Vital Living News
December 2021
|
|
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.
|
|
Celebrate Safely
Tis the season for gathering with friends and family. Because Minnesota is experiencing record-high COVID-19 cases, Minnesotans are encouraged to take precautions when gathering. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) includes these recommendations for safer holiday get-togethers:
-
Get vaccinated if you’re eligible. COVID-19 vaccines are free, and you do not need ID or insurance. Visit mn.gov/vaccine for information about vaccines for kids 5-17, vaccines for adults 18+, and boosters for all who are eligible.
-
Use multiple layers of protection including wearing a mask in crowded settings and doing outdoor/socially distanced activities where possible, especially if you are getting together with multiple households, multiple generations, unvaccinated people, or people in high-risk groups. Read more at Minnesota's recommendations for wearing masks
-
Travel with caution. Review CDC’s tips for safer travel if you’re considering holiday travel. CDC still recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated. If you must travel while unvaccinated, or with children who are not fully vaccinated, wear a mask, avoid crowds, and review COVID-19 guidelines for your destination.
- Lay low before you go. Avoid crowded settings for a couple weeks before gathering with people for holidays.
-
Get tested a few days before gatherings. Free tests are available at Minnesota community testing sites, and through the state’s at-home testing program). Tests take a few days to arrive in the mail after you place your order, so plan ahead!
-
Stay home if you have symptoms or test positive. Visit If You Are Sick or Test Positive for COVID-19 to learn more about what to do.
to read more about safer gatherings with family and friends. Have questions? Call the Minnesota COVID-19 Hotline at 833-431-2053; calls are answered Monday through Saturday, and operators speak multiple languages.
Vital Living continues to provide virtual activities with plans to offer hybrid programming (virtual and in-person) in 2022. Please continue reading and join us for a virtual activity in December!
Happy Holidays!
The Vital Living Team
612-787-4086 | VitalLiving@esns.org
|
Vital Living is supported in part by a Live Well at Home grant from the MN Department of Human Services. |
|
In This Newsletter
Events: Lifelong Learning
Caregiving: Gain Emotional and Practical Support
Classes: Maintain your Well-being
Engagement: Connect through Volunteering
Resources: Tools for Staying Independent
|
The MN Leadership Council on Aging has created a 2022 Planning Calendar that includes dates for cultural and faith-based celebrations.
Please use this link to download the 2022 calendar.
To learn more about MNLCOA, click here.
|
|
Managing the Holidays with Ease
With Raphael Szykowski, Licensed Social Worker
A Look at Co-Dependency (& How to Let Things Go)
December 10 | 12-1 PM | Via Zoom
A continuation of his November presentation Family Dynamics (& How to Navigate Yours), Raphael discusses additional elements of family dynamics, including some patterns and behaviors common within co-dependency. Join us to gain an understanding of how co-dependency fits within family systems and discover strategies for creating healthier dynamics.
These presentations are open to the public. There is no fee to participate but registration is required.
|
|
Reimagining Aging 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 discussion each month of engaging and enlightening books about aging and what it means to live a vital life today. We will reframe 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.
Our next selection is:
December 11: The Big Finish by Brooke Fossey
January 8: The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
February 12: Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
March 12: The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich
Haven't read the book? Still come and check us out. New to Zoom? We can help you get connected.
|
|
Treasuring Memories
Weekly on Thursdays | January 6, 13, 20 & 27
10:00-11:00 AM | Via Zoom
Treasuring Memories is meant to be a place where everyone can come together to speak about their memories, whether happy or sad.
Tell stories you would like to share, the wisdom you’ve gained, or you can also participate without sharing and listen to others share their stories. This hour of pleasure and fun is designed to bring peace, joy, and happiness.
There is no cost to join us.
|
|
Let's Do Lunch Café
Did you know there is a group of local older LGBTQ adults that get together twice a month via Zoom? Yes, the folks at Let’s Do Lunch Café have brought back the program, with a light twist. Their in-person lunch get-togethers are now being offered over Zoom— an excellent opportunity for social interactions and educational programs, all in a warm and welcoming environment. Participants have the option to order a lunchbox “on the house.”
