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Active for Your Life, Your Way, Your Time over 50
A PUBLICATION FOR
MASON COUNTY
BOOMER and SENIOR R E S I D E N T S
Modern Active Social Opportunity Network
March 2018 Volume 5 Issue 3
If a community is lucky enough to have a Senior Center, then
that community is Lucky, indeed!
PAGE 2
ACTIVE FOR LIFE MARCH 2018
MASON COUNTY • MICHIGAN
How to Improve Your Long Term Memory Here are some powerful ways: Exercise Your Body - Research has found a clear connection that ex-
ercise not only keeps the body fit and strong, but reduces the chances of developing dementia. That's because it improves the function of your cardiovascular system - it keeps the heart pumping fresh oxygen to the brain. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels (essential for diabetics coping with memory loss) which affect the size of the hippocampus, part of the brain which is critical to mem-ory.
Exercise Your Brain - Another study has found that seniors who do crosswords, puzzles, read, write and play card games delayed the onset of dementia. It's recommended you do this kind of mental ex-ercise twice a day in order to help prevent your mental powers from stagnating.
Sleep Well - Ever noticed how babies sleep far more than adults? That's because their brains are rapidly developing, allowing their neuronal connections to be remodeled during sleep. So if you are sleep deprived, you are also depriving your brain from essential re-modeling work and memory consolidation.
Avoid Stress - When you are stressed, the brain releases a chemical called cortisol which adversely affects your memory and other brain functions. So if you are frequently stressed out you will find it tough to recall long term memories - you'll have that feeling that your mind has gone blank - even when the answer should be obvious. Cortisol also diverts glucose in the blood to muscles (away from the brain) depriving your hippocampus of oxygen.
Eat Well - Sometimes memory loss can be attributed to a nutritional deficiency in the diet. Experts recommend eating more nutrient-rich foods or specific vitamin supplements to improve memory. This pro-vides the brain with all the nutrients it needs to function properly, including the way it forges and retrieves memories.
Concentrate More - Don't allow your brain to rot away by letting infor-mation and opportunities wash over you. Take an interest in the task at hand and give it your full attention. If you aren't mentally challenged in life, find new ways to stimulate your brain by taking up a hobby or learning a new skill. It's essential that you actively en-gage your brain in challenging tasks every day.
Use Mnemonics - A mnemonic device is a clever way of engaging the brain and improve your long term memory at the same time. It works by evoking vivid and unusual mental imagery and emotions, thereby giving dry data meaning.
Replay New Memories - If you are trying to learn something, review all your data several times at different intervals to cement it in your long term memory. For example, spend a few minutes reviewing your data about 10 minutes after the initial lesson. This will keep it fresh for about 24 hours. So review again the next day. Then again after one week. And finally review again after one month. By this time it will take little effort to recall the information from your long term memory.
Inside this issue
Am I a caregiver? 3 Senior Lunch Menu 4
Natural Home Remedies 5
Senior Center Stats 6
New Medicare Cards 7
Spotting Elder Abuse and Self-Neglect
7
Scottville Senior Center 8-11
Advertisers (Supporters) 12, 13, 24
Senior Fraud Forum Mar 22 14
Ludington Senior Center 14-17
Tallman Senior Center 18
Free Soil Senior Center 19
Medigap Legacy Plan Increase 20
Local Information Page 21
Get off the Couch? 22
Brain Games 23
PAGE 3 SERVING THE BOOMERS AND SENIORS OF MASON COUNTY
MASON COUNTY • MICHIGAN
Am I a by Regina Salmi Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan
Being a caregiver is one of the most difficult roles to fulfill, yet with the population of people age 60+ con-tinuing to grow, it is a role that 1 in 3 people find themselves taking on. Some of us are thrust into caregiving due to an illness or an accident. Often times though, we discover that the caregiving role has crept in and slowly taken over our lives.
?
It might start out simple – taking a loved one to the grocery store on occasion. Then occasionally turns
into every Wednesday at 3:00pm along with doctors’
appointments several times a month. On these trips you notice difficulties with
money or paperwork, so you double-check their bills, discover they are overpaying, and now you’re a shopper, bill payer, and health advocate. Sarah Sobel, Caregiver Resource Coordinator at Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan observes, "When I talk with caregivers, often times I go through some daily living tasks and I ask them about how much assistance they are providing to their loved one with these activities.
Many caregivers don’t realize how much they are providing assistance on a daily basis until it is re-flected back to them." We discover we've become a caregiver and didn't even know it.
What starts out as lending a hand gradually grows into another job. The National Alliance for Caregiving estimates that caregivers spend at least 20-hours per week caring for a loved one. Yet, many people in this position still don’t consider themselves caregivers, especially if their loved one continues to reside in their own home. We regard these tasks as the duties or responsibilities that a spouse, a child, a parent or even a friend undertakes for a person they love, so we juggle the caregiver role with other parts of our lives, like our family and social life.
Getting connected to resources early can also help us assess the growing needs of the person we're caring for and, if necessary, get connected to professional caregiving services.
If you're interested in understanding more about caregiving and the resources available, con-tact Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan at (888) 456-5664 or email [email protected].
You can also visit the Caregiver Resource Network
website at www.caregiverresource.net to learn more about available re-sources.
Simple Baked Chicken Breasts Easy, quick, moist. and tasty.
4 skinless boneless
Rub olive oil on both sides
Sprinkle on both sides to taste:
Sea Salt
Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning
(Match amount to your tolerance for spicy.)
(available at Wal-Mart)
Bake uncovered in
400° oven for
20-25 minutes or
until done. Use a
meat thermometer to
confirm.
Thank you, Karen
Usoff, for this recipe!
WHEN PENGUINS RETIRE
PAGE 4
ACTIVE FOR LIFE MARCH 2018
Kitchen – 757-4831
Meal Sites
Scottville 757-4705
Ludington 845-6841
Tallman 757-3306
PLEASE CALL MEAL SITES FOR LUNCH RESERVATION
BY 9:00 AM.
Third Friday each month
Ludington Center
March 16
Last Thursday each month Scottville & Tallman
Centers
$1 Lunch Days
MASON COUNTY SENIOR MEALS 300 BROADWAY AVE. • SCOTTVILLE, MI 49454 • 231.757.5721
PRICES
Age 60 and up: $3
Under age 60: $ 5
Note: Menu’s are
subject to change.
