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GREETINGS!
It has been a very long winter for all of us. Seeing some spring flowers popping out of the
ground, robins, and the geese flying north feels even better this year than years past. As we
prepared for the winter last fall, open enrollment for Medicare recipients and how many people
would have difficulty with heating bills were anticipated. I have been in the Aging Network for many years, and it always amazes me when I consider
the amount of service provided and how our "customers" and their needs are so diverse. From volunteers who prepare taxes, visit long-­term care facility residents, work in the AAA
office or centers, to the non-­profit agencies who employ seniors and older adults who become
"grands" for children in need. Our "customers" come to the Active Adult Centers, exercise, go to the YMCA or to a center
for Zumba, need someone to help them with taxes or to find the right insurance policy to meet
their needs. Our "customers" may be at risk of abuse or neglect by a family member or
caregiver. They may need someone to be sure their rights are not being violated by those who
provide care;; rights we take for granted such as getting three meals a day, enough water to
keep properly hydrated or being treated with dignity. Our "customers" live in the community. They range from active adults to the very frail. Most
want to remain in their home and just need a little help to remain independent. Independence
and self determination we also often take for granted. A "little help" might equate to a meal
that meets 1/3 RDA or someone to assist in personal care activities. The help may be a ramp
so they can get to their doctor appointments, a bathroom modification, a personal emergency
response system, medication management, safety equipment such as grab bars or more
intense daily hands on care for those more frail. Our "customers" are caregivers who provide
daily hands-­on care to their relative and are in need of support to continue in that vital role. So truly, the people we serve are very diverse. As we all age, it is comforting to know there is
someone who works for the Area Agency on Aging ready and willing to meet these diverse
needs. Trula Hollywood
AAA Executive Director Announcing the 47th Annual
DINNER DANCE!
The Area Agency on Aging for Luzerne and Wyoming Counties announces that this year's
47th Annual Dinner Dance will be held at Genetti's Best Western, Market Street, Wilkes-­Barre
on Thursday, May 8, 2014 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Mature adults have found many activities
at the Agency's centers help them remain young at heart including the Annual Dinner Dance
sponsored by the Agency. Doors will be opening at 12:30 p.m., and this year's dance theme is "Tropical Enchantment."
The entertainment set for this gala event will be King Henry and the Showmen. Dinner
selections are Prime Rib Au Jus, Chicken Francaise or Sole with Stuffed Crab Imperial,
accompanied by salad, potato, vegetable, coffee, tea and dessert. A cash bar will also be
available. Door prizes will be drawn, and a grand prize is being donated by UGI Penn Natural Gas.
Ticket prices are: for individuals over the age of 60 -­-­ $21, and under the age of 60-­-­$23.
Tickets can be obtained at any of the eighteen centers or by calling Rhonda Adams at 570-­
822-­1158, Ext. 3337. ATTENTION LONG TERM CARE FACILITIES!
Training Registration for
Sexual Abuse in Facilities;; Investigating and Reporting
Date - April 25th
Registration - 8:30 a.m.
Training -­ 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Location- Luzerne County Community College
Educational Conference Center, Room 131
1333 South Prospect Street, Nanticoke
Audience: Nursing Home and Personal Care Home staff and administrators, Home Health
Agency staff, Adult Day Care staff and providers of direct care services for the Agency on
Aging. Please send registration & payment to: Area Agency on Aging
Attn: Judith McAnally 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave, Wilkes-­Barre, PA 18701 Registration: $35.00.
Checks payable to: Luzerne-­Wyoming Counties Elder Abuse Task Force
Speakers: Trula Hollywood, Executive Director of the Area Agency on Aging, and Pat
Rushton, Outreach and Education Manager of the Victims Resource Center
Morning refreshments and a buffet lunch will be served.
Deadline for registration: April 18, 2014
*This training has been approved by the Department of Public Welfare as 6 credits required for
annual training for Personal Care Home Administrators.
This training is sponsored by Luzerne-­Wyoming Counties Elder Abuse Task Force and the
Area Agency on Aging.
The Pittston Active Adult Center
Tuesday, May 7-­ 12 Noon -­Mother's Day Special Dinner, Program& Raffle. All Mom's
Honored Today.