Let’s Do Lunchbox Café is open for reservations every second Tuesday of the month and every fourth Friday of the month from 11:30 AM to 12:30 or 1:00 PM depending on the program.
|
|
Powerful Tools for Caregivers
Thursdays | January 13-February 17
3:30-5:00 PM | Via Zoom
Powerful Tools for Caregivers is an educational program designed to help family caregivers take care of themselves while caring for a relative or friend. You will benefit from this class whether you are helping a parent, spouse, friend, someone who lives at home, in a nursing home, or across the country.
East Side is partnering with Southeast Seniors to bring you this virtual six-week class via Zoom video conferencing. If you're not familiar with Zoom, don't worry we will help you! Registered participants will be asked to attend an orientation prior to the class where you will practice using Zoom and receive support for any technical challenges.
Donation of $40 for the series suggested and includes The Caregiver Help book.
|
|
NE Day Spot
Weekly on Fridays | December 3, 10, 17 & 31
10:30 AM-12:00 PM | Via Zoom
NE Day Spot is a virtual gathering place for those seeking to reduce stress in their daily lives through art, music, movement, and community. Whether you're learning to care for yourself, or care for others, join us for 60-90 minutes of curated, online programming--designed to offer each participant a chance to get creative and curious while making meaningful community connections.
Every Friday, this event aims to be a safe(er) space for:
- Anyone who partners in another person's care, or who is receiving care from others
- Those living with memory loss or other chronic conditions
- Folks looking for a little bit of respite
You are welcome to join at no cost, although space is limited!
Worried you won’t have what you need at home? Let our NE Day Spot volunteers hand deliver all materials needed for any given activity.
If you are interested in registering, please contact Lisa Harrigan at 612-787-4023 or by email at LHarrigan@esns.org.
|
|
Ongoing Support Groups
Looking for a safe and welcoming place where you can discuss the challenges, the frustrations and the joys of caregiving? The East Side 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. First time participants will need to request a link and password to enter the calls.
Caregiver Support Group
Wednesday | December 1 | 12:00-1:00 PM
Tuesday | December 21| 2:00-3:00 PM
Via Zoom
LGBTQ Caregiver Group
Monday | December 20 | 1:00-2:00 PM
Via Zoom
|
|
Caregiving Services are funded under contract with Trellis (formerly Metropolitan Area Agency of Aging, Inc.) as part of the Older Americans Act.
|
|
Tai Ji Quan: Moving For Better Balance
Beginner Class
Mondays & Thursdays | January 10-April 4
10:30-11:30 AM
Via Zoom
Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance reduces risk of falls by improving balance, muscle strength, flexibility, and mobility through mindful movements in a slow, flowing motion. These one-hour beginner sessions meet twice a week over Zoom for 24 sessions. If you're not familiar with Zoom, don't worry we will help you!
Registered participants will be asked to attend an orientation prior to the class where you can practice using Zoom and receive support for any technical challenges. We will also help provide technical support during each session. All participants must have a computer or tablet (with a camera and microphone) or a smartphone. Registered participants will receive class information prior to the class start date.
Donations accepted based on a cost share.
|
|
Tai Ji Quan: Moving For Better Balance
Beginner Class
Mondays & Thursdays | November 1-January 27
1:00-2:00 PM
Via Zoom
Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance reduces risk of falls by improving balance, muscle strength, flexibility, and mobility through mindful movements in a slow, flowing motion. These one-hour beginner sessions meet twice a week for 24 sessions.
This class will be offered primarily via Zoom. If you're not familiar with Zoom, don't worry we will help you! During the sessions we will help by providing support for any technical challenges. All participants must have a computer or tablet (with a camera and microphone) or a smartphone. Registered participants will receive class information prior to the class start date.
Donations accepted based on a cost share.
Evidence-based health and wellness workshops/classes are sponsored by Trellis (formerly Metropolitan Area Agency of Aging) in the seven county metro area. East Side is a community partner in Trellis's Juniper initiative. yourjuniper.org '
|
|
Vital Fitness Home Edition
Every Tuesday | 10:30-11:30 AM
Via Facebook Live or YouTube
Join East Side's Vital Fitness group! Tune in weekly to the live video happening on East Side's Facebook page every week for a variety of exercises that improve balance, strength, and coordination. If you're interested in seeing previous recordings of our exercise class, visit our Facebook or YouTube pages.
|
|
|
Pen Pal Partners
To write is human, to receive a letter: Divine!
-Susan Lendroth
Rekindle that feeling of getting a personal note in the mail. It is a great hobby with gaining a new friend as a benefit.