• FPUR •
=
Fish Patty
Upon Request
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*Sloppy Joes *Potato Salad Pineapple *Bun *1 % milk
*Meatless Lasagna *Brussels Sprouts Grapes *Bread *1% Milk
*Kielbasa *Sauerkraut *Applesauce
Bun
*1% milk
*Roast beef *Mashed Potato *Apple slices *Whole wheat bread *1% milk
*Chicken Stir Fry Stir Fry Veggies Sliced Peaches *Rice *1% milk
*Homemade Meatloaf *Mashed Potato *Apricots * Dinner roll *1 % milk
*Breaded Fish *Hash brown casserole * Peaches * Muffin *1% milk
*Stuffed Baked
*Ham, Cheese,
Broccoli
*Pears
*Sliced Bread
*1% milk
Taco Tuesday *Tacos *Mexican Rice *Refried Beans *Coleslaw *Sliced Oranges * 1 % milk
*Chicken Breast/ Alfredo Sauce *Broccoli Fruit Mix * Fettuccine Noodle *1% milk
*Pork Chops *Red Skins Melon Wedges *1 % milk
*Irish Stew *Green Peas Green Apple *Potato roll *1% Milk Wear green and get a cookie •FPUR•
*Stuffed Green Peppers Sliced Apples *Dinner roll *1% milk
* Goulash * Corn California Blend *Apples *1% milk
*Breaded chicken *Red skin potatoes Diced Pears *Dinner roll *1% milk
Community Champions
Delivering Meals
“Pizza Day Thursday” Fresh Salad Bar Pineapple *1% milk
*Lemon Pepper Fish *Scalloped Potatoes Peaches *Sliced bread *1% milk
Pulled Pork *Coleslaw * Baked beans *Melon Wedges *Bun *1% milk
*Liver & Onions *German Potato Salad Applesauce *Rye Bread *1 % milk
*Spaghetti w/ meat sauce *Green Beans *Pineapple *Garlic toast *1% milk
*Chicken, Rice & Broccoli Casserole *Carrots *Pineapple *1% milk
*Tuna Casserole *Peas *Diced Pears *1 % milk
In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a com-plaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudica-tion, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hear-ing impaired or have speech dis-abilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339: or (800) 845 6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal op-portunity provider and employer.
MARCH is
“March for Meals Awareness Month” On March 21st, We will participate in “COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS”
Community members delivering meals to our homebound.
PAGE 5 SERVING THE BOOMERS AND SENIORS OF MASON COUNTY
MASON COUNTY • MICHIGAN
Natural Home Remedies That Work
by Pamela Bond, Prevention magazine
Quell nausea Try frozen ginger chips. First, infuse fresh ginger in hot water. Strain, then freeze, the concoction in ice cube trays. Crush the cubes and suck the icy chips throughout the day to provide your tummy with a steady sooth-ing dribble. Ginger's antinausea properties are particularly effective during pregnancy or after surgery.
Stifle hiccups Swallow 1 to 2 teaspoons of sugar. The dry granules stimulate and reset the irritated nerve that is causing the spasms of the diaphragm. Any coarse substance, such as salt, can work in a pinch, but sugar tastes best.
Soothe a sore throat Gargle twice daily with a solution of six pressed garlic cloves mixed into a glass of warm (not hot) water. Fol-low the regimen for 3 days. Research shows that fresh garlic juice has antimicrobial properties that fight pain-causing bacteria. The warm liquid soothes inflamed tissue.
Curb a cough Indulge in a square or two of dark chocolate. Researchers found that chocolate's theobromine compound is more effective than codeine at suppressing persistent coughs without the side effects of drowsiness and con-stipation.
Quiet flatulence Take two enteric-coated peppermint capsules (500 mg each) three times daily. Peppermint kills bacteria that cause bloating and relaxes gastrointestinal muscles for smoother, spasm-free digestion. The enteric coating prevents capsules from opening in the stomach and increasing discomfort by causing heartburn and indiges-tion. The peppermint releases and goes to work lower in the gastrointestinal tract, where gas-plagued people need it most.
Stop foot odor Soak feet nightly in 1 part vinegar and 2 parts water to eliminate odoriferous bacteria. Or take a daily foot bath in strong black tea (let it cool first) for 30 minutes. Tea's tannins kill bacteria and close the pores in your feet, keeping feet dry longer; bacteria tend to thrive in moist environments. You'll see results in a few days to a week. One caution: Do the soak only when your feet are free of cuts.
Cut a cold short
Sip a faux hot toddy. Cut a vitamin C–rich lemon in half and squeeze the juice from one half into a cup. Stud-
ies show that vitamin C taken before the onset of a cold shortens its duration and severity. Drop the lemon
half shell into the cup. Add boiling water and a teaspoon of organic raw honey, an immunity booster that also
coats painful throat tissues. Breathe in the healing vapor to open sinuses, and sip a cupful two or three times
daily to fight the bug. (To make a traditional hot toddy, add a half shot of brandy.)
Beat insomnia Before bedtime, eat a handful of cherries (or drink tart cherry juice), which scientists discovered are jam-packed with melatonin, the same hormone created by your body to regulate sleep patterns. Then steep your-self in a hot bath to relax your muscles and your mind. In bed, rest your head on a lavender-filled pillow—the fragrance induces sleepiness.
PAGE 6
ACTIVE FOR LIFE MARCH 2018
MASON COUNTY • MICHIGAN
Two Senior Guy at Dinner
An elderly couple has dinner at another couple's house, and after eating, the wives leave the table and go into the kitchen. The two gentlemen are talking, and one says, “Last night we went out to a new restaurant and it was really great. I would recommend it very highly.”
The other man asks, “What is the name of the restaurant?”
The first man thinks and thinks and finally asks, “What is the name of that flower you give to someone you love? You know... The one that's red and has thorns.”
“Do you mean a rose?”
“Yes, that's the one,” replied the man. He then turns towards the kitchen and yells, “Rose, what's the name of that restaurant we went to last night?”
CROSSWORD SOLUTION
The number of Senior Centers
Most people say they would prefer to die at home, yet only about one-half of adults 60 and older have an advance directive expressing their wishes for end-of-life care. SENIOR CENTERS offer help to complete this important aspect of aging with dig-nity, in addition to many other awesome services.
in Mason County
www.agingwithdignity.org; www.aarp.org/the-united-states-of-aging survey-2012; www.cdc.gov;
MEAL PROGRAMS FOR 60+ ADULTS IN MASON COUNTY
MEALS ON WHEELS is a program providing home delivered meals, which insures healthy meals. This enables seniors to remain in their own homes as long as possible.
CONGREGATE MEALS is a program providing healthy meals
at Senior Centers, with the added benefit of socialization - a key ingredient of aging well.
THE MAJORITY of activities, resources, assistance and services at SENIOR CENTERS have no cost.
Do you have questions? We have them or will find them !
MORE THAN
of Mason County residents are 60 years and older.
%
One third of Seniors exercise or engage
in physical activity daily. AREA SENIOR CENTERS offer exercise options to
encourage and promote a healthy
lifestyle for aging well.
www.census.gov/quickfacts
Visit a local Senior Center
PAGE 7 SERVING THE BOOMERS AND SENIORS OF MASON COUNTY
MASON COUNTY • MICHIGAN
Spotting Elder Abuse: Tips for Long-Distance Caregivers
From a distance, it can be hard to assess the quality of your family member’s caregivers. Ideally, if there is a primary caregiver on the scene, he or she can
keep tabs on how things are going. Perhaps you have already identified friends or neighbors who can stop in unannounced to be your eyes and ears. Sometimes, a geriatric care manager can help. You can stay in touch with your family member by phone and take note of any comments or mood changes that might indicate neglect or mis-treatment. These can happen in any setting, at any socioeconomic level. Abuse can take many forms, including domestic violence, emotional abuse, finan-cial abuse, theft, and neglect. Sometimes the abuser is a hired caregiver, but he or she can also be someone familiar. Stress can take a toll when adult children are caring for ag-ing parents, or when an older person is caring for an aging spouse or sibling. In some families, abuse continues a long-standing family pattern. In others, the older adult’s need for constant care can cause a caregiver to lash out verbally or physically. In some cases, especially in the middle to late stages of Alzheimer’s disease, the older adult may become
NEW MEDICARE CARDS ARE COMING
Medicare will mail new Medicare cards beginning April 2018 with the entire proc-ess of getting a new card to all Medicare recipients expected to take possibly 12 months. Your new card will have a new random 11 digit identifier (letters and numbers) that’s unique to you, instead of your Social Security Number. The pur-pose of the new system is to thwart fraud, abuse and identity theft - common and rampant problems in the Medicare program.
