Agency on Aging offers online programs, events in February

2 years ago

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 February include: 

Online Gathering Place (online) 

Wednesday, Feb. 2 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. 

Artists for Aging Exhibit – First Friday Art Walk 

Friday, Feb. 4 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 Filomena Irving of Washburn. 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.

Living Well with Chronic Pain (online) 

Tuesday, Feb. 8 9–11:30 a.m. 

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. 

Medicare 101 (online) 

Tuesday, Feb. 8 at 10 a.m. to noon

Hosted by Aroostook Area Agency on Aging 

Can you save money on your Medicare? What options do you have for coverage? Do you need  Advantage plans or Supplements? Contact Kimberly James, Medicare education coordinator, at  207-764-3396/1-800-439-1789 for more information or to preregister for a link to this ZOOM class. 

Flavor of Aroostook: Cooking to Connect class (online) 

Tuesday, Feb. 8 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 “Healthy  Options for Your Sweet Tooth”. 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 lori.cyr@aroostookaging.org for more information or to preregister for this  offering. 

Senior Medicare Patrol Fraud & Abuse (online) 

Wednesday, Feb. 9 10 a.m. to noon

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 Kimberly James, Medicare  education coordinator, at 207-764-3396/1-800-439-1789 for more information or to preregister for  a link to the class.

Caregiver Support Group (online) 

Wednesday, Feb. 9 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. 

Coming soon, call us to find out 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. 

Bingocize (online) 

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.

Savvy Caregiver (online) 

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. 

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 preregister or 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. 

Falls Prevention Informational Session (online) 

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. 

Living Well for Better Health (online) 

Hosted by Aroostook Area Agency on Aging and Healthy Living for ME 

Staying well allows us to live better lives. Living Well for Better Health helps people learn how to  manage their own health by improving communication with their physicians, actively managing  their symptoms, creating personal action plans, and developing support structures. Please call  207-764-3396/1-800-439-1789 or visit www.healthylivingforme.org to preregister for a ZOOM link or  more information.

Tai Chi for Better Health and Balance (online) 

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.