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January is

Glaucoma Awareness Month

More than 3 million people in the United States have glaucoma. The National Eye Institute projects this number will reach 4.2 million by 2030, a 58 percent increase.


Glaucoma is called “the sneak thief of sight” since there are no symptoms and once vision is lost, it’s permanent. As much as 40% of vision can be lost without a person noticing.


Those at higher risk include people of African, Asian, and Hispanic descent.

Other high-risk groups include people over 60, family members of those already diagnosed, diabetics, and people who are severely nearsighted. Regular eye exams are especially important for those at higher risk for glaucoma and may help to prevent unnecessary vision loss.


Over 3 million Americans, and 80 million people worldwide, have glaucoma.

Experts estimate that half of them don’t know they have it. Combined with our aging population, we can see an epidemic of blindness looming if we don’t raise awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations to preserve vision.


In honor of Glaucoma Awareness Month, watch video below to hear Dr. Okeke talk about the importance of talking to your friends and family about glaucoma.

A Glaucoma Awareness Month Message from Dr. Constance Okeke

A complete resource for newly-diagnosed patients


The Understanding and Living with Glaucoma booklet is a comprehensive guide for patients who have been recently diagnosed with glaucoma, for their families, and their friends. The 40 page booklet offers an up-to-date introduction to glaucoma in an easy to understand format, with in-depth information and answers to frequently-asked questions about all aspects of this condition.


EN ESPAÑOL: Un recurso completo para pacientes recién diagnosticados


El folleto Comprendiendo y Viviendo con Glaucoma es una guía completa para pacientes que han sido diagnosticados recientemente con glaucoma, sus familias y sus amigos. El folleto de 40 páginas ofrece una introducción actualizada al glaucoma en un formato fácil de entender, con información detallada y respuestas a preguntas frecuentes sobre todos los aspectos de esta condición.

January is also Thyroid Disease Awareness Month

January is Thyroid Awareness Month, which calls attention to the various health problems connected to the thyroid. Most of us have heard about thyroid glands, but we may not realize the importance of the gland or that we may have symptoms of this disease. 


Therefore, this month is dedicated to talking about thyroid disease – the conditions and symptoms and the importance of diagnosis and treatment.  

Diagnosing thyroid disease in seniors can be difficult because some of the symptoms are also associated with aging or other medical conditions — however, these can also be signs of thyroid disease, as well.


Are you at risk for Thyroid Disease?


What do the following adults over the age of 60 have in common?


  1. A 72-year-old woman with “fluttering of the heart” and vague chest discomfort on climbing stairs
  2. An 80-year-old man with severe constipation who falls asleep often
  3. A 65-year-old woman who has lost strength in her legs, causing difficulty in climbing stairs; she has recently lost 15 lbs. in spite of a very good appetite
  4. A 75-year-old woman who has developed difficulty swallowing and a dry cough, accompanied by hoarseness, weight gain, and dry, itchy skin
  5. A 78-year-old man with hearing loss
  6. An 84-year-old woman in whom a hand tremor has caused her to give up favorite activities. She is so depressed that she will not eat, and she has lost 12 lbs. in the last 4 months.


What they all have in common is that all of these individuals have abnormal function of their thyroid glands.


  • Adults 1, 3 and 6 have hyperthyroidism, that is, excessive production of thyroid hormone by their thyroid glands. 


  • Adults 2, 4 and 5 have hypothyroidism, or reduced production of thyroid hormone. 


While some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are similar to those in younger adults, it is not uncommon for both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism to be manifest in subtle ways in older adults, often masquerading as diseases of the bowel or heart or a disorder of the nervous system.


Thyroid disorders have no age limits; indeed, hypothyroidism is clearly more common in older than in younger adults. Despite the increased frequency of thyroid problems in older individuals, physicians need a high index of suspicion to make the diagnosis since thyroid disorders often manifest as a disorder of another system in the body. Older patients with thyroid disorders require special attention to gradual and careful treatment, and, as always, require lifelong follow-up.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THYROID DISEASE

Winter is here!

Cold Weather Safety Tips for Older Adults

If you are like most people, you feel cold every now and then during the winter. What you may not know is that just being really cold can make older adults very sick.


Older adults can lose body heat fast—faster than when they were young.

Changes in your body that come with aging can make it harder for you to be aware of getting cold. A big chill can turn into a dangerous problem before an older person even knows what's happening. Doctors call this serious problem hypothermia.


