Category: Resources

Online Activities: November 16-20, 2020

Posted on October 28, 2020 by Lisbon

Monday, November 16, 2020

9:30am Intro to Tai Chi, to register email Kcaramanica@easthartfordct.gov, one week in advance

10:30 Beginner Tai Chi , to register email Kcaramanica@easthartfordct.gov, one week in advance

11:00 am Yoga to register email asaada@cromwellct.com

1:00 pm Quilting to register email cromwellseniorcenter41@gmail.com

1:00pm Virtual Games, to register as an individual or

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

9:00 am Tai Chi to register email cromwellseniorcenter41@gmail.com

10:30am Quilter’s Workshop, to register call 203-312-5665 or email seniorcenter@newfairfield.org
11:00 am Money Tips to register call 860-632-3447

1:00 am Genealogy, to register email agrace@trumbull-ct.gov

1:00 pm Share Photos on IPhones,
to register email

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

11:00 am Yoga to register email asaada@cromwellct.com

1:00pm Art Class to register email cromwellseniorcenter41@gmail.com

1:00 pm Art Talks from Around the World to register email one week prior, senior@granby-ct.gov

2:00 Wellness Wednesday-Coping with the Pandemic, to register email agrace@trumbull-ct.gov

Thursday, November 19, 2020

9:00 am Tai Chi to register email cromwellseniorcenter41@gmail.com

1:00pm Bingo, to register call 860-589-7895

1:00 pm Windows 10 & Internet Security, to register email amy.miller@wethersfieldct.gov or call 860-721-2979.

Friday, November 20, 2020

11:00 am Yoga to register email asaada@cromwellct.com

12-1:30 pm Lifelong Learning, the Great Tours. To register email norma.carey@glastonbury-ct.gov

12:00 pm Gen Silent-Stories of Older LGBT adults. To register visit https://aarp.cvent.com/GenSilent1120

1:00 pm Bingo, to register email floodmh@mansfieldct.org

Online Activities: November 9-13, 2020

Posted on October 28, 2020 by Lisbon

Monday, November 9, 2020

9:30am Intro to Tai Chi, to register email Kcaramanica@easthartfordct.gov, one week in advance

10:30 Beginner Tai Chi , to register email Kcaramanica@easthartfordct.gov, one week in advance

11:00 am Yoga to register email asaada@cromwellct.com

1:00 pm Quilting
to register email cromwellseniorcenter41@gmail.com

1:00pm Sing A Long, to register email floodmh@mansfieldct.org

1:00pm Virtual Games, to register as an individual or team email norma.carey@glastonbury-ct.gov

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

9:00 am Tai Chi to register email cromwellseniorcenter41@gmail.com

11:00am Medicare Do’s and Don’t’s To register call 203-272-8286 or email lgravel@cheshirect.org

1:00 pm Why She Plays-the World of Women’s Basketball. to register email one week prior, senior@granby-ct.gov

1:00 om Edit Photos on the iPhone, to register emailamy.miller@wethersfieldct.gov or call 860-721-2979.

3:00 pm Trivia, To register email floodmh@mansfieldct.org

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

11:00 am Yoga to register email asaada@cromwellct.com

12:00 pm Nutrition & the Anti Inflammatory Diet, to register call Hartford Healthcare at 1-855-442-4373

1:00 Virtual Patriotic Music Performance with Song Bird Judy Hall

1:00pm Art Class to register email cromwellseniorcenter41@gmail.com

2:00pm Energize your Home, to register email agrace@trumbull-ct.gov

2:30 on Wellness Wednesdays-Seasonal Affective Disorder, to register email susan.gouin@southwindsor-ct.gov

Thursday, November 12, 2020

9:00 am Tai Chi to register email cromwellseniorcenter41@gmail.com

10:00 am Preventing Falls Around the Home with Jeff Piscatelli from Care One Security. To register email
seniorcenter@oldlyme-ct.gov

10:00am Estate Planning, To register call 203-272-8286 or email lgravel@cheshirect.org

1:00pm Bingo, to register call 860-589-7895

Friday, November 13, 2020

11:00 am Yoga to register email asaada@cromwellct.com

11:15am Trial of the Century Nuremberg with historian Mark Albertson, to register email agrace@trumbullct-.gov

