Senior Concerns and Issues

Knowing More About Nutrition For Seniors

2012-01-26T10:30:00.000-05:00

SENIOR CONNECTIONS

FARMINGDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY

NEWSLETTER TOPIC OF THE MONTH

MARCH-APRIL 2012

Knowing More About Nutrition For Seniors

As we age, it is important to keep a diligent eye on proper nutrition and diet. Malnutrition among seniors is unfortunately far too rampant, and a balanced diet plays a crucial role in the health, independence, and quality of life for the elderly. Improper diet causes drastic weight loss, weakness, detriment to the immune system, increased frailty and debilitation.

Maybe navigating around your kitchen is getting difficult, or you are just not interested in cooking a big meal by yourself. In these instances a plethora of local services are in your area to keep your quality of life sustained during the year, and many of these food delivery services have wonderful stories of new friendships started among volunteers.

These two sites provide information on accessing meals:

1. Meals on Wheels

Summary: Provides volunteer blog, news, events, receive a meal, deliver a meal, and more.

URL: http://www.mealsonwheels.org

2. The INN (Interfaith Nutrition Network)

Summary: Serves hungry and homeless Long Islanders with dignity, respect, and love.

URL: http://www.the-inn.org

These three sites provide valuable nutritional information:

1. National Library of Medicine’s Nutrition for Seniors

Summary: Provides overviews of nutrition for seniors. The latest news regarding nutrition for seniors, videos, dictionaries, and tutorials to learn more about nutrition.

URL: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/nutritionforseniors.html

2. Nutrition.gov (Smart Nutrition Starts Here)

Summary: Users can browse by subject for information as varied as “What’s in Food?”, “Smart Nutrition 101”, learn how to “Eat Well As You Get Older”, and “Healthy Eating After 50”.

URL: http://www.nutrition.gov

2011-11-17T10:35:00.001-05:00

SENIOR CONNECTIONS

FARMINGDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY

NEWSLETTER TOPIC OF THE MONTH

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2012

Caregivers: Tips for Observing Driving Habits and Talking With Elderly Loved One

Is your loved one driving safely? Driving represents freedom and independence for the elderly without relying on anyone else. Giving up driving voluntarily, therefore, is often very difficult. An evaluation of driving skills by a caregiver is essential in determining if the loved one can drive safely.

Take a ride and observe driving habits and skills. Talk to the loved one about what has been observed, discuss options, and come to a decision.

Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and Aging-Parents-and-Elder-Care-Organization have websites with tips on how to approach a loved one in a caring and sensitive manner. For information from the websites go to

1. Libertymutual.com/seniordriving

2. Aging-parents-and-edler-care.com/Pages/Checklists/Elderly_Drivers.html

Copies of the documents can be obtained from the reference desk.

2011-11-17T10:28:00.000-05:00

SENIOR CONNECTIONS

Farmingdale Public library

Newsletter Topic of the Month

November-December 2011

MEDICARE: 6 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW NOW

Consumer Reports has developed a brief guide to let you know how the new health-care law has affected MEDICARE and your benefits in 2011. The guide is helpful whether you are currently on MEDICARE or about to become eligible.

Here are the six things/changes you need to know more about:

1. Lower drug costs when you’re in the doughnut hole.

2. Free preventive care exams.

3. New cap for some out-of-pocket costs.

4. MEDICARE HMO benefits may shrink.

5. Seniors with large incomes may pay more for premiums.

6. New dates for changing plans.

Copies of the guide are available for download from ConsumerReportsHealth.org or by calling 512-477-4431.

2011-07-05T11:25:00.000-04:00

SENIOR CONNECTIONS

FARMINGDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY

NEWSLETTER TOPIC OF THE MONTH

(SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2011)

TIPS ON STAYING INDEPENDENT FOR LIFE

-A HEALTHY BODY AND A SAFE HOME

Falls are the leading cause of injury hospitalization and at times deaths among adults 65 and older. Falls can result in lasting, serious consequences, affecting mobility, independence and mental health.

Falls are not accidents! They are not random, uncontrollable acts of fate, but occur in predictable patterns, with recognizable risk factors and among identifiable populations, such as older adults. A fall is a predictable and preventable event.

