Spring 2023 Senior Expo - Midland Daily News - 4/08/23

Travel with Greater Midland

Greater Midland travel offer trips to help build a community of people.

“Day trips are a great way to get out and about with ease. An amazing new group of friends form on these trips. It’s a really great opportunity for all,” says Amanda Ewald, 50+ Coordinator of the Greater Midland Community Center. These trips are an easy way to see beautiful Michigan and discover things that you may have not had the chance to see otherwise.

“These trips give me the opportunity to explore Michigan without the stress of driving and planning them,” says a senior, who regularly attends trips.

All trips are fully escorted, taken on a Motorcoach bus, which leaves right from Midland. 2023 has many trips available for registration. Greater Midland travel will take a trip to the Suttons Bay region for a lovely wine

tour in May, in June a trip to Holland will captivate travelers with a relaxing cruise on a Victorian style paddle-wheel river boat, July will bring us to Grand Rapids to see the award-winning Disney’s “Frozen” Musical, and in that same month we will travel to small towns in the Thumb seeking adventure from these hidden gems. In September we will take a private revealed tour of the Meadow Brook Hall and stop at the Sea Life Aquarium on our way home. Travel with us in October to Asheville North Carolina. This trip is a week-long trip jam packed full of fun! Choose one or all of these trips to travel with ease. Stay tuned for more trips to be added as the year moves along! Sign-up to be on our email list or to inquire about future trips. (989) 832-7937 ext. 2270 or aewald@greatermidland.org.

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A Little Known Secret…Shhhhh!

by Trena Winans, Director of Education & Community Outreach at Senior Services of Midland County

If I had a dollar for every time I heard someone say they have lived in Midland for years but never knew Senior Services did (fill in the blank), I would be a rich woman! Since my department is in charge of our agency newspaper, e-news, flyers, social media, website and other ways to get the word out, I know how much we try to let the community know of all the top-notch services, interesting programs and ways to get involved that are offered through the agency. Yet a large number of people who could benefit from that knowledge are unaware. What is the secret sauce?

I think it might be YOU! People who already enjoy services that make life a little easier, volunteer to help others or participate in classes that engage mind and body know the great resources available to the older adults and family caregivers in this community. Might you be willing to share that knowledge with friends, neighbors and colleagues?

Perhaps some myth-busting and little-known fact sharing is in order.

Myth

Adult Day Health Services such as Seasons are only for people with advanced dementia. Clients attending Seasons live at that location.

Fact

People who sign up for one or more days a week at Seasons do so for various reasons, including therapeutic programming that helps them achieve goals despite changes in their health such as stroke, Parkinson’s Disease or memory loss. The cost to attend is a tiny fraction of assisted living costs and allows people to remain in their homes longer. Clients do not live at the location, rather they are dropped off or transported to attend the program during the day while their caregiver benefits from much-needed respite or the ability to attend work.

Myth

Caregivers are those that are working a paid position caring for older adults in need of assistance or a spouse living in the same home.

Fact

Identifying yourself as a caregiver is important. Anyone of any age that is helping a relative age 60+ with appointments, transportation, chores or medication reminders, can benefit from educational caregiver classes, support groups and counseling.

Myth

Older adults caring for grandchildren full-time receive no help or benefit assistance.

Fact

If you are caring for your grandchildren full-time with no parent present that is considered kinship care and you may be eligible to get once-yearly help with some piece of the expense for the care you are providing.

Myth

Medicare Assistance from a trained

professional is expensive and not trustworthy.

Fact

You can get free personalized help sorting through yearly Medicare enrollment options from a highly trained volunteer who has no profit motive and is not trying to sell you anything.

Myth

Activity and Dining Centers are for poor people or the oldest old. The meals must taste terrible and are not nutritious.

Fact

Centers are places to meet new people, socialize, take classes, pick up a new hobby, stay informed, have fun, and enjoy a great meal! Meals are prepared fresh each weekday morning. Nutrition staff, along with guidance from the American Heart Association and American Dietetic Association, ensure the inclusion of proper nutrients while choosing ingredients and menu planning to offer delicious options. Meals have a sliding suggested donation cost

based on income and participant ages vary widely.

Myth

Once I turn a certain age, I have to give up the independence of living in my own home because it has not been modified for my safety and there is no one to turn to.

