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A Healthier You: Virtual Events for Seniors in March

February 16, 2021

Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, a not-for-profit member of Hartford HealthCare Senior Services, provides virtual classes on pertinent health and wellness topics.

For more information about Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, click here or call 1.877.424.4641.

Here are some upcoming events, all available by either phone or video conference. For people who have not used Zoom, the video or virtual “conference room,” click here to learn more about using the program.

The following are virtual classes and other services offered in March:

Medicare 101 — Understanding Your Options

To navigate the mysteries of Medicare, Hartford HealthCare and Integrated Care Partners is offering “Medicare 101 – Understanding Your Options,” led by Medicare educators. Topics include: the basics, different components, when to enroll, how to choose a plan, and options including Medicare Advantage Plans, Supplement Plans and Prescription Drug Plans. Upcoming dates include: March 1, 3, 4, 8, 10, 11, 15, 17, 18, 22, 24, 25, 29 and 31. For convenience, the times vary.

Registration is required. Call 1.855.442.4373 or click here. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.

Healthy Brain Series Examines Optimum Aging

Strategies and information on maintaining an active and engaged brain is the focus of a free five-part series presented by Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging. The Healthy Brain Series will be held Wednesdays, March 3 to 31, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. A certified dementia specialist with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging will present the program.

Topics will include: Challenge Your Mind Daily – Activities To Keep Your Mind Sharp; Feeding the Brain – The Importance of Diet and Hydration; Benefits of a Purposeful Life: Finding Meaningful Engagement as You Age; Good Sleep and Brain Power; and The Blue Zones – Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest. Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions.

Registration is required. Call 1.855.442.4373 or click here. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.

How to Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Distracted driving is often heard as the cause of a vehicular accident. Distracted walking can also cause accidents, slips and falls. “How to Be Aware of Your Surroundings” will be held Wednesday, March 3, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Presenter Lisa Murawski, an exercise physiologist with GoodLife Fitness, will offer practical tips and strategies for avoiding tripping and possible injury. Hartford HealthCare’s GoodLife Fitness is sponsoring in coordination with Southington Calendar House.

Registration is required. Call 1.855.442.4373 or click here. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.

Health Screenings for Older Adults

Older adults can live stronger and longer by making sure they get all the health screenings recommended by their doctor – the best protection is early detection. A free virtual class on Wednesday, March 3, 10 to 11 a.m., will review what health screenings are recommended for the older population to find medical conditions or diseases early while they are easier to treat. Presenter will be Lillian Swan, transitional care nurse with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, which is sponsoring the event.

Registration is required. Call 1.855.442.4373 or click here. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.

Focused Awareness Meditation

Focused Awareness Meditation is a simple, five-step technique that can help people feel more relaxed, focused and calm. A free virtual class about this topic will be held Tuesday, March 9, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Participants are asked to have a large towel or a small blanket for proper positioning in their chair. Presenter will be Christine Solimini-Swift, exercise physiologist with Hartford HealthCare’s GoodLife Fitness. This program is sponsored by Hartford HealthCare’s GoodLife Fitness and coordinated with Meriden Senior Center.

Registration is required. Call 1.855.442.4373 or click here. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.

How to Make the Most of a Doctor’s Visit

The average doctor’s appointment lasts only 15 minutes. Preparation and knowing the best questions to ask can help you benefit more from your appointment. A free virtual program about this topic will be held Wednesday, March 10, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., led by Nicholas Arsenault, transitional care nurse with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging. Information will include how to prepare for an appointment; various tips and strategies; questions to ask and more. Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging and Cromwell Senior Center are sponsoring.

Registration is required. Call 1.855.442.4373 or click here. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.

Understanding Lymphedema

The World Health Organization estimates that over 250 million people worldwide live with lymphedema, or chronic swelling. This condition, which affects the arms and legs, can cause pain, limit mobility and negatively affect the quality of life.

The free virtual program, “Understanding Lymphedema,” on Thursday, March 11, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., will provide information about the causes and effects of swelling, management techniques and how skilled occupational and physical therapy can help. The presenter will be Theresa Plant, a certified lymphedema therapist with Hartford HealthCare Rehabilitation Network, which is sponsoring the program with Cheshire Senior Center are sponsoring.

