Vital Living News

July 2024

Vital Living supports an intergenerational community that values and respects everyone, increases understanding and engagement, and focuses on health and well-being for all generations.


Celebrating Health, Fun, and 

Community

  

Thank you to all who attended this year's Wellness Fair! You helped make it a resounding success! Approximately 120 people attended, with 58 participants completing our survey. We're delighted to share that there was an overwhelming amount of positive feedback.

Here are some of the highlights that made this year's Wellness Fair so special: 

Resource Tables and Community Support: Participants greatly appreciated the valuable information various community organizations provided at their resource tables. 

Food and Produce: Free food options, including breakfast, lunch, snacks, and produce to take home, were appreciated by the whole community. 

Grocery Card Raffle: The raffle added an extra element of excitement and was a popular feature of the event. Seven very excited winners were randomly selected.

Informative Presentations: Attendees found the presentations on topics like creating a healthcare directive and Women’s Heart Health to be particularly valuable. 

Friendship and Connections: Many people commented on the joy of reconnecting with old friends and forming new bonds, creating a strong sense of community. 


We are deeply grateful to all the attendees, community organizations and volunteers who made this day not only informative but also fun for everyone involved. With such positive feedback, we're already looking forward to planning another successful Wellness Fair next year! 99% of attendees expect to join us again next year. We hope you will too! 



In the meantime, Vital Living has lots of fun things happening all year round! We look forward to seeing you soon!


Sincerely,

The Vital Living Team

612-787-4086 | VitalLiving@esns.org


This event is made possible in part by an Age-Friendly grant from Hennepin County

Vital Living is supported in part by a Live Well at Home grant from the MN Department of Human Services. 


In This Newsletter


Classes: Maintain your Well-being

Events: Lifelong Learning

Caregiving: Gain Emotional and Practical Support

Engagement: Connect through Volunteering

Resources: Tools for Staying Independent

View Vital Living Monthly Calendar

Visiting Dementia and Sensory Friendly Places


From museums and movie theaters to gardens and zoos, more and more spaces are embracing the fact that accessibility is multifaceted and the demand for sensory-friendly spaces is higher than ever.



Click here for ideas of where to go in the Twin Cities.


Vital Living Classes

Senior Planet Tech Classes

Mondays and Wednesdays

11:00 AM-12:30 PM

In-person


The Vital Living Program at East Side Neighborhood Services is partnering with Senior Planet from AARP to help older adults use technology to learn new skills, save money, get in shape, and make new friends. We hope you can join us!


July 8: Intro to Social Media

July 10: Finding Community with Senior Planet Community

July 15: Virtual Museum Tours

July 17: Drones

July 22: Everyday Uses of AI

July 24: Is That AI?

July 29: Mindfulness Apps

July 31: Getting Started with Insight Timer



For all tech classes, we will be gathering in our Tech Lounge at East Side Neighborhood Services. All materials needed will be provided. No cost for these classes. Must RSVP in advance as space is limited for each class.


For questions and to register, contact 612-787-4086 or VitalLiving@esns.org.

Photo of older adult exercising together

Vital Fitness

Thursdays Weekly|10:30-11:30 AM

In-person


All abilities are encouraged to come. Movements can be done seated or standing.


A wide variety of balance, strength, and flexibility movements will be incorporated into this fun and social group class. Masks and physical distancing will be encouraged, but not required. No cost. Pre-registration is helpful for planning purposes but not required. 

 

Questions? Contact 612-787-4086 or VitalLiving@esns.org.

Vital Living Events

Vital Living Book Club

2nd Saturday of the Month | 9:00-10:00 AM  

Via Zoom     

Enjoy reading and looking for a friendly group to be a part of? Bring your coffee and join our statewide book club online.


As we are all living more days, we explore reframing the idea of aging as opportunity — the opportunity to reach out to other generations, share wisdom, and learn new ways of living in the world — through the discussion of engaging books.




