Living Longer, Living Well - December 2019

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL A Resource Guide For 55+ December 2019

Unexpected Gifts Page 2

Why Immunizations Matter for Older Adults Page 4

In Search of Belonging Page 4

Holidays and Memory Loss Page 8

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Saturday, December 14, 2019

Living Longer, Living Well

Harrisonburg, Va.

Living Longer, Living Well

Unexpected Gifts

A collaborative partnership of the Daily News-Record and the Aging Well Consortium

By: Leigh-Anne Lees, Chair, Aging Well Consortium

Editorial Committee Leigh-Anne Lees, Chair Community Relations Manager, VPAS

Beth Bland Director of Senior Services, Harrisonburg/Rockingham VPAS

Lavenia “Lev” Norford Director of Communications, Bridgewater Retirement Community

Glennette Poland Intergenerational Activities Coordinator, Generations Crossing

Susan Ribelin Coordinator, Sentara RMH Lifeline and Senior Advantage

Annie Shaffer Wellness Director, Sunnyside Retirement Community

Cristin Sprenger Extension Agent,Virginia Cooperative Extension

Jeannette Suter Marketing Director, Home Instead Senior Care

Madison Westmoreland Marketing Assistant, Sunnyside Retirement Community

Rodney Wolfenbarger Director, JMU Lifelong Learning Institute MISSION: The Aging Well Consortium mission is to develop and promote education and public awareness programs to enhance the health and well-being of older persons, care providers and families.

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couple of weeks ago, I received a surprise visit from a grieving uncle. He is the husband of a beloved aunt who passed away one year ago and a contemplative person who has exuded a quiet strength during a lifetime of Christmas visits and summer clambakes. In all of the years I’ve known him, we’ve had maybe a handful of substantial, one-on-one conversations. But on this particular evening, we both lingered at the kitchen table after finishing our bowls of chili and I was struck with a clear urge to stay in the moment. Blocking out my own anxiety about the messy kitchen and my son’s unfinished homework, I sat still and listened to his story of loss.

Maybe he appreciated the opportunity to share his grief, but I think it did more for me. Reflecting on the visit later, I wondered why I had never really listened to him before. Then I thought about all the other people who have helped make my life full but never had my full attention. The conversation with my uncle was both a wake-up call and an unexpected gift. The dishes can wait. People, especially those who have always been on the sidelines of my life, shouldn’t have to.

This season can bring a wide assortment of unexpected gifts if we can step away from familiar routines and traditions long enough to receive them. They can be as simple as an important conversation and as monumental as the discovery of a new family. On page 4, Pamela tells us about an unexpected gift that changed her life and how she found the courage to accept it.

Also in this issue, you’ll find out how to enjoy the holiday season with a loved one living with dementia, learn why immunizations aren’t just for kids, get environmentallyfriendly tips for the new year, and much more. If you’re ready to try a new health workshop or join a Confident Caregiver Circle, you’ll find them listed in the calendar on page 11.

Living Longer, Living Well is published quarterly and focuses on issues and topics pertinent to aging.

In our Amazon “buy now” frenzied holiday culture, it can be easy to ignore whatever doesn’t make it onto a list. But that may be where the magic happens. Maybe this year you’ll receive the gift of forgiveness for a past mistake, the opportunity to help a stranded traveler, or a happy memory that somehow got lost along the way.

Aging Well Consortium – Living Longer, Living Well 975 South High Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801

At Living Longer Living Well, we’re wishing you a big sack of unexpected gifts this holiday season and all of the inspiration you need for a bold new year.

ON THE COVER: Caregivers Community Network volunteer and James Madison University student Sarah Connor with Violet Varner, celebrating Violet’s 93rd birthday. Sarah made the hat and scarf for Violet to honor the occasion.

Photo credit: Kathy Guisewite No statement or advertisement in this publication is to be construed as an endorsement of any person / business / organization or as a recommendation to buy advertised products / services.

The Aging Well Consortium welcomes the submission of articles to be considered for use in Living Longer, Living Well. The Living Longer, Living Well Editorial Committee reviews all submitted material and reserves the right to decide which selections will be included in the newsletter.

