Seniors In Action | January-February-March 2022 by Sowega Council on Aging

S E N I O R S in A C T I O N L ivin g Lon g er. Liv ing Sa fer. Liv ing Well.

JANUARY - MARCH 2022

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LETTER f rom I Z Z I E

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis As I pen this letter to you, I am astonished that we have turned the page into 2022! The past two years have been filled with challenges and opportunities, yet we have come through them into a brand new year. We remember the past and look ahead into the future with hope and excitement at the things to come. Here are just a few things we are excited about: The COVID numbers are improving in our area. Because of this, we are offering hybrid classes for those who want to be in-person while at the same time accommodating individuals who need to remain at home – such as caregivers who cannot leave their loved ones or those with COVID concerns. Our mini-grants in Fall 2021 have allowed us to engage the community to provide innovative local programs for seniors aged 60 and up. For example, we have been working with libraries, YMCAs, and other non-profit entities to deliver programs like bingo, crafts, exercise, and water aerobics at the local level. A new year – a new calendar! Our team has worked tirelessly to create a new calendar of events with two options for your use – an online digital format and a beautifully designed tear-out in each issue of Seniors in Action. Our goal is for you to have easy access to participating in SCOA events and programs. Speaking of the Seniors in Action publication, we have combined the contents from our monthly Wellness newsletter beginning with this issue. This allows us to expand our articles, streamline our source of information into one place, and reduce postage and printing costs for the organization. Also, be sure to check out our website for free digital downloads of Seniors in Action and frequently updated articles and SCOA news. Those are just a few of our goals for 2022 – what about you? Be sure to read the article in this issue about goal setting. After all, you are never too old to set new goals! Happy New Year,

Seniors in Action | 3

SET GOALS FOR THE NEW YEAR The wonderful thing about New Years is it’s a clean slate. A time to start anew and commit to change in one’s life. The challenge is making realistic goals that you can stick to for success. Let’s talk about resolutions and setting goals for the New Year.

MOST COMMON GOALS Weight Loss Stop Smoking Save Money Start Exercising

These are tough! No wonder it’s so hard to commit to them. They almost seem like a chore. They are goals you “should do” but not want to do. However, what we’ll encourage you to do is think about your goals from the point of inspiration. Think about the benefits of those goals. Like “if I stop smoking,” I’ll be able to breathe better and not have to step outside to “get my nicotine fix.” Or “If I can lose some weight, I’ll look better and can get new clothes. I’ll certainly feel better too!” Seek motivation. Seek inspiration. Have a friend to join you so you can offer each other support. What are the keys to success for your goals? Keep these thoughts in mindPeople who kept their resolutions tended to have: 1. Broken their goal into smaller steps 2. Rewarded themselves when they achieved one of these 3. Shared their goals with their friends

4. Focused on the benefits of success 5. Kept an ongoing diary of their progress Don’t wait until the last minute either. Planning is an essential part of achieving any goal. In fact, experts suggest that you should spend some time planning out how you will tackle a major behavior change. Start by writing down your goal. Make a list of the things you can do to achieve that goal and note any obstacles that might stand in your way. How will you face those obstacles? Again, planning is key. There is something else to remember: changing one’s habits is a process. If what you’re changing is an old, unhealthy habit, remember it probably took years to develop, so how can you expect to change them in just a matter of days, weeks or months? To achieve your goals, it could take longer than you would like, but remember that this is not a race to the finish. Once you have made the commitment to changing a behavior, it is something that you will continue to work on for the rest of your life. For example, some think of diet as a crash course event designed to lose weight quickly. But we all probably know someone who lost a lot of weight to put it back on. Think of the word diet as in what you eat every day. Commit to a healthy diet. That way, you’re eating more healthy foods daily, yet forgiving yourself for those days where you cheat. No matter what goals you set for New Years, here’s to you and your willingness to change. Good luck and Happy New Year!

