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Senior Scene
by Ethel M. Austin
At a luncheon at the Senior Health and Wellness Center (SH&WC),
those of us who promote and encourage programs for the Third
Age, were treated to information about the SH&WC new program
lineup.
Quoting from their philosophy and mission statement, "The
philosophy within our (St. Francis) system acknowledges that
health is not just an absence of disease but a state of well-being
that includes physiological, spiritual and social health."
"The Senior Health and Wellness Center is dedicated to helping
people achieve successful aging by providing programs, services
and resources, in all four domains of health, which allow older
adults to maintain their health, independence and continue to
lead active, fulfilling lives. "
Robin Abourizk, the director of the Center, outlined the programs
for good health and well-being for the Third Age. The small fees
provide professional leadership, and the facility is "rent
free,"
The new membership program for "The Third Age Group"
is free. Based on the premise that health and wellness need
to be started earlier than age 65, the entry age has been lowered
to age 50. Aside from the discounted fitness classes and free
health screenings there will still be opportunities to buy the
discounted Senior Fitness Pass which entitles the holder to l2
sessions in the well-equipped exercise room. Included is an initial
orientation appointment with a staff member to tailor the program
to your needs. The total cost is only $30. A bargain for those
on lower incomes who need revitalization. Such fitness programs
are not chargeable to Medicare or any other medical insurance.
However, the membership will act as "preventative medicine."
Other advantages of owning the Third Age Group Membership is
its affiliation with EldeMed America, which will offer an enhanced
package of benefits, such as discounts and coupons for such needs
as eye glass purchases, shoes, hairstyling (men and women) as
well as many other essentials.
You can become a member by filling out a simple form at 95 Woodland
Street, the home base of SH&WC or call 714-4412 and ask to
have the application sent. Also call this number if you want
to sign up for classes and programs. Ask for a list of November
programs when you call.
November is Alzheimer"s Month. Many people have a difficulty
deciding where to place a loved-one suffering with this disease.
It is not a decision to be made in a crisis, or when the present
caregiver is too worn out to make a wise and advantageous selection
of homes. For decision-making tips, Write to Gray, Kirk, Vansant,
Attention Beth Knight at 401 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, Md.,21202.
Are you aware of the "Vial of Life" Program? If you
don't know that this is a vital way to provide life saving medical
information to paramedics, firemen and ambulance crews when you
are unable to provide it yourself, then perhaps you would like
to attend an informational event being held in the City Hall
Atrium at l0am on November l8. Call 522-4888 X 6854 and speak
to Audrey Hyman in the Hartford Elderly Services Division.
Do you really read your mail or your telephone bills? Are you
taken in by checks made out for $15 or $30 which purport to give
you those amounts of free calling if you sign up with them for
long distance calling? Do you listen carefully to the limited
cents a minute ads on TV which tell you all long distance calls
can be yours for just pennies? When the bill comes in do you
check to see if their promise was kept, or have you been charged
for amounts you truly do not understand. Although I hear many
complaints, one recently bothered me, as the client was having
amounts charged on his bill each month for access fees both for
the company which was bragging about their low cost long distance
charges, and by the SNET company who handles this client's in-
state calls. When he called for explanations neither company's
phone people knew why the monthly charges were being made each
month.
It could easily make your long distance calls cost more than
straight charges. Check this out.
Reminders: Did you get your flu shot? Your doctor will give it
to you if you missed it at your senior center or other location.
Also don't forget to go to the November 7th Greater Hartford
Senior Citizen Coordinating Council's "Time to Make a Difference":
volunteer showcase and exposition on November 7, from 9 to 2
at the Gengras Center of St. Francis Hospital. Call 724-6443
X350 for information. $5 gets you lunch and entrance to talks
and workshops. Door prizes and awards. Speakers will have books
they have written so you can learn more about "Being an
Outrageous Woman" or "Being and Outrageous Man".
Hope I'll see you there!
Talk with you next issue.
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