The Weld County Area Agency on Aging will host its 11th Film Festival to recognize Older American’s Month for May.

This year’s short films that honor the joys, challenges, and opportunities faced later in life will be shown Tuesday, May 24, and Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at the Kress Theatre, 817 8th Avenue, Greeley.

Both days will be identical; however, the morning and afternoon sessions will show different films, so guests are welcome to attend one or both sessions for an enjoyable viewing experience without duplication of films. The morning session will run from 10:30 am through 12:30 p.m., and the afternoon session will run from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A short discussion will follow each session. Doors open at 10:00 a.m., and light refreshments will be provided in the lounge.

Film is one of the most efficient, entertaining and engaging ways to highlight and explore cultural issues, including aging. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences defines a short film as an original motion picture with a running time of 40 minutes or less. The viewing selection panel takes considerable time in selecting films that reflect meaningful, life-enriching stories of seniors in various ways, including humor, documentary, and even animation. Don’t miss the chance to see these films; they are sure to keep you talking!

Tickets to this day-long film celebration are complimentary, but reservations are required by calling (970) 400-6950. Keep in mind there is a limited amount of seating, and this event does fill up fast. 

Hope to see you at the movies!

To Age Well is to Live Well. Check out these upcoming Weld Aging Well workshops!

Healthier Living Diabetes Colorado

Become a better self-manager of your diabetes! Learn to apply the knowledge you already know, such as reading nutrition labels, healthy eating, preventing low blood sugar, developing an exercise program, problem-solving and setting achievable goals. The workshop meets once a week for six weeks.

FREE for people 60 and older, but registration is required by calling (970) 400-6117. This workshop will be held on Thursdays beginning 3/17/22 from 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Evans Recreation Center located at 1100 37th St, Evans, CO 80620. 

A Matter of Balance

Learn ways to reduce the fear of falling and break the fear of falling cycle by increasing activity levels. The program focuses on practical coping strategies. Various activities address physical, social, and cognitive factors affecting the fear of falling. The workshop meets once a week for eight weeks.

FREE for people 60 and older, but registration is required by calling (970) 400-6117. Classes begin Monday 4/4/22 from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at North Colorado Medical Center located at 1801 16th St, Greeley, CO 80631.

Healthier Living Colorado

Be proactive and learn tools to better self-manage your chronic condition(s) like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, COPD, pain, etc. Learn to apply the knowledge you already know, such as proper nutrition, developing an exercise program, problem-solving, relaxation techniques and setting achievable goals. The workshop meets once a week for six weeks.

FREE for people 60 and older, but registration is required by calling (970) 400-6117. Wednesdays beginning 4/27/22 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Windsor Recreation Center located at 250 11th St, Windsor, CO 80550. 

The Area Agency on Aging is pleased to announce the relaunch of the in-person Grandparents Raising Grandchildren monthly coffee group. 

You don’t have to do this alone; we are here to support you! According to AARP’s 2018 Grandparents Today Nation Survey, an estimated 1 in 10 grandparents have a grandchild living with them. This accounts for nearly 2.8 million grandparents in the United States who are the primary caregiver to their grandchildren.

If you are a grandparent new to the role of caregiver or a seasoned grandparent raising your grandchild, we welcome you to join us at our next coffee group, March 2, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. Come connect, relax and gather resources.

The monthly coffee group meets on the first Wednesday of each month at the First United Methodist Church, 917 10th Ave, Greeley, CO 80631, from 9:00–10:00 a.m. For more information, please contact Jillian Broce at (970) 400-6130 or jbroce@weldgov.com.

The Friendly Fork program currently serves meals at 22 locations throughout Weld County. Some of the locations serve one day a week, while others serve up to five days a week. 

The Friendly Fork has partnered with the University of Northern Colorado for over 40 years to prepare these tasty lunches. All the meals meet 1/3 of the daily recommended dietary allowance and include flavorful items such as lasagna, chicken and dumplings, hamburgers, various fruits and vegetables, as well as an assortment of fresh dinner rolls, muffins, and cookies. The Friendly Fork provides an opportunity to meet new friends while having lunch, and often an educational or chance for entertainment will be available before or after the meal.