Seniors in Action | 5

VI RT UA L/ T EL EP HO N I C EV EN T

Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays at 10:00 am Grab your favorite cup of coffee and connect with seniors from your county over the phone from your home! Calls are scheduled for 10:00 am on Mondays Wednesdays, and Fridays. We encourage seniors to use this time to socialize with friends, tell stories, and catch-up with one another. Please refer to your county for call information. *If you have a laptop, tablet, or smartphone and would like the option to join virtual Zoom programs that do NOT require pre-registration, please call (229) 432-0994 and provide your name and email. You will be added to all meeting invitations.

COFFEE CONNECTIONS TEL ECONF EREN C E

Baker – Dial (229) 431-3050 Pin # 1234

Lee – Dial (229) 435-7272 Pin #1234

Calhoun – Dial (229) 432-1131 Pin # 1234

Miller – Dial (229) 435-2425 Pin #1234

Colquitt – Dial (229) 435-6531 Pin # 1234

Mitchell – Dial (229) 435-9366 Pin #1234

Decatur – Dial (229) 432-6531 Pin #1234

Seminole – Dial (229) 436-3632 Pin #1234

Dougherty – Dial (229) 439-7148 Pin #5555

Terrell – Dial (229) 432-1866 Pin #1234

Early – Dial (229) 432-1595 Pin #1234

Thomas – Dial (229) 435-9779 Pin #1234

Grady – Dial (229) 435-1903 Pin #1234

Worth – Dial (229) 439-8608 Pin #1234

6 | January - March 2022

VIRTUAL/TELEPHONIC EVENT

MONTHLY BRAIN FOOD T EL ECONFERENC E The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it from you! Join these monthly teleconference calls to learn from experts of various topics related to seniors and aging. This call is open to all seniors in our service area. Registration is not required.

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU! WHAT DO YOU RESOLVE TO ACCOM P L I SH I N 2 02 2 ? Wednesday, January 19 at 10:00 am Dial (646) 876-9923 Meeting ID: 810 3193 8905#

HEART HEALT H AWARENESS Wednesday, February 16 at 10:00 am Dial (646) 876-9923 Meeting ID: 891 8743 6476#

NAT I ONAL KI DN EY M ONT H Wednesday, March 16 at 10:00 am Dial (646) 876-9923 Meeting ID: 897 7312 6392#

Seniors in Action | 7

WEL L NESS We d n e sday Health and wellness are important regardless of age! The SCOA Wellness Program manager will facilitate this monthly call covering many wellness and nutrition topics. 1st Wednesday of every month at 10:00 am. Call information: Dial (646) 876-9923 Meeting ID: 829 8611 0924#

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WOMEN’S HEALTH Schedule a Gynecological Appointment TODAY MEDICAL GROUP

The next ADRC/Senior Hunger Coalition virtual meetings are scheduled for

HUNGER COALITION

Thursday, Feb. 17 at 9 am Thursday, May 19 at 9 am

We Need Your Help.

Call 1-800-282-6612 to request login information

Fighting for all seniors to have access to food and quality nutrition is at the heart of what we do at Sowega Council on Aging. One of our advocacy initiatives is the Senior Hunger Coalition.

Did You Know: • In 2016, 4.9 million Americans over age 60 were food insecure. This means they did not have access to enough affordable, nutritious food, putting them at a greater risk for hunger and chronic health conditions. • Georgia is 9th in state rankings for older adult risk of hunger. The Senior Hunger Coalition is an initiative that

brings

organizations

southwest and

Georgia

businesses

area

together

around the shared goal of combating senior hunger. Through innovative programming and

partnerships,

The

Senior

Hunger

Coalition hopes to ensure that all clients are food secure and expands that commitment to

serve

all

older

adults

The Senior Hunger Coalition’s Goals Include:

within

our

community.

• Creating and enhancing our partnerships with other area agencies and organizations who share our goal of ending hunger. • Raising awareness of senior hunger in our communities. • Identifying older adults who are food insecure using standardized measurements. • Creating innovative, sustainable, cost-effective, and outcome driven interventions.