Wednesday, May 15-­ 12:00 Noon -­ 90's + SPECIAL DINNER. All Center Members 90
Years or Older Will Be Honored Today. Wednesday, May 15-­ 1 pm -­ 2 pm An Entertaining Performance by the Group "Steppin
Out" Thursday, May 16-­ 11 am -­ Speaker, Rheumatologist, Dr. Cruciani Wednesday, May 22-­ OPEN HOUSE SPECIAL DINNER Bring In A Family Member Or
Friend. Not A Member? Come Check Us Out And See What We Have To Offer.
Thursday, May 23-­ 11:15 Speaker -­ Griswold Home Care -­ How To Prevent Hospital Re-­
Admissions
Tuesday, May 28-­ 11:30 Speaker -­ Pharmacist, Elliott Silkowski
Wednesday, May 29-­ Day Of Caring -­ Volunteers Needed To Help. National Senior Health
& Fitness Day. Join us in some fitness exercises.
Line Dancing Classes Are Held Every Monday at 10 am. Learn the Electric Slide,
Country Line Dances and more.
Exercise classes are held 5 days a week at the Pittston Senior Center. Monday,
Wednesday and Friday Healthy Steps Classes are held from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m. On
Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m. and Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. Chair Exercise Classes are held. There is no charge for these classes. Zumba Gold classes are held every Tuesday at
2:00 pm. There is a small fee of $2 per/class for Members and $3 for non-­members. Angels in Africa
The Pittston Active Adult Center has
partnered with Janet Martin, founder of
Angels in Africa. Angels in Africa is a non-­
profit organization dedicated to providing
the basic life necessities to the poorest
people of Kenya, Africa. Angels in Africa
works village by village and school by
school to improve life standards.
When Center Director, Connie Andrews
asked Ms. Martin if the Pittston Active
Adult Center could do anything to help, Ms.
Martin expressed a need for blankets to
keep the school children warm. She stated that the school is a long distance from the
village where the children live. Some of the children spend the night at the school curled
up on the cold floor at the school rather than traveling all that distance between their
home and the school each night.
Center members have been making handmade sewless blankets and afghans to send
over to the children. Well over 100 blankets have already been shipped to Kenya for the
children with more on the way in April. Center members are eager to continue working on
this project as long as there is a need.
Pictured in photo are Janet Martin, founder, a mother and her child from Mama's Village
receiving one of the blankets.
Hazleton Active Adult Center
APRIL Tuesday, April 8-­ 8:45 am to 12 noon AARP Safe Driver Course
Wednesday, April 9-­ 8:45 am to 12 noon AARP Safe Driver Course Wednesday, April 9-­ 9:00 am -­ 12:45 pm AARP Taxes, 10:30 am -­ Craft -­TBA
Thursday, April 10-­ 10:30 am Worker Program/11:30 am Career Link -­ New
Opportunities
*Saturday, April 12*-­ 10:00am -­ 2:00pm Hazleton SR Center CRAFT FAIR
Thursday, April 24-­ 10:00 am Benefit Check Up/11:30 -­ 1:00pm "Savvy Saving
Program" Lunch/Learn Monday, April 28th-­ 10:00 am Benefit CheckUp/ Smoothie Day-­Nutrition Tuesday, April 29th-­ 10:30 am to 11:30 am "Cooking Matters in Store" Class will
meet at Save A Lot
MAY
Wednesday, May 6th-­ Mothers Day Special lunch Party/Special Free Bingo
Thursday, May 8th-­ Genetti Dinner Dance
Wednesday, May 21st-­ 8:45 am to 12pm AARP Safe Driver Refresher Course
Open House, Bring a Friend to honor older Americans
JUNE
Friday, June 6th-­ 9:00am -­ 3:00pm -­ Farmers Market
Thursday, June 12th-­ Fathers Day Special Lunch Party/Special Free Bingo
Wednesday, June 18th-­ 10:15 am Mt. Airy Casino Bus Trip, includes show, $25
play time/Lunch
Thursday, June 19th-­ 10:00am -­ 1:00pm Geisinger Health Fair
Friday, June 20th-­ 10:00am -­ 3:00pm Hazleton Active Adult Center annual center
picnic
Nanticoke Active Adult Center
APRIL
Wednesday, April 2nd-­ Hampton House will present a topic on Healthy Eating
Wednesday, April 9th-­ Platinum Private Duty-­Kathy Kotch RN will do blood
pressure screening
April 9th-­ Presentation on Veterans Assistance Program-­A lifetime of assistance Friday, April 11th-­ Every other Friday-­Birchwood Nursing & Rehab Center Senior
Size Wednesday, April 16th-­ Every other Wednesday-­ Sing-­A-­Long with Diana and
Marian Wednesday, April 23rd-­ Northeastern Regional Cancer Institute -­ Healthy
Choices Thursday, April 24th-­ Hollywood Casino Trip -­ Departs 9am-­5pm departs from
casino-­leaving from St. Mary's church, Nanticoke Wednesday, April 30th-­ Cooking Matters at the store -­ reservations required. All
will meet at Weis Market. You must provide your own transportation
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
Monday-­Friday: Shuffleboard/Mini Bowling Shuffleboard -­ Wii Game is also
available to be played and cards played morning and afternoon on these days.