Things to know about your new Medicare card
Your new card will automatically come to you. You don’t need to do anything.
Your Medicare coverage and benefits will stay the same.
Your new card is free – there’s no charge for it.
Watch out for scams
Medicare will NEVER ask you to give us personal or private information to get your new Medicare Number and card. Scam artists may try to get personal information (like your current Medicare Number) by contacting you about your new
card. If someone asks you for your information, for money, or threatens to
cancel your health benefits if you don’t share your personal information, hang up and call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
See examples of the current and new Medicare cards
difficult to manage and physically aggressive, causing harm to the caregiver. This might cause a caregiver to respond angrily. But no matter who is the abuser or what is the cause, abuse and ne-glect are never acceptable responses. If you feel that your family member is in physical danger, con-tact the authorities right away. If you suspect abuse, but do not feel there is an immediate risk, talk to someone who can act on your behalf: your parent’s doctor, for instance, or your contact at a home health agency. Suspected abuse must be reported to adult protective services.
Spotting Signs of Self-Neglect 2 Self-neglect describes situations in which older peo-ple put themselves at high risk. People who neglect themselves may have a disorder that impairs their judgment or memory. They may have a chronic dis-ease. Knowing where to draw the line between a person’s right to independence and self-neglect can be hard. Here are some signs that may mean it’s time to intervene, although they can be hard to recognize during a short visit: Hoarding, Failure to take essential medications or refusal to seek treatment for serious illness, Leaving a burning stove unattended, Poor hygiene, Dehydra-tion, Confusion.
PAGE 8
ACTIVE FOR LIFE MARCH 2018
SCOTTVILLE AREA SENIOR CENTER 140 S. MAIN ST. • SCOTTVILLE, MI 49454 • 231-757-4705
A lot of people ask how Medigap insurance works. Medigap is supplemental (extra) health insurance that you buy from a private company to pay health care costs not covered by Original Medi-care such as co-payments, deductibles, and health care if you travel outside the U.S. Medigap policies don't cover long-term care, dental care, vision care, hearing aids, eyeglasses, and pri-vate-duty nursing. Most plans do not cover prescription drugs. Medigap plan types with the same letter provide the exact same basic benefits, no matter which company you buy from. Plans with different letters provide different benefits.
Q. I want to enroll in a Medigap plan, but I don’t know which is the best plan for the money. A. Plan A is very inexpensive and covers all Medicare part A hospital expenses after a deductible of $1288 is met. If you have to be readmitted to the hospital within 60 days your copay has already been met from your first admittance. Considering the cost of hospitalization this is a very minor amount.
Q. How does Medicare Part B work with Plan A? A. Plan B does not pay until you have met $166.00 deductible. After that all or most expenses are covered.
Q. What would you suggest as a good alternative that pays for foreign travel? A. Plan F is not too much more expensive than Plan A and it pays all deductibles and pays 80% of foreign hospital costs.
If you would like to compare all plans there is a chart on page 101 of your Medicare and You Book. You should know that all Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans are regulated by Medi-care. So every company has same coverage, no matter how much you pay for a policy. All plans A or whatever are the same. If you need help with this or anything else to do with Medicare/Medicaid call or come into the Scottville Senior Center for an appointment with me.
Q. What about Medicare Parts C and D? A. Medicare Part C, or “Medicare Advantage,” is Medicare cov-erage offered by a private insurance company. You can sign up
for Medicare Advantage instead of Original Medicare Parts A and B and a Medigap policy. All Advantage plans offer Part A and B benefits, but many have additional coverage. Advantage plans can be PPOs, HMOs, PFFS, SNP, HMP-POS or MSA and they operate much like the health insurance coverage you may have had in the past from an employer. Medicare Part D refers to Prescription Drug Plan
Do you need help making health care benefit decisions?
Sharon Bailey is a certified MMAP Counselor, is able to help.
Call Sharon 757-4052 to make an appointment.
ASK SHARON
2 classes –Same day – 2 different times.
Yes! You can do it. . .
No experience needed:
You will be shown step-by-step
how to create the painting.
ALL materials are provided.
Cost: $20 Canvas size 12" x 18"
Cost: $25 Canvas size 16" x 20"
Must pay with registration.
Tues. • March 13th
2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
PAINTING PARTY
Springtime
in
Mason
County
Alternative and Integrative Medicine
This class will be a guide to more Natural Health Care
Join Luanne Parks, DNP will present a lecture series on being Healthy and Wise
regarding your health.
March Topic: Herbs & Muscle Testing
Health, Vitality and Disease Please register when at center or call 757-4705.
THURSDAYS 1:00 pm
Begins: March 22nd
Stroke survivors, their family and caregivers need help adjusting to the changes in their lives. Con-necting with other survivors and caregivers to share experiences,
information and advice can be very beneficial.
JOIN US - 3RD Thursdays at 2:00 pm
PAGE 9 SERVING THE BOOMERS AND SENIORS OF MASON COUNTY
SCOTTVILLE AREA SENIOR CENTER 140 S. MAIN ST. • SCOTTVILLE, MI 49454 • 231-757-4705
CALL FOR TRIP BROCHURE OR CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE
scottvilleareaseniorcenter.com
Washington D.C. Trip - Our Nation’s Capitol
May 17-22, 2018 • $599 per person, double occupancy Motorcoach Transportation • 6 Days, 5 Nights
Six day Motorcoach adventure featuring The Brand New ‘Museum of the Bible Capitol Hill Two guided tours of D.C. The Smithsonian & MLK National Memorial Korean and Vietnam Veterans Memorials Iwo Jima Memorial, National Cathedral Evening Guided Memorial & Monuments Tour Tomb of the Unknowns, Arlington National Cemetery Mt. Vernon Estate and Garden and
more! $75.00 Deposit Final pay 3-10
Lancaster, PA Show Trip & Dutch Country July 30—August 4, 2018 • $579 each, double occupancy
Motorcoach Transportation • 6 Days, 5 Nights This entertainment filled trip includes: a show at the American Music Theatre Luncheon cruise aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia Guided tour of Lancaster and Amish Country The Amish Experience attraction Kitchen Kettle Village Hershey Chocolate World Visit to Rockvale Square Outlets Guided Tour & Free time in Historic Philadelphia NEW Sight and Sound Theatre production “Jesus” and more! $75.00 deposit
The Ark Encounter & Creation Museum Trip September 10-14, 2018 • $559 each, double occupancy
Motorcoach Transportation • 5 Days, 4 Nights
Bigger than imagination, the actual-sized Noah’s Ark Experience will amaze you. (510 feet long, 85 feet wide and 51 feet high.) This trip includes admission to: The Ark Encounter The Creation Museum National Underground Railroad Freedom Center The Newport Aquarium Dinner party with entertainment
$75.00 deposit
• SAVE THE DATE • Why Take the
AARP Smart Driver
Course?