12-1:30 pm Lifelong Learning, the Great Tours. To register email norma.carey@glastonbury-ct.gov

1:00 pm Bingo, to register email floodmh@mansfieldct.org

1:15 pm Community Yoga , to register email lgravel@cheshirect.org or call 203-272-8286

Online Activities: November 2-6, 2020

Posted on October 28, 2020 by Lisbon

Monday, November 2, 2020

9:30am Intro to Tai Chi, to register email Kcaramanica@easthartfordct.gov, one week in advance

10:30 Beginner Tai Chi , to register email Kcaramanica@easthartfordct.gov, one week in advance

11:00 am Yoga to register email asaada@cromwellct.com

1:00pm Sing A Long, to register email floodmh@mansfieldct.org

1:00 pm Quilting to register email cromwellseniorcenter41@gmail.com

1:00pm Virtual Games, to register as an individual or team email norma.carey@glastonbury-ct.gov

1:00 pm Passport in Place, to register email cromwellseniorcenter41@gmail.com

6:00 pm Reflections Café a virtual social gathering for people with mild memory loss, cognitive loss or dementia. To register call 203-272-8286 or email lgravel@cheshirect.org

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

Election Day-Vote

9:00 am Tai Chi to register email cromwellseniorcenter41@gmail.com

10:00am American History, Did you Know?
to register email one week prior, senior@granby-ct.gov

1-2:00 pm Passport in Place. To register email cromwellseniorcenter41@gmail.com

1:00 pm Intro to Photos on IPhones, to register email amy.miller@wethersfieldct.gov or call 860-721-2979.

1:00pm Heart Healthy Behaviors
To register call 1-855-442-4373 or visit HartfordHealthCare.org/Events

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

10:00am You have Choices-Medicare, to register visit www.seniorresources.org

11:00 am Yoga to register email asaada@cromwellct.com

11:00am Fall Prevention to register email cromwellseniorcenter41@gmail.com

1:00pm Art Class to register email cromwellseniorcenter41@gmail.com

2:30 on Wellness Wednesdays-Seasonal Affective Disorder, to register email susan.gouin@southwindsor-ct.gov

Thursday, November 5, 2020

9:00 am Tai Chi to register email cromwellseniorcenter41@gmail.com

10:00 am Coffee & Conversation with Bob Maxon, to register email one week prior, senior@granby-ct.gov

10:00 Medicare Savings & the Low Income Subsidy Programs. To register visit www.seniorresources.org

10:45 Home Safety & Fall Reduction. To register call 203-272-8286 or email lgravel@cheshirect.org

1:00pm Bingo, to register call 860-589-7895

3:00 pm The Secure Act and Cares Act Webinar, to register email cromwellseniorcenter41@gmail.com

Friday, November 6, 2020

11:00 am Yoga to register email asaada@cromwellct.com

12-1:30 pm Lifelong Learning, the Great Tours. To register email norma.carey@glastonbury-ct.gov

1:00pm Medicare Open Enrollment, to register email amy.miller@wethersfieldct.gov or call 860-272-2979

1:00 pm Bingo, to register email floodmh@mansfieldct.org

1:15 pm Community Yoga , to register email lgravel@cheshirect.org or call 203-272-8286

2:00 pm American History Lecture Mexican American War Part 1 with Jared Day, PhD, to register email seniorcenter@oldlyme-ct.gov

Information: Step It Up & Stay Active for So Many Reasons

Posted on October 28, 2020 by Lisbon

 

Step It Up & Stay Active for So Many Reasons

According to the Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Summary Report:

Physically active individuals sleep better, feel better, and function better.

Physical activity improves cognition, including memory, processing speed, attention, and academic performance. Regular physical activity reduces depressive symptoms among people with and without clinical depression, reduces anxiety and increases perceived quality of life.

Physical activity improves physical function among individuals of all ages. This reduces risk of falls and fall-related injuries and increases the ability to maintain independence.

Some benefits happen immediately. Reduced blood pressure, improved insulin sensitivity, improved sleep, reduced anxiety symptoms, and improved cognition can be seen on the first day of physical activity and continue to improve with continued activity.

Physical activity reduces the risk of many diseases and conditions.

• Prevents or minimizes excessive weight gain in adults, maintenance within a healthy range, and prevents obesity.

