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!
But, because we could also continue to have some decent weather into November, why not plan on taking one of the Portage County Parks Senior Walks. Get outside and enjoy the colors and fresh air before we are stuck in our homes for the winter.
The Portage Parks has scheduled a Senior Walk at noon on Nov. 16 at Towner’s Woods in Ravenna. On Nov. 30, the hike is scheduled for Berlin Lake Trail, located at 232 Kirkbride Road in North Benton, also at noon.
Well, what are you going to do this winter? We all know that it is not good for our bodies to just sit down and hibernate. That is too easy to do. (I know.)
Did you know that our area movie theaters have special prices for senior citizens? The Kent Cinema at University Plaza offers senior citizens $6 admission all day Thursdays, and $5.25 all day on Mondays.
In Ravenna, senior citizens pay only $5 all day Tuesdays, and $6 at all matinees throughout the week.
Another choice for a winter activity would be to attend activities at one of the area Senior Centers. Both Aurora, 330-995-914, and Ravenna (Portage County Senior Center), 330-297-3456, have active centers.
In Streetsboro, activities vary from cards on Monday afternoons, to Bingo on Tuesday. On another day, you will find the group playing pickle ball! Exercise classes and small group bus trips are also offered throughout the month. To get a complete schedule, call 330-626-2398.
Whatever you decide to do this winter, be sure to get out of your house or apartment every week and go do something. Remember that PARTA will pick you up at your home, and will take you most anywhere in our county for a small fee.
Also, keep in mind that Portage County has an Adult Protective Services Department (330-296-2273). If you and a family member begin to “get on each other’s nerves” and a situation develops where physical abuse could occur, make a call to this number, so they can help you.
The state law requiring each Ohio county to provide for Adult Protective Services includes concerns for neglect by a caretaker, self-neglect, exploitation, emotional abuse, physical abuse and sexual abuse.
Portage County Adult Protective Services are mandated by state law to intervene in situations involving “intentional abuse, neglect or exploitation of a vulnerable adult which can be inflicted by a caretaker (as in a rehabilitation center), or any person in the adult’s life, 60 years or older.
Unfortunately in our society, most of this abuse is inflicted by family members.
Though family members are usually well-intentioned when they take an elderly family member into their home, things can happen to cause stress and inappropriate behavior. Some of these things could be money problems, divorce, unemployment, sense of duty, and a desire to be free from the commitment.
Whatever is causing the problem, remember that the staff at Portage County Adult Protective Services can help. But someone has to call: 330-296-2273 (open 24 hours).
Contact Sally Kelly with your senior news at 330-687-9501 or [email protected].
