Theme for Older Americans Month 2022 is “Age My Way”

        Every May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month (OAM). The 2022 theme is “Age My Way,” encouraging everyone to explore the many ways older adults can remain in and be involved with their communities.
        Ohio has more than 2.8 million residents age 60 or older who account for nearly one-quarter of the state’s total population. Older Ohioans are a key source of the state’s strength, drawing on lifetimes of experiences, successes, difficulties, and resilience.
        For Older Americans Month 2022, the Ohio Department of Aging will be celebrating the many ways older adults contribute to, support, and benefit from their communities, as well as the many programs, advocates, and providers who help them do so.
        Follow #OlderAmericansMonth on social media for the latest from ACL and the Ohio Department of Aging.
 
Alzheimer’s programs
        The Alzheimer's Association Northwest Ohio Chapter is offering two virtual education programs to help participants learn more about the basics of Alzheimer's disease and identify ways to better communicate with those living with the disease.
        The programs, being offered free to the community, are:
        • Effective Communication Strategies, Monday, April 25, 5-6 p.m.
        • Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia, Tuesday, April 26, 6-7 p.m.
        The programs will be presented via Zoom, and pre-registration is required. To register, call the Alzheimer's Association's 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900 and provide an email address. Instructions about how to join the webinars will be emailed to registrants.
        “These programs are a great dual package for those looking to learn more about Alzheimer's disease and how it affects day-to-day interactions with their loved ones,” said Pam Myers, Alzheimer's Association Northwest Ohio Chapter program director. “Attend one or both to receive support and information that will benefit you and your family.”
        In 2021, there were 421,000 caregivers caring for 220,000 Ohioans age 65 and older living with Alzheimer's disease, according to the Alzheimer's Association 2022 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures. They provided 614 million hours of unpaid care. The number of people living with Alzheimer's in Ohio is expected to increase to 250,000 in 2025.
        Those who are concerned about themselves or a loved one may contact the Alzheimer's Association Northwest Ohio Chapter at 419-537-1999 to schedule a care consultation and be connected with local resources that can help.
        Following all current state and local health and venue site guidelines regarding masks, social distancing and meeting size, the Alzheimer’s Association Northwest Ohio Chapter will begin offering programs and support groups both in person and virtually. While masks are optional (unless required by the venue site), unvaccinated and compromised participants should consider wearing masks when attending programs and other meetings.
 
Free shoulder screening
        Free shoulder screenings will be offered Friday, April 29 from 1-3 p.m. at the Magruder Orthopedic Clinic, 611 Fulton St., Suite G., Port Clinton.
        The screening will include an x-ray, consultation with an orthopedic nurse practitioner or orthopedic surgeon and a chance to meet with a physical therapist.
        Appointments are required and may be made by calling 419-732-4061.
 
Alzheimer’s support
        An Alzheimer’s Support Group meets the second Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. at the Oregon Senior Center, 4350 Navarre Ave., Oregon.
        The meetings are designated specifically for those caring for someone with Alzheimer's or dementia.
        Call 419-698-7078 for more information. Visit oscohio.org or facebook.com/oregonseniorcenter to learn more about the center’s programs and services.
 
Senior center meatloaf dinner
        The East Toledo Senior Center will present a Meatloaf Dinner Wednesday, May 18 from 4-6 p.m. The cost is $10 per dinner, which includes meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, dinner roll and a cookie.
        Dine in or carry out. Tickets are on sale now. Stop in at the center, 1001 White St., Toledo, or purchase online at easttoledoseniorcenter.org (click on the special events tab).
        For more information about the East Toledo Senior Center and various programs and services available, call 419-691-2254 or visit easttoledoseniorcenter.org or facebook.com/EastToledoSeniorCenter.
 
