MDN - Fall Senior Expo - 10/5/2024 by Hearst Midwest

2024 Fall

JOIN US AT THE

Senior Expo

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9TH 10AM TO 3PM

THIS YEAR’S FALL SENIOR EXPO IS A FREE, FUN AND INFORMATIVE EVENT PACKED WITH LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, CLASSES, GIVEAWAYS AND LOCAL VENDORS FROM HOME IMPROVEMENT, RECREATION, FINANCE, HEALTH & FITNESS PRODUCTS, AND SERVICES AND SO MUCH MORE TO LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE!

BRING YOUR SNEAKERS & DANCING SHOES!

10-10:30AM BALANCED IN MOTION WITH SHELLEY MOWERY 10:45-11:15AM ZUMBA WITH TRENA WINANS 11:30AM-12PM LINE DANCING 12:30-2:30PM BORDERLINE BAND

PLUS BRING YOUR UNWANTED OR UNUSED PRESCRIPTION DRUGS FOR SAFE DISPOSAL!

Therapeutic Activities: See the Difference Seasons Can Make!

ABy Amy Sheridan, Family Support & Activity Manager at Seasons Adult Day

t Seasons Adult Day Health Services, we offer a variety of therapeutic programs that are created by our Activity Coordinator and are designed to target different areas of the body, mind and soul.

Our skilled activity aides facilitate programs that include:

• Physical and Competitive games (volleyball, bowling, bocce ball, ladder golf, basketball, football)

• Exercise Classes (dance aerobics, lower/ upper body exercise, core strengthening, cardio drumming)

• Musical Performances

• Cognitive Programs (trivia, reminiscing, word challenges

with seniors with physical and cognitive challenges. It is an effective tool for stimulating cohesive and joyous group movement activities. Older adults tend to enjoy the bright colors and satisfying texture, the loops for grasping, and the overall shape of the Octaband.

Pictured, some of our participants use the Octaband, which was specifically designed for use

Our motto at Seasons is,“If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it!” Our goal is to create laughter, happiness and life!

Seasons Adult Day Health Services is a therapeutic enrichment program held during the day in a group setting. It is for individuals living with a chronic illness, changes in memory or with a dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease. The environment is comfortable, safe, interactive and socially engaging. For more information, contact our Family Support Manager, Amy Sheridan, at 989-633-3764.

Our team is focused on providing quality home health care designed to keep you safely in the comfort of your own home.

Let us keep you at home.

Travel with Greater Midland

Greater Midland Travel offer trips to help build a community of people. Motorcoach trips are a great way to travel without the stress of planning and driving on your own. Travelers enjoy sitting back to enjoy new adventures. “New groups 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.

“The trips I have gone on have given me the opportunity to explore Michigan without the stress of driving and planning them,” says a senior, who regularly attends trips.

“I went out of my comfort

zone to attend a Motorcoach trip for the ﬁrst time and it was one of the best experiences I have had. I can’t wait for the next year of trips!” says a ﬁrst-time group traveler.

Greater Midland Travel is wrapping up for the year. It was a great Spring and Summer ﬁlled with more adventures and memories. Greater Midland has a full bus traveling to

New York City in October and Nashville Tennessee in December. Excitement for the next travel season has begun. 2025 travel will be announced in mid-January.

All trips are fully escorted, taken on a Motorcoach bus, which leaves right from Midland. Call (989)220.3997 or email aewald@greatermidland. org to sign-up to be on the travel email list.

Greater Midland: From Strangers to Neighbors

During Greater Midland’s trip to Mackinac Island’s Lilac Festival, Brenda and Mary Anne stepped onto the bus as strangers but returned as dearest friends. It all began with a simple decision: both Brenda and Mary Anne signed up for the trip as solo travelers. Though they had both been on Greater Midland trips before, something special happened this time. The trip leader asked if they would sit together on the bus, and that single question sparked a new

and lasting friendship.

What started as a friendly conversation to pass the time quickly blossomed into a deep and genuine connection. As they chatted all the way to the island and back, they discovered they were actually neighbors! By the end of the trip, they were no longer strangers—they were neighbors and friends.

Mary Anne, a proud SilverSneakers member at the Community Center, shared her love for the center and everything

it offers. Hearing Mary Anne’s stories and experiencing the sense of community during the trip piqued Brenda’s interest. Soon after, she decided to join SilverSneakers and the Community Center herself.

