October 10 - October 16
Inspiring Opportunities is an e-mail from Coming of Age for people 50+ who are making a difference in the world, in their communities and in their lives.
Inside:
What's New
Coming Soon
Info4Orgs
Have We Got an Opportunity for You!
This Week's Medicare Tip
Past Issues
What's New
While many boomers are wondering if they will ever be able to retire, this article contends that a higher quality of life awaits 50+ers because of the new opportunities, innovations, and "heft" this generation carries. The future for baby boomers might be more about creating better relations with loved ones than acquiring fancy gadgets... and living a more interesting "later" life than their parents. Whether triggering a revolution in volunteering or in entrepreneurship, no one puts boomers in the corner!
Why do women who spend time "dishing" with friends seem more content and in good spirits? A research study at the University of Michigan has identified a likely reason: feeling emotionally close to a friend increases levels of the hormone progesterone that helps to boost well-being and reduce anxiety. So, hanging out with friends is not wasting time... it's increasing your happiness and lifespan.
Elderhostel has taken on a new name, Exploritas, for its programming arm. But, the organization is quick to assure those who have taken part in its lifelong learning programs and educational travel that what they have enjoyed will continue... with a relaxed age requirement. The more inclusive program welcomes younger adventurers to join their elders in this nonprofit's rich offerings.
For AARP, the nation’s largest advocacy organization and a Coming of Age founding partner, the latest health care debates are creating some furor among its multi-generational membership. The 40 million members are split about evenly between those with access to Medicare and younger members who often face difficult choices in the private insurance market. How each will fare is yet to be seen, but AARP is playing an active role in sharing their needs with legislators.
Coming Soon
Kay Redfield Jamison, international authority and researcher on mood disorders, will be speaking about her new book, "Nothing Was the Same," the story of her husband's slow surrender to cancer and her thoughts on morality, loss, and grief on October 13th, 7:30 pm at Philadelphia's Free Library at 1901 Vine St. In 1995, Jamison, a Professor of Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University, shocked her colleagues by going public with her personal struggle with manic-depression. Fee: $7-$14. Click here to register.
There will be a gathering of Captains4Kids, volunteers for Generations United's Seniors4Kids program, an advocacy initiative comprised of older adults committed to quality pre-school programs. This is an opportunity to learn about this project and meet others who are speaking out for children. Date: October 17 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Center in the Park's Maple Village, 22 West Rittenhouse Street, Philadelphia. E-mail Yvonne Thompson-Friend or call (215) 844-4744.
"Home is Where the Heart Is," a seminar to assist older adults in adapting their living situation to meet changing needs, will be held on Saturday, October 17 at 10 a.m. at The Center at Journey’s Way on 6012 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia. The seminar will feature presentations on housing options, downsizing and organizing, and selling your home. Open to the public; refreshments. Call (215) 487-1750.
Info4Orgs
This summer, Entertainment Industry Foundation launched iParticipate, an exciting initiative to encourage more Americans to volunteer. A week of television events on all major networks from October 19 - 25 will include scripted programming and public service announcements to inspire the millions watching to serve. For nonprofits wanting to take full advantage of this enthusiasm, CaliforniaVolunteers has put together a list of strategies to maximize this potential groundswell of civic energy. Continue Reading
For the nonprofits interested in taking advantage of the affordable, expert computer services being offered by RSVP of Montgomery County's Volunteer Executive Consultants ( VEC-TEC) mentioned in the September 25th issue of Inspiring Opportunities, here is the correct contact information. Contact VEC by e-mail or call Elaine Gershenson at (610) 834-1040, ext.11.
Have We Got an Opportunity for You!
State and local elections are around the corner -- November 3rd -- and volunteers are needed by the Committee of Seventy to help voters in the field or to staff the 866-OUR-VOTE voter protection hotline. Training sessions for field volunteers will be held at the Committee of Seventy’s Center City offices and hotline volunteers will be trained online. To learn more and to sign up to volunteer, click here. It's a great (nonpartisan) way to be right in the thick of the action.
Seniors Helping Seniors provides non-medical, home-based services to older adults who want to live independently in their homes. Caring adults age 50+ are being recruited as paid providers -- client needs include companion care, light housekeeping, personal care, overnight supervision, house maintenance, and transportation. Care providers choose the services they can offer and the amount of time they want to work. Call (215) 482-6738 or e-mail.
Project SHINE has a part-time, paid Americorps opening for an older adult to tutor English, share and learn cultural traditions, and help conduct health workshops at one of 20 sites in Philadelphia. Work with elders from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America as part of a multicultural team. Project SHINE, a program of Temple University's Intergenerational Center (a Coming of Age founding partner), is a national service learning program that creates intergenerational relationships with immigrants and refugee elders. For information, e-mail, or call (215) 204-3675.
Silver Wheels, a program of Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Philadelphia, is a volunteer transportation program that provides easy, accessible, and affordable transportation for older adults. Many vibrant older adults need help getting to the grocery store, the doctor, their card game, even to exercise. Drivers allow their passengers to maintain an active and independent lifestyle. For more information about becoming a volunteer driver, e-mail or call Lisa Tischler at (267) 256-2082.
This Week's Medicare Tip
With Washington abuzz with plans for health care reform, this recent article may be helpful in understanding the current state of Medicare funding. Medicare provides health coverage for 45.2 million people and spent $468 billion for covered items and services in 2008. Have you ever wondered where Medicare gets this money? Read this fact sheet provided by the Centers for Medicare/Medicaid to learn ways that you can help Medicare save money. Continue Reading
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Coming of Age Radio Portraits, produced by WHYY, feature age 50+ Philadelphia-area people who have made exciting life transitions. Click here to see and hear their wonderful stories and to submit your story!
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Read the latest post on the blog by Coming of Age Director Dick Goldberg: Guest Blogger: Corita Brown, The Power of Hispanic Elders
