Resources

Click here to visit the official Thrive55+ Active Living Center website.

Enhanced Benefits Checkup Counseling is BACK!!

Senior Resources Enhanced Benefits Checkup Coordinator, Lori Napolitano will be taking appointments here at Groton Senior Center twice a month on Tuesdays the following dates:

  • Screenings are appropriate for those seeking State/Federal Program assistance as well as Medicare Counseling.
  • Clients can be scheduled regardless of where they live in CT.  If an appointment is not available at the town they reside, clients will can schedule at another location.
  • Clients must come prepared for their appointment. Failure to come prepared impacts the client negatively.

Call 860-441-6785 to schedule.

TRANSPORTATION

As a rider on the Thrive 55+ transportation, the center provides a low cost ride to medical appointments and shopping for recommended $2 donation.

Transportation Information page

 

 

 

 

    May is Mental Health Awareness Month

    May is Mental Health Awareness Month

    Mental health is wealth, especially during Mental Health Awareness Month—May. The stigma around mental health and treatment has long existed, even though this has started to change. Still, people hesitate to seek help or even talk about it with their loved ones for fear of being judged and facing unnecessary backlash. Simple logic dictates that if we are hurt anywhere, we must seek treatment to get better. This applies to both our mental- and physical well-being. Let us know how we can help!

    Check out Groton DEI Collaboration online at the Town of Groton website under RESIDENTS at https://www.groton-ct.gov/residents/dei/committee.php

     

    FROM THE DESK OF MARY JO RILEY- THRIVE55+ SUPERVISOR

    Breath in That Fresh Air
    Now that we are experience that warmer spring weather, have you thought about taking
    your activities outdoors again? During Covid, Thrive55+ staff did many programs
    planned for the outdoors and we encouraged everyone to get outside. Why are we still
    doing that? Check out the five reasons below:
    • Lowers your blood pressure and reduces stress — Spending time walking among or
    simply looking at trees lowers blood pressure and reduces the stress-related hormones cortisol and adrenaline.
    • Improves mood — Researchers have found that nature simply makes us happy. Anxiety, depression and anger
    are notably decreased after spending time outdoors.
    • Improves focus — Studies show that both adults and children who have difficulties focusing or controlling
    impulses are better able to concentrate after being in nature. The natural world allows our brains to take a
    break from all that mentally drains us, and even reduces symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
    (ADHD).
    • Supports graceful aging — According to a study in the Journal of Aging and Health, adults over 70 who spent
    time outdoors experienced fewer sleep difficulties, complained less about aches and pains, and enjoyed
    improved mobility and ability to perform daily activities.
    • Helps us heal quicker — Illness and surgery can be painful and frightening, which can increase stress and slow
    healing. However, researchers discovered that patients who spent time outdoors during their recovery required
    fewer painkillers, had fewer complications and experienced shorter hospital stays.

    Now read through Discover 55+ and look for our outdoor programs like the OATs program, Tai Chi which goes
    outdoors in good weather, Sunset Serenades, Club 55+ Flea Market and more. So breath in that fresh air and get
    the benefits of being outdoors!

    Active Living EXPO- Wednesday, May 11th

    Our ever popular ACTIVE LIVING EXPO is taking place this year on Wednesday, May 11th 10 am to 1 pm.  This is FREE and open to anyone to attend!

    TECHNOLOGY HELP FOR YOU

    TECHNOLOGY HELP FOR YOU
    Need help with your laptop, tablet, smart phone? Maybe you just need a refresher in
    Excel or need a little reminder with your Mac? We have you covered! Let us know what
    your need is and we will match you up with one of our awesome Technology Center
    volunteers.
    We do ONE-ON-ONE appointments for anyone 55 and older. We listen to your needs
    and work at your pace. We have added to our amazing volunteerswe have several new
    faces who can help with various technology needs. Please call so we can best match you
    up and schedule an appointment- you are important to us. Please call 860-445-1057 to
    make an appointment in person or virtually with our GSC Technology Center.
    TECH TALK program –
    join us for weekly insights on current Tech trends – Thursdays at 9 am. Drop in!

    MAY VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH– BARBARA WINKLER

    In memory of Barbara Winkler; we would like to honor her as our May
    Volunteer of the Month. Barbara was often smiling and willing to pitch in
    wherever. She was actively involved in our center for many years, starting
    as a Recreational Assistant, then in her retirement enjoying the types of
    activities she once coordinated.

    She held several offices on the Club 55 board – Treasurer and Secretary
    and was on and off the board for the past 25 years. She also enjoyed Mah
    Jong and crochet with a group. She adventured and traveled with the
    center on numerous day and overnight trips. As seen here from March
    2019, she attended many of the center’s and Club 55’s events.
    She started her lifetime of service to her community as a Red Cross
    volunteer after graduating from the University of Connecticut. She served
    as the Northeast Regional President of the Navy Wives Club of America,
    and went on to retire as Executive Director of the Navy Relief Society of
    Connecticut.

    Barbara will fondly be remembered by everyone at the center. She was
    well liked and respected by many. We appreciate Barbara for all of her
    years that she gave to the center as a dedicated volunteer.

    Celebration of Life for Barbara will be held Friday, May 6th 1-3 pm by
    her family here at THRIVE55+ in our main room. Friends are welcome.