PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Staying well allows us to live better lives. Through group classes, informational sessions and events, the Aroostook Agency on Aging staff and volunteers share topics and techniques that are intended to help all people age well.
We offer monthly programs developed to help older persons and their care partners succeed and thrive in their own homes. Pre-registration is required for all sessions. January include:
Warm Hands & Feet knitted items and crafts sale
Tuesday, Jan. 3 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Friday, Jan. 6 at Aroostook Agency on Aging, 260 Main St.
Hosted by Aroostook RSVP Advisory Council, Americorps Seniors and Aroostook Agency on Aging. This is your last chance to visit the Aroostook Agency on Aging gallery to see and purchase a colorful assortment of original hand-knitted items including hats, scarves and mittens made by members of Aroostook RSVP. All proceeds benefit volunteer-driven programs throughout northern Maine.
Caregiver Support Group (online)
Tuesdays at 6 p.m., hosted by Aroostook Agency on Aging and AgingME.
It is normal for caring for a loved one to sometimes produce frustration and anger. But you don’t have to cope alone. Our weekly support group for caregivers can be a lifesaver because it gives participants a place where they can share their feelings confidentially, make friends, get help navigating the healthcare system, and learn from others who are traveling a similar path. Please contact 764-3396/1-800-439-1789 or info@aroostookaging.org to register for a ZOOM link.
Congregate Dining
11:30 a.m. every Tuesday and Wednesday except holidays Madawaska Senior Center, 291 Newberry St. Hosted by Aroostook Agency on Aging and Madawaska Senior Citizens Club.
A sitdown luncheon for those over age 60. Interested persons must register a day in advance; please call the registration line at 207-760-1689 and leave a message. Participants will be asked to provide some basic information upon first visit and then adhere to COVID-19 screening every visit.
Congregate Dining
11 a.m. every Tuesday and Wednesday, Van Buren Community Center/Van Buren Housing Authority, 130 Champlain St., hosted by Aroostook Agency on Aging and Borderview Rehabilitation & Living Center
A sitdown luncheon for those over age 60. Interested persons must register a day in advance; please call the registration line at 207-760-1687 and leave a message. Participants will be asked to provide some basic information upon first visit and then adhere to COVID-19 screening every visit.
Living Well for Better Health
9:30 a.m. to noon every Tuesday through Feb. 7. Sargent Family Community Center, 24 Chapman Rd. in Presque Isle, hosted by Aroostook Area Agency on Aging, and Healthy Living for ME.
Living Well for Better Health helps people learn how to manage their own health by improving communication with their physicians, actively managing their symptoms, creating personal action plans, and developing support structures. Call Callie at 764-3396/1-800-439-1789 for more or visit www.healthylivingforme.org to preregister for a ZOOM link.
Savvy Caregiver (online)
6-8 p.m. Wednesdays, hosted by Aroostook Agency on Aging and Healthy Living for ME.
The Savvy Caregiver is a 12-hour course delivered in 2-hour sessions over a 6-week period. Curriculum includes a caregiver manual and workbook. It aims to introduce family caregivers to the caregiving role, providing them with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to carry out that role and alerting them to self-care issues. Please call 764-3396/1-800-439-1789 or email to info@aroostookaging.org to receive a link to the ZOOM class.
Online Gathering Place (online)
10-11 a.m. Wednesdays in January, hosted by Aroostook Agency on Aging and AgingME.
The Gathering Place focuses on creating a safe “virtual” place for those with chronic memory loss or health conditions to engage in fun activities and interact with others. Contact 764-3396/1-800-439-1789 or info@aroostookaging.org for more or to preregister for this weekly session.
Congregate Dining
11 a.m. every Thursday and Friday Fort Kent Senior Center, 20 Pine St., hosted by Aroostook Agency on Aging and Fort Kent Elderly Social Action Club.
A sitdown luncheon for those over age 60. Interested persons must register a day in advance; please call the registration line at 207-760-1690 and leave a message. Participants will be asked to provide some basic information upon first visit and then adhere to COVID-19 screening every visit.
Artists for Aging Exhibit First Friday Art Walk
5-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6, hosted by Aroostook Agency on Aging, 260 Main St., Presque Isle and Artists for Aging.
Visit our gallery at Aroostook Agency on Aging to see an exhibit of original paintings, sketches, and unmatted prints by artist Richard Clark, who operates the Woods Edge Gallery near his home in Perham. Clark’s works will be available for view weekdays during regular business hours in the 260 Main Street gallery. A percentage of all sales are donated to the Agency.