Now, Brenda and Mary Anne regularly come to the Community Center together. They play pickleball, attend SilverSneakers ﬁtness classes, and continue to build their friendship and strengthen their bond. Brenda is quick to share her enthusiasm, declaring

that the Greater Midland Community Center is “the best Community Center ever!” Mary Anne echoes that sentiment, adding, “There is so much to do and so many ways to connect with others!”

Their experience has inspired them to encourage others to step out of their comfort zones. “You won’t be alone for long!” says Mary Anne, who believes the Community Center is the perfect place to meet new people. “There is so much variety and plenty to do, whatever your interest—whether

it’s pickleball, aerobics, or Zumba—you’ll ﬁnd something you love and meet people who love it too!”

Brenda and Mary Anne’s story is just one example of the connections that the Greater Midland Community Center helps to create every day. It’s a place where strangers become friends, and friendships blossom into something truly special. We invite everyone to come by the Community Center, where there’s always an opportunity to connect, stay active, and build lasting friendships.

The Association between social support and physical activity in older adults

Creating meaningful connections through socialization brings older adults better mental health, improved self-esteem, increased sense of belonging, and a greater sense of purpose. Seniors who have social support from family and/or a community have improved overall health.

Older adults who engage in physical activities report a better self-esteem, improved mental health, are at a lower fall risk, and have an improved overall well-being.

The combination of social connections while doing physical exercise, are at a much higher success rate than doing physical exercise without social accountability. At the Midland Community Center, we strive to build community in our senior exercise classes. The seniors become fast friends and regularly check in on each other.

Pancake Breakfast for Seniors

Get out of your house this Fall for good food and fellowship! Greater Midland Community Center hosts Senior Pancake Breakfast events every-other month. This event is open to all seniors and is a fun and sociable time. It’s a way to connect with others from Midland. Come with a friend or by yourself! Join us for our next pancake breakfast in the Curling Center on Monday, November 25th at 11am. The event cost is $3 for members and $5 for guests. Please pay with cash at the time of the breakfast. There will be prize drawings at the end of the breakfast. This event is sponsored by Right At Home of Midland. Please RSVP at least one week in advance if you plan to attend. Call (989)220.3997 or email aewald@greatermidland.org.

Science and nature: Your BrainWho’s in Control? (NOVA)

Flu and COVID-19 Drive-Thru Vaccination Clinic

Thurs, Oct 3 • 1-4 pm • Trailside

Lunchtime Learners - Steps to Ensure Your Vote Counts with the League of Women Voters Fri, Oct 4 • 12-1 pm • Trailside

SUPPORT: Care Partner Support Group

Tues, Oct 8 & 22 • 10-11:45 am Blind & Low Vision Support Group

Mon, Oct 14 • 10:30-11:30 am

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group Mon, Oct 14 • 3-4:30 pm

tech claSSeS with Senior Planet: Facebook (Lecture)

Tues, Oct 8 • 12-1 pm • Trailside

Getting Started with Facebook (Workshop)

Thurs, Oct 10 • 12:30-2 pm • Trailside

Online Shopping (Lecture)

Tues, Oct 29 • 12-1 pm • Trailside

Shopping on Amazon (Workshop)

Thurs, Oct 31 • 12:30-2 pm • Trailside

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

Info Session: Oct 9 • 1:30-2 pm

Wednesdays, Oct 16-Nov 20 1:30-3 pm • Trailside

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE SERIES:

Zion National Park

ENCORE: Boston’s Pizza

Tues, Oct 1 • 10:30-11:30 am • Trailside

Dive into the latest research on the subconscious with Neuroscientist, Heather Berlin. Sleepwalking, anesthesia, game theory, and more reveal surprising insights in this eye-opening journey to discover what’s really driving the decisions you make.

Join us for our annual flu shot & COVID 19 Booster clinic in cooperation with the Midland County Health Department.

Ann Manary, Midland County Clerk, in partnership with the League of Women Voters of the Midland Area will be presenting Steps to Ensure Your Votes Count.

Each group offers opportunities for education, advice, awareness of available services and problem solving.

Drop-in, no registration required.

This lecture offers an overview of Facebook’s evolution, its most popular features, and tips for getting in on the action.

During this hands-on workshop, you will sign up for Facebook and begin building your profile.

This lecture will provide a general introduction to shopping online using the popular website Amazon.com.

This hands-on workshop will provide a general introduction to shopping on the popular website Amazon.com.

