PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Staying well allows us to live better lives. Through group classes, informational sessions and events, the Aroostook Agency on Aging staff and volunteers share topics and techniques that are intended to help all people age well.
We offer monthly programs developed to help older persons and their care partners succeed and thrive in their own homes. Pre-registration is required for all sessions. Some upcoming educational and enjoyable events in January include:
Online Gathering Place (online)
Wednesday, Jan. 5 10-11 a.m.
Hosted by Aroostook Area Agency on Aging and AgingME
The Gathering Place focuses on creating a safe “virtual” place for those with chronic memory loss or health conditions to engage in fun activities and interact with others. Call 207-764-3396/1-800- 439-1789 or email to info@aroostookaging.org for more information or to preregister for this weekly session.
Bingocize (online)
Wednesday, Jan. 5 10-11 a.m.
Hosted by Aroostook Area Agency on Aging, Healthy Living for ME and AgingME
Bingocize is a 10-week health promotion program that mixes the popular game of bingo with moderate exercise. Participants will perform fall prevention exercises while learning about the importance of physical fitness in preventing serious falls. Individuals over age 55 should call 207-764-3396/1-800-439-1789 or visit www.healthylivingforme.org to preregister for a ZOOM link or for more information on this Wednesday/Friday class.
Caregiver Support Group (online)
Wednesday, Jan. 5 12-1 p.m.
Hosted by Aroostook Area Agency on Aging
It is normal for caring for a loved one to sometimes produce frustration and anger. But you don’t have to cope alone. Our support group for caregivers can be a lifesaver because it gives participants a place where they can share their feelings confidentially, make friends, get help navigating the healthcare system, and learn from others who are traveling a similar path. Please call 207-764-3396/1-800-439-1789 or email to info@aroostookaging.org to receive a link to the ZOOM class.
Living Well with Diabetes (online)
Thursday, Jan. 6 9-11:30 a.m.
Hosted by Aroostook Area Agency on Aging and Healthy Living for ME
Are you ready to start successfully managing your Diabetes?! This class is designed to help people with Type 2 diabetes learn how to live well. Topics include: techniques to deal with the symptoms of diabetes, fatigue, pain, hyper/hypoglycemia, stress, depression, anger, fear and frustration; appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength and endurance; healthy eating, appropriate use of medication; and working with healthcare providers. Spaces are limited. Please call 207-764-3396/1-800-439-1789 or visit www.healthylivingforme.org to preregister for a ZOOM link or more information.
Artists for Aging Sketch Class and Exhibit
Friday, Jan. 7 12-7 p.m.
Hosted by Aroostook Area Agency on Aging and First Friday Art Walk
Help us celebrate “Artists for Aging” with a visit to our gallery at Aroostook Agency on Aging, 260 Main Street, featuring the works of Larry Park of Presque Isle. A Free Sketching Class with John Holub of Westfield will take place at 4 p.m. All guests are reminded to wear a mask and sanitize their hands upon entering our building. Spaces are limited. Please call 207-764-3396/1-800-439-1789 or visit www.healthylivingforme.org to preregister for a ZOOM link or more information.
Savvy Caregiver (online)
Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2021 6-8 p.m.
Hosted by Aroostook Area Agency on Aging and Healthy Living for ME
The Savvy Caregiver is a 12-hour course delivered in 2-hour sessions over a 6-week period. Curriculum includes a caregiver manual and workbook. It aims to introduce family caregivers to the caregiving role, providing them with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to carry out that role and alerting them to self-care issues. Please call 207-764-3396/1-800-439-1789 or email to info@aroostookaging.org to receive a link to the ZOOM class.
Falls Prevention Informational Session (online)
Wednesday, Jan. 12 10-11 a.m.
Hosted by Aroostook Area Agency on Aging and AgingME
Participants will gain an overview of falls prevention and other health classes available in Aroostook County. Class is free, pre-registration is required. Call 207-764-3396/1-800-439-1789 or email to info@aroostookaging.org for more information or to receive a link to the class.
Tai Chi for Better Health and Balance (online)
Tuesday, Jan. 18 12-1 p.m.
