Vital Aging Network e-Bulletin
NOVEMBER 2015
FROM THE CHAIR

Doing Good for Ourselves and Our Communities
By Pam Hayle Chair, Vital Aging Network  
 
Give to the Max Day 2015 
Thank you for being a part of the Vital Aging Network. You are essential to achieving our mission of helping people remain vital as they age. Our mission has become even more urgent than it was fifteen years ago when visionary leaders, including Jan Hively, Hal Freshley and others, established the Vital Aging Network.

We believe we are entering a new age of possibility. Jim Firman, President and CEO of the National Council of Aging (NCOA), asks the crucial question: "Taken together, boomers and older adults are going to have 1 billion years of time over the next decades. What are we doing with that time that is good for ourselves and good for our communities?"

Through programs such as Evolve and Wellness 50+, VAN helps people answer that question.

That's why the work of the Vital Aging Network is so important. But we need your help to continue our work. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution.

One way to do that is to contribute to the Vital Aging Network on the annual Give to the Max Day on Thursday, November 12, 2015. Your donation on Give to the Max Day also may help us receive an additional donation of $1,000. On November 12, every gift made on GiveMN.org will be entered into an hourly drawing for a $1,000 GiveMN Golden Ticket to be awarded to a nonprofit organization. One donation made on GiveMN.org will be randomly selected at noon and at the end of Give to the Max Day to receive a $10,000 Super-Sized GiveMN Golden Ticket!

Mark your calendar today for November 12 and then go to GiveMN.org and search for Vital Aging Network. If you don't want to wait for Give to the Max day, you can give anytime at GiveMN.org or mail your check to Vital Aging Network, 2365 McKnight Road, North St. Paul, MN 55109.

I thank you in advance for considering the Vital Aging network as an organization you might support with your time, resources and/or a monetary donation. 
 
VAN WORKSHOP
Re-Defining Home
What does home and community mean to you? 
How will you keep the essential elements alive as you age?

The Vital Aging Network invites you to participate in this workshop to answer those questions. We'll focus on distinguishing between the technical and adaptive challenges that arise as we age.

neighborhood
Participants will identify issues that are alive for the, determine effective skills and resources to address the issues and offer support and inspiration to each other.
               
Saturday, November 14, 2015
1:00 to 4:00 PM
Saint Paul Public Library - Rondo
461 Dale Street N (at University Avenue)
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55104 [map]
Free underground parking, enter on University

Workshop leader:
Lynn Englund, PhD, teaches in the Department of Family
Social Science at the University of Minnesota and is expert on
creating intentional communities.

Cost: $20 - Only a couple of spaces left!

Register now 

                                              


Download the flyer. 
In the News

2015 Influencers in Aging
nextavenue.org
Next Avenue has announced its list of 2015 Influencers in Aging. These 50 thought leaders, innovators, writers, advocates, experts and others are changing how we age and think about aging.

Unleashing the $8 Trillion Longevity Bonus

Huffington Post, October 22, 2015, by Ken Dychtwald,
That's $8 TRILLION, with a T. Just to put that number into perspective, it's almost as much as China's annual gross domestic product. That number represents what we call the "longevity bonus," the total value of giving---of both time and money---by U.S. retirees over the next two decades.

Ron Howard Explores the Latest Life Hack, Curing Aging
National Geographic Channel
Developed by the National Geographic Channel and GE, Breakthrough is a revolutionary new series about scientific explorers and how their cutting-edge innovations and advancements will change our lives in the immediate future and beyond. This six-part series starts on November 1, 2015. It will include an episode (showing November 29 at 8pm central time) that explores the human experience of aging, and the pioneers attempting to treat it.

The Lowdown on the 52 Percent Medicare Premium Increase
Next Avenue, October 21, 2015, by Bob Rosenblatt
You probably heard that there'll be no Social Security cost-of-living increase for beneficiaries in 2016. But what you may not know is that a ripple effect of this, for millions who'll be covered by Medicare next year, could be a 52 percent boost in their monthly Medicare Part B premiums (Part B is the part of Medicare that pays for doctor visits and other outpatient care).

