Category: Senior College Class

Suggested readings for Belfast Senior College class called “Conversations on Aging,” 2026

Senior College, Senior College Class

WALDO COUNTY FRIENDLY CALLER PROGRAM­, HELPING SENIOR CITIZENS

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In the summer of 2006 Waldo County RCC (Regional Communication Center) adopted a Friendly Caller program to assist senior citizens to have a daily contact with some entity.  Director Owen Smith was approached by a representative of Waldo CAP who had recently received a grant to develop a database of seniors who could utilize such a program. That grant allowed them to seek out and compose a list of mostly seniors who might want to participate. The grant lasted a year.

Waldo CAP was looking for an agency to participate in such a program.  Director Smith was asked what WCRCC/911 (Waldo County Regional Communication Center) might be able to do to help out.  As the only 24 hour emergency call center it seemed we could be the perfect fit.  From that contact came the Waldo County Friendly Caller Program.

There are many people in our mostly rural County that live alone and do not have daily contact with anyone.  Many do not have relatives living in the area. The ability for them to have a safety contact, in a non- medical emergency, seemed to be another way that they could continue living in their homes.  Waldo CAP would reach out to these people and secure their names, phone numbers and addresses.  From this list dispatchers at the 911 Center developed the form we would need to make the program work.  Waldo County TRIAD started assisting the program in outreach, advertising and support. The program started with approximately 30 people who would call into the Center on a daily basis just to say good morning and ?I am fine.? Dispatchers record the call on a tracking sheet and often chat with a caller if time permits. Many times it is learned that maybe someone had been scammed or some other problem problems.

If callers do not make that phone call between 6 am and 10 A.M., then dispatch will call them. If the dispatcher does not reach that person or a designated contact a law enforcement officer is sent to check on the welfare of the person. All of law enforcement agencies in our county participate in the program.

Early in the program the worth of such a service was first proven when an elderly lady did not make the call on a Monday morning. Efforts to reach her were fruitless and a deputy was sent to her house. That deputy found the lady on the floor, not able to get up and had been there nearly 24 hours. She thought she had fallen shortly after talking to the dispatcher the day before. She was transported to the hospital and eventually did not return to her home. How long might she had lay there if not for the program. Several such situations such as this has happened over the years.

Today the program has 32 callers. Two of the originals. I think we could probably handle up to 50 ? 60 callers. Throughout time, friendships between the callers and the dispatchers have developed. The dispatchers have developed programs to get the callers together such as picnics and the annual fall dinner. Last year we were not able to have the dinner nor any events due to the threat of Covid. Several dispatchers have been collecting the food boxes recently distributed and get them to our callers.

The program designed for seniors who do not have daily contact is open to all residents of the county. A confidential application needs to be filled out and turned in to the center and callers must agree that they will call everyday between 6am and 10 am or let us know they will not be calling.

I believe that in some small way our program does help people stay in their home with a feeling of security or daily contact.  I would like to add that the program is self- funded through dispatcher dress down days (Saturday, Sundays, and Holidays) when they might make small donations. No tax payer money is used for the program.

Interested people may call 338- 2040 to discuss the program and obtain an application.

Senior College, Senior College Class

Maine Coastal Regional Re-Entry Garden Project

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Maine Coastal Regional Re-Entry Garden Project

by Jeff Trafton, Waldo County Sheriff
 
A person smiling at the camera AI-generated content may be incorrect.Eleven years ago, the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office embarked on a new method of providing corrections services.  We opened the Maine Coastal Regional Reentry Center.  The center is a
32-bed men’s facility where offenders who are serving the last months of their sentence can learn interpersonal skills, engage in community service, attend personal enrichment classes and learn to create a successful life after incarceration. 

