Computers ~~ Everyone’s Using Them
For many of us, surfing the web, sending emails, getting our news online, automatic check deposits, shopping online and using basic computer programs is a part of our daily lives. It’s a great way to keep in touch with friends and family and to obtain information, products and services in a timely manner.
In recent years, the introduction of smart phones, iPads, and even digital TV has required a deeper understanding of computers and electronics. Keeping up with the rapid change in technology is challenging for everyone.
There are many community classes for older adults to hone their skills at local senior centers, Adult Ed programs in local school districts, libraries, community colleges and universities. There are also tutorials on the web. A useful website created by Google offers older adults step-by-step instructions with videos on everything from how to cut, paste and copy, to creating a blog. To find the site, just go to TeachParentsTech.org.
Visit the COSA website for information about local senior centers and educational programs that can help you to improve your skills. www.delcosa.org
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Fall Calendar
September
National Senior Center Month
Sept 5 Labor Day
Sept 18-24 Nat’l. Employ Older Americans Week
Sept 21 Alzheimer Awareness Day
Sept 23 Nat’l. Falls Prevention Awareness Day
Sept 23 First Day of Fall
October
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Oct 4 Senior Citizen Resource Forum
Oct 10 Columbus Day
Oct 15 Medicare Part D Open Enrollment Begins
Oct 17 Senior Citizen Resource Forum
November
National Family Caregivers Month
Nov 6 Daylight Savings Ends
Nov 11 Veterans Day
Nov 24 Thanksgiving
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Introducing a new resource for older adults and adults with disabilities
People with disabilities and older adults often share a lot of the same struggles with issues such as in-home caregiving, housing, transportation, benefits, mobility and the overall desire to keep control of their lives.
The LINK is here to help older people and people with disabilities – along with their families and caregivers – find services and resources to keep them living well and independently. Services are available to:
- Adults age 60 and older
- Adults with physical or developmental disabilities
Information and assistance is free and completely confidential
Visit http://www.delcosa.org/site/436/linkadrc.aspx or call 610-490-1300 to learn more about this new resource that links older adults and adults with disabilities in Delaware County with supports and services.
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Delaware County Community Warning System
This Sept. 11 will mark 10 years since the terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C., killed nearly 3,000 people. There will be ceremonies, personal reflection, benefit performances, Facebook and blog postings, special exhibits and more taking place across our nation. This date created a common bond for all citizens and a need to be prepared for potential terrorist attacks in the future.
The recent east coast earthquake and our many severe storms have also heightened our awareness to the need for emergency information availability at our fingertips.
Delaware County Council and the Delaware County Office of Emergency Management work to ensure the highest level of safety and emergency preparedness for County residents. The County maintains preparedness plans that address emergencies ranging from natural disasters to industrial accidents to a terrorist attack.
Go to the Delaware County Government website (http://www.co.delaware.pa.us/) to learn more about Delaware County Emergency Preparedness and to register for the Delco Roam Secure Alert Network.
Once registered you will receive alerts in your cell or email about:
• Emergencies
• Severe weather
• Road closures
• Crime alerts
Be prepared! Sign up today.
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Medicare Part D Open Enrollment Date is Earlier this Year
The annual Open Enrollment period in which people can compare and enroll in Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) has changed for 2011.
This year, the period will begin on October 15, 2011 and will continue until December 7, 2011.
Any changes made during this open enrollment, will take effect on January 1, 2012.
Call your local APPRISE counselor at 484-494-3769 for free personalized health insurance counseling, including plan comparisons and information on programs for people with limited incomes or visit the Medicare website www.medicare.gov for additional information.
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A Gift that Lasts a Lifetime
Consider giving the gift of literacy to a child who is currently struggling in school by becoming a Foster Grandparent.
We are looking for adults 55+ to tutor and mentor children who lag behind in reading.
As little as 15 hours a week can make a huge impact. Scheduling is flexible and includes the opportunity for a paid stipend, expense reimbursement and regular training.
Know the joy of making the difference in a child’s life. For more information about the Foster Grandparent program http://temp.delcosa.org/AGModules/Blog/BlogView.aspx?tabID=452&ItemID=58&mid=3073
call 610- 490-1498 or email knighta@co.delaware.pa.us.
Foster Grandparent Volunteer Spotlight
Ida Odom, a volunteer Foster Grandparent for a quarter of a century, is a recipient of a MetLife Foundation “Older volunteers Enrich America Award” for her work in the Chester Upland school district.
When asked what her work meant to her Miss Odom was quoted as saying, “It not only means me making a difference in the lives of children, but them making a difference in my life.” She touches the lives of all who come in contact with her including the teaching staff and her peers.
We congratulate Ida on her dedication and accomplishments, and wish her another good school year ahead.
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September is World Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
During the month of September, the Alzheimer’s Association is observing the inaugural World Alzheimer’s Month. On September 21, Alzheimer’s Action Day, the Alzheimer’s Association asks people to wear purple and to take action in the fight of Alzheimer’s.
What is Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.
• Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia
• Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging
• Alzheimer’s is not the only cause of memory loss
• Alzheimer’s worsens over time
• Alzheimer’s currently has no cure or method to prevent its onset
1. Memory changes that disrupt daily life
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks
4. Confusion with time or place
5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
6. New problems with words in speaking or writing
7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
8. Decreased or poor judgment
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities
10. Changes in mood and personality
Every individual may experience one or more of these signs in different degrees. If you notice any of them, please see a doctor.
To learn more about the 10 signs, please contact the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org/10signs or 877-IS IT ALZ (877.474.8259).
