other Thursday, from 10am to 11:30am. Call (310) 394-9871, ext. 289 for more information.