Please Note: This publication contains educational and illustrative materials, narratives, and ideas of an informative nature ONLY. Neither the author, the publisher, nor this organization is engaged in rendering medical, legal, or tax advisory services. For advice and assistance in specific cases, the services of physician, attorney, or other professional advisor should be acquired.

The Aging Well Consortium is very interested in any comments or suggestions you might have.

Please email your ideas for stories or feature articles, suggestions, or “pet peeves” to the editor at leighanne@vpas.info, or mail them to Living Longer, Living Well, 975 South High Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801.

We’re here for your Home Care Home Health & Hospice Needs (540) 434-3916 Now hiring caregivers, CNAs, and RNs!

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Save the Earth in the New Year By: Madison Westmoreland, Marketing Assistant, Sunnyside Retirement Community

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n 1967, Lady Bird Johnson said, “The environment is where we all meet; where all have a mutual interest; it is the one thing all of us share.” This is a quote we should all take to heart and do our part to protect the planet we call home for generations to come. As you think about your New Year’s resolutions, consider these small, yet meaningful lifestyle changes that can help save the earth.

Little things to change: 1. Use reusable grocery bags instead of the plastic grocery bags. Do you often forget your bags at home? Once you get back from the grocery store and unload the bags, put them next to your keys. The next time you go to your car, grab your keys and the bags at the same time.

Put the bags in the same place in the car each time for future use.

2. Use less paper when you can. If you’re tech savvy and always have your phone with you, make a habit of using your phone’s calendar

for appointments and “notes” app for lists instead of writing things down on paper.

3. Invest in a reusable water bottle instead of buying cases of water in disposable plastic bottles. Reusable water bottles can keep your drinks cold or hot, unlike plastic bottles!

4. Eat less meat. If you can’t commit to going fully vegetarian, try “meatless Mondays”.

5. Compost your food waste.

There are resources for local composting companies below.

Similar to recycling, they take your compostable materials and do the process for you, and then you’re able to use it for fertilizer in both commercial and private gardens.

6. Choose quality clothing and repurpose it! It’s easier on the wallet to buy a $5 tee shirt, but when it gets a rip, you throw it away. Textiles can sit in landfills for more than 200 years before beginning to disintegrate. Buy something that will last; you’ll get

Saturday, December 14, 2019

your money’s worth and you’ll be helping the planet. If something isn’t your style or doesn’t fit well anymore, take it to a thrift shop. Look around while you’re there, you might find something you like! Did you know some stores reuse your old, worn out clothes and shoes? Nike will grind up tennis shoes and use them to make playground rubber and sport courts.

The North Face, H&M, and Levi’s companies will repurpose clothing of any condition and brand and give you a coupon for your good deed.

Madewell will turn your old jeans into housing insulation for Habitat for Humanity builds.

Resources:

7.

Consider alternative transportation options.

It’s certainly not plausible for everyone to sail across the ocean on solar powered sail boats; however, carpooling to work, taking public transportation, riding a bike, and taking trains & planes on long trips when possible are a way to cut down on personal emissions.

(540) 801-8882

8. “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.” You’ve heard these words many times, but where can you go to do that? Refill stores are popping up to reduce waste. Take jars, bowls, bags, and any other reusable containers you have to the Refill store and fill up on your food and household products to limit packaging waste. Locations of Refill stores near us are below. It is becoming frustrating as recycling services accept fewer materials, but it’s still important to recycle what you can. Recycling is a great way to limit pollution that has a negative impact on the environment. Recycling reduces the need for chemicals and energy to create new materials, conserves natural resources, and creates less waste that ends up in landfills and ecosystems.

· Black Bear Composting - Compost pick-up servicing the Harrisonburg, Staunton, Waynesboro, Crozet, and Charlottesville areas.

(888) 666-4172 · Soil Cycles HVA – Bicycle food scrap pick-up in Harrisonburg.