If you, a business, or other organization would like to get involved in our Senior Hunger Coalition, please email us at: info@sowegacoa.org.

Seniors in Action | 9

GA MES v ia PHONE BINGO Teleconference Join this BINGO Teleconference for a game of fun with friends! From your home, call in and play along! Registration is not required. If you do not already have a BINGO card, please call (800) 282-6612 and one will be mailed to you. 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month at 10:00 am Call information: Dial (646) 876-9923 Meeting ID: 820 7792 5162# If you do not already have a BINGO card, please call (800) 282-6612, and one will be mailed to you.

EASY T RI V I A Te le co n fe re nce Test your knowledge in a game of Easy Trivia. From the convenience of your home, call in and play along to see how much you know! Have pen and paper ready to record your answers. Registration is not required. 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month at 10:00 am Call information: Dial (646) 876-9923 Meeting ID: 820 7792 5162#

I N - P E R SON E VE N T S

CH AIR FITNE S S Work to improve your stamina, strength, flexibility, balance and coordination with the assistance of a chair. Chairs and equipment are provided. Anyone not able to attend can tune in to the SCOA YouTube Channel and enjoy these workouts from the comfort of home. Mondays and Thursdays at 10:00 am Albany - Kay H. Hind Senior Life Enrichment Center

TAI C H I FO R A R T H R I T I S & FA LL PR E V E NT IO N WORKSHOP Workshop in session but welcome to attend January 5 - April 20, 2022 Wednesdays at 10:00 am for 16 sessions Albany - Kay H. Hind Senior Life Enrichment Center This evidence-based program is for those looking to improve their joint mobility and improve balance. The gentle movements teach safe weight transference while improving balance and stability. Classes led by a certified Tai Chi for Arthritis instructor.

LINE D ANC ING CLAS S This fun and motivating class will get you moving while learning popular line dances. No previous dance experience is required. Mondays at 11:00 am Albany - Kay H. Hind Senior Life Enrichment Center

12 | January - March 2022

SM ART D R I V I N G C O U R SE Monthly AARP Smart Driver Classes Available In-Person Albany – Kay H. Hind Senior Life Enrichment Center *Pre-registration is required for these classes January 11 & 12 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (must attend both days) $20 AARP Member / $25 Non-Member Call Bland Cleesattle (229) 435-2316 for details or to register February 8 & 9 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (must attend both days) $20 AARP Member / $25 Non-Member Call Kimberly Knighton (229) 291-3564 for details or to register March 8 & 9 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (must attend both days) $20 AARP Member / $25 Non-Member Call Donna Dowling (229) 886-0130 for details or to register

NEW! WELLNESS WALKS Physical activity such as walking can improve your health and is an activity that most people can do. While we encourage seniors to form their own walking clubs to meet on their own, a member of the SCOA staff will lead Wellness Walks in each county. The SCOA staff member will be there to ensure safety, answer any questions, direct you to other aging related resources, and provide goodies for those who attend. JANUARY WELLNESS WALKS Decatur County | Boat Basin Track Friday, January 7 at 10:00 am Lee County | Cheshire Park Trail Friday, January 14 at 10:00 am Seminole County | Track by Seminole Co Elementary Friday, January 21 at 10:00 am Mitchell County | Mitchell Co. Stadium in Camilla Friday, January 21 at 10:00 am FEBRUARY WELLNESS WALKS Calhoun County | Track by Health Department in Morgan Friday, February 4 at 10:00 am Terrell County | First Baptist Church of Dawson Friday, February 11 at 10:00 am Thomas County | Cherokee Lake Park Friday, February 18 at 10:00 am Miller County | Downtown Colquitt Courthouse Friday, February 25 at 10:00 am MARCH WELLNESS WALKS Dougherty County | River Front Park Friday, March 4 at 10:00 am Worth County | Poulan Community Park Friday, March 11 at 10:00 am Early County | Former Blakely Senior Center Friday, March 18 at 10:00 am Baker County | Baker County Senior Center Parking Lot Friday, March 25 at 10:00 am

