While it is still nice out, why not take some time and explore one of our county parks. From an article in a recent newsletter from the Portage Park District: “Parks and trails support mental and physical health. Spending time in nature helps to reduce anxiety, stress, depression and symptoms of ADHD.”
I am writing this in the middle of October, and so far it has been a decent autumn … but this is Ohio, and as we all know, it could snow tomorrow!
I recently was referred to a “back doctor” because I was having a lot of discomfort in my hip when...
I recently read a newspaper article about the current senior citizens census numbers in our country. And of course, I cannot find that article now to share with you, but I did go to the Regional Planning site on my computer to locate our place in Portage County. Well, we have done it! There are more of us over the age of 65 (18.3% of our population), than there are children under the age of 18 years (17.9%).
In a recent column I “complained” that there were not enough services available for Portage County seniors. I have to eat my words now because there is financial assistance available to individuals 60 years or older with a yearly income of about $42,000.
You know fall is coming when you start getting emails and phone calls from insurance companies wanting you to switch to their “great” Medicare programs.
I recently had the opportunity to speak with a local group of Public Employee Retirees who had invited me to speak on “Aging in Portage County Today.” They also invited my husband, Allen, to come and share information about the Medical Guardian Program, which he coordinates for the Auxiliary of University Hospitals Portage Medical Center in Ravenna.
The Federal Administration for Community Living has designated May as Older American Month. They have made this designation “to encourage our neighbors across the nation to prioritize meaningful relations, connecting older Americans with local services such as transportation, and to encourage older adults to engage in community events, social clubs and to volunteer.”
Following my column last month, I received a phone call from Chris Craycroft, executive director of Portage County Parks. She reminded me that our county parks system does offer a few hiking excursions which are geared for our senior neighbors. Twice a month, they offer “Senior Hikes” at local parks that are ADA accessible. These are slower-paced walks appropriate for all ages, plus a park staff member always accompanies the group.
I am back!! I am taking this opportunity, which The Portager has given me, to continue to bring news about and for older Americans in Portage County. I spent more than 15 years writing a Senior Life column for the Record-Courier, focusing on the existence and needs of older Americans in our neighborhood.
After last month’s column, I received some questions about Medicare and Supplemental Insurance Programs.
April is National Volunteer Month. I do not know when this designation began, but I did read that Benjamin Franklin initiated the first volunteer fire department in Philadelphia. I remember that John F. Kennedy asked us to “ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”