Independent Seniors

Your Emotions Can Keep You Well!

noreply@blogger.com (Wyn Lydecker) — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 10:51:00 +0000

by Wyn Lydecker

Many of us believe that our emotions can make us weak. But did you know that you can use your emotions to give you power over stress, and in the process, improve your health? This surprising news was unveiled by former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy at a symposium in Philadelphia sponsored by Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics at the University of Pennsylvania. “This is what science tells us,” Dr. Murthy said in an interview with Patti Williams, a professor of marketing at the Wharton School.

Positive emotions enable us to perform better and makes us resilient. Chronic stress, on the other hand, is a form of pain that can harm us physically and lead to illness.

When felt over long periods, stress creates high levels of cortisol in the bloodstream, which can increase the risk of heart attacks, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and other illnesses. Murthy said that as a nation we need to work on reducing chronic stress so that we can raise the level of wellness.

He cited two practices that can help us reduce stress and become healthier:

1. Practicing gratitude: simply writing down three good things that happen each day can raise the feelings of happiness

2. Feeling socially connected: building social ties in your community.

Murthy noted that we all need to work on social connectedness because loneliness is becoming an epidemic in our country. Since the 1980s, the percentage of people who say they are lonely has doubled from 20 percent to 40 percent.

In fact, an article in the Washington Post said that the feeling of isolation has become a worse health hazard than smoking or obesity, putting lonely people at greater risk for illness. Psychologist Steve Cole and his colleagues at the UCLA School of Medicine, along with collaborators at the University of California at Davis and the University of Chicago, have been conducting research to learn why. They’ve discovered that social isolation changes our health at the cellular level, increasing the activity of genes responsible for inflammation, while dampening the activity of genes that produce antibodies to fight infection.

How to Get Out and Get Connected

We’re fortunate in Darien to have many organizations that provide easy and fun ways to meet people and socialize. A quick look at the At Home In Darien monthly newsletter shows dozens of group activities – from walking at Selleck’s Wood to lectures about World War II at the Mather Community Center. The Darien Community Association also offers interest groups and luncheons, as well as providing a home for the Darien Men’s Association with its own weekly lectures and other special interest activities. Houses of worship, nonprofits, and the local YMCA and YWCA provide countless ways to join a community, attend activities, do volunteer work, and get exercise in social settings.

The Darien Library hosts 1,400 programs each year including armchair yoga, free screenings of films, a short story discussion group, a Senior Moments monthly coffee and conversation group, lectures, and hands-on workshops. Mallory Arents, Director of Adult Programming said, “Over and over again we hear from our seniors that they’re looking for two different things when attending an event at the Library: 1. To massage their intellectual curiosity, and 2. To feel connected to the community.”

If you cannot drive, At Home In Darien can provide transportation to any local activity or event in our town car or accessible minivan. Volunteer drivers are also available after-hours.

Friendly Callers

For people who cannot go out, At Home In Darien offers other ways to be socially connected: Friendly Visitors, Friendly Shoppers, and a just-launched Friendly Caller program, in which volunteer callers are matched with seniors who would like to receive regular phone calls.

Peter Sosnow is one of those callers. He has worked in health care his whole life, and when he was a child, he went on home visits with his grandmother, who was a home health aide. “When I heard about At Home In Darien and this new program, I knew it was something I could do,” said Peter. “It’s rare today to have an uninterrupted conversation on the phone. Seniors have so much to offer. They give me a different perspective.”

Debbie Evans, another Friendly Caller, said, “It’s incredible. When I talk with the senior I’m paired with, I’m connected to another world. It works the same way for her. She has a very quiet life, and she says she enjoys hearing about my life and my family. The more you learn about someone, the more you can share.”

Debbie said it’s not hard to imagine what it would be like to be by yourself. And a phone call can make a very big difference for someone who has limited ability to get out. “It’s two-way. Both the volunteer and the senior benefit.”

To learn how you can get involved with the Friendly Caller Program or to find out about other community programs, call At Home In Darien at (203) 655-2227 or visit the website at: www.AtHomeInDarien.org.

This article first appeared in the "Out and About" newsletter. Wyn Lydecker was a founding board member of At Home In Darien. She is the co-author (with Ed "Skip" McLaughlin) of a book on entrepreneurship, “The Purpose Is Profit.”

More About At Home in Darien

noreply@blogger.com (Wyn Lydecker) — Mon, 30 Sep 2013 15:53:00 +0000

Aging in Place+Gallivant Renamed At Home in Darien

Here is the official word about Aging in Place+Gallivant changing to At Home in Darien.

Members of the Board of Directors, Maureen Tyrrell, Gina Blum, Erin Shea, Peter Eder, Bill Ball, Kaye Barker, Anne McGuire, Amy Squyres, Nancy Herling and Diana Kalman, display the new and previous logo designs.

To more clearly communicate its mission of helping Darien Seniors live independently, comfortably and with dignity in their own homes, Aging in Place+Gallivant (a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization) has renamed itself, At Home in Darien.