Fact

Senior Services can schedule volunteer handymen to install certain safety items such as grab bars, raised toilet seats, or fire alarms for those that own their own homes. This can help you maintain your home by making it safe and secure.

Whom do you know that might benefit from some of those services or others? Let’s work together to spread the ‘secret’ of Senior Services and make sure everyone in Midland, who could be, is Embracing their Age! Call us at 989-633-3700 or visit the website at SeniorServicesMidland.org to learn more.

Pancake Breakfast for Seniors

Greater Midland Community Center holds a Senior Pancake Breakfast every-other month. This is a fun and sociable time to get out and enjoy great food provided to you.

Come join us for the next pancake breakfast on Monday, May 22nd at 11am. The event cost is $3 for a member and $5 for a guest. Please pay, with

cash, at the time of the breakfast. There will be prize drawings, along with awesome food. This event is sponsored by Right At Home of Midland.

Please RSVP at least one week in advance if you plan to attend. Call Amanda Ewald to RSVP at 989-8327937 ext. 2270.

Midland Podiatr y Associates

Midland - Amy 989.259.2605

Clare, Mt. Pleasant, Sterling - Kelsey 989.424.0699

Fit for Life: Let’s Get Started!

by Trena Winans, Director of Education & Community Outreach at Senior Services of Midland County

I have yet to meet anyone in my classes who does not know they are strongly advised to exercise, yet many just can’t seem to get started or maintain a strong fitness habit. Exercise is proven to improve your cardiovascular and brain health, reduce fall risk and improve your mood and sleep, so what does it take to get going?

Your first step might be to address your barriers. What is stopping you from getting started?

Discomfort or Pain

Consider talking to your Doctor about aqua classes or seated exercise. Exercise actually helps reduce pain for most arthritis sufferers.

Injury

Studies show the risks of inactivity are far greater than the risks of exercise. Sitting is dangerous to your health.

Expense

Many fitness classes are low or no cost

or are covered by Medicare. Some gyms have scholarship funds available. Of course, walking is a great option that typically costs nothing.

Embarrassment

Are you nervous to try something new you might not be skilled at right away? Exercise videos can be a great way to start in the comfort of your home. You can feel like you are exercising with a class full of people without any self-consciousness.

Dislike exercise

Consider what you loved doing as a child! Can you find adult versions to enjoy?

Time

No matter how busy you are, it is always possible to fit in fitness if you prioritize it. Consider it one of your medications that must be taken just like any other medications you may have. You also don’t have to wait to have a half hour at

once. Exercise can be done 10 minutes at a time and sprinkled throughout your day. In fact, evidence is mounting that frequent movement is more beneficial than a single daily exercise session. The good news is that Spring is a perfect time to get started! Warmer weather brings you a multitude of opportunities to get outdoors for your favorite activities. What did you enjoy doing before you had to spend all your time at work? Those activities might be the perfect place to start. Just a few great options include:

Golf

Golf is both social and active! Try walking between most holes.

Dancing

Line-dancing, Zumba Gold, senior dances, or just dancing in your living room is fun and social.

Biking

Remember the fun of biking as a kid?

It’s still fun!

Swimming

Aqua exercise gives a workout without straining joints and bones, plus water is relaxing.

Hike

Hiking is free, stress relieving and rejuvenating. Bring binoculars or a camera too.

Walk

Make it social and invite a friend!

Racket sports

Games are so much fun; you might forget it is exercise!

Yard Work

Gardening can be relaxing, plus you get a beautiful yard.

Sports

Did you used to love baseball, basketball

or other team sports? Look into senior teams, or call friends and set up informal games.

Kid Stuff

Hula hooping is fun, low impact, and strengthening. You can also go to a playground, with or without kids.

Fish or hunt

Get fresh air and movement too. Just be sure not to sit all day!

Letterbox

This fun outdoor activity combines hiking with a treasure hunt and can be a family activity.

Take a class

Fitness classes allow you to meet people, learn a new skill, and feel revived. Tai Chi and Yoga are popular classes that increase flexibility. Having a set schedule can be a great motivator.

Visit SeniorServicesMidland.org or call 989-633-3700 to get started. Good luck!

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SilverSneakers® is an important Insurance Benefit

Greater Midland Community Center has many benefits for seniors who qualify for SilverSneakers® through their insurance. SilverSneakers® is a program offered under many insurance plans. SilverSneakers® exercise classes are offered 3 times a week. Our experienced instructors will help you feel comfortable in this fun, lower intensity, group exercise setting. Do you qualify? Call Amanda Ewald, 50+ Program Coordinator, to see if you are eligible today! (989) 832-7937 ext. 2270.

