Senior Community Services (SCS) is a nonprofit organization that helps seniors age in place. Sponsored by Allianz and Faegre Drinker, SCS celebrates their 71st Anniversary virtually, Thursday, June 17, 7-9 pm with #ThrowbackThursday (#TBT) Trivia Night, presented by Allianz. Two hours of fun, fresh content with a live host providing Trivia Mafia. This virtual event is designed to be family friendly, interactive, played as a team, and has the same vibe as “in person” bar/brewery trivia nights. Guests will be able to gather in person on their own in smaller groups. The theme is Throwback Thursday, celebrating nostalgia for the ’90s, ’80s, ’70s, and ’60s. For more info on the virtual live Zoom celebration check out seniorcommunity.org/tbt.
Seniors
ESNS Events for Older Adults
Aging with Gusto: Tuesdays, June 22, and 29; 1:30-3 pm. An interactive Zoom series of discussions to expand a positive view of aging and grow a capacity for living meaningful, satisfying lives in older years. Upcoming topics led by trained facilitators and current research: What contributes to your aging with gusto? How can you recognize and respond to ageism? How can your values and goals shape your future? Info/register: VitalLiving@esns.org or 612-787-4086.
Reimagining Aging Book Club: 2nd Saturday of the Month, 9-10 am. Via Zoom. Join the Vital Living team for a monthly book discussion on engaging and enlightening books about aging and what it means to live a vital life today. Reframe the idea of aging as opportunity, the responsibility to reach out to other generations, share wisdom, and learn new ways of living in the world, and how to grow up and grow old together. The Spring Book Club selections are featuring Minnesota authors who highlight the power of telling stories of resilience, compassion, and wisdom with other generations. July 10: “A Latehomecomer: A Hmong Family Memoir” by Kao Kalia Yang. This memoir was so interesting they’ll have a continuation of their conversation from May. Missed the discussion the first time around? Come and share your thoughts with them. August 14: Open book chat. New participants are warmly welcomed as they talk about their favorite books and authors. To register, contact 612-787-4086 or VitalLiving@esns.org. First time participants are warmly invited.
Living Well with Chronic Pain – Self-Study Class: Wednesdays, July 27-Aug. 31, 10:30-11:30 am. Via telephone. This is a self-study program for Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Pain. Participants receive a toolkit that includes a reference book, exercise CD and relaxation CD. Every week participants have a one-hour group telephone call with a class leader to connect with others, set action plans, and review topics like nutrition, making treatment decisions, and communicating with health care providers and family. Toolkits and group call information will be sent to participants after registration. Contact 612-787-4086 or VitalLiving@esns.org. Donations accepted based on a cost share.
Caregiver Support Group: Wednesday, July 7, 12-1 pm. Via Zoom. Looking for a safe and welcoming place where you can discuss the challenges, the frustrations and the joys of caregiving? The East Side Caregiver Support Group is here to help in any way they can. In this supportive environment you can get connected to the community resources you need, meet and support other people with similar experiences, learn easy self-care strategies and coping techniques, vent, share your personal experiences, and leave feeling better for it. Attendance is open to any adult 18+ years of age who is a caregiver for an older adult. To ensure a safe and confidential setting, first time participants will need to request a link and password to enter the call. Info: contact Liz at LFlavin@esns.org or 612-787-4076.
Home improvement applications now accepted by Rebuilding Together
Rebuilding Together Twin Cities, 1050 33rd Ave. SE, is accepting applications for a variety of home improvement projects for low-income residents in specific communities throughout the metro. Now more than ever, the ability to stay home in a safe and comfortable environment is a major priority, especially for those that are most at-risk. From accessibility ramps, home repairs and added safety features, their donated work allows residents to stay in their home longer, improving their overall quality of life.
The Home Repair program provides safe and healthy housing repairs, including interior improvements (i.e. installing flooring, patching and painting), siding, windows, and landscaping. It also provides contractor-delivered repair or replacement of essential systems, such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing and roofs that are critical to healthy, livable homes. Through funding from the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, the Minnesota Department of Human Services and other partners, they focus on projects for qualified residents living in the seven-county metro area.
The Safe at Home program provides home safety and fall prevention modifications and ramps for older adults or those living with a disability so they can continue to live safely and independently in their own homes. Modifications for the interior of the home can include grab bars for bathrooms, handrails for basement and upstairs steps, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and other updates that allow seniors to safely age in place. Dedicated volunteer teams provide ongoing support to design and build quality, tailored wooden ramps to make homes accessible for all. Safe at Home services are available throughout the entire Twin Cities metro area.
If you are interested in applying for free home repairs or Safe at Home modifications, review eligibility criteria and complete an application by Jan. 15. You can find more information and download the applications at https://rebuildingtogether-twincities.org/apply-for-help/ or call the office at 651-776-4273 to request an application by mail.
Help At Your Door Seeks Volunteer Drivers
Can you drive? Seniors need your help. Help At Your Door, 8441 Wayzata Blvd #160 Golden Valley, a nonprofit serving seniors and individuals with disabilities, is in need of weekday volunteer drivers. Drive two times per month, or as often as you’d like. You choose the rides based on your schedule and geographic area. Enjoy the companionship of seniors and the knowledge that you are providing an essential service for those who cannot get around on their own. Email volunteer@helpatyourdoor.org or call 651-642-1892 to learn more or sign up.