“Formed almost three years ago by the creation of Aging in Place in Darien and a subsequent merger with Gallivant (the senior transportation service established more than twenty years ago), At Home in Darien is a more reflective identifier of our purpose and programs,” notes Nancy Herling, Board President.

A new graphic identity is simultaneously being introduced, thanks to 341 Studios, a Darien marketing and design firm. Gretchen Bruno, Managing Partner notes, “Through simple, comprehensive graphics, At Home in Darien programs will be more quickly recognized and easily remembered.” A set of symbols depicts the array of services and the tag line “connecting seniors to community” has been incorporated into the design.

There are almost two hundred aging in place organizations around the U.S. who have similar missions. Darien has been in the forefront of this national initiative, focused on communities. Every Darien resident sixty and over is automatically a member of At Home in Darien. The organization also strives to assist families as they handle the needs of aging parents.

At Home in Darien offers flexible transportation alternatives through its long established car and van service. It maintains an expanding database of pre-screened, vetted services providers. Volunteers serve as friendly visitors, shoppers, drivers, and provide basic in-and-around the house assistance with chores.

By working with existing public and private institutions like Darien Human Services, the Darien Senior Activities Center, The Darien Community Association, the Darien Library, the Community Fund of Darien, and with regional, state, and national organizations, At Home in Darien provides access to, and enhances programs and services supporting seniors wanting to remain in their homes. “Our programs and services are communicated by our Out and About newsletter, which is mailed three times yearly to all Darien mailboxes and our monthly on-line bulletins”, comments Gina Blum, the Executive Director.

For more information, call At Home in Darien at 203.585.4094 or visit: www.athomeindarien.org

Aging in Place+Gallivant Changed Its Name to At Home in Darien

noreply@blogger.com (Wyn Lydecker) — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 16:01:00 +0000

Aging in Place+Gallivant has changed its name to At Home in Darien.

The organization's board (of which I'm a founding member) made the change to more clearly communicate the nonprofit's mission of "Helping Darien Seniors live independently, comfortably and with dignity in their own homes."

Along with the name change, At Home in Darien has updated its logo. 341 Studios did the design.

You can learn more at: www.athomeindarien.org.

Board Vice President Peter Eder, Executive Director Gina Blum, and Office Coordinator Sandi Kornblum display the previous and new logo designs.

Scam Alert - Latest Phone Scams

noreply@blogger.com (Wyn Lydecker) — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 13:57:00 +0000

I just got the following scam alert from my state senator, Bob Duff. I've received the phone message (a robocall) that Connecticut State Senator Duff cites in his alert. It sounds real, but it certainly designed to prey upon seniors.

Read more from Senator Duff...

Last week, I sent out a notice to the media about a call I received at my home regarding getting a free medical alert system. The person who left a message sounded very professional, calm and certain. It was nothing more than a scam. Turns out, many people from all over the country have received the same call - some multiple times. I received a lot of feedback, so I want to make sure you are aware too.

Click here http://senatedems.ct.gov/pr/duff-130719.php to find out more information and to listen to the message. (It's a "wav" file, which works best on Internet Explorer.)

Secondly, a senior called me because she received a live call about a "new" Medicare card. That's also a scam. Medicare will never call you. It's happening nationally and here's more info: http://roanoke.bbb.org/article/bbb-alert-medicare-card-replacement-scam-40782

Many times the calls come from out of state or another country, which makes prosecution difficult. Only by staying vigilant and passing along information to our loved will be outsmart these criminals.

Sincerely,

Bob

P.S. With these scammers, I've found that it's not a good idea to press numbers to be taken off their lists. It just alerts them that it is a "working" number. Hang up or use your call i.d. and don't even answer the phone.

Senator Bob Duff

Standing Up for You

(203) 840-1333

Staying Independent At Home

noreply@blogger.com (Wyn Lydecker) — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 12:34:00 +0000

Last week, health columnist Jane Brody wrote an excellent piece on successful aging in one's own home and community. 80 to 90% of American seniors want to remain in their homes. But they can't do it alone. It takes community support. Fortunately, organizations have sprung up all over the country that provide exactly this kind of support. Read the article, "Staying Independent in Old Age, With a Little Help."

Full disclosure: I am a founding member and a current board member of Aging in Place+Gallivant, an organization that provides precisely the kind of help Jane Brody writes about, but for older adults in Darien, Connecticut. We provide transportation, handyman services, referrals and information.

Banishing the Grinch from Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Wyn Lydecker) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 16:12:00 +0000

When I walked into my 87-year-old friend's kitchen, she didn't even say hello. Instead, she said, "I hate Christmas. Well, not when the kids were little. But now. I hate Christmas."

She motioned to the envelopes, cards, an address book and pen spread out on the table. But I knew the real reason. Last year, on Christmas Day, her only daughter had died. I can't imagine facing Christmas under such circumstances. So I looked her in the eye and said, "If I were in your shoes, I'd hate Christmas, too."