(540) 432-3696 (540) 746-0542 · Bring Your Own – Refill store (540) 209-7722 165 South Main Street Harrisonburg, VA 22801 · Friendly City Food Co-Op – Refill store 150 East Wolfe Street Harrisonburg, VA 22802 · Green Earth LLC – Recycling; servicing most of the Shenandoah Valley.

(540) 801-8668 · Dave’s Recycling – Recycling dropoff located in Harrisonburg.

(540) 434-0836 130 Le Ray Circle Harrisonburg, VA 22801 · Recycling Convenience Center – Recycling drop-off for Harrisonburg residents.

(540) 434-5928 2055 Beery Road Harrisonburg, VA 22801 · Valley Paper Recycling – Paper, cardboard, book, and magazine recycling service.

(540) 867-0530 147 Coakley Town Road Dayton, VA 22821 · Valley Recycling – Scrap metal recycling service.

(540) 941-1808 81 Shoffner Lane Fishersville, VA 22939 · Bridgewater Public Works Department – Curbside recycling for the town of Bridgewater (540) 908-3397

Reusable Bags and Water Bottles

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Why Immunizations Matter for Older Adults Deborah Bundy-Carpenter, BSN, RN, Nurse Manager Senior, Virginia Department of Health, Central Shenandoah Health District

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n the United States, vaccines have greatly reduced or eliminated certain diseases that routinely harmed or killed children and adults.

However, some of these diseases still exist and still cause harm in those who are not vaccinated. As adults, one of the vaccines needed is the Tdap vaccine. The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.

The tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis containing vaccines are given to children and adolescents, however, boosters are needed to ensure ongoing protection from these diseases. As adults we often forget

that our immunity needs ‘boosting’ with vaccines to ensure ongoing protection from disease. One of the diseases in which older adults are not well protected is tetanus.

The rate of tetanus in children and young adults is very low, however, the rate of tetanus in older adults is high. Tetanus, commonly known as ‘Lockjaw’ is caused by bacteria entering the body from an open wound. The bacteria spores that cause tetanus are everywhere in the environment including soil, dust, and manure. Tetanus can occur from wounds such as puncture wounds, lacerations, open sores, dead tissue,

crush injuries, and burns. As adults we don’t consider a prick from the rose bush or a scrape from the fence post a big deal, but these are some of the very wounds in which tetanus forming bacteria can enter the body.

The disease affects the nervous system and causes stiffness of neck and abdomen, difficulty swallowing, fever, and severe muscle spasms.

One-third of all persons with tetanus die, especially those persons over 50 years of age.

A tetanus booster is recommended every 10 years, and in addition to tetanus the Tdap vaccine also boosts your immunity

to pertussis, commonly known as ‘whooping cough’.

Getting vaccinated is convenient — you can get most recommended vaccines at your doctor’s office, local pharmacies, health centers and health departments. Protect you and your family by receiving this life saving vaccine.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2019). Retrieved November 6, 2019. https://www.cdc. gov/vaccines/adults/index.html

In Search of Belonging

by Rodney Wolfenbarger, Director, JMU Lifelong Learning Institute

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eyond being born in Massachusetts, Pamela Hamilton never knew much about the circumstances of her birth, her birth family, or their geographic origins. Having traveled to Italy several times and fallen in love with the country, she was convinced that her longing to return held clues about where she belonged in the world. Hoping to confirm dreams that she had Italian heritage, she gifted herself a DNA kit for Christmas in 2016. Like many presents, the kit was set aside and momentarily forgotten.

Months later, she mailed her sample and patiently waited. Little did she know that this simple cheek swab would set in motion a life-changing discovery.

Pamela was initially disappointed to receive her results; she is not at all Italian. Her family was most likely of English and Irish descent with some traces of Scottish and Scandinavian origins. As time passed, she began

receiving notifications of unread messages in her Ancestry.com inbox.

She avoided them, assuming they were attempts to upsell additional products.

Annoyed by the repeated reminder, Pamela logged on to manage her notification settings.

The message awaiting her was a genuine inquiry from someone named Carol, from Massachusetts.

Pamela soon discovered her profile and Carol’s had several things in common, including a 95% or higher DNA match, indicating a relationship of first cousin or closer.

