MDN Senior Expo Fall 2022

SENIOR 2022 Fall

Travel With Greater Midland

Daytrips are a fun way to get out and about with ease. An amazing community of new friends form on these trips. Trips are an easy way to see beautiful Michigan and discover things that you may have not had the chance to see otherwise.

“I love going on these trips with out the stress of planning them. It gives 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 on a Motorcoach bus, which leaves right from Midland. Greater Midland’s trip season is April – November. All trips are full for the remainder of 2022. Contact Amanda Ewald to be placed on her email list or to in quire about future trips. She can be reached at (989) 832-7937 ext. 2270 or aewald@greatermidland.org.

Pancake Breakfast for Seniors

SilverSneakers® Walking Club Building Connections

Greater Midland Community Center holds a Senior Pan cake 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 pan cake breakfast on Monday, Novem ber 21st at 11am. The event cost is $3 for a member and $5 for a guest.

Please pay at the time of the break fast, with cash. 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 989-832-7937 ext. 2270.

Greater Midland Community Center has many benefits for seniors who qualify for Silver Sneakers® through their insurance. SilverSneakers® is a program offered under many insurance plans. Check with your insurance provider to see if you qualify. SilverSneakers® classes are offered 3 times a week. Our ex perienced instructors will help you feel comfortable in this fun, lower intensity, group exercise setting.

Another benefit of the SilverS neakers® program is Greater Mid land’s Walking Club. It’s geared towards anyone who would like to participate. SilverSneakers® and 50+ Center members can join the Walk ing Club at no cost. Non-members

can join at $70 a session. This is a fun, inviting and sociable group. It’s a group that is encouraged to walk at their own pace, with a goal to im prove health. This Fall the group is meeting outside and walking a paved loop around the Miracle Field. The Walking Club will remain outside as long as the weather cooperates. This group takes place on Tuesday and Thursday’s at 9am. You can sign up for this walking club at any time!

Want to know more? Join our SilverSneakers® orientation on Monday, October 10th at 11am for a tour around the Community Center filled with details of the benefits this insurance gives you. Call 989-8327937 ext. 2270 to rsvp.

Greater Midland BINGO Days!

Join us for a Lunch and Learn Health series at the Greater Mid land 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 How to design a winter walking program will take place on Monday, October 17th at 12pm, lunch provided by Independence Village. A reservation is required to hold your spot by calling 989-8327937 ext. 2270.

The

Midland Community Center is now holding BINGO during the day! Come play to win some cash and have a blast with other gamers.

BINGO days are taking place every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month.

Charitable game tickets start selling at 12pm. BINGO games begin at 1pm. The public is welcome. Food & drinks will be available for sale. No other

Walking Club

Thursday

Aerobic Class

Wednesday,

Billiards/Pool

Mah Jongg

Tuesdays & Thursdays

3:00pm.

Euchre

Sheriff Myron Greene

Midland

Saving Strategies as Retirement Draws Near

Professionals on the cusp of retirement are often excited about what lies ahead. Some pro spective retirees may look forward to traveling once they no longer have to go to work each day, while others may plan to return to school. Regardless of how adults envision spending their retirement, they’re going to need money when they’re no longer being paid by their employers.

As retirement nears, some pro fessionals may be concerned that they haven’t saved enough. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer in regard to how much money people will need in retirement. People who are worried they haven’t saved enough can try various strategies to build up

their account balances before they officially call it a career.

Take advantage of catch-up contributions. Adults who are 50 or older are eligible to take advantage of catch-up contributions. These are designed to help people over 50 contribute more to certain retire ment accounts, such as a 401(k) or IRA, than statutory limits would otherwise allow. There are limits that govern the amount of money people can designate as catch-up contribu tions, but taking advantage of this perk can help people save more as retirement draws closer.

Consider relocating. A recent study from the Employee Benefit Research Institute found that hous ing costs accounted for 49 percent

of seniors’ spending. Profes sionals nearing retirement who live in areas tradition ally associated with a high cost of living can begin to rethink their long-term housing strategy. Relocating to an area with a lower cost of living is one option, while those who prefer to remain in their current town or city can consider downsizing to a smaller home to reduce their prop erty taxes and monthly utility bills. Continue investing. Conventional wisdom suggests moving away from investing in stocks the closer you get to retirement. Though that’s a sound strategy, professionals who are try ing to build their retirement savings in the final years before retiring

could be missing out on significant growth by abandoning stocks en tirely. Speak with a financial advisor about stock-based investments and your risk tolerance. Maintaining a diversified portfolio with a little risk can be a great way to grow your savings as retirement draws near.