Community service is a cornerstone of the Reentry experience.  Over the last decade the reentry center has donated over fifty thousand community service hours to vital community projects throughout Waldo County.  The flagship project created with the Reentry Center is the County Garden.  The garden began on a five acre parcel of farmland the County leased on Rt. 141 in Swanville, which in the first year of its infancy, yielded 20,600 pounds of produce.  It has since evolved into a 63 acre farm purchased by the A group of people working in a field AI-generated content may be incorrect.County with more than 18 acres planted each year.  Two large buildings have been erected to serve as equipment storage and cold storage for preserving vegetables for longer periods of time.  The yield of produce harvested has also grown from a few thousand pounds in the beginning to an incredible 170,000 pounds in the 2020 growing season.  The bounty of food is all given to more than 30 food pantries, churches and non-profit agencies serving Waldo County.  Also, the residents of the Reentry Center are fed from the food they have grown themselves which not only offsets the facility’s food costs, it also serves to teach our residents how to grow and prepare their own food.  Serving such a vital, active role in this project has also given many of them a great sense of pride and accomplishment. 

County Commissioner William Shorey of Searsport was a founder of the garden and continues to oversee the operation today.  His vast knowledge of farming and food production has contributed greatly to the increased production year after year.  Although we are always amazed and excited about the enormous yield that comes out of that garden, we also can’t help but recognize the great amount of personal growth that is occurring within the lives of our residents as they spend countless, life-enriching hours in our fields and with this great man.

A person using a lawnmower AI-generated content may be incorrect.We recognize that it takes as many partners as it does hands to make this enormous project a success year after year.  We are so fortunate to live in such an incredible community and to have so many partners that contribute to our success.  For instance, a few years ago we had a very small harvest because Maine’s bee populations had been decimated by a virus.  The “The Bee Lady” who lives nearby keeps eight or nine of her hives right in the garden.  If you walk anywhere close, you can hear the buzzing and see the constant activity of the worker bees coming and going.  We get the pollinators and she splits the honey with us.  We have another neighbor who cuts the hay in the uncultivated fields.  He keeps the hay and we get our fields mowed.

Waldo County has much to be proud of.  It is a great privilege and pleasure for the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office and our Maine Coastal Regional Reentry Center to be a part of this wonderful community and to serve our citizens.
 

Senior College Class, Uncategorized

Beware of Medicare Marketing and Phone Calls

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Beware the Marketing Commercials and Phone calls
Greg Morin

  Medicare is broken down into 4 distinct parts: Part A. This takes care of the hospitals and skilled nursing for the first 100 days. We become eligible for Part A by having worked 10 years, 40 quarters, or being married to somebody who did. If we meet these criteria, there is no premium for Part A.

Part B. This takes care of the doctors and the treatment associated with a doctor. This part has a premium of $164.90 for 2023 that is paid directly to the federal government. If you are eligible for the Medicare Savings Program, based on income and liquid assets, the State of Maine would pay this premium for you. Part A&B make up original Medicare. In order to have any of the insurances that go along with Medicare you must have Part A&B. Part C is known as Medicare Advantage. These plans are run strictly by private insurance companies and are subsidized by the federal government. The insurance companies are paid a significant amount by the government for every member they have. As a result they become the primary payer and assume the risk. This is a good deal for the federal government as it caps their costs at around $10,000 per year per individual. The insurance companies make a profit by managing the risk. As individuals, we benefit as these policies provide good coverage and most of them include prescription drug coverage. There are co-pays and co-insurances involved when we use the benefits. The premiums for all 6 companies doing business in Maine range from $0 to $99 a month. Part D Is the prescription drug coverage. If you cannot get your prescriptions from a Medicare advantage plan, an employer plan, or the VA, the only other way to get your prescriptions is through Part D. The subsidies paid under Part C make these plans very lucrative. As a result the competition between carriers and brokers is fierce. Medicare has very strict rules and regulations that must be followed by the carriers and agents to prevent fraud and taking advantage of seniors. As a result, Third Party Marketing organizations that are not agents or insurance companies have been created. They are not bound by the same regulations. They will ask for your zip code to determine where in the country you live then sell your information to a broker or insurance company. You are then at risk of being pressured into a plan that may not be in your best interest.  Two good rules to protect you are: 1.    Deal only with local people known to the community. 2.    NEVER give your Medicare number to anyone over the phone that is not known to you.