Educational classes cover a range of topics, including nutrition, health, fraud, and tax assistance (to name a few). Lorrie Wellman, the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for the Friendly Fork, also provides Nutrition Education Presentations at all the meal sites quarterly and nutrition counseling free of charge to the participants. To find out Lorrie’s presentation schedule, please email lwellman@weldgov.com or call (970) 400-6118. A complete listing of the Friendly Fork meal sites and the days of service can be found at www.weldaaa.org under Senior Nutrition.

Meal reservations are required. Make your reservation by calling (970) 400-6955 or emailing friedlyfork@weldgov.com. Participants have the opportunity to contribute toward their meal; the suggested donation is $4.

Services are not denied to eligible participants (60+ years, spouse of a person 60+ years) who are unable to donate. For additional information, please contact Robin Hastings at rhastings@weldgov.com or (970) 400-6120.

We all know we should do these things to stay healthy but so many things can prevent us from acting on it.

When you participate in the Friendly Fork Senior Nutrition Program, we plan the meals and prepare them with nutritional needs in mind. No more trying to adjust a favorite recipe for one or two people or buying a full-size container of something to only use a teaspoon. Enjoy the company of others and participate in entertainment or educational opportunities while enjoying a nutritious meal. Plus, you don’t even have to do the dishes!  (Unless you want to, then talk to us about volunteering!).

Here are a few tips to eating healthy:

• It is important to eat food that gives you additional nutrients but isn’t full of extra calories. It is best to consume:
  • Fruits and vegetables that are vibrant in different colors
  • Whole grains such as oatmeal, whole-wheat bread, and brown rice  
  • Fat-free or low-fat milk and cheese
  • Seafood, lean meats, poultry, and eggs
  • Beans, nuts, and seeds
• It is recommended to avoid, or eat in moderation, foods that are empty calories or foods that have a lot of calories with very few nutrients such as: chips, candy, baked goods, soda, and alcohol.
• Pick foods that are low in cholesterol and fat. Avoid saturated fats and trans fats.  Saturated fats are usually fats that come from animals, while trans fats are processed fats that are solid at room temperature (margarine, vegetable shortening).
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water! Often, as people age, they lose their sense of thirst, so it is very easy to become dehydrated. 
• Continue to be physically active 

By: National Institute on Aging

Good News! Caring Companion Program is now serving western Weld County.

Are you, or someone you know, caring for an older loved one at home? Maybe you are a compassionate volunteer looking for a way to connect and give back to your community. Volunteers of America’s (VOA) Caring Companion Program now serves families in Johnstown, Milliken, and Windsor! Every caregiver deserves a break.

VOA supports family caregivers caring for older loved ones at home by connecting them with community volunteers we call Caring Companions. This program is a non-medical support service that provides respite for family caregivers and a social connection for their loved ones. Volunteers provide in-home weekly social visits for participants, while their caregivers get a weekly break to relax and take care of themselves. There is no fee for this service; however, donations are always welcome.

Interested in learning more, enrolling in the program, or becoming a volunteer. Please call or email Program Manager Diane Cohn at (970) 658-3188 dcohn@voacolorado.org.

The City of Greeley’s 2022 Food Tax Rebate program application process for low-income Greeley residents runs from February 1 - May 31, 2022. 

Applicants must have resided in Greeley for at least ten months in 2021 and be a resident at the time of application. Proof of residency is required. The maximum rebate is $65 per person. Qualified family members are legal dependents claimed on federal form 1040. Applicants must provide a Social Security number for each family member requested on their application.

Applications can be completed in person 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, at Greeley City Hall, 1000 10th Street or by phone at (970) 350-9748. The application and instructions are also available online in English and Spanish at greeleygov.com/finance. Bilingual assistance is also available.