Oct. 2022 Edition - Aging Well Newsletter

Boulder County Colorado sent this bulletin at 10/11/2022 04:14 PM MDT

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Issue 82

Medicare Open Enrollment Begins Oct. 15!

The annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period is Oct. 15-Dec 7. Virtual and phone Medicare Counseling appointments with our SHIP certified Medicare Counselors begin on Oct. 20!

Each year, from Oct. 15-Dec. 7, people on Medicare can review and change their prescription drug plans (Part D) or Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C.) These plans can change their costs, coverage, providers and pharmacies, so it is important to review the current plan and see if there is a better plan for 2023.

Our Medicare Counselors can assist in this process by reviewing the current plan against other plans. Boulder County Medicare Counselors are State Health Insurance Programs (SHIP) certified and provide quality and unbiased information.

Medicare Counselors provide this one-to-one assistance via online or phone appointments.

Call our Medicare Appointment Counseling Line at 303-441-1546 or email us at medicarecounseling@bouldercounty.org to get the scheduling process started.

Learn more about our Medicare Counseling services at boco.org/Medicare.

Our SHIP certified Medicare Counselors like to have fun and have made this commercial just for you.

(Click the image below to watch their video on YouTube.)

Learn more about how to make font size bigger or smaller on your screen by following this link.

Our Project Visibility training addresses the unique needs and strengths of LGBTQ+ older adults. The training features a documentary that highlights the experiences of local LGBTQ+ older adults. Project Visibility offers important information, perspectives, and practical tips for creating inclusive communities for this often invisible population.

When: Tuesday, Oct. 25, 10-11:30 a.m.

Where: Zoom

Register here!

How to Dispose of Hazardous Waste

The Boulder County Hazardous Materials Management Facility (HMMF) is here to help with FREE proper disposal of unused and unwanted chemicals, and a lot more.

Hazardous materials can be considered flammable, toxic, reactive, and corrosive, and should not be placed with your regular trash. Typical items received from households include batteries, oil and antifreeze, cleaners, paint and thinners, aerosols, and so much more.

The HMMF not only takes care of proper disposal, but also helps get reusable materials such as latex paint, bulbs, and batteries recycled. The facility also has a section with free reusable materials where you can find automotive, hobby, garden and yard, home maintenance, and cleaning products.

If you want to know more, just ask. We’re happy to help walk you through what we might be able to help you dispose of responsibly. Give HMMF a call at 720-564-2251 or send an email to hazmatall@bouldercounty.org.

Join Our Team!

We are hiring a Resource Specialist, serving our southern mountain region including Nederland, Ward, Gold Hill, and surrounding communities. Interested in joining our Community Living team?

Join a Medicare Basics Class

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!

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, Nov. 9, 6-7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 17, 1:30-3 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 14, 6-7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 15, 10-11:30 a.m.

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

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

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

Boulder County Parks & Open Space Upcoming Events

Unless otherwise noted, please register for program by visiting boco.org/discover.

Yoga on The Farm

Friday, Oct. 14, 9-10 a.m.

Agricultural Heritage Center (8348 Ute Hwy 66)

Join Andrea Van Sambeek (certified yoga instructor) for a gentle yoga class and take in the views from your mat. Pause, breathe, and revitalize in this idyllic setting. After connecting with breath and movement, stay to explore all the Agricultural Heritage Center has to offer. Please bring your own yoga mat. All levels are welcome! Ages 12 and up.

Astronomy: Moon Mysteries

Friday, Oct. 14, 6:15-8:30 p.m.

Near Lyons. Location provided when registering.

As the moon shines brightly, discover how moon phases work, and hear stories about our natural satellite at a brief program, followed by sky gazing with telescopes provided by the Longmont Astronomical Society.

Cal-Wood Fire - Burn Scar Ecology Hike

Sunday, Oct. 16, 1-3 p.m.

Near Boulder. Location provided when registering.

Take a hike with volunteer naturalists through the burn scar from the 2020 Cal-Wood Fire. This 2-mile moderate hike will lead participants through the landscape providing opportunities to see the changes two years after Boulder County’s largest wildfire.

