My Communicator | Fall 2023

Sending Money Digitally

Picture it: You’re at the new Italian bistro in town, savoring a delicious pasta meal with a friend. When the check arrives, you reach for your wallet—only to realize you’ve left it at home. Your companion generously offers to cover your portion of the check and says you can pay them back later. Luckily, they don’t need to wait. You pull out your phone, open your favorite peer-to-peer (P2P) payment platform, and send the money directly to your friend with a few taps of your finger.

P2P payment platforms can be a quick and easy way to send money to someone you know at a moment’s notice, right from your mobile phone. They are ideal for everyday and emergency situations, giving recipients direct access to their money.

See SENDING MONEY on page 8.

Beginning Nov. 17, Live Life in Crescendo and participate in SourcePoint’s annual campaign at MySourcePoint.org/give

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800 Cheshire Road, Delaware

EIN 31-1354284

SourcePoint is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that provides professional expertise, services, and programs for Delaware County adults who want to thrive after 55, as well as caregivers. Services and programs are supported by the local senior services levy, private and corporate donations, grants, and the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging.

2023 Board of Directors

President: Gretchen Roberts, MSN, RN, NE-BC, Powell

Vice President: Alice Frazier, MD, Delaware

Secretary: Pamela Foster, Orange Township

Treasurer: Dennis Mowrey, Delaware

Randy Bournique, Delaware

Bill Brown, Delaware

Adrienne Corbett, Delaware

Carlos Crawford, JD, Powell

Karen Crosman, Powell

Ron Fantozzi, Columbus

Jack Fette, PhD, Orange Township

Liz Gitter, MSSW, Delaware

Anna Horstman, MD, Delaware

Wren Kruse, JD, New Albany

Joann Richards, RN, PhD, Liberty Township

Jane Taylor, Dublin

Cheri Thompson, Delaware

Michael Tucker, JD, Delaware

Roger Van Sickle, Delaware

The board typically meets the last Wednesday at noon for up to eight months out of the year. Members of the public who wish to attend may call the CEO at 740-363-6677.

My Communicator is published quarterly and is made possible through advertisers, donors, and volunteers. It is available for pick-up at SourcePoint and 50 other locations, such as libraries, senior living communities, health care facilities, and other nonprofit organizations. To find a nearby pick-up site, contact SourcePoint at 740-363-6677. Read My Communicator online at MySourcePoint.org/publications.

To advertise or submit content for consideration, contact Alison Yeager, director of communications and development, at alison@MySourcePoint.org.

The appearance of advertising does not represent an endorsement by SourcePoint. We reserve the right to refuse any advertising that conflicts with our mission.

Scholarships Engage More Older Adults

Delaware County residents ages 55 and better can sign up for a free community pass (ComPASS) at SourcePoint’s enrichment center at 800 Cheshire Road, Delaware. With no annual membership fee, guests have access to the 44,000-square-foot center, as well as numerous free activities. For activities that do require a fee, such as select fitness, arts, and education programs, the Edie Balser Scholarship Fund is available to assist qualifying adults.

Private donors helped establish the scholarship fund in 2016, wanting every eligible adult to be active, regardless of financial standing. Funds help individuals with modest incomes participate in a variety of engaging programs. The application process is simple: Go to MySourcePoint.org/ scholarship or contact SourcePoint’s customer service supervisor at 740-363-6677.

The scholarship fund is named in honor and memory of Edith “Edie” Balser, a longtime employee and dedicated community volunteer who passed away in 2019.

SourcePoint is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that provides professional expertise, services, and programs for Delaware County adults who want to thrive after 55, as well as family caregivers. Services and programs are supported by the local senior services levy, private and corporate donations, grants, and the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging.

Could ‘Musical Medicine’ Influence Aging?

Many of us have favorite songs that can help us relax after a long day or get us moving on the dance floor. Music can also be a powerful gateway to memory; for example, a song from our past may bring back memories that trigger strong emotions. But what is happening in our brains when we hear a song that is meaningful to us? Could music make older adults not only feel better but also improve their health? Much more research is needed before any definitive conclusions can be drawn, but there is growing scientific interest in music’s effects on the brain and body as we age.

How the brain is wired for music and memory

Psyche Loui, Ph.D., leads the Music, Imaging, and Neural Dynamics (MIND) Lab at Northeastern University in Boston. She also plays the violin in Boston’s Longwood Symphony Orchestra and in a variety of local pop and chamber music groups. In the laboratory, she seeks to understand how the parts of the brain that relate to musical perception and processing interact with brain regions controlling learning, memory, and emotions. Interested in music and science most of her life, she first became curious about how music might help people with dementia while volunteering at a nursing home as a high school student.

After little response from residents with advanced dementia to the Beethoven pieces she played on the piano, staff members encouraged her to try something a bit livelier from a book of folk songs. “I just played some old familiar ditties and tunes, and then, amazingly, some of the residents knew all the words and started singing along in close harmony,” said Loui. “That just really struck me.”

Our brains are hard-wired to predict and anticipate familiar rhythms and melodies, Loui explained. It starts with the auditory cortex, the brain region that receives and processes sounds, including voices and music. “When we hear something that we enjoy, that engages not only the auditory cortex, but also the brain’s reward systems that are driven by the neurotransmitter dopamine, which motivates us to seek out and learn new information.”

Another key part of the brain’s dopaminebased reward system is the medial prefrontal cortex, which also processes memories about ourselves. “If I’m listening to music that I’ve enjoyed throughout my life, and that I find familiar, then the auditory system is active, but it’s also communicating and connecting with the medial prefrontal cortex,” said Loui. Working with like-minded researchers in the Boston area at the Berklee College of Music and Harvard Medical School, Loui and colleagues developed an eight-week mindful music-based listening program for healthy older adults. Participants showed stronger increases in functional connectivity between the auditory system and the medial prefrontal cortex—areas that generally become less active with age—compared to control groups. Their team is now testing out this intervention in older adults with memory impairments, hoping that music can help revive learning and memory functions through this connectivity.

Loui’s latest project is the Multimodal Musical Stimulation for Healthy Neurocognitive Aging study, which is designing and testing a device that pairs music selected by participants with rhythmic, colored LED light patterns. Supported with NIA small business funding, the technology is based on mouse studies in which Alzheimer’s disease-related brain deposits of tau and beta-amyloid proteins were reduced through light and sound stimuli. Loui and colleagues are working on prototypes to test the light and sound intervention as a potential therapy for older adults and for people living with mild cognitive impairment or dementia.

Singing to build cognitive and social connections

Another interesting area of research is the exploration of whether music can strengthen connections not just between our neurons, but also between people, to enhance social networks and reduce isolation and loneliness among older adults.

Julene Johnson, Ph.D., blends her love of music and cognitive neuroscience as a professor at the University of California, San Francisco. Trained as a flutist, she is also the co-director of the Sound Health Network, which falls under the umbrella of Sound Health, a partnership that involves NIH, the National Endowment for the Arts, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and famed soprano singer Renée Fleming. The goal is to expand our understanding of how listening to or creating music might affect overall health and wellness.

Johnson has studied music and the mind for more than 25 years, including through her Fulbright fellowship in Finland to study whether community choir participation affected healthy aging. She also led the Community of Voices study, which tested the impact of participating in a community choir for six months on the health and wellbeing of ethnically diverse older adults.

The study involved 390 participants in 12 choirs, many of which are still active today in the San Francisco area. While the research did not show changes in cognitive outcomes, participants reported reduced feelings of loneliness and an increased interest in life. Participants noted higher self-esteem, an enhanced sense of finding a place in society, and stronger cultural identity. The singers also reported beneficial physical effects, including improved breath capacity, and psychosocial effects, such as higher assertiveness and confidence in one’s voice.

Johnson’s current study is testing whether a musical improvisation intervention can improve cognition and brain function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. “In improvisation, you have to be creative and generate new ideas,” Johnson said. “If you’re too critical of how you’re playing, that interferes with your ability to improvise.” The idea is to learn to tune out or turn off the brain’s critical thinking to get into an in-the-moment “zone.”

Johnson is passionate about training future musical scientists to advance our knowledge about music as a potential therapy. “We don’t understand all of the cognitive, social, or psychological mechanisms by which music can impact health and well-being,” she said. “The next generation needs unique skills to do this very interdisciplinary type of work.”

Can music reduce patient delirium in the ICU?

Between 70% and 80% of intensive care unit (ICU) patients who receive respiratory support from mechanical ventilators experience delirium—a syndrome of sudden, acute confusion that can occur after major surgery or during a serious illness. In some patients, delirium can cause agitation, aggression, or hallucinations while others may be drowsy. Patients who experience delirium tend to have longer stays in the ICU, and more than 30% of patients who develop it experience long-term cognitive impairment. They are also more likely to be transferred to nursing homes or rehabilitation facilities after they leave the hospital.

The Decreasing Delirium Through Music in Critically Ill Older Adults study, led by Babar A. Khan, M.D., at the Indiana University School of Medicine, and Linda L. Chlan, Ph.D., R.N., at Mayo Clinic, is exploring whether listening to carefully sequenced music designed as a complex cognitive stimulus while in the ICU can lead to fewer patients experiencing delirium.

Khan and Chlan have been collaborating on ICU music listening intervention for about 10 years. Earlier in his career, Khan conducted trials to test antipsychotic drugs to prevent delirium. The study results were disappointing: The drugs weren’t very effective, and any benefit was often outweighed by serious side effects.

Chlan has been investigating music listening interventions over the past 25 years. Her previous work suggested that carefully selected, preferred music with a tempo of 60 to 80 beats per minute could decrease anxiety and reduce ventilated patients’ exposure to potent sedative

or opioid medications. Another study she led found that ventilated patients who listened to preferred relaxing music whenever desired and for as long as they wanted were taken off a ventilator (to breathe independently) an average of 1.4 days earlier than control groups. While Khan doesn’t play an instrument himself, his family inspired him to look deeper into music. He loved listening to his brother play guitar and organ when they were growing up, and today enjoys listening to his daughter play violin and piano. “One of my favorite things whenever my brother was playing was to just sit down and drop everything and just listen,” Khan said.