Pamela remained skeptical, wary of online scammers who collect personal information leading to financial fraud. Thankfully, Carol persisted.

Carol explained that she was writing because she suspected she knew the nature of their blood relation. She had collected fragments

of a family story about the eldest child, Mary Ann, who would be her half-sister and had been given up for adoption at birth.

Pamela was taken aback by this information. She had always known that she was adopted and had in her possession papers from the family court in Massachusetts.

These included her birth name (Mary Ann), given name at the time of adoption (Pamela), and the names of her adoptive parents (Madelyn and Carlton Greenhalgh).

Carol offered the last remaining piece of the puzzle. She shared Pamela’s unusual birth surname, adding, “You were named after your grandmother Mary and our mother, Ann.” Pamela admits that she didn’t know what to do with this information.

She had originally signed up for the service to trace the roots and branches of her adoptive family’s

tree. Although having made several half-hearted attempts over the years, she had no real desire to find her birth family. She naturally assumed that her biological parents were no longer living. An awareness that she could be setting herself up for disappointment also held her back.

“I had accepted this idea that my birth parents had given me up for adoption because they wanted a better life for me. I didn’t want to find out that they just didn’t love me,” Hamilton said. “I never expected to meet my biological parents or siblings.”

And yet, without really searching, her birth family had somehow found her some six decades later, aided by modern technology. Carol and Pamela maintained their email correspondence and in 2019 Carol asked: “Would you be open to speaking with Ann?” Pamela agreed.

“We talked for two hours and it

Harrisonburg, Va.

was like we had known each other all our lives,” Pamela said. “There was no awkwardness or discomfort.”

By June, Pamela had made plans to drive to Massachusetts to meet in person. “I felt like I needed to follow-through,” she said. “I didn’t want to be asking myself what if?”

On Father’s Day weekend, Pamela stood in a hotel lobby embracing a photo scrapbook she had brought along. From a distance she saw an older woman accompanied by a younger couple, her brother Bill and sister-in-law Lisa, who recognized Pam from her Facebook photos. After introductions, the two left Pamela alone with her mother, Ann. “I was looking at her and just started crying because I realized that I was seeing myself in twenty years. For somebody who never looked like anyone before, it was just overwhelming. I still cry when I remember. There was no doubt, this was my mom,” Pamela said.

Pamela decided she didn’t have the energy to meet everyone that first weekend. She arranged to return in September to meet the rest of her extended family, including eight

Carol and Pamela

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biological siblings. A ninth sibling, Joanne, the youngest, had passed three years prior.

Pamela recalls the emotional reunion. “My sisters, Patricia and Annette, looked at me and started to cry. They said I looked so much like Joanne and it was true. If I had been raised with them, she and I could have gotten into a lot of trouble together. We were basically body doubles.”

“I think Joanne sent you to us to fill the void in our family,” Annette told her sister.

Pamela intimately understood that sense of loss. She, too, had felt a void accompanied by an acute sense of loneliness following the loss of her husband to lung cancer and the successive passing of her adoptive father within a three week period in 2011. They had been the last surviving members of her immediate family. Her adoptive mother, Madelyn Greenhalgh, had passed in 1997.

“I was no longer an only child and Pamela and Ann widow, but now part of a large family that includes siblings, cousins, and during the long drive home she great nieces and nephews,” Pamela realized her world was suddenly said. “And I was a daughter again.” different and more complex. “A year Pamela acknowledged that ago, I didn’t know these people existed. I didn’t expect how quickly everyone brought me into the family fold and how comfortable I was being there. I also didn’t realize how quickly and how completely they would become part of my life. It was really hard to say good-bye and come home.”

Pamela recounts her story with an overwhelming sense of joy. She also recognizes that relationships are emotionally complex, mentioning moments of intense shock and efforts to reconcile feelings of acceptance and belonging with concern for an aging mother (now 85). “Every relationship is accompanied by its own worries and fears,” Pamela said.

Pamela has chosen not to dwell on past or future, but to embrace the present, with all of its uncertainties.

She believes that everything happened “when it was supposed to

happen” and thinks meeting as adults provided opportunity for greater understanding and acceptance. “You have a different perspective at 64 than at 14,” she said.

