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

 

 

 

 

    Get Out There!! – Content by Judy

    New Age???

    New Time???

    New Start???

    Do any of us know what to call this time we are now living? I can’t figure it out myself. I just know I’ll never live a ‘normal’ life again. That was before COVID. Now I just know things a different and I need to create the life I want to live.

    Things will be different because we are different. But how do we want this new ‘different’ to look? Should we be making a new plan? Finding new avenues? Reassessing those things we wanted but didn’t do before?

    My husband and I started a list several months ago of things we were going to do after COVID. On it I added go to bars. My husband said, “But we don’t go to bars!” “No, but we’re going to start because it’s something new and different. Who knows we might even like them!” So, we’ll see…

    That’s sort of a silly example of trying something new. Going somewhere we might be uncomfortable. Experiencing a new environment. But it will get us engaged in a new way and who knows we might even make new friends or find people we used to know.

    I want all of you to experience that new day. A new start. For you to act and move forward. Even if you don’t know what ‘IT’ is. Work on ‘IT’. Figure ‘IT’ out. Make a plan. Pick a day of each week to try something new.

    It can be as simple as enjoying a cup of coffee in a new place. You’re not alone. There will be others looking for the same things you are looking for. Say hello as you walk by. You just need to get out there.

    The next day maybe go for a walk. Then reach out and ask someone to go out to eat or visit a museum. Even if they can’t go then, see if they want to meet up another time. I can almost guarantee they do! They are lonely too. Invite a few friends and family over for a game night or a cookout. Reach out to an old friend you haven’t seen in a while. Put yourself out there. Volunteer. Go to the library. Join the gym. Sign up for a class at the Senior Center.

    And if a few things don’t go as you thought they would, remember it’s ok. You’re trying. Finding a new path can be hard and it will take time. But you just might end up in a totally different place than what you thought you wanted. And it can be even better than you ever imagined!!

    So be sure to remember aging is a privilege. A time to explore. A time for growth. A time make new connections with new people and places.

    As we travel into this new world don’t forget to reinvent yourself and your life!!

    Need help with Medicare?

    CHOICES Counselors provide free, unbiased information about the Medicare Parts A, B, C
    and D and provide assistance through the medicare.gov portal to screen and enroll in various
    Medicare Advantage Plans or Medicare Part D plans as well as provide screening and application
    assistance for the Medicare Savings Programs to help make Medicare affordable.

    THE CALL HUB

    Groton Senior Center is excited to present a brand new program called “The Call Hub”.  This program is generously sponsored by the Groton Parks Foundation.
    The Call Hub is a social calling program designed to provide enriching, fun and stimulating conversations. This program is for individuals who are homebound or lack human connection through socialization and activities outside of the home. Our goal is to have individuals feel validated and connected to other people with similar interests and values through the utilization of weekly phone calls.
    Volunteers for this program are super important and can help to make a difference in others lives by giving 1 hour a week to 2 recipients by calling them. Social calling can improve psychological wellbeing , give folks opportunities to talk with like-minded people, perceived self-efficacy, more years at home and referrals to addition-al community resources. Social isolation affects nearly 1 in 5 older adults and that while it’s harmful at any age it’s especially dangerous for people over 50. Social isolation and loneliness are associated with higher blood pressure, increased susceptibility to the flu, greater risk of heart disease and earlier onset of dementia.
    If you have questions or would like to participate in this program as a volunteer please reach out to our volunteer coordinator, Tomi at 860-441-6782 or tstanley@groton-ct.gov

    PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: BUILDING SOCIALLY INTEGRATED COMMUNITIES

    Join AARP and Groton Senior Center as they launch a FREE evidence-based pilot program in
    Connecticut and Rhode Island with the goal of providing those who participate with an opportunity to
    increase their social integration for themselves and those in their community.
    We hope that you can participate to help contribute to building a socially integrated community that can
    help you, your networks, and others across the country.
    Why: Contribute to building a socially integrated community that helps you, your community, and others
    nationwide. Your participation offers you an opportunity to help others while also positively impacting
    your own health, connection with others and learn about relationships and social engagement all virtually.
    You will meet new people while taking part as a virtual participant.
    What to Expect:
    • Participate in this free virtual six-week program, meeting once a week for 90 min
    • Groups range between 6-8 people
    • Learning objectives weekly accomplished through an educational, interactive & reflective structure
    • Provides you with knowledge about the social aspects of health, social networks and social isolation
    while participating in active learning through case studies, reminiscence, and group discussions.
    • Capturing your experience in this group, is important for the program pilot done before and after the 6-
    week program by questionnaire.
    • Access to the internet needed along with a device equipped with video/audio like a computer, tablet, or
    smartphone. A program navigator will walk you through the ZOOM steps to connect if needed.
    • Geared towards individuals aged 50+
    • Participants do not need to be an AARP member
    *Our immediate need is for program participants for the virtual 6-week session. A telephonic version of
    this project will be available in the coming months.

    If you are interested and available for the virtual 6-week session please contact either Tomi or Cindy 860-441-6785

                                                                                         

    Now Scheduling Nutrition Appointments Started May 6th

    NUTRITION OFFICE HOURS are back!!

    Meet with Registered Dietitian Deb Downes  One-on-One Thursday mornings at Groton Senior Center

    Starting May 6th,  Deb will be back on Thursday mornings.  First visit:  $20 for one hour. Subsequent visits:  $10/half hour.

    Nutrition can help with              

    • Weight Loss
    • Diabetes
    • Heart Healthy Eating
    • Cancer (Prevention, Treatment, Recovery
    • Intestinal Issue

    To schedule an appointment with Deb : 860-441-6785