RSF Senior Scene: Lecture series to feature ‘Life Lessons from the Great Books’

By Terrie Litwin, RSF Senior Center, executive director

Mark Your Calendar

During the month of August, beginning Friday, Aug. 3, at 2 p.m., the Senior Center will offer a weekly, DVD format, Great Courses lecture series. The title of the series is “Life Lessons from the Great Books,” with lectures by Professor J. Rufus Fears, a master storyteller and celebrated professor at the University of Oklahoma. Throughout his career, Professor Fears has won 25 teaching awards, including the Medal for Excellence in College and University Teaching from the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. During these lectures, he presents his choices of some of the most essential writings in history and how the underlying ideas of each great work can enhance our lives. This class will meet Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31, at 2 p.m. Reservations are not required.

Protect Yourself from Scams and Identity Theft

It is estimated that there are 1,000,000 cases of older adult financial fraud and exploitation in the U.S. each year, with only one in four cases actually reported. Seniors average one “scam type” letter and two telemarketing calls each week. Considering the increasing numbers of seniors and the growing number of scams, the potential for abuse is staggering.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, seniors are often targeted for fraud for several reasons. Older Americans are more likely to have a “nest egg,” own their home, or have an excellent credit rating. Scam artists focus their efforts on the group of people most likely to be in a position to purchase something. Another factor making seniors an attractive target is that they are less likely to report a suspected fraud either because they do not know where to report it or because they are embarrassed to have been taken advantage of.

Also, older adults are less likely to remember details of interactions and may not be able to supply enough information to authorities to assist with identifying and prosecuting the perpetrator. Complicating this is the fact that often, victims do not know for weeks or even months that they have been victimized making remembering details more difficult. The best way to avoid becoming a victim of fraud is to be alert to potential crimes so that you can learn how to protect yourself. Please join us at the Senior Center on Wednesday, Aug. 8, at 10 a.m. for “ Scams, Schemes, and Identity Theft,” presented by Henry Tirado, Crime Prevention Specialist with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.

Rancho San Café

Resumes, Thursday, Aug. 2

10:30 a.m. at the Senior Center

Reservations are not required!

Free Blood Pressure Screening

Thursday, July 26

9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Senior Center

Reservations are not required!