Hosted by Aroostook Area Agency on Aging and Healthy Living for ME
Tai Chi is an enjoyable exercise that can improve balance, relieve pain, and improve health and ability to do things. It is a slow exercise. It is easy to learn and good for all ability levels. This Tuesday/Friday class, instructed by Joy Barresi Saucier, is offered in partnership with Healthy Living for ME. There is a $20 fee. Please call 207-764-3396/1-800-439-1789 or visit www.healthylivingforme.org to pre-register or for more information.
Flavor of Aroostook: Cooking to Connect cooking (online)
Tuesday, Jan. 25 3-4:30 p.m.
Hosted by Aroostook Area Agency on Aging, UMaine Cooperative Extension, NMCC, Aramark and A.R. Gould Northern Light Health
Join Lisa Fishman of the UMaine Cooperative Extension for a hands-on cooking class on soups and other low-sodium options. Due to Covid precautions, the interactive ZOOM session will be transmitted from the state-of-the-art culinary lab at Northern Maine Community College. Registrations will be limited to 20 older persons or those who are disabled. Call 207-764-3396/1-800- 439-1789 or email to info@aroostookaging.org for more information or to preregister for this session.
Coming soon, call us to find when the next session starts!
Brain Builders (online)
Hosted by Aroostook Area Agency on Aging and AgingME
We all know the importance of physical, mental, social, and emotional wellness. But do you know having a healthy brain improves your mood and decreases the likelihood of having illnesses that threaten your quality of life? Our monthly Brain Health: You Can Make a Difference online session helps participants create goals that impact on their life and boosts their brain health. Call 207-764-3396 or 800-439-1789 for more information or to preregister for a link to the class.
Conversations Project (online)
Hosted by Aroostook Area Agency on Aging and AgingME
Talking about the things you want for yourself can be challenging. There are so many questions when you plan for the future: will I have enough money, will someone make decisions for me, does anyone really know what is most important to me, or does anyone know what makes me afraid? Our online Conversations class can assist you in developing questions or sharing concerns that you have with your loved ones and family doctor. Please call 207-764-3396/1-800-439-1789 for more information or to preregister.
A Matter of Balance (in-person or online)
Hosted by Aroostook Area Agency on Aging and Healthy Living for ME
A Matter of Balance emphasizes practical strategies to reduce fear of falling and increase activity levels. Participants learn to view falls and fear of falling as controllable, set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and exercise to increase strength and balance. Please call 207-764-3396/1-800-439-1789 or visit www.healthylivingforme.org to pre-register or for more information.
Medicare Open Enrollment (online)
Hosted by Aroostook Area Agency on Aging and Seniors Plus
From Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, Medicare provides an opportunity for qualifying persons to join, switch, or drop a plan. Education and counseling help people to know all the options available so they can select the best plan for them. Trained health insurance and Medicare counselors are available to guide those in need of assistance as they choose their coverage during the Medicare open enrollment periods or any time through our “Welcome to Medicare” seminars. Please call 207-764-3396/1-800-439-1789 or email to info@aroostookaging.org for more information.
MaineCare Toolkit (online)
Hosted by Aroostook Area Agency on Aging and AgingME
Did you know there’s a helpful program designed to help older persons in northern Maine identify and apply for financial assistance for nursing home care or in-home support services. Call the Aroostook
Agency on Aging at 207-764-3396/1-800-439-1789 or email info@aroostookaging.org for a link to this ZOOM class.
Senior Medicare Patrol Fraud & Abuse (online)
Hosted by Aroostook Area Agency on Aging
Have you been a victim of Medicare Fraud? Do you want to learn ways to protect yourself from scams? How can you inform others about Medicare? Contact us at 207-764-3396 or 800-439-1789 for more information or to preregister for a link to the class.
Living Well with Chronic Pain (online)
Hosted by Aroostook Area Agency on Aging and Healthy Living for ME
This class is designed for people who have a diagnosis of chronic pain, offering strategies for dealing with their symptoms. Topics include: techniques to deal with frustration, fatigue, isolation, and poor sleep, appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, appropriate use of medications, communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals, nutrition, pacing activity and rest, and how to evaluate new treatments. Space is limited. Please call Jane Hanson at 207-764-3396/1-800- 439-1789 or visit www.healthylivingforme.org to preregister for a ZOOM link or more information.