Because driving has changed since you first got
your license, plus it might save you money!
AARP Driver Safety Program Wednesday and Thursday, May 9-10
12:30 to 4:30 pm each day Lunch 11:45 am to 12:45 pm
(Lunch provided for attendees - must sign up!)
$15 / AARP members
$20 / non-AARP members
Some insurance companies
offer reduced rates for taking
this class. Ask your agent if
this perk is available to you.
PAGE 10
ACTIVE FOR LIFE MARCH 2018
Speaker Series Informational presentations designed to
inform and empower Boomers and Seniors. Topics will vary from month to month.
SECOND Thursdays
SCOTTVILLE AREA SENIOR CENTER 140 S. MAIN ST. • SCOTTVILLE, MI 49454 • 231-757-4705
MARCH 8th - Five Wishes Learn about Five Wishes, America’s most popular living will because it’s written
in everyday language and helps people express their wishes in areas that matter most . Documents will be pro-
vided. By Heather Volkama, Hospice of Michigan
APRIL 12th - Failure to Plan is Planning to Fail Please join us for an informative presentation on common
mistakes experienced when handling estate and long-term care planning. Presented by Todd Balkema from
Jordon Balkema Elder Law Center.
A Matter of Balance A Matter of Balance is a series of 8 classes designed
to reduce the fear of falling and in-crease activity levels among older
adults. Participants learn to set realis-tic goals to increase activity, change
their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and learn simple exercises to increase strength and balance. A workbook is provided and refreshments are served. Space is limited to 12 people.
Creative Crafts Spring Mesh Wreaths
March 28th at 1 p.m.
March 1st through March 26th
Thursdays & Mondays
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
NEW DAYS AND TIMES
Interested in healing your body?? The key is your emotional health. Where: Scottville Area Senior Center Presenter: Kathleen Monroe Date: March 29th 2018 Time: 2 & 6 pm
Join us for a fun Make N Take Class 3 recipes for Essential Oil Blends will be available to make and take: I am Fabulous, I Love Myself, &Soothe the Soul
$7 per roller bottle to cover costs Sign up at Scottville Senior Center or call 757-4705 to reserve your spot!
Class on doTERRA Essential Oils and Emotional Health- A Great Combination!
Irish Potluck March 23rd at 4:30 p.m.
Bring a dish to pass
(Irish or otherwise)
Meat, Beverages and
table service provided
Irish music & sing-along
Decorate your home for spring
with an adorable mesh wreath.
All materials provided.
A variety of colors available.
$8 per wreath.
FRIDAYS 10:00 a.m.
Scottville Beekeepers of Mason County
Third Thursdays each month March 15 • 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Questions? Contact Lenny
or call 773-320-8828.
Check our website for full details: www.scottvillebeekeepers.org
Indoor Walking Class Getting Ready for Spring and Walk-with-Ease
You already know some of the amazing benefits of walking: It's good for your heart, great for your bones and burns calories, but right now the weather outside can be frightful.
Let’s get moving - inside - it’ll be delightful!
Mondays 9:00 & Wednesdays 9:30 am
PAGE 11 SERVING THE BOOMERS AND SENIORS OF MASON COUNTY
Y
SCOTTVILLE AREA SENIOR CENTER 140 S. MAIN ST. • SCOTTVILLE, MI 49454 • 231-757-4705
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
Wii Bowling 10:00
Stretch & Bal 10:30
Lunch 11:45 Matter/Balance 1:00 Pool League 1:00
(Scottville)
2
Wii Bowling 8:30 Bingo 10:00
Lunch 11:45 Open Pool 12-4:00 Set Back 1:00 Country Dance 2:00
3
Bee
School
2018
10-4
4 Pinochle 1:30
5
IndoorWalk 9:00 Wii 10:00
Quilting 10:00
Lunch 11:45
Matter / Balance 1:00 Quilt Guild
6:30
6
Ladies Coffee 9:30
Sit & Be Fit 10:30
Lunch 11:45
Mah Jong 12:30
Euchre 1:00
Scrabble opt. 1:00 Marek Group 3:00 Cards Group 4:30
7
Painting 9:00
IndoorWalk 9:30
Ladies Pool 10:00
Lunch 11:45
Cribbage 12:15
Pinochle 1:00
8 Wii Bowling 10:00
Stretch & Bal 10:30
Lunch 11:45 Matter/Balance 1:00 Get the Facts 2:00
Book Club 1:00
9
Wii Bowling 8:30 Bingo 10:00
Blood Press √ 11:00 Lunch 11:45 Open Pool 12-4:00 Set Back 1:00
Country Dance 2:00
10
11
Daylight
Saving
Spring
forward
12
IndoorWalk 9:00 Wii 10:00
Quilting 10:00
Lunch 11:45
Matter / Balance 1:00
13
Sit & Be Fit 10:30
Lunch 11:45
Mah Jong 12:30
Euchre 1:00
Scrabble opt. 1:00
Cards Group 4:30
14
Painting 9:00
IndoorWalk 9:30
Ladies Pool 10:00
Lunch 11:45
Cribbage 12:15
Pinochle 1:00
15
Wii Bowling 10:00
Stretch & Bal 10:30
Lunch 11:45 Matter/Balance 1:00 Council ON Aging1:00
Pool League 1:00
(Tallman) Stroke Support 2:00 Beekeepers 6:30
16
Wii Bowling 8:30 Bingo 10:00
Lunch 11:45 Open Pool 12-4:00 Set Back 1:00 Country Dance 2:00
17
St. Patrick’s
Day
18 Pinochle 1:30
19
IndoorWalk 9:00 Wii 10:00
Quilting 10:00
Lunch 11:45
Matter /
Balance 1:00
20 Spring Begins
Sit & Be Fit 10:30
Blood Press √11:00 Lunch 11:45
Mah Jong 12:30
Euchre 1:00
Scrabble opt. 1:00
Marek Group 3:00
Cards Group 4:30
21
Painting 9:00
IndoorWalk 9:30
Ladies Pool 10:00
Lunch 11:45
Cribbage 12:15
Pinochle 1:00
22
Wii Bowling 10:00
Stretch & Bal 10:30
Lunch $1 11:45 Matter/Balance 1:00 Alternative
Medicine 1:00
23
Wii Bowling 8:30 Bingo 10:00
Lunch 11:45 Open Pool 12-4:00 Set Back 1:00
Country Dance 2:00 Irish Potluck 4:30
24
25 26
IndoorWalk 9:00 Wii 10:00
Quilting 10:00
Lunch 11:45
Matter / Balance 1:00
27
Sit & Be Fit 10:30
Lunch 11:45
Mah Jong 12:30 Euchre 1:00
Marek Group 3:00
Cards Group 4:30
28
Painting 9:00
IndoorWalk 9:30
Ladies Pool 10:00
Lunch 11:45
Cribbage 12:15
Pinochle 1:00 Creative Crafts 1:00
29
Wii Bowling 10:00
Stretch & Bal 10:30
Lunch $1 11:45 Pool League 1:00
(Ludington)
DoTerra Oils Make & Take 2:00 6:00
30
CLOSED
31 -Exercises -Weekly -Monthly
-Series -Special
Event
Hours: Mon - fri 8 am to 4:30 pm
Paint Party 2:30 Paint Party 5:30 (Spring Orchard)
PAGE 14
ACTIVE FOR LIFE MARCH 2018
LUDINGTON AREA SENIOR CENTER 308 S. ROWE STREET• LUDINGTON, MI 49431• 231.845.6841
Maritimes Coastal Wonders Featuring the Cabot Trail
September 26– October 6, 2018
Highlights: Halifax, Peggy’s Cove, Cape Breton Island,
Cabot Trail, Prince Edward Island, Anne of Green Gables
Museum, Choice on Tour, Hopewell Rocks, Fundy Trail,
Lunenburg.