Tuesday & Thursday: Pokeno is played. Also Exercise Class with weights &
stretch band, and Bingo is played in the afternoon from 12:45 p.m.-­2:00p.m.
Every Friday: Tai Chi Class in the morning, and Flex Friday and Friday Fun Day
Friday afternoon.
Mountain Top Active Adult Center
REGULAR SCHEDULED MONTHLY ACTIVITIES Mon, Thurs, Fri 10:45-­11:30Senior Fitness-­ join us exercise programs to keep fit.
Tuesday 10:30 Zumba Gold Wright twp fire hall Tuesday $3 members $5 non-­
members
Wed 10:30 IndoorWalking group walk & stay fit or Wii Bowling
Friday 10:30 Crochet Club -­ bring your favorite project and work together. Can't
crochet? Learn by joining this club!
DAILY
12 noon -­ LUNCH
10:00am -­ 2:00 pm -­ Games with Friends: An assortment of games are played
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES FOR APRIL
Tuesday April 2nd -­ 12:30 p.m. Introduction to Self Defense w/ David Sparks
Monday April 7th -­ 10:00 a.m. until close NEPA Memory Center -­ Memory
Screenings by appointment only. Call center to schedule. Tuesday April 8th-­ BAG LUNCH -­ Pick up your lunch at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday April 15th -­ 12 Noon Easter luncheon -­ we are making smoothies.
Thursday April 10th 10:00-­12:00-­ Health Fair: Wilkes University Nursing
Thursday April 17th-­ Speaker/Topic TBA -­ Hosted by Heartland Hospice
Friday April 18th -­ Center CLOSED: Have a Happy Easter!!
Monday April 21st & Wednesday April 23rd 10:00 a.m.-­ 2:00 p.m. Benefits
CheckUp: Make an appointment to check and see if you are eligible for benefits
and programs offered to seniors. Monday April 28th 9:30-­10:30 a.m -­ PHOTOGRAPHY Workshop-­ Session 1 of 4.
Space is limited. Call center to reserve your spot. Cost is $5.00 Per Class.
Wednesday April 30th 12:30 p.m. Cancer Institute: Topic colon cancer. Kingston Active Adult Center
APRIL
Tuesday, Apr 1st -­ 11:30 "Lunch n Learn" -­ 5 Steps to Permanent Weight Loss
with Dr. John Guarnieri
Wednesday, Apr 2nd -­ 10:00-­2:00 Benefit Check-­Up, bring completed forms
Thursday, Apr 3rd -­ 10:30 Students from Fortis Institute -­ Blood Pressure Checks
Thursday, Apr 3rd -­ 11:30 -­ Nutrition -­ "Foods that Lower & Maintain a Healthy
BP"
Friday, Apr 4th -­ 11:30 Joke Day, CEO Commodity delivery for those registered
Monday, Apr 7th -­ "Cookbook and Puzzle Sale" begins...
