ZOOM FITNESS & TRAVEL & MORE…
Want to participate in some of our Center
programs from home? If you are homebound, temporarily or permanently, you do
not need to miss out on some of the activities
and programs at the Center. We currently offer a few exercise programs but have added
in more—through ZOOM! You can join in
on some exercise classes, dance classes, soon
to be crafts as well as educational and travel
programs! Join us for some “real time” fun,
from the safety and comfort of your home.
Call for details and to sign up!
Senior Bus Schedule- Subject to Change
Mondays……….Senior Center, New London/Waterford area Shopping
Tuesdays……….Senior Center, Shopping, Banking
Wednesdays……Senior Center, Norwich area Shopping
Thursdays……….Senior Center, Shopping, Banking
Fridays……………Senior Center or Special Trip
News Alert– Bus Reservations are made through the Senior Center.
Please call 860-848-0422 or stop by the front office.
MedRIDE and MedRIDE II Program for Transportation
MedRIDE and MedRIDE II
The Town of Montville Department of Senior & Social Services has continued to offer MedRIDE, a FREE transportation for any/all medical appointments for our senior residents. Safety measures are in place, masks must be worn. Doctor appointments, hospital tests & screenings, therapy, pharmacies, dentists, etc. Any medical related appointment. Call Kathie or Ruthie @ 860-848-0422 for details and to schedule appointments. This program is free for our Montville Seniors; a donation box is located on the van for contributions. This program is supported by the Town of Montville and grant funds from the Senior Resources with Title III funds made available under the Older Americans Act.
MedRIDE II is the same type of medical transportation program though it is a joint effort between the Town of Montville and the City of Norwich. Grant Funds are provided by the State of Connecticut. Driver is located out of the Montville Senior Center. Do you need to go to Yale, New Haven, Hartford Hospital or Farmington to a specialist? Let us take you! Appointments need to be made by calling the Norwich Senior Center at 889-5960
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!!
Stroke Awareness – Content by Judy
Yes, it is a true emergency!! If anyone, any age has sudden numbness in their face, arm, leg, especially on one side of the body. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, lack of coordination. Sudden severe headache with no known cause. Call 911 right away!! This is a real emergency. If left unattended the consequences can be life altering if not fatal.
If you think someone might be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T.
F—Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A—Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S—Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?
T—Time: If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 right away.
The sooner someone is treated the better the outcome. Strokes can be potentially reversed or at least stopped if a stroke is treated within the first 3 hours. Call an ambulance. Do not drive them!! The crew on the ambulance can start treatment sooner and the outcome will be better. You want life-saving treatment as soon as possible!!
If you think you are having a stroke call 911 right away. You might not be able to make that call even a few minutes later.
Every year over 800,000 people have a stoke. Nearly 150,000 die each year. Strokes are the leading cause of serious long-term disability. BUT 80% of strokes are PREVENTABLE!!
Most strokes are caused by clots blocking blood flow in the brain and strokes are a leading cause of disability. Some ways to prevent or lower your risk of having a stroke is to stop smoking, limit alcohol, maintain a healthy weight, eat plenty of veggies and fruit, and exercise. Also be sure you are managing your diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart disease. Stress and depression can also contribute to the risk of a stroke.
By looking at your own risk factors of having a stroke and living a healthier lifestyle you can help reduce the odds of having a stroke. Be sure to review all of this with your health care professionals. Check with them before taking or changing supplements to see if they are right for you. Get regular checkups. Reach out to other professionals for help to improve your lifestyle.
And it is never too late to change! Talk to your doctor and modify some things in your life!!