To Age Well, Change How You Feel About Aging
The Wall Street Journal, October 19, 2015, by Anne Tergesen
Scientists are discovering something very peculiar about aging: How we feel about getting old matters. A lot. In test after test, researchers are finding that if we think about getting older in terms of decline or disability, our health likely will suffer. If, on the other hand, we see aging in terms of opportunity and growth, our bodies respond in kind.

9 Knee-Strengthening Exercises
Next Avenue, October 20, 2015, by Linda Melone, CSCS
Knee discomfort is second only to low back pain as the most commonly reported pain among adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). When done regularly, exercises that strengthen muscles that support the knee joint can help to significantly reduce pain.

Volunteer Opportunities
  
Bridging
Warehouse Volunteer
Bridging is a local nonprofit that provides furniture and household items to families transitioning out of homelessness and poverty. Bridging warehouse volunteers help load and unload trucks, take in donations, and stock shopping shelves to serve over 80 clients each week. The organization has immediate openings for individuals to fill open warehouse shifts in their Roseville warehouse. Shifts are available Monday-Saturday and you don't need to commit to the same schedule each week. Contact Wendy Erickson at [email protected] or 651-319-9295 to find out more.

FamilyMeans
In-Home Respite Services
FamilyMeans is accepting applications for volunteers for the AmeriCorps - Legacy Corps Program. This volunteer provides in-home respite services to families in Washington County who provide continuous, ongoing care for people of all ages who have chronic illnesses and or disabilities. The primary activity is visiting. A one year commitment is needed and a total of 450 hours volunteer hours are required from October 1, 2015 - September 30, 2016  In exchange for providing this support to a caregiver the volunteer will receive a $200.00 a month living allowance and a $1,468.00 educational award and other benefits available to program members Education grants can be gifted to a child, grandchild or foster child for volunteers who are over the age of 55. Contact Dianne Vierling at 651-789-4055 or [email protected].
 
Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging
Lead for Beginner Computer Classes
The internet can be a complicated maze, and many seniors are getting lost. Become a Senior Surf Day instructor and teach a two hour, basic, hands-on computer and internet class to older adults who have little or no experience with computers. You can empower seniors to access information on the internet on their own, and open up a whole new world to them. For more information, please contact Colleen Fritsch at the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging 651-917-4638 or [email protected] or visit metroaging.org/volunteer/.
The following calendar items are presented as information only. They are not Vital Aging Network events.

For Your Calendar

Fridays, Oct 30, Nov 13, Nov 20, and Dec 4
Encore Transitions Series: Preparing for Post-Career Life
9:00 AM to 3:15 PM
Continuing Education & Conference Center
1890 Buford Avenue, St Paul, MN  
This series is designed to help you create pathways and prepare for a successful post-career life by focusing on personal, professional, and social satisfaction as well as timely financial and health matters. Whether it is through service, learning, a new line of work, or other meaningful activities. Encore Transitions emphasizes  post-career engagement as a foundation for vitality, happiness, and healthy longevity. Take one course or the whole series. More information online.

Saturday, November 7, 2015
The Connection between Gut Health and Brain Health
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Normandale Hylands United Methodist Church
9920 Normandale Blvd, Bloomington, MN
Join ApparentPlan for their annual Celebration Gala lunch and fundraiser. The time will be packed with Dr. Anne Kelly's presentation on brain health, lunch, dessert bar and silent auction. Proceeds from the event will go to support ApparentPlan's health promotion programs and advocacy services for older adults. Get more information and register.

Sunday, November 8, 2015
TED Talks - Ideas Worth Spreading
2:00 PM to 3:30PM
Ramsey County Library - Roseville
2180 North Hamline Avenue
St Paul, MN 55113
Join former VAN Board Member and Evolve grad Kathy Ramundt to view and then discuss TED Talks on a variety of topics. Discussions will be held on the second Sunday of each month, November 8