Travel 2018/19 With the Ludington Senior Center and Collette
Spectacular South Africa Culture & Nature in Harmony
April 4-16, 2019
Highlights: Johannesburg, Soweto. Panoramic Route, Kruger Na-
tional Park, Safari Game Drive, Garden Route, Knysna, Featherbed
Nature Reserve, Ostrich Farm Visit, Winery Lunch & Tasting, Choice
on Tour, Cape Town, Table Mountain
NEW
Final
Sign-up
Date
March 19
2018
SENIOR FRAUD FORUM
THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018
2PM
LUDINGTON AREA SENIOR CENTER
LEARN ABOUT:
Top financial Scams Targeting Seniors
Identify some of the potential red flags
Steps to take to alleviate the situation
Current local scams
Learn how to report an active scam
How to avoid identity theft
PANEL OF EXPERTS:
AREA AGENCY ON AGING
EDWARD JONES
MASON COUNTY SHERIFF
MASON COUNTY PROBATE JUDGE
For more information , Please contact the Ludington Area Senior Center
231-845-6841
FREE
PAGE 15 SERVING THE BOOMERS AND SENIORS OF MASON COUNTY
LUDINGTON AREA SENIOR CENTER 308 S. ROWE STREET• LUDINGTON, MI 49431• 231.845.6841
Zumba Gold/Toning Resumes! Class resumes on Thursday, March 8th, 2018 at 10:15 am.
All class scheduled time remains the same.
Mondays, 5:15 pm. Tuesdays 10:15 am & 5:15
pm. Thursdays, 10:15 am & 5:15 pm. Regina is
looking forward to seeing everyone!
Painting Class The Hopping March Bunny!
9” X 17” Wood Date: Friday, March 16th 2018
Time: 2 pm - 4:30 pm
Place: Ludington Senior Center
Call: 231.845.6841 to register!
Cost: $15.00
The Ludington Area Senior Center appreciates donations to keep our many programs running!
Instructor Julie Tews
FUN
PAGE!
Country Dancing
Tuesdays @ 2:00 PM
Instructor: Ed Thompson
Boot Scooters
Thursdays @ 7:30 PM
Walking Club! If you are interested in joining the Ludington Area
Senior Center Walking Club; please call 231.845.6841
to register.
Walking is a low stressed, safe form of exercise and can
be done both indoors and out.
Join the Ludington Area
Senior Center Walking Club
Every Wednesday @ noon!
Stretch & Balance Activity
The Ludington Area Senior Center has received a
small grant for weights, balls, bands & scarves to
use for our Stretch & Balance activity. Join us;
Wednesdays @ 11am.
Sitting and standing opportunities available.
Class geared towards individuals experiencing
balance issues.
Cribbage – Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays @ 9: 30am
Duplicate Bridge – Tuesdays 12:30 and Thursdays @1: 00 pm
Mahjongg - Mondays & Fridays @ 10:30 am.
Pinochle - Saturday @ 1: 00 pm.
Bingo – January 6th, 13th and 27th, 1:00 pm.
Euchre & Pinochle - Thursday at 1:00 pm.
Our Library space will be relocating to make room for our newest venture. This
newest undertaking will allow anyone who walk through our doors the opportunity
to appreciate local talent. The current library space will be designated to local
artisans, crafters & artists. It will become a art/craft lover paradise. We are very
excited about this new venture and looking forward for your feedback and support!
MOVING!
Sewing, Crafts, Knitting & More!
Thursdays 9:30 am — 12:30 pm
Open to quilters, crafters, knitters and those who crochet of all ages and skill levels.
Take in a project; if you don’t have a project and want to learn to sew, quilt, knit or crochet; we will
be happy to teach you.
Join us for crafts, stay for the coffee!
Join the fun! Mahjong, title based game developed in China.
Mondays & Fridays 10:30 am
SELF EXPRESSION
PAGE 16
ACTIVE FOR LIFE MARCH 2018
“Healthy Me”
Diabetes Support Group
Day: Wednesdays
Date: March 14th and 28th Time:
2:00pm.
Ludington Area Senior Center
231-845-6841
We would love to see you there!
Topics range from: Medical prescriptions and over the
counter vitamins, exercise, eating right and includes
tasteful recipes, medical issues; neuropathy, heart
disease, depression, weight issues and much more!
E lder Law Paralegal Power of Attorney & Trusts March 19th , 2018 By appointment.
LUDINGTON AREA SENIOR CENTER 308 S. ROWE STREET• LUDINGTON, MI 49431• 231.845.6841
LUDINGTON AREA SENIOR CENTER 308 S. ROWE STREET• LUDINGTON, MI 49431• 231.845.6841
Staff Directory
Vickie Collins/Director
Rayma Burgett/Program Coordinator
Cyndi Scott/Receptionist/Exercise Inst.
Rondi Torrey/Custodian/Diabetes Edu.
Eight (8) week class series; focusing on
reduced fear of falling and increased activity levels
for older adults.
Learn how to change your environment to
reduce falling risks and participate in simple
exercises to increase your strength and balance.
Please call 231.845.6841 to enroll! Classes starts Mon. February 26th @ 1:00 pm
Tuesdays at 5pm
For more information call 1-800-651-6000
Volunteer Spotlight - Sharon Morford
Sharon Morford is our dedicated Bingo Volunteer
Caller who started volunteering at the Ludington Area
Senior Center eleven years ago. She stopped in to be-
come a member of the bingo program, but learned there
wasn’t one in place. She immediately offered to become
the bingo caller if a program could get started. A few
weeks later, she was given the green light.
Sharon’s love for games was developed through her
desire to bring people together while making them
happy. The bingo game became a favorite due to
Sharon Mom’s love for the game. Her mother often
refers to the bingo game, as a "hoot."
