May 2022 Edition - Aging Well Newsletter

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Issue 77


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This morning, the Board of County Commissioners proclaimed May "Older Americans Month." Older adults play vital, positive roles in our communities – as family members, friends, mentors, volunteers, civic leaders, members of the workforce, and more. Just as every person is unique, so too is how they age and how they choose to do it – and there is no “right” way. That’s why the theme for Older Americans Month (OAM) 2022 is Age My Way. Read our Boulder County proclamation below!

 

WHEREAS, Boulder County is home to nearly 70,000 older adults who make countless contributions to our community every day; and 

WHEREAS, our community benefits when people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds are welcomed, included, and supported; and 

WHEREAS, Boulder County recognizes our need to create a community that provides the services and supports older Americans need to thrive and live independently for as long as possible; and 

WHEREAS, Boulder County can work to build a stronger community for our older residents by: 

  • planning programs that encourage independence and support physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being; 
  • engaging the community in anti-ageist discussion and work; 
  • connecting people across age and social constructs with opportunities to share their time, experience, and talents; 
  • ensuring activities are responsive to individuals needs and preferences; and 
  • increasing access to services that support aging in place. 

 

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of County Commissioners of Boulder County do hereby proclaim May 2022 to be Older Americans Month, recognizing the national theme, Age My Way. The Board of County Commissioners of Boulder County urges every resident to recognize the contributions of our older residents, help to create an inclusive society, and join efforts to support older Americans’ choices about how they age in their communities.  

APPROVED on the 3rd of May 2022.

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POR CUANTO, el condado de Boulder es el hogar de casi 70,000 adultos mayores que hacen innumerables contribuciones a nuestra comunidad todos los días; y 

POR CUANTO, nuestra comunidad se beneficia cuando las personas de todas las edades, habilidades y antecedentes son bienvenidas, incluidas y apoyadas; y 

POR CUANTO, el condado de Boulder reconoce nuestra necesidad de crear una comunidad que brinde los servicios y el apoyo que los adultos mayores necesitan para prosperar y vivir de manera independiente durante el mayor tiempo posible; y 

POR CUANTO, el condado de Boulder puede trabajar para construir una comunidad más fuerte para nuestros residentes mayores al: 

  • planificar programas que fomenten la independencia y apoyen el bienestar físico, mental, social y emocional; 
  • involucrar a la comunidad en debates y trabajos contra la discriminacion por la edad; 
  • conectar a personas de todas las edades y estratos sociales con oportunidades para compartir su tiempo, experiencia y talentos; 
  • garantizar que las actividades respondan a las necesidades y preferencias de las personas; y 
  • aumentar el acceso a los servicios que apoyan que una persona pueda envejecer donde vive. 

HOY POR LO TANTO SE RESUELVE que la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Boulder proclame por la presente el mes de mayo del 2022 como el Mes de los Adultos Mayores, reconociendo el tema nacional, Envejeciendo Como Quiero. La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Boulder insta a todos los residentes a reconocer las contribuciones de nuestros residentes mayores, ayudar a crear una sociedad inclusiva y unir esfuerzos para apoyar las decisiones de los adultos mayores sobre cómo envejecer en sus comunidades. 

APROBADO el 3 de mayo de 2022. 


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The Alzheimer’s Association and Boulder County Area Agency on Aging are offering Living Well with Dementia, an afternoon of programs providing hope and information for people living with dementia and their family/informal care partners.

When: Tuesday, June 14, 1-5 p.m.

Where: Dairy Arts Center in Boulder, Grace Gramm Theater (2590 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302)

Program for the Day

  • 1-2 p.m. – Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia and the Impact of Diverse People Groups
  • 2-3:15 p.m. – Effective Communication Strategies, decoding verbal and behavioral communication with
    strategies for meaningful connection
  • 3:30-4:45 p.m. – Transcending Dementia: A positive perspective on the value of looking more deeply at the person beyond the disease
  • 4:45-5 p.m. – Questions and Closing

For more information, contact Rebekah Van Sweden, Boulder County Area Agency on Aging, at
303-441-3945 or InfoCaregiver@bouldercounty.org.

Please visit thedairy.org for information on the facility's vaccine requirements.


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Join us as we continue the Age Well Series! This series of presentations is open to the community at no cost. The series includes the following presentations:

Caregiver Education Series: Mom Seems Different This Mother's Day, What Should I Do Next?

Tuesday, May 10, 10-11:30 a.m.

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Stay Safe, Stay Cool: Adults 65+ and Extreme Heat

Thursday, May 12, 10-11 a.m.

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Project Visibility: Creating Inclusive Communities for LGBTQ+ Older Adults

Thursday, May 26, 10-11:30 a.m.

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Caregiver Education Series: Embracing Death and Dying, Perspectives from a Death Doula

Tuesday, July 12, 10-11:30 a.m.

…and more to come!