She nodded. Her eyes said it all.

Then, I started admiring the really clever Christmas cards she had chosen, which had been designed by a British artist. And we got into quite a discussion about artists, family histories and generator installations in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

Out of the blue she said, "Before you leave I have to show you the dog."

She explained that she had gone to all the CVS drugstores in our area trying to find more dogs just like the one she was going to show me. She wanted to have one for herself and give others to friends and family. She had managed to snag only three.

There on the kitchen counter sat a stuffed dog. She pushed the "Push Here" button on his paw. And the dog started singing a Christmas song, moving around and flapping his ears in time to the music.We both burst out laughing.

"Isn't he great?" she asked.

I left her house marveling at how the Grinch hadn't actually gotten away with stealing my neighbor's Christmas completely. She still had a lot of resilience and even Christmas spirit left. That's probably why she's lived so long.

Still, in this highly commercial world, I hope we can all keep the true spirit of Christmas and this multi-cultural Holiday Season alive. Joy, peace, hope, love. Let the light of what's ultimately good overcome the darkness.

Candlelight Concert at First Congregational Church - Free Rides from Gallivant

noreply@blogger.com (Wyn Lydecker) — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 15:12:00 +0000

Christmas Candlelight Concert at First Congregational Church

Get in the Christmas spirit at the beloved annual Candlelight Concert at The First Congregational Church of Darien on Sunday, December 9, at 7:00 p.m. The evening will feature performances by The Darien High School Tudor Singers under the direction of Chris Andrade, the church’s Senior Choir soloists, world-class pianist Max Pakhomov, and a carol sing-along. Dan Hague, First Congregational’s Music Director, has also promised “a few surprises.”

John Stuart, Chair of the church’s Music Committee, said, “This is a Christmas gift to our entire community. I find the concert very special, even magical. It’s an event that simply is not to be missed, and all are welcome.”

There is no charge for the concert, but the church will be collecting a free-will offering to benefit ElderHouse of Norwalk, CT, one of the worthy causes supported by the church’s Outreach efforts. ElderHouse Adult Day Center is committed to providing aging seniors with a safe, nurturing environment where they can share time with others while receiving the care they need. Learn more about Elderhouse at http://www.elderhouse.org.

For Darien seniors 60+ who would like a ride to and from this evening event, Aging in Place+Gallivant is offering free transportation using their volunteer Friendly Drivers. Just call Gina Blum, Executive Director, at 203-585-4094. Aging in Place+Gallivant is a nonprofit 501 (c) 3 organization whose mission is to help older adults in Darien to live independently, comfortably and with dignity in their own homes for as long as possible. It is generously supported by community members, including the First Congregational Church. Learn more at www.aginginplacegallivant.org.

The First Congregational Church of Darien, UCC, is located at 14 Brookside Road in Darien. For more information about the concert, please visit the church website at www.uccdarien.org or call the church office at 203-655-0491.

Dangers of Reverse Mortgages

noreply@blogger.com (Wyn Lydecker) — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 14:43:00 +0000

Yesterday, The New York Times ran a front-page article on the financial dangers of reverse mortgages. Unsuspecting seniors, lured by deceptive sales pitches or lack of full disclosures, who took out reverse mortgages are losing their homes. Defaults are running high. Reverse mortgages allow homeowners 62 and older to borrow money against the equity they have built up in their homes. They pay back the loan when they die or move.

Some people look at their homes as a bank, and they can use the money from a reverse mortgage for a vacation or to pay for school for grandchildren or for healthcare needs. These are practices fraught with peril for many seniors.

The article, "Abuse Growing in Loan Option for the Elderly," (print title) not only profiles people who have lost their homes, but also gives tips about things to look out for.

The fees may not be affordable.
You still have to pay property taxes, insurance and maintenance.
Make sure both spouses are on the deed. If your spouse and dies, and he or she is the only name on the deed, then you'll lose the house and have to move.
Read the details of the loan. There are no standards.

You can learn about more about reverse mortgages by reading the article on the NY Times website:

"A Risky Lifeline for the Elderly Is Costing Some Their Homes

Regulators are noting new abuses tied to reverse mortgages, which let people 62 and older borrow money against the value of their homes and not pay it back until they move out or die."

Time for Good Food

noreply@blogger.com (Wyn Lydecker) — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 15:03:00 +0000

I love summer. I love gardening. I love good food. Those three things naturally go together.

Most of us want to eat well. That means preparing fresh, seasonal foods that taste great. This summer, I have a bounty of cherry tomatoes and cucumbers in my garden. I also am growing dill, parsley and garlic. When I was invited to a beach picnic, I decided to create a Greek dip (tzatziki) by combining plain Chobani Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dill, parsley and garlic to serve with my freshly harvested vegetables.

The people at the beach picnic practically inhaled the appetizer. Who says eating healthy food is boring? Not only that, but a recipe like this is very easy to prepare.