Learn about the impact of the fire on the local flora and fauna, the work that led to reopening Heil Valley Ranch, and future mitigation for Boulder County Parks & Open Space forests.

Whooo Are the Owls? Owls of Boulder County

Wednesday, Oct. 19, 6-7:30 p.m.

Near Longmont. Location provided when registering.

Over half of the owls recorded in the U.S. have been seen in Boulder County, and most of those owls nest here. Join volunteer naturalists for an indoor slide program to explore these fascinating and diverse creatures and learn about the adaptations that make them such expert hunters.

Hike for Seniors Wonders of Migration

Friday, Oct. 21, 9-11 a.m.

Near Lafayette. Location provided when registering.

Join volunteer naturalists for a slow-paced, easy walk-in southeast Boulder County to learn about wetland birds, birds of prey, other wildlife, and agricultural history.

Resident Rights Month

October is Resident Rights month, a time when we recognize our community members who live in assisted livings and nursing homes. An already isolated and vulnerable group, these community members have been especially impacted by COVID, losing connection with each other, staff, family members, and the broader community. This year, we are celebrating the gradual reconnection of LTC residents and promoting the rights and dignity of our residents living in care homes. The LTC Ombudsman program at the AAA is an integral part of advocacy for the residents in LTC. They are now visiting regularly and interacting with residents to empower them to restore a higher quality of care within their community.

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.

Healthier Living: Chronic Disease Self-Management Program

Ongoing health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, hypertension, cancer, or depression can put a damper on life and make simple activities difficult or even impossible. Luckily, there are things you can do to improve your health and relieve the symptoms of a chronic disease.

Wednesdays, Nov. 16-Dec. 21, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

This program will be held virtually.

To register, please visit boco.org/AAALearns.

Healthy Aging Open House

Learn about the various programs to help in your healthy aging journey! Are you wanting to take a class, but not sure if you want to commit the time? Come talk to the staff that provide the classes and get to know us better! We would love to hear from you as well, so if you have suggestions on what would help you age more healthy, let us know.

Wednesday, Oct. 26, 1-2 p.m.

This program will be held virtually.

To register, please visit boco.org/AAALearns.

Matter of Balance

Reduce your risk of falling and join us for this fun and interactive group starting Oct. 3! Watch Sandy's story to see how participating in "Matter of Balance" helped her regain her confidence and ability to do the things she loves. This eight-week program is designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. You will learn to view falls as controllable, how to change your environment to reduce risk factors, and learn exercises to increase strength and balance.

When: Mondays, Oct. 3-Nov. 21, 1-3 p.m.

Where: Louisville Senior Center

(900 Via Appia Way)

Register at boco.org/AAALearns.

Conversaciones Frescas

Programa de nutrición basado en la evidencia y centrado en temas de nutrición oportunos que se presentan mensualmente.

El miércoles, 19 de octubre, 1-2 p.m.

Ubicación: HUB #145

Inscríbase: boco.org/AAALearns

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

Fresh Conversations

Wednesday, Oct. 12, 1-2 p.m.

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.

Osteoporosis

by Kathryn Goldschmidt, RN

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens your bones to the point of making them easier to break. Bone is a living tissue that continuously replenishes itself. As people enter their 40s and 50s, this starts to slow down. By age 65, people are losing bone mass at the same rate. Menopause triggers a period of quick bone loss for women.

Risk Factors

Have a family history of broken bones or osteoporosis
Have broken a bone after age 50
Had early menopause
Low levels of calcium and vitamin D during your life
Sedentary lifestyle
Smoking
Steroids and other medications
A small body frame

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women age 65 and older be screened (tested) for osteoporosis, as well as women under age 65 who are at increased risk for osteoporosis-related fracture.

Ways to Prevent Osteoporosis

Consume calcium and vitamin D
- Calcium rich foods include: dairy, soybeans, dark green leafy vegetables, figs, flour tortillas, baked beans, calcium enriched foods.
- Vitamin D: get sunlight every day if possible; eat Vitamin D enriched foods such as orange juice, fatty fish, mushrooms, egg yolks. Take a supplement.
Do weight-bearing exercise! Weight training, walking, hiking, jogging, stair steps, tennis, or dancing will do.