Living in a cold house or apartment can cause hypothermia. In cold weather you should set your heat to at least 68–70°F. To save on heating bills, close off rooms you are not using. Close the vents and shut the doors in those rooms. 


You should also dress warmly on cold days even if you are staying in the house. Throw a blanket over your legs. Wear socks and slippers.

MORE TIPS ON STAYING SAFE IN COLD WEATHER
MORE TIPS ON FOG AND COLD WEATHER

CA’s Draft Digital Equity Plan Invites Public Comment


The State of California recently released the draft Digital Equity Plan utilizing the input of over 50,000 Californians, including many Area 4 residents. The plan will position the state to receive an allocation of the Digital Equity Capacity Grant, funded by the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, that will help close the digital divide for good. 


The Plan will help fund programs that can give everyone in Area 4 access to high-performance broadband, devices, and digital skills training. Additionally, funding could be used for digital literacy programs, community technology initiatives, digital navigator services, affordable device distribution and workforce training our community.


To help our community close the digital divide, we need your feedback!


Agency on Aging Area 4 encourages all Area 4 residents to contribute to this plan by sharing your thoughts on the draft in the form of a public comment.


Leaving a public comment is simple.

  • Click button below to view the draft Digital Equity Plan.
  • Then, select the public comment form and follow the instructions to share your feedback.


The draft Digital Equity Plan is open for public comment until January 25, 2024. With your input, we can ensure everyone in Area 4 has the opportunity to thrive in the digital age.

VIEW DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN

EN ESPAÑOL: El borrador de la Equidad Digital de California invita al comentario público

El Estado de California publicó recientemente el borrador del Plan de Equidad Digital utilizando el aporte de más de 50,000 californianos, incluidos muchos residentes. El plan posicionará al estado para recibir una asignación de Subvenciones de Capacidad de Equidad Digital, financiadas por la Ley bipartidista de Empleo e Inversión en Infraestructura de 2021, que ayudará a cerrar la brecha digital para siempre.


El plan ayudará a financiar programas que puedan ayudar a brindar a los residentes acceso a banda ancha de alto rendimiento, dispositivos y capacitación en habilidades digitales. Además, los fondos podrían usarse para programas de alfabetización digital, iniciativas de tecnología comunitaria, servicios de navegador digital, distribución de dispositivos asequibles y capacitación de la fuerza laboral en nuestra comunidad.


Para ayudar a nuestra comunidad a cerrar la brecha digital, ¡necesitamos sus comentarios! Agency on Aging Area 4 invita a todos los residentes a contribuir a este plan compartiendo sus opiniones sobre el borrador en forma de comentario público.


Dejar un comentario público es fácil. Sólo visite https://broadbandforall.cdt.ca.gov/state-digital-equity-plan/ para ver el borrador del Plan de Equidad Digital. Luego, seleccione el formulario de comentarios públicos y siga las instrucciones para compartir sus comentarios.


El borrador del Plan de Equidad Digital está abierto a comentarios públicos hasta el 25 de enero de 2024. Con su aporte, podemos asegurarnos de que todos tengan la oportunidad de prosperar en la era digital.

PLAN DE EQUIDAD DIGITAL

Seleccione el idioma español en la esquina superior derecha de la página web.

Happy New Year!


Making New Year’s resolutions to eat better, exercise, watch your weight, see your healthcare provider regularly, or quit smoking once and for all, can help you get healthier and feel better for many more years to come.


The American Geriatrics Society’s Health in Aging Foundation recommends these top 10 healthy New Year’s resolutions for older adults to help achieve your goal of becoming and staying healthy.

10 HEALTHY WAYS TO RING IN THE NEW YEAR

Do you receive SSI? Don’t miss out on food benefits!

Food prices have increased significantly in recent years. It makes it difficult for many of us—especially older adults—to keep eating well.


Fortunately, CalFresh has allocated funds specifically for adults aged 60+. We simplify the application process for them.


Learn more and start your application today. 

Click button below or call us at 

1-800-211-4545

GET STARTED

Improve Your Mood, Improve Your Life

Did you know that one in five older adults

experiences depression?


The Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives (PEARLS) is an evidence-based program designed to reduce depressive symptoms and improve quality of life in older adults.


Our PEARLS coaches will provide six to eight in-home sessions to help you:

  • Recognize the symptoms of depression.
  • Use a seven-step approach to identify and solve problems.
  • Plan social and physical activities, which often improve the mood of people with depression.


For more information:

CALL (800) 211-4545

EMAIL cm@agencyonaging4.org

What is Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC)?