Greek (Tzatziki) Dip
1 6 oz. package nonfat Greek yogurt
1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
1 Tbs. freshly chopped dill
1 Tbs. freshly chopped parsley
1 finely chopped garlic clove
pinch salt (to taste)

Wash all the herbs carefully, then dry and chop them.
Mix together all the ingredients and refrigerate for at least an hour to meld the flavors.
Stir before serving.

I also use this dip on my homemade chicken souvlaki, made with fresh herbs, which I serve with Greek salad and pita bread.

Connecticut Tax Free Week Coming Up

noreply@blogger.com (Wyn Lydecker) — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 11:30:00 +0000

I just received this notice from Terrie Wood, my state representative. It's good to keep in mind that you can buy clothes and shoes under $300 without paying sales tax for a week, starting August 19.

With the start of school just around the corner, I wanted to remind you to take advantage of the upcoming “Tax Free Week" which runs from Sunday, August 19 through Saturday, August 25.

The one-week event eliminates Connecticut’s 6.35 percent sales tax on all clothing and footwear costing less than $300 per item and runs from the third Sunday in August through the following Saturday.

Since sales tax is calculated after the use of any coupons or discounts, if the final price is less than $300, the sale is exempt from taxes. Clothing or footwear under $300 either rented or put on layaway is also tax-free.

Purchases totaling more than $300 will have sales tax calculated on the full cost.

Tax Free Week was first enacted in 2000, and applies to most clothing and footwear purchases that are intended for everyday use. Goods not covered under the program include items that are solely intended for use in sporting activities and accessories such as jewelry, watches, handbags, and wallets.

For more information, visit the Department of Revenue Services website at http://www.ct.gov/drs/.

Best Regards,

Terrie Wood

Aging in Place+Gallivant

noreply@blogger.com (Wyn Lydecker) — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 15:03:00 +0000

Aging in Place+Gallivant is being featured this month (August 2012) as the Client of the Month by 341 Studios. 341 did amazing work for AIP+G, helping us build local awareness of our relatively new nonprofit and its services. Aging in Place+Gallivant is the place to call for transportation and referrals to agencies and vetted services that can help Darien seniors remain in the homes they love as they age. (More information at: www.aginginplacegallivant.org.)

Take a look at 341's work: http://www.341studios.com/341-clients/client-stories/client-stories-home/aging-in-place.

3.4.1 Studios, LLC, is a marketing and design agency that applies a mix of creative and strategic intelligence to the design of high-quality traditional and digital marketing communications materials.

August Activities for Seniors in Darien

noreply@blogger.com (Wyn Lydecker) — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 18:57:00 +0000

The director of Aging in Place+Gallivant, Gina Blum, has just sent out her monthly e-newsletter listing all the activities that seniors living in our area might like to attend. I think it's a wonderful service that Gina performs for those who have signed up to be on the email list. If you'd like to be included on the mailing list, just contact her at: director@aginginplacegallivant.org

To see the list of activities, just go to the Aging in Place+Gallivant website's activities page:
http://www.aginginplacegallivant.org/local-activities/

NEED A RIDE to activities or to an appointment?

Call Aging in Place+Gallivant!
Aging in Place+Gallivant offers transportation services for Darien seniors and the disabled Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm within Darien, Stamford, Norwalk and New Canaan. They have 2 vehicles on the road at our busiest times – a 12 passenger, handicap accessible van, and a 4 passenger sedan. Call their dispatch number at 203-655-2227 to make a reservation (24 hour advance notice and a voluntary contribution are appreciated). For your convenience, this number is serviced 24 hours a day by our dispatcher, Drivers Unlimited, where you will speak to a person to make a reservation. For service to other locations, at times when Gallivant is not in service, or when you need a person to pick you up from a medical appointment, call the Aging in Place+Gallivant office for a Friendly Volunteer Driver at 203-585-4094.

Aging in Place+Gallivant is the place to call for information and referral to senior programs and services.

Their mission: Helping Darien seniors live independently, comfortably and with dignity in their own homes and the community as long as possible

Finally a Film for Older Adults!

noreply@blogger.com (Wyn Lydecker) — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 14:22:00 +0000

When I worked in advertising, the magic audience that consumer packaged goods companies wanted to reach was adults 18-49. In movies, the target audience tends to be young males, 18-24 (going on 10 to 16). But Fox Searchlight has done something enlightened and produced a movie for the over 50 set, "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel."

Even Fox Searchlight has been surprised at the response to this delightful film with top-notch British actors and actresses, including Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy and Tom Wilkinson. The film cost a mere $10 million to make. Yet, Marigold Hotel has become the top specialty movie of 2012, having already taken in over $90 million in global box office with only a limited release. Its popularity has encouraged Fox to release it more widely.