Lifestyle changes may not be enough if you have lost a lot of bone density. There are also several medicines that are used to treat osteoporosis. Some will slow your bone loss, and others can help rebuild bone. Be sure to check with your doctor about your risk factors you have for osteoporosis and before beginning an exercise program.

For more information about osteoporosis, visit the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

The Boulder County Area Agency on Aging Caregiver Initiative is focused on empowering and supporting caregivers of older adults. Learn more about what we offer at boco.org/Caregiving.

Upcoming Caregiving Events

What Caregivers Need to Know About Medicare

Tuesday, Nov. 1, 10-11:30 a.m., virtual

This presentation will cover: authorized representative - how and why, original Medicare, what Medicare will cover and what it won't, Medicare Advantage, and prescription drug plans.

Register for "What Caregivers Need to Know About Medicare" here.

Assistive Technology - Gadgets and Gizmos for Caregivers

Tuesday, Dec. 13, 10-11:30 a.m., virtual

Caregiving can be a lot of things. Time consuming and exhausting are just a few. There are many items that can assist in daily tasks that will make everyone’s life easier, including the caregiver. This presentation will provide an overview of different devices that can be used in all areas of an individual’s life to keep them safe and more independent.

Register for "Assistive Technology - Gadgets and Gizmos for Caregivers" here.

Disclaimer: Boulder County Community Services is not a healthcare provider and cannot provide medical advice. This resource is provided for informational purposes only. Individuals should seek medical advice directly from a licensed medical professional.

Ask a Caregiving Expert

Dear BCAAA,

My dad’s balance has been getting worse and I am worried about falls. Is there anything we can do to make falls less likely to happen?

Signed, A Concerned Caregiver

Dear Concerned Caregiver,

Thank you for reaching out to us! We are here to help you navigate challenges associated with caregiving.

Great job on being proactive and trying to decrease the risk of falls!

According to the CDC (2020), “one out of four older adults will fall each year in the United States.” Fortunately, there are several steps you and your dad can take to decrease the risk of falls! There are also several great programs and resources available.

Schedule a doctor’s appointment to ensure there are no medical conditions or medication side effects that may be affecting someone’s risk of falling. Muscle weakness; changes in feeling, hearing or seeing; difficulty with coordination and more can increase the risk of falling and some of these conditions may be reversible.
Encourage the person to follow through with the doctor’s recommendations. A doctor may make referrals to other health professionals to address balance and decrease the risk of falls including an eye doctor (optometrist), physical therapist, or occupational therapist (for home safety).
Encourage the person to stay active and/or exercise. Checking with your doctor and a physical therapist if they have one can be helpful to know what kinds of exercise are safe and most effective. There are also several options for local classes at local recreation centers, senior centers, and YMCAs.
You and the person you are supporting can attend educational classes to learn more about how to decrease the risk of falls. For example, learning more about effects of the fear of falling can be beneficial. The Boulder County Area Agency on Aging also has a falls prevention week every September! You can learn more about Healthy Aging here.
Make the person’s environment safer. It may be safest and most helpful to connect with a professional to safely age at home because everyone has unique needs. You can also use the AARP HomeFit Guide. You may want to consider rearranging the home so that the pathways are clear, have ramps and/or grab bars installed if needed, fix any loose or uneven flooring, ensure adequate lighting throughout the home, ensure the person can easily reach commonly used items, plan for snow and ice removal from pathways, etc. You can also call the Boulder County Area Agency on Aging or visit bouldercountyhelp.org to find local loan closets, fix-it programs or call to see if the person is eligible for services for home modifications and strategies to minimize fall risk.
Encourage the person to wear proper footwear. Ensure they can get their shoes on and off as well.
Hire assistance or use automatic appliances for tasks that may be difficult or place the person at high risk of falls such as vacuuming, changing light bulbs, cleaning gutters, and more so the person will not try to do tasks that may be unsafe.

