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Generations’ Column for September 11, 2021

NEVER FORGET:

8 EMTs/Paramedics

60 Police Officers

343 Firefighters

2997 Civilians

KEEPING YOUR BONES STRONG TO PREVENT FALLS:  Falls are a common reason for trips to the emergency room and for hospital stays among older adults. Many of these hospital visits are for fall-related fractures. You can help prevent fractures by keeping your bones strong. Having healthy bones won't prevent a fall, but if you fall, it might prevent breaking a hip or other bone, which may lead to a hospital or nursing home stay, disability, or even death. Getting enough calcium and vitamin D can help keep your bones strong. So can physical activity. Try to get at least 150 minutes per week of physical activity. Other ways to maintain bone health include quitting smoking and limiting alcohol use, which can decrease bone mass and increase the chance of fractures. Also, try to maintain a healthy weight. Being underweight increases the risk of bone loss and broken bones. Osteoporosis is a disease that makes bones weak and more likely to break. For people with osteoporosis, even a minor fall may be dangerous. Talk to your doctor about osteoporosis.

*National Institute on Aging – www.nia.nih.gov

A MATTER OF BALANCE CLASS TO BE HELD IN BICKNELL: A Matter of Balance is designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults. Participants learn to set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and learn simple exercises to increase strength and balance. Generations’ in partnership with Purdue Extension will be offering A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls at the Knox Co 4-H Fairgrounds (4-H Building), 11728 IN-67, Bicknell, IN  47512 beginning Friday, September 17th and continuing each Friday through November 5th. Classes will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. This 8-week program is offered free of charge, but pre-registration is required. Spots are limited and masks are required! A workbook will be provided and refreshments will be served.  For more information, or to register, contact the Knox County Purdue Extension at 812-882-3509.

FARMERS MARKET VOUCHERS EXPANDED ELIGIBILITY - NOW AVAILABLE TO SENIORS OVER 55 WHO LIVE IN PUBLIC HOUSING: Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program 2021 - Vouchers are still available!

VOUCHER ELIGIBILITY:

• Over 60 prior to June 1, 2021
• 55 YEARS OF AGE OR OVER WHO LIVE IN PUBLIC HOUSING AND MEET INCOME GUIDELINES
• Monthly income under $1,500
• Resident of Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Knox, Martin or Pike County

You may pick up applications at the Generations’ office, 1019 N. 4th St., Vincennes, IN or you can contact Alma Kramer at 812-888-4527 to have an application mailed to you.  *Must provide ID and proof of income.  First Come First Serve!! 

*Available ONLY to individuals who have NOT YET received vouchers for this year.

LOOKING OUT FOR ONE ANOTHER:  The recent increase in COVID-19 cases brings with it increased social isolation for some of the more vulnerable older adult population in our area and throughout the world!  If you have a friend or neighbor who is socially isolated, please remember to reach out to them.  One short phone call could make a world of difference in someone’s day!  We are still all in this together – let’s look out for one another.

GENERATIONS MAGAZINE:  Our magazine is geared toward adults in pre-retirement and retirement years and promotes active aging and preventive health. It is published three times a year and is free to subscribers.  All we need is your name and address. If you would like to receive future copies of the magazine, contact Brenda Hancock at 812-888-5146 or bhancock@vinu.edu.

Generations, Area 13 Agency on Aging & Disability, is a program of Vincennes University’s Community Services Division.  Our agency connects individuals and caregivers to community resources and options for long-term care and in-home services.  For more information, call 1-800-742-9002 or 812-888-5880 or visit our website at www.generationsnetwork.org