Each May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads our nation’s celebration of Older Americans Month (OAM). ACL designed the 2017 OAM theme, Age Out Loud, to give aging a new voice—one that reflects what today’s older adults have to say.
This theme shines a light on many important trends. More than ever before, older Americans are working longer, trying new things and engaging in their communities. They’re taking charge, striving for wellness, focusing on independence, and advocating for themselves and others. What it means to age has changed, and OAM 2017 is a perfect opportunity to recognize and celebrate what getting older looks like today.
With this theme in mind, the Suffield Senior Center is pleased to provide the following programs:
Home Fit
Aging in place is a concept that allows people to remain in their homes as they age. Occupational Therapists are able to provide solutions and recommendations for modifications that can be beneficial in the aging process. AARP has partnered with Occupational Therapy professionals to provide a Home Fit Seminar, offering general recommendations and helpful hints. Join Andrea Cordis, COTA/L, from Bay Path University Occupational Therapy program on Wednesday, May 10 at 10:30 a.m.
Living Longer, Living Smarter
AARP presents on Thursday May 18: Thinking ahead…is your home and community a place where you could stay involved with people and places you love? Or would it hold you hostage if you couldn’t drive or get up and down the stairs. Can you afford those important extras out of your retirement savings? What extras should you plan for? Please call the Senior Center to register by May 15.
Car Fit
This is a national program put on by a partnership between AARP, AAA, and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). A “car fit” takes approximately 15-20 minutes and an Occupational Therapy professional will make recommendations on ways to “fit” your vehicle to you to improve safety and comfort while driving your vehicle. The OT may make recommendations for mirror adjustments to help eliminate blind spots or a cushion to improve comfort and visibility. Attend our Car Fit event on Wednesday, May 31 at 10:30 a.m. with Bay Path University Occupational Therapy students. Please call the Senior Center to register by May 26.
Veterans Coffee Hour
Beginning this month, we are starting a wonderful new program called the Veterans Coffee Hour. This is an opportunity for Veterans (spouses welcome) to get together, share, and enjoy conversation. Wayne Rioux, the Veteran Liaison from Hartford Healthcare at Home, will be hosting the coffee hour each month. Wayne is a veteran who will speak about the various benefits and services which are available to veterans. He is able to assist with and answer questions. The coffee hour will be held the fourth Friday of each month at 8:30 a.m., this month is May 26.
Movies
Last Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Mini Bus is available for transportation, providing there are five passengers. Free movie, popcorn and beverage.
Wednesday, May 13 6:30 p.m. Please register for the movie by calling the Senior Center by Tuesday, May 30. Sully – Tom Hanks plays “Sully” Sullenberger. Based on a true story of the pilot who landed a plane on a river. (Rated PG-13; 1 hr 36 min)
Mini Bus Special Trips
• May 2: Holyoke shopping
• May 4: Walmart
• May 5: Lunch at Longhorn’s in Enfield
• May 8: Bingo night Windsor Locks KofC
• May 12:Lunch at Chatterley’s in New Hartford
• May 16: IKEA
• May 18: Walmart
• May 22: Bingo night Windsor Locks KofC
• May 23: Evergreen Walk shopping
• May 26: Lunch at Parthenon in Agawam
For complete details on all of the Senior Center and Mini Bus programs, check out our May newsletter. You can sign up at www.ourseniorcenter.com to have it e-mailed directly to you each month, visit the Town’s web-site at www.suffieldct.gov, go to the Senior Center’s page, or stop by the Senior Center to pick up a copy.