Open house set
        The Wood County Committee on Aging will hold an open house in recognition of Older Americans Month Thursday, May 19 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Wood County Senior Center, 140 S. Grove St., Bowling Green.
        The event is open to anyone interested in learning more about what WCCOA’s eight senior centers offer to serve the older adults and families of Wood County.
        Some of the featured services at the event will include:
        • Lunch and dinner services
        • Technology loans & assistance
        • Home delivered meals
        • Social services
        • Fitness classes
        • Medical transportation
        • Art programs
        • Volunteer opportunities
        • LivelyU Lifelong Learning Academy
        Meet and connect with staff, volunteers, class instructors and active participants to learn more about the programs, services, and classes offered by the WCCOA. Free balance screenings will be available during the event, provided by Bowling Green State University’s Physical Therapy Department. Spaces are limited.
        Registration is not required for this event. Those who would like to join the center for dinner should make reservations by 2 p.m. on May 19. Dinner is served from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
        Call 419-353-5661 or 800-367-4935 or visit wccoa.net for more details.
 
Hospice virtual lecture
        Hospice of Northwest Ohio will present its 16th Annual Dr. Sharon Erel Lecture virtually on Thursday, May 19 from 8:30 a.m.-noon.
        Featured speaker will be Billy Rosa, nationally recognized researcher and expert on healthcare disparities and inclusive care, who will discuss, “Distress in Healthcare: Keeping Integrity Front and Center During Difficult Times.”
        A $15 registration fee includes continuing education credits for community professionals including nurses, social workers/counselors and long-term care administrators. Community members and those who are not seeking continuing education are welcome to register for the event at no charge.
        The presentation will explore what it means to deliver “good care” during times of societal flux. The COVID-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented strain on the health workforce, resulting in an exacerbation of burnout, turnover and moral suffering. During this presentation, Rosa will discuss how health workers’ emotional and interpersonal burdens compromise quality of care delivery.
        Registration is available online only at hospicenwo.org. Registrants will receive a link to join the program at the email address provided at registration. The deadline to register is Thursday, May 12.
        Contact Mary Davis at 419-931-5190 or mdavis@hospicenwo.org with questions.
 
Golden Threads seniors plan trips
        The Golden Threads Senior Program of ProMedica Memorial Hospital, is offering a number of trips in 2022:
        Trips include:
        • May 25: “The Honky Tonk Angels” at Turkeyville, Marshall, Michigan. The cost is $105 members/$110 non- members. “The Honky Tonk Angels” is the story of three women who lead largely unfulfilled lives and know they want more. Prior to the show, enjoy a buffet lunch at this unique theatre.
        • Wednesday, July 13: Ohio’s Lavender Trail, $99 members/$104 non-members. Learn about the different types of lavender, along with how and when to plant, how to nurture and how to harvest. Visit two lavender farms and enjoy lunch at The Barn Restaurant of Smithville.
        • Aug. 11: Summer Surprise Mystery Trip, $109 members/$114 non-members. Discover unique attractions for a day of surprises, with lunch included.
        • Oct. 19: Autumn in Ohio’s Amish Country, $99 members/$104 non-members. Take a wagon ride through the farm at Walnut Creek before enjoying lunch at Der Dutchman. Trip also includes a behind-the-scenes guided tour and time at The Ashery.
        • Nov. 18: “White Christmas,” LaComedia Theatre, Springboro, Ohio, $119 members/$124 non-members. Prior to the matinee performance, enjoy a buffet lunch that LaComedia.
        For more information and/or reservations, call Golden Threads at 419-334-6613.
 
Ottawa County
Senior Directory 
        The Ottawa County Task Force on Aging published a focused resource guide for seniors and their caregivers.
        Thanks to the generous support of the Ottawa County Community Foundation, Ottawa County Job and Family Services and local sponsors, the publication is designed to promote awareness about senior services available in the county.
        Ottawa County is home to the highest percentage of people over the age of 60 in the state of Ohio. Given the aging population in the area, the Ottawa County Task Force on Aging looks to address aging-related issues to promote the safety and independence of seniors in our community.
        Visit oh-ottawacounty.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/2291/Ottawa-County-Senior-Directory-2022-PDF for more information.
 
Supplemental Food Program
        Elmore and Genoa area (Ottawa County –West End) Seniors who are 60 years of age and older with a total monthly income of $1,396 or less are eligible for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP).
        The program provides eligible recipients a monthly box of food containing a combination of juice, canned fruit, canned vegetables, unsweetened cereal, pasta, shelf-stable milk, instant milk, cheese, canned meat, beans and peanut butter.
        For more information about CSP and how to sign up, call Ottawa County Senior Resources at 419-898-6459.