Last week, I saw the film at my local movie theater and thoroughly enjoyed it. Great cast, fun screenplay, good story, wonderful characters. I particularly enjoyed watching Maggie Smith play a very different sort of person, after seeing her as a wizard professor in the Harry Potter films and the head of a aristocratic family in the "Downton Abbey" TV series. I also loved Dev Patel's portrayal as the young, entrepreneurial hotel owner. (Patel was the star of "Slumdog Millionaire.")

I hope more Hollywood producers learn from Marigold Hotel's success that there are other audiences (i.e., older adults) out there who will pay to go to the movies. They just want a good movie to see, something with substance, not just non-stop action, explosions and noise.

The New York Times ran an excellent article ("Older Faces on Screen Draw an Often Overlooked Crowd") on May 24 about the film's surprising success. I encourage you to read more there and to go see the film. The more demand we create for good films for the older generations, the greater chance we'll have of Hollywood producing them.

Gallivant Expands Transportation to 5 Full Days a Week

noreply@blogger.com (Wyn Lydecker) — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:42:00 +0000

Have you heard of Aging in Place+Gallivant's transportation services for seniors in Darien, CT?

Most people who are familiar with the transportation service simply call it "the Gallivant". In April, Gallivant expanded its hours of operations to five days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., using two vehicles and three professional drivers. Gallivant has a 12-passenger handicap-accessible van with a wheelchair lift and a 4-passenger sedan.

The door-to-door service will take Darien seniors (and disabled people) anywhere they want to go in Darien, Stamford, New Canaan and Norwalk. While the service is free, many riders make a contribution of $5.00 per round trip to help cover some of the costs of the service. People use Gallivant to go to the hairdresser, to medical appointments, to the beach or the library, to the Senior Center or the DCA, or out to lunch with friends.

If you can't or don't want to drive somewhere, give the Gallivant sedan or van a try. Just call the dispatcher (available 24-7 and operated by Drivers Unlimited) at 203.655.2227. It helps if you can be ready to tell the dispatcher:

Who you are.
Where you a located.
The name and address where you want to go.
The time and date of your appointment and when you'd like to be picked up. (Medical appointments should be booked 48 hours in advance.)
What type of appointment it is.
Any other pertinent information.

(Full disclosure: I'm the chair of the Transportation Committee for Aging in Place+Gallivant.)

Aging in Place+Gallivant is a nonprofit charitable organization whose mission is to help Darien Seniors live independently, comfortably and with dignity in their own homes and in the community as long as possible. Learn more about the organization and its services at www.aginginplacegallivant.org.

The Elder Index

noreply@blogger.com (Wyn Lydecker) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:45:00 +0000

Can you afford to live in your home state as you get older? To find out, visit the Elder Index. This index lists the cost of living in 17 different states from Connecticut to California for older singles and couples. The study, in pdf format, for each state lists costs for people renting or with or without mortgages. It also cites healthcare costs.

The only downside to the information is that it is four years old. The most important aspect of this information is that it shows what percentage of each state's senior population is on the verge of poverty. As people live longer and more people enter their senior years, our nation will be facing some important challenges in ensuring our older adults do not slip into poverty. The time to build awareness and to start planning is now.

Learn About Darien's Aging in Place+Gallivant

noreply@blogger.com (Wyn Lydecker) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 12:14:00 +0000

Last week, "Community Matters", hosted by Jim Cameron on Darien TV 79 (Cablevision), ran an interview with leaders of Aging in Place+Gallivant. Community Matters is a local program that looks at the various organizations which make Darien, CT, a better place to live.

Mr. Cameron spoke with AIP+G Executive Director Gina Blum, Board President Dorothy Baker, and former Board President Kaye Barker. They explained how AIP+G's mission is to help Darien seniors live independently, comfortably and with dignity in their own home as long as possible. The organization provides referrals to vetted nonprofit agencies and private service providers, as well as direct services including: transportation, small tasks, shopping and friendly visitors. They are also offering outings and events in conjunction with other community and area organizations, such as the public library, senior center, and Darien Community Association. (Full disclosure, I'm a member of the board and chair of the transportation committee.)

Learn more at www.aginginplace+gallivant.org or call Gina at 203.585.4094.

To arrange a ride on our Gallivant van or in our sedan, call the Gallivant dispatcher at Drivers Unlimited: 203.655.2227.

And watch the interview:

Aging in Place+Gallivant Interview from Wyn Lydecker on Vimeo.

Pickleball To Start at Darien Senior Center

noreply@blogger.com (Wyn Lydecker) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 20:33:00 +0000

If you live in Darien and want to try Pickleball, come on down to the Darien Senior Center on Edgerton Street.
Pickleball will begin Tuesday March 6, 2012, at 9:30 am. The cost will be $3 per session. Mark your calendars.

Pickleball is easy on the joints, is lots of fun and is great exercise.

Award Winning Senior Transportation

noreply@blogger.com (Wyn Lydecker) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:27:00 +0000

One of the keys to independent living for seniors is access to transportation. This morning I read some really great stories about organizations all over the country that are providing superior senior transportation. These organizations were all winners the STAR Awards from the Beverly Foundation. I found the write-ups to be truly inspirational: So many volunteers and professionals driving so many miles to help seniors (or "elders") get to medical appointments or go shopping for groceries.