Monday, Apr 7th -­ 11:30 Spring/Easter Trivia
Tuesday, Apr 8th -­ BAG LUNCH -­ Center remains open for all activities
Wednesday, Apr 9th -­ 11:30 "Medication Storage and Safety"
Thursday, Apr 10th -­ 9:30-­11:30 HEALTH FAIR sponsored by Wilkes Nursing
Students
Monday, Apr 14th -­ Celebrating "Environmental Education Week" with recycling
tips
Tuesday, Apr 15th -­ SPECIAL EASTER LUNCH -­ Wear your "Easter Bonnet"
Wednesday, Apr 16th -­ 11:30 "19 Ways to Enhance your Sense of Humor"
Thursday, Apr 17th -­ 10:30 Blood Pressure Checks by Manor Care, 11:00 "What's
in Your Easter Basket" -­ Nutrition segment with Karina
Thursday, Apr 17th -­ 11:30 Meditation with Jean
Friday, Apr 18th -­ CENTER CLOSED FOR GOOD FRIDAY
Sunday, Apr 20th -­ HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!!!
Tuesday, Apr 22nd -­ SALAD BAR -­ Alternate Lunch option
Wednesday, Apr 23rd -­ SPECIAL VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION LUNCH
Wednesday, Apr 23rd -­ 12:45-­1:45 Musical Entertainment with Johnny Diamond
Thursday, Apr 24th -­ 11:15 Open Mic Day
Friday, Apr 25th -­ 11:45 Birthday of the Month Celebration
Wednesday, Apr 30th -­ 11:30 Intro to our "Earth Box" Project
Shickshinny Active Adult Center
APRIL
April 23 -­ Volunteer Luncheon, Honor our center volunteers.
MAY May 1,8,15,22 -­ Dining With Diabetes is a four week program offered by Penn
State Cooperative Extension with a three-­month follow up TBA. Classes offer food
demonstrations, Tastings, Physical Activity. Lab tests will be offered to measure
A1C. Deadline to register is April 24. Please call (570 542-­4308.
May 8 -­ Area Agency on Aging 47th Annual Senior Dinner Dance at Genettis Best
WesterN, Wilkes-­Barre. The theme this year is "Tropical Enchantment" and is from
1:00-­5:00 p.m. Doors open at 12:30, Dinner at 1:15. Entertainmentis by King Henry
and The Showmen. Call (570) 542-­4308 to reserve your ticket and dinner choice.
May 14 -­ Living with Arthritis" presented by Board Certified Dr. Martin Blidner at
11:00 a.m.
May 15 -­ 90's Plus Birthday Luncheon
May 21 -­ Open House Luncheon, in honor of Older Americans
JUNE
June 24 -­ Farmers' Market Voucher Distribution 10:00 a.m.-­12:00 Noon
Charles T. Adams (Wilkes-­Barre) Active
Adult Center
APRIL
Tuesday, April 8th -­ What's in the Bag Day, Check your Bag Lunch;; you MAY find
a hidden Surprise!!!
Wednesday, April 9th 9am-­Noon-­ Penn State Training Class in the Café/The
Rabbit and the Tortoise Day, Last One Here Wins!!!
Thursday, April 10th 10:30am-­11:30am -­ Penn State Nutrition Class for all
Members and Guests
Friday, April 11th 8am-­11:30am -­ Foster Grand Parents meeting in the Café/Find
the Easter Eggs Day each Egg has a Surprise inside!!!
Monday, April 14th -­ Easter Bonnet/Cap Day, Wear your Easter Bonnet/Cap,
Best Bonnet/Cap Wins!!!
Tuesday, April 15th 11am -­ Medicare Fraud Speaker/ Special Easter Lunch
Wednesday, April 16th 9am-­Noon -­ Penn State Training Class/Easter Egg
Decorating Day
Thursday, April 17th 10:30am-­11:30am -­ Penn State Nutrition Class for all
Members and Guests
Friday, April 18th -­ CENTER CLOSED
Monday, April 21st 11am -­ Medications Program Speaker from the Medicine Shop
Tuesday, April 22nd -­ SALAD BAR
Wednesday, April 23rd 9am-­ Noon -­ Penn State Training Class in the
Café/Special Volunteer Appreciation Lunch Day
Thursday, April 24th -­ Penn State Nutrition Class for all Members and Guests
Friday, April 25th 11:30am-­12:30pm -­ Savvy Saver Program/Birth Day Party!!!