Greg Morin and his wife Jo-ann Morin and others run the Senior Planning Center in Reny’s Plaza, as well as a branch in Bangor. Both licensed insurance agents, they assist people with questions about Medicare and choosing a plan. There is no fee for their service. If you choose a plan they represent, they get paid by the insurer. They are genuine in their concern and helpfulness.

Senior College, Senior College Class

Hospice Volunteers of Waldo County

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Hospice Volunteers of Waldo County


Bonnie Hellwege, Hospice Volunteer

Hospice Volunteers of Waldo Countyis an independent non-profit organization funded by the generous donations of our community. Our trained volunteers offer a plethora of services to patients and their families facing a life-limiting illness. We go to the patient, when permitted, whether they are home, in a hospital or a facility. We can stay with a patient giving the caregiver a break, visit regularly offering companionship and emotional support, run errands, read, write a letter, make calls, walk the dog. We do our utmost to meet the needs of the patient, caregiver, family and friends. Our volunteers all have special talents. Musicians, singers, artists, writers, chefs…an eclectic group of dedicated community members. We can also suggest educational resources and offer the use of our extensive lending library. 

Bereavement support has become a very important part of our function in the community. It is available to anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one, whether they were in hospice care or not. We support folks who experience the death of a loved one through anticipated or sudden unexpected death. There is one-on-one volunteer support, support groups, and community bereavement. We go wherever there is a need, churches, organizations, homes, schools and online. There is also caregiver support for those meeting the 24/7 needs of their loved ones at home. Sometimes the grieving process starts with a diagnosis. 

Advance care plans serve to clarify individuals’ thinking about their end-of-life preferences, to promote conversations about those preferences with loved ones and medical care providers, and to direct care when individuals are not able to make choices for themselves. We have offered workshops on Advance Care Planning across Waldo County. We offer group explorations of the advance care planning process, often in a two-part workshop format designed to support conversation within the group and make plenty of time for questions. We will tailor workshops to suit organizations and groups of individuals in Waldo County. 

Hospice Volunteers of Waldo County works closely with many of our local organizations, and our services are always at no cost. Our goal and desire is to combat the fear, anxiety, and struggles of this very difficult time for our neighbors. There is so much more that our volunteers have done, and do, than are presented here. For more information or questions, please don’t hesitate to call or visit our website. www.hospicevolunteersofwaldocounty.org

phone:  207-505-4434 or
email: Hvowc1@gmail.com 

Senior College, Senior College Class

Home and Driving Safety for Seniors

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From the SHERIFF’S Desk

Home and Driving Safety for Seniors

Sheriff Jason Trundy, Waldo County Sheriff



Recent U.S. Census data estimate that approximately 24% of Waldo County residents are over 65 years of age. The Sheriff’s Office recognizes that our senior population faces various challenges. This article focuses on two important challenges. One is being able to live safely in your home and the other is motor safety. Due to these reasons, among others, we have remained actively engaged with organizations such as Aging Well in Waldo County and Waldo County Triad.

 The Center for Disease Control and Prevention includes “Unintentional Injury” as one of the top 10 risk factors for seniors. This category includes falls and motor vehicle crashes. CDC data indicates that approximately 36 million falls occur each year involving persons over 65 years of age.

 According to the National Institute on Aging, the risk of falls can be reduced by remaining physically active through exercise and balance programs such as, yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, and other offerings through local organizations such as our YMCA.

Another preventative measure is to make your home  “fall proof”. Several ways to accomplish this goal are to ensure that handrails are installed along both sides of any stairway and that there is good lighting along the entire stairwell. Consider installing motion activated lighting in commonly traveled hall and stairways. It is critical to keep all walking areas tidy, making sure there are no items that may cause tripping, including loose rugs. 

Installing grab bars in bathrooms around toilets, tubs and showers, and using non-skid mats on surfaces that become wet are ways to prevent falls. Using nightlights throughout your home, and keeping a flashlight near your bed in case of the loss of power are important for nighttime safety. Keep outdoor pathways clear of debris and well lighted. During winter months make sure you have ice-melting products available. Carrying a small container of sand can be valuable for those unexpected incidents where you encounter icy conditions.
 