Registration is required. To register, call Cheshire Senior Center, 203.272.8286. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.

Understanding Gallbladder Disease

The gallbladder is a small pouch which stores bile produced by the liver to help digest fats. The gallbladder is not essential. Unfortunately, it is subject to a number of maladies, including gallstones, infections and cancer.

“Understanding Gallbladder Disease” will be held Thursday, March 11, noon to 1 p.m., led by Aaron Bennett of Hartford HealthCare Medical Group. Topics will include signs and symptoms of common problems, risks and treatment options.

Registration is required. Call 1.855.442.4373 or click here. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.

Dimensions of Wellness Examines All Aspects of Self

A free virtual presentation on Monday, March 15, 1 to 2 p.m., provides insights into a wellness model incorporating the physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, vocational and environmental aspects of life. Participants will be encouraged to review, recognize and celebrate their unique triumphs and what they are already doing to live their best lives and what they might like to change. Presenter will be Nicholas Arsenault, a transitional care nurse with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, the program sponsor.

Registration is required. Call 1.855.442.4373 or click here. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.

Navigating the ‘What-Ifs’ during the Golden Years

“Navigating the ‘What-Ifs’ in Your ‘Golden Years’,” will provide information about various topics pertaining to aging, resources available in the community, and ways to be proactive rather than reactive. The event will be held Wednesday, March 17, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., led by Michelle Lavoie, resource coordinator with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging. Discussion will include the varying levels of care, types of housing and funding sources. Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging and Calendar House are sponsoring.

Registration is required. Call 1.855.442.4373 or click here. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.

Understanding Arthritis with Exercise Physiologist

Arthritis has multiple causes including dietary factors, free radicals and trauma. The free virtual class, “Understanding Arthritis,” on Wednesday, March 17, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., will feature information about triggers, diagnosis and prevention. Presenter will be Christine Solimini-Swift, exercise physiologist with GoodLife Fitness at The Orchards at Southington. Hartford HealthCare Senior Services and Bristol Senior Center are sponsoring.

Registration is required. Call 1.855.442.4373 or click here. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.

Let’s Talk About the Brain

Insights into the function of the brain, keeping the brain healthy, age-related changes and symptoms of dementia are some of the topics that will be discussed at a free virtual class on Thursday, March 18, 10 to 11 a.m. The presenter will be Michelle Wyman, certified dementia specialist with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging. A question and answer period will follow the presentation. HHC Center for Healthy Aging is sponsoring.

Registration is required. Call 1.855.442.4373 or click here. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.

Selecting an Assisted Living Community

When maintaining a private home, indoor and outdoor tasks can become overwhelming. However, taking the next step in life can be daunting. Concerns may include: Is independent or assisted living the right choice? Is it safe – what precautions are being taken? What information needs to be provided? Is it affordable?

The free virtual class, “Selecting an Assisted Living Community,” will be held Thursday, March 18, noon to 1 p.m. Presenter will be Antoinette Ouellette, retirement counselor at The Orchards at Southington, the program sponsor.

Registration is required. Call 1.855.442.4373 or click here. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.

Managing Hypertension

Nearly half the population in the United States has been diagnosed with hypertension or high blood pressure, according to the Centers for Disease Control. “Managing Hypertension,” will be held Wednesday, March 24, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Discussion will include types of hypertension, medications including ACEs, ARBs and diuretics, and lifestyle tips for managing hypertension. A question and answer period will follow.

Presenters will be Sean Jeffery, pharmacist and clinical professor, University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, and Hannah Ayes, pharmacy student, University of Connecticut, School of Pharmacy.

Registration is required. Call 1.855.442.4373 or click here. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.

Virtual Dementia Caregiver Support Groups

Caregivers often have overwhelming responsibilities assisting their loved ones in doing the most basic tasks while handling their own lives. To provide education and a venue to discuss challenges and helpful strategies, Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging offers a variety of free virtual dementia caregiver support groups.

Topics include: communication techniques, caregiver support, benefits of activities, family dynamics and safety issues. The groups meet at various times to make it easier for more people to participate.

Registration is required. Call 1.855.442.4373 or click here. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.