• Reduces the risk of dementia and improves other aspects of cognitive function.

• Reduces the risk of falls and fall-related injuries.

• Reduces the risk of breast, colon, bladder, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, lung, and stomach cancers.

• Reduces the risk of developing a new chronic condition and progression of an existing chronic condition.

The benefits of physical activity can be achieved in a variety of ways. Every minute of activity counts and any increase in activity from you do currently is helpful. Pick several activities that you would enjoy: Walking, Gardening, Pickleball, Dancing, Cycling, Swimming or any form of moving are all excellent! If mobility is an issue, do chair-based activities, moving what you can through arm motions or leg marches. Find lots of tips and ideas through National Institute of Health’s Go4Life program https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-physical-activity or join a LiveWell class near you or by phone through contacting Senior Resources!

Information: Staying Liquid for Healthy Aging

Posted on October 28, 2020 by Lisbon

Staying Liquid for Healthy Aging

Our current times have required us all to find a new level of flexibility in keeping up with changing recommendations. Through all of this, our bodies fluid needs have probably stayed about the same and keeping them at the correct levels is always crucial for healthy aging. Our bodies are made up of about 80% water and maintaining the correct balance can be thrown off quickly with either too much or too little. Usually, we are prone to consuming too little liquid, especially as we age. There is generally a decreased thirst sensation so our brain does not send us the message to drink enough liquids when we need to. There are also concerns about urinary incontinence so people may self-limit intake. Many medications can increase our fluid needs or our bodies method of removing excess fluids. People with limited physical abilities may depend on others to provide liquids for them to drink. Our need for fluids varies with weather, temperature, body functions, exercise and much more.

Our bodies are designed to keep our fluids in balance as much as possible but sometimes the organs that do this aren’t working as well. Kidney and heart failure make it harder for our bodies to filter fluids and move them around the body. So, we take medications and/or need to monitor how much liquid we take in. This is called fluid restriction and is usually a concern for people on dialysis or those with a low serum sodium level. Restriction is usually temporary and should still meet the very minimal requirements for health. For example, a 150 pound person on a strict fluid restriction should still consume at least 1.2 Liters (5 1/3 cups). Normal intake for this same person would be about 2 liters (8 cups) per day.

Not all the fluid we consume needs to be water. We get a lot of liquid from food sources such as fruits, vegetables, soups, gelatin and ice cream. Also, almost all liquids count (except alcohol). Lemonade, Coffee, Tea, Milk and even soda can count toward our intake. Older adults should watch out for too much caffeine but in moderation, this is fine. Unfortunately, alcohol has a double negative impact on hydration as it tricks the brain to release more fluid than normal resulting in our bodies being less hydrated than when we started. If consuming alcohol, consider drinking a glass of water for each equal amount of drink.

Signs that you may need to drink more liquids include dark colored urine, constipation, cracked lips or tongue, flaky skin, skin that does not go back to normal when pinched and frequent urinary tract infections. If your urine is very pale yellow or almost clear, you are probably ok – keep up the good work!

Information: Live your life Well: Preventing and Managing Chronic Disease

Posted on October 28, 2020 by Lisbon

Live your life Well: Preventing and Managing Chronic Disease

According to the Centers for Disease Control, half of all Americans live with at least one chronic disease, like heart disease, cancer, stroke, or diabetes. Along with others such as obesity, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, epilepsy and tooth decay, these are the leading causes of death and disability in America. Chronic diseases are conditions that require ongoing medical attention or limit activities of daily living or both. Most chronic diseases are caused by choices we make such as: tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke, poor quality nutrition, lack of physical activity and excessive alcohol use.

What we eat and how much we move, has a significant role in preventing and managing most chronic diseases. Eat MORE fruits and vegetables. Use “healthy” fats in moderation: such as nuts, avocadoes, olives and salmon and choose WHOLE grains in bread, cereal, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, oats, rye and barley. Decrease sugary beverages such as soda or juice. Senior Nutrition Programs such as Home Delivered is a great way to start eating better since they follow the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

