WebJunction

This thread is intended to identify resources that will help CT librarians interested in programming for seniors, including the baby boomer generation.

Postings can describe past programs, identify upcoming or prospective programs, spotlight programs of interest, discuss other resources (or is that reSOARces?).

Senior citizens are at high risk for depression for a variety of reasons: loss of health, loss of friends, loss of purpose. But there are things that can be done to sharply reduce that risk.

“People who do best are the ones who keep themselves going. Community organizations, church or synagogue groups, a sport, volunteer activities, political activities. It can be almost anything,” says Dr. Michael C. Miller, psychiatrist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Editor-in-Chief of the Harvard Mental Health Letter.

The rest of the article is available free at http://www.thebostonchannel.com/bethisrael/18187161/detail.html. It's not rocket science, and there are plenty of resources out there like it, but this one's good.

The Pew Internet in American Life Project reported on Adults and Video Games, finding that more than half - 53% - of all American adults play video games of some kind, whether on a computer, on a gaming console, on a cell phone or other handheld device, on a portable gaming device, or online.

Age is the biggest demographic factor in game play by adults. Though one might think men play much more than women, the difference is only 5%.

Age also points to an individual's preferred game-playing device.

While I feel that the ‘findings’ aren’t rocket science, they are certainly informative and will help substantiate and support us as we make a push for services to older adults; bear in mind the relationship that gaming/mind exercise has with brain stimulation and Alzheimer prevention (gaming sure does more than gingko biloba!).

Bear in mind that ‘gaming’ doesn’t necessarily need computer games. Liz Taylor (no, not that one!) columnist for the Seattle Times, writes that “By exercising our minds through difficult new thinking tasks such as crossword puzzles and memory games, and by learning to use e-mail or speak French, we can keep our minds flexible and healthy.” From here.

More quick facts from the Pew report:

• Younger adults are significantly more likely than any other game group to play games.
• As age increases, game play decreases.
• Younger generations tend to dominate the gaming world; however, older respondents who do play games are more avid players: Nearly a third of adults age 65+ play video games everyday (a significantly larger percentage than all younger players, of whom about 20% play everyday).

United Generations Ontario has a free Guide to Intergenerational Physical Activity with nine key guidelines for designing and implementing a program. The overall goal is to have a fun, safe opportunity in which all can actively participation.

The organization also has a free 41-page 2006 pdf called Connecting Generations Toolkit: Best Practices in Intergenerational Programing . This is a toolkit that includes tips and recommendations about how to successfully create partnerships with other organizations to provide intergenerational programming.

The online brochure Talking With Your Doctor for Older People is available.

You can also order brochures for free. It looks excellent to me.

There is also a Spanish language version titled Conversando con su Médico.

Happy trails/Feliz camino

I had a very successful computer skills class with my older adults this week: I introduced them to Skype. Skype provides free Internet voice and video phone calls as well as instant messaging. I had all my seniors register for accounts and taught them about instant messaging first. Their assignment was to buy a headset, download the software at home (I had printed screen shots of the process for them – but it’s simple) log-in to their accounts, see if I was online for IM and contact me. When I heard from them, I told them how to start the voice call and while we talked I told them how to set their Skype properties to see the video from my webcam. I also had them set their privacy options so they could only be contacted by people in their contacts list.

They are so excited and enthusiastic about being able to use this service. All of them have children and grandchildren (and friends!) that live in different states. Two of them have already purchased webcams so that their grandchildren can see them when they call. One woman had been phoning CA every night to read her grandchildren a bedtime story. Now she can see them and they can see her and the pictures in the book she’s reading. It beats e-mail by a mile.

Hi all,

Though you may have already seen it, I wanted to share Kate Cosgrove's 50+ Refocus Spark as a 'best practice' for practitioners.

I have pasted the content below (it's a lot of work, shows how packed their programming is, and includes the contact information at the end).

The main thing I'd like to note about it is that it details some of the consistent programming that the 50+ Transition Center offers. For example, each Monday evening from 5:00 to 8:00 patrons can get help with resumes.

Another example is that every 2nd Wednesday there is a benefits screening for those 60+.

Consistency and a little food is the path to success.

***********

50+ Refocus Spark

Lots of interesting things happening during the month of July at the New Haven Free Public Library 133 Elm Street – especially at the 50+ Transition Center located on the main floor of the library near the business department. This section of the library has books, brochures and information for Boomers and beyond including topics on finances, health, travel, retirement and much more. Come in and browse the collection.

*This week*

Wednesday, July 8 from noon to 2:00PM
Benefits Screening for those 60 years of age and over. The QuickLINK screening is geared to help older adults determine if they are receiving all the benefits to which they are entitled including: prescription drugs, energy assistance, financial assistance and more. Happening every 2nd Wednesday of the month at the 50+ Transition Center.

Please bring the following information for individual attention:

o Monthly income ( pension, social security, dividends and interest)
o Monthly expenses ( heating, gas, electricity, water, telephone, rent or mortgage payments, medical expenses – *not covered by insurance*)
o Asset information (savings, estimated value of home and car, life insurance benefits)
o A list of all current prescriptions.

Thursday July 9 from 6:00 to 7:00PM "All about Social Security"
A Social Security Claim Representative, will be present to showcase current Social Security topics. She will answer questions and help individuals at the desk or on the computer to get your information; register you; or download necessary forms for your information.

*Next Week*

Tuesday July 14 from 1:00 to 3:00PM
Connecticut Health Policy Project (CTHPP) will be focusing on health issues or current CT legislation on health policy. The Director of Programs at the Connecticut Health Policy Project (CTHPP) will discuss strategies for saving money on doctors, hospitals and prescriptions. Tip sheets will be available to those attending.

For almost a decade, the Connecticut Health Policy Project has been providing consumers and policymakers with the clear, balanced information they need to make the best healthcare decisions. The Consumer Health Action Network, a project of CTHPP, has a helpline (888-873-4585) to help Connecticut residents access and afford the healthcare they need.

Wednesday July 22 from 1:00 to 3:00PM Get your Passport
This is on an individual basis and for all ages. You must come in person if:

o you are applying for a US passport for the first time or
o your expired US passport is not in your possession or
o your previous US passport was issued when you were under age 16 or
o your currently valid US passport has been lost or stolen

Monday evenings from 5:00 to 8:00PM get help with your resume in the lower level computer area. Whether just starting a resume/work history or need a sharp eye to review your current one, help is available.

Other job-related* computer help is available in the lower level computer area. Check the library website for times > www.cityofnewhaven.com/library.

Amy Ordonez from Middletown’s Russell PL has had some tremendous success with Wii bowling.

Here is a snippet Amy wrote for a recent library newsletter:



Amy also noted that, upon leaving a Wii set at Newfield Towers so that residents could practice, the director said that

Maybe the Peace Corps is an option for a program or two in Connecticut libraries? If one does it we can advertise across communities.

This link should get you to current events (just select CT from the drop down) or see the available regional events.

CT's regional office is in New York (email = nyinfo@peacecorps.gov).