Monday, April 28th -­ Find the Frog and Win!!
Tuesday, April 29th -­ It's Base Ball Season so wear your team's jersey/cap
Wednesday, April 30th -­ Special prize end of the month 50/50 game!!!
Tunkhannock Active Adult Center
APRIL
Apr 4th & Apr 11th-­1 hour guided Weis Grocery Tour to learn to buy healthy,
affordable foods presented by CEO 10:00am -­ 11:00am (Must call to sign-­up at
(570)836-­2324)
Apr 14th-­1st Zumba Gold Class offered at the center @ 10:00 a.m. w/ Connie
Kintner
Apr 15th-­Easter Special Luncheon/ Party/ Easter Treats @12:00 p.m.
Apr 23rd-­Volunteer Luncheon/ Party/ Honor our Wonderful Volunteers @12:00
p.m.
Apr 24th-­"Healthy Choices: Tips for Reducing Cancer Risk" Presentation
@11:00a.m. by Northeast Regional Cancer Institute
Apr 28th-­Savvy, Saving Seniors Workshop @11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. presented
by Ladonna Jayne
Apr 30th-­"Vitamins / Supplements" Presentation by Care-­Site Pharmacy @ 11:00
a.m.
MAY May 6th-­Mother's Day Special Lunch/ Party/ Celebrate Moms
May 7th-­"Rheumatoid Arthritis" Presentation @ 11:00 a.m. by Abbott Laboratories
May 8th-­ Annual Senior Dinner Dance, "Tropical Enchantment" 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
@ Genetti's in Wilkes-­Barre (Call for tickets @ (570) 836-­2324)
May 15th-­90's Plus Birthday Lunch/ Party/ Gifts presented to our special 90 year
old members
JUNE
Jun 11th-­Hometown, PA Auction Trip w/ Dinner stop, $20.00 for the bus which is
leaving around 9:00 a.m, (Call for reservations at (570) 836-­2324) The 2014 Senior Farmers Market voucher distribution will begin in June at our 18 Active Adult
centers. The schedule is as follows:
June 2nd -­ 9:00-­3:00 -­ Kingston Center
June 4th -­ 9:00-­3:00 -­ Pittston Center
June 5th -­ 9:00-­1:00 -­ Wyoming County Center
June 6th -­ 9:00-­3:00 -­ Hazleton Center
June 9th -­ 9:00-­3:00 -­ Charles T. Adams Center
June 10th -­ 9:00-­3:00 -­ Luzerne Co. Community College
June 11th -­ 10:00-­2:00 -­ Freeland Center
June 13th -­ 10:00-­2:00 -­ Edwardsville Center
June 18th -­ 10:00-­2:00 -­ Lee Park Center
June 19th -­ 10:00-­12:00 -­ Plymouth Center
June 20th -­ 9:00-­11:00 -­ Butler Twp Center
June 20th -­ 12:00-­2:00 -­ Mountaintop Center
June 23rd -­ 10:00-­12:00 -­ Dallas Center
June 24th -­ 10:00-­12:00 -­ Shickshinny Center
June 25th -­ 9:00-­11:00 -­ Falls Center
June 25th -­ 12:00-­2:00 -­ Lake Winola Center
This program was established in 2002 by the Federal and State Dept. of Agriculture to assist
seniors in obtaining fresh, nutritious fruits and vegetables and to increase sales and
awareness of the farmers markets in the local area. In collaboration with Area Agency on
Aging agencies, the vouchers are distributed to eligible seniors statewide.
The requirements for the program are:
1) You must be 60 or turn 60 sometime this year;;
2) You must live in Luzerne or Wyoming County;;
3) There is an income level requirement;; however, we haven't received this year's levels yet.
The information should be in by May.
Documentation of age and residency is required -­-­ a PA driver's license or photo license is
sufficient. Only 1 set of vouchers ($20) is allowed per individual per year.Any senior living in
a facility where their meals are prepared is not eligible for the program.