Motor vehicle crashes also carry increased risk for our senior community members. In 2019 there were more than 46 million licensed drivers in the U.S. over 65 years of age. This represents over a 60% increase since 2000. There are approximately 1.6 million motor vehicle crashes each year in the U.S. involving drivers over 65 years of age. 



More seniors are enjoying the freedom and independence associated with being able to drive their own vehicles. In a rural state, such as Maine, as well as in other states, independence is of prime important! 

Following simple steps can reduce the risk factors associated with seniors behind the wheel.

  • First, check with your doctor and eye care professionals to ensure that your health and eyesight are optimal for driving.
  • Plan your route in advance of your trip and share this information with a loved one before leaving.
  • Before you leave your house, especially for long trips (and short ones, as well), double-check that windows are locked, appliances, such as your stove and dryer are off, keep a light on, or use a timer, install a photo-sensitive light so you’ll be able to clearly see your door and garage when you return, and make certain that your doors are locked and keep blinds closed at night.
  • Apple Watches detect falls and will alert someone for help if you don’t respond, and various apps can check your door if someone is approaching. In many places in Maine and other rural areas, many of these precautions sound too cumbersome and are not things “we’ve had to do before”, such as locking the house door, taking the key out of the car’s ignition, etc. However, whether you are living in a rural area, in a town or city, your personal safety needs to be a top priority in this day and age.
  • Arrange to have your mail held at your local post office, or have a trusted individual pick up your daily mail.
  • Choose the safest route, and try planning your driving during daylight hours, if possible. If you must travel after dark, utilize well-lighted roads.
  • Identify areas where parking is easiest and avoid areas that require parallel parking or where there are significant blind spots.
  • While traveling, leave a large space between you and the car ahead, providing you with ample time to respond in case of emergencies.
  • Always avoid distractions in your vehicle such as, loud music, talking, texting, phoning, eating things that will distract you from driving, and, of course, drinking–even alcoholic beverages labeled as “light” still contain alcohol.
  • If possible have a road assistance plan, such as AAA; you never know when a car emergency happens.

Lastly, falling and driving are only two risks to consider as we age. Another important precaution is to not open your door to anyone you don’t know, and beware of scams on your computer or phone. If the offer sounds too good to be true, then it is highly likely that it is. Don’t respond; delete.

Waldo County operates a Friendly Caller Program through our Dispatch Center. Call Dispatch at the general line number at (207) 338-2040 to learn more about the program.

Always make sure you have emergency numbers available on your person. In an emergency, call the County’s 911 emergency dispatch center. If you need to reach the Sheriff’s Office for a non-emergency related issue you can call the general line number at (207) 338-2040 or 1-800-660-3398.

All of us at the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office wish you a happy, healthy, and accident-free year.

Senior College, Senior College Class

Get Exercise!

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Carol Kuhn, M.D.

Jack LaLanne (in moderation) was way ahead of his/our

time….

2020 rings in a new year and a new decade and perhaps renewed interest in

self-improvement including our health issues/concerns. “Regular Exercise” is

often at the top of the list of resolutions/commitments and for good reasons.

There is overwhelming evidence to show the benefit of exercise in all age

groups, but especially in older adults. In particular the key benefits of increasing

physical activity include improved strength, flexibility, mobility, and fitness.

These can all improve daily function, help to maintain independence, and

reduce risk of falls. In addition, exercise can reduce depressive symptoms, and

group exercise programs can provide social engagement (reduce social

isolation).

It is never too late to become physically active. Even individuals who

have been “sedentary” but start exercise in their 80s show a survival benefit

compared with their peers who remain sedentary. Improved fitness and

strength with exercise is noted among very frail older adults and nursing home

residents.