“Family is what you make it,” Pamela says. “I have one amazing family tree now, with four very strong branches. My adoptive family and relatives, my family that came through marriage and provided stepchildren and grandchildren, my dear friends who I lean on and consider sisters, and now my biological family. My birth family can never replace my adoptive family. They were not there for my prom or my wedding. But this sometimes feels like childhood all over again.”

Although she is still adjusting to her new family roles, Pamela is thankful for the gifts she has received ahead of the holiday season.

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Saturday, December 14, 2019

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Living Longer, Living Well

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How to Create a Happy Holiday with Family Members With Memory Loss By: Annie Marrs, LCSW, Family Services Director of the Alzheimer’s Association

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elcome to the time of year where many of us look forward to spending more time with others gathering for traditions and holidays. This year, however, may be different because you are celebrating with someone who has Alzheimer’s or a related dementia.

The holidays are often filled with opportunities for togetherness, sharing, laughter and memories.

But they can also bring stress, disappointment and sadness. A person living with Alzheimer’s may feel an extra sense of loss during the holidays because of the changes he or she has experienced or is anticipating experiencing. Caregivers may feel overwhelmed maintaining

traditions while providing care.

In the early stage, a person living with dementia may withdraw while others may relish seeing family and friends. The key is to check in with each other and discuss options. A simple “How are you doing?” or “How are you coping with everything?” may be appreciated. Plan the holidays together; focus on one or two specific items that bring happiness to you.

Maybe this year not every activity is done together, or it could be that leaving town is easier than trying to keep up.

With someone in the middle and late stages, the following tips may make the holidays easier:

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• Adjust to more realistic expectations - No one should expect the primary caregiver to maintain every holiday tradition or event. Consider fewer guests; lunch instead of dinner to avoid sundowning and fatigue; a potluck, ordering out, or a new host.

• Familiarize others with your situation - Write a note ahead of time regarding changes (for example: problems finding the right word, needing time alone, and confusing visitors with someone else). Be sure to include how appreciative and important having connections continues to be.

• Involve the person living with Alzheimer’s – Prepare finger foods, wrap gifts in bags, vacuum,

or set the table. Traditional songs or seasonal movies may be enjoyed in small groups.

Caregivers may appreciate gifts such as time someone can spend with the person with dementia so the caregiver can get a massage or nap, food delivery services, or finances for respite. Individuals with dementia may enjoy gifts such as comfortable (& simplistic) clothing, music, or talking photo albums.

This is the time of year to build on old traditions and continue to make new memories. Contact the Alzheimer’s Association for ideas on activities, travel, and more holiday tips at 1-800-272-3900.

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Sex after 55?

Yes, Please!

By: Dayna Henry, Ph.D., MCHES®, Department of Health Sciences at James Madison University

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s a sex educator and former couple and sex therapist, I often get questions about intimacy, sexuality and relationships.

Many see them as important but think about sex as “icing” on a cake.

That is, something that would be nice to have but not “needed”. However, being sexually intimate over one’s life is both something many people desire and contributes to overall health and well-being. According to recent National surveys, about half of adults aged 50 + engaged in sexual activity in the past year and about 40% did so in the past month.

While many more men than women aged 70+ reported this behavior, many men and women continue to be sexually intimate regardless of age. In fact, studies show that those who have sex more often have better relationship satisfaction and women over 70 report greater satisfaction with their sex lives than much younger women.

Why is this? As you age, your self-acceptance increases, leading to fewer negative feelings about your body and how others view you.

You have also had more experience, learning what you like sexually and can better communicate this with your partner. Finally, older adults tend to have more time with fewer responsibilities. Not having children in the home to interrupt and working less or not at all frees up time to explore each other. All of this allows older adults the freedom to express their sexuality in the way they want, and in a way that is much more diverse than what younger folks do!

Why should you have sex?

In addition to being good for one’s relationship, engaging in sexual activity is good for one’s physical and mental health. Sex is a good stress reducer, a form of physical activity, and keeps your sexual organs in good working order. Engaging in other intimate behaviors with your partner like taking showers or baths together, massaging one another and kissing are also positive ways to express intimacy and will impact your health.