You can read the stories for yourself: http://beverlyfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/STAR-Awards-2011-Report-FINAL.pdf

If you are part of an organization that provides senior transportation, then maybe you'll want to apply for a STAR award. As chair of the Aging in Place+Gallivant transportation committee, I'm thinking that we should do so, but maybe next year.

Here's a copy of the Beverly Foundation's brief release about their awards:

Beverly Foundation Senior Transportation STAR Awards—Application Opens January 15
The Beverly Foundation will be awarding $10,000 to up to 18 senior transportation services and programs through the 2012 STAR Awards. To be eligible for a STAR Award, applicants must: deliver transportation services to senior passengers; be in operation for at least three years; know how to report transportation data (e.g., driven miles, cost per ride, number of senior passengers); demonstrate an ability to identify good practices in delivering transportation services to senior passengers; and submit a complete application. Application instructions, past STAR Award reports, and a news release are now online. The STAR Awards application may be accessed through the Beverly Foundation website starting January 15 and will close on January 29.

Try Pickleball!

noreply@blogger.com (Wyn Lydecker) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:39:00 +0000

Yesterday, I tried playing Pickleball for the second time in my life. The first time was outside on Cape Cod while visiting relatives. Yesterday was in the Darien Town Hall gym. A friend (Ruth Anne Ramsey, who is a local realtor) arranged for a demonstration Town Hall in an effort to get our Parks and Recreation Department to sponsor Pickleball.

Ruth Anne says Pickleball is great for all ages, kids through seniors, and I agree. Our coach for the day was 80 years old. She made sure to get people out of the audience to come out on the court and try their hand at playing. Ruth Anne also told me that the Darien Schools have introduced Pickleball into their physical education program.

If you haven't tried Pickleball, it's a great way to get out and get exercise without putting as much strain on your joints as you do in tennis or paddle tennis. Take a look at the YouTube videos (see below) and the Pickleball website for more information. Then, get something going in your town.

Watch for announcements about Pickleball in Darien, CT.

Vote on Senior Center Shuffle Referendum Next Week

noreply@blogger.com (Wyn Lydecker) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:18:00 +0000

Should you vote for or against the Shuffle in the December 13
referendum? Do you agree with the public officials and the “Vote Yes
Darien” Political Action Committee who say the “Shuffle” is the best way to serve our seniors, use public space and spend our taxes? Or do you believe the grassroots “Stop the Shuffle” PAC that says the Shuffle
is ill-conceived, complicated and expensive?

Either way, you, as a taxpayer and voter, should understand the points both sides are making prior to voting. To that end, I would like to share some of what I’ve
been able to learn and point you to where you can learn more for yourself.

First, circle back to December 2006, when the Senior Center Task Force
issued a report which found that the people who frequented the decaying
Senior Activities Center at Edgerton Street wanted the building to be
renovated, rather than replaced. The renovations, estimated at $5
million, would have made the center, housed in an old elementary school
built in 1954, compliant with accessibility codes and replaced windows,
bathrooms, and the HVAC system.

Nevertheless, the Selectmen voted unanimously to build a new Senior
Center at the same site rather than renovate. Their decision was based
on the belief that a new building would cost less than renovations and
would stand a better chance of lasting well into the future. Plans were
drawn up, but the final price tag came in at $6 million, rather than
the $4.5 million anticipated, and seniors and taxpayers started to
balk.

In reviewing letters to the editor of The Darien Times, it seems that
the public was asking the Selectmen to examine several alternate ideas.
Since the town had recently purchased the old library at 35 Leroy
Avenue for $4.2 million, the Senior Center board proposed moving the
Senior Center there. (When I asked some public officials why that never
happen, I was told it was because the old library didn’t work
programmatically, lacked a gym and would have needed too much
renovation, including a new roof, new HVAC and the addition of a
kitchen.)

Other ideas which were studied included combining the Senior Center and
the Darien Community Association, for a cost of $5 million. More
seniors were using the DCA than the Senior Center, and the programs
could have been easily meshed. But this concept didn’t gain traction
either.

While proposals for a new Senior Center languished, the Selectmen
pressed on with plans to turn the old library building into affordable
housing. But just as that project was coming to fruition, an election
shifted the balance of power on the Board of Selectmen from Democrats
to the Republicans. The new First Selectman, Dave Campbell, and other
newly elected Republican Selectmen, Jayme Stevenson and Jerry Nielsen,
quickly put a stop to the affordable housing plans and introduced their
own proposal for using town property, which they dubbed “The Shuffle.”

The Shuffle, which involves a three-phase move of municipal offices and
activities space, would cost the town’s taxpayers $6.98 million. The
Board of Selectmen, the Board of Finance and the RTM have all approved
it. Detailed information about the costs, architectural plans and
bonding is available at the Town of Darien website:
http://www.darienct.gov/.