There are four recommended categories of physical activity:

Aerobic exercise, muscle strengthening, flexibility, and balance.2/4/2020 AWWC Village Wise

1. Aerobic exercise involves large muscles that stimulate and strengthen

the heart and lungs. Examples are: brisk walking, jogging,

swimming, water aerobics, tennis, golf without use of a cart,

exercise classes, dancing (try this in your kitchen), bicycle

riding, and use of “cardio” equipment elliptical, stair climbing

machines, stationary bikes, and treadmills. This equipment is

NOT meant to be used as clothes racks! Activities can be accumulated

throughout the day e.g. 10-20 minutes at a time. Short walks a few

times/day may be all we need or can do! Guidelines for older adults

suggest a minimum of 150 minutes per week of moderate-

intensity aerobic activity (30 minutes on five days each week)

or a minimum of 60 minutes per week of vigorous activity. (20

minutes on 3 days each week) or some combination of the two.

Wow! Let’s get moving! Caution! A good rule of thumb for moderate to

vigorous aerobic intensity is that we should be able to carry on a

conversation during activity. If you can’t chat or LAUGH, you

should slow down (& ENJOY)!

2. Muscle strengthening exercise includes weight training,

calisthenics, or resistance training. Strength and muscle endurance is

progressive and requires gradual increases in resistance over time. Pop

Quiz: who remembers The Jack LaLanne show? His TV show

started in 1951 and he died in 2011. Muscle strengthening for older adults

helps us limit age-related loss of muscle mass and bone density. It

improves function and reduces risk of falls and disability from chronic

diseases. Ideally, strengthening exercises are done 2x/week, but

even 1x/week is effective. Low weights: 1-5# are often sufficient.

3. Flexibility is essential to good physical health and necessary to perform

daily life activities such as putting on shoes, reaching for overhead

objects, or turning around to back a car out of a driveway.

Flexibility/stretching exercises should be done 2x/week for at least 10

minutes. Remember that when you stretch muscles you should

hold each stretch for 10-30 seconds & you should feel a slight

pull but not stretch to the point of pain.

4. Balance Training improves stability and may prevent falls. Tai Chi

classes have improved balance and reduce falls risk. These classes are

offered at Waldo County YMCA. Physical Therapy referrals to

enhance strength, balance, and falls prevention are usually covered by

Medicare and are very effective.

Summary: Onward and Upward in 2020; let’s get moving! I am still2/4/2020 AWWC Village Wise

looking for my Mother’s Jack LaLanne blue jump suit. As Jack LaLanne is

quoted: “You eat every day, you sleep every day, and your body was

made to exercise every day.”

Disclaimer: There are many special populations with special health

conditions which may require special consideration: functionally

limited or frail adults or with specific arthritis conditions,

osteoporosis, chronic pain for whom these recommendations may

not be appropriate. It is recommended that you contact your primary care

provider re: recommendations/concerns.

Senior College, Senior College Class

Buying Eyeglasses Online

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Wendy C. Kasten, Ph.D.

    Did you know that you can buy high quality eyeglasses online? Cheaper?

    How much did you spend on your last pair of eyeglasses? Hundreds? Even close to $1000? Even after so-called “Vision insurance?”

    You can buy your next eyeglasses online. No matter what kind you like, no matter your need for bifocals, or progressive lenses, or a complicated prescription, you can still buy your next eyeglasses online.

