720-240-4922 | highlandsranch.org/aaps | May 2020
Greetings from Active Adult Programs & Services. We send our best to you during this COVID-19 health crisis and hope you are doing well as we all adapt to new routines and lifestyles. We are here for you. If you or someone you know is looking for services such as transportation, grocery or prescription drug delivery, please contact AAPS Coordinator Jodie McCann at jmccann@highlandsranch.org or 720-240-4922.
Make your mark
Each May, the Administration for Community Living leads our nation’s observance of Older Americans Month. The theme this year is Make Your Mark, celebrating the many and varied contributions older adults make to our communities.Their time, experience, and talents benefit family, peers and neighbors every day. This year’s theme highlights the difference everyone can make – in the lives of older adults, in support of caregivers, and to strengthen communities.

”Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” -Marcel Proust
Active Lifestyle Month activities canceled
Every May we are proud to participate in celebrating Older Americans Month. However, due to recent safer-at-home recommendations, continued social distancing and personal protection orders, all May Active Lifestyle Month activities are canceled. We regret that we will not be able to meet you on the trails or courts and in the parks. Though we don’t know for certain when activities will be offered, we are working hard to identify and organize fun and safe activities for you to enjoy in the near future. Check out our scheduled Zoom calls and watch for upcoming programs by clicking here .
Information from Douglas County Libraries
On May 11 all Douglas County Libraries started curbside service. Visit their website at www.dcl.org  for more news on the phases of reopening. Any item you have checked out and at your house, has a due date of July 1. Click here for details.
 
June 9 – Author event with John Gierach for his new book Dumb Luck and the Kindness of Strangers . Once you register, you will receive an email with a Zoom link and instructions about how to participate. To order the book, click here.
 
Help us make sure all Colorado older adults are counted in the 2020 Census. Click here to respond online, or call 844-330-2020.
With warmer temps here, try this great springtime recipe, using leftover veggies from your freezer or fresh greens such as spinach. Bon appetit!
Tune in May 20 to the next live town hall meeting
Douglas County and Tri-County Health Department have been holding live town hall meetings to update the community on Safer-at-Home guidelines. The next scheduled town hall is Wednesday, May 20 at 5:30 p.m. In addition to the latest news on the pandemic, the focus for this town hall will be information for older adults.

Preparing for a telehealth appointment
Telemedicine is gaining traction as more and more doctor’s offices are limiting in-person visits and are now offering telehealth (online phone and video chats) appointments. This type of healthcare is likely not a temporary action, but will grow in popularity and necessity, particularly for those who may be homebound. To get the most from online time with your doctor, here are some tips from the National Institute on Aging:

  1. Make a list of your concerns and prioritize them. Talk about the most important points first—don’t put off what’s really on your mind.
  2. Minimize technical difficulties. Ask a friend or family member to help you download any apps and test your microphone and camera to make sure they are working.
  3. Keep your doctor up to date. Let them know about any hospital or specialist visits you’ve had since your last visit.
 
For more information click here