Mon, Oct 14 • 12-1 pm • Online Mon, Oct 28 • 12-1 pm • Trailside

Wed, Oct 16 • 4:30 pm 6603 Eastman Ave. In Midland

The Civil War: Sheridan’s Valley Campaign Thurs, Oct 17 • 10:30-11:30 am • Sanford Thurs, Oct 24 • 10:15-11:30 am • Trailside

In this six-week evidence-based program, caregivers gain self-care tools to reduce stress, change negative self-talk, communicate effectively with family and healthcare providers, manage difficult emotions, and make challenging caregiving decisions.

Travel the world through videos of amazing destinations during the Travel and Adventure Series! Explore the history of Zion National Park and its current status as a worldwide destination. Online Oct 14 and at Trailside Oct 28.

Boston’s Pizza is built on quality, made on friends. Grab a friend and enjoy an excuse not to cook tonight. RSVP by Oct 10th!

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. Oct 17 at Sanford and Oct 24 at Trailside. healthy hintS: What is

YOUR BALLOT HAS TWO SIDES!

Don’t forget to vote for Democrats up and down the ballot. Take your slate c ard to the polling place and tell your friends to flip to the back!

T5 Health Tips for Working Family Care Partners

he impact of caregiving can be a harsh reality for the family care partner, putting a strain on physical, mental and emotional health. According to a survey of 1,000 North American working family care partners conducted by Home Instead, Inc.:

• 80 % report that caregiving places strain on overall physical health and 85 % report a strain on mental health

• 86 % report that caregiving makes it more difﬁcult to manage work-life balance

• 63 % say that caregiving makes it harder to take care of themselves

Do these statistics ring true for you?

If you are a working family care partner, consider the following tips:

to let go. Put a plan of action into place to improve what you can and try to forget the rest.

• Guard yourself from depression: Depression could sneak up on you and take hold, impacting multiple areas of your life. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and depressed, contact your HR (Human Resources) department or Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to ﬁnd what beneﬁts might be available to you. Many insurance policies cover counseling. Schedule an appointment with your doctor.

• Learn better communication techniques: If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask for it. It’s important to be proactive in communicating your challenges and needs.

sible goal, but it could make the difference between maintaining health and a downward spiral.

• Don’t go it alone: Check your Employee Assistance Program (EAP). It could be a great source of information on whether your company offers counseling, resource and referral services, support groups and other help. In addition, more companies have wellness programs. It’s easier said than done, but try not to allow caregiving to consume your life.

• Recognize the signs of stress: Are you snapping at your co-workers or others? Perhaps forgetting tasks that are normally like second nature to you? It could be stress. Identify the kinds of issues you have control over and what is best

• Sleep, diet and exercise: If there were a magic potion for family caregivers, this could be it. Eating healthy, walking as much as you can (at least 30 minutes a day is recommended) and getting seven to eight hours of sleep may seem like an impos-

For family care partners, knowing what to do to support someone who needs care doesn’t always come naturally. Most care partners could use some advice or training now and then. Senior Services offers regular training, monthly support groups and events to provide skills and knowledge that will help you better fulﬁll this role. Visit SeniorServicesMidland.org/help-forcare-partners to learn more.

Source: Homeinstead. com, published on March 23, 2021

The Midland Community Center offers a unique monthly Bingo event. Play for your chance to win gift cards to local Midland businesses! This fun BINGO event is unlike any other! Come join us for our upcoming Bingo on Monday, October 21st! Those ages 18+ are welcome to play. This event is free for members and $5 for Non-Members. Bingo is played from 11am-12pm. Gift cards are sponsored by Brookdale Senior Living. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase 15 minutes before play begins. Call (989)220.3997 regarding questions.

Help Your Neighbors, Help Yourself

You Can Change Someone’s Life in Four Hours a Week

By Carol Humbyrd, Senior Services Volunteer Transportation Driver

From January through June of last year, Senior Services volunteers drove a total of 7,088 hours and transported 8,837 Midland County older adults. By taking their neighbors to essential health care appointments, as well as helping them with trips to the grocery, pharmacy and bank, volunteer drivers make life easier for and better for local older adults.

Why do people donate several hours each week helping other people?

For some, it is a matter of civic responsibility.

“When I ﬁrst volunteered to drive, it was an easy way to support people in the community, people who are often overlooked,” one driver said. “After a few weeks, I realized I was getting as much from the experiences as they were. I love listening to their stories as much as they love sharing them.”

help them with transportation,” she said. “If a ride to physical therapy, or a trip to Meijer is all it takes to help one person maintain their independence in their own home, count me in.”

my soul.”

Want to help your neighbors by volunteering to drive a few hours each week?