    • Ask your eye doctor to write your prescription assuming you will buy online. They will then include your “pupillary distance,” which is the measurement between the center of your eyes.
    • Check out online eyeglass sellers such as zenni.com; eyebuydirect.com and others. We are not personally endorsing any particular seller here. Read reviews by past customers. Play with the sites to see what they offer and how they work.
    • Generally, you are directed to take a photo of yourself in their software. Take the photo close-up and without wearing your glasses. The site will create a 3D picture of you where you can see your photo from side to side as you turn your head.
    • Browse the many styles they offer. Probably you already know what shapes and sizes are likely to work for you. The systems will separate styles by small, medium, large based on your face shape. You can click on as many as you like, and save them as “favorites.”
    • Somewhere there will be a place on the page to “try on” the glasses. The site will put each pair of glasses on a copy of your face for your perusal. This is actually fun. Frame prices range for $7.00 to about $50.
    • If you decide to buy, read all directions carefully. You will add the frame you chose to your shopping cart; you will be prompted to enter your prescription information. Do this carefully and check perhaps twice or more to ensure you have all the numbers in the right places. Most sites have a phone or chat box if you need help.
    • Then you will be prompted to make your other selections, such as UV protection, lighter weight lenses, “transitions” lenses, progressive lenses, scratch-proof coating, etc.  Some of these will have costs listed, some may not.
    • Review your order. There’s a lot of information to consider, so review carefully.
    • You will be prompted for your shipping information and payment information, as usual in online purchases.
    • You will be given an approximate timetable for your order, and you will be informed by email when they ship. Print and save your receipt for your purchase.
    • Now all sites offer sunglasses for complicated prescriptions, so shop around.
    • Probably some sites take insurance, but with these prices, you might not need your insurance.
    • Here’s the kick: The average accumulated price with all your choices is between $70.00- $140.

    I have ordered 6-7 times from about 3 different vendors. The most I ever spent was $180. They typically arrive in about 2-3 weeks. You can pay extra to speed them up on some sites. I spend my money getting ligther weight lenses and top quality lenses, and still pay less than in a brick and mortar store. A LOT less. Guess running those stores and paying all the people who work there is pretty high overhead.

    Senior College, Senior College Class

    High Blood Pressure and What You Can Do About It

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    Carol Kuhn, M.D.

    This will be a practical approach to high blood pressure and non-drug ways to lower blood pressure. I will make little reference to the various medications which are commonly used to treat high blood pressure or hypertension, as it is referred to by clinicians.

    What is blood pressure? Blood pressure is a force that blood exerts on the walls of the arteries (the blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart to the rest of the body). Systolic blood pressure is measured while the heart is beating, and diastolic pressure is measured when the heart is at rest between beats.



    What is hypertension or high blood pressure? For best health, those numbers should be lower than 120/80 mmHg. Borderline high pressure or pre-hypertension is systolic of 120-139, diastolic of 80-89. A person is considered to have high blood pressure if one or both measurements remain at 140/90 mmHg or higher. There are no symptoms associated with high blood pressure; and if left untreated over time it can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, or kidney disease.

    How is blood pressure taken accurately? Your feet should be flat on the floor, your arm resting on a stable surface at heart level. You should be sitting quietly for at least 5 minutes before the blood pressure is taken using a blood pressure cuff of appropriate size.

    How is high blood pressure treated? Hypertension can be treated with different medications. I am including a list of antihypertensive drugs for initial treatment. Generic versus brand names will vary and you need to discuss the specifics of your medication with your health provider.

    • Thiazide and thiazide-type diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, indapamide) Remember to have your blood checked for potassium levels as these can cause low potassium and heart irregularities. Do not take a potassium substitute on your own; too high a level of potassium can also cause irregularities.
    • Angiotensin- converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) (lisinopril, Losartan)
    • Calcium channel blockers (amlodipine)


    High blood pressure can also be treated with several non-drug approaches including healthy lifestyle habits, good nutrition, mind body techniques, and nutritional supplements.

    What lifestyle habits can lower blood pressure? Exercising, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and maintaining proper weight lowers systolic blood pressure by about 10-15 mmHg.  Cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke are reduced with these changes. 


    Senior College, Senior College Class

    Wearable Technologies

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    Wearable Technologies   In this article, three senior citizens who each wear a different wearable technology write from their personal experience. We feature three such technologies: the Oura Ring, the Apple Watch, and the Fit Bit. Each one helps their wearers be more healthy and safe.
    The Oura Ring
    Wendy C. Kasten

    My husband and I enjoy watching classes on varied topics from The Great Courses program. We recently viewed “The Scientific Guide to Health and Happiness.” The professor/lecturer was Dr. Robin Miller, a physician of integrated medicine from the northwest. She mentioned the Oura ring she was wearing. I was intrigued with what she said about the ring, so I was delighted that my husband gave me one for my birthday. I was immediately drawn to the value of understanding my sleep issues and monitoring my pulse and breathing (I have asthma). Since a first-degree relative, close in age, had three cardiac medical events, I was further motivated to monitor the data the Oura ring provided.

