October 24 - October 30
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
You may be surprised to learn that women 50+ sleep more than men of the same age -- even though women usually complain more about insomnia. It turns out that men overestimate the rest they are getting according to a recent study from the Netherlands that included 956 people aged 59-97. Both men and women are encouraged to go to bed a bit later and avoid snoozing during the day to avoid sleeplessness.
The ability to maintain relationships with friends and family through the Internet helps reduce depression by 20 percent for older adults who actively communicate online. These are the findings of Internet Use and Depression Among the Elderly, a Policy Paper that surveyed 7,000 retired Americans 55 years or older. In addition, connecting with social supports online may actually work to trim the nation's health care bill with less money spent on doctor's visits and medications.
Most of us can regale the "youngers" on the positives of getting older. This optimistic attitude has been fueled by the Positive Psychology movement, which champions the idea that how we think about our day-to-day living shapes what it means to be happy. Now these principles are captured in a new term specific to later life -- namely "positive aging" -- focusing on what makes life worthwhile in spite of the physical or mental issues that may arise. This article may be helpful.
Dick Goldberg, Coming of Age's Director, was interviewed for a recent New York Times article about how older adults are becoming net-savvy, often with the help of the younger set -- Dick's daughter Rosa encouraged him to apply for his job online. And Scott Martin, editor of Delaware's Inspiring Opportunities and a national expert on volunteerism, will be receiving the Governor's Award in Delaware for his work with Coming of Age and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency. Nice going!
Coming Soon
The National Constitution Center welcomes New York Times columnist Gail Collins on October 26th, to discuss her new book, When Everything Changed: The Amazing Journey of American Women From 1960 to the Present. Collins traces the experience of American women from the 1960s, when wives needed to get their husbands’ permission to apply for a credit card to Hillary Clinton’s historic run for President. Drexel University’s Lynn Yeakel will moderate. Fee: $15. For reservations, click here.
The Mt. Airy Revitalization Corporation and Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition are sponsoring an Estate Planning workshop. Learn about the present tax situation and other regulations that could affect future plans. This free workshop will be held at the Wadsworth Avenue Library on Thursday, October 29th, 2-3 pm. For additional information, contact Tara at (215) 548-5950.
President Obama's successful campaign was due, in large part, to the masterful strategy developed by David Plouffe, Obama's chief campaign manager. Plouffe has written his account, The Audacity to Win, filled with stories from the campaign trail. Hear the author explain the details at the Free Library, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, on November 5th, 7:30 p.m. To register, click here.
Info4Orgs
Funding might be flowing from Harrisburg again, but the social-service providers who help the vulnerable say the state's 101-day budget impasse has left them deep in debt with vendors and banks, and scrambling to restart programs and rehire staff. Now, agencies that offer child care, drug counseling, suicide prevention, domestic-violence shelters, food pantries, and transportation for the elderly are assessing the impact of more than three months without state aid.
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging is sponsoring a day-long conference, "Evaluating Neighborhood Programs: Measuring Outcomes, Determining Effectiveness,” on November 12th at the Union League, 140 South Broad St. in Philadelphia. The conference will provide small and mid-sized organizations with the background and tools needed to complete an effective evaluation of their programs and services. Registration is $25 and includes lunch. For more information, call (215) 765-9000, ext. 5050 or e-mail.
United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania (a Coming of Age founding partner) and Pfizer will present a luncheon briefing on patient assistance programs for those who work with people without prescription drug coverage. This briefing, to be held at United Way on November 13th, noon to 1:30 pm, will focus on programs available from Pfizer and other pharmaceutical companies to help those who are uninsured. Click here to register.
Have We Got an Opportunity for You!
Lutheran Settlement House is seeking a Director for its Jane Addams Place Emergency Homeless Shelter that serves 29 women and their children. The Director is responsible for professional leadership, policies and procedures, budget management, development, and program oversight. Experience leading homelessness programs is required. To learn more and apply, send an e-mail.
MANNA addresses the essential needs of people coping with life-threatening illnesses. This Philadelphia-based nonprofit relies on volunteers to help with meal preparation, meal delivery, fund-raising, and community outreach. During the Thanksgiving season, MANNA's Pie in the Sky project brings in needed funding. To learn about MANNA's many volunteer opportunities, contact Robert Saxon at (214) 496-2662 or e-mail.
The Philadelphia Science Festival, organized by The Franklin Institute, is a 10-day event that will be launched in April 2011 with activities, lectures, and performances across the Philadelphia region. A Director is needed to plan, manage and oversee the day-to-day activities of the Festival and its collaborative partners, lead the internal development team, and more. E-mail resume, cover letter and salary requirements or fax to (215) 448-1121. Continue Reading
Art Goes to School (AGTS), an art appreciation program, is looking for volunteers to introduce children to the beauty and enjoyment of art through visits to schools in the Delaware Valley. AGTS reaches nearly 125,000 children every year. Prior teaching or art experience not needed: volunteers receive training and can create flexible schedules for their involvement. To find out more about this opportunity, call Paula Suss at (215) 576-0362 or e-mail.
This Week's Medicare Tip
Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in health and prescription drug plans will continue to have a wide range of plan options in 2010, and those who decide to change plans should find choosing a new plan simpler than in previous years according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. In addition, all Medicare beneficiaries will have many prescription drug plans from which to choose. 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