“You take a little bit of a break and somehow it restores the thought process, or just kind of recalibrates the cognition. So, I thought, if music has a calming effect outside the ICU, why wouldn’t it have a calming effect in the ICU?”

Khan’s and Chlan’s preliminary findings suggest that playing two 60-minute doses per day of slow and relaxing combinations of piano, rainfall sounds, and classical music help reduce the burden of delirium in adult ICU patients compared to a control group who received doses of listening to audiobooks. Khan, Chlan, and colleagues are now working to expand their research in this area.

Khan says he’s been pleasantly surprised by music’s impact. “Believe it or not, before I started doing research and before meeting Dr. Chlan, I never thought that music could be a potential therapy,” Khan said. Now, he sees a possible future where music could be instrumental in reducing delirium and easing anxiety and stress for families, nurses, and caregivers.

See MUSIC on page 6.

Music

From page 5

Soothing sleep with music in people living with dementia

People living with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia often experience sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or waking up during the night. These sleep problems can also disrupt their caregivers’ sleep, contributing to poorer physical and mental health in people who may already feel overwhelmed.

For those living with dementia, sleep disruption has been associated with more time in health care facilities, poorer cognitive function, and faster disease progression.

Darina Petrovsky, Ph.D., R.N., of Rutgers University, is testing whether music can be an effective intervention to help ease these problems. A serious musician since age 7, Petrovsky studied piano performance as an undergraduate and later completed master’s and doctoral training in nursing.

As part of her study, Petrovsky and her team are developing and testing a mobile app called Calming Music Personalized for Sleep Enhancement in PeRsons living with Dementia (CoMPoSER). CoMPoSER helps caregivers tailor music to play before bedtime with the goal of a more restful night for all. CoMPoSER’s recipe for good sleeping music includes enjoyable songs from a person’s adolescence or early adulthood with a tempo of between 60 and 80 beats per minute, a pace similar to the average human heartbeat. “If you’re listening to something with fewer beats per minute, your heartbeat, your brain activity, and your breathing rate will gradually match those musical characteristics and bring your arousal state down,” she said.

Previous research has suggested that music without lyrics might be more conducive to sleep, and that songs with high pitched tones or faster, driving rhythms could be counterproductive to the rest and relaxation needed for sleep. Petrovsky is still not sure why instrumental music works better than songs with lyrics but suspects our curious brains are to blame. “Perhaps lyrics make the person think more about the meaning of a song as opposed to the emotion or the mood that the music is evoking.”

Petrovsky’s team is currently prototyping and testing CoMPoSER in a small group of participants, with the goal of scaling up to a larger clinical trial by mid-2024. As the project expands, she is excited to explore if customized music could someday be an easily accessible, inexpensive tool that might help caregivers and people living with dementia get more and higherquality sleep.

Testing music to reduce agitation and aggression

Other investigators are testing whether music can ease daytime dementia-related issues such as agitation, anxiety, and aggression, all of which can be troubling for people with dementia and their caregivers. The METRIcAL - Music and MEmory: A Pragmatic TRIal for Nursing

Home Residents with ALzheimer’s Disease project, led by Vincent Mor, Ph.D., and his colleague Ellen McCreedy, Ph.D., MPH, with the Brown University School of Public Health, explored whether customized playlists of preferred music could reduce disruptive or disturbing behaviors like pacing, calling out verbally, sundowning, or other common dementia symptoms, and lessen reliance on antipsychotic drugs.

The METRIcAL study was conducted in a real-world setting, with almost 1,000 residents with dementia in 54 nursing centers in 10 states. While the study did not find that personalized music was significantly effective in reducing agitated behaviors or psychotropic drug use, there were many lessons learned that could help inform the design of future trials.

For example, nursing staff had difficulty at times identifying the music residents liked, especially if the individual had advanced dementia and was unable to communicate finding “hits”—music or songs that sparked engagement and other positive emotions. Another similar trial is currently underway that is testing personalized music with nursing home residents with moderate to severe dementia. In that trial, the music will be preloaded on personalized music devices to increase engagement.

Mor, an experienced leader of aging research clinical trials, remains inspired and intrigued by the therapeutic potential for music. He first became interested in the field after seeing the “Alive Inside” documentary film with his wife, who encouraged him to further pursue the calming and healing potential of music. The film depicts people living with severe Alzheimer’s who were previously minimally responsive, having dramatic emotional and physical reactions, including laughing, talking, tapping a foot, singing along, crying, or smiling when listening to music from their youth.

McCreedy complements her impressive musicianship (she’s a classically trained flutist and also plays piano, guitar, and saxophone) with experience leading effectiveness trials in nursing centers and

assisted living communities. She continues to work with investigators from across the country to study the impact of promising interventions, including music, in realworld settings.

Mor and McCreedy both note that it is still unclear exactly what is going on with music and memory at the neurological level. “The next steps for this research are to increase understanding of the underlying mechanisms—how exactly music works to reduce behaviors— and to think creatively about how to deliver personalized music in overtaxed environments such as nursing homes,” said McCreedy.

Working in harmony: How can we use what we know?

NIA continues to fund research to investigate the potential of music as a

therapy. In the meantime, Petrovsky encourages families and caregivers to pay attention to how a person they are caring for responds when music is playing, and which songs they seem to connect with the most.

Evidence on the effectiveness of music on medical conditions continues to be collected. In the meantime, older adults who enjoy music can consider if they want to include it as part of their future care preferences.

Source: National Institute on Aging. Read more at nia.nih.gov.

Could you benefit from participating in a music program at SourcePoint?

Learn more and register at MySourcePoint.org/EC.

Sending Money

From page 1

“Digital payment platforms allow us to send money quickly without the hassle of carrying cash,” said Michelle Reams, Director of Partner Marketing at Zelle. “However, because of this convenience it’s important to slow down and be mindful of who you are sending money to. Much like cash, your money can be hard to get back once you have sent it.”

How do digital payment platforms and apps work?

P2P payment platforms like Zelle, Paypal, and Venmo allow users to send and receive money from their mobile devices through a linked bank account, debit card, or credit card. In some cases, the sender and recipient must have U.S. bank accounts (they do not have to be from the same financial institution) and be registered with the platform being used to send money. Using digital payment platforms is very similar to handing someone cash.

There are many digital payment platforms to choose from today. These different services may have varying speeds, fees, reimbursement policies, safety measures, and other features to consider when exploring your options.

How can I stay safe when sending money using a digital payment platform?

There’s no doubt P2P payment platforms are a convenient tool in our busy lives. But it’s important to understand how to use them wisely.

Here are five tips to help you safely send money digitally:

1. Send money only to people you trust. They’re called “peerto-peer” payment platforms for a reason—these services are best used with people you know. It’s a good idea to limit your recipients to family members, friends, and other people you trust. Why is this so important? Typically, once you send money with a P2P payment platform, the transaction can’t be cancelled. If you send money to a stranger in error, it may be difficult to get it back.

2. Be aware of payment scams. A payment scam is when you’re tricked into authorizing a payment under false pretenses. Some examples of payment scams are:

• You receive a call from someone pretending to be from your utility company. They claim there’s a problem with your account, and then guide you through a process to “fix” the problem. This fix requires a one-time password be sent to your phone via text message. If you give the scammer that code, they may be able to take over your payment platform account and transfer money without your permission.

• On a social media post, a scammer advertises (non-existent) puppies for sale, and asks you to send them money online as a deposit. The scammer gives you info on how to send them money using a payment platform. Thinking your money will be exchanged for a puppy, you actually walk away with nothing, and they’ve made off with your cash.

• You receive a call from someone claiming they’re your grandchild. They say they’re in trouble with the police and need money to get out of jail, and they ask you to send money to them.

3. Confirm your recipient’s contact information. You want to send a family member money you owe them. You type in their mobile phone number, username, or email address; enter the amount; and hit send. But your family member claims they never received the money. You check, and realize you entered their information incorrectly and accidentally sent money to a total stranger by mistake.

Keep in mind that it’s your responsibility to make sure you have the correct contact information or username for the person you want to send money to. These tips can help you prevent erroneous payments:

• Double-check (or even triple-check!) for typos in the recipient’s email address before you hit send.

• If the payment platform you’re using offers this feature, scan a QR code to find the correct recipient. This eliminates guesswork.

• When in doubt, contact the recipient to verify their information. To be sure, you can also send a test payment of $1 to confirm that the money is going to the right place.

4. Protect your payment platform account(s). If you regularly use mobile payments, it’s essential to protect and monitor your account. A simple way to help ensure safe payments is to use a strong password (and don’t use the same password across

multiple accounts/sites). These additional tips from the American Bankers Association can also help you keep your account—and your money—secure:

• Use multi-factor authentication, which requires you to have at least two credentials to access your account (e.g., your password and a numerical code).

• Don’t share your account credentials with anyone, especially someone you don’t know. This includes your password and any one-time verification codes you receive via text or an authentication app.

• Set up alerts in your payment platform of choice so you’ll be notified of transactions even when you’re not logged in.

• Review your bank accounts and the recent activity in your payment platform regularly to stay on top of any unauthorized activity.

5. Understand your various payment options. Today, there are often multiple ways to pay for products and services. It’s important to check the terms and conditions of your preferred

payment method. If you choose to use a P2P payment platform, you should first carefully research the protections and rules for that specific platform.

Not all transactions are suitable for using the P2P payment method. “Digital payment platforms are a great option to use with people you already know for things like splitting the cost of a takeout dinner or tickets to the local theater,” Reams said. “If you need to pay someone you haven’t met before, it may be best to use a payment option that comes with more protections, like a credit card.”

Source: National Council on Aging. Read more at ncoa.org.

Sandwich

From page 1

If the term “Sandwich Generation” conjures images of people who like to frequent Subway or the local deli, then you likely aren’t part of the Sandwich Generation.

But if you are in the Sandwich Generation, then it probably brings to mind a hectic life and a mix of time-consuming caregiving assignments, any or all of which can be physically and mentally draining.

An article from the National Council of Mental Well-being defines Sandwich Generation as “those individuals who have parents ages 65 or older and are raising a family, including supporting children over the age of 18.” According to the Pew Research Center, more than half of adults in their 40s are members of the Sandwich Generation, while about 1 in 5 middleaged adults provides financial support to an aging parent, as well as a child.

