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Aging Gracefully is now published every other month with occasional changes for holidays. Resources can always be found on our website page.
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Featured Medical and Wellness Articles | |
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14 Conditions Probiotics May Help Treat,
Supported by Research
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While probiotics are often associated with digestive health, research shows their benefits extend beyond the gut. Probiotics have therapeutic potential in managing several health conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory infections, and skin conditions.
Click here for the full article.
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Weak Heart Symptoms and Treatments
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A weak heart muscle (cardiomyopathy) can be caused by conditions like diabetes, coronary heart disease, and high blood pressure. When the heart is weak, it's often unable to either fill up properly or pump efficiently. This leads to reduced blood flow throughout the body, meaning organs and tissues—including the heart—don't get an adequate supply of oxygen and vital nutrients.
This article discusses weak heart symptoms, causes, and when it is time to see a healthcare provider.
Click here for the full article.
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Does Protein Boost Your Energy? | |
Technically, all food sources give the body energy in calories, but protein is not the body's primary energy source. Protein does contribute to our overall, long-term energy levels by promoting feelings of satiety (a satisfied feeling of fullness) and improving the body’s ability to repair itself.
Proteins are indirectly involved in many aspects of the body's energy levels in the long term.
Click here for the full article.
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Scientists find major link between intermittent fasting and Alzheimer's | |
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Alzheimer’s disease, a devastating neurodegenerative disorder affecting over six million Americans, is often linked to disruptions in the body’s circadian rhythm. These disruptions can severely impact cognitive function, particularly at night, and lead to persistent sleep issues.
While these symptoms have long been considered a consequence of the disease, new research suggests they may play a more active role in its progression.
A recent study from the University of California San Diego School of Medicine has provided fresh insight into the potential benefits of time-restricted feeding in managing these circadian disruptions.
Click here for the full article.
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Senior Housing Guide: Find Your New Home
Choosing your home away from home can be a difficult process. With all the varying factors to consider, finding the right spot where you will be comfortable is very important. N.W. Ohio is home to many excellent senior living options that can satisfy your needs. Check out these Senior Living Centers and their featured amenities to find the best place for you to settle down.
Click here to read the full list, originally from MLiving News.
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Tech Guide for OhioISP Website: Apps, Gadgets, and More | |
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The Tech Guide for OhioISP website provides examples of products and services that may enhance independence for a person with developmental disabilities. These range from apps and highly technological devices to everyday tools that are adaptive or designed to fit special needs. They are categorized by the OhioISP assessment area that they assist with, and information is included on where to get them. Not every product is right for everyone, and the idea is to help you gather ideas for what may work best for the people you serve.
Click here for the website.
Click these other links to find additional handy gadgets for seniors.
Handybar for transferring in and out of vehicles safely without caregiver assistance
Water bottle ice cube tray
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Social media and other basics for the not-so-computer-savvy
Social media and other platforms and apps make it easy to stay connected from your personal computer, laptop, phone or other devices. But because there are so many social platforms and apps, it might feel confusing to keep track of what you can do with each and how they work.
Click here for an article from MLiving News with basics to help you get started. It's for everyone, but written especially with seniors in mind.
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2025
Ohio Association of Gerentology and Education Conference
Thursday March 20 - Friday March 21, 2025
Bowen-Thompson Student Union
on the Bowling Green State University Campus
806 Ridge Street, Bowling Green Ohio
The 2025 Conference Theme is
Relationships and Aging:
Successes and Challenges with Families, Caregivers, and the Workforce
Click here for conference schedule and registration and hotel information.
Registration by March 10 is preferred. Registrations after March 10 are considered "late registrations" and will be accepted only as space permits.
Questions:
419-372-7920
questions@oage.org
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Activities for Healthy Aging:
Things to Do in Northwest Ohio
In Early Spring
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Historical tourist attractions, fairs, festivals, parties and outdoor-themed activities offering opportunities for socialization, entertainment, and better quality of life for all ages. Many things listed here are ongoing or recurring. | |
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Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 10 am to 1 pm
Stranahan Theater and Great Hall
4645 Heatherdowns, Toledo, Ohio
Connect with dozens of local organizations dedicated to helping seniors and their families in Toledo and the surrounding communities. Meet with experts on Medicare, senior living, legal and financial planning, and all sorts of health care issues and medical equipment.
Free Admission, Free Health Screenings, and Free Refreshments, plus prizes and giveaways.
Click here for the information.
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Fantasticon
Saturday, March 8, 2025 - 11 am to 6 pm
Sunday, March 9, 2025 - 11 am to 5 pm
Glass City Center Convention Center
(formerly the Seagate Convention Center)
401 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo, Ohio
Comic book and pop culture convention featuring pop culture and comic-themed merchandise, cosplay, gaming tournaments, and pop culture celebrities.
Event times, ticket prices, and other information here.
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Maumee Senior Center Programs and Grab-and-Go Meals for ages 60 and Up
Waterville Branch of the
Toledo-Lucas County Public Library
Mondays and Fridays 11 am to 1 pm throughout March and April and into May.
No income restrictions, meals must be reserved 24 hours in advance. Call 419-893-1994.
Click here for the March calendar. Click where it says "Maumee Senior Center" on a Monday or a Friday. Click the arrows to find the April calendar.
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Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Tours
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Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
14000 W. State Route 2
Oak Harbor, Ohio
Eagle Bus Tour
View bald eagle nests on a bus tour through the refuge.