Learn more about and register for the Age Well Series here.

We will continue to update this webpage as new presentations are added, so keep checking back with us!

Any questions about the Age Well Series? Please contact us at bcaaa@bouldercounty.org.


Programming from the Alzheimer's Association

Companion Animals and Community with Humans

A Special Education Program in Partnership with the Humane Society of Boulder Valley

  • The Power of the Human and Animal Bond with the Aged and Those with Alzheimer's Disease with Phillip Tedeschi 
  • Effective Communication Strategies with Ralph Patrick and Brenda Gurung

Wednesday, June 8, 1-4 p.m.

Click here to register.

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2022 Support Groups for Caregivers

No cost to attend. For more information call 800-272-3900 or visit alz.org/co.

Boulder (Hybrid Group)

First Thursday of each month, 12:15-1:30 p.m.

West Age Well Center

Erie (In Person Group)

First Thursday of each month, 4-5:30 p.m.

Erie Community Center

Niwot (In Person Group)

Second Tuesday of each month, 10-11 a.m.

Una Vida

Longmont (In Person Group)

Second Tuesday of each month, noon-1:30 p.m.

Longmont Senior Center

Louisville (Hybrid Group)

Second Thursday of each month, 6-7:30 p.m.

Louisville Senior Center

Broomfield (Hybrid Group)

Third Tuesday of each month, 10-11:30 a.m.

Broomfield Community Center

Boulder Men's Group (Hybrid)

Third Wednesday of each month, 1-2 p.m.

West Age Well Center

Longmont (In Person Group)

Fourth Thursday of each month, 1-2:30 p.m.

Faith Community Lutheran Church


Meet Moneca Sheldan, Aging Services Foundation Board Member

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Moneca Sheldan is the President of futureAlign Incorporated, an award-winning, high-performance, and marketing communications company serving Fortune 5 companies and small businesses alike. Moneca is a graduate in Business and a Masters in Organization Effectiveness, she brings 38 years of experience as a senior leader in Fortune 5 Corporations, Big 5 organization change consulting and a 20-years as the owner of futureAlign.  Moneca is passionate about honoring, respecting, and supporting aging populations. 

What do you love about your community?

Boulder County is a community that cares about people from all walks of life. It’s a place where people can live free of judgement. Similarly, I also love how open-minded people in Boulder County are – we are all in search of learning and expanding ourselves and to improve well-being.

In what ways do you like to connect with your community?

My connections with the community are in volunteer service of the well-being of all. I’m particularly passionate about those members of our community that may be overlooked such as our aging population. I believe that human beings have talents, wisdom, and gifts to bring to the community at all stages of life.

What about your community makes it age-friendly?

I look forward to increasing community awareness and access to support services for our aging population in Boulder County, as a member of the Aging Services Foundation (ASF) board. 

How do you like to spend your time?

I enjoy being in nature to restore my soul to the essence of love that we all have inside us. I get that love from my mother who was a master gardener and used to sing the song: “Let me tell ya 'bout the birds and the bees, And the flowers and the trees, And a thing called love.”

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bcaaa

Our staff is available to answer calls and emails from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. We are beginning to provide some in-person services, while most of our services are still available virtually.

The Boulder County Area Agency on Aging (BCAAA) responds to the needs of older adults (60+) and their family and informal caregivers in our community through advocacy, funding, direct service, planning, and education. The BCAAA works with public and private partners to respond to the unique needs in our community. Our services include:

  • Information, Referral, or Resources
  • Financial Assistance
  • Healthy Aging Programs
  • Medicare Counseling
  • Caregiver Programs
  • Veterans Services
  • Long-Term Care Ombudsman
  • Nutrition Resources

Boulder County residents can connect with BCAAA resources by email at infoADRC@bouldercounty.org, by phone at 303-441-1617, or online at bouldercountyhelp.org.


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In Person Medicare Basics Class

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Our lively and entertaining Medicare Basics classes are designed to provide the necessary information to older adults, and those caring for older adults, when getting ready to apply for Medicare. Participants will learn about how and when to enroll, the different parts of Medicare, what is covered and what is not, Medicare fraud, and much more!

Our Medicare Counselors will be hosting an in person Medicare Basics Class on Wednesday, July 20 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the St. Vrain Community HUB (515 Coffman Street – Room 112, Longmont). There will also be an option to attend via Zoom.

Register here.

Learn more about our Medicare Basics Classes and individual Counseling here.


You can also attend one of our virtual Medicare Basics classes!

Interested participants will need internet, a computer, tablet, or phone, and the appropriate application for the class. Once registered, participants will receive instruction on how to join the class. This online course uses Zoom. Upcoming classes are set for:

  • Wednesday, May 11, 5:30-7 p.m.
  • Thursday, May 19, 1:30-3 p.m.

To register for these and other Healthy Aging classes, visit boco.org/AAALearns.

For more information, or to set up an appointment, please call 303-441-1546.