No special skills required! All you need is a valid driver’s license; we supply the vehicle!

Volunteer drivers ﬁll a vital role. “I’ve learned that many clients do not have family available to

Some volunteers cite a spiritual element and the need to serve. “Most of us, if we will admit it, need to be needed,” a long-time volunteer said. “It is a good, healthy part of our humanity. Help someone who truly needs it, and you help yourself as well. It feeds

Dave Evans worked for Dow and Trinseo.

He has been volunteering for Senior Services since July of 2019, a month after he retired.

Midland Law Enforcement Center

2727 Rodd Street, Midland, MI 48640

Phone: 989-839-4627

out and pick up

Visit us at SeniorServicesMidland.org/volunteer to ﬁll out a contact form or call Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer and Community Outreach Manager, at 989-633-3741.

Giving Back

Retired veterinarian

Marcy Carlson has been a monthly volunteer driver for an impressive 25 years!

“I’ve always loved seniors and love learning their history,” she said. “Even the clients with memory issues have a lot to share.”

Marcy added that volunteering adds a sense of purpose to her life. “I like the concept of paying

things forward,” she said. “So many people have blessed me in my life and I want to give something back.”

Marcy believes the Senior Services Transportation program is a great asset for the community and is happy to help support the service. “There are lot of volunteer opportunities available – I don’t mind driving and this ﬁts my niche.”

Never a Bad Day

Harry Peless a retired postal employee, has been driving for Senior Services since 2009 with a few breaks here and there.

Harry volunteers because being in service to others has always been part of this life. “I enjoy helping people,” he said. “My favorite part of driving is getting to know the people. I have

The Need is Great

He admits he was hesitant at ﬁrst. “I wanted to give it a try but I didn’t think it would ﬁt my personality.”

Four years later, Dave drives more than once a week, transporting people who are in wheelchairs, and he

delivers meals on other days. “It’s not always easy but I know I can get all the help I need by calling the ofﬁce.”

Before volunteering, Dave said he did not know the

a great time with them. My goal is always to get them laughing.”

“I love driving seniors,” he added. “I have never had a day when I disliked it. A few hours a week of my time is worth so much to someone who needs the help. Some of these folks really have no other way to get somewhere and I’m glad I can help.”

gravity of the situation for Midland County seniors. “The need is truly great. Some are struggling to live their lives. That is what motivates me. It sounds cliche but it’s true: I get more out of it than I give.”

Greater Midland Community Center Offers Insurance Beneﬁts

Greater Midland Community Center is a participating location for SilverSneakers® and Renew Active®; two common Insurance beneﬁts. Many seniors qualify for these beneﬁts through their insurance because they are 65 or older on a select Medicare plan.

Greater Midland has expanded offerings to our insurance beneﬁt participants! Partici-

pants have full access to the Midland Community Center at no cost! Beneﬁts include all Group Fitness classes, the use of the wellness Center, indoor walking track, 24/7 Fitness Center during building operating hours, walking club, Community activity pass (which includes Euchre, Mah Jonng, and Billiards), multiuse pool, spa, sauna and court sports.

SilverSneakers® is also

offered at our other fitness centers including North Family Center and Coleman Family Center! Make us your headquarters for fitness and let SilverSneakers® or Renew Active® help you get fit your way!

SilverSneakers® exercise classes are only available to SilverSneakers® participants. These classes are geared speciﬁcally for the seniors and are

offered many times a week. Our experienced instructors will help you feel comfortable in this fun, lower intensity, group exercise setting. Come check out a SilverSneakers® class or any other class!

Many people qualify and don’t know that they do. Call Amanda Ewald, 50+ Program Coordinator, to see if you are eligible today! (989)220.3997.

October 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 Calming Yoga or Fall Prevention & Balance Oct 8. No Group Exercise at Mills on Oct 18, 25, and 29. No Zumba Oct 28 - Nov 4.

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 989-689-7770 or GPELLI@ GREATERMIDLAND.ORG

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

Seniors Activıties Within the Greater Midland Community Center

Community Activity Pass$75 annually without a membership. Community Activity pass is included in SilverSneakesrs®, Renew Active® or any paid membership.

Mah Jongg Tuesdays & Thursdays 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Euchre

Monday & Wednesday

1:00pm - 4:00pm

All levels welcome. No partner needed.

Line Dancing Mondays & Wednesdays 10:30am – 12:00pm Led by a volunteer.

Walking Club Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:00am - 9:55am

Billiards/Pool

Billiard tables available during regular building hours.