Senior Stroll – Walking Club for Seniors This activity is SENIOR-CONGREGATE LED, meaning we would like for YOU to form YOUR OWN walking club in YOUR county. Baker | Baker County Senior Center Parking Lot Calhoun | Track by Health Department in Morgan Colquitt | Tome White Walking trail Decatur | Boat Basin Track Dougherty | River front Park Early | Former Blakely Senior Center Grady | Davis Park

*Exercise videos are available on the SCOA YouTube channel, making it easy and safe to follow from your home.

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NE W ! BI N G O C I Z E ® 10 W EEK VI RT UAL WORKSHOP Bingocize is an evidence-based 10-week program that combines a bingo-like game with exercise and health education. The unique addition of bingo addresses many barriers to the participation of older adults because the game is fun, familiar, and done in a virtual group setting. ®

February 25th - 27th Doublegate Country Club

adult doubles tournament

The overall goals of the program are to help older adults: • Improve and/or maintain mobility and independence • Learn and use health information focused on falls reduction and other health-related behaviors • Socially engage with other older adults Participants can access the workshop via tablet or laptop from their home. They can see and interact with the instructor and other participants. Virtual call information will be provided to participants upon registration. January 10-March 21, 2022 (20 sessions) Mondays and Wednesdays at 2:00 pm *Pre-registration is required for this program. Class size is limited to first 20 participants. Registration Deadline: Monday, December 27, 2021 Register by calling (800) 282-6612 April 4 – June 13, 2022 (20 sessions) Mondays and Wednesdays at 2:00 pm *Pre-registration is required for this program. Class size is limited to first 20 participants. Registration Deadline: Monday, March 21, 2022 Register by calling (800) 282-6612

$40

Online at sowegacoa.org

per player

ACTIVITY MINI-GRANTS The Sowega Council on Aging has awarded 6 mini-grants to organizations in 6 separate counties. The following organizations are offering a variety of activities in their local communities for older adults ages 60 and over including, water aerobics, paint classes, fishing trips, book clubs, chair yoga, gardening, bingo, and more, through our Senior Center Without Walls model. Colquitt County Arts Council Colquitt County Spring Creek Health-Shape Up Miller Miller County The Cross Church Mitchell County Albany YMCA Dougherty County Lee County Library Lee County Early County Literacy Task Force Early County

P EDA L I N G FO R P A R K I N SO N ’S T M

Pedaling for Parkinson’s TM an exercise and support group for participants living with Parkinson’s Disease.

Support group meets Wednesdays at 2:00 pm Albany – Kay H. Hind Senior Life Enrichment Center Registration Fee: The program is offered at no cost to the participants. Must have medical clearance and referral to participate. *Class size is limited to 10 participants. Call (800) 282-6612 to reserve your seat!

HYBRID PROGRAMS & WORKSHOPS PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED Hybrid Group wellness and nutrition classes will be offered on a monthly basis, beginning in January! These classes will be taught by a Registered Dietitian from Open Hand in Atlanta. The sessions include interactive discussions, group activities, recipes, and games. Come learn how to plan healthy meals, build a strong immune system, learn ways to incorporate more fruits and veggies into your diet, and how to become an overall healthier person. Along with the group education classes, the Open Hand Atlanta Dietitian will offer FREE one-on-one nutrition education for individual, customized nutrition coaching. Participants can attend in-person at the Kay H. Hind Senior Life Enrichment Center in Albany or virtually by Zoom or Telephone. Inperson class limit is 16 people. There is no limit for virtual participants. All participants must be pre-registered to attend these classes as this program is being offered and monitored by grantees. 4th Wednesday of every month at 11:00 am Registration Deadline: Wednesday, January 19, 2022 Register by calling (800) 282-6612