    An Oura ring (ouraring.com) is available in multiple finishes and is worn around the clock, even when swimming and showering. It collects vital signs and transmits them to an APP on your smartphone. It looks like a slightly bulky man’s ring and can be worn on any finger. When you place a preliminary order, Oura sends a kit of plastic rings identical in size and shape to an actual ring to try out sizes on different fingers to decide what will be most comfortable. Oura encourages the potential buyer to wear the plastic rings on different fingers for at least 24 hours before completing the purchase. When you begin wearing Oura, it “gets to know” you and monitors body temperature, breathing, pulse, activity, and sleep. The company may offer updates to include additional functions. The ring provides a graph of sleep, separating light sleep, from deep sleep, and REM sleep. It recommends the time to go to bed and when it’s best to take it easy for the day. And it warns you if you’re coming down with something, recommending you rest and take it easy.

    The prices are currently between $275. -$575.00 depending on the finish the buyer selects (gold is the highest priced). Following that time period, there is a monthly charge of approximately $5.00 per month. The Oura ring needs to be charged approximately every 3 days. The charger is included and is easy to use. Customer support is text-based only; the company is located in Finland.

    So far, I have learned I have been staying up too late, that my activity is on the light side, and that my heart takes most of the night to get to a “resting heart rate.” I plan to discuss this and other data with my primary care physician. The Oura ring might be a tool for someone with irregular heart rhythms or someone with sleep issues. Those are issues to discuss with the company. Lastly, I enjoy the embedded library of recordings to help relax and fall asleep. Oura rings are sold online and at Best Buy(ouraraing.com). More recently, new features have been added. Oura now gives you oxygen sensing, and VO2MAX (a measure of overall cardiovascular health). It also sends you a warning if something is “straining your body” which usually means you are about to become ill. In these instances, I cancel all plans and got to bed to try and avert something serious.

    I believe this smart tool can be helpful in understanding many aspects related to living a healthy life.
     
                            

          Apple Watch      by Martha Stamp

    I am over 70 and live alone. My sister is five years younger, also living alone and a techie.  Six years ago she purchased one of the early Apple Watches. She considered it better than other alert devises for elderly people because it is worn on the wrist and can activate a 911 call vocally. A sudden movement will automatically activate it unless the wearer stops it. The Apple Watch can also be connected to the wearer’s cell phone. This is helpful for me as I often walk alone on the beach and could quickly access help if needed. It also has a nice feature of locating your phone if it is misplaced.

    I have always worn a watch so it was natural for me to try an Apple Watch. It is a bit larger than the watch I usually wear, and there are a variety of bands from which to select. The Apple Watch holds a charge for a day and comes with a charger. The watch serves more purposes than only as a safety device. There are different apps you can have on it. For example, I use the exercise app that monitors my steps and offers incentives.  I also access the weather. Because it is linked with my Apple Phone, I can talk on it (Think Dick Tracy!) and am notified when I receive a text. There are other apps offering health options, but I haven’t explored all of them.  It is like wearing an Apple Phone on your wrist.

    An Apple Watch can be purchased through many carriers, such as US Cellular and Verizon.  These watches can also be purchased through Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. The prices vary from approximately $152 for a refurbished one to $746 for the newest models. Not all will connect with the your specific carrier, so be careful to check the specs.  I strongly recommend checking with your carrier first to see if they offer that service.  I have found that feature to be invaluable when traveling.  I love my watch and don’t know how I got along without it!
    Fitbit Motivation  by Joyce Ray

    We all know we need to keep moving to stay healthy, but sometimes I lack motivation to get out and walk. I know vaguely how far it is down to the pond and back, and some days I manage to make the circuit and pat myself on the back. But not often enough, until I bought my Fitbit. This little wristband device provides the motivation I need to get moving!