For many, being in the Sandwich Generation involves caring for their older parents while raising or supporting their children. And as anyone who has been a caregiver knows, having a support network in your community—whether people, local programs, or a combination of both—is essential. That’s where SourcePoint can definitely be a source of relief.

“We have 90-plus different programs on any particular day here,” said Brian Fox, caregiver program coordinator at SourcePoint. “We want caregivers and care receivers to learn about what we have here and what is available to them. Everyone is so different with what their needs are.”

WHY SUPPORT IS IMPORTANT

Being a parent and caring for an aging parent can each take time and effort. Trying to do both simultaneously can leave

caregivers feeling overwhelmed. A Mental Health America article lists these common stressors for those in the Sandwich Generation:

• Little or no personal time

• Family discord

• Dealing with complex emotions

• Feeling like a failure

• Taking care of yourself

Community support can provide a respite from some of those stressors. An article on the Caring Bridge website titled “6 Useful Tips for Managing Sandwich Generation Stress” lists “Building a Strong Support System” as tip number one.

“Receiving support is just as important as giving it,” the article states. “Tap your community’s resources, like your local church, food shelter, and cleaning services. Taking the first step of reaching out may feel difficult, but it will help to take some of the weight off your shoulders knowing that others have your back no matter what.”

In some cases, Fox said support begins with simply acknowledging the caregiver role.

“One of the barriers is that it is hard to recognize that you have become a caregiver,” he said. “Delaware County is interesting because it’s an area where the mindset is, that is just what you do for each other. It’s almost an identity, so being a caregiver doesn’t really register.”

In his “Caregiver Crash Course” webinar, which can be viewed at MySourcePoint.org/ caregiver, Fox lists several situations where someone assumes the role of caregiver: a wife caring for her husband after a serious fall, a parent supporting an adult child with a developmental disability, a husband caring for his wife with dementia, a friend

taking a cancer patient to treatments, a grandparent awarded custody of a grandchild, to name a few. Caregivers can live in the same residence as those being cared for, they can travel a great distance to help, they may live too far away but help however they can, or they visit a loved one in a longterm care facility. All, Fox said, perform acts of compassion and dignity and take on additional responsibilities.

“Everyone is so different with what their needs are and the types of support they’d benefit from,” he said. Fox’s webinar lists just some of the hats that may be worn by caregivers, depending on their situation—bookkeeper, banker, transportation provider, tech support, chef, clinician, and housekeeper.

WHERE TO FIND HELP

With so many potential responsibilities falling on each caregiver, having local resources available can be critical to maintaining the needed level of care. SourcePoint not only offers a wealth of resources to benefit caregivers and their loved ones, but also provides referrals to other community organizations to broaden the array of available help.

“Brian provides caregiver conversations with different support groups at SourcePoint and also is a point person for other resources in the community,” said Laura Smith, community engagement manager at SourcePoint. “He’ll recommend that they contact the Alzheimer’s Association when appropriate, he’ll connect with a referral if they need help in the home, and that may lead to inhome services. Brian is a starting point for those seeking help with caregiving.”

Among the caregiver services provided through SourcePoint are Meals on Wheels, adult day care, emergency response, chore assistance, respite care, personal care, medical transportation, home repair/modification, monthly caregiver conversations, a six-week Powerful Tools for Caregivers course, a Caregiver Circle Facebook group, caregiver drop-in hours, an annual caregiver recognition event, grief support, and a journaling workshop.

“I’ll ask caregivers about what they are already doing, how they are stressed by the various duties, what challenges they have, and the severity of their loved one’s health issues,” Fox said. “And I provide all new caregivers with a packet that shows a list of services available.”

Although SourcePoint is typically associated with Delaware County residents 55 and older, Smith said they’re trying to get the word about caregiving services out to a younger audience.

“There are a few folks who are not 55 and have come to Brian’s caregiver conversation group; they live in Delaware County or are caring for someone in Delaware County,” Smith said. “We are trying to reach the younger folks in a caregiver role who may need more information. If they are in Delaware County and are in a caregiver role, they can benefit from our programs and services.”

SourcePoint is also working to make many of its caregiver resources more easily accessible.

“Our caregiver conversations are available in a hybrid format, so you don’t even have to travel to SourcePoint,” Fox said. “We wanted to make things more accessible, and we’ll soon be making it so more things that were exclusively online or in person can be experienced in hybrid format. We know that caregivers don’t really have a lot of hours in their day.”

For those wanting to ask questions or talk more in depth about caregiving, Fox said drop-in hours are available at SourcePoint from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

“You can make an appointment or just drop in during that time,” he said. “And we will soon be on to a new schedule for the caregiver group meetings – 10 to 11 a.m. on second and fourth Tuesday and 6 to 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday. Those are at our facility and in a hybrid format. And we’ll have a hybrid support group in Sunbury on the third Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Anyone who feels they can benefit from a group conversation can come, whether you’re a new or longtime caregiver.”

To learn more about the various services available to caregivers through SourcePoint and in the Delaware County community, contact Fox at 740-203-2399 or BFox@MySourcePoint.org. There is also a caregiver page on the SourcePoint website –MySourcePoint.org/caregiver – that provides additional information, including an email blog, links to the Facebook groups, and more.

Jeff Robinson is a long-time feature writer for My Communicator. Read some local caregivers’ success stories on page 12.

MySourcePoint.org | 740-363-6677

Success Stories from SourcePoint

A woman in a long line of mothers and daughters has aged into her position as figurehead of the family now that her own mother’s memory and abilities have declined. Her home is the gathering place for five generations of living relatives. She may not be able to change what is expected of her by the family, but she is the only one who gets to decide how she will carry herself when her children, her sisters, brothers, and their children gather in the family home and look to her for guidance or communicate a grievance. Using SourcePoint’s Caregiver Questionnaire has helped this family better divide responsibility among themselves and has helped remove unwarranted feelings of burden.

A man and his wife, having just packed the last of their graduating children off to college, have moved into his parents’ home to be more of a presence in their lives. There are safety concerns, serious warning signs of Alzheimer’s, and one of the biggest risk factors of all: isolation. SourcePoint support groups provided a place for the family to express their concerns. They receive validation from their peers in the moment, and after the session ends, Brian Fox, caregiver program coordinator, offers individualized support. Working with the family and SourcePoint staff who coordinate social activities, Fox said he was able to help them get acclimated to some discussion and art groups of interest to them.

A younger couple shares the responsibility of caring for one partner’s mom. The mother has a history of strokes that have led to vascular dementia, a memory condition that severely inhibits the ability to form words out of thoughts. Because both partners are employed full-time, it isn’t always easy to come to a caregiver support group. Fox was able to meet with the couple during caregiver drop-in hours to help determine safe ways for Mom to experience her community. Because each partner works a different shift, one drops Mom off at SourcePoint on the way to work and the other picks her up on the way home. Meanwhile, Mom is safe at SourcePoint playing bingo, taking a wellness course, or participating in one of many low-impact activities where she is surrounded by people who understand her regardless of her ability to communicate.

November is National Family Caregivers Month

Drive Safely Longer

The SAFE Delaware County Coalition commends everyone who participated in the Summer Driver Safety Series at SourcePoint. Their desire to remain safe drivers as they age is an important example to be followed by everyone who gets behind the wheel.

Participants were pleased with how much they learned—from how to navigate roundabouts to how to evaluate their own driving abilities and seek adjustments to remain driving safely. Focus group attendees shared some important views on how driving has evolved since they took their first driver test 50 to 70 years ago.

They noted that they had to learn and adapt to new technologies in vehicles like automatic transmission, anti-lock braking systems, airbags, seat belts, key fobs, and even adjustable speed wipers. Outside of the vehicle technology changing dramatically, drivers also had to learn to adapt to roadway changes, especially roundabouts and interstate driving. Also stated was that today’s traffic is more congested and drivers are more distracted and impatient. Finally, participants felt frustrated that after decades of driving experience, they now feel challenged by age-related changes in physical mobility, cognitive ability, hearing, and eyesight. Participants admitted to adjusting their driving behavior by limiting where and when they drive, and sometimes just staying home due to fear of night driving or weather conditions.

Sadly, challenges to depth perception, hearing, body movement, or reaction time have led to an increased number of recent fender-benders, as well as serious and even fatal crashes for older drivers in Delaware County. Surprisingly, participants suggested that all mature drivers seek additional driver training, education, automation, and even testing as they age.

Everyone involved in the Summer Driver Safety Series agreed that age does not determine the ability to drive safely. The challenge, they admitted however, is for all aging drivers to regularly challenge themselves to engage in activities that will allow them to continue to be safe drivers.

The SAFE Delaware County Coalition aims to keep all seniors driving safely. Another CarFit event will be offered by the SAFE Delaware County Coalition at SourcePoint on Thursday, Oct. 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. To request an appointment, register at MySourcePoint.org/EC or by contacting Jackie Bain at 740-2032083 or jbain@delawarehealth.org.

Whether you’re at Ohio Living Sarah Moore for assisted living, long-term nursing care, or short-term rehabilitation, one thing remains the same we don’t believe that you’re living in our facility. We believe that we’re working in your home.

So we do everything we can to make you feel at home whenever you’re on our campus, from comfortable furniture on our iconic front porch, to seeing your favorite foods on the menu, to staff members who feel like friends and treat you like family.

Call 740.362.9641 to schedule your tour today! 26

FROM THE SOURCE

The latest news, programs, and resources available at SourcePoint.

Fall Program Highlights

Oct. 2–Dec. 30, 2023

Hours of operation: Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.–noon.

Close at 4 p.m. Nov. 22, Dec. 22, and Dec. 29; Close at 2 p.m. Oct. 6 and Nov. 17; Closed Nov. 23-25, Dec. 23 and 25, Dec. 30.

Registration is required at MySourcePoint.org/EC or with customer service. All programs take place at 800 Cheshire Road, Delaware unless otherwise indicated. Programs subject to change.

DID YOU KNOW? Scholarships are available and applying is easy! Contact Annette at 740-363-6677 or aleatherman@ MySourcePoint.org or apply online.