HELPFUL HINT: Instacart’s new Senior Support Service

Posted on October 15, 2020 by Groton

Instacart’s new Senior Support Service is now available to help customers who are 60+ use online grocery delivery and stay safe during the pandemic. In the past month alone, we’ve brought more than 60,000 seniors online, and with the new service, helped them learn how to safely and efficiently use grocery delivery. Call 1-844-981-3433
Our dedicated support specialists for seniors are available to assist senior customers with:
  • Setting up an Instacart account
  • Filling their virtual cart & placing their first order
  • Learning how to use key features like setting replacements & chatting with their shopper
  • Troubleshooting issues & questions about existing orders
If you think Instacart’s Senior Support Service is something that can help you or a loved one, call the number below to get started. If you would like to learn more, visit the Help Center. Call 1-844-981-3433

Yearly Healthcare Coverage Checkup – Content by Judy

Posted on October 3, 2020 by Preston

Every year – usually in the fall it is time for all of us to do our annual check to see if our insurance will be meeting our needs for the next year. We all need to look at our Medicare, what we have for a supplemental and what our prescription policy covers.

So, for Medicare – do you have Part A and Part B? A covers the hospital and B covers about 80% of all of the other approved services. Part A is covered when you apply for Social Security and if you select to have Part B it is taken monthly out of your Social Security.

To cover the other 20% of Part B, you can choose a supplemental insurance and there are a lot of plans to pick from. Or you can choose to self-pay that 20%.

If you choose to have a supplemental plan, then you should review that the plan you have is the best one for you for the next year.  Then pick the company that offers your plan at the lowest monthly rate. All plans at each level offer exactly the same coverage. They just charge different fees.

For example, Plan G might be offered by 14 insurance companies. The prices can range from say $200.00 a month up to say $500.00 a month. The coverage is identical in all of the Plan Gs, so buy the $200.00 a month plan and you will save a lot of money.

It’s very similar when you check for your prescription plan which is Part D. Buy the best deal for you. Deciding is a little more complicated as you want to check that the medicine you are taking is covered by the plan you buy. Visit Medicare.gov and select “find health and drug plans” and plan on spending a half hour or more checking what you have, and which plan will be best for you next year. Be sure you are comparing drug coverage, deductibles and copays.

Then there are Medicare Advantage Plans. These are very similar to an HMO or a PPO where you pick providers from the in-network list. Generally, there is no monthly premium for health coverage. You might need to change doctors but maybe not. And these savings sound very attractive but be sure you are prepared as you will have copays for visits to the doctor, fees if you go to PT and for other services. These out of pocket costs can be as high as say $5,000 up to $6,700 for in-network before your plan kicks in again. And remember this is per person.

So if you are picking a Medicare Advantage Plan you might want to set up a separate bank account with $5,000+ in it so if you or your spouse falls ill you have the money to pay those out of pocket costs. No one needs to be worrying about money when dealing with an illness or accident.

With all of this said, set aside at least an afternoon to review your coverage, your insurance plans, changes in your health and your prescriptions for the last year, then look into what coverage you want for next year.

If this is overwhelming, reach out and ask an expert for help. Visit SeniorCenterCt.org and call your Senior Center or Senior Resources. All of the phone numbers are there for you. And the sooner you do this the better. Open enrollment starts Oct 15 and ends December 7th. If you do nothing your coverage will stay the same as what you have now. So, start today looking at your coverage and deciding if you need help. Those professionals are waiting for you to call and best yet their help is FREE!

Yearly Healthcare Coverage Checkup – Content by Judy

Posted on October 3, 2020 by Norwich

Every year – usually in the fall it is time for all of us to do our annual check to see if our insurance will be meeting our needs for the next year. We all need to look at our Medicare, what we have for a supplemental and what our prescription policy covers.

So, for Medicare – do you have Part A and Part B? A covers the hospital and B covers about 80% of all of the other approved services. Part A is covered when you apply for Social Security and if you select to have Part B it is taken monthly out of your Social Security.

To cover the other 20% of Part B, you can choose a supplemental insurance and there are a lot of plans to pick from. Or you can choose to self-pay that 20%.

If you choose to have a supplemental plan, then you should review that the plan you have is the best one for you for the next year.  Then pick the company that offers your plan at the lowest monthly rate. All plans at each level offer exactly the same coverage. They just charge different fees.

For example, Plan G might be offered by 14 insurance companies. The prices can range from say $200.00 a month up to say $500.00 a month. The coverage is identical in all of the Plan Gs, so buy the $200.00 a month plan and you will save a lot of money.