Sharon’s life has been enriched with new friends since
she decided to volunteer. She has witnessed strong
friendships develop due to the bingo program. The
member’s strong friendships and love has manifested
for each other. Although friendship is paramount to
Sharon, her greatest reward for volunteering, is giving
back to her community, fulfilling a lifelong goal of
hers. There is about 28 core players; nevertheless, the
program is open to anyone who wishes to join. Summer
time finds the bingo program blooming at it’s best,
creating an even more festive atmosphere. During
Sharon’s eleven years, she has seen some players that
have passed away. She noted reflectively, they will
forever be missed.
Sharon is involved in four-five different church
activities as well, and is the volunteer editor of the
Hackert Lake Association Newsletter.
In her spare time, she likes doing
arts/crafts, hand sewing, reading,
and fishing.
Sharon's philosophy; "Always be
kind. It doesn't hurt to smile. Enjoy
the moment, and be kind while
doing it."
The Ludington Area Senior Center appreciates donations to keep our many programs running!
All Brands of hearing aids, cleaned and checked for FREE!
FREE hearing screening! Beltone Hearing Center will provide
FREE services for your convenience, at the Ludington Area
Senor Center. March 8th, 2018 @ 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
(Sign up sheet available at The Ludington Area Senior Center)
PAGE 17 SERVING THE BOOMERS AND SENIORS OF MASON COUNTY
LUDINGTON AREA SENIOR CENTER 308 S. ROWE STREET• LUDINGTON, MI 49431• 231.845.6841
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
9 Foot care
9:30 Sewing/Crafts
10 Ladies Billiards
N Meals
1 Euchre/Pinochle
1 Dup Bridge
2-3 Tech Help
7:30 Boot Scooters
2
9 Cribbage
9:30 Yoga
10 Men’s Billiards
10:30 Mahjongg
N Meals
1 Cards/Games
1 Bingo
3
Pinochle
1pm
4
Billiards
Open play
Monday
Thru
Friday
1-4pm
5
9 Cribbage
9:30 Yoga
10 Men’s Billiards
10:30 Mahjongg
N Meals
1 Cards/games
1 MOB Class
6
10 Ladies Billiard
N Meals
12:15 Dup Bridge 2 Country Dancing
5 Weight Watchers
7 9 Cribbage
9:30 Yoga
10 Men’s Billiards 11 Stretch /Balance
N Meals
1 Tai Chi
6 :30 Tai Chi
8
9 Foot care
9:30 Sewing/Crafts
10 Ladies Billiards
10:15 Zumba Gold
N Meals
1 Euchre/Pinochle
1 Dup Bridge
2-3 Tech Help
5:15 Zumba Gold
7:30 Boot Scooter
9
9 Cribbage
9:30 Yoga
10 Men’s Billiards
10:30 Mahjongg
N Meals
1 Cards/Games
1 Bingo
10
Pinochle
1pm
11
Billiards
Open play
Monday
Thru
Friday
1-4pm
12 9 Cribbage
9:30 Yoga
10 Men’s Billiards
10:30 Mahjongg
N Meals
1 Cards/games
1 MOB Class
5:15 Zumba Gold
13
10 Ladies Billiard
10:15 Zumba Toning
N Meals
12:15 Dup Bridge
2 Country Dancing
5 Weight Watchers 5:15 Zumba Toning
14
9 Cribbage
9:30 Yoga
10 Men’s Billiards 11 Stretch /Balance
N Meals
1 Tai Chi 2 Healthy Me/
Diabetes Support
6:30 Tai Chi
7 Coin Club
15 9:30 Sewing/Crafts
10 Ladies Billiards
10:15 Zumba Gold
N Meals
1 Dup Bridge
1 Garden Club
1 Euchre/Pinochle
2-3 Tech Help
5:15 Zumba Gold
7:30 Boot Scooters
16
9 Cribbage
9:30 Yoga
10 Men’s Billiards
10:30 Mahjongg
1 Cards/Games
2 Painting Class
17
Pinochle
1pm
18 Paralegal March 19
9-11:30 Call
231.845.6841
For
appointment
19
9 Cribbage
9 Paralegal
9:30 Yoga
10 Men’s Billiards
10:30 Mahjongg
N Meals
1 Cards/games
1 MOB Class
1:30 Low Vision
5:15 Zumba Gold
20 10 Ladies Billiard
10:15 Zumba Toning
N Meals
12:15 Dup Bridge
2 Country Dancing
5 Weight Watchers 5:15 Zumba Toning
21 9 Cribbage
9:30 Yoga
10 Men’s Billiards 11 Stretch /Balance
N Meals
1 Tai Chi
6 :30Tai Chi
22
9:30 Sewing/Crafts
10 Ladies Billiards
10:15 Zumba Gold
N Meals
1 Dup Bridge
1 Euchre/Pinochle
2 SENIOR
FRAUD FORUM
2-3 Tech Help
5:15 Zumba Gold
7:30 Boot Scooters
23
9 Cribbage
9:30 Yoga
10 Men’s Billiards
10:30 Mahjongg
N Meals
1 Cards/Games
1 Bingo
24
Pinochle
1pm
25
Billiards
Open play
Monday
Thru
Friday
1-4pm
26
9 Cribbage
9:30 Yoga
10 Men’s Billiards
10:30 Mahjongg
N Meals
1 Cards/games
1 MOB Class
5:15 Zumba Gold
27
10 Ladies Billiard
10:15 Zumba Toning
N Meals
12:15 Dup Bridge
2 Country Dancing
5 Weight Watchers
5:15 Zumba Toning
28
9 Cribbage
9:30 Yoga
10 Men’s Billiards 11 Stretch/Balance
N Meals
1 Tai Chi 2 Healthy Me/
Diabetes Support
6:30 Tai Chi
22
9:30 Sewing/Crafts
10 Ladies Billiards
10:15 Zumba Gold
N Meals
1 Dup Bridge
1 Euchre/Pinochle
2-3 Tech Help
5:15 Zumba Gold
7:30 Boot Scooters
30
Closed
31
PAGE 18
ACTIVE FOR LIFE MARCH 2018
HOURS MON thru FRI 9:00 TO 3:00
DIRECTOR Sandy Varnes
TALLMAN SENIOR CENTER 6765 E. MARSHALL ROAD • FOUNTAIN, MI 49410 • 231.757.3306
LUNCH Mon - Fri • Noon
Please call by 9am
each day to sign up
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 Bingo 10:00 Lunch 12:00 B.P. Check 1:00
2 Cribbage 10:00 Open Pool 10-12:00 Lunch 12 :00 Express Yourself 1:00 Sit ’n be Fit 2:30
3
5 Hot Cocoa 9:30 Table Games 10:00 Lunch 12:00 Sit ’n be Fit 2:30 Crotchet Help
6 Bingo 10:00 Lunch 12:00 Wii Bowling 1:30
7 Ladies and Men's Coffee 10:00 Auxiliary Mtg 10:00 Lunch 12:00 Beg Yoga 11:00 Sit ’n be Fit 2:30
8 Bingo 10:00 Lunch 12:00
9 Cribbage 10:00 Open Pool 10-12:00 Lunch 12 :00 Express Yourself 1:00 Sit ’n be Fit 2:30
10 NOON
Potluck Chili provided Bring a dish to pass and own
table service.