Engage Fitness & Wellness

BODY SCULPTING NEW

Monday, Wednesday, or Friday with Dyan, noon–12:45 p.m. Body sculpting is a muscle-defining class that combines flexibility, cardiovascular conditioning, and core strength. You will use body weight, dumbbells, and resistance bands to firm and strengthen muscle while working on weight management and/or weight loss. Must be able to get up and down from the floor.

CHAIR DANCING NEW

Wednesday with Michelle D.V., 1–1:45 p.m.

Two left feet? Mobility issues? Poor balance? No problem. This fun, fantastic class will get your heart pumping and your toes tapping! It’s a full-body workout to improve strength and cardio endurance, balance and flexibility, coordination, and boogie power! Fee: $40 for the series.

YOGA: DYNAMIC FLOW NEW

Tuesday with Laurel, 4:30–5:30 p.m.

Intermediate-advanced. A lively yoga that features fluid movement focusing on body awareness, flexibility, breathwork, and stamina. Emphasizes the balance of body, mind, and spirit making way for health, empowerment, and purpose. Fee: $40 for the series.

Empower Transitions in Aging

A MATTER OF BALANCE

Fridays, Oct. 13 through Dec. 8, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Have you fallen in the past? Have you limited your activity for fear of falling? Do you want to improve balance, flexibility, and strength? A Matter of Balance is a free, award-winning program that teaches practical strategies to reduce your fear of falling and increase your activity level. In this series, you’ll learn to view falls as controllable, set realistic goals for yourself, reduce risk factors, and exercise to increase strength and balance.

TOOLS FOR LIFE: EXPLORING LIFE AND PERSON-SHAPING DECISIONS NEW

Thursdays, Oct. 5 through Dec. 7, 10:30 a.m.–noon. Adults make various life-shaping decisions that determine who they are, who they want to be, and the life they want to live. Unavoidable life changes become an opportunity to adapt to current life circumstances, and if needed make new decisions as wiser, more powerful people. Explore this interactive series through short presentations by the facilitator, open discussions, participant insights and questions from having lived their unique lives, and hands-on learning exercises designed to bring ideas to life.

Fee: $40 for the series.

CARE PARTNER AFFIRMATIONS WRITING WORKSHOP HYBRID | NEW

Thursdays, Oct. 5 through 26, 11 a.m.–noon. This four-week journaling workshop will be a chance for care partners to pass along the wisdom they have achieved— oftentimes through sheer trial and error—to a new generation of parents, spouses, children, and friends through the written word. Our finished work will be compiled into a volume of affirmations, mantras, and poems to be made available to current and future Delaware county caregivers. Open Mic Night to follow. Virtual participants will receive the program link via email after registration is complete.

Enhance Learning

EDUCATION PACKAGE

For one low fee of $15, register for as many of the 15 presentations available this quarter, including:

• Self-Care for Your Feet, Thursday, Oct. 5, 1–2 p.m.

• Fire Extinguisher Training, Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2–3 p.m.

• We Got Your Back: Understanding and Preventing Back Pain, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 11 a.m.–noon.

• What Do You Know? Wednesday, Oct. 25, 1–2:30 p.m.

• Teaching Art to Children in Ghana, Thursday, Oct. 26, 1–2.

AGING GRACEFULLY WITH AYURVEDA NEW

Monday, Oct. 9, 1–2:30 P.M.

Vandana Baranwal, BAMS, MD(Ay-BHU), shares an overview of Ayurveda, a natural and holistic science of healing and well-being. Aging is considered an inevitable change and to protect and maintain good health and age gracefully, Ayurveda gives some powerful tools to practice every day, including a rejuvenating daily routine, mindful eating, and restorative sleep. Vandana Baranwal is an Ayurveda Consultant and Educator, the Founder and President of the Ayurveda Association of Ohio, and on the faculty of Kerala Ayurveda Academy and the Boston Ayurveda School.

CONVERSATIONAL ENGLISH NEW

Wednesdays, Oct. 18, 25, Nov. 1 and 8, 1–2:15 p.m. Why learn to speak English? Is it so you can speak with people whose first language is English? Is it so you’ll be understood at the grocery store, doctor’s office, or your child’s school?

Volunteers will encourage you to speak in sentences and help you pronounce English words correctly. Rosemarie Dunne is your class facilitator who has been a friend to people from Korea, China, South America, and India. It is her joy to make new friends, particularly those from other countries who want to learn or improve their English.

NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS (NAMI) NEW

Tuesday, Oct. 17, 1–2 p.m.

Ron Graham and Tracie Bayer from the National Alliance on Mental Illness will share a presentation on mental illness. What is it like to live with a mental illness? A presentation will be broken into three sections: What Happened, What Helps, and What’s Next? This presentation is for everyone. Don’t miss this presentation that includes true life experiences.

Express Yourself with the Arts

INTERGENERATIONAL: NO-SEW SOCK OWLS NEW

Saturday, Oct. 21, 9:30–11:30 a.m.

Bring the young person in your life and spend the morning creating together. Make a cute stuffed owl out of a sock. Led by instructor Carol Wallenfelsz. Fee: $10 per project (per child or adult).

PAINTING WITH COFFEE NEW

Wednesday, Oct. 4, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Oct. 1 marks International Coffee Day, a celebration of one of the world’s favorite drinks. Learn how to use this drink to create a painting on 9x12 paper. Led by instructor Carol Wallenfelsz. Fee: $15.

WOODBURNING 101

Wednesdays, Oct. 11 and 18, 9–11:30 a.m.

Instructor and artist Shelia Theisen will show you how to use SourcePoint’s woodburning unit. Create a welcome sign, numbers of your address, or an important date on a 5x12inch bark edge board using woodburning techniques learned in class. Class size is very limited. Fee: $50.

Enrich Social Connections

GENOA TOWNSHIP SOCIAL: TUNES AND TRIVIA

Wednesday, Oct. 18, 1–3 p.m. at Genoa Township Hall, 5111 S. Old 3C Highway, Westerville.

Peggy will tickle the ivories as she tests your trivia skills.

SUNBURY SOCIALS

Third Monday of each month, 1–3 p.m. at Sunbury Township Hall, 51 E. Cherry St., Sunbury. (Oct. 16: Halloween Party)

In partnership with the city of Sunbury, SourcePoint is hosting three social gatherings for people to meet others at Sunbury’s Town Hall. With food, fellowship, and fun, these events focus on engaging with others in the area. Bring your smile and have fun with other locals 55 and better!

LIVE ON CHESHIRE

Thursdays, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Local entertainers perform new shows for members to enjoy.

Check out more program highlights on page 27!

A Guide To Withdrawing and Using Your Retirement

Although those in retirement can earn their income in a variety of ways— including retirement accounts, benefits programs like Social Security, family, or part-time employment—retirement accounts, in particular, play a significant role in funding your post-work years.

Finally, the median balance in retirement accounts shrinks by $10,000 by the time you reach age 75, so ongoing money management is essential to ensure your funds last throughout your life. Here is a closer look at the issues affecting retirement account withdrawals.

How Does Withdrawing from a Retirement Plan Work?

More than half of Americans over 40 have at least one retirement account, but the types of accounts vary widely. Traditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), Roth IRAs, and 401(k)s are savings vehicles for retirement. However, the withdrawal requirements are different for each account type. Mistakes when accessing these funds could lead to penalties or higher-than-expected tax bills.

Here is a look at the differences.

there is one important difference: contributions to this account type are not tax deductible. You pay taxes on the funds before depositing them, but the balance and any interest or earnings are tax-exempt when you withdraw them. This factor can make financial planning very different from a traditional IRA.

• 401(k)s — These accounts are employer-funded. In most cases, employers match any contributions you make to the account. Like traditional IRAs, 401(k) funds are tax-exempt when deposited but taxed as regular income upon withdrawal. 401(k)s also have withdrawal requirements similar to IRAs. You cannot save the money in this account forever; you must start withdrawing it after age 72.

The U.S. Census Bureau found that a majority of those over age 40 have at least one such fund. By the time they retire, the median balance of these accounts tops $87,000. However, this amount is quite modest if you consider that it gets spread out over 15 to 30 years.

Several factors affect retirement accounts. First, there are specific rules and tax requirements for the different fund types. Second, inflation can affect the overall value of the account, requiring you to adjust withdrawal amounts to maintain your standard of living through the years.

• Traditional IRAs — Also known as simple IRAs, this is the most common form of retirement account. These accounts are attractive because contributions are tax-exempt. However, you will have to pay taxes for your income bracket when withdrawing these funds, and as such, you should show caution when withdrawing too much in a given year.

• Roth IRAs — Similar to traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs have basic withdrawal requirements. However,

Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plans are also available for small business owners to provide retirement accounts for their employees and themselves. They have the same requirements as employerlinked IRA accounts, but they are ideal for contractors and business people who work for themselves and lack access to a benefits package.

How Old Do I Have to be to Withdraw Money from my Retirement Plan?

The IRS requires that you be 59 ½ years old to withdraw money from a retirement account. You can make early withdrawals, but the funds will be subject to a 10% early distribution tax in addition to the regular income tax you must pay on 401(k) and traditional IRA money.

The Internal Revenue Service waives this penalty for certain expenses, such as permanent disability or qualifying medical costs. You may be able to prematurely withdraw IRA funds (but not 401(k) money) to put a down payment on a home or to pay for higher education.

You might also consider saving the money in your retirement account to use later in your retirement years. However, once you reach age 72, you must make minimum withdrawals from 401(k) and traditional IRA accounts, according to the IRS. This rule does not apply to Roth IRAs, which you can keep until your death when the remaining balance gets distributed to your heirs.

How Do I Make Sure I Have Enough Retirement Money?

Financial confidence after retirement requires planning beyond when and how much to withdraw from your retirement accounts.

You can begin the process early by contributing the maximum allowable amount to your accounts each year or depositing as much as you reasonably can.

You can maximize the money in these accounts by investing it. The IRS caps annual contributions on these accounts, but once the money is in the account, you can use it to create a diversified investment portfolio. This step can help increase the account value, providing additional income for retirement.