Another tip relates to prescription and non-prescription drugs that help us to maintain a healthy body. Certain types of drugs, however, have side effects that may cause dizziness and loss of balance. It is imperative that health providers (doctors, nurses, pharmacists) check your list of personal medication regularly to minimize these side effects.

Another way to maintain a healthy body is to stay active and do strength and balance exercises periodically.

Suffolk County, Department of Health Services has conducted seminars on “Staying Independent for Life”. Senior Connections attended a seminar in May 2011 and obtained pertinent written material as follows:

*Home Hazard Screening Checklist

*Personal Medication Record Card

*Strength and Balance Exercise Manual

*What is a Safe, Comfortable Shoe

A copy of this package of tips on staying independent for life can be obtained from the library reference desk.

2011-04-26T10:26:00.000-04:00

TIPS ON MAXIMIZING ENERGY EFFICIENCY (July-August 2011)

During times of ever-increasing energy costs it is wise that attention is paid to maximizing energy efficiency to offset some of the costs.

The U.S. Department of Energy has a website and printed material on saving energy and money. Among the search sites on the HOME page are energy saving tips for YOUR HOME and for YOUR VEHICLE. Also available through the website is a publication titled “Energy Savers Booklet – Tips on Saving Energy and Money at Home”.

Go to energysavers.gov to navigate the website.

2011-03-10T10:41:00.003-05:00

ASSESSING YOUR RETIREMENT READINESS May-June 2011

Whether you are retired or approaching retirement, retirement readiness is an essential factor in your decision making process.
MetLife Mature Market Institute is a research organization established in 1997 to cover issues of aging and longevity. It is offering a free guide to help prepare you for the golden years. The "MetLife Retirement Readiness Workbook" offers tips about a successful transition to retirement and an assessment that will help you evaluate how prepared you are, financially and psychologically, even if you are already retired.
To obtain the guide go to MatureMarketInstitute@MetLife.

com and type "retirement readiness" in the search box. MetLife Mature Market Institute can also be reached by mail:

57 Green Farms Road
Westport, Ct 06880

or by phone at (203) 221-6580

TACKLING ELDER LAW AND ESTATE PLANNING

2011-03-03T10:58:00.001-05:00

March - April 2011

There are many important decisions to make when planning for a family's future needs and protection. "Your Guide to Elder Law and Estate Planning", published by the law firm of Genser, Dubow & Cona, provides useful information on elder law and estate planning issues, It poses questions and provides answers to some of the most common concerns regarding asset protection planning, Medicaid benefits, Last Will and Testament, Trusts, and others.

To obtain a copy go online to www.elder@genserlaw.com or call 631-390-5000

NEW HEALTH CARE REFORM LAW - January-February 2011

2010-11-22T11:06:00.004-05:00

Shedding Light on new Health Care Reform law
Straight talk for seniors

The new law signed by President Obama on March 23, 2010, officially titled "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act", has created much anxiety and confusion as to its impact on seniors.

The National Council On Aging (NCOA) has launched a national educational campaign to help seniors understand what's in the new law and how it will affect them. NCOA, in concert with the Kaiser Family Foundation and others, has provided a website which details significant aspects of the law in the following three categories:

*Summary of New Health Reform Law
*Health Reform Implementation Timeline
*Explanation of Part D Coverage Gap protection

To obtain pertinent information on the health reform law, go to ncoa.org/straighttalk, click on "Health Care Reform", and navigate through the three aforementioned categories. You can also visit the library during Senior Connections hours and we will be glad to provide you with a hard copy.

MEDICARE AND MEDICAID - November-December 2010

2010-11-22T06:27:00.004-05:00

DISCOVERING "THE ESSENTIALS"

This booklet publication is issued by the Mature Market Institute, a research organization for METLIFE.

Seniors often have questuins relating to Medicare and Medicaid. The "Q and A" format of the publication briefly answers the most pertinent questions in a clear and concise manner. Some very significant topics covered are: eligibility, application, guidelines, options, current prescription drug "donut hole" limits, Medigap, Medicare Advantage, and others.

To obtain a copy of "THE ESSENTIALS" - Medicare and medicaid, go to www.MatureMarketInstitute@MetLife.com or call 203-221-6580

SINCE YOU CARE September - October 2010

2010-07-24T17:09:00.002-04:00

A Guide About Aging-related Legal Matters

Caregivers face many challenges as they search for information and make decisions about how best to provide care to their loved ones.