    I bought the basic Inspire Fitbit, no bells and whistles, three years ago, and it’s still going strong. It tracks my steps, my heart rate, calories burned, distance walked, and how many minutes of activity I log each day. It also tracks my hours of sleep, recording light, deep, and REM sleep. This is all I need, but I could log in my water intake and even the food I consume. It’s shower and swim proof, but I haven’t tested it.

    My Fitbit vibrates and launches firework graphics when I attain the step goal I set. For me, it’s very satisfying to reach my goal, knowing that I’m doing my best to stay healthy and fit. My winter goal was 5,000 steps (about two miles), but now that the weather is warmer, I’m increasing my goal by small increments. Most days, I check my step status an hour before bedtime, and if I’m lacking several hundred steps, I go for it- up and down stairs, in and out of rooms! The steps are logged, and I can check my weekly or monthly averages on my smartphone to see how diligent I’ve been. I can honestly say that I am more active with the Fitbit than without it.

    The device tells me the time and the date, so I could give up my wristwatch, but I haven’t. If I turn on Alerts, Bluetooth syncs it with my smartphone. The Fitbit can remind me of appointments, calls, texts, and probably lots of other things. However, I have definite opinions about being too tied to devices!

    The Fitbit Inspire sells for about $100 from fitbit.com, but there are 20% off spring sales, and competitive pricing may be found at a local Walmart, Best Buy, etc. My battery needs charging about every five days, but the new Inspire 2 advertises a 10-day battery life. A charger cord is included with purchase. Wristband color choices are black or white for the basic price, but other colors are available at additional cost.

    There is no maintenance fee. A one-year free Premium trial comes with purchase of a new Fitbit Inspire 2. Premium gives you personalized insights about your activity, all level workouts and step-by-step programs. This free offer was not available to me, and I have not subscribed to it. I’m satisfied with the information I receive. I recommend a Fitbit to anyone who needs motivation to get moving to maintain health.
     
    Senior College, Senior College Class

    SILVER SNEAKERS!

    wendyckasten

    Do you know about SILVER SNEAKERS?

    People aged 65 and over who have selected Medicare plans are eligible for Silver Sneakers for free. This widespread program to encourage exercise among senior citizens is available throughout the country in two ways. First, some fitness centers are designated as “Silver Sneaker” locations. What that means is, you check your eligibility on the website (silversneakers.com). If you are eligible, you can also print your membership card from the website and start going to the fitness center nearest you. For free. Yes, for free. At a Silver Sneakers location, you will find a way to sign in which looks like a tablet and scan your card. The management may want you to fill out a form with basic information as part of “joining” except that in this case “joining” has no fees attached. The fitness center is reimbursed by your Medicare.

    There are currently no locations of fitness centers accepting Silver Sneakers in Waldo County Maine.

    But, Don’t despair. Go to SilverSneakers.com and use your Medicare card to check your eligibility. If you are eligible, there are more than 40 classes a day delivered over ZOOM. You can take as many as you like. For free.

    Some selections include line dancing, circuit, yoga, TaiChi, Walk Strong, Stronger Now, Get Fit and more. Some classes are 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, or 45 minutes. Some classes use common equipment such as light to moderate weights, exercise bands with handles, and a nine-inch ball. Some advise useing a nearby chair for balance. Yoga classes use a floor mat.

    Experienced instructors are experienced and all well prepared for their senior citizen audience. They always caution members to dial up or down on intensity to suit their ability. Special instructions are provided for seniors who must sit throughout the session. Safety and caution are always priorities.

    At the beginning and end of each class, the “chat” is open for participants who would like to introduce themselves, and at the end for feedback. Questions are invited over the Q & A feature. Classes sometimes are being taken by hundreds of seniors from all over the United States. Overall, the instructors are superb (and many are senior citizens, too!)

    Even if you are not eligible for Silver Sneakers, nearly all Medicare plans encourage exercise. Call the number on the back of your card and inquire. It is common to be reimbursed up to $400 for a gym membership. But you have to make that call and ask.

    There is no easier way to exercise! No driving in bad weather. No gym bag to pack. No concerns about what to wear or how you look.

    Check your eligibility! And Get Fit having fun.