Here are some additional steps to take once you reach retirement age.

Budget Wisely

A well-planned budget is vital when you are living on a fixed income. You can plan for all necessary expenditures on a monthly or weekly basis. Unexpected expenses may arise from time to time. However, a budget can help you avoid overspending and allow you to time your retirement account withdrawals to limit your tax burden and ensure you have enough money for subsequent years.

You might consider making an emergency savings account so that you can deal with unexpected expenses without upsetting your budget plans or draining your retirement account.

Keep Investing

Inflation is one of the more challenging financial aspects of retirement. You are on a fixed income that isn’t going to change, but the cost of living will continue to rise.

To address this, you can steadily increase the amount you withdraw from your IRAs. You can also counteract your increased costs by investing. With an online stock trading platform, you can purchase and hold assets that hedge against inflation, which averages around 3% each year.

Investments may not only make you rich quickly, but they will help you maintain your purchasing power by bringing returns that match or exceed the inflation percentage.

You can also accumulate more investment holdings to add to your will, giving your heirs more assets.

Supplement Your Fixed Income

Another approach is to reduce your reliance on your retirement accounts. The best way you can do this is to get a job to provide supplemental income.

There are different approaches to postretirement employment. You could seek a casual job that provides modest additional income and the chance for social interaction, or you could look for a consulting or part-time position related to your former profession.

Regardless of your post-career work choice, you can gain supplemental income to take the financial pressure off your retirement accounts.

Seeking post-retirement employment can also benefit your health. Studies have also shown that employment can positively impact mental and physical health after retirement. However, job choice was an important factor in these benefits. The positive effects, which included lower instances of depression and less decline in daily activity, were most evident in part-time jobs and rewarding, nondemanding positions. As such, you should pick a job that is stress-free and the most rewarding to reap all the financial and mental benefits.

With a proper plan for your retirement accounts, inflation, and supplemental income, you can feel confident about the financial aspects of retirement.

Source: Aging.com. Content is for reference and information purposes only. Do not rely solely on this content, as it is not a substitute for advice from a financial advisor or accounting professional.

NUTRITION

Veggie-Stuffed Portobellas

This recipe makes four servings.

4 portobella mushrooms

½ cup balsamic dressing

½ red onion, diced

1 small zucchini, diced

1 small yellow squash, diced

1 red pepper, diced

¼ cup oil

2 tbsp garlic, chopped

2 tbsp pesto

Salt and pepper, to taste

Parmesan and shredded mozzarella

For the mushrooms:

1. Remove the stalk from the mushrooms.

2. Using a damp paper towel, wipe down the top of each mushroom.

3. With a small spoon, gently scoop the gills out of the inside of the mushrooms.

4. Marinate the mushrooms in balsamic vinaigrette overnight or for at least 2 hours.

5. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

6. Roast the marinated mushrooms for approximately 25-35 minutes, or until easy to cut through.

For the filling:

7. Wash and finely dice the bell peppers, zucchini, and yellow squash.

8. Finely dice the red onion.

9. Toss veggies with olive oil, pesto, garlic, salt, and pepper.

10. Lay them out on a lined sheet tray.

11. Roast for approximately 20 minutes.

12. Stuff each mushroom with the mixture.

13. Mix cheese and sprinkle on top of the mushrooms.

14. Put back in the oven to melt the cheese on top.

15. Serve warm.

Notes: Feel free to add or replace veggies in this recipe. Asparagus, tomatoes, eggplant, sweet potatoes, cabbage, or corn would be great accompaniments to the other vegetables. If you would like to add meat to this recipe, crumbled sausage or ground turkey would be great additions to the veggies, as well.

Roasted Veggie Sandwich with an Herbed Ricotta

This recipe makes four servings.

1 cup ricotta

1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped

1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

1 tbsp fresh rosemary, minced

1 tbsp garlic, minced

1 eggplant, sliced

1 small zucchini

1 small yellow squash

1 small red onion

1 large red pepper, cut into quarters

¼ cup oil

1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

8 slices of your favorite bread

For the ricotta spread:

1. Wash and chop the fresh herbs.

2. Mix fresh herbs with ricotta, chopped garlic, salt, and pepper.

For the sandwich filling:

3. Wash and slice the eggplant (lengthwise if small, horizontally if large).

4. Sprinkle eggplant with salt and let sit overnight. This will remove excess water and make it more tender to eat.

5. Wash and slice the zucchini and yellow squash lengthwise; a mandolin works well for this, if you have one.

6. Slice the red onion into rings.

7. Wash and cut the red peppers into quarters.

8. Toss each vegetable individually with oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.

If roasting: Lay each vegetable on a lined sheet tray. Roast in a 350 degree oven until soft and lightly browned—make sure there is no steam.

If grilling: Grill over an open flame until veggies are charred and tender.

Notes: Feel free to use your favorite veggies in your sandwich. Other great veggies would be mushrooms, asparagus, spinach, and/or tomatoes. If you don’t like ricotta, cream cheese would be a great replacement. If you would like to add meat, grilled chicken or thinly sliced steak would be a great addition.

Tax-Aide Seeks Volunteers

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program, which provides free tax preparation for older adults at SourcePoint and more than 200 other communities across Ohio, is looking for volunteer tax preparers for next year.

Anyone who does their own taxes is an ideal candidate for the all-volunteer program. Volunteers receive IRS-approved training, work on AARP Foundation-provided computers, and are mentored throughout the tax season.

Until COVID-19 forced a shutdown in early 2020, Tax-Aide volunteers prepared tax returns at five locations in Delaware County. As the pandemic abated, Tax-Aide resumed operations at Andrews House and SourcePoint, but not enough volunteers returned to reopen sites in Ashley, Sunbury, and the library. TaxAide hopes to restore service there as soon as possible.

Tax-Aide volunteers have an immediate and measurable impact on the lives of the people they serve. Volunteers save often financially pressed older adults the cost of paying a private

preparer and provide a calm, steady, and reassuring hand in an often stressful situation.

This year SourcePoint volunteers filed returns for more than 200 people, saving them an estimated $47,500 in tax preparation fees and helping them collect nearly $175,000 in tax refunds.

Volunteers come from all walks of life, including beauticians, accountants, truck drivers, and managers. Volunteers who prefer not to prepare tax returns are also needed to do such things as manage taxpayer appointments and see that they have the necessary paperwork.

Bruce Gelsinger, Tax-Aide state coordinator for mid-Ohio, said, “Please consider joining our ranks. The demand increases every year, and we need more volunteers to fill the need.”

For more information about volunteering, please contact Prospective Volunteer Specialist Jusy Gardiner at ohio2taxaide@ gmail.com, go to the Tax-Aide website at aarpfoundation.org/ taxaidevolunteer, or call 888-227-7667.

HARD

See Sudoku Solutions on page 28.

Using Nutritious Food to Treat Disease

We know steps can be taken to maintain and improve functional ability as a part of healthy aging, and we know that nutrition is a critical component of this effort. A current focus on food as medicine emphasizes the importance of using food and nutrition to promote health and prevent disease. The idea behind “food is medicine” programs is simple: provide medically tailored meals (MTM) to patients who are facing serious health challenges and improve access to nutritious foods to address nutrition security.

These programs have been gaining traction in recent years, and for good reason. They have been shown to significantly improve health outcomes while reducing healthcare costs, especially for older adults at risk of malnutrition. By implementing additional MTM programs across the country, we could help prevent 1.6 million hospitalizations and save insurers a net amount of $13.6 billion per year, after paying for the cost of food, with most savings occurring within Medicare and Medicaid.

FOOD IS MEDICINE MOVEMENT

The historic 2022 White House Conference on Hunger, Health, and Nutrition posed a unique opportunity to increase access to MTM. One organization at the forefront of the food is medicine movement is the Food Is Medicine Coalition, a national group of nonprofits that prepare and deliver medically tailored meals, groceries, and nutrition services to people with severe and chronic illnesses across the U.S.

An initiative aimed at expanding access to medically tailored meals, The Food Is

Medicine Accelerator, accepts applications every spring. The Accelerator provides funding, resources, and expert training to nonprofits working to expand access to these programs. It also offers training and technical assistance to help organizations build capacity and sustainability. The coalition advocates for policy changes that would allow for greater access to these programs.

One such policy change is the Medicaid section 1115 demonstration waiver, which uses federal funds to test innovative approaches to health with programs like food is medicine. These waivers are gaining popularity and allow states to provide MTM to Medicaid beneficiaries with certain chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. As of 2023, multiple states have received approval for the waiver for food is medicine, with more expected to follow. There is hope that MTM can be extended to Medicare, as well.

provide fresh produce to senior meal sites or as part of home-delivered meals.

Studies have shown that providing MTM to patients can lead to significant improvements in health outcomes, while reducing healthcare costs. Kaiser Permanente found high-risk patients diagnosed with heart failure were half as likely to be readmitted to the hospital after 90 days if they received MTMs. The cost for six months of meals roughly equals one night’s stay in a hospital. Data like this can be used to garner support to start other programs. A number of organizations have pledged their support to collecting more data with the Food Is Medicine Research Initiative.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR FOOD IS MEDICINE

Private companies also are leveraging food is medicine. When a recent Community Assessment Survey found that half of older adults in Indiana reported lack of access to affordable quality food, Blue Cross Blue Shield provided $4.4 million to

The Aspen Institute recently published a Food Is Medicine Action Plan that outlines recommendations for improving access to medically tailored meals. The plan calls for greater collaboration between healthcare providers, insurance companies, and community organizations. It also recommends that the federal government include funding for food is medicine programs in the upcoming Farm Bill, a critical piece of legislation that shapes our nation’s food and agricultural policy. Other potential nutrition additions to the farm bill could incentivize the use of SNAP for purchasing fruits and vegetables, support online shopping in SNAP purchasing to increase accessibility for people who are

‘THE COST FOR SIX MONTHS OF MEALS ROUGHLY EQUALS ONE NIGHT’S STAY IN A HOSPITAL.’

too sick to shop and cook for themselves, and create a program providing boxes of locally sourced produce to Medicaid beneficiaries.

