Aging Gracefully is now published every other month with occasional exceptions for holidays. You can always find aging-and-dementia resources on our web page.

FEATURED MENTAL HEALTH TIPS

Many people feel "down" or have the "winter blues" when the days get shorter in the fall and winter and feel better in the spring when longer daylight hours return. Sometimes, these mood changes are more serious and can affect how a person feels, thinks, and behaves.

• While it is normal to feel anxious or sad from time to time, constantly feeling anxious and depressed could be a sign of mental health troubles.
• Some people may feel uncomfortable talking about mental health but it is still very important to do so in order to receive proper treatment as well as lessen the stigma surrounding mental health and illness.
• Some older adults can be susceptible to developing mental health problems due to life changes.
• Sharing your own experiences is important to help other people feel comfortable talking about mental health.

Click here to read the full article

Hearing loss causes structural changes in parts of the brain related to symptoms of dementia, according to a new study.      

The areas of the brain affected by hearing loss are regions associated with attention and executive function in the frontal cortex, as well as the auditory regions of the temporal lobe.                 

Previous research has found that hearing loss is associated with dementia, although the relationship between the two remains to be clarified.        

Upcoming research investigates the possibility of reversing such changes with the use of hearing aids. 

Graphic shown accompanies article

Read the full article here

Osteopenia is a loss of bone mass or bone mineral density. It is the stage before osteoporosis, and without treatment, it can progress to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis happens when bone mineral density and bone mass decrease even further or when there are structural changes to bone tissue.  Click here to read the full article.



Affording Health Care

Now a Struggle for Half of all Americans: Poll

More than half of working-age Americans struggle to afford their health care and many forgo care, possibly risking their health, according to a new survey. The Commonwealth Fund survey queried more than 7,800 individuals aged 19 and up between April and July. The survey found that 51% of these Americans struggled to afford their health care, with 32% living with medical debt.

Click here to read the full article.

How to Shop for Medicare Advantage Plans

The right Medicare Advantage plan for you will depend on your health history, prescription medications and where you live, among other factors. These are strategies for selecting the best plan, which you can read more about in this article.

• Check star ratings.
• Compare out-of-pocket costs.
• Keep your meds in mind.
• Look for your doctors. l
• Consider the plan type.

Click here to read the full article.

How to Find an Insurance Navigator in Your Area

Go to: https://gateway.insurance.ohio.gov/UI/ODI.Agent.Public.UI/NavigatorSearch.mvc/DisplaySearch               

Click the “Navigator Search” tab                                                                

In the “Search For” tab, click the arrow box to select “Business Entities”                                                            

Enter your city.                                                                            

Click the “Search” button. A list will populate to show all the business entities offering navigator services. You can contact any business entity in your search in order to receive assistance with enrollment.         

Click here for the United Medicare Providers Best Rate Guide

Phone: 855-492-2524

Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services web site - click here.

Sources of HHS.gov information about the health care marketplace:

Click here for Get Health Insurance Answers.

https://www.healthcare.gov/

https://www.hhs.gov/ (Scroll to the bottom for Health Care)

Sign up for health insurance with support by phone at this link: https://www.healthcare.gov/create-account

From physical activity to new forms of art and expression, to purchasing locally-made artwork as holiday gifts, Northwest Ohio offers many opportunities - indoors and out - for seniors and everyone - to beat the "winter blues."

Dance Classes

Click here to read about BrainHQ, Luminosity, and more of the best adult brain-building actiivites and puzzles - including Mario Kart!

Puzzles (some are free, some require a subscription)

https://www.npr.org/series/4473090/sunday-puzzle 

https://gamesmagazine-online.com/category/puzzles/ 

https://www.hos.com/home 

https://www.wgte.org/radio/local-radio-programs/jazz-spectrum 

Music and Classic Old-Time Radio Shows

(some are free, some require a subscription)

https://www.prairiehome.org/index.html#

https://www.radiospiritsapp.com/

https://harrynile.com/

http://www.whenradiowas.com/ free daily shows

https://www.siriusxm.com/search?intcmp=Global%20Nav_NA_www:GenrePageTalk_RadioClassics&q=RadioClassics&predictive=true Subscription needed

Find more resources at the Senior Committee page of the Lucas DD web site.

Dementia Friends of Ohio Training Sessions

Hosted through the Ohio Council for Cognitive Health

Remaining 2023 Sessions

December 14 and 26.

Click here for more information and to sign up.

Check out these local senior organization calendars

for some exciting upcoming events!

Northwest Ohio Area Office on Aging Events Calendar

Virtual and In-Person Support Groups, Workshops, and More,

through early 2024.

Highlights:

Matter of Balance - Wednesdays now through January 10

To help reduce the fear of falling and increase activity level

View of Aging Pop Quiz, December 31 at 5 pm

Transportation to events is available through various sources. Click here for the Transportation Search, or call their main number, 419-382-0624 and ask for the Aging and Disability Resource Network.

The Margaret Hunt Center offers rides to their events and for some other needs within their service area. Click here: https://mlhunt.weconnect.com/t

MemoryLane Care Services Events Calendar

Check back each month for that month's activities!

Aging Gracefully is published and edited by the

Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities (LCBDD or Lucas DD) Senior Supports Committee.

Click here for the Senior Support Committee web site page.

Learn about:

• How we can help providers and families support someone who is aging, or has dementia, or is at risk for dementia
• How we can help siblings and other relatives of the individual take on caregiving responsibilities as the individual's parent ages
• Activities and tips for healthy aging
• Webinars, trainings, and everyday tips related to aging, DD and dementia, offered by outside community partners
• Caregiver support networks

This additional page of the LCBDD web site can help you locate sources of financial help for various needs (for all ages).

The Senior Committee includes LCBDD staff, as well as providers and

families who have experience with aging and dementia.

Click here to find past issues of the newsletter.

Copyright © December 2023 Aging Gracefully, All rights reserved.

Contact Us

419-380-4000

seniorcommittee@lucasdd.org

1154 Larc Lane

Toledo, OH 43614

Lucas DD Senior Committee Web Page

Follow the Lucas County Board of DD on social!