At the beginning of this year, Greater Midland expanded beneifts to SilverSneakers® participants! This is a great way to utilize a free mem-

bership. In addition to the exercise class, benefits include the use of the wellness Center, walking track, walking club, 50+ membership (which includes Euchre, Mah Jonng, and Billiards), Oasis pool and hot tub open swim, the sauna, East Pool for lap swimming and court sports that include pickleball, volleyball, and basketball.

Want to know more? Join our SilverSneakers® orientation on Monday, April 24th at 11am for a tour around the Community Center. This orientation is specific to SilverSneakers® benefits. Call 989-832-7937 ext. 2270 to rsvp.

Giving and Receiving

by Trena Winans, Director

of Education & Community Outreach at Senior Services of Midland County

We’ve all heard the phrase, ‘as you give, you get’ or variations on that theme. What is interesting is that evidence is mounting that this maxim is backed up by fact. In particular, I am referring to the act of volunteering and its role and benefit in numerous areas of our lives.

So what are these benefits? In a recent study from Carnegie Mellon University, they researched people over the age of 50 and found that those who regularly volunteered were less likely to develop high blood pressure than those did not volunteer. Now you might think that the extra stress of being busy with volunteer efforts would create stress, but the evidence tells us just the opposite. Volunteering increasingly is shown to reduce stress. Let’s look at why that may be.

• Many volunteer jobs add an element of physical activity into your day. Exercise is a proven stress-buster.

• Volunteering helps you meet and connect with others, and social connections are crucial to our sense

of well-being.

• Helping someone else can give you perspective when you see others with greater difficulties than you. It may also reinforce a sense of gratitude for what you have, and what you are able to do.

• Focusing on helping others allows you to not worry about your own frustrations and struggles for a time.

• Most importantly, making a difference in the life of another person gives a sense of continued meaning and purpose in your life.

So how much is enough? The Carnegie Mellon study found that 200 hours a year- less than 4 hours a week, was ideal. Meanwhile, other studies have shown that as little as 100 hours a year has benefit.

In addition to the Carnegie Mellon study, other recent research expands on the benefits of doing good for others. The

Longevity Study showed that people who volunteered regularly lived longer than those who did not. If that is not enough, the Doing Good is Good for You: 2013 Health and Volunteering Study published by UnitedHealth Group and the Optum Institute, found that volunteers felt better physically, mentally and emotionally, were better able to manage and lower stress, felt more deeply connected to others, and were more engaged in managing their own health than non-volunteering counterparts.

There you have it. Volunteering helps you live longer, better and healthier! So what are we waiting for? Find ways to help someone, someplace, in some way. Opportunities abound, from driving for Senior Services, to reading to disadvantaged kids, to knitting hats for cancer patients. Tap into your talents, skills, or the simple gift of your presence and evidence shows you will richly receive as you give.

Call Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer & Community Outreach Manager, at 989-6333741 to inquire about all of the wonderful volunteer opportunities we have available at Senior Services!

Continue Learning by attending a Lunch & Learn

Join us for a Lunch and Learn Health series at the Greater Midland Community Center presented by Renue Physical Therapy! All sessions begin at 12:00pm in the 50+ Center.

These events are FREE for seniors in our community and lunch will be provided for attendees. Come and learn ways to better improve your health.

A topic on Smart Tech Use (Preventing Pain Through Ergonomics) will take place on Wednesday, April 19th at 12pm. A free lunch is provided by Candlestone of Midland. A reservation is required to hold your spot at least one week in advance by calling 989-8327937 ext. 2270.

2023 Spring Senior Expo • ourmidland.com

Greater Midland BINGO Days!

The Midland Community Center is holding special Bingo Days! This is a unique and fun BINGO event, unlike any other! Come join us on Monday, April 17th!

All are welcome to play. This event is free for members and $5 for Non-Members. Bingo is played from

11am-12pm. Play for gift cards to local businesses in Midland. Gift cards are sponsored by Brookdale Senior Living. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase 15 minutes before play begins.

Call (989)832-7937 ext. 2270 regarding questions.

