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Social Connections for Seniors
By now, we have all become very familiar with the term “social distancing.” We have received numerous tips on how to do it properly, and we understand that it is vital right now in order to stay healthy.

However, humans are social creatures who need to feel connected to others; these social connections also keep us healthy by helping us thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally. Here are some resources and tips to help you stay social connected while you are sheltering at home:

• Call, text, email or video chat with at least one person daily. Ask how they are coping. Talk about how you are doing during this difficult time. Or share fun facts about each other. What music do they enjoy? What kind of movies? Reaching out to others is a wonderful way to get out of ourselves and take a break from our worries.

• Write letters or send cards to friends and loved ones. Tell them how much you would appreciate a reply. Connecting in low-tech ways are just as meaningful, maybe more so now than they have ever been.

• Watch live-stream videos on Facebook and interact in the chat box. We will be streaming our mindful movement classes on Tuesdays at 11 a.m. Why don’t you join us? “Like” and/or “follow” our Facebook page for details.

• Create a private Facebook “group” for your close friends or family. Having a place where you can let your hair down with a closer, smaller group of people may be the perfect way to beat the self-isolation blues. Click here for instructions.

• Share what you are doing daily with others (either by text, phone or social media). Did you just read a great book or try out a new recipe? Did you just organize your pantry or closet? Try out a new DIY project? Reach out and let people know!

• Connect with friends and family using apps like Skype , Facebook messenge r , or Zoom that allow you to video chat with several people at once. Get creative: host a virtual family reunion, happy hour (with or without adult beverages), or game night.

Below are links for tutorials to get your started.

• Consider attending a worship service or a book club virtually. Some clubs, churches, and synagogues are using Facebook, or the apps mentioned above to host meetings, religious services and studies, or general communications with their members. Consider inquiring with your clubs or religious organizations what they offer and if you are interested, join in!

• Think about creative ways to stay in contact with your neighbors. How about organizing a Zoom neighborhood meet-up group? Or starting a neighborhood email group? Or joining your neighborhood’s Facebook page?

There are many ways to stay connected and bring your friends, family, neighbors and community together, but make sure you are respecting the current guidelines for social distancing.

Please let us know what ideas you have for staying connected during this time. We are happy to hear how you are staying busy and active while staying safe! We would love to share your ideas and maybe you will inspire others. Or just reach out to us if you could use a little "lift" from us – the main number is 850-891-4000 and it will be forwarded to a staff member’s phone from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Shout to authors - Melanie Lachman, Ruth Nickens,
Interns Judy & Kiki, and editor - Audrey Byrne!
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Health Information and Advisories
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , 888-232-4636, The CDC is the nation’s health protections agency. Call or visit this website to learn more about current cases of COVID-19 and prevention methods. You can also sign up for email updates. 

• This is a 24/7 Call Center available to answer questions about COVID-19. Visit this source for a COVID-19 Toolkit for ways to stay educated. 

Offers an online resource page for older adults, caregivers, and professionals. The resource page offers a link about scams and the four most common scams!

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Scams

The Attorney General is warning Floridians to only use secure sites when looking for COVID-19 information. Refer to this resource or the Federal Trade Commission to avoid scammers. 

Tips on scams, how to avoid scams, and what the Federal Trade Commission is doing to address scams.

General Resource

2-1-1 Big Bend ,You can call 2-1-1 for human service information and assistance. They are available 24 hours a day to listen and provide emotional support, crisis counseling, suicide prevention, and information & referrals.

The information above from our "Resource Card is a service of Tallahassee Senior Services and the Tallahassee Senior Center & Foundation . For more information or questions, call 850.891.4043, or email Sandra Stoutamire . Note: Information on this March 2020 resource card is not guaranteed to be all-inclusive and does not imply endorsement of any persons, offices, or agencies by Tallahassee Senior Center.
Be a Supporter of Senior Services!
Tallahassee Senior Services offers programs, activities, and opportunities designed to encourage active living, optimal aging, and social fitness for independent adults age 50+. The mission of the TSC Foundation is to generate funding to support programs, services and participants of Tallahassee Senior Services. Here are three ways you can support Senior Services:
Become a Member! Donate!
Donations, honorariums, memorial gifts, and legacy gifting are appreciated ( click here to donate ). For more information on membership or on becoming a Key Holder click here. Your membership is tax deductible. Call 891-4041 or email Karin Caster for information or assistance. 

"A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF THE CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE or WWW.800HELPFLA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE." Registration #CH8035.
Host a Facebook Fundraiser!
Are you celebrating a birthday or a special occasion and have enough "stuff"? How about hosting a Facebook Fundraiser to benefit the Senior Center? To do this, you must have a Facebook account/profile and then click here and follow the directions! Need help? Email Audrey Byrne.

Be certain to thank your friends for their generosity and thank you and your friends forsharing the joy of active aging opportunities for our community!
Shop at Smile.Amazon.com
Shop at Smile.Amazon.com ! Choose the Tallahassee Senior Citizens Foundation, Inc. as your charity of choice, and every time you shop, 0.5% of AmazonSmile purchases will be donated .
Links to programs, classes and opportunities!