Professionals approaching retire ment may be dealing with a mix of excitement and anxiety, particularly if they’re concerned about their retirement savings. Various strate gies can help quell such anxiety and make it easier for professionals over 50 to build their savings as retire ment nears.

Wackerly St Jet’s Pizza

Midland Soccer Fields

Spor

CARE COORDINATION CORNER UTI Symptoms

By Julie Shirk, BSN, RN, Seasons Registered Nurse at Senior Services of Midland County

directed throughout the full course of treatment. If the instructions are not followed the result may be recurrent infection or development of resistance to the antibiotic.

General tips for preventing a UTI:

• Drinking 8-10 glasses of plain water every day

• Avoiding sugary drinks

• Changing incontinence pad or brief at the first sign of being soiled

• Practicing good hygiene habits after bowel movements, par ticularly in women, by wiping front to back

• Recognizing the first signs of a UTI in an older adult who can not express how they are feeling and advocating for a medical evaluation

Staying healthy and strong, rec ognizing signs and symptoms, and avoiding complications allows for a more fulfilling and enriching life.

You may have heard of the term “UTI” but do not know what it stands for, or you may have experienced a UTI and know exactly how it can affect your health and life.

A UTI is a Urinary Tract Infection. Common causes are a weakened immune system, improper or poor hygiene, dehydration, and gut bacteria changes related to aging and medications. The symptoms of a UTI are unlike those presented in younger individuals and can include complete mood and personality change, aggression, and sleepiness or drowsiness occurring without any other explanation. These symptoms can be distressing.

Additionally, an individual may

become suddenly lethargic, incon tinent, fall frequently, or lose their appetite. It is possible that they have contracted a UTI and have not expressed, or are unable to express that they are not feeling well. Rapid medical attention for examination and testing is extremely important, as a UTI can spread into the bladder and kidneys causing much more severe infection.

If a UTI is suspected, the doctor will ask for a urine sample to test for bacteria and white blood cells. If the urine is indicative of a UTI, the individual will be prescribed an anti biotic. It is extremely important that this antibiotic treatment begin as soon as prescribed and continue as

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Go -To Place for A ll My Healthcare Needs

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It’s Not Just Meat & Potatoes

By Julie Shirk, BSN, RN, Seasons Registered Nurse at Senior Services of Midland County

When an older adult works with a Care Coordinator, one of the first discussions is about their nutritional health.

• Is the individual able to shop for groceries, cook, or clean up after a meal?

• Can the individual leave their home to attend a Senior Ser vices Activity and Dining Center?

• Is the individual getting enough daily nutrients, including protein, grains, fruit and vegetables?

These factors and more help us determine the nutritional health of older adults.

One of the services we provide to help older adults maintain their nu tritional health is Meals on Wheels.

Meals on Wheels is a national nutrition program for older adults adopted into law in March of 1972 when President Nixon signed an amendment to the Older Americans Act of 1965. This program has been serving older adults for 50 years.

Senior Services provides Meals on Wheels for older adults who have difficulty leaving their homes and preparing meals. The care coordina tion assessment determines Meals on Wheels eligibility. Income is not a determining factor for this program. Meals are intended to help during recovery from an illness, surgery, medical treatments, or for frail individuals who would otherwise not have access to proper nutrition.

Meals on Wheels can be delivered as long as the need exists. During the initial assessment, older adults have regularly reported fair or poor health, taking three or more medi cations, and a diagnosis of three or more medical conditions that impact their daily life.

Care Coordinators arrange this service through the Nutrition De partment at Senior Services. Each meal must adhere to strict dietary guidelines, meet state and local food safety and sanitation requirements, and appeal to older adults. Ninety percent of our Meals on Wheels clients have reported increased consumption of fruits and vegetables since receiving meals. Ninety-two percent report eating better overall since starting Meals on Wheels.

Senior Services meals are pre pared fresh each weekday morning. Nutrition staff, along with guidance from the American Heart Associa tion and American Dietetic Associ

ation, ensure the inclusion of proper nutrients while choosing ingredients and menu planning. We follow these guidelines with great care to provide the best nutrition possible.

In Midland County, we prepare and deliver well over 350 hot meals each day Monday through Friday. Meals on Wheels clients receive a hot meal intended for consumption upon arrival. Many of our clients also receive a cold meal, which is delivered with the hot meal, and intended to keep in the refrigerator and eaten as a second meal later that same day. Frozen meals may also be added to the delivery for a hot meal on Saturday and Sunday.