The Shuffle calls for relocating the Board of Education from its
offices at the Town Hall annex to newly constructed offices inside the
old library. Because the old library has 20,000 s.f., and the Board of
Education currently uses only 15,000 s.f., they can easily fit in.
However, renovations to the old library will be have to be
comprehensive, including a new roof and HVAC, plus the building-out of
offices, meeting rooms and storage space to accommodate the school
board’s needs.

After the Board of Education has moved out of Town Hall, their former
office space, plus shop space that is currently being used by the
Department of Public Works (23,000 s.f. in all), will be gutted to make
room for the new two-story Mather Community Center. Because seniors
told the architects that they loved the natural light at their current
center, new windows will be cut into the brick walls of the annex. A
new kitchen, multi-purpose room with a stage, lounges, exercise and
health-related facilities, craft and shop rooms, and accessible
bathrooms with showers will be built. When complete, senior activities
will be shifted to the new community center, which will also provide
programming and space for other age groups, including families, after 3
pm.

The current Senior Center will then be demolished, although that cost
is not included in the Shuffle price tag. The Selectmen championing the
Shuffle say that affordable senior housing will be constructed at the
Senior Center site by a nonprofit organization at no cost to the town.

Supporters of the Shuffle say the time has come for our seniors to
finally have the new, modern senior center they deserve, an
accomplishment that has been a long time coming. They warn that
stopping the plans will just send us all back to more years of debating
the best uses of town spaces, while our seniors remain in an old,
inappropriate, dilapidated building. They also point out moving
municipal offices will be a more efficient use of town-owned property,
eliminate an 18,000 s.f. obsolete building and lower operating costs.
But most of all, the new Mather Community Center will serve all Darien
residents. You can learn more at Vote Yes Darien:
www.voteyesdarien.com.

Opponents of the Shuffle, on the other hand, maintain that the plan is
inefficient, moving offices that do not need to be moved and wasting
taxpayer dollars. They point out that the Board of Education never
requested a move from Town Hall, nor do they have any programmatic
needs for new offices which are physically separated from the rest of
town government. Opponents also believe our seniors should have their
own dedicated facility, rather than sharing a 23,000 s.f. community
center.

Members of the Stop-the-Shuffle PAC list on their site many other solutions to the need for a new Senior Center, which would be much more cost effective: http://stoptheshuffle.com/otheroptions/. (Note: This is an edit from my original post.) Among the options are: construction of a new, smaller Senior Center at the current Edgerton site. With 2,300 residents 65+ (2010 census) in Darien, a smaller
dedicated senior center would make more sense. They point out that
while Westport has almost twice as many seniors as Darien (4,200), the
Westport Senior Center is only 12,000 s.f..

Shuffle opponents also list as options using the old library as the site of the new senior center or selling the old library building and land for an estimated $3 – 4 million to generate revenue for the town
and to help cover the cost of a new Senior Center. If the latter came to pass, they expect that
the property would be used to build condominiums, enabling Darien
seniors to remain in town when downsizing. You can learn more about
their points at Stop the Shuffle: stoptheshuffle.com/.

A referendum truly brings democracy back to its roots. It gives you a
direct say over a major municipal project and the spending of your
property tax dollars. If 3,113 people vote "No" and are the majority, the Shuffle will be overturned. If a majority votes in favor of the Shuffle, those votes will carry the day. I hope you’ll learn as much as you can about the issues and vote on December 13, 2011.

Aging in Place+Gallivant Annual Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Wyn Lydecker) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:23:00 +0000

We will hold our first annual meeting for Aging in Place+Gallivant on Monday, December 12, 2011, at 3:30 pm at the Darien Senior Center. The Senior Center is at 30 Edgerton Street.

Please come and learn more about how the our new organization meets the needs of seniors in Darien.

The guest speaker will be Christina Crain, MSW, the Director of Programs at the Southwestern CT Area Agency on Aging. Chris will speak on: The Aging of CT; How will we meet the needs of today and tomorrow’s elders?

Enjoy holiday refreshments and meet others who care about helping local seniors stay in their homes as long as they would like.

Pleases RSVP by Friday, December 9th, by calling 203-585-4094 or emailing director@aginginplacegallivant.org

www.aginginplacegallivant.org.

Maintain Your Brain Luncheon

noreply@blogger.com (Wyn Lydecker) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 12:03:00 +0000

Next week, on Thursday, November 17, Aging in Place+Gallivant will host its annual free luncheon in conjunctions with the Darien Community Association.

Dr. Danilo de la Pena will speak on "Sustain a Healthy Brain." Dr. de la Pena is Executive Director of the Research Center for Clinical Studies in Norwalk, CT.

Today, November 10, is the last day to RSVP by calling 203-585-4094 or emailing AIP+G: director@aginginplacegallivant.org.

The lunch will run from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm. The DCA is located at 274 Middlesex Rd., Darien, CT.