E A TING S M ART, BE ING AC TIVE 8 WE E K V IRT UA L WOR KSHOP Brought to you by the Southwest Health District of the Department of Public Health, Darien Shannon will teach weekly nutrition classes over the course of this 8-week workshop. You will learn how to stretch your food dollars, plan healthy meals and snacks, make healthier choices, increase your physical activity, and keep your food safe to eat. All participants must be pre-registered to attend these classes as this program is being offered and monitored by the program provider. Virtual call information will be provided to participants upon registration. January 24 – March 14, 2022 Mondays at 10:00 am Register by calling Darian Shannon (229) 894-0362

18 | January - March 2022

T A I CH I FO R ARTH RITIS AND FALL P RE VENTIO N WO RK S H O P 1 6-WE E K V IRT UA L WOR KSHOP We are excited to offer a virtual program for the Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention Workshop. Participants can access the workshop via tablet or laptop from their home. They can see and interact with the instructor and other participants. Virtual call information will be provided to participants upon registration. The class size is limited to the first 5 participants. Classes are led by a certified Tai Chi for Arthritis Instructor. AM Workshop January 6 – April 21, 2022 Thursdays at 10:00 am for 16 sessions Registration Deadline: Thursday, December 30, 2021 Register by calling (800) 282-6612 PM Workshop January 4 – April 19, 2022 Tuesdays at 2:00 pm for 16 sessions Registration Deadline: December 30, 2021 Register by calling (800) 282-6612

A M ATTER O F BALANCE 8-WE E K V IRT UA L WOR KSHOP A Matter of Balance is an evidence-based program developed by Boston University. It emphasizes practical strategies to reduce fear of falling and increase activity levels in older adults. Participants learn to view falls and fear of falling as controllable, set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and exercise to increase strength and balance. Participants meet virtually once a week for 8 weeks and can access the workshop via tablet or laptop from their home. They can see and interact with the instructor and other participants. Virtual call information will be provided to participants upon registration. February 3 – March 24, 2022 (8 sessions) Thursdays at 1:30 pm *Pre-registration is required for this program. Class size is limited to first 12 participants. Registration Deadline: Friday, January 21, 2022 Register by calling (800) 282-6612

Seniors in Action | 19

Seniors in Action | 21

SPRING 2022 | APRIL 25-30, 2022

ARK ENCOUNTER & CREATION MUSEUM

$625 per person

Price includes: • Motorcoach transportation • 5 nights lodging (including 3 consecutive nights in Cincinnati area) • 8 meals (5 breakfasts, 3 dinners) • Admission to the Ark Encounter, Creation Museum, and Newport Aquarium and more! Deposit of $75 due upon registration. Final payment due 2/18/2022. Register at www.sowegacoa.org Travel Insurance available upon request. Price is for double occupancy. Add $209 for single room, limited spaces.

DAY TRIP Saturday, March 19, 2022 Swamp Gravy “Nuthin’ But a Will” 2 pm Show, $35 includes show ticket and transportation. Bus leaves at 10:30 am from the Kay H. Hind Senior Life Enrichment at 335 W. Society Ave., Albany, GA 31701. Bring money for lunch and a little shopping in downtown Colquitt, GA.

22 | January - March 2022

FALL 2022 | OCTOBER 10-14, 2022

SAVANNAH, JEKYLL ISLAND & BEAUFORT, SC

$635 per person

Price includes: • Motorcoach transportation • 4 nights lodging • 8 meaLs (4 breakfasts, 4 dinners) • Guided Trolley Tour of Savannah (followed by hop on/off privileges) • Guided tour of St. Simon’s Island, Jekyll Island, and Beaufort, SC with a visit to Paris Island • Evening show at the famous Savannah Theatre and more! Deposit of $75 due upon registration. Final payment due 8/3/2022. Register at www.sowegacoa.org Travel Insurance available upon request Price is for double occupancy. Add $179 for single room, limited spaces. A signed release of liability and waiver for COVID-19 will be required to participate in the upcoming trips.