Puzzle

Puzzle available during regular building hours.

OHow Proper Nutrition Can Lower Your Risk for Cancer

By Danielle Maguire, RDN, Nutrition Program Director at Senior Services of Midland County

ctober is National Breast Cancer Awareness

activity beneﬁts your health, but try to aim for at least 30 minutes!

Month! Do you know your cancer risk? Start by talking to your doctor, get screened, and let’s kick-start this month by eating healthy!

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent cancer, eating well and maintaining a healthy weight is within your control and may lower your risk of breast cancer and other cancers. Living a healthy lifestyle can also help with recovery if you are diagnosed with it.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Eat the Rainbow

Eating a variety of colorful fruits, vegetables, and whole grains – foods high in dietary ﬁber, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients –can help protect against some cancers.

Some examples include:

• Dark leafy green vegetables: spinach, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and kale

• Fruits: citrus, berries, pomegranate and cherries

are substances that occur naturally in plantbased foods, like the examples listed above, that have antioxidant effects. These help protect your body from disease because they provide our bodies with anti-inﬂammatory and immune-boosting beneﬁts! Eating a wide variety of each food group and eating fruits and vegetables of different colors every day helps keep your body healthy and balanced. Eat the Rainbow!

Whether recovering from surger y or managing a chronic medical condition, our clinicians can help you get back to doing the things you love with personalized sk illed nursing care and therapy - all in the comfor t of the place you call home.

Weight is closely connected with cancer risk, with cancers including breast, prostate, lunch, colon, and kidney. Being at a healthy weight may lower your risk. Not only eating well, but physical activity can help control weight. Doing any amount of physical

• Whole grains: oats, whole grain barley, and whole grain breads and cereals

• Legumes: beans, peas, and lentils

Phytonutrients (also called phytochemicals)

Among eating well and maintaining a healthy weight, you can also lessen your cancer risk by avoiding alcohol and tobacco and protecting yourself from the sun. Understanding your risk for cancer and talking to your doctor about your family history can be lifesaving!

Sources: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Mayo Clinic

What to Know about Exercise and Dementia Risk

Three seconds go by in a ﬂash, but that’s enough time for another person to join the masses already diagnosed with dementia. According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, every three seconds someone in the world develops dementia, a condition that more than 55 million people were living with in 2020.

The World Health Organization notes that various diseases and injuries that affect the brain can contribute to dementia. As menacing a threat as dementia presents, individuals are not helpless against it. In fact, exercise, which can help lower risk for heart disease, stroke and various other conditions, can be a valuable ally against dementia as well.

What is the link between exercise and dementia?

Dementia remains something of a mystery, but the Alzheimer’s Society notes that evidence is now strong enough to support the assertion that lack of physical exercise increases a person’s risk of developing dementia. The Alzheimer’s Society also notes that researchers have discovered improvements in

thinking and memory and reduced rates of dementia among middle-aged and older adults who exercised compared to those that did not.

Is cardio the most effective exercise at lowering dementia risk?

Speaking with CNBC, Silky Singh Pahlajani, a clinical professor of behavioral neurology and neuropsychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine, noted that cardiovascular exercise, often referred to as cardio, can provide the biggest beneﬁt for brain health of any form of exercise. Cardiovascular exercise can increase heart rate, which helps deliver oxygen cells to the brain. The National Institutes of Health notes that oxygen shortages prevent the brain from working as well as it should, and a 2023 study published in the journal Redox Biology found that oxygen abnormality plays a crucial role in the occurrence and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

How should aging adults approach exercise if they have been largely sedentary?

Middle-aged and older adults who have not been physically active throughout their adult

life but want to begin incorporating exercise into their daily routines are urged to speak with their physicians prior to beginning a ﬁtness regimen. Preexisting conditions may make it difﬁcult, if not impossible, to engage in certain forms of exercise. A personal physician can consider a patient’s unique medical history and then recommend certain exercises that won’t put him or her in jeopardy of suffering an injury or illness. A gradual approach to exercising is typically best for individuals who have lived a sedentary lifestyle. Starting off slowly with a short walk or light physical activity like gardening can help the body acclimate to physical activity at a safe pace. As adults bodies’ become more accustomed to exercise, men and women can then gradually increase the intensity of their workouts, switching from walking to jogging on a treadmill when possible.

There is no cure for dementia, but adults are not helpless against the various forms of the condition. Researchers have discovered that preventive measures like routine exercise can be an effective way to reduce dementia risk.