12 Hot Cocoa 9:30 Table Games 10:00 Lunch 12:00 Sit ’n be Fit 2:30
13 Bingo 10:00 Lunch 12:00 Wii Bowling 1:30
14 Board Mtg 10:00 Lunch 12:00 Beg Yoga 11:00 Guitar Lessons 1:00 Sit ’n be Fit 2:30
15 Bingo 10:00 Lunch 12:00 COA 1:00
(Ludington)
16 Cribbage 10:00 Open Pool 10-12:00 Lunch 12 :00 Express Yourself 1:00 Sit ’n be Fit 2:30
17
19 Hot Cocoa 9:30 Table Games 10:00 Lunch 12:00 Sit ’n be Fit 2:30
20 Bingo 10:00 Lunch 12:00 Food Art 1:00 Wii Bowling 1:30
21 Lunch 12:00 Crafts 10:00 Beg Yoga 11:00 Sit ’n be Fit 2:30
22 Bingo 10:00 Lunch 12:00 B.P. Check 1:00
23 Cribbage 10:00 Open Pool 10-12:00 Lunch 12 :00 Express Yourself 1:00 Sit ’n be Fit 2:30
24
26 Hot Cocoa 9:30 Table Games 10:00 Lunch 12:00 Sit ’n be Fit 2:30
27 Bingo 10:00 Lunch 12:00 Wii Bowling 1:30
28 Bunco 10:00 Lunch 12:00 Beg Yoga 1 1:00 Guitar Lessons 1:00 Sit ’n be Fit 2:30
29 Bingo 10:00 Lunch 12:00
30 Cribbage 10:00 Open Pool 10-12:00 Lunch 12 :00 Express Yourself 1:00 Sit ’n be Fit 2:30
31
CALL FOR INFORMATION
about our activities or lunches.
We also welcome your ideas and
Feedback. Come join in at TSC!
Come enjoy a cup
with old friends . . .
Make new friends!
Wednesday
March 7 • 10:00
PAGE 19 SERVING THE BOOMERS AND SENIORS OF MASON COUNTY
FREE SOIL AREA SENIOR CENTER 8480 N. DEMOCRAT • FREE SOIL, MI 49411 • 231.464-5039
The Free Soil Area Senior Center
cooks offer delicious made
from scratch meals cooked
on site. Meals are served
on Tuesday and Thursday
at NOON .
The Center is open from
9:00 am until 2:00 pm
on Tuesday and Thursday
each week.
Please sign up for the
Next Meal
Or call 231-464-5039
By noon the day before.
JOIN US FOR A MEAL
PLAY CARDS
WALK LAPS IN THE GYM
PLAY A GAME OF POOL
ENJOY ENTERTAINMENT
VISIT WITH NEW
& OLD FRIENDS
Meals are served at NOON Please call 464-5039 by
Noon the day before to
reserve a meal
Thank you!
Thursday, March 1
Salmon Patties Roasted Potatoes
coleslaw Roll & Butter
fruit salad lemon cookie
Tuesday, March 6 spaghetti w/ Meat sauce
tossed salad garlic bread diced pears
cake and ice cream
Thursday, March 8 chicken casserole
w/vegetables roll & butter
Mandarin oranges almond joy cookies
*NO Senior Singers this month*
Tuesday, March 13 Chop suey w/rice
cream cheese wontons fresh made applesauce
strawberry upside down
cake
Thursday, March 15 Corned beef boiled dinner
soda bread grapes
pistachio pudding
Tuesday, March 20 Beef Stew w/ vegetables
Roll & Butter peach cobbler
Thursday, March 22 mexican lasagna
Mexican rice Pineapple w/cilantro and
spice Mexican wedding cookies
Tuesday, March 27
Farmers casserole sausage links
fresh fruit pastries
orange juice
Thursday, March 29 Easter dinner
Bake Ham Polish sausage w/ kraut
scalloped potatoes mixed vegetables
roll & butter assorted desserts
PAGE 20
ACTIVE FOR LIFE MARCH 2018
MASON COUNTY • MICHIGAN
Mason County Senior Centers
are funded by the generosity of these organizations:
Further support is provided through private donations and fundraisers.
Thank You!
MASON COUNTY SENIOR MILLAGE
Medigap Legacy Plan Increase Advise from Bob Callery
We’ve started to receive calls from individuals enrolled in the BCBSM Legacy plans. They are start-ing to receive letters identifying the new premiums for their plans. New premiums will go into effect April 1. BCBSM is raising premiums for people between 1.5% and 15%per month. Department of Insurance and Financial Services approved these rate increases back in December, but now is the first time we are able to see how much of an increase it is. One issue, if individuals are enrolled in the Medigap Subsidy pro-gram, those monthly discounts ($40, $65, or $125) are NOT included in the monthly premium total pre-sented in the letters. If someone calls and they have the subsidy, you can subtract their subsidy amount from the total they received in the mail and that will give a more accurate amount for their monthly premium. I’ve had people ask what they can do at this time, and people have three tough choices:
Shop, Drop, or Stay. 1) Shop: They can try shopping for a different
Medigap, but as we know, most people are beyond their guarantee protection, so com-panies can charge higher rates or not allow them to enroll in their plans. This is all within the rights of the companies under Medicare policy. If they do shop for a new plan, advise the beneficiaries not to drop their current plan until they are enrolled in their new plan. If they drop the BCBSM plan but needed to go back to it, under- writing will occur and they will likely not be able to get back into the plan.
2) Drop: If they are unable to afford the monthly premium, they can drop the Medigap and re-main with their Part A and B coverage moving forward, but they will have to start paying the deductibles and copays for services. There is no special enrollment for joining a Medicare Advantage policy for those who drop their Medigap. If they are interested in a Medicare Advantage, they will need to wait until the 2018 fall Open Enrollment Period or qualify for one of the standard Special Enrollments (moving in and out of a nursing home, move to a different county, LIS or Medicaid enrollment, etc.). Again, dropping a Medigap during the year does not qualify on its own for a Special Enrollment.
3) Stay: Remain in the plan as long as they can afford it or make it to the fall open enrollment if they want to move to a Medicare Advan-tage plan.
I don’t want to doom and gloom, but I won’t sugarcoat this. For the beneficiaries I have talked with the last couple of day, none of these options have been good options. Our beneficiaries are going to have to make some difficult choices in the next few weeks about maintaining their Medigap policies with BCBSM. It sounds like the first premium payments at the new rates are due around March 25. If someone is going to remain in the policy, they may also need to con-tact their banking institution to make them aware of the price increase if they are paying via automatic bank deductions. Lastly, you might run into the question of “how can they do this”. Both the premium increases and time frame of these price increases are all within state and federal Medicare policy and regulations. Medicare policy does not mandate timeframes when companies are make premium increases, and BCBSM followed procedure and submitted the in-crease to the state and DIFS approved these in-creases. Not at all comforting, but those are the laws as written. Bob Callery Regional Coordinator Michigan Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan [email protected]
PAGE 21 SERVING THE BOOMERS AND SENIORS OF MASON COUNTY
ACTIVE for LIFE Newsletter
GET IT THREE WAYS!