July 13th: "Do Not Go Gentle, Go to Paris" By Gail Schilling

August 10th: "How the Penguins Saved Veronica" by Hazel Prior

September 14th: "What Matters Most; Living a More Considered Life" by James Hollis


To register, click here.



Questions? Contact 612-787-4086 or VitalLiving@esns.org

Haven't read the book? Still come and meet us. New to Zoom? We can help you get connected.

Vital Living Caregiving

Caregiver Support Groups 

Every Tuesday | 2:00-3:00 PM

Via Zoom


Looking for a safe and welcoming place where you can discuss the challenges, the frustrations, and the joys of caregiving? Our Caregiver Support Groups are here to help in any way we can! In these supportive environments you can: 

  • Get connected to the community resources you need 
  • Meet and support other people with similar experiences 
  • Learn self-care strategies and coping techniques 
  • Vent, share your personal experiences, and leave feeling better for it! 

 

Attendance is open to any adult 18+ years of age who is a caregiver for an older adult 65+. First time participants will need to request a link and password to enter the calls.


Caregiver 1:1 Support

Can't make it to a Support Group? Contact Shay for 1:1 support over the phone, on Zoom, or in-person at times that are convenient for you. When caregiving, it is hard to know what is coming next. We understand that and are here for you.



Please contact Shay with any questions or if you need the link for the Zoom meetings. Shay at 612-787-4076 or SMacKay@esns.org.

Caregiving Services are funded, in part, under contract with Trellis as part of the Older Americans Act.

NE Day Spot

In-Person Respite

Fridays Weekly|10:00 AM-1:00 PM


Experiencing dementia doesn't have to mean a loss of connection. This is a place for you.


NE Day Spot is a gathering place for those with mild to moderate memory loss or other chronic health conditions to be in community while caregivers have a reliable break each week.

Enjoy gathering together with art, music, conversation, and movement alongside volunteers, participants, and Vital Living staff.


Every Friday, this event aims to be a welcoming space for:

  • Persons 65+ receiving care from others
  • Those living with memory loss or other chronic conditions


Requirements: Pre-assessment necessary to determine eligibility.

Cost: Suggested donation based on sliding fee scale, $0-$45 per day. Space is limited.

Covid protocols: Vaccinations for staff and volunteers with social distancing for everyone, as appropriate. Masks are strongly encouraged but not required.


Contact Shay at 612-787-4076 or SMacKay@esns.org for more information.

LGBTQ+ Caregiver Group

2nd Thursday of the Month | 3:30-4:30 PM  

Via Zoom  


Build a support system with people who understand.

This group is specifically designed for LGBTQ+ caregivers who are supporting someone diagnosed with any type of dementia. Co-hosted by Vital Living's Caregiving Services Coordinator, Shay MacKay.


Alzheimer’s Association® caregiver support groups, conducted by trained facilitators, are a safe place for caregivers, family and friends of persons with dementia to:

• Develop a support system.

• Exchange practical information on caregiving challenges and

possible solutions.

• Talk through issues and ways of coping.

• Share feelings, needs and concerns.

• Learn about community resources.


Contact Shay at 612-787-4076 or SMacKay@esns.org for more information.


Click here to learn more about Alzheimer's Association caregiver programs and resources.

Caregiver Newsletter


Do you help a neighbor with chronic fatigue around their house? Do you take a friend living in assisted living to doctor's appointments? Do you bring meals to a sibling who finds it hard to cook? Do you call a parent or grandparent every evening to check-in?


You could be considered a caregiver! And we can be a good resource for you. Sign up for our monthly Caregiver Newsletter.


To receive our monthly newsletter, contact Shay at 612-787-4076 or SMacKay@esns.org for more information.