Screening for food insecurity and malnutrition is an essential part of targeting food is medicine and MTM programs.

Healthcare providers should regularly screen patients for these risks, especially older adults who are at a higher risk of malnutrition. By identifying individuals who are at risk, healthcare providers can intervene early and prevent health complications. But screening alone is not enough. We must take action to address

the root causes of food insecurity and malnutrition, including poverty, lack of access to healthy food, and social isolation. MTMs are a critical component of this.

MAKING A MEANINGFUL IMPACT

Food is medicine programs have the potential to revolutionize the healthcare industry and improve the health and well-being of millions of Americans, making these programs a win-win solution for patients and healthcare providers alike. By providing access to nutritious food and medically tailored meals, we can

WITH MEDICALLY TAILORED MEALS

23% more likely to be discharged to their homes rather than another facility

50% fewer hospital admissions

address food insecurity and malnutrition, improve health outcomes, and reduce healthcare costs.

Improving nutrition for all can only increase how many people can age well and maintain function. We must work together to expand access to these programs, advocate for policy changes that support their implementation, and address the root causes of food insecurity and malnutrition.

Source: American Society on Aging. Read more at generations.asaging.org.

Common Social Security Scams

The Social Security system is designed to provide basic financial benefits for workers after retirement. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), on average each month nearly 67 million Americans will receive a Social Security payment in 2023, totaling more than 1 trillion dollars throughout the year.

While these monthly payments are a lifeline for many older Americans, recipients are prime targets for con artists and thieves. Social Security scams are a growing problem. In 2022, consumers reported losing more than $104.5 million to Social Security-related scams.

“Scammers have a misperception about older generations,” says Genevieve Waterman, Director of Economic & Financial Security at NCOA. “They think older adults are the wealthiest population, or they have this idea they’re not as tech-savvy as other groups.”

As with all scams targeting older adults, knowledge is empowering. Understanding the signs of a Social Security scam will allow you to avoid fraudsters and keep your money and personal details safe.

What are common Social Security scams?

Scammers are always refining their approaches in a constant effort to stay a step ahead of consumers. However, there are basic schemes that tend to surface time and again. Below are three examples to be aware of.

1. Your Social Security number and benefits will be suspended unless you act right away.

With this Social Security scam, an imposter pretending to be from SSA (or even the police) says your Social Security number (SSN) has been frozen due to alleged criminal activity. They may ask you to verify your SSN to resolve the problem. They might also, to “reinstate” your SSN and benefits, request a payment in the form of gift cards or a money transfer (via a digital payment platform like Zelle®, Paypal, or Venmo). The scammer may even threaten arrest if you don’t comply.

2. You’ve been paid too much in Social Security benefits and you must pay it back, or you owe some kind of fee.

In this case, a scammer contacts you by phone, email, and/

or text message. They explain there’s a problem with your Social Security account, and you must pay to continue receiving benefits. This payment may be intended to correct an alleged overpayment of benefits, or it may be to satisfy some kind of penalty, fine, or administrative fee.

You may be asked to remit payment in the form of gift cards, cryptocurrency, or money transfer through an online payment platform.

3. SSA requires additional information to continue your benefits.

This Social Security scam involves an imposter contacting you via phone, email, or text requesting additional personal information. The caller may say you’re eligible for a payment increase—or that your benefits will be terminated if your account is not verified. They might ask you to confirm details over the phone, such as your bank direct deposit information or SSN.

Communications from Social Security scammers can be very convincing. Imposters often use real names and phone numbers of SSA or Office of Inspector General (OIG) employees to impersonate official government figures. This is why you can’t rely on names or Caller ID to verify something is legitimate. Even letters sent out by scammers can appear to be printed on “official” SSA or OIG letterhead. It’s all an elaborate ploy to get your attention and stir up feelings of fear.

How can I recognize a Social Security scam?

A big part of avoiding Social Security scams is understanding how the (real) Social Security Administration operates. SSA does occasionally call people for customer service matters, or in response to a consumer request for a callback. If they call you, it’s usually about a situation you already know about; for example, you recently applied for benefits. Likewise, the agency will only send you texts or emails if you have requested to receive them.

Rest assured, the Social Security Administration will never:

• Threaten you with arrest, legal action, benefits suspension, or bank account seizure if you don’t comply with a request.

• Suspend your Social Security number.

• Offer to shift your Social Security money to a “safer” account.

• Demand you make a payment immediately.

• Ask you for specific payment methods—such as prepaid debit cards, gift cards, online payments, mailed cash, or cryptocurrency. Scammers request these forms of payment because they’re more difficult to trace than other methods.

• Promise to increase your Social Security benefits if you comply with a certain request (e.g., make a payment or verify personal info).

• Contact you via social media platforms (e.g., Facebook).

• Request that you return a call to an unknown number.

Another common tip-off is misspellings or grammatical errors in emails, texts, and other correspondence. All these things are red flags that should give you pause. You could be dealing with a Social Security scam.

How can I protect myself from Social Security scams?

Below are some common-sense practices that can help you steer clear of Social Security scammers:

1. Don’t act on impulse: Threatening letters or calls from people claiming to be from a government agency can be scary and upsetting. But try to stay calm instead of letting your emotions take over. Talk to a trusted friend or family member for help in determining your next steps.

2. Don’t click on any links: Resist the urge to click on links, open attachments, or call phone numbers that appear in

unexpected emails or texts. To verify if a communication is real, contact SSA directly using the information listed on their website.

3. Avoid answering calls from unknown numbers: If you don’t recognize the number, let it go to voicemail. That way, you can listen to the message and think through whether it requires a callback. This advice applies even if a number appears to be that of an official government agency (remember, those numbers can easily be spoofed).

4. Protect your personal information: Always question a contact you did not initiate. And never volunteer your Social Security Number or account number—to anyone—unless they read the number to you first.

What should I do if I think I’ve been scammed?

If you’re concerned your Social Security number or personal information has been compromised, you can:

• Set up a fraud alert on your credit report, which makes it harder for scammers to set up new accounts in your name. To do this, you must contact the three credit bureaus separately: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.

• Call the OIG fraud hotline at 800-269-0271 or submit a report online.

For more helpful tips and information on what to do if you believe you’re the victim of a scam, visit consumer.ftc.gov/scams

Source: National Council on Aging. Read more at ncoa.org.

What to Know During Flu Season

Early fall is the best time for older adults to get vaccines to protect against the influenza virus, also known as the “flu.”

This year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends that adults 60 and older get the newly updated COVID vaccine and talk to their doctor about the respiratory syncytial respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine. Both the latest flu vaccine and the RSV vaccine are available now. An updated COVID vaccine was approved by federal health officials in mid-September.

If you have questions about which vaccines are best for you or when to get them—or how long to wait after a previous booster or COVID infection before getting the most recently approved vaccine—talk to your doctor.

THE IMPORTANCE OF FLU SHOTS FOR OLDER ADULTS

The single best way to reduce your risk from flu and possibly serious complications is to get the flu shot every year. Here are some flu facts to help explain why getting your vaccine is so important.

WHAT IS INFLUENZA OR FLU?

Are influenza (flu) and COVID-19 caused by the same virus? The answer is no. Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. The flu virus is different from the coronavirus, and two different vaccines are required for protection. Individuals who have had the COVID-19 vaccine or are planning to be vaccinated against COVID-19 can safely get the flu shot this year and every year.

Although they are caused by different viruses, there are some similarities between COVID-19 and flu.

Just like COVID-19, flu is easily passed from person to person when someone coughs, talks, or sneezes.

You can also catch the flu virus from recently contaminated surfaces or objects that have the virus on them and then touch your mouth, eyes, or nose.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF FLU?

Some symptoms of flu are similar to the common cold, like sneezing, cough, sore throat, and chest discomfort. However, flu usually starts more quickly and symptoms are much more severe than the common cold. Flu symptoms also include fever, body aches, chills, headaches, and feeling tired.

People often ask, “Can you get the flu from the flu shot?” No, you cannot. The flu shot is made from inactive (dead) virus that can’t cause influenza infection. However, you may get brief, mild side effects from the flu vaccine that can feel almost flu-like.

WHY ARE OLDER ADULTS AT HIGHER RISK FOR FLU?

While each flu season differs in severity, during most seasons, people 65 years and older bear the greatest burden of disease. The Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention estimates that between 70-85% of seasonal flu-related deaths and between 50-70% of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations occurred in older adults. People 65+ are at higher risk of developing serious complications from flu compared with younger adults. This increased risk is due in part to declines in immune response with age.

Older adults with chronic conditions, like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease, such as asthma or COPD, are at highest risk for developing life-threatening complications from the flu.

Because of age-related changes in their immune systems, people 65 years and older may not respond as well to vaccination as younger people. Although immune responses may be lower in older people, studies have found that flu vaccine has been effective in reducing the risk of doctor visits and hospitalizations due to the flu. In addition, high dose vaccines and an adjuvanted flu vaccine are available; adjuvanted flu vaccine includes an additive that provide a higher immune response. These vaccines have been shown to more effective in older adults in producing a stronger immune response and reducing illness compared to the standard flu vaccine shot. Your doctor or pharmacist will recommend which flu vaccine is best for you.

WHY ARE FLU SHOTS NEEDED EVERY YEAR?

If you’re concerned about how to prevent catching the flu from someone, getting a flu vaccine is your best bet. CDC recommends that almost everyone 6 months and older get a seasonal flu vaccine every year, ideally by the end of October. However, as long as flu viruses are circulating, vaccination should continue throughout flu season, even into January or later.

Flu vaccines are updated each season to keep up with changing viruses. Also, immunity against the flu virus decreases over a year so annual vaccination is needed to make sure everyone has the best possible protection against flu. Because immunity may decrease more quickly in older people, it is especially important that older adults are not vaccinated too early like in July or August.

Federal health officials recommend specific flu vaccines for people age 65 and older. These vaccines are Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent, Flublock Quadrivalent, and Fluad Quadrivalent. Studies have shown they trigger a better immune response in older adults than the traditional flu vaccine. If you are 65 or older, ask for one of these vaccines when you are getting your flu shot from your doctor, pharmacist, or a vaccine clinic. But if one of these vaccines is not available or will not be available soon, a traditional flu shot is recommended.