An ADRC is a network of organizations that work together to make access to services easier for older adults, people with disabilities, and family care providers. We are here to support you in finding resources and exploring your community options for living independently.


We can help you stay in your home, remain connected to your community, make a smooth transition from hospital to home, and access caregiver resources or respite care.


How can an ADRC help you?


  • By providing in-person, phone, or online information about a wide range of services and resources.
  • By presenting options for long term services and support so that informed choices can be made about care planning.
  • By offering short-term services to address urgent needs and prevent unnecessary admission to a nursing facility or hospital.
  • By coordinating relocation from hospitals or nursing facilities back to a home or the community and arranging for needed support.


ADRCs are transforming the way people access community resources.

Get help today!


CALL: (800) 211-4545

EMAIL: cm@agencyonaging4.org

WEB: www.adrc4.org

Healthy Eating = Healthy Aging

Meatball Soup

Hearty and delicious


As we ring in the new year, most people are feeling ready to eat smarter after the holiday season. The key is to step into new healthy habits gradually to build a sustainable lifelong change. 

Soup can be a great way to incorporate vegetables and protein. Try this delicious Meatball Soup recipe. 



RECIPE

Winter Fruit Crisp

Healthy and full of fiber


This New Year add more color to your meals with

plant-based foods like vegetables and fruit. Fruits and vegetables are low in calories, but high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them an excellent snack or side dish! 

A great way to use those apples is to make a Fruit Crisp this winter season. 



RECIPE

Breakfast Burritos

A great start to your day


It’s the start of the New Year, try to cook at home more. In addition to helping you save money, cooking at home more often can help you reduce the total amount of calories, fat, and sodium consumed at that meal, making it easier to manage your weight and overall health.

Breakfast Burritos can be great to make, freeze, and re-heat for the week.

RECIPE

Renaissance Society at Sacramento State

Hosts Spring 2024 Open House

The Renaissance Society of Sacramento provides opportunities for participatory lifelong learning and community engagement for older adults. Their learning opportunities include programs on widely varied subjects proposed and presented by our members.


They also are involved with Sac State in many helping ways to provide more learning opportunities, such as providing scholarships or volunteering for many Sac State departments.


They are hosting an open house - all are welcome! See flyer below for more information or contact them at (916) 758-5133 or renaissa@csus.edu.


Reentry Resource Fair at Sacramento Library

Stay safe this winter!

With winter comes winter weather. It's important to stay informed, pay attention to weather forecasts, and listen to local authorities for news that can affect your health and safety.


Go to CalAlerts.org to sign up for text alerts specific to your county.

Workshops for Healthy Aging

Agency on Aging Area 4 hosts free virtual and in-person workshops for the older adult community in Sacramento, Nevada, Placer, Sierra, Sutter, Yolo, and Yuba Counties.


Whether you’re interested in nutrition, health promotion or job readiness we have the classes for you! Our team is currently creating interest lists for each of our workshops. Click on the workshop you're interested in below and fill out the form. A staff member will contact you when new classes are scheduled.

Bingocize

Bingocize is 10-week, socially engaging group-based program that combines exercise, health education, and the widely popular game of bingo.

SIGN UP

A Matter of Balance

A Matter of Balance is an 8-week course that enables participants to reduce the fear of falling by learning to view falls as controllable, setting goals for increasing activity levels, making small changes to reduce fall risks at home, and exercise to increase strength and balance.

SIGN UP

Live Strong & Safe

Live Strong & Safe Fall Prevention Program is a short one session series that provides a comprehensive overview of fall prevention, including home safety and medication management.

SIGN UP

Diabetes Empowerment Education

Diabetes Empowerment Education is a six-week workshop to help adults with diabetes learn more about diabetes, self-manage their condition, and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.

SIGN UP

Cooking Matters

Cooking Matters is a four-week course that teaches participants to shop smarter, use nutrition information to make healthier choices and cook delicious, affordable meals.

SIGN UP

Eat Smart, Live Strong

The Eat Smart, Live Strong is a 4-week course designed to encourage older adults to increase fruit and vegetable consumption to at least 3 1/2 cups and to participate in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each day.

SIGN UP

Food Smarts

Food Smarts is a 6-week course designed to support healthy behavior change in the areas of healthy eating, food safety, cooking, food waste reduction and food resource management.

SIGN UP

Mature Edge

Mature Edge is a job-readiness program that can help the mature worker update their resume and learn valuable skills to land the job you want.

SIGN UP


These email newsletters are funded, in part, by CalFresh Healthy Living Program. Learn more here.

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