The MetLife Mature Market Institute in cooperation with the National Alliance For Caregiving has published a guide titled "Legal Matters", which offers general information about aging-related legal issues, health-care planning, and financial decisions. It covers topics such as trusts, wills, power-of-attorney, and others.

To obtain a copy of the booklet download one at www.MatureMarketInstitute.com or call 203-221-6580.

DISCOVERING "WHO CARES" July - August 2010

2010-07-24T16:59:00.002-04:00

With so many sources of health information available to you - many of them online - it can be tough to tell fact from fiction, or useful health products and services from those that don't work or aren't safe.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has published a booklet to help you find reliable sources of information on health topics important to you. You can find links to agencies and organizations that "care" about topics like generic drugs, caregiving, surgery to improve vision, hearing aids and others.

To obtain a copy of the FTC booklet: "WHO CARES - Sources of Information About Health Care Products and Services", go to www.ftc.gov/whocares or call 877-382-4357.

2010-03-23T10:40:00.002-04:00

SUMMER SAFETY TIPS FOR SENIORS

As we approach the summer of 2010, we should focus on safety and health issues that relate to the season. With this topic our aim is to help protect seniors by raising their awareness of safety and health through prevention measures.

To learn more about this all-important topic, Google Search "summer safety tips for seniors". Click on "Summer Safety for Seniors, Mary Hewes, Washington Health Foundation". Then scroll down to "10 Myths and Facts About Falls" by Joyce Remy, Caresource Healthcare Communications.

This information was published in SENIORS DIGEST - News and Information for Older Adults and their Families.

A copy of this information can also be obtained by visiting the Senior Connections room neaer the Reference Desk during our hours of operation.

Learning From Mistakes March - April 2010

2010-02-04T10:28:00.004-05:00

Everyone makes mistakes. They are part of life. The greatest mistake one can make in life is to fear making one. One must accept that mistakes do happen and learn from them.

Benjamin Franklin said "The man who achieves makes many mistakes, but he never makes the biggest of all - doing nothing".

To learn more about this all-important topic that affects everyone, Google search "learning from mistakes".

A sample website is scottberkun.com, where you can read "How To Learn from your Mistakes". It can be viewed online or a copy can be obtained at the Reference Desk.

2009-12-01T10:14:00.004-05:00

Doing Good for Goodness Sake January - February 2010

Our topic of the month is an enumeration of mindful actions "ON THIS DAY" doing good to others. The words (author anonymous) were transcribed by a Senior Connections member from a wall plaque, hanging in a Brooklyn cafe, onto a paper napkin many years ago. It was then typed and shared with family members. Senior Connections wishes now to share these human-caring principles with our readers. We are also providing related and helpful websites for your convenience. We hope you will find them thought-provoking and behavior-changing, if warranted.

ON THIS DAY

MEND a quarrel. SEARCH out a forgotten friend.

DISMISS suspicion and REPLACE it with trust.

WRITE a letter. SHARE some treasure. GIVE a soft answer.

ENCOURAGE youth. MANIFEST your loyalty in a word or deed.

KEEP a promise. FIND the time. FORGO a grudge. FORGIVE an enemy.

LISTEN. APOLOGIZE if you were wrong. TRY to understand.

FLOUT envy. EXAMINE your demands on others. THINK first of someone else.

APPRECIATE, be kind, be gentle. LAUGH a little more. EXPRESS your gratitude.

WORSHIP your God. GLADDEN the heart of a child.

TAKE pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth.. SPEAK your love.

SPEAK it again. SPEAK it still again. SPEAK it still once again.

WEBSITES

How to Give to a Charity

http://www.charitynavigator.org/

How to Appreciate Nature

http://www.nps.gov/

How To say 'I'M sorry' or Apologize

http://www.perfectapology.com/how-to-apologize.html

How to Keep a Promise

http://www.wikihow.com/Keep-a-Promise

How to Write a Letter

http://www.usingenglish.com/resources/letter-writing.html

How to Adopt a Pet

http://www.petfinder.com/index.html

How to Gain Confidence

http://www.wetfeet.com/MBA/Entrepeneurship/Articles/Gain-Confidence-in-Yourself.aspx

2009-09-03T10:23:00.008-04:00

Topics of the Month

Making Ends Meet March- April 2009
During these financially troubling times it pays to stop and ask, "where is my spendable income going?" If your spending regularly exceeds your income it may pay you to do an "annual or monthly expense analysis." For this purpose we have devised an expense analysis form that will open your eyes to where your money is going. Completing the analysis can display fixed and discretionary expenses, and point to adjustments that can help "Make Ends Meet".