WHAT ABOUT THE PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINE?

Pneumonia is an example of a serious flurelated complication that can cause death. People who are 65 years and older also should be up to date with pneumococcal vaccine to protect against pneumococcal disease, such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. Talk to your doctor to find out which pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for you. If you

are not up to date on your pneumococcal vaccine, you can get that vaccine when you get a flu vaccine.

DOES MEDICARE COVER VACCINES?

Medicare Part B covers both the flu shot and pneumococcal vaccines with no outof-pocket costs to Medicare beneficiaries.

SCHEDULE YOUR FALL FLU SHOT

According to the CDC, the best months for most people to get vaccinated against the flu are September and October. It’s

important to note that it takes about two weeks after the flu shot to develop antibodies or protection against the flu.

Getting your annual flu shot can help you stay active, healthy, and independent. Ask your health care provider which flu vaccine is right for you. You can search by ZIP code to find flu vaccines near you at vaccines.gov

Source: National Council on Aging. Read more at ncoa.org.

TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT:

• Visit htt es://forms.delawarehealth.orglForm s/clinicerivate

• Use code: clinic2023

• Click submit at the end of the form and check your e-mail for confirmation.

OR

• Scan QR code and use code: clinic2023

Power of a Knock Volunteer of the Year

Meals on Wheels America and Home Instead announced the inaugural Power of a Knock National Volunteer of the Year: Debbie, a volunteer of more than 16 years through SourcePoint’s Meals on Wheels program. Home Instead contributed $50,000 to SourcePoint in Debbie’s honor.

The Power of a Knock Volunteer Award was created to celebrate the inspiring individuals who deliver connection and care to older adults in their communities. Meals on Wheels organizations across the country nominated volunteers with compassionate stories about how these people are impacting the lives of their clients.

“The seniors we serve are often isolated and lonely,” said Ellie Hollander, president and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. “Debbie exemplifies the power of a knock, which she has done upwards of 8,000 times over the years, opening the door to social connections and friendships with her clients. It’s our honor to recognize volunteers like Debbie – the heart and soul of Meals on Wheels programs.”

Debbie stood out for going above and beyond in treating a client with the dignity and respect that is a mainstay of Meals on Wheels. When Debbie first began delivering meals to her new client, Dennis, who is deaf, they communicated through Dennis’ lipreading skills. However, when the pandemic hit and masking mandates went into effect, Dennis could no longer see her mouth movements and facial expressions. Concerned that the loss of meaningful communication would take a toll on Dennis, Debbie turned to YouTube to advance her American Sign Language skills. Dennis has embraced the role of teacher in the years since Debbie’s first attempt at signing, and they continue to nourish their friendship through weekly visits.

“Debbie’s story reinforces how Meals on Wheels volunteers deliver so much more than just a meal to homebound seniors, underscoring the importance of human connection,” said Hollander. “These individual acts of kindness have a multiplier effect and are what makes our collective impact possible.”

“Celebrating these volunteers and supporting their Meals on Wheels programs extends our mission to expand the world’s capacity to care,” said Seth Sternberg, Honor co-founder and CEO. “We hope these stories inspire others to check in with older adults in their communities and foster a sense of connection and purpose.”

Meals on Wheels America and Home Instead encourage Americans to experience the joy of working with older adults firsthand as a Meals on Wheels volunteer or Home Instead care professional or by donating to support the Meals on Wheels network. On the heels of the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory declaring loneliness and social isolation an epidemic, the two organizations partnered to raise awareness, funding and volunteers to address the needs of our aging neighbors and curb this health crisis.

Volunteers are integral to every aspect of our organization, and even more so in our Meals on Wheels program. Volunteers like Debbie want to make a difference in people’s lives, and so they ultimately deliver more than a nutritious meal. They connect, engage, and form relationships with those they serve.”

—Fara Waugh, CEO, SourcePoint

The partnership supports Meals on Wheels America’s Power of a Knock campaign, which is all about the transformation that occurs when a Meals on Wheels volunteer knocks on the door of a homebound older adult’s home, changing their life through companionship. A knock at the door might not seem like a big deal to many, but to an aging adult served by Meals on Wheels, it brings hope, health, and the nutrition and connection that will make their day. For more information, visit mealsonwheelsamerica.org/the-power-of-a-knock.

More Fall Programs at SourcePoint

Explore Our World with Trips

COLUMBUS SYMPHONY HOLIDAY POPS NEW

Saturday, Dec. 2, 2 p.m. bus departure, 6 p.m. estimated return.

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at the Ohio Theatre with Holiday Pops! Enjoy beautiful music in the theatre’s winter wonderland, adorned with beautiful decorations, and seasonal cheer. In addition to the Columbus Symphony, enjoy the voices of the Columbus Symphony Chorus and Columbus Children’s Choir for beloved holiday songs and carols. Activity Level 1.

Registration through Nov. 18.

Fee: $65 for members; $85 for non-members.

CHRISTMAS AT ROSCOE VILLAGE NEW

Monday, Dec. 11, 12:30 p.m. bus departure, 9 p.m. estimated return.

Experience an old-fashioned Christmas at the picturesque Roscoe Village. This restored 1830 town stands as a testament to Ohio’s bygone Canal era. Edward E. Montgomery created what he called, “a living museum, so that people of the 20th century and beyond could enjoy a ‘step back in time’ to the 19th century.” Tour ticket and dinner included at The Warehouse Restaurant. Activity Level 2.

Registration through Nov. 27.

Fee: $90 for members; $110 for non-members.

CONSERVATORY AGLOW NEW

Tuesday, Dec. 19, 5:15 p.m. bus departure, 9:45 p.m. estimated return.

Experience the big and bright holiday show of the Franklin Park Conservatory at night time. Marvel at the model railway, hand-blown glass ornament trees, and familyfavorite poinsettia trees provide the perfect backdrop for photo opportunities. The Garden Cafe as well as food trucks will be available including for dinner/concessions on your own. Activity Level 2.

Registration through Dec. 5.

Fee: $50 for members; $70 for non-members.

It’s Time to Prepare for Medicare Open Enrollment

Open Enrollment is Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, which means it's time to review your Part D or Medicare Advantage plan! Whether you’re new to Medicare or have been on Medicare for years, SourcePoint’s two interactive workshops will teach you how to use the Medicare Plan Finder Tool and select the best 2024 plan for you. Bring a complete list of your medications, doctors’ names, and your tablet or laptop, if possible.

MEDICARE OPTION 1 - MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTS AND PART D

• Tuesday, Oct. 10, 6–8 p.m.

• Tuesday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m.–noon.

• Tuesday, Dec. 5, 6–8 p.m.

MEDICARE OPTION 2 - MEDICARE ADVANTAGE

• Thursday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m.–noon.

• Thursday, Nov. 16, 6–8 p.m.

• Thursday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m.–noon.

Registration is required at MySourcePoint.org/insurance or with customer service.

We Care. You Care.

SourcePoint’s Caregiver Support Program

Caring for a spouse, parent, or other loved one takes time, effort, and hard work. And you don’t have to do it alone!

SourcePoint’s caregiver support offers a variety of free resources and dynamic programs, including:

CAREGIVER CONVERSATIONS | CAREGIVER CRASH COURSE

DROP-IN HOURS | FAMILY MEETINGS

CAREGIVERS FROM THE HEART CARE PARTNERS AFFIRMATIONS WRITING WORKSHOP

If My Courage Knew No Bounds

1. I’d walk the Appalachian Trail in a party of three, Mother Nature, my thoughts and me.

I’d rest in a bag spread upon hard ground and sleep to the sounds of the forest. I’d sketch unfamiliar plants and flowers, and greet my old friends the rocks. I’d meander the path which others hike and know the joy of slowing down. I’d walk only a portion of the trail, but know the contentment of enough.

2. I’d point my car west and chase the sun until it sinks beneath the waves.

I’d shun the racetracks of cross-country highways in favor of narrow roads with quirky-sounding names.

I’d idle along at ten mph, lose myself and find myself along the way.

I’d eat in unpretentious diners filled with the aroma of simple foods and the laughter of locals.

I’d explore small towns that time forgot and hear the stories of forgotten people. I’d climb a mountain just for the view and come away with treasures that can only be earned.

I’d stand beneath a desert sky ablaze with stars and see my place in the universe.

3. I’d live in a tent on the shore of Lake Superior with lake and forest for companions.

I’d explore rocky coastline and challenge myself to find a way forward.

I’d be lulled to sleep by the heartbeat of an inland sea.

I’d walk beaches to the rhythm of waves and feel the rhythm of my life.

I’d know the unparalleled joy of coming home.

I’d live in the asystole of time, that infinitesimal pause between seconds where time stands still and peace resides.

Judy Titus participates in creative writing at SourcePoint. Learn more and register at MySourcePoint.org/EC.

What has happened to my hair?

I think it’s lost its mind

It’s gotten so unruly

I’m not sure it’s even mine.

Devil horns sprout from the crown And angel wings behind my ears

It’s growing in strange directions And bringing me to tears.

I think I will shave my head

To foil its mutinous plot

I hope it regrows correctly Or this may be its final shot.

Donna Bingham participates in creative writing at SourcePoint. Learn more and register at MySourcePoint.org/EC.

Sudoku Solutions

November is National Home Care Month

Each November, we celebrate National Home Care and Hospice Month by honoring the millions of nurses, home health aides, therapists, social workers, and family caregivers who help our loved ones obtain proper care in the comfort of their homes. Unsung heroes, these caregivers and health professionals are an integral part of our health-care system and the communities in which they work.

HOME CARE STATISTICS

According to PHI, there are over 2 million home care workers in the U.S. who provide personal care assistance and health-care services to older adults and people with disabilities.

Here are some other home care facts:

• The median hourly wage for homecare workers is $10.11.

• The vast majority of home-care workers—89%—are female.

• People of color make up more than half of the home-care workforce.

• Over half of home-care workers rely on some form of public assistance.

• 17% of caregivers report symptoms of burnout as a result of providing care.