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Elder Abuse Awareness Day Virtual Town Hall

Please join the District Attorney’s Office for a presentation about elder abuse in our community in honor of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Wednesday, June 15, 2022. Discussion will center around prevention, prosecution, and partnerships currently in place in Boulder County.

Every year an estimated five million older adults – one in 10 in the US – experience elder abuse, exploitation, or neglect. Working together, we can build the social supports to help prevent and report abuse and keep everyone safe as we age.

When: Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at 10 a.m. 

Where: Zoom  https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1616788497

Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): 833-568-8864 (Toll Free)

Webinar ID: 161 678 8497


Healthy Aging Programs is Looking for Volunteers!

Help older adults achieve their wellness goals by joining us as a Wellness Leader or Support Person!  

The Healthy Aging Program provides several evidence-based health education classes to Boulder County residents 60 and over. These workshops address common health concerns such managing chronic conditions, preventing diabetes, and falls prevention. 

You can make a big impact in the health of our community by leading in person or virtual workshops and by supporting our team. We have opportunities to volunteer in Spanish and English programs, either virtual or in person, with flexible hours and training included.  

Complete the volunteer application here.

Questions? Email us at infohealthyaging@bouldercounty.org.


¡Los Programas de Bienestar para Adultos Mayores están buscando voluntarios!

Ayude a los adultos mayores a alcanzar sus metas de bienestar uniéndose a nosotros como líder de bienestar o persona de apoyo. 

Los Programas de Bienestar ofrecen varias clases de educación de salud basadas en la evidencia para los residentes del condado de Boulder de 60 años o más. Estos talleres se centran en problemas de salud comunes, como el manejo de condiciones crónicas, la prevención de la diabetes y la prevención de caídas.  

Puedes tener un gran impacto en la salud de nuestra comunidad dirigiendo talleres y apoyando a nuestro equipo. Tenemos oportunidades de voluntariado en programas de español e inglés, virtuales o presenciales, con horarios flexibles y entrenamiento incluido.  

Para más información, llame a Nina Christensen al 303-441-3774.  


Upcoming Healthy Aging Programs!

We now offer registration for many of our Healthy Aging classes in one location – boco.org/AAALearns.

Find the most up-to-date offering of classes and register through AAA Learns. Clients or representatives must create an account to register for available classes. Many classes are  virtual and offered through the Zoom platform.

Questions? Email infohealthyaging@bouldercounty.org.


Diabetes Support and Education Group

The Diabetes Support and Education Group meets monthly in a virtual setting. This program is conducted by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who is also a Certified Diabetes Educator. 

Heart Healthy Eating Principles

Monday, May 23, 11 a.m. to noon

To register, please visit boco.org/AAALearns.


Conversaciones Frescas (Virtual)

Miercoles 25 de mayo 1:00-2:00pm

Programa de nutrición basado en la evidencia y centrado en temas de nutrición oportunos que se presentan mensualmente. Tema: la dieta, el ejercicio y el sueño. (Programa realizado virtualmente a través de Zoom, conferencia telefónica disponible)  Para preguntas, por favor llame al 303-441-3774. Inscríbase: boco.org/AAALearns

Para preguntas, por favor llame al 303-441-3774. 


Fresh Conversations

Wednesday, May 11, 1-2 p.m.

Register at boco.org/AAALearns.

Fresh Conversations is an evidence-based nutrition education program focused on timely nutrition topics presented monthly. Fresh Conversations is led by Patti Murphy, RDN. The program is held virtually over Zoom.


Nutrition Counseling

Individualized counseling and coaching from a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist are available for Boulder County residents. Call 303-678-6115 (English) or 720-930-0223 (en español) with your contact information.


Text2LiveHealthy

This new program is offered in partnership with USDA SNAP-Ed and Colorado Office of Adult, Aging and Disability Services. Offered in English and Spanish, this program sends two to three texts a week with tips, recipes, and reminders for healthy aging. This is free but you need to be able to receive texts on your phone. Text FRUIT to 21333.


Cafecitos de Medicare y Bienestar (en persona)

Fecha: jueves 23 de junio 1:00-2:00pm 

Ubicación: Longmont Senior Center, room E 

Conceptos básicos de Medicare: Que es Medicare, como aplicar, como prevenir el fraude y entender como bajar costos. ¡Traigan sus preguntas!

Conversaciones Frescas: Una oportunidad de tener conversaciones amigables centradas en la educación sobre la nutrición y la actividad física. Tema: Cocinar para 1 o 2.  

Acompáñenos para conversar sobre sus preguntas de Medicare y de nutrición. Todos son bienvenidos – beneficiarios, familiares, empleados/proveedores de servicios, y miembros de la comunidad. ¿Tiene Preguntas? Llame a Karen Herrera 303-678-6113 o Nina Christensen 303-441-3774  

Inscríbase: www.boco.org/AAALearns