PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Staying well allows us to live better lives. Through group classes, informational sessions, and events, the Aroostook Agency on Aging staff and volunteers share topics and techniques that are intended to help all people age well.
We offer monthly programs developed to help older persons and their care partners succeed and thrive in their own homes. Pre-registration is required for all sessions. December events include:
Warm Hands & Feet knitted items and crafts sale Thursday, Dec. 1 through end of month during regular business hours at Aroostook Agency on Aging, 260 Main St., hosted by Aroostook RSVP Advisory Council, Americorps Seniors, and Aroostook Agency on Aging.
Visit the Aroostook Agency on Aging gallery to see a colorful assortment of original hand-knitted items including hats, scarves and mittens made by members of Aroostook RSVP. All proceeds benefit volunteer-driven programs throughout northern Maine.
Congregate dining every Thursday and Friday except holidays Fort Kent Senior Center, 20 Pine St., hosted by Aroostook Agency on Aging and Fort Kent Elderly Social Action Club
A sit-down luncheon for those over the age of 60 is available. Interested persons must register a day in advance; please call the registration line at 207-760-1690 and leave a message. Participants will be asked to provide some basic information upon first visit and then adhere to COVID-19 screening every visit.
Medicare annual/open enrollment Friday, Dec. 2 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fort Kent Senior Center, 20 Pine St. by appointment only. Hosted by Aroostook Agency on Aging.
Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 is the only time of year when Medicare recipients can review and make changes to their coverage. Please call 207-764-3396/1-800-439-1789 or email info@aroostookaging.org to find out more or to schedule an appointment.
Artists for Aging Exhibit – First Friday Art Walk Friday, Dec. 2 4-7 p.m., Aroostook Agency on Aging, 260 Main St.
Visit our gallery at Aroostook Agency on Aging to see an exhibit of original paintings and popular framed prints by father and daughter artists from Westfield, John Holub and Lisa Desjardins. If you can’t make it to the Art Walk, the works will be available for view or purchase weekdays during regular business hours in the gallery.
Aroostook RSVP “Chicken Stew To Go” fundraiser Saturday, Dec. 3 4-6 p.m. Aroostook Agency on Aging, 260 Main St.
Staff and volunteers are cooking up a tasty $10 Hot and Hearty Chicken Stew Meal for community members prior to the popular Holiday Light Parade. This is an important fundraiser for Aroostook RSVP and special parking will be available for older persons, those with disabilities, and their families and caregivers.
Caregiver Support Group (online) Thursday, Dec. 6 6-7 p.m. also Tuesdays, Dec. 13, 20, and 27, hosted by Aroostook Agency on Aging and AgingME
It is normal for caring for a loved one to sometimes produce frustration and anger. But you don’t have to cope alone. Our weekly support group for caregivers can be a lifesaver because it gives participants a place where they can share their feelings confidentially, make friends, get help navigating the healthcare system, and learn from others who are traveling a similar path. Please call 207-764-3396/1-800-439-1789 or email to info@aroostookaging.org to register for a ZOOM link.
Congregate Dining Tuesday, Dec. 6 11:30 a.m., every Tuesday and Wednesday except holidays, Madawaska Senior Center, 291 Newberry St., hosted by Aroostook Agency on Aging and Madawaska Senior Citizens Club.
A sit-down luncheon for those over the age of 60 is available. Interested persons must register a day in advance; please call the registration line at 207-760-1689 and leave a message. Participants will be asked to provide some basic information upon first visit and then adhere to COVID-19 screening every visit.
Congregate Dining Tuesday, Dec. 6 11 a.m., every Tuesday and Wednesday except holidays Van Buren Community Center/Van Buren Housing Authority, 130 Champlain St., hosted by Aroostook Agency on Aging and Borderview Rehabilitation & Living Center.
A sit-down luncheon for those over the age of 60 is available. Interested persons must register a day in advance; please call the registration line at 207-760-1687 and leave a message. Participants will be asked to provide some basic information upon first visit and then adhere to COVID-19 screening every visit.
