Having trouble viewing this email? Click here to view

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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. 

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. 



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.

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 [email protected].

Reentry Resource Fair at Sacramento Library

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.