Vital Living's Pen Pal Partners are a diverse group of people ages 20-90+ living throughout the state. Pen Pals are asked to share two notes or letters a month for at least 3 months. Many Pen Pals continue for a year or more because they enjoy the activity so much.
|
|
Looking for ways to meet new people and find more enjoyment in your day? Try volunteering 2 hours a month!
Vital Living is looking for people to share their interests in arts and crafts, music, photography, reading, and technology help our community stay connected during the winter.
Making a difference in the community using your talents, skills, interests, expertise, time, and life experience is not just good for the rest of us-it is great for you, too.
Benefits of volunteering include better health, increased life satisfaction, and a more positive outlook on life. Volunteering is happening online or in-person.
Get connected today
Contact Jennifer at jgrilliot@esns.org or 612-787-4104. She will meet with you over the phone, zoom, or in-person to find out where your purpose lives and ideas on where to share your time and talents.
|
|
Resources for Vital Living |
|
How to Avoid the Dreaded Winter Blues
Or how to be a happy caregiver when you just don’t feel like it!
Winter is upon us and as the days getting shorter, it seems our mood, energy and patience get shorter too. During this time of year many struggle with feelings of sadness and irritability. Add the stress of being a family caregiver and you are faced with a double challenge. So how do you know if it is just the winter blues or if it is something more serious? And when you do figure out the cause, what can you do about it? As you continue to make caring for the caregiver a priority this year, I want to you to focus on the one Caregiver Right that many of you silently struggle with on a daily basis. “I have the right to get angry, be depressed, and express other difficult feelings occasionally.”
Read full article to learn when your winter blues are (or aren't) just about the season.
Excerpted from How to Avoid the Dreaded Winter Blues, Sojourner Counseling webpage, written by Pat Thorne, January 17, 2018.
|
|
Flu Shot Information
This Season a Flu Vaccine is More Important than Ever!
Getting a flu vaccine for the 2021-2022 season is more important than ever in order to protect yourself, your family and your community from flu. A flu vaccine this season can also help reduce the burden on our healthcare systems responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and save medical resources for care of COVID-19 patients.
The more people vaccinated; the more people protected. Do your part. Get a flu vaccine this fall. -from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Flu shots are available at many pharmacies and health clinics. The Minnesota Department of Health has a webpage that can help connect you to a clinic, pharmacy, or retail location administering flu vaccines. You can access that webpage here .
|
|
Accessible Transportation
East Side Neighborhood Services provides assisted transportation for older people living in North, Northeast, Southeast Minneapolis and St. Anthony.
We are open for vaccine, medical, social need, and shopping trips. We are also available for small group outings.
Cost: We use a sliding fee
Available: Monday through Friday, 8am - 4pm
Call: Reservation line 612-787-4012
|
|
Senior Food Shelf Offering Home Deliveries
East Side's Senior Food Shelf is offering no-contact home deliveries for Hennepin County adults over 55 who are unable to visit the Senior Food Shelf. We'll provide a package that includes fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, frozen meat and other non-perishable food items.
The Senior Food Shelf is open Mon - Fri from 9:30 AM-1 PM at our 1801 Central Avenue NE location, with practices in place to provide food assistance that are safe and meet seniors' unique nutritional needs. Hennepin County residents over the age of 55 with incomes at or below the 300% federal poverty guidelines are eligible to receive food assistance (for a family of one the upper limit is $3190 per month; family of two is $4310 a month). Eligible seniors and members of their household are each eligible to receive one package of 25-35 pounds of food each month.
Contact the Senior Food Shelf to see if you are eligible. Please call (612)788-9521 to learn more and to schedule an appointment at the food shelf or to receive a delivery. Leave a message if we're unavailable, and we'll call you back. For more info: https://www.esns.org/metrofoodprograms
|
|
Vital Living Guided Meditation
Take a moment to relax with a guided audio meditation from our Vital Living staff member Liz!
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 you stress, contact our Vital Living team at VitalLiving@esns.org for support and resources.
|
|
|
Nutritious Meals Delivered
Eastside Meals on Wheels delivers meals to homebound persons living in NE and SE Minneapolis, and St. Anthony Village. Contact Eastside Meals on Wheels at 612-277-2529 or via email at info@eastsidemeals.org to register.
|
|
|
|
East Side Resources
East Side Neighborhood Services
1700 Second Street NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