Seniors in Action | 23

2022 LEGISLATIVE AND BUDGET

24 | January - March 2022

2022 LEGISLATIVE AND BUD GET

About GCOA

About CO-AGE

The Council was created in 1977 by

The Coalition of Advocates for

the Georgia legislature to serve

Georgia’s Elderly (CC-AGE) is

in an advisory capacity on aging

a diverse group of organiza-

issues to the Governor,

tions, individuals, consumers

General Assembly, Department of

and providers interested in

Human Services, and all other

improving the quality of life for

state agencies.

older Georgians through public policy.

Seniors in Action | 25

TRANSPORTATION CATCH A RIDE

Sandra Shealy has been driving part-time for MIDS Transportation since March 2021; she also drives a school bus for the Dougherty County School System. Sandra enjoys driving the seniors to their appointments and especially enjoys the lively conversations with them. Harold Harris, a rider, said the transportation program has been a big help getting him to his appointments and he appreciates the service. Call our Transportation Coordinator at 1-800-282-6612 to schedule a ride. Rides can be scheduled for medical appointments, local shopping trips, or meal services, if eligible. A 3-day notice is required when scheduling your trip. COVID-19 guidelines are still being followed – a limited number of riders at a time, and participants are encouraged to social distance and wear a mask while riding the bus!

LEND A HELPING HAND

Donations for senior programs and services are encouraged to help support meals, transportation, and activities for senior citizens in your community. Please send donations to: Sowega Council on Aging PO Box 88, Albany, GA 31702 or visit our website at www.sowegacoa.org. Call 1-800-282-6612 if you have questions. We appreciate your support! 26 | January - March 2022

Have you received your COVID-19 vaccination, yet?

CO V ID- 19 vacc i ne

To schedule an appointment with your local health department, please call 229-352-6567. You can also visit https://dph.georgia.gov/covid-vaccine to register. If you need assistance with scheduling your vaccine appointment, or answers to questions, you can call us at 1-800-2826612. We can help! All vaccine recipients: • Will be required to wear a mask • Will be asked to remain in the observation area for 15 minutes • Bring a valid ID • Wear clothing that makes your arm easily accessible

Seniors in Action | 27

PHOTO GALLERY SEE WHAT’S BEEN GOING ON ACROSS SOUTH GEORGIA

Big Chris Catering in Lee County is one restaurant providing congregate meals.

Learning to access the internet with a Claris tablet. 28 | January - March 2022

Fun at Active Aging Week event held in Albany Oct. 4 – 10.

Our home delivered meal provider, Middle Flint Council on Aging.

Our Transportation Coordinator, Sandra Brooks, hard at work!

Mini Activity Grants help provide games like Bingo.

Chair Fitness is fun.

Albany YMCA received Mini Activity Grant to provide water aerobics.

Volunteer Coordinator, David Cadelinia with Jim Hill, RSVP/ Phoebe Ramp Crew Leader.

A 100+ foot ramp build takes a full team!

Active Aging Week in Albany, Oct. 4 -10, was The Colquitt Co. Arts Council fun for the entire family. teaches art classes with Mini Activity Grant funds.

Active Aging Week

Seniors in Action | 29

NEW CMS GUIDANCE VISITATION ALLOWED FOR ALL RESIDENTS

30 | January - March 2022

The biggest tragedy of this Pandemic is the tremendous loss that older adults who live in long-term care have faced– not only in terms of illness and death, but in their isolation, separation from their families, and having to neglect their own health care needs because they could not go to dental appointments, see eye doctors, and get routine health exams such as mammograms. The lack of staffing in facilities is now a chief concern as many staff have left healthcare during the Pandemic and many replacements are unfamiliar with the residents, the resident bill of rights, and nursing home regulations. Family members were able to help with things like feeding residents who needed assistance, encouragement, and bringing in items residents frequently needed. That ended when the pandemic began. On Friday, November 12, 2021, Ombudsman Representatives received updated guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). It was incredible and emotional news, resulting from much advocacy. Visitation is now allowed at all times for all residents, including indoor visitations! The following Monday, on a visit to a facility, an administrator was reviewing the guidance and preparing for a meeting to inform her residents the next day. Another administrator at another nursing home said she was preparing a letter to send to families. When asked about the news, an administrator said, “I think the news is good: it’s time for us to move on. It’s about time for us to get back to some sense of normalcy.” She shared that for a very long time her residents were not free to come and go. “Residents appreciate getting out, going for rides and seeing what’s in their community.” All visitors, understandably, will have to adhere to infection prevention practices, “which they should always do any ways,” said State Ombudsman Melanie McNeil.

