We can all agree that the past 18 plus months have been a whirlwind. Now, more than ever, we have found ourselves thinking about things we did not give much thought to, especially when it comes to resources and looking ahead.

Since 2015, a dedicated planning committee has worked hard to provide an event for older adults and their caregivers to attend and learn about resources and hear from professionals on topics relevant to their needs. The planning committee is so excited to announce that the Weld Senior Symposium: Navigating Legal Issues & Area Resources will once again be offered as an in-person event on Wednesday, October 6, 2021, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Island Grove Conference Center, 425 N. 15th Avenue in Greeley. 

This is your opportunity to hear from attorneys and professionals in the field. This year’s topics: how to downsize clutter, suicide grief, when does Medicare and Medicaid apply, protecting your identity from theft, and navigating the ins and outs of advanced planning for health care and financial care. We will also have a session that will be offered in Spanish focusing on how to live a healthy life and delay diseases associated with aging. We are very excited to have two different panels of professionals. The first, Aging in Place, will discuss options on how to age in place safely from in-home care to home design modifications. The second, Housing Options vs. Continuum of Care, will focus on the differences of care communities (assisted living, skilled, etc.) and the various types of dwellings available, such as townhomes, patio, etc. so you can be educated and make the best decision for you or your loved one needs. 

More information and registration can be found at www.weldseniorsymposium.org. Not on the internet? Then please call us at, (970) 400-6950 and we can register you over the phone. A suggested donation of $10 will help cover the cost of lunch and event expenses. The planning committee would like to give a sincere thank you to our event sponsors, we could not do this event without you.

The planning committee for this great event is amazing. I thank them for the many hours they dedicate to help make this event successful for our community. I also greatly appreciate the sponsors who know the value and importance of sharing this information with older adults and their caregivers. Without either of them, Weld Senior Symposium would not be possible.

See you Wednesday, October 6, 2021!

              Holly Darby, Community Outreach Manager Weld County Area Agency on Aging 

From the National Council on Aging

These quick tips can keep you happy and healthy as you juggle daily responsibilities:

1. Get breast cancer screenings every 1-2 years

Cancer can usually be treated successfully when caught early. Medicare covers a free yearly mammogram screening. 

2. Routine pap exams are the best way to detect cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is one of the most common types of cancer for American women and known as the “silent killer”. There may not be any signs or symptoms, so it’s recommended to be screened about every three years. Medicare covers cervical and vaginal cancer screenings once every 2 years, or every year if considered high risk.

3. Exercise will improve your overall health

About two and a half hours of moderate exercise/week could improve your physical and mental wellbeing. It can manage diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis.

4. Focus on your mental health

Approximately 15% of adults aged 60 and older suffer from a mental illness, with depression being the most common. When feelings of sadness interfere with daily life, you may be experiencing depression. Your doctor can help determine if a Medicare depression screening is right for you.

5. Healthy eating can prevent serious health conditions

Proper nutrition is essential for the body. As you age you lose muscle mass, bone density, and burn fewer calories. Because it takes extra effort to make up for the natural changes of your body, it’s essential to eat high nutrient foods. 

As a woman, you may have a lot on your plate, but your health should be a top priority. 

Are you a caregiver who is feeling exhausted, isolated and looking to connect with other caregivers in a safe, socially distant, in-person environment? If so, join us for Powerful Tools for Caregivers!

Specifically designed for family caregivers, this educational class helps family caregivers take care of themselves while providing quality care to their loved one no matter the situation. You will benefit from the class if you are helping a parent, spouse, friend, someone living at home, in a nursing home or across the country.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers consists of six sessions held once a week and are FREE to caregivers. Two experienced class leaders conduct the series. Interactive lessons, discussions and brainstorming will help you take the “tools” you choose and put them into action for your life. This program will assist you with reducing caregiver stress, improve self-confidence, communicate feelings better and increase your ability to make tough decisions and locate helpful resources.

Please note this class will NOT focus on specific diseases or hands-on caregiving for the care receiver. Each participant will receive a book, The Caregiver Helpbook, developed specially for the class.

Classes are now being offered throughout Weld County IN PERSON and online. Next in person class starts September 9 at the Windsor Recreation Center. Current CDC recommendations will be followed.

Please contact Jillian Broce at (970) 400-6130 or Lisa Mielke at (970) 400-6117 for more information.