It’s very similar when you check for your prescription plan which is Part D. Buy the best deal for you. Deciding is a little more complicated as you want to check that the medicine you are taking is covered by the plan you buy. Visit Medicare.gov and select “find health and drug plans” and plan on spending a half hour or more checking what you have, and which plan will be best for you next year. Be sure you are comparing drug coverage, deductibles and copays.

Then there are Medicare Advantage Plans. These are very similar to an HMO or a PPO where you pick providers from the in-network list. Generally, there is no monthly premium for health coverage. You might need to change doctors but maybe not. And these savings sound very attractive but be sure you are prepared as you will have copays for visits to the doctor, fees if you go to PT and for other services. These out of pocket costs can be as high as say $5,000 up to $6,700 for in-network before your plan kicks in again. And remember this is per person.

So if you are picking a Medicare Advantage Plan you might want to set up a separate bank account with $5,000+ in it so if you or your spouse falls ill you have the money to pay those out of pocket costs. No one needs to be worrying about money when dealing with an illness or accident.

With all of this said, set aside at least an afternoon to review your coverage, your insurance plans, changes in your health and your prescriptions for the last year, then look into what coverage you want for next year.

If this is overwhelming, reach out and ask an expert for help. Visit SeniorCenterCt.org and call your Senior Center or Senior Resources. All of the phone numbers are there for you. And the sooner you do this the better. Open enrollment starts Oct 15 and ends December 7th. If you do nothing your coverage will stay the same as what you have now. So, start today looking at your coverage and deciding if you need help. Those professionals are waiting for you to call and best yet their help is FREE!

Yearly Healthcare Coverage Checkup – Content by Judy

Posted on October 3, 2020

Every year – usually in the fall it is time for all of us to do our annual check to see if our insurance will be meeting our needs for the next year. We all need to look at our Medicare, what we have for a supplemental and what our prescription policy covers.

So, for Medicare – do you have Part A and Part B? A covers the hospital and B covers about 80% of all of the other approved services. Part A is covered when you apply for Social Security and if you select to have Part B it is taken monthly out of your Social Security.

To cover the other 20% of Part B, you can choose a supplemental insurance and there are a lot of plans to pick from. Or you can choose to self-pay that 20%.

If you choose to have a supplemental plan, then you should review that the plan you have is the best one for you for the next year.  Then pick the company that offers your plan at the lowest monthly rate. All plans at each level offer exactly the same coverage. They just charge different fees.

For example, Plan G might be offered by 14 insurance companies. The prices can range from say $200.00 a month up to say $500.00 a month. The coverage is identical in all of the Plan Gs, so buy the $200.00 a month plan and you will save a lot of money.

It’s very similar when you check for your prescription plan which is Part D. Buy the best deal for you. Deciding is a little more complicated as you want to check that the medicine you are taking is covered by the plan you buy. Visit Medicare.gov and select “find health and drug plans” and plan on spending a half hour or more checking what you have, and which plan will be best for you next year. Be sure you are comparing drug coverage, deductibles and copays.

Then there are Medicare Advantage Plans. These are very similar to an HMO or a PPO where you pick providers from the in-network list. Generally, there is no monthly premium for health coverage. You might need to change doctors but maybe not. And these savings sound very attractive but be sure you are prepared as you will have copays for visits to the doctor, fees if you go to PT and for other services. These out of pocket costs can be as high as say $5,000 up to $6,700 for in-network before your plan kicks in again. And remember this is per person.

So if you are picking a Medicare Advantage Plan you might want to set up a separate bank account with $5,000+ in it so if you or your spouse falls ill you have the money to pay those out of pocket costs. No one needs to be worrying about money when dealing with an illness or accident.

With all of this said, set aside at least an afternoon to review your coverage, your insurance plans, changes in your health and your prescriptions for the last year, then look into what coverage you want for next year.

If this is overwhelming, reach out and ask an expert for help. Visit SeniorCenterCt.org and call your Senior Center or Senior Resources. All of the phone numbers are there for you. And the sooner you do this the better. Open enrollment starts Oct 15 and ends December 7th. If you do nothing your coverage will stay the same as what you have now. So, start today looking at your coverage and deciding if you need help. Those professionals are waiting for you to call and best yet their help is FREE!