Take good care, Your BCAAA Caregiving Team

Call the BCAAA at 303-441-1617 or visit BoulderCountyHelp.org to learn about local durable medical equipment closets, fix-it programs, home modification options, and to connect with a Resource Specialist to determine if someone qualifies for temporary programs that provide fall prevention strategies, home modifications, and safety recommendations. Visit boco.org/caregiving to learn more about services and educational opportunities.

Happy Senior and Age Well Center Month!

City of Longmont Senior Services

The Longmont Senior Center (LSC) is OPEN Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Their resource specialists and counselors are now offering home visits and in-person appointments.

Check out classes from City of Longmont Senior Services in The GO Catalog! (View the Summer GO for June, July, and August programming.)

Email: senior@longmontcolorado.gov

Phone: 303-651-8411

Caregiver Services for friends or family members caring for an older adult in Longmont include:

Caregiver Consultations and Family Meetings: Referrals & information about adult day programs, home health care, long-term care, counseling, caregiver self-care, etc.
Respite & Companion Volunteer Program and Respite Assistance referrals: Volunteers matched with older adults who live alone or with a family caregiver provide respite, a friendly visit, and a caring connection. Respite Assistance funds can help pay for respite care for a caregiver.
Social Groups and Educational Programs for family caregivers and those living with dementia (options may vary quarterly).
Caregiver Support Groups provide information and support for family caregivers; no registration required:

1st Monday, 6–7:30 p.m. at Longmont Senior Center
2nd Tuesday, noon – 1:30 p.m. (Alzheimer’s Assn. group) at Longmont Senior Center

Questions? Call Brandy Queen with City of Longmont Senior Services at 303-651-8414.

Upcoming Programming from the Longmont Senior Center

Longmont Long-Term Care Living Expo

Saturday, Oct. 15, 9 a.m. – noon (No registration required.)

Come one and all: older adults, caregivers, plus family and friends looking for information on long-term care community options in the Longmont area. Visit with local representatives from assisted living, memory care, and long-term skilled nursing care communities. Take this opportunity to stop by their tables, ask important questions, gather resources, and schedule future on site tours. This is a great opportunity to start planning for the future.

Living with Alzheimer’s: For People with Early Stage Alzheimer’s and Care Partners

Tuesdays, Oct. 25 and Nov. 1, 3–5 p.m. (Call 303-651-8411 to register. Registration #485062.00)

In the early stage of Alzheimer’s Disease, families face new questions as they adjust. What does the diagnosis mean? What kinds of plans need to be made? What resources are available to help? Hear from those directly affected and learn what you can do to cope with the changes that come with an early-stage diagnosis. Presented by the Alzheimer’s Association.

City of Boulder Older Adult Services offers a variety of health and wellness, lifelong learning, aging in place, special interest groups, and travel/trip opportunities. Many programs are offered online as well as in person at the East Age Well Center and West Age Well Center. In addition, Client Services Coordinators are available to assist City of Boulder residents 60+ and their caregivers with referrals to community resources, options counseling, and financial support for eligible clients. To speak with a Client Services Coordinator, please call 303-441-4388.

For a complete list of Oct. 2022 programs and services, please visit the website to view the “Let’s Age Well!” program guide. For weekly updates, register online to receive the Age Well e-Newsletter.

Oct. 2022 Featured Programs

American Mah Jongg for Beginners

West Age Well Center | Mondays and Wednesdays, Oct. 17–26, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Fees: R/NR $92/$115

Learn to play American Mah Jongg, a game of both skill and luck. Gain a basic understanding of the game's fundamentals and some basic strategies to enjoy the game. Instructor: Donna Mayo. This course consists of four classes.

Meet-up: Tour of Boulder Museum with Art Class followed by lunch

1750 13th St., Boulder | Tuesday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. | $5 fee payable at the museum

Tour the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA) fall exhibitions which focus on non-traditional photography and narrative, followed by an art workshop led by Education Manager Melinda Laz.

After the museum, optional lunch (self-pay) with the group.