The National Consumer Voice (www. theconsumervoice.org), the primary source of information and tools for consumers, families, caregivers, advocates and Ombudsmen, reminded us that residents have been separated from their loved ones for more than a year and a half and were subject to confusing, and often ignored, visitation guidance. They summarized the key points of the updated guidance (found at https://www.cms.gov/files/document/ qso-20-39-nh-revised.pdf): • Facilities can no longer limit frequency and length of visits, number of visitors, or require advanced scheduling of visits. • Vaccinated and unvaccinated residents can have close contact, including touch. • Visitors should be advised of the risks of physical contact with unvaccinated residents before the visit. • Communal activities and dining may occur while adhering to core principles of COVID-19 infection prevention. The safest approach is for everyone, regardless of vaccination status to wear a mask while in communal areas. A resident we spoke to at one of our facilities had just heard the news. “I told my daughter and her husband, and they thought it would be fantastic. I’m so happy to get the news!” The resident said that it has been difficult to take care of his dental and vision problems. He went to the ophthalmologist after months of frustration and not being able to see, believing that he just needed stronger eyeglasses. “I found out I have cataracts and the surgery will be soon.” The resident has a son he hasn’t seen in a couple of years and heard he has a new puppy, who he really wants to meet. His son wanted to make the trip but was afraid that he would travel all the way to Georgia only to be met with locked doors due to a resident or staff who had tested positive. With the new guidance, this will not be an issue. “I really look forward to seeing my son and his dog. It’s been a while since I had any ‘real contact’ with any of my family.”

P H YSICAL ACTIVITY

THYROID AWARENESS MONTH

January is Thyroid Awareness Month. Finding the best exercise for you is key if you have hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. People should strive to get 150 to 300 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous exercise each week. The benefits of exercise range from reducing the risk of death from heart disease to improving anxiety and depression. Best Activities for Seniors: • Water Aerobics • Chair Yoga • Resistance Band Workouts • Pilates • Walking • Body Weight Workouts • Dumbbell Strength Workouts

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L IF E STY L E MANAGEMENT

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

Keep a Positive Mindset If you struggle to maintain a positive outlook with everything going on in the world, incorporate positive thinking exercises into your daily routine. Examples include making a gratitude list, practicing mindful breathing, and treating yourself as you would a friend. Commit to 10 minutes of Exercise Daily While you don’t have to get up and run a marathon, you should dedicate a portion of your day to fitness. Just 10 minutes of swimming, walking, or yoga can make a huge difference in your health, happiness, and lifespan. Make Better Dietary Choices As you age, you will need fewer calories but more nutrients. Your health care provider can help you make better food choices, but, ultimately, you should strive to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Choose whole grains over refined ones and lean meats over fatty options. Use healthier fats, such as olive or avocado oil, and cook with natural spices to reduce salt and fat intake.