A representative can pick up vouchers for an eligible senior as long as they have a signed
and completed 2014 SFMNP proxy form and proper ID. The forms can be picked up at any of
the Active Adult centers during the months of May/June. Individuals with Power of Attorney
must obtain the 2014 SFMNP proxy form.
The vouchers can only be used to purchase PA grown fruits and vegetables from a farmer's
market stand participating in the program.Farmers may assist recipients in determining which
produce is FMNP eligible. Any questions can be directed to Rhonda Adams, SFMNP
coordinator at (570) 822-­1159, Ext. 3337.
The Mature Worker Program will be at several Active Adult Centers throughout April as part
of April being "Financial Literacy" month. The Benefits CheckUp Program is an online tool
used to determine eligibility for assistance programs and benefits. There are programs
available that most seniors are not aware of, and this program will list those programs. The
whole process takes about 20 minutes for anyone 50 plus. If interested please call one of the
centers below for an appointment.
The following dates are scheduled at centers for Benefits CheckUps:
4/1 Butler Twp. Active Adult Center | 570-­788-­4881
4/2 Kingston Active Adult Center | 570-­287-­1102
4/8 Butler Twp. Active Adult Center | 570-­788-­4881
4/9 Freeland Active Adult Center | 570-­636-­3080
4/16 Freeland Active Adult Center | 570-­636-­3080
4/21 Mt. Top Active Adult Center | 570-­636-­3080
4/23 Mt. Top Active Adult Center | 570-­636-­3080
4/24 Pittston Active Adult Center | 570-­655-­5561
4/24 Hazleton Active Adult Center | 570-­459-­1441
4/28 Hazleton Active Adult Center | 570-­459-­1441
With increased life expectancy, the population 65+ is growing rapidly, with the group aged
85+
the fastest growing segment. In the United States, most of the assistance given to older
adults is provided by informal (unpaid) caregivers, most often family members. Nationwide, it
is estimated that as many as 52 million Americans are informal caregivers. Some studies estimate that family caregivers provide the equivalent of $196 billion in free
care annually. Despite its rewards, caregiving often takes a physical, emotional and financial
toll on caregivers.
Family caregiving can be a very stressful role, especially if the caregiver has his or her own
health problems, if the care recipient requires many hours of continuous supervision and
hands-­on care, or if the caregiver lacks support from others. Caregivers can be helped by a
variety of interventions including information assistance, education for self-­care and skills
training, and access to community services, such as respite care and support groups. Call the Area Agency on Aging at (570) 822-­1158 or visit the website www.aginglw.org.
Area Agency on Aging is coordinating a Caregiver Support Group once again. The meetings
will be held quarterly. We are hoping to have a Support Group in Edwardsville, and one in
lower Luzerne County.
The purpose of the group is:
To share information and experiences with others
To feel less isolated
To gain a perspective outside of your own in order to make better decisions
To increase self-­esteem and awareness
To laugh and have fun
I am excited to be a part of facilitating this group. If you are interested in participating, or for
more information please contact:
Cindy Howe
Family Caregiver Support Program Supervisor Area Agency on Aging for Luzerne/Wyoming Counties
111 N. Pennsylvania Blvd -­ Suite 100
Wilkes Barre, PA 18701
570 822-­1158 ext. 2379
[email protected] The Luzerne/Wyoming Counties Area Agency on
Aging's APPRISE Program recently held a recognition
on behalf of the dedicated volunteers who implement
this program. The APPRISE Program is the State
Health Insurance Program (SHIP) for Pennsylvania
Medicare beneficiaries. The Program was created
under the auspices of the Pennsylvania Department of
Aging to assist residents of Pennsylvania understand
their insurance options.
Volunteers are needed for this program and a new volunteer training will be held on May 2, 6
and 8th. The training will be held in the Edwardsville Active Adult Center, 57 Russell Street,
Edwardsville, from 8a.m.-­4 p.m. each day. There is no cost for the training;; however pre-­
registration is necessary. Training materials, snacks, lunch and refreshments will be
provided. For more information, or to register, contact Linda Kohut at 570-­822-­1158, ext 3312.
Pictured above, from left to right, are APPRISE volunteers. Front row: Barbara Stahley and
Jean Malhalick. Second row: Frank Rollman, Mark Miller and DD Reddy.