The Friendly Fork is now meeting for in-person dining at 17 of the 23 locations across Weld County!

Birchwood, Broadview, Eaton, Fort Lupton, Greeley Active Adult Center, Greeley Senior Housing, Hill N Park, Johnstown, Kersey, LaSalle, Lochbuie, Mead, Milliken, Nunn, Pierce, Platteville and Rodarte Center meal sites are all back in action.

Erie, Carbon Valley and Windsor are slated to open in September for in-person dining. All locations are also offering take-out meals to those who are not able to dine-in.

The Friendly Fork provides tasty and nutritious lunches in a variety of warm and friendly group settings throughout the county. Currently, 38 meals are offered which are spread out among 23 sites five days a week. All the meals meet 1/3 of the daily recommended dietary allowance and include flavorful items such as lasagna, chicken and dumplings, hamburgers, fajitas, tacos, krautburgers, chicken fried steak, fresh fruits and vegetables as well as an assortment of dinner rolls, muffins, cookies and fruit crisps.

Lorrie Wellman, the Friendly Fork Registered Dietitian, is also available for nutrition counseling on a variety of nutrition topics at no cost to the Friendly Fork participant. Lorrie is aware of the many challenges older adults face in relation to nutrition and chronic conditions, in addition to the ability to metabolize and absorb nutrients as they age. Lorrie is well versed on many topics and is dedicated to sharing her wealth of knowledge. She has an abundance of materials that can be provided. Currently, Lorrie is presenting on Food Safety at Home at all the meal sites. Please feel free to contact Lorrie at (970) 400-6118 or lwellman@weldgov.com if you are interested in seeing her presentation or if you would like to request nutrition education or nutrition counseling. 

Come join us for lunch! To find a listing of the meal sites and view the menu, visit https://www.weldgov.com/Government/Departments/Human-Services/Area-Agency-on-Aging-AAA/Friendly-Fork. 

Meal reservations are required by calling (970) 400-6955 or emailing friendlyfork@weldgov.com. Participants have the opportunity to contribute towards their meal, our suggested donation is currently $4. Services are not denied to eligible participants (60+ years, spouse of a person 60+ years) who are unable to make a donation.   

Information regarding meals may be obtained by calling (970) 400-6132.

Make your wellness a priority and join us for one of these evidence-based workshops!

Powerful Tools for Caregivers Workshop:

If you are caring for a loved one at home, this workshop will help you learn to reduce stress, guilt and anger. Lean relaxation techniques, set goals, and problem-solve (family caregivers only). Workshop meets once a week for six weeks. FREE but registration is required by calling 970-400-6130.

Wednesdays, 9/8/21 to 10/13/21, from 9:00 -11:00 a.m. at the Windsor Recreation Center located at 250 11th St, Windsor, CO 80550.

Tomando Control de su Salud:

Sea proactivo y aprenda las herramientas para manejar usted mismo su condición crónica por ejemplo enfermedades del corazón, diabetes, artritis, COPD, dolor, etc. Aprenda a aplicar los conocimientos, como una nutrición adecuada, el desarrollo de un programa de ejercicios. Este Taller se reúne una vez a la semana durante 6 semanas, a partir del Septiembre 2 de Octubre 7, 2021. 9:00 am-11:30 am.

GRATIS si tiene 60 años o más, para más información llame a (970) 400-6117 (El espacio es limitado). Las Clases serán virtuales y se enviara un enlace de zoom con la confirmación de la inscripción.

Walk with Ease

Increase your balance, strength and walking pace while building confidence in your ability to be physically active. This program is proven to reduce the pain and discomfort of walking. FREE for people 60 and older, but registration is required by calling (970) 400-6117. Registration closes on Sept 8.

M, TH, & F, 9/13/21 to 10/22/21, from 11:00 a.m.-Noon at the Eaton Community Recreation Center located at 1675 3rd St, Eaton, CO 80615.

A Matter of Balance Workshop:

Learn ways to reduce the fear of falling and break the fear of falling cycle. A variety of activities address physical, social, and cognitive factors affecting fear of falling by focusing on practical coping strategies. Workshop meets once a week for eight weeks. FREE, but registration required by calling (970) 400-6117.

Tuesdays 09/28/21 to 11/16/21 from 1:30-3:30 pm at the Evans Recreation Center located at 1100 37th St, Evans, CO 80620.

Learn more about available classes by visiting the Weld Aging Well webpage.