Knowing All About Your Library
A synopsis for seniors May-June 2009
As an information resource, Senior Connections has developed a synopsis of library services and activities to keep seniors up-to-date and in-touch. We are confident you will find it most informative and a handy reference document.

Making a Difference in the Community
Senior Volunteering July-August 2009
As an information resource, Senior Connections has developed a listing and brief descriptions of volunteering opportunities which are primarily located within the eastern Nassau area. The idea of this endeavor is to capitalize on a local history of activism and Volunteerism, and channel Farmingdale goodwill into worthy causes that could have a tangible effect on the community.

Back-to-School Activities for Grandparents September-October 2009
As an information resource, Senior Connections has developed a list of pertinent back-to-school activities with grandparents. We have also provided a list of websites that relate to the topic of the month. We invite seniors to navigate through the lists and consider activities applicable to their lives' situations.

Knowing More About End-of-Life Issues November-December 2009

A vital subject that affects all of us is "end-of-life" issues. Yet, few people want to talk about them because of their sensitive and depressing nature. Through the use of references for government and non-profit organizations as our sources, Senior Connections has looked at the issues in a serious vein, and also interjected a lighter touch to soften their morbidity. We have attempted to present this topic in an enlightening and informative manner while striving to be sensitive in the process. In general we cover the following all-important "end-of-life issues:
- Advance Directives
- Preplanning
- Regulations
- Prepayment
- Funeral Arrangements
- Organ Donations
- Cremation Options
- Coping and Grieving

More on Making Ends Meet

2009-05-21T10:18:00.000-04:00

For additional information on making ends meet in the current economic environment look at the article on page 46 on the May 18 issue of Time Magazine. The article is headlined "How to Save BIGGER".

2008-12-23T11:24:00.000-05:00

MAKING ENDS MEET
During these financially troubling times it pays to stop and ask, “Where is my spendable income going?” If your spending regularly exceeds your income it may pay to do an “annual or monthly expense analysis”. For this purpose we have devised an expense analysis form that will open your eyes to where your money is going. Completing the analysis can display fixed and discretionary expenses, and point to adjustments that can help “Make Ends Meet”.
To receive a copy of the form via e-mail send your name and e-mail address to Senior Connections, SENIORCONNECTIONS116@GMAIL.COM. You can also get a copy from the reference desk at the Farmingdale Library.
Senior Connections is available at the library every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 AM to Noon to answer any questions you might have.

HOME SHARE / LONG ISLAND

2008-12-11T10:53:00.000-05:00

Are you a senior homeowner ...

Distressed by the high cost of home ownership?
Seeking companionship at home?
Needing help with some chores?

If you said "yes" to any of these questions ...

Home share/Long Island

May be able to help you!

Home Share/Long Island links senior homeowners who have extra room in their homes with adults who need an affordable place to live. Personal interviews, background checks, and reference investigations are provided. Possible matches are offered, but the decision is yours!

For more information, call (516) 292-1300 ext. 2312

WELCOME TO SENIOR CONNECTIONS

2008-12-04T10:03:00.000-05:00

Welcome to our new blog.

We are senior volunteers representing Senior Connections at the Farmingdale Public Library. The purpose of this blog is to create an interactive environment to address senior concerns and issues. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for senior citizens in their home communities by providing access to information and resources, and counseling service, when appropriate. This linkage pertains to federal, state, and local programs, regulations and services affecting seniors, such as :

Partial Tax Exemption
Enhanced STAR
Medicare
EPIC
Assisted Living
Community services, etc.

We would also be glad to address questions of a general nature commensurate with our backgrounds and knowledge.

We can be reached in three ways:

IN PERSON

Farmingdale Public Library, near the reference desk.

10:00 am to 12 noon, Tuesdays and Thursdays

VIA BLOG

fdaleseniorconnections.blogspot.com

VIA E-MAIL

seniorconnections116@gmail.com