Vital Living Engagement

NE Day Spot Friend Volunteer

Fridays|9:30AM-1:30 PM


NE Day Spot Friends play an important role during our dementia-friendly NE Day Spot Respite Program. On Fridays from 9:30AM-1:30PM, you will socialize with participants, provide support during activities, and help with set up and clean up. Join us and make a difference in the lives of local adults and caregivers-and have fun doing it! No hands-on care required.

Some of the perks of being a NE Day Spot Friend are:

  • Laughing and smiling until your cheeks hurt while swapping jokes and stories in our coffee hour.
  • Getting your body moving and grooving for the day with some group stretches.
  • Enjoying and participating in musical activities led by talented musicians.


Help give individuals facing dementia a welcoming space they associate with friends and fun. You would also allow caregivers the priceless gift of time—moments to themselves in order to recharge, relax, or accomplish a task. A small window in their week where they can breathe and take a moment for themselves with the reassurance that the person they care for is safely enjoying themselves too.


Questions about volunteering as a NE Day Spot Friend or additional Vital Living volunteer opportunities, contact Caitlin at 612-787-4086 or cenright@esns.org.

Resources for Vital Living

Senior Planet


Senior Planet www.seniorplanet.org has daily online classes via Zoom covering a wide variety of topics and activities. A couple of highlights for August include:


Tech Tips for Disaster Preparedness

Friday|July 19th |11:00AM-12:00PM (CST)

Click here to join the Zoom meeting

Anti-Virus & Malware Removal Programs At a Glance

Friday|July 26th|3:00PM-4:00PM (CST)

Click here to join the Zoom meeting


Accessible Transportation

East Side Neighborhood Services provides transportation for people 60+ living in North, Northeast, and Southeast Minneapolis and St. Anthony Village. 

We are open for vaccine, medical, social need, and shopping trips. We are also available for small group outings. Accessible transportation available.

Not sure if you qualify or if your destination is part of our service area? Please call and check. You may be pleasantly surprised.


Cost: Suggested donations based on income


Available: Monday through Friday, 8am - 4pm


To make a reservation, call: 612-787-4012

Friends & Co. Coffee Talk

Did you know that just one phone call can make your day? Give it a try!


Coffee Talk is a free drop-in phone line, from Friends & Co. It offers you an easy and instant way to engage with a caring Coffee Talkers in conversation.

With words of encouragement and an understanding ear, we are ready to meet you wherever you are on your unique journey.

Using Coffee Talk is as easy as dialing your telephone. It’s completely free, and there is no need to worry about giving any personal information or feeling embarrassed about calling. Your privacy is our priority.


If this sounds like you, we invite you to join us at “the table” with your favorite morning beverage to start your day. We guarantee good company and an engaging conversation!

Interested in being a Coffee Talker, we’re always looking for volunteers to join our team!

Hours of Service: Monday – Friday, 8 am-Noon

Contact Emma with Friends & Co. at 612-746-0746.

Let’s Do Lunch Café

2nd Tuesday and 4th Friday of the Month

11:30am to 1:30pm



In person at the Danish American Center

3030 W River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55406.


Let’s Do Lunch Café brings together older LGBTQ+ community members for lunch and connection “on the house.”

These monthly gatherings offer an excellent opportunity for social interactions and educational programs, all in a warm and welcoming environment.

NO RSVP is required.

Let’s Do Lunch is made possible by Rainbow HealthPrime Timers MSP, and Friends & Co



Click here for more information or call 612-721-1400

Vital Fitness Home Edition
Recordings Via YouTube
Improve balance, strength, and coordination with this online all-abilities exercise class. To see previous class recordings, please visit our YouTube page.

Vital Living Guided Meditation


Take a moment to relax with a guided audio meditation! During high stress times, it's too easy to let self-care fall by the wayside.


If caregiving for a relative, partner, neighbor, friend, or child is causing difficult emotions, contact our Vital Living team at VitalLiving@esns.org for support and resources.

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East Side Neighborhood Services
1700 Second Street NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
612-781-6011  http://www.esns.org