Meals on Wheels not only pro vides a well-balanced meal, it also combats social isolation. Senior Services has a team of more than 160 volunteers who deliver the meals through 21 routes covering all of Midland County. Oftentimes, the volunteer is the only person the

Personalized

older adult will see that day. Volun teers provide a nutritious meal and a friendly smile, encouraging words and support. Ninety-one percent of Meals on Wheels clients report feel ing safer knowing that the volunteer will be checking on them.

In addition to the nutritional and social benefits, the Care Coordinator also works with the older adult to determine other areas where assis tance may be helpful. The assess ment addresses home safety hazards and an overall check of how the individual handles all daily tasks.

Providing quality nutrition through Meals on Wheels or Cen ter dining is a cornerstone of our mission. Please call (989) 633-3700 to speak with a Care Coordinator to determine if you are eligible for Meals on Wheels.

BIGGEST SAVINGS OF THE SEASON

BUY ONE GET

HEARING AIDS

Meals

How Exercise Can Help You Live Longer

ity. The Mayo Clinic says physical activity can increase the production of endorphins, which are the body’s feel-good neurotransmitters. In addition, exercise can imitate the effects of stress, helping the body adjust its flight or fight response ac cordingly, and help them cope with mildly stressful situations. While engaged in exercise, people may for get about their problems as they are focused on the activity at hand.

Improve bone health

There are many reasons to get in shape. Weight loss is a prime motivator, as is reversing a negative health effect, such as high cholesterol or increased dia betes risk. Routine exercise also can improve life expec tancy.

WebMD says exercise keeps the body and brain healthy. That’s why exercise should be an important component of daily life no matter one’s age. Research published in the jour nal Immune Aging found that how people age is 75 percent lifestyle and

only 25 percent genet ics, which underscores the impor tance of the lifestyle choices people make.

Cardiorespiratory fitness

Many health experts say that cardiorespiratory fitness may be just as valuable a metric to determine overall health as blood pressure and lipid levels. People with a high aerobic capacity can deliver oxygen to tissues and cells efficiently to fuel exercise, according to data published in 2014 in the journal Aging & Disease. In a study in volving 11,335 women, researchers compared V02 max, also known as aerobic capacity, in women with mortality data. Women who were fit from a cardiovascular perspec tive had a lower death rate from all causes, irrespective of the women’s weight.

Manage stress and mood Exercise has direct stress-busting benefits that can promote longev

Strength training and physical activity can stave off the effects of frailty and osteoporosis, which affects bone strength. A study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine in 2017 found that hip fractures are associated with dimin ished quality of life and survival among the elderly. One in three adults aged 50 and over dies within 12 months of suffering a hip frac ture, and older adults have a five- to eight-times greater risk of dying within three months following a hip fracture. Building muscle strength, balance and bone density through exercise can reduce falls and frailty, helping to prevent fracture-related health risks.

Addresses sarcopenia

The health and wellness resource Healthline defines sarcopenia as the loss of muscle mass specifically relat ed to aging. Doctors once considered this muscle loss inevitable, and it can affect stamina and lead to weakness. However, new indications suggest that exercise is the main treatment regimen for sarcopenia, particularly resistance training. This is designed to improve muscle strength and help balance hormone levels by turning protein into energy for older adults.

These are just some of the ways exercise can help older adults live longer, healthier lives.

Open Enrollment

Medicare Part D and Advantage Plans

Open enrollment for Medicare

Part D and Medicare Ad vantage is October 15 through December 7 with cover age beginning Janu ary 1st. The open enrollment period is an opportu nity for you to shop around for a plan that will best meet your needs next year.

By completing a Medicare Part D and/ or Medicare Advan tage comparison you may decide to switch to another plan that has lower out-of-pocket costs.

Senior Services has Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) certified staff and volun teers to assist you. When you talk with a staff or volunteer you will receive assistance with the following:

• Explore Medicare Part D and/or Medicare Advantage Plans.

• Compare your current plan with two additional plans available for next year based on your current situ ation and medications.

• Review the plans’ coverage, what the premium, deductible and copay ments will be.

• Review or assist with plan enroll ment if you decide to switch plans.

• For those who appear eligible, we can assist with applica tions to Social Security

Extra Help and/or Department of Health and Human Services Medicare Savings Program.