Medicare 101 (online)
11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Jan. 10, hosted by Aroostook Agency on Aging.
Can you save money on your Medicare? What options do you have for coverage? Do you need Advantage plans or Supplements? Contact Kimberly at 764-3396/1-800-439-1789 for more or to preregister for a link.
Bingocize (online)
1-2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through March 23, hosted by Aroostook Agency on Aging, Healthy Living for ME and AgingME.
Bingocize is a 10-week health promotion program that mixes the popular game of bingo with moderate exercise. Participants will perform fall prevention exercises while learning about the importance of physical fitness in preventing serious falls. Individuals over age 55 should call Callie at 764-3396/1-800-439-1789 for more or visit www.healthylivingforme.org to preregister for a ZOOM link.
Senior Medicare Patrol Fraud & Abuse (online)
11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Jan. 17, hosted by Aroostook Agency on Aging
Have you been a victim of Medicare fraud? Do you want to learn ways to protect yourself from scams? How can you inform others about Medicare? Contact Kimberly at 764-3396/1-800-439-1789 for more or to preregister for a link.
Living Well for Better Health (online)
9:30 a.m. to noon Wednesdays through Feb. 22, hosted by Aroostook Area Agency on Aging, and Healthy Living for ME.
Living Well for Better Health helps people learn how to manage their own health by improving communication with their physicians, actively managing their symptoms, creating personal action plans, and developing support structures. Call Callie at 764-3396/1-800-439-1789 for more or visit www.healthylivingforme.org to preregister for a ZOOM link.
A Matter of Balance Coaches’ Training
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19 at 260 Main St. in Presque Isle, hosted by Aroostook Area Agency on Aging and Healthy Living for ME
Chances are you know someone who has fallen or who is afraid of falling. A Matter of Balance is a proven program designed to help people manage concerns about falls and increase physical activity. Aroostook Agency on Aging is looking for volunteers for this program. Please contact Callie at 764-3396/1-800-439-1789 or info@aroostookaging.org to preregister..
Brain Builders (online)
1:30-2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, hosted by Aroostook Agency on Aging and AgingME.
We all know the importance of physical, mental, social, and emotional wellness. But do you know having a healthy brain improves your mood and decreases the likelihood of having illnesses that threaten your quality of life? Our monthly online session helps participants create goals that impact on their life and boosts their brain health. Contact Suzie at 764-3396/800-439-1789 or info@aroostookaging.org for more or to preregister for a link to this ZOOM class.
Aroostook RSVP “Chicken Stew To Go” fundraiser
4-6 p.m. 260 Main St. in Presque Isle. Staff and volunteers are cooking up a tasty $10 chicken stew meal to pick up. This is an important fundraiser for Aroostook RSVP and special parking will be available for older persons, those with disabilities, and their families and caregivers.
Coming soon, Tai Chi for Better Health and Balance (online).
Hosted by Aroostook Agency on Aging and Healthy Living for ME, Tai Chi is an enjoyable exercise that can improve balance, relieve pain, and improve health and ability to do things. It is a slow exercise. It is easy to learn and good for all ability levels. There is a $20 fee for 10 weeks. Please call 764-3396/1-800-439-1789 or visit www.healthylivingforme.org to preregister or for more.
MaineCare Toolkit, hosted by Aroostook Agency on Aging.
This is a helpful program designed to help older persons and their care partners identify and apply for financial assistance for nursing home care or in-home support services. Agency outreach specialists will provide information through a video presentation, a question & answer session, and a variety of agency materials to help benefit older persons in Aroostook.
The Conversation Project
Hosted by Aroostook Agency on Aging and AgingME.
Talking about the things you want for yourself can be challenging. There are so many questions when you plan for the future: will I have enough money, will someone make decisions for me, does anyone really know what is most important to me, or does anyone know what makes me afraid? Our online Conversations class can assist you in developing questions or sharing concerns that you have with your loved ones and family doctor. Please call 764-3396/1-800-439-1789 for more or to preregister.
Living Well with Chronic Pain (online)
Hosted by Aroostook Area Agency on Aging and Healthy Living for ME
This class is designed for people who have a diagnosis of chronic pain, offering strategies for dealing with their symptoms. Topics include: techniques to deal with frustration, fatigue, isolation, and poor sleep, appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, appropriate use of medications, communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals, nutrition, pacing activity and rest, and how to evaluate new treatments. Please call 764-3396/1-800-439-1789 or visit www.healthylivingforme.org to preregister.
