Healthy Aging in Rural Towns

November HeART Project

Terri Johnson, Community Health Aging Coordinator/HeART Project

Winter is coming. HeART coalition partners from around Langlade County will be planning programs for the 2020 year. What’s coming?

• Group fitness classes for seniors! Classes will be held in several locations and will include SilverSneakers, StrongBones, and yoga, for starters.
• More sessions on dementia, caregiver support and respite, and hospice.
• Pedestrian Flags (or PedFlags) to assist crossing at several key spots in Antigo.
• The building of our online “hub” through ALCinfo.com that will provide information and resources for our seniors for Langlade County. This will be done in collaboration with our many partners that currently serve seniors.
• “Get on the Bus!” spring event – we want everyone to try Langlade County public transportation!

This is a just a short list of things we will be working on. Stay tuned for future announcements.

Now for a quick recap of what’s been happening over the past month:

We have 8 Senior Parking signs being installed around Antigo, including Peaceful Valley, City Park, the Post Office, Antigo Public Library, and City Hall. We also have 3 new benches: Palace Twin Theatre and Antigo Public Library. A BIG thank you goes to the City of Antigo for helping us with this project. Additional signs and benches will be added throughout Langlade County, including White Lake and Elcho. Once the municipal signs are completed, we will seek collaboration to local businesses. If a business can install one of our Senior Parking signs in their parking area, please contact Terri at 715-627-6374.

During November and December, I hope you take advantage of these senior-centered programs:

• Technology for Seniors – The HeART project wants you to know about 3 different ways YOU can get help with your technology devices (phones or iPads) and laptops.

  • Northcentral Technical College is offering 2 classes on November 13: “Facebook Basics” and “Accessing Healthcare through Technology.” Call 1.888.682.7144 ext. 7700 to reserve your space. HeART Project will cover your fee for anyone over the age of 55.
  • Tech Tues at the Library! The 1^st and 3^rd Tuesday of the month, from 11a-1p. CARE TimeBank volunteers will offer drop-in sessions to assist seniors with technology. Bring your device.
  • 4H Tech Changemakers are students specially trained to help you with your technology! They will provide “coffee & tech” the 3^rd Thursday at 5p every month at the Antigo Public Library, and at The Dixie Dec 7, 8a. They provide the coffee and you bring the questions!

• Medicare Basics, November 13, 1-330pm AND December 11, 9-1130a, at ADRC (1225 Langlade Rd) – perfect for those first-time Medicare applicants. Call 1-888-486-9545 to reserve your spot.
• Identity Theft: Protect & Prevent, November 18, 2p, Antigo Public Library.
• CARE TimeBank Potluck – 1^st Monday of every month (December 2, 11a-2p, Antigo Public Library) – every is welcome! CARE TimeBank is a volunteer organization that gives back to the community. Come join us and share your talents! You need some help? Call Marie at 715-610-0339 and she will work to connect you with a volunteer.
• Balance Testing, 1230-145p, Senior Center (1225 Langlade Rd) – Afraid of falling? Come see your risk of falling through a “balance test” conducted by Ben Dorow, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Health-in-Motion.

November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. We encourage everyone to become a “Dementia Friend” through this online awareness and action program: https://dementiafriendsusa.org/become-a-dementia-friend

November is also a time when we give thanks. I am personally thankful for the amazing people I work with and the clients we connect with every day. Thank you.