Ending Isolation By Forming a Group

noreply@blogger.com (Wyn Lydecker) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:44:00 +0000

Have you heard of the Caring Cooperatives? These are groups of women who live alone and have no family nearby and are banding together to help one another with doctor visits, errands and other necessities. The movement was started in New York City in 2008 by a group of professional women near retirement who had been part of a national nonprofit called The Transition Network. The New York Times ran an article on Friday, September 16, about the Caring Collaborative: "Coming Together to Make Aging a Little Easier". It is well worth reading.

I've heard of other cooperatives like this, where retired people help each other with medical appointments and hospital stays. Members even act as medical advocates for each other. I have a friend in California who has had training in how to do this and has accompanied a neighbor to the hospital, making sure she was not neglected and that she understood the directions doctors and nurses were giving her. My friend also brought her neighbor home.

The church I belong to (The First Congregational Church of Darien) started a Caring Committee many years ago that provided rides to medical appointments, home-cooked meals, friendly visits and cookies and flowers at holidays. They brought my mother a plate of Christmas cookies when she was in a nursing home. That always made me feel so good. A few years ago, the committee expanded to include chore services and is now called Church Friends. It's not just for helping older people, though. When I young mom had an operation, members provided meals and rides for her kids to their activities.

I'm on the board of new nonprofit in Darien, Connecticut, called Aging in Place+Gallivant ("AIP+G"). We provide a single place to call to learn about the services that already exist in the community to help you stay in your home as you get older. We also provide transportation and some handyman services. We are currently discussing how we can use volunteers to do more, such as friendly visits and friendly shopping.

The point is, people are making a difference in helping one another. You or your loved-ones do not have to be alone. Find out what is available where you live.

How To Help Caregivers

noreply@blogger.com (Wyn Lydecker) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:53:00 +0000

One of the women who comes to our church's monthly lunches (First Congregational Church of Darien, UCC) for older members is a caregiver. She can only get out to a few lunches when her husband is receiving a medical treatment. It does her so much good to be with other ladies, enjoying the lively conversations. (We are determined to solve the problems of the world and discuss them quite seriously!)

But I've wondered what else we could be doing for this truly lovely lady and what resources exist online that could help. In my searches I discovered that the Mayo Clinic has some basic advice on how to help caregivers. Take a look.

I've also learned that our Darien Senior Center runs support groups for caregivers. What a great local resource.

If you want a new site that lets you play games and interact with other caregivers online, check out The Caregiver Village. (Full disclosure - they contacted me to recommend themselves. Since I like entrepreneurship, I'm posting the link.)

Being a caregiver can be tiring, lonely and frustrating. You do not have to do it alone! Seek and find the support that is out there.

Please post your own resources to share with others. Thanks!

Should You Take the (P.S.A.) Prostate Test?

noreply@blogger.com (Wyn Lydecker) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:50:00 +0000

Two articles from last week's New York Times starkly raise the question of whether it makes sense for healthy men to undergo prostate cancer screening. The United States Preventive Services Task Force has scientific evidence that the tests do more harm than good, but the entrenched practices of the medical establishment and some patient groups are fighting the pronouncement. Separately, an article in the Science Times simply reinforced for me the evidence of potential harm from over testing (see link below). The best way to understand the controversy is to read the articles yourself and do some critical thinking:

U.S. Panel Says No to Prostate Screening for Healthy Men

By GARDINER HARRIS

Published: October 6, 2011

Giving healthy men P.S.A. blood tests for prostate cancer does not save lives and often leads to treatment that can cause needless pain and side effects, a government panel said.

Panel’s Advice on Prostate Test Sets Up Battle

By GARDINER HARRIS

Published: October 7, 2011

A finding that a blood test to screen for prostate cancer does not save lives, but results in needless medical procedures, is being contested.

Health

Screening: Increased Risks After Prostate Biopsy

By NICHOLAS BAKALAR

Published: October 3, 2011

A prostate biopsy more than doubles the risk of being hospitalized for infections and other problems within the following month, a new study says.

Reading these articles about the studies on prostate cancer screening and the backlash they are causing really makes me question how science, medical technology, fear and greed all interact. It sure looks like the P.S.A. test is at best worthless for saving lives, and at worst, that it does more harm than good. The tests lead to far too many further tests that will not save your life, and in fact, can worsen its quality.

Yet, good people, doctors, insurance companies and policy makers all seem to be unwilling to try to understand the value of how statistical evidence can better guide our decisions. Even the articles show how quickly we turn to the small, individual stories that are easier for us to relate to, the anecdotes of lives being saved -- or of tests being avoided.

But what none of these articles show are anecdotes from the people who had the further tests and treatments and had their lives wrecked as a result. If you're reading this and can provide such anecdotes, I will make sure they are posted because I believe we need to get a better handle on what the choices are. And we need to have some better ways to imagine the consequences of not following the scientific evidence which the United States Preventive Services Task Force has published.