If all of this has motivated you to re-prioritize your sex life, also keep in mind your body does change as you age. Some physiological changes and chronic conditions can interfere with being sexually active. For example, medications can make you have less desire to have sex, hormones can affect vaginal lubrication, and some conditions like diabetes and heart disease can make it difficult to maintain an erection. However, not all these concerns need to interfere with sexuality. There are other ways to be sexually intimate.

If you are concerned about your sexual health, please talk with your doctor. While many people are too shy to ask, sexual health is part of your overall health and your doctor is there to help!

If you want to learn more about being sexually healthy as you age, check out this information from the National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/ sexuality-later-life

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Taxes: It’s never too early to start getting ready By: Cristin L. Sprenger, Senior Extension Agent, Family and Consumer Sciences, Virginia Cooperative Extension

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ven though you won’t be able to file your 2019 taxes until January, now is a great time to get organized so that you can file as soon as the system is open, especially if you are getting a refund! The IRS even has a website dedicated to helping taxpayers called “Get Ready.” They suggest that you organize your tax records, check your withholding and make adjustments or tax payments (if needed), and renew an expired individual taxpayer identification number. Getting organized can be as easy as having a folder marked “Taxes 2019” and having it handy when mail starts arriving that contain documents you’ll need to file your taxes. You can also add receipts for donations or other tax deductions or credits.

Last year if your income was less than $66,000 you could e-file for free using the links on the IRS website. I would expect that number to stay the same or increase. In addition, you can check back in January on the IRS website (www.irs.gov) to find locations for the Tax Counseling for the Elderly

(TCE) and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. These organizations have local in-person tax preparation options that are free if you qualify!

Another thing to keep in mind is that there are tax scams that circulate all year. The IRS will only contact you by mail or phone, not by text, email, or social media. How do you know that a phone call is real? In general, the IRS will contact you by mail before trying to reach you by phone. They would only try to reach you by phone if they are trying to collect delinquent taxes or to set up a time for an audit. They won’t threaten to have law enforcement brought in to arrest you. They won’t demand money without giving you the opportunity to ask questions or appeal the amount you owe. And they won’t ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone. Another scam is that the IRS is going to suspend or cancel your Social Security number. Protect your personal information and don’t fall for these scams!

Cooking for One

Put your meal in a mug! Here are a couple of recipes shared by members of Bath Community Senior Center. They’re perfect for a chilly winter night at home.

Microwave Mug Pizza Ingredients •

4 tablespoons all purpose flour

•

1/8 teaspoon baking powder

•

1/16 teaspoon baking soda

•

1/8 teaspoon salt

•

3 tablespoons milk

•

1 tablespoon olive oil

•

1 tablespoon marinara sauce

•

1 generous tablespoon shredded mozzarella cheese

lumps but that is ok.

• Spoon on the marinara sauce and spread it around the surface of the batter.

THE BEST PUMPKIN MUG CAKE Ingredients •

4 tbsp all purpose flour

•

2 tbsp white granulated sugar

•

1 tsp baking powder

•

½ tsp cinnamon

•

¼ tsp nutmeg

•

pinch of ground clove

•

¼ tsp ground ginger

•

pinch of salt

•

2 tbsp pumpkin puree

Instructions

•

½ tsp vanilla extract

• Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together in a microwavable mug.

•

3 tbsp milk

• Add in the milk and oil then mix together. There might be some

1. Mix all dry ingredients together in a 12 oz mug.

•

5 mini pepperoni

• Sprinkle on the cheese, pepperoni, and dried herbs • Microwave for 1 minute 10 - 1 minute 20 seconds, or until it rises up and the toppings are bubbling (timing is based on my 1200W microwave so your timing might vary) •

Enjoy!

2. Stir in the milk, pumpkin puree, and vanilla. Mix well, especially the bottom so there are no dry bits stuck at the bottom.

3. Microwave on high for 2 minutes.

Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.

Instructions

Tommy Stewart enjoys his pumpkin mug cake.

