In this uplifting episode of The Senior Scoop, hosts Deborah and Kelsey Samuel sit down with two Santa Barbara fitness experts who help seniors stay strong, mobile, and confident at any age.

First, Justin Randolph, founder of Sol Seek Yoga, shares how yoga, mindful breathing, and gentle movement improve bone strength, mobility, and pain relief — even for beginners.

Then, Natasha Caleel, owner of Sage Society Fitness & Wellness, explains why learning proper technique transforms confidence, balance, and functional strength for seniors returning to exercise after years away.

Together, they break down what movement really means in later life — not extreme flexibility or heavy lifting, but sustainable habits that keep the body supported and the mind empowered.

🏡 Key Topics Covered:

• 00:00 Introductions — why movement matters for healthy aging
• 02:10 Yoga for bone strength, mobility, and arthritis relief (Justin)
• 05:20 Balance, flexibility, and small movements that make a big impact
• 08:00 Breathwork and mindfulness to interrupt the pain–stress cycle
• 11:45 How strength training builds confidence in seniors (Natasha)
• 14:10 Breaking movements down: learning the “why” behind every exercise
• 16:45 Rebuilding trust in the body after years of inactivity
• 19:20 Moving safely — from first-time exercisers to former athletes
• 21:40 Encouragement, community, and building routines that last

Whether you’re curious about yoga, strength training, or simply staying active as you age, this episode is filled with practical, motivating guidance.

In this deeply meaningful episode of The Senior Scoop, hosts Deborah and Kelsey Samuel talk with Maritza Torres-Benitez, Bilingual Community Liaison at Hospice of Santa Barbara. Together, they explore how honest conversations about advance care planning can bring peace, clarity, and empowerment to families at every stage of life.

Maritza shares how Hospice of Santa Barbara provides free bilingual workshops that help people complete important documents like advance directives, while offering compassionate guidance to ensure families feel supported — emotionally, culturally, and legally.

🏡 Key Topics Covered:

00:00 Understanding what makes Hospice of Santa Barbara unique — a non-medical model built on compassion and community collaboration

02:07 What “advance care planning” really means and why it’s important for everyone, not just seniors

04:47 Breaking down the “Five Wishes” and “POLST” forms — how to make clear medical choices before a crisis

07:23 Inside the bilingual workshops — how education, notaries, and family conversations empower the community

10:49 Addressing myths and cultural taboos about death, legacy, and health decisions in Latino families

14:32 Why planning ahead brings peace — and how it allows families to grieve without added stress

18:10 Choosing your healthcare agent wisely and keeping your documents updated through life’s changes

22:03 Volunteer opportunities — how the community can get involved and make a difference

This episode is a heartfelt reminder that preparing for the future is not about fear — it’s about love, dignity, and ensuring your voice is heard.

📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring episodes on community leadership, senior life, and compassionate care.

💬 Share your thoughts in the comments — have you had “the talk” about end-of-life wishes with your loved ones?

📞 Connect with Hospice of Santa Barbara:

🌐 www.hospiceofsb.org

📱 (805) 563-8820

From bladder leaks to confidence and strength — this week’s episode of The Senior Scoop tackles one of the most misunderstood topics in senior wellness: pelvic health.

Hosts Deborah and Kelsey Samuel sit down with Natalie Hickenbotham, licensed physical therapist and pelvic floor specialist at Heart of Gold Physical Therapy, to discuss how awareness, movement, and small daily habits can make a life-changing difference.

Whether you’re a man or woman, this conversation will help you understand your body better and take simple steps toward comfort and control.

🏡 Key Topics Covered:

00:00 Welcome & introduction — why pelvic health matters for aging well

02:15 Understanding what the pelvic floor is and why it’s central to whole-body function

04:10 Patient story: how physical therapy helps where surgery used to be the only option

05:10 Behavioral strategies — how caffeine, alcohol, and hydration impact bladder health

07:25 Managing urgency and incontinence with mindful breathing and body awareness

09:15 Practicing pelvic contractions and how to engage your “core from the floor”

14:00 How ultrasound helps visualize pelvic floor movement and progress

15:35 Differences in pelvic structure and training for men vs. women

18:00 Pelvic therapy for prostate surgery recovery and why men need it too

24:40 Constipation, bowel health, and why posture on the toilet matters

28:00 The “teacher bladder” effect — how stress and rushing affect emptying

34:10 Vaginal estrogen and its crucial role in menopause and urinary health

36:00 Closing insights — empowering seniors to take control of their health

If you’ve ever thought pelvic issues are “just part of aging,” this episode will change that mindset. Natalie reminds us that control, comfort, and dignity are possible at every stage of life.

📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful health conversations.

💬 Share your thoughts in the comments — what’s one small habit you’d like to change for better wellness?

👩‍⚕️ To learn more about Natalie’s work, visit Heart of Gold Physical Therapy in Santa Barbara.