Available periodically throughout the year
Next 2025 dates March 5, 16, and 30, and April 6, always beginning at 10:30 am
Wildlife Drive
Open for visitors to drive through all day on various dates throughout the year
Next 2025 dates March 1 and 2
and April 19, 20, 26, and 27
Learn about the various tours and events by clicking the links on the calendar.
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Hospice of Northwest Ohio
Ongoing Interactive Grief Support Groups
These groups are held at the various Hospice locations around Northwest Ohio on various dates at various times. Some groups are for those who have lost a spouse or partner, while others are for adults adjusting to the loss of any loved one.
Next dates at the Toledo location (800 South Detroit Avenue)
Coping with Spousal or Partner Loss - March 5 and 19, 5:30 to 7 pm
Coping with Loss (general) - March 11, 11 am to 12:30 pm
Visit their calendar for other dates, times, and locations.
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Otterbein Open Swim
Otterbein Senior Life Sunset Village
9640 Sylvania-Metamora Road, Sylvania, Ohio
Various dates March - September 2025
Next ones March 4 and 18 and April 15.
Enjoy the pool at the Otterbein Fieldstone Villa Clubhouse for $5.00 per person per visit. Please fill out a pool waiver and pay fee at the Otterbein Clubhouse. Locker rooms with showers are available.
Read more.
More information about Otterbein Sunset Village generally.
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NCAA Division 1 Men's Ice Hockey Regionals
Thursday, March 27 and Saturday, March 29 - see links for game times
Huntington Center
500 Jefferson Avenue, Downtown Toledo, OH
Single-Elimination Regional Semifinal Competition. The winner from each of four Regionals advances to the so-called "Men's Frozen Four," the national championship.
Click here for more information.
Click here for Huntington Center Game information.
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Toledo Mud Hens Opening Weekend
Kicking off the 2025 Season for Toledo's Triple-A Baseball
Friday, March 28 - Sunday March 30
Fifth Third Field, 406 Washington Street, Downtown Toledo
Games start at 4:05 all three days
Click here for more information.
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2025 Area Office on Aging Senior Prom | |
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Friday, April 11, 2025, 5:30 to 8 pm
The Premier, at 4480 Heatherdowns, Toledo, Ohio
Hosted by the Area Office on Aging and Toledo Public Schools
Disco music and dancing - described as a "time machine to the era of funky beats and glittering lights."
Click here for the event page and continue to watch it for ticket information.
(Please note that April 11 is the correct date - the April 12 on the page is an error.)
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22nd Annual Sylvania Spring Expo and Market
Hosted by Sylvania Chamber of Commerce
Presented by
Dave White Chevrolet and Northwest Ohio Chevy Dealers
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Toledo Metroparks Takeover
of Downtown Main Library
Saturday, April 19, 2025, 12 pm to 4 pm
Main Branch
Toledo-Lucas County Public Library
325 N. Michigan Street, Toledo
Experience Toledo Metroparks' outdoor activities, including tree climbing, rock climbing, archery and more. Trained staff and adaptive equipment will be available to accommodate all abilities.
MLiving News article
Toledo Library event page
More about Toledo Metroparks Inclusive Programs
(Library Takeovers are events with demonstrations and resource information hosted by different nonprofits in the Main Library space.)
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Save the Date: May 20, 2025, 10 am to 2 pm
Area Office on Aging Spring Fling Senior Expo
Tam-O-Shanter
7060 West Sylvania Avenue, Sylvania, OH
Another senior-focused expo with many organizations who serve seniors exhibiting.
Information is still pending. Keep checking this site.
Contact: Corey Clagg, 419-725-6995, cclagg@areaofficeonaging.com
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Our Region's
Independent Coffee Shops
Toledo has many of these: click here to find the Toledo City Paper's list of their favorites. And learn which ones:
- serve snacks, desserts, or full meals
- serve cocktails
- use locally-sourced products, in some cases including Zingerman's coffee
- employ people with disabilities
- offer games or other entertainment
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Nostalgia and "Retro"-Themed Activities | |
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Around 300 dealers' booths with antique and collectable merchandise (including comics) for sale
Plus an in-store café
Open seven days per week, year-round, subject to changes for holidays or weather.
Click here for the website.
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Activities for a Healthy Brain As We Age | |
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This 4600+ year old game was first played in ancient Mesopotamia during the early third millennium BC. It was rediscovered in a cemetery sometime between 1922 and 1934. This consists of four pyramid-shaped dice and 14 discs (7 per player). It is a race game where the object is to move your pieces off the board before your opponent. It is a game of luck and strategy, easy to play and gets you to think.
Click here for more about Ur
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7 Brain Exercises to Strengthen Your Mind
Brain exercises are activities that are designed to maintain and strengthen cognitive abilities such as working memory, processing speed, and executive function.
While you might know that you need to exercise your body, did you know that it might also be important to exercise your mind? You've probably heard the old adage "use it or lose it." Many researchers do believe that this maxim applies to your brain health.
Click here to learn more about activities and exercises beneficial to the health of your brain - including physical exercise, drawing maps from memory, learning new languages and hobbies, socialization and meditation - as well as games and puzzles.
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Aging Gracefully is published and edited by the
Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Lucas DD) Senior Supports Committee, which is made up of staff, plus providers and family members who experience caring for older individuals or those with dementia.
Are you working with or taking care of someone who:
- is diagnosed with, or shows signs of dementia,
- has changing needs because they're now in their 50s, or 60s, or older?
- or has been depending on a family member who is now older or ailing?
Visit the Senior Support Committee website page (lucasdd.org/senior-committee or scan the QR code below)
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Copyright © March 2025 Aging Gracefully, All rights reserved. | | | | |