Alive & Kickin MN
SingOut is a free event on the second Monday of each month from 1:30-3 pm, where seniors sing along to Rock&Roll, Motown, Soul, Standards, and Gospel favorites. This event also includes a light healthy snack and time to meet new friends. SingOUT is hosted by Alive & Kickin, a non-profit senior services arts organization on a mission to give seniors ages 60-99+ “years young” voice. Their organization is completely free and accessible to all seniors regardless of age or ability. Rockin’ seniors redefine what it means to “age” by honoring each other and inspiring the community. Cora McCorvey Health and Wellness Center, 1015 N. 4th Ave. This is a free event.
Northeast Senior Services Events
Gadget Fair: Tuesday, June 18, 10 am-noon, Crestview, 4444 Reservoir Blvd, Columbia Heights. Come and check out gadgets that can help seniors live more independently and safely in their homes.
Senior Housing Tour: Monday, June 24, 9 am-2:30 pm. Visit four local senior housing communities: Monroe Village, RiverVillage, Chandler Place, and Walker on Kenzie. A good place to learn about senior housing options, including independent living apartments and assisted living. Some are market rate and some are subsidized. Moderate walking. Snacks, lunch and van transport to housing communities included. Reserve a spot by calling 612-781-5096. Info: neseniors.org.
Classes at East Side Neighborhood Services
Living Well with Diabetes: Fridays, May 10-June 14, 10 am-12 pm. Living Well with Diabetes covers many topics including techniques to deal with symptoms of diabetes: fatigue, pain, hyper/hypoglycemia, stress, depression; healthy eating; exercise; medication usage; and working effectively with health care providers. Participants will set goals, share experiences, and help each other solve problems they encounter. This class meets two hours a week for six weeks.
Caregiver Support Group: Friday, May 17, 10-11:30 am. Family members, friends or neighbors who help care for an older adult, share support, understanding, tips and joy with others who are in a similar situation. Sometimes it helps to talk with someone who just gets it.
Memoirs of Memory: An Intergenerational Arts Project: Saturday, May 18, 12-3 pm. NEMAA’s Art-A-Whirl® at East Side Neighborhood Services. Research has demonstrated that art has beneficial effects on health and well-being throughout the lifespan. This includes memory, and is especially true for persons living with memory loss. Intergenerational engagement has similarly been shown to have positive impacts on quality of life for persons of all ages. The Vital Living team will visit various venues over the summer to ask community members prompts on memory such as “What words or phrases draw you into a pleasant childhood memory?” Answers will be pulled together into a chap book/zine/or other piece of art to share with the community. Info: vitalliving@esns.org or 612-787-4086.
Tai Ji Quan: Moving For Better Balance: Mondays and Thursdays, June 3-August 22, 10-11 am. This Tai Chi class reduces risk of falls by improving balance, muscle strength, flexibility, and mobility through mindful movements in a slow, flowing motion. The class meets twice a week on Monday and Thursday mornings for 12 weeks.
Memory Café: Thursday, June 6, first Thursday of the month. 10-11:30 am. Want to meet other families who are living with memory loss? Join them for a social group at East Side for people with dementia and their care partners. No RSVP needed.
NE Day Spot: Looking for a safe, engaging and fun place for the person you’re caring for so you can take a break and get some respite? At NE Day Spot, people with early to moderate memory loss and other health conditions make new friends, exercise their bodies and engage their minds. Every Friday, 10 am-2 pm, starting June 7. Pre-assessment required to determine eligibility. Sliding fee scale, $0-$45 per day. Info: 612-787-4085.
Stay Strong Fitness for Active Older Adults
Mondays, through March 25, 10-11 am. $30. Aimed at people 55 and better, this class uses body weight and other fitness props to strengthen muscles, build power and improve joint mobility and stability. This six-week class is great for both those new to strength training and those looking for a cross training program to enhance their summer sports: biking, golfing, swimming, hiking, running, pickleball? You name it. Because you are using your own body weight, you will work at the pace and level that is just right for you. Instructor, Mia Bremer. Northeast Recreation Center, 1530 Johnson St. NE, 612-370-4920. Register: minneapolisparks.org.
Legacy of St. Anthony Open House
The Legacy of St. Anthony is the 2018 MADACS Award Winner for Senior Property Excellence. Celebrate with the St. Anthony Community for helping make The Legacy such a warm home for everyone who lives there. Join them on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2:15 pm, for free music, treats, and celebration. RSVP by calling 612-843-3700. The Legacy of St. Anthony, 2540 Kenzie Terrace, St. Anthony.
Awakening the Sage Within
Saturday, Sept. 15, 9 am-4 pm, Compassionate Ocean Zen Center, 652 17th Ave. NE. Today, most people approaching elderhood can expect to live another 20-30 years. How do you want to live those years? Sage-ing (also known as Spiritual Eldering or Conscious Aging) is a model for engaging the elder years more deliberately, more joyfully, and more compassionately. Sage-ing can help us to develop a balanced plan for eldering that is personally fulfilling and also beneficial to others. During this highly interactive workshop, they will introduce Sage-ing concepts including life review, forgiveness work and issues surrounding mortality. They will explore images of aging and the role of spiritual development in the capstone chapter of life. Finally, they will begin development of a personalized plan for their own eldering, including service to others and leaving a legacy.
The fee of $75 (payable by credit card) includes course materials and light refreshments. Bring a packed lunch, beverages will be provided. Partial scholarships are available, contact Karen for information. Because of space limitations, prompt registration is advised. Info: 651-399-9571, karenw0214@gmail.com. To register: sage-ing.org/learning-opps/asw-programs/.