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Community Calendar of Events Any reader interested in attending an event is asked to call the contact person for that event to determine if registration and fees are applicable. To contribute information to the Living Longer, Living Well Community Calendar, please e-mail Jeannette Suter at jsuter@homeinstead.com or call 540-213-7800.

New Year’s Eve Glow Run 5K Sponsored by: Generations Crossing Location: Downtown Harrisonburg December 31, 2019, Kids Countdown Run at 5:00 p.m., 5K at 5:30 p.m.

Cost: Kids Countdown Run $15 ages 3-10, 5K $30 adults, $20 kids 17 and younger Details and event registration can be found at: www.vamomentum.com/ nye-glow-run-5k.html What You Should Know About Long-Term Care Insurance Sponsored by: Sentara RMH Senior Advantage Location: Sentara RMH Medical Center’s Hahn Building, 2006 Health Campus Dr, Harrisonburg Tuesday, January 7, 2:00 p.m.

Free Call 1-800-SENTARA to register A Matter of Balance Sponsored by: Sentara RMH Senior Advantage Location: The Atrium, 2000 Beery Rd, Harrisonburg Begins Thursday, January 9, 2-4:00 p.m. Meeting for eight weeks.

Call Senior Advantage to register, 540-564-7001 Rockin’ the Arts – celebrating the creative works of art teachers from Rockingham County and Harrisonburg City public schools and Eastern Mennonite Schools Sponsored by: Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community Location: The Park Gables Gallery, 1491 Virginia Ave., Harrisonburg January 18-February 21 with a First Friday Reception 5-7 p.m. February 7 Free Event Contact information – Maureen Pearson, 540-438-4205 Live Well! Chronic Pain Self-Management Workshop Sponsored by: VPAS Location: SRMH Funkhouser Women’s Center Each Tuesday January 21 - February 25, 9:30 – noon No Cost To register call 1-800 SENTARA or online at vpas.info/health Confident Caregiver Circle Sponsored by: VPAS Location: Bridgewater Church of the Brethren Every Tuesday January 21 – March 10 from 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (includes 2 extra dates in case of inclement weather) No cost To register online, visit vpas.info/caregiver or call 540-615-5341

Your Health Now Sponsored by: Sentara RMH Senior Advantage Location: Sentara RMH Medical Center’s Hahn Building, 2006 Health Campus Dr, Harrisonburg.

Doors open at 10:30 a.m., presentation begins at 11 a.m.

February 5 topic: Aging Successfully March 4 topic: Healthy Eating to Reduce Cancer Risk A Matter of Balance Sponsored by: VPAS Location: Port Republic UMC, 8525 Water Street Each Thursday February 6 - March 26, 10:00 a.m.—noon No Cost To register call 540-249-4111 or online at vpas.info/health Confident Caregiver Circle Sponsored by: VPAS Location: Plains District Community Center Every Thursday February 6 – March 12, 11:00 a.m. – noon No cost To register online, visit vpas.info/caregiver or call 540-615-5341 Chronic Disease Self-Management Program Sponsored by: VPAS Location: Mt. Olive Church of the Brethren Every Monday March 2- April 6, 9:30 a.m. - noon Call 540-289-5592 to register or visit vpas.info/health A Matter of Balance Sponsored by: VPAS Location: Grottoes Fire Department, 109 Third St. Tuesdays March 3 - April 21, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

No Cost To register call 540-820-8567 or online at vpas.info/health Support Groups for Care Partners of Individuals with Dementia in Bridgewater, Harrisonburg, and Woodstock Sponsored by: Alzheimer’s Association Please visit alz.org/crf or call 1-800-272-3900 for all details Memory Cafe Social Individuals with Memory Loss, Friends, and Family Sponsored by: Alzheimer’s Association Location: Bridgewater Presbyterian Church, 110 E. College St. 2nd Monday 2-3:00 p.m.

Contact Annie Marrs at amarrs@alz.org or 24/7 phone 1-800-272-3900

12

Saturday, December 14, 2019

Living Longer, Living Well

Harrisonburg, Va.