Zero Waste Updates: Bag Fees, Take-Out and Compost

Online | Monday, Oct. 24, 11 a.m. - noon

Attend a discussion about ‘Delivery Zero’, a new model for reducing waste with take-out food, and Colorado’s phasing out of plastic bags, and how to compost effectively in community and curbside.

BIFF Film and Discussion- To Which We Belong

Online | Thursday, Oct. 27, 1–2:15 p.m.

Boulder Older Adult Services and Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF) are partnering to bring independent films to older adults online. A BIFF representative will facilitate a discussion.

Prior to the program, participants will receive an email with a specific link to view the film, To Which We Belong (89 minutes USA, 2021).

Jazz Dance Workshop

East Age Well Center | Friday, Oct. 28, 1–2:15 p.m. | Fees: R/NR $10/$13

Jazz Dance is a fun, energetic dance style that includes movements like Jazz Slides, Isolations, Cross Over Box, and across the floor walks, chasses, pivot turns and rhythms all with stylish expression. All levels welcome! Instructor: Judy Kreith

West Age Well Center: 909 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder | 303-441-3148

Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Meals on Wheels’ Eat Well Café: Monday – Friday, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

East Age Well Center: 5660 Sioux Drive, Boulder | 303-413-7290

Monday – Friday 8 a.m.–2 p.m.

Town of Erie Parks & Recreation - Active Adults

Erie Active Adults staff are available, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Email: ActiveAdults@erieco.gov

Phone: 303-926-2795

The Town of Erie's Active Adults program provides a Senior Nutrition Lunch Program at the Erie Community Center.

Reservations are required by calling 303-926-2569 or emailing ActiveAdults@erieco.gov prior to the meal date.

Check out upcoming Active Adults programming here.

Meditation Class

Tuesday, Nov. 15-Dec. 6, 6:30-7:15 p.m.

The fee is $32 for residents and $40 for non-residents.

This class incorporates breath work while combining Progressive Muscle Relaxation, relaxing one body part at a time, and guided imagery, which walks you through a visual meditation. These techniques can help to increase mindfulness, and assist in finding a calm and peaceful state.

Reiki

Monday, Nov. 14, 3-7 p.m.

The fee is $60 for residents and $75 for non-residents.

Reiki is an ancient Japanese relaxation technique. It’s been used to bring calm to one’s self. Anxiety and stress have damaging side effects: headaches, depression, sleeplessness, weight gain, or ulcers. More people are returning to natural remedies. Enjoy a 45-minute sessions, fully clothed, with light minimal, non-invasive, hands-on touch in a series of locations on the body.

Beginner Tai Chi

Fridays, Nov. 11-Dec. 2, 8-9 a.m.

The fee is $32 for residents and $40 for non-residents.

Tai Chi is an easy and gentle exercise that develops body awareness and overall health. Studies show, and based on one’s practice, Tai Chi can increase muscle strength, flexibility, balance, aerobic conditioning, and lower blood pressure. Tai Chi is also a great exercise for the mind by increasing memory, concentration and reducing stress. Comfortable clothing is recommended.

You can reach Lafayette Senior Services at olderadults@lafayetteco.gov or 303-665-9052. For the latest information, sign up for the Senior Spotlight by visiting www.lafayetteco.gov/seniors.

The Lafayette Senior Center (103 S. Iowa Avenue) is open Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In-person and online programs are available. For more information, please visit the Lafayette Senior Services webpage and check out the City of Lafayette Activity Guide.

Loan Closet

You can check out equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, knee scooters, canes, crutches, transfer benches, shower seats, and temporary ramps. Check out basic mobility equipment by calling 303-665-9052 or emailing Olderadults@lafayetteco.gov.

Resource Coordinator available to assist City of Lafayette residents 60+ and their families or caregivers with referrals to community resources, financial assistance, legal resources and more.

Louisville Senior Services

Louisville Senior Services at the Recreation & Senior Center currently offers a variety of trips, classes and activities, as well as Brooks Café indoor dining and Grab N Go lunch. Senior Resources help in the areas of transportation, housing, legal assistance, financial guidance and medical equipment loans are also available. For more information, contact Katie Beasley at 303-335-4914 or visit our website at www.louisvillerecreation.com