If you or a loved one is affected by Alzheimer’s disease, turn to the Alzheimer’s Association for support and services. Information is available online at www.alz.org or by calling the Association’s 24/7 Helpline at 1.800.272.3900. Click here for local support groups – search Southeastern Pennsylvania for Delaware County.
http://www.alz.org/desjsepa/in_my_Community_support.asp
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Cold Weather is Coming – It’s Good to be Prepared
- Get a Flu shot
- Prepare your home for the cold weather
- Keep extra food on hand
- Know the signs of hypothermia
- Dress in layers
- Keep extra medications on hand
- Exercise and keep active
- Prepare your car for colder weather
- Most important, have a plan
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Brian M. Duke
Secretary of Aging
Brian M. Duke has been named Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. The department oversees many services and benefits for older Pennsylvanians and advocates for their interests at all levels of government. To read more about the Pennsylvania Department of Aging go to www.portal.state.pa.us .
Prior to his appointment by Governor Tom Corbett, Mr. Duke served as Director of the Bucks County Area Agency on Aging. At the same time, he served as a member and Secretary of the Board of the Pennsylvania Association of Area Agencies on Aging.
Before his service in Bucks County, Duke was the Executive Director for the NJ Foundation for Aging. He was also a consultant with the U.S. Administration on Aging and the AARP Foundation.
Brian Duke possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience; working tirelessly for older adults in Pennsylvania.
He holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Scranton, an MHA (Health Administration) from George Washington University and an MBE (Bioethics) from the University of Pennsylvania. Duke is an Associate Fellow of the Institute on Aging of the University of Pennsylvania.
COSA congratulates Secretary Duke on his appointment and looks forward to working with him to serve older adults in Delaware County.
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Save the Date: Delaware County Council
Presents
Senior Citizen Resource Forum
Oct 4th & 17th 1:00—3:30 PM
Delaware County Council will host a Senior Resource Forum to inform senior citizens about resources that can help navigate today’s challenging economic climate.
Representatives from the following county offices will participate in a panel presentation on services:
The District Attorney’s Office—Senior Exploitation Unit
Veterans Affairs
Consumer Affairs
Treasurer’s Office/Tax Bureau
County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA)
Oct 4th – Drexelbrook
Oct 17th – Concordville Inn
To register for the free event—call Barbara Nicolardi at 610-490-1524 or email
Light refreshments will be served
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September is National Senior Center Month
Senior centers are evolving rapidly. As a new generation looks to redefine retirement, senior centers are creating activities and opportunities that appeal to a broad range of older adults. Senior centers are connecting older adults with meaningful career and volunteer opportunities and increasing their access to valuable benefits & resources.
Celebrate National Senior Center Month by attending scheduled events at a COSA sponsored senior center here in Delaware County.
There’s so much happening on a daily basis – there’s bound to be something just right for you!
Chester Senior Center 610-497-3550
http://www.scs-delco.org/centers/chester
Spa treatments 9/7 & 9/21
Retinal Detachment presentation including eye glass cleaning 9/13
Zumba Chair Exercise 9/19 & 9/20
Wii Bowling Tournament 9/21
The City of Chester, a trip down memory lane 9/22
Horticulture therapist teaches simple recipes 9/27
Scrapbooking 9/30
Friendship Circle Senior Center (Darby) 610-237-6222
http://www.scs-delco.org/centers/friendship
Zumba classes 9/12, 19, 26
Healthy U – Health and Wellness program kick-off 9/14
The importance of inoculations discussion 9/16 & 9/30
Grocery Bingo 9/21
Art Classes 9/21 & 9/26
Stress and Anxiety 9/28
Flu shots 9/30
Good Neighbor Senior Center (Sharon Hill) 610-586-8170
http://www.scs-delco.org/centers/good-neighbor
Southern Grill – home cooked meals returning 9/8
Breakfast Bingo 9/9
Thrift Store Hopping 9/16
Reiki Healing – Call for an appointment
TD Bank – Financial Planning 9/20
Suma Home Care – options for independent living at home 9/21
Surrey at Havertown 610-446-2070
http://www.surreyservices.org
Open House – An evening of refreshments, demonstrations, classroom visits and community artwork. 9/21 in the evening
Surrey at Hometown (Media) 610-566-0505
http://www.surreyservices.org
Great Media Garage Sale – Items for sale at this community garage sale including hand-made creations from their weaving program. 9/17
Stitching Generations Together, Needle Arts Mentoring Program-Learn how you can be involved. 9/19
Tell Your Story – It Happens at My Center. My Life. My Time. My way. Share how the center helps you age positively. 9/19 -9/23
Schoolhouse Senior Center (Folsom) 610-237-8100
http://www.scs-delco.org/centers/schoolhouse
History discussion – Lincoln and the Widow Bixby 9/8
Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser for the Delaware County Volunteer Ombudsman program – food, raffle prizes and music 9/14
Hiking Club to Ridley Creek Park 9/19
Zumba – beginning 9/28
Gary Grant and Pizza 9/28
Poetry Workshop – beginning 9/29
Upper Darby Senior Center 610-734-7652
http://www.upperdarby.org/Gov/Leisure_Services/Senior_Center.html
Senior Health Fair 10/6
With support from Mercy-Fitz
Free screenings and more
Wayne Senior Center 610-688-6246
http://www.wayneseniorcenter.com
Celebrate Active Aging Week 9/26 – 10/1
Healthy Cooking with Chef Poon 9/26
Functional Fitness 9/26
Walk the Radnor Trail 10/1 Includes activities and free giveaways along the trail.
For more information, visit our centers’ websites or give them a call.
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Fall 2011 Issue
Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging
COSA
Louis G. Colbert, Director
206 Eddystone Avenue, 2nd Floor
Eddystone, PA 19022-1594
Office Hours: 8:30am – 4:30pm Mon – Fri/On call 24 hours a day
Telephone: 610-490-1300