Senior Services follows The Center for Disease Con trol (CDC), State of Michigan and Midland County Health Depart ment recommendations and preventative measures related to COVID-19. Open enrollment appointments are available for in-person or by telephone assistance this year. If in-person assistance is modified or changed, we will com municate directly with individuals scheduled to be served.

Senior Services trained staff and volunteers are here to help. If you have never received assistance from us before, please call our Health Benefits Assistance Hotline at 989633-3748. You will be asked to leave a message including your name and address, and a compare worksheet will be mailed to you. This compare

worksheet needs to be completed and returned with your current in formation before we can schedule an appointment. You may also request this compare worksheet through our secure website at SeniorSer vicesMidland.org/medicare-work sheet-request-form.

If you have received help from us in the past year, you can expect a compare worksheet in the mail by the end of September. If you do not

receive a compare worksheet in the mail, please call our Health Benefits Assistance Hotline at 989-633-3748 to request one. You may also request this compare worksheet online at our secure website listed above.

Don’t miss out on this important opportunity to explore plan options. It’s time to learn and decide on your Medicare coverage for 2023. We are here to help.

The

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Disabi lity Network

Services Available to Older Adults in Midland County

What do you want your life to be like as you get older? Se nior Services is a private, non-profit organization that has been serving the community for over 50 years and is the only organization in Midland County dedicated to providing the wide array of services needed to help you age where you want to be—in your home.

Many of our services are designed to keep you living in your own home longer while others are to offer enrichment and help you live the life you want. We also help family mem bers learn how to best assist aging loved ones. Senior Services is the best place to start if you are looking for help, something to do or a way to make a difference.

Care Coordination: A Care Co ordinator will work in partnership with an older adult and their family to identify needs and coordinate care. A Care Coordinator can assist the older adult in learning about community resources and services such as home care, housing options, home modifications, Medicare/Med icaid and more.

Meals on Wheels can help main tain or improve nutritional health by providing a well-balanced hot meal Monday-Friday. Delivery provides daily contact with a caring volunteer. Meals are for older adults who are having difficulty preparing meals and leaving their home. Available

for short term and long term needs. Evening and weekend meals are also available.

Handyman services can provide minor home maintenance and re pairs that improve and maintain an older adult’s safety. Handymen can assist with such things as bathroom grab bars, railings and carbon mon oxide detectors.

Counseling is offered in individu al and family settings. A professional counselor from Family and Chil dren’s Services will help an individ ual seek solutions to concerns about lifestyle changes, decision making, grief, depression, the stresses of caregiving and other issues.

Transportation by trained volun teers is available by appointment for clients traveling to medical appoint ments, essential shopping, Seasons Adult Day Services, etc. Many vehicles are handicapped equipped. Fee of $3 per one way. Call 633-3745 to make a reservation.

Health Insurance Benefits Assis tance is provided by professionally trained volunteers and staff that work to help sort through Medi care options, including Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D and Medigap (Supplemental Insurance). Information and assistance with Medicaid (including Nursing Home Medicaid).

Home Care: Personal Care: Assistance with bathing, dressing,

toileting, incontinence care and medication reminders.

Respite Care: A respite aide will stay with an older adult to provide care and allow the caregiver an interval of rest.

Seasons Adult Day Health Services is an activity based center for individuals living with chronic diseases, changes in memory and/ or with dementias such as Alzhei mer’s disease. There are significant benefits for the person who attends Seasons. The socially and mentally stimulating environment helps to maintain, or even improve, cognitive and physical function through par ticipation in the therapeutic activity programs. Activities incorporate cognitive and sensory stimulation, memory training, creative arts/ music, physical exercise, education

al programs, occupational and life skills.

Health monitoring and nursing services help to maintain opti mal physical and cognitive health. Seasons also provides medication administration, transportation, spa and shower service, assistance with mobility and toileting, foot care, hot lunch and refreshments, and care giver respite, education and support.

Open Monday – Friday, 8 am-4:30 pm

2 free trial days! Location: 4812 Dublin Ave in Midland

Take the first step by calling 989633-3700 or visiting our website, www.SeniorServicesMidland.org. We will guide you through the pro cess of setting up care and support for you or your loved one!

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

keep you at home.

Dump Your Drugs!

Expo

Midland

New Accessible Pavilion and Three-Wheel Bike Check-Outs

Senior Services is happy to announce that new accessible opportunities for fitness and recre ation are available to the community. Thanks to funds from the Stro sacker Foundation, Friends of the Rail-Trail, and The Great Lakes Bay Invitational, an accessible pavilion, bike rack, and three-wheel bicycles will soon be available at the Senior Services main building at 4700 Dub lin Avenue.