Put a Little "Spring" in Your Step
Pretty soon all the snow will be gone and the crocus will be popping
up out of the ground, signaling the beginning of spring. As the
weather gets warmer, folks hang their wash on the line, open up the
windows to get some fresh air, and perhaps do a little "spring
cleaning". It's also a great time to put a little "spring" in your step and
get some exercise by going for a walk in the sunshine.
Walking is one of the least expensive forms of fitness ...all you need
is a good pair of shoes, comfortable clothing, and some motivation to
get started!
Here are some of the benefits to walking:
Weight control: Did you know that walking can burn 300 calories per hour? It also
helps improve digestion and lessens the urge to eat more.
Improves fitness level: Muscle tone, flexibility, endurance, and strength improve
without excessive strain on the joints.
Improves your psychological well-­being: Walking helps strengthen your heart and
lungs, which provides more oxygen to help you think more clearly and feel more alert.
It also helps improve circulation, which can lead to decreased stress, a better night's
sleep, and a fresh outlook.
Walking can also help reduce muscle aches, arthritis pain, and stiffness...all by just
doing what comes naturally and walking.
Some things to consider first:
Always consult your doctor before starting any type of fitness program, including a
walking regimen. This will allow you to know what, if any, precautions you need to
take based upon your medical history. Your doctor can also help you find a walking
program that is tailored to your individual needs.
Clothing should be loose-­fitting and weather appropriate;; lightweight clothing in the
summer and several layers in the winter. Wear light/reflective colors if you are walking
after dark.
Choose your footwear carefully...shoes should fit well, have heavy soles, good
support, and be comfortable.
Some helpful hints to help get on the right track:
Don't forget to stretch. Stretching helps you avoid strain and injury on your joints and
muscles.
Don't go too far or too fast the first time out. Don't overdo it;; give your body a chance
to adjust to your new exercise routine. Only do what's comfortable for you and make
sure you rest when you are tired. Listen to your body and do not do too much at once.
Keep it interesting! Take different routes, walk with your pet, or walk with a friend and
enjoy some conversation while you walk.
Check for blisters on your feet and take care of them, especially if you are diabetic.
If at any time during your walking regimen, you experience chest pain, dizziness, cold
sweat and/or an abnormal heartbeat, see a doctor immediately.
Prime Time Health
The Area Agency on Aging for Luzerne and Wyoming Counties Prime
Time Health Program will be offering the following free classes and
educational sessions to the community for those who are 50+ years
young. The Prime Time Health Program is a Department of Aging
program that focuses on promoting health and wellness. Please
contact Patti Gozikowski at the Area Agency on Aging at 570-­822-­
1158 Ext. 3333 for more information or to register for classes.
Wilkes-­Barre YMCA
Zumba Gold-­ Classes are held on Mondays at 1pm and 6pm, Tuesdays at noon, and
Wednesdays at 11am and 6pm
Wyoming County
Zumba Gold-­ Classes will be held on Mondays and Thursdays at 10am at the
Tunkhannock Library through June 30th, with the exception of the 2nd Monday in
April, May and June, class will be held those days at the Tunkhannock Active Adult
Center at 10am
Pittston YMCA
Water Aerobics-­ Classes will be held on Wednesdays at 7pm and Fridays at 11am
through June 30th
Riverside Rehabilitation in Plains
Aquafit-­ Classes will be held on Tuesdays and Fridays from 3pm-­4pm through June
30th
Please note that there will be no classes held on April 22, 25, and 29th.
Hazleton YMCA
Movement for Better Balance-­ Classes will be held on Mondays and Thursdays at
10:30am beginning April 7th and running through June 30th
Zumba Gold-­ Classes will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5pm beginning April 8th
and running through June 30th
AAA Active Adult Centers
Savvy Saving Seniors is a program that is being offered as part of a "Lunch and
Learn" series at local Active Adult Centers. April is "Financial Literacy" month and the
Area Agency on Agency would like to assist the community in reaching their "financial
fitness" goals by offering this educational program. It discusses ways to save, budget
on a limited income, as well as offering assistance with "Benefits Check-­ups", an
online tool used to determine eligibility for assistance programs and benefits. Lunch
will be provided at no cost;; however donations will be accepted. Registration is
required, no later than 2 business days prior, in order to participate. The "Lunch and
Learn" programs will be held from 11:30am-­1:00pm at the following locations.