Online Gathering Place (online) Wednesday, Dec. 7 10-11 a.m., also Wednesdays, Dec. 14, 21, and 28, hosted by Aroostook Agency on Aging and AgingME.
The Gathering Place focuses on creating a safe “virtual” place for those with chronic memory loss or health conditions to engage in fun activities and interact with others. Call 207-764-3396/1-800-439-1789 or email to info@aroostookaging.org for more information or to preregister for this weekly session.
Coming soon — call us to find out when the next sessions are being offered in your area or online!
Medicare 101 (online), hosted by Aroostook Area Agency on Aging. Can you save money on your Medicare? What options do you have for coverage? Do you need Advantage plans or Supplements?
Senior Medicare Patrol Fraud & Abuse (online), hosted by Aroostook Agency on Aging. Have you been a victim of Medicare fraud? Do you want to learn ways to protect yourself from scams? How can you inform others about Medicare?
MaineCare Toolkit, hosted by Aroostook Agency on Aging. This is a helpful program designed to help older persons and their care partners identify and apply for financial assistance for nursing home care or in-home support services. Agency outreach specialists will provide information through a video presentation, a question & answer session, and a variety of agency materials to help benefit older persons in Aroostook.
The Conversation Project, hosted by Aroostook Agency on Aging and AgingME. Talking about the things you want for yourself can be challenging. There are so many questions when you plan for the future: will I have enough money, will someone make decisions for me, does anyone really know what is most important to me, or does anyone know what makes me afraid? Our online Conversations class can assist you in developing questions or sharing concerns that you have with your loved ones and family doctor. Please call 207-764-3396/1-800-439-1789 for more information or to preregister.
Brain Builders, hosted by Aroostook Agency on Aging and AgingME. We all know the importance of physical, mental, social, and emotional wellness. But do you know having a healthy brain improves your mood and decreases the likelihood of having illnesses that threaten your quality of life?
Our monthly Brain Health: You Can Make a Difference online session helps participants create goals that impact on their life and boosts their brain health. Call 207-764-3396/800-439-1789 or email to info@aroostookaging.org for more information or to preregister for a link to this ZOOM class.
Tai Chi for Better Health and Balance (online), hosted by Aroostook Agency on Aging and Healthy Living for ME. Tai Chi is an enjoyable exercise that can improve balance, relieve pain, and improve health and ability to do things. It is a slow exercise. It is easy to learn and good for all ability levels. There is a $20 fee for 10 weeks. Please call 207-764-3396/1-800-439-1789 or visit www.healthylivingforme.org to register or for more information.
Bingocize (online), hosted by Aroostook Agency on Aging, Healthy Living for ME and AgingME. Bingocize is a 10-week health promotion program that mixes the popular game of bingo with moderate exercise. Participants will perform fall prevention exercises while learning about the importance of physical fitness in preventing serious falls.
Individuals over age 55 should call Callie Rogers at 207-764-3396/1-800-439-1789 for more information or visit www.healthylivingforme.org to preregister for a ZOOM link.
Living Well for Better Health, hosted by Aroostook Area Agency on Aging, and Healthy Living for ME. Living Well for Better Health helps people learn how to manage their own health by improving communication with their physicians, actively managing their symptoms, creating personal action plans, and developing support structures. Call Callie Rogers at 207-764-3396/1-800-439-1789 for more information or visit www.healthylivingforme.org to preregister for a ZOOM link.
Living Well with Chronic Pain (online), hosted by Aroostook Area Agency on Aging and Healthy Living for ME. This class is designed for people who have a diagnosis of chronic pain, offering strategies for dealing with their symptoms. Topics include: techniques to deal with frustration, fatigue, isolation, and poor sleep, appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, appropriate use of medications, communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals, nutrition, pacing activity and rest, and how to evaluate new treatments.
Space is limited. Please call Callie Rogers at 207-764-3396/1-800-439-1789 or visit www.healthylivingforme.org to preregister for a ZOOM link.