  • Second Wednesday of every month (March 10), 10 to 11 a.m., facilitated by Adrianne DeVivo, dementia specialist. Registration is required; call 1.855.442.4373.
  • Second Wednesday of every month (March 10) 6:30 to 8 p.m., facilitated by Patty O’Brian, certified dementia specialist. This group is associated with the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter and is sponsored by HHC Center for Healthy Aging and Southington Care Center.
  • Third Monday of every month except holidays (March 15), 1 to 2:30 p.m., facilitated by Patty O’Brian, dementia specialist. This group is coordinated with the Berlin-Peck Library and sponsored by HHC Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter.
  • New: Younger Onset Dementia Caregiver Support Group – Third Wednesday of every month (March 17), 8 to 9 p.m., facilitated by Adrianne DeVivo, dementia specialist.
  • Last Monday of every month (March 22), 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., facilitated by Michelle Wyman, dementia specialist. This group is sponsored by HHC Center for Healthy Aging and Duncaster.

Call-in Dementia Caregivers Support Group: Meets every Friday from 2 to 3 p.m., facilitated by a dementia specialist. Registration is not required. To join Hartford HealthCare’s Virtual Meeting Room, call: 860.972.6338 and when prompted, enter the access code 19623#.

Center for Healthy Aging’s Facebook Caregivers Support Group

A Facebook page specifically for families and caregivers who have questions or comments pertaining to caregiving has been launched by Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging. People are welcome to join the “Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging Support Group.”

Concerns might include behavior changes, transition of care to assisted living, home healthcare, community services or end of life planning. A Center for Healthy Aging professional will oversee the Facebook page to provide helpful answers and resources to support users in their caregiving roles.

For more information, call the Center for Healthy Aging at 877.424.4641.

Memory Café: Socialization for People with Memory Loss

Memory Café, a socialization group for people with memory loss, mild cognitive impairment and early dementia, meets every Monday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. This is intended to be a welcoming place for individuals and their families with a shared experience. A dementia specialist with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging will lead the group.

Registration is required. Call 1.855.442.4373 or click here. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.

Movement Disorders Group

The Chase Family Movement Disorders Center and Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging are offering a caregiver support group for individuals who care for people with movement disorders and other neurodegenerative conditions. This free support group is offered on first and third Tuesdays (March 2 and 16), 10 to 11 a.m. Each session spotlights a different caregiver/care-partner topic and begins with a brief clinician-led presentation. Facilitators are Amanda Brill at the Chase Family Movement Disorder Center and Jennifer McCaughey, resource coordinator, Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging.

For more information, call Amanda Brill at 860.696.4653, or Jennifer McCaughey at 860.696.4623.

Free Virtual Memory Screenings

Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging is offering free virtual memory screenings that can be scheduled at a person’s convenience. Confidential memory screenings average 20 minutes and consist of five questions to assess memory. These screenings are not a diagnosis but can indicate if someone should follow up with a full medical exam.

Memory screenings can be the first step to diagnosis for anyone concerned about memory loss or experiencing warning signs of dementia; whose family and friends have noticed changes in them; who believe they are at risk due to a family history of dementia; or who want to see how their memory is now and for future comparisons. Early detection of memory loss can help physicians more effectively treat cognitive impairment and possibly slow down changes in the brain.

For more information or to schedule a virtual memory screening, call Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging at 1.877.424.4641.

Virtual Bereavement Groups

Due to the pandemic, Hartford HealthCare at Home Hospice transitioned its bereavement support groups to a virtual format. To participate, email the facilitator associated with the day and time and participants will receive the Zoom code for joining the meeting. Registration is only required once. There is also a call-in bereavement group.

Days and times available are:

  • First and third Mondays of the month, 1-2:30 p.m. Facilitator is Nichol Burris; email nichol.burris@hhchealth.org.
  • Second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, 1-2:30 p.m. Facilitator is Bill Pilkington; email bill.pilkington@hhchealth.org.
  • 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. “Metamorphosis: Honoring the Sacred Journey of Grief.” Facilitator is Jennifer Johnson; email Jennifer.johnson@hhchealth.org.
  • Call-in bereavement group – Thursdays, 1 to 2:30 p.m. To join, call 860.972.6338, and when prompted, enter access code 22528#.