HOW TO HONOR HOME CARE AND HOSPICE WORKERS

It may seem impossible to properly repay home care and hospice workers for the invaluable services they provide, but you can never underestimate the power of small gestures. A gift for a caregiver can be as simple as a handwritten thank-you card or as generous as a massage or manicure.

No two caregivers have the same interests, but they all share a passion for helping people live healthier and safer lives. By letting them know how much you appreciate their efforts, you can make a world of difference in their days.

BOTTOM LINE

As you may expect, the vast majority of seniors prefer to stay in their homes for the long term. We can’t overstate how important home-care and hospice workers are in making this desire a reality.

Even beyond National Home Care and Hospice Month, it’s important to take the time to show your appreciation for these caregivers. For many, they are the key to aging in place.

DISCOVER ideas, acquire knowledge, and fuel your curiosity this fall

as part of the Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) of Ohio Wesleyan University.

The Lifelong Learning Institute returns on October 9 with classes on campus or other locations for the community of lifelong learners 55 and older. Taught by volunteers, including professors, practitioners and others in a non-competitive environment, each class meets for approximately two hours. All class sessions will be held in the 1st floor Benes Rooms of the Ohio Wesleyan Hamilton-Williams Campus Center except where noted. Options for online, mail and telephone registration are outlined on the back of the flier. Class descriptions, registration, campus map, and scholarship information and application can be found at www.owu.edu/LLI. As this flier was printed in early August, please check the LLI website for updates, class locations, and more class details. We can’t wait to see you this fall!! Please contact the LLI at lli@owu.edu or 740-368-3078 with any questions.

Montgomery

Fall Term 2023 Courses | Begins October 9 | www.owu.edu/LLI

Clift: His Method and His Madness

Mondays, 9 am – Noon | October 9, 16, 23, 30, November 6, 13, 20

Tracey Peyton, Managing Director, Strand Theatre

Class location: This class will be held each week at The Strand Theatre, 28 East Winter St., Delaware.

Oct 9 Red River

Oct 16 The Heiress

Oct 23 Place in the Sun

Oct 30 I Confess

Nov 6 From Here to Eternity

Nov 13 Judgment at Nuremberg (Film is 2 hr, 59 min so this class will end at 1 pm)

Nov 20 Bonus Week Suddenly Last Summer

Travel the World (or Closer to Home)

Mondays, 2 pm – 4 pm | October 16, 23, 30, November 6

Oct 16 Small Ship…Big Adventure, Deb Shatzer, retired Executive Director of the Delaware County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Oct 23 Genealogy and Travel: How Genealogy Research Inspired Five Trips to Norway and Sweden, Meeting More Than 100 Relatives, and Visiting Churches, Homes and Graves of Dozens of Ancestors, Bob Holm, retired OWU Vice President for OWU University Relations and Co-chair of the OWU Lifelong Learning Institute Steering Committee

Oct 30

The Temporary European: Notes from a Professional Traveler, Cameron Hewitt, travel writer and Editorial/Content Director for Rick Steves’ Europe

Nov 6 Future of Passenger Rail Travel, Stu Nicholson, Executive Director, All Aboard Ohio

Universal Studios and Their Magnificent Movie Monsters

Mondays, 6 pm – 8 pm | October 9, 16, 23, 30, November 6, 13, 20

Jaime Cretella, Projectionist, Strand Theatre

Class location: This class will be held each week at The Strand Theatre, 28 East Winter St., Delaware.

Oct 9 Phantom of the Opera, 1925

Oct 16 Dracula, 1931

Oct 23

Oct 30

Frankenstein, 1931

The Invisible Man, 1933

Nov 6 The Wolf Man, 1941

Nov 13

Creature from the Black Lagoon, 1954

Nov 20 Bonus Week Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein, 1948

LLI Potpourri

Tuesday, 10 am – Noon | October 10, 17, 24, 31, November 7, 14

Oct 10 Getting to Know your Right to Counsel, Carlos Crawford, Director of the Delaware County Public Defender’s Office

Oct 17 The Clinton Impeachment in Historical Perspective, Michael Flamm, Professor of History, Ohio Wesleyan University

Oct 24 Cognition and Brain Health — Preventing Mental Decline, Presenter to be Announced

Oct 31

Francis Beverly Kelley: Life with the Circus and Other Adventures, Michael Hoffman, Delaware historian

Nov 7 Viewing the 2024 Solar Eclipse, Dr. Barbara Andereck, Professor Emerita of Physics & Astronomy

Nov 14

Give Me Your Poor, Your Tired, Your Homeless (Some Restrictions May Apply): The United States Immigration Policy in the 21st Century, Dr. Robert Gitter, Professor of Economics, Ohio Wesleyan University

Fall Term 2023 Courses | Begins October 9 |

Wowza! Writers Circle

Tuesdays, 2 pm – 4 pm | October 10, 17, 24, 31, November 7, 14

Dr. Victoria King Heinsen, Author and Middle School, Community College and University Educator

In the News…

Tuesdays, 6 pm – 8 pm | October 10, 17, 24, November 7, 14

Class location: This class will be held each week in the Mowry Alumni Center 1st Floor Monnett Room.

Oct 10 Recent Advances in Artificial Intelligence: ChatGPT and Other Large Language Models, Dr. Sean McCulloch, Professor of Mathematics, Ohio Wesleyan University

Oct 17 Ohio’s Legalization of Marijuana, Van Young, historian, President of Griswold History Study Group, Worthington

Oct 24 Global Warming — The Great Dilemma, Van Young, historian, President of Griswold History Study Group, Worthington

Nov 7 The Pros and Cons of Buying an Electric Car, Van Young, historian, President of Griswold History Study Group, Worthington

Nov 14 Preparing for Continued Growth in Delaware County, Monica Connors, Delaware County Economic Development Director

The Pipe Organ and Its Music

Wednesdays, 10 am – Noon | October 11, 18, 25, November 1, 8, 15

Dr. Joseph Musser, OWU Professor Emeritus of English and professional musician

Class location: This class will be held each week in Gray Chapel in University Hall, Ohio Wesleyan University.

Raise Your Spirits

Wednesdays, 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm | October 11, 18, 25

Travel to three locations to tour and learn about the unique operations of a brewery or winery as well as sample their respective offerings.

Class Locations: Visit www.owu.edu/LLI for class locations.

Note: Each class will be held at the respective winery or brewery. Enrollment is limited to 40 participants.

How Much Do You Know: Civil War Events

Thursdays, 10 am – Noon | October 19, 26, November 2

Van Young, historian, resident of Griswold History Study Group, Worthington

Oct 19 The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln

Oct 26 The Hanging of Mary Surratt and the Lincoln Conspiracy Trial

Nov 2 The Sultana — A Great American Disaster

My Life As A …

Thursdays, 2 pm – 4 pm | October 12, 19, 26, November 2, 9

Class location: Each class will be held on Zoom.

Oct 12 My Life as a NASA Scientist, James Oberg, OWU ’66

Oct 19 My Life in the World of American Art and Antiques Roadshow Expert, Debra Force, OWU ’75

Oct 26 My Life in High Tech from OWU ’til Today, George Conrades, OWU ’61

Nov 2 My Life as a Novelist, Richard North Patterson, OWU ’68

Nov 9 My Life as a Journalist and Newspaper Editor, Greg Moore, OWU ’76

Space Exploration

Thursdays, 7 pm – 9 pm | October 12*, 19, 26, November 2, 9

Please Note: The October 12 class with retired NASA scientist James Oberg is scheduled from 2 pm – 4 pm on Zoom as part of the “My Life As A…” class.

The October 19, 26, November 2 and 9 Space Exploration classes are from 7 pm – 9 pm and are in-person in the OWU Hamilton-Williams Campus Center 1st floor Benes Room.

* Oct 12 My Life as a NASA Scientist, James Oberg, former NASA Space Engineer

Oct 19 & 26 Cosmology, Dr. Robert Harmon, Professor of Physics and Astronomy, Ohio Wesleyan University

Nov 2 The Apollo Program, Dr. Robert Harmon, Professor of Physics and Astronomy, Ohio Wesleyan University

Nov 9 Rooting for Answers: Research with the International Space Station, Dr. Chris Wolverton, Professor of Biological Sciences, Ohio Wesleyan University and co-chair of the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine’s panel on Biological Sciences in Space

Raising Your Tech-Savvy

Fridays, 10 am – Noon | October 13, 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17

David Soliday, Instructional Technologist, Ohio Wesleyan University

Class location: This class will be held each week at the Corns Building Room 303 at the corner of Sandusky Street and Park Avenue. Enrollment is limited to 35.

Aging Mastery

Fridays, 2 pm – 4 pm | October 13, 20, 27, November 3, 10

Allison Chakroff, Community Education Coordinator, SourcePoint

Registration

• The Fall 2023 registration fee of $75 allows registration in one or more courses.

• Class descriptions and locations, registration, and scholarship information and application can be found at www.owu.edu/LLI

• Online, mail, and telephone registration is available at www.owu.edu/LLI and 740-368-3078.

• The Lifelong Learning Institute is pleased to be able to offer a limited number of scholarships in 2023 thanks to generous support from SourcePoint. Each $50 scholarship will be directed toward the Lifelong Learning Institute total registration fee of $75. The scholarship application, available at www.owu.edu/LLI, is due September 25

• Registration begins on August 28 and concludes on October 2

• Confirmation of course registration will be sent to each paid registrant.

MySourcePoint.org | 740-363-6677

Additional registration information can be found at www.owu.edu/LLI

Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023

Delaware County Fairgrounds Agriculture Center 236 Pennsylvania Ave., Delaware

Seating is limited and reservations are required. Learn more and register at MySourcePoint.org/events in October.

SPONSORED BY Delaware County Veterans Service Commission & SourcePoint

Join

We love our volunteers! Join the winning team that makes our community the best place to thrive after 55.

SourcePoint’s volunteer orientation includes a presentation, tour, and the chance to sign up for various areas, from meal delivery to cafe host; medical transportation to home chores; fitness monitor to activity leader! Be part of the team!

Mondays, Oct. 9, Nov. 13 & Dec. 11, at 11 a.m.

Learn more, apply, and sign up at MySourcePoint.org/ volunteer