Quit Smoking It’s never too late to quit smoking. Play With Your Grandkids Research shows that elderly individuals who spend more quality time with their grandchildren live longer and have better physical and mental health outcomes than those who do not. Stimulate Your Mind Regularly challenging your brain is one of the best ways to stay mentally sharp as you age. It also reduces your risk of memory loss or developing dementia. Simple things such as reading daily, doing crosswords, or joining a book club are fun ways to ensure your body’s most important muscle receives an adequate workout. Reach Out to Old Friends and Make New Ones Studies show that socially active older adults have better cognition, lower risks of disability and depression, and overall better health. *caringplaces.com*

Seniors in Action | 33

AWA RE NESS & PREVENTION

AMERICAN HEART MONTH

February is American Heart Month. Cardiovascular Disease Stats and Risk Factors. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists heart disease as the leading cause of death in the U.S., killing more Americans than cancer. Heart disease, also called cardiovascular disease, is a term used to describe various problems with the heart. The most common issue is atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque on the walls of the arteries, inhibiting blood flow, which can eventually lead to stroke or heart attack. The Statistics Below are Provided by the American Heart Association. • Heart disease is still the leading cause of death, killing more people than all forms of cancer combined. • About 18.2 million adults have coronary artery disease, the most common type of heart disease. • Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death. • Hypertension, high LDL cholesterol, and high total cholesterol are major risk factors for heart disease and stroke. • Rates of hypertension and high total cholesterol are more elevated in adults with obesity than those at a healthy weight. • About 45% of adults have hypertension. • More black adults (54%) than White adults (46%) have hypertension. • More adults ages 60 and older (75%) than adults ages 40 to 59 (55%) have hypertension. • More than 11% of adults have high total cholesterol.

34 | January - March 2022

NUTRITION

SLEEP AWARENESS MONTH

March is National Sleep Awareness Month. Here are a few foods and beverages to limit or avoid before bedtime to help sleep better. Alcohol: Research shows that healthy people who drink alcohol fall asleep more quickly and sleep more deeply at first. However, when alcohol wears off, it can wake people during very important and restorative stages of sleep. Alcohol can also worsen sleep apnea symptoms and, if used regularly, increase your likelihood of sleepwalking, sleep talking, and memory problems. For better sleep, enjoy a glass of tart cherry juice before bed. Tart cherries are a natural source of the sleep-including hormone melatonin. Spicy Foods: Eating spicy foods can cause heartburn, which can impact your sleep. When you lie down, that acid reflux often worsens. For better rest, avoid spicy foods within three hours of bedtime. Do the same with tomato sauce and other acidic foods if they give you heartburn or indigestion. High-fat and high-protein foods: High-protein foods like steak and chicken can also disrupt sleep because they take a long time to break down, which is a problem at bedtime since your digestion slows by up to 50% while you sleep. Avoid aged or processed cheeses, salami, and pepperoni, as they contain tyramine, which triggers the release of norepinephrine, which may stimulate the brain. For better sleep, eat complex carbohydrates such as whole-wheat toast or a bowl of oatmeal before bed. These foods will trigger the release of the sleepy hormone serotonin, and they don’t take long to digest. *hopkinsmedicine.org* Seniors in Action | 35

UPCOMING EVENTS M A RK YOUR CAL ENDAR S!

EMPTY BOWLS Save the Date | March 23, 2022 The event is in its 11th year and continues to sell out each year. Get your tickets early. More information online at sowegacoa.org

36 | January - March 2022

SERVING UP MEALS TENNIS TOURNAMENT Feb 25-27, 2022 A weekend of fun and competitive tennis benefiting a great cause. More information online at sowegacoa.org.

JA N UA RY

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NEED MORE INFORMATION? Contact our offices at 1-800-282-6612. We’d be happy to help assist you! Phone numbers for Coffee Connections can be found on page 6 Phone numbers for Telephonic Bingo and Easy Trivia can be found on page 11

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MARCH

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P.O. Box 88 | Albany, GA 31702

Permit No. 41 Albany, GA

Select programs and services are supported in part by the United Way.

Note: Sowega Council on Aging does not necessarily endorse or recommend the advertisers in this publication.

Another great way to help Sowega Council on Aging financially is to save postage money. Sign up online to receive this newsletter and other communications in your email. www.sowegacoa.org *If you would like to support the congregate meal program, please include your donation in the self-address stamped envelope inside. 40 | January - March 2022