The Active for Life newsletter is available
1. In print—for free—at MANY locations
throughout Mason County:
3. Mailed to you - contact the Scottville or Ludington Senior Center. $12.00 per year, paid by check or cash.
LOCAL SUPPORT GROUPS
Low Vision Support Group Ludington Senior Center 308 S. Rowe Street Ludington, MI 49431 Third Mondays at 1:30pm 231-845-6841
USEFUL NUMBERS For Local Information / Resources 211
Area Agency on Aging of West MI 616-456-5664
Better Business Bureau of West MI 800-684-3222
MI Auto Insurance Coverage Issues 888-995-8441
Health Dept. District #10 231-845-7381
HELP Ministries 231-843-6811 (Hands Extended Loving People)
Legal Aid of Western Michigan 888-783-8190 www.legalaidwestmich.org
Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors 866-400-9164
www.elderlawofmi.org/legal hotline
MI Public Service Commission 800-292-9555
(inquiries and complaints)
Unwanted Phone Solicitation 888-382-1222
FREE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT LOANS
American Legion Post 76 231-845-7094 318 N James St, Ludington, MI 49431 7Days/Week: Noon-7:00 p.m.
Custer VFW Gold Bar Post 231-757-9665 2022 State St. (US 10), Custer, MI 49405 Monday-Friday 9:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.
Ludington Senior Center 231-845-6841 308 S. Rowe St., Ludington, MI 49431 Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:30p.m.
MASON COUNTY • MICHIGAN
2. Online—for free—using this link:
ourseniorcenter.com/find/Scottville-area-senior-center
Alzheimer’s Support Group Mason County District Library 217 E. Ludington Ave. Zonta Rm. Ludington, MI 49431 Second Thursday 1:00pm. 800-272-3900
Parkinson’s Support Group April thru December Scottville Senior Center 140 S. Main St. Scottville, MI 49454 Third Weds 1:00 pm 231-757-4705
Stroke Support Group March thru November Scottville Senior Center 140 S. Main St. Scottville, MI 49454 Third Thurs 2:00 pm 231-757-9365
Probably the biggest advantage of support groups is helping an individual realize that he or she is not alone -- that there are other people who have the same problems. This is often a revelation and a huge relief to the person. Being in a support group can also help you develop new skills to relate to others. In addition, the members of the group who have the same problems can support each other and may suggest new ways of dealing with a particular problem. When joining a support group, you may be uncomfortable at first when it comes time to discuss problems in front of strangers. However, the fact that others are facing the same type of situation may help you open up and discuss your feelings. In addition, everything that takes place within the support group should be kept confidential.
Grief Support Group Hospice of Michigan 5177 W. US 10, Ste. 2 Ludington, MI 49431 Fourth Mondays 12:00pm 231-845-3423
Grief Support Group
NEW May 2016
United Methodist Church
5810 Bryant Road,.
Ludington Michigan 49431 Second Mondays 4-6pm 231-843-8340
Healthy Me - Diabetes Support Group Ludington Senior Center 308 S. Rowe Street Ludington, MI 49431 2nd and 4th Wednesdays 2:00pm 231-845-6841
PAGE 22
ACTIVE FOR LIFE MARCH 2018
MASON COUNTY • MICHIGAN
But if you want a
reason to stay on
a fitness path for
life, this news
about brain
health could be
just the answer.
Poor physical fitness in midlife might be linked
to smaller brain size 20 years later, according to a re-
cent study published in the journal Neurology. Smaller
brain size in later life is related to poorer brain function
down the line.
“We found a direct correlation in our study be-
tween poor fitness and brain volume decades later,
which indicates accelerated brain aging,” said study
author Nicole Spartano, a postdoctoral fellow at Bos-
ton University School of Medicine.
For the study, 1,583 people — with an aver-
age age of 40 and without dementia or heart disease
— enrolled in the long-running Framingham Offspring
Study and took a treadmill test. They took another one
two decades later, along with magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) brain scans.
The researchers also did a
separate analysis that ex-
cluded participants who devel-
oped heart disease or started
taking beta-blockers to control
blood pressure or heart prob-
lems. This group had 1,094
people.
Fitness levels were es-
timated using the length of
time participants were able to
exercise on the treadmill be-
fore their heart rate reached a
certain level. For people who
were less fit, their brain volume
two decades later was smaller,
equivalent to two years of ac-
When the people with heart disease or those
taking beta-blockers were excluded, the less fit peo-
ple had reductions of brain volume equal to one year
of accelerated brain aging.
Spartano added the results suggest “low fit-
ness may be particularly harmful to the brain in peo-
ple with heart disease.’’
The study, part of a large body of research
devoted to physical fitness and brain health, shows
an association between fitness and brain health. It
does not prove that poor physical fitness causes a
loss of brain volume.
“From other studies, we know that exercise
training programs that improve fitness may increase
blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain over the
short term,” Spartano said. “Over the course of a life-
time, improved blood flow may have an impact on
brain aging and prevent cognitive decline in older
age.”
Need Inspiration to Get Off the Couch?
by Janice Lloyd https://stayingsharp.aarp.org
This story could disrupt your TV binge watching or favorite couch potato
activity.
You decide:
Physically Fit - or - Physically Pffft
PAGE 23 SERVING THE BOOMERS AND SENIORS OF MASON COUNTY
BRAIN GAMES
Across 1. Seed case
4. Animal foot
7. Charts
11. Halo
12. Six-sided figure
13. Wide open
15. Head teacher
17. Pass along
18. Perceive
19. Frozen spear
21. Consumed
22. Long fish
23. Lecture
24. Engrossed
27. Scarlet
28. Severe experience
30. Fiend
33. Particle
36. Ambit
38. Ode
39. Female sheep
40. Arm bone
41. Claw
43. Transmitted
45. Leak slowly
46. Find
48. Wonder
50. Vote against
51. Remedy
53. Armed conflict
56. Country, initially
58. Farm
60. The night before
61. Regenerate
64. Origin
66. Mother-of-pearl
67. Oaf
68. Legal document
69. Scan
70. Allow
71. Uneven
ANSWER KEY ON PAGE 6
Down
1. Blended food
2. Type of window
3. Grade in judo or karate
4. Student
5. By surprise
6. In good health
7. Spoil
8. Mature
9. Acceptable to the taste
10. Petty quarrel
11. Part of a church
12. Noisy insect
14. Optic
16. Make reference to
20. Stray
25. Fuss
26. Examine closely
27. Distant
28. Portent
29. Row
30. Choose, ___ for
31. Prod
32. Pertinence
34. Trial
35. Be indebted to
37. Strike lightly
42. Mesh
44. Objective
47. Sprocket
49. Cry
51. Small boat
52. Not trimmed
53. Uncanny
54. Obviate
55. Let for money
56. Large vase
57. Scorch
59. Small stream
62. Epoch
63. Married
65. Deuce
Crossword
Puzzle