April Fitness Classes

Senior Services offers numerous ways to stay on top of your health each month with health education programs and an array of fitness classes, low-cost clinics and access to fitness equipment. This schedule is packed with a wide variety of fitness opportunities for all experience levels! Group Exercise at Mills, Greendale & Coleman Centers is free of charge and does not require registration.

Instructor Vacations: No OTAGO May 5, Line Dance at Mall for Senior Expo 4/12. No class at Trailside that day.

At Mills (Greater Midland North Family Center facilitates the Silver Sneakers class)

To register for OTAGO contact: 989-774-1350 or 989-774-2715, Email: fallprevention@ cmich.edu

To register for Silver Sneakers contact Georgia Pelli at (989) 6897770 or GPELLI@ GREATERMIDLAND.ORG

For all other classes, Call 989-633-3700 or sign-up online at SeniorServicesMidland.org

Call 989-633-3700 to register!

Registration required. Space is limited.

Art of the Matter: Mary Cassatt

Tues, April 4 • 10:30-11:30 am • Trailside

Travel & advenTure series: Somewhere on Earth: The Azores

Mon, April 10 • 12-1 pm • Online or Mon, April 24 • 12-1 pm • at Trailside

SUPPORT: Parkinson's Disease Support Group

Mon, April 10 • 3-4:30 pm

Caregiver Support Group

Tues, April 11 & 25 • 10-11:30 am

Tuesdays wiTh Ted: Looking to the Future

April 11 • 12-1 pm • Trailside or

April 25 • 12-1 pm • Online via Zoom

Protect Your Family Finances

Legal & Financial Estate Planning

Wed, April 12 • 1-3 pm • Trailside

Cyber-Seniors Class Series

Thursdays, April 13-May 4

3:15-4:30 pm • Trailside

ENCORE: Pizza Baker

Wed, April 19 • 4:30 pm RSVP by April 12th!

The Civil War: The Vicksburg Campaign Part 1

Thurs, April 20 • 10:30-11:30 am • Sanford

Thurs, April 27 • 10:30-11:30 am • Trailside

Healthy Hints Healthy Hints: Shingles

Thurs, April 20 • 12 pm at Trailside

Lunchtime Learners: Chippewa Nature Center

How to Create a Bird Friendly Yard

Fri, April 21 • 12-1 pm • Trailside

Care Partner Class: Effective Communication Tips for Caregivers

Wed, April 26 • 1-3 pm • Trailside

Lunchtime Learners: Ben Franklin - Spring Gardening

Fri, April 28 • 12-1 pm • Trailside

Senior Services

Care Partner & Education Classes

Join Heidi Lang as your guide to learning more about the world’s greatest artists and their masterworks. Expect a lively, fun and interactive hour of art appreciation!

Travel the world through videos of amazing destinations during the Travel and Adventure Series! April 10 online via Zoom. April 24 at Trailside.

Each group offers opportunities for education, advice, awareness of available services and problem solving. At Trailside. Drop-in, no registration required.

Join educator Mike Trebilcock to watch TED Talks (typically 10-20 min ea.) and participate in a lively discussion about the ideas presented! April 11 at Trailside, April 25 online via Zoom.

Attorney Wendy D. Kanar from Poznak Dyer Kanar Schefsky Thompson PLC will discuss the various aspects of making proper decisions regarding planning and managing your estate. At Trailside.

Join teen volunteers from Midland High School who are ready to team up with older adults offering personal coaching on technology for this 4-week class series. At Trailside.

Come enjoy some wood-fired, sourdough pizza and listen to their story about their mission to support people with disabilities. At 240 E. Main St., Midland.

Join educator Mike Trebilcock for an interactive program looking at all aspects of the American Civil War – from its causes to its legacy and memory. April 20 at Sanford, April 27 at Trailside.

This program will provide knowledge of the shingles virus and resources to prevent infection At Trailside.

We'll discuss types of feeders, which seeds birds will eat and how to avoid window kills. Learn about natural foods growing on native trees, shrubs and flowers, and why shelter is important for bird survival. At Trailside.

Come and join us for a session on learning how to break through some of the communication barriers that exist, and continue to have a meaningful connection, despite memory changes. At Trailside.

Join master gardener Ben Franklin for some essential advice and tips on how to get your garden off to a great start this spring. At Trailside.

Senior Services is in Need of Volunteers, Call Allison at 989-633-3741!

We need Friendly Visitors & Shoppers and Meals on Wheels Drivers (Especially in Coleman & Greendale Twp.