April 22 -­ Rose Tucker Active Adult Center (Nanticoke)-­ Contact Maureen at
570-­735-­1670
April 24 -­ Hazleton Active Adult Center-­ Contact Donna at 570-­459-­1441
April 25 -­ Charles T. Adams Active Adult Center (Wilkes-­Barre)-­Contact Doreen
at 570-­825-­3484
April 28 -­ Tunkhannock Active Adult Center-­Contact Ladonna at 570-­836-­2324 April 28 -­Pittston Active Adult Center-­Contact Connie at 570-­655-­5561
April 29 -­ Kingston Active Adult Center-­ Contact Sandy at 570-­287-­1102 Celebrating Older Americans Month Safe Today. Healthy Tomorrow.
Each May, the nation celebrates Older Americans Month to recognize older Americans for
their contributions and provide them with information to help them stay healthy and active.
This year, we are focusing on injury prevention with the theme Safe Today. Healthy
Tomorrow.
Older adults are at a much higher risk of unintentional injury and even death than the rest of
the population. Unintentional injuries to this population result in at least 6 million medically
treated injuries and more than 30,000 deaths every year. With a focus on safety during Older
Americans Month, the Administration for Community Living plans to use this opportunity to
raise awareness about this critical issue. By taking control of their safety, older Americans
can live longer, healthier lives.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
One-­third of Americans aged 65+ falls each year.
Every 15 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall;; every 29
minutes, an older adult dies following a fall.
Falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal
trauma-­related hospital admissions among older adults.
Falls result in more than 2.3 million injuries treated in emergency departments annually,
including over 650,000 hospitalizations and more than 20,000 deaths.
In 2000, the direct medical cost of fatal and nonfatal fall injuries totaled over $19 billion,
$28.2 billion in 2010 dollars.
The financial toll for older adult falls is expected to increase as the population ages and
may reach $54.9 billion by 2020.
Falls with or without injury also carry a heavy quality of life impact. A growing number of older
adults fear falling and, as a result, self-­limit activities and social engagements. This can result
in further physical decline, depression, social isolation, and feelings of helplessness.
The Luzerne-­Wyoming Counties Area Agency on Aging is committed to engaging persons age
50+ years in programs facilitating better nutrition, health and safety education and exercise.
For more information contact us at 800-­252-­1158 or visit the website www.aginglw.org. Welcome to the Luzerne/Wyoming
Counties Link
Call us if any of the below applies to you.
* You have a disability
* You support someone who has a disability
* You are 60 or older, or
* You simply have questions or concerns about disability or aging issues. We can provide information on all services available to help older adults and people with a
disability maintain their independence, dignity, and quality of life.
Allied In-­Home Services
100 Abington Executive Park | Clarks Summit, PA 18411 | 1-­800-­242-­1883
www.allied-­services.org
Anthracite Center for Independent Living
8 Broad Street, Suite 228 | Hazleton, PA 18201 | 570-­579-­0370 | 1-­800-­777-­9906
www.anthracitecil.org
Luzerne/Wyoming Counties Area Agency on Aging
111 North Pennsylvania Boulevard | Wilkes-­Barre, PA 18702
570-­822-­1158 | 1-­800-­252-­1512
www.aginglw.org
Northeast Pennsylvania Center for Independent Living
1142 Sanderson Ave., Suite 1 | Scranton, PA 18509-­2623 | 1-­800-­344-­7211
www.nepacil.org
OUR MISSION
This AAA is dedicated to create a community environment that
promotes the ability of all older adults to function with
independence and dignity. The Agency provides direct service
and acts as an advocate to the well-­being of older adults. This
AAA is committed to engaging older adults, their families and
our diverse community in order to provide the highest quality
of service that is possible.
Website: www.aginglw.org | E-­mail: [email protected] Forward this email
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Area Agency on Aging | 111 North Pennsylvania Boulevard | Wilkes Barre | PA | 18701