Conveniently located adjacent to the Rail Trail, these resources prom

ise to provide a family friendly destination for all age ranges, in come levels and physical abilities.

Use of the new, accessible, pavilion will be available at no charge. Please feel welcome to come and picnic with your family, or meet up before a walk or ride on the Rail Trail. We will not be requiring reservations at this time, but simply ask courtesy toward fellow users.

Bicycle reservations can only be made the week of desired use. Bike

reservations for the week are avail able starting each Monday at 9:00 am. Weekend and evening hours are available, but all reservations must be made between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm Monday through Friday by call ing 989-633-3700. Each bike may be reserved for one 4-hour block per day. Available slots are 8 am-12

pm, 12 pm-4:00 pm, and 4 pm-8 pm. Users are required to provide phone number and email when reserving, to complete a waiver of liability before first use, and to return bike to the bike rack and re-lock it by the specified end time. Users who do not comply with these requests will not be allowed to check bikes out in the future.

Once registered, users will be sent an email confirmation or handed a paper copy with bike lock code and additional instructions.

Senior Services is thrilled to work with excellent community partners to provide these new resources to in dividuals in the community in need of more stable options to traditional bikes and accessible outdoor gather ing spaces.

OUR MIND MATTERS: Why are Memory Screenings Important?

By Amy Sheridan, Seasons Family Support and Activity Manager at Senior Services of Midland County

Memory screenings are a significant first step toward finding out if a person may have a memory problem. Memory prob lems could be caused by Alzheimer’s disease or other medical conditions.

While a memory screening is not used to diagnose any particular illness and does not replace consul tation with a qualified healthcare professional, it is very helpful. A screening can check a person’s short term memory along with other thinking skills and it can indicate if someone might benefit from a more complete medical visit.

It is very important to identify the disease or problem that is causing memory loss. Some memory prob lems can be readily treated, such as those caused by vitamin deficiencies or thyroid problems. Other memory problems might result from causes

that are not currently reversible, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

In general, the earlier the diag nosis, the easier it is to treat one of these conditions. Early recogni tion of mild cognitive impairment (MCI)— mild memory loss that may eventually lead to dementia— pro vides an opportunity for healthcare professionals to treat this condition, and possibly slow down the changes in memory and other thinking skills.

Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can improve quality of life for the person affected and for the family. Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease can learn more about the disease, including available and emerging medical treatments; get counseling and other social services support in their community; address legal, financial and other planning issues; and have more of a say in de

cision-making. Caregivers and other family members can take advantage of community services, such as sup port groups and educational classes.

Some people may be nervous about coming in for a memory screening. Here is what you can expect.

A memory screening is a simple and safe evaluation tool that checks memory and other thinking skills. It consists of a series of questions and/or tasks designed to test mem ory, language skills, thinking ability and other intellectual functions. The evaluation tool itself only takes about 10-15 minutes to complete.

A memory screening is not used to diagnose any particular illness and does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

The person who administers the screening will review the results with you. Individuals with a below-nor mal score or those with a normal score but who still have concerns should follow up with their doctor. Results of the memory screenings are confidential. Ask for a copy to bring to your doctor or request a copy be sent to their office. If inter ested, additional services available through Senior Services will also be discussed at this time.

How do I know if I should get a memory screening?

Memory screenings make sense for anyone concerned about mem ory loss or experiencing warning signs of dementia. This could include individuals whose family

and friends have noticed changes in them or who believe they are at risk due to a family history of Alzhei mer’s disease or a related illness. Screenings are also appropriate for anyone who does not have a concern right now, but who wants to see how their memory is now and for future comparisons. Senior Services will provide a memory screening annu ally to anyone who is interested.

The following are twelve warning signs of dementia:

• Trouble with new memories

• Relying on memory helpers

• Trouble finding words

• Struggling to complete familiar actions

• Confusion about time, place or people

• Misplacing familiar objects

• Onset of new depression or irritability

• Making bad decisions

• Personality changes

• Loss of interest in important responsibilities

• Seeing or hearing things

• Expressing false beliefs

When you start to notice memory changes, seeking early detection is key. If you or someone you know is experiencing increasing changes with their memory and could benefit from additional services, please con tact Amy Sheridan, Family Support and Activity Manager at 989-6333764.

Check out our section, Our Mind Matters, next month.

Fall Senior Expo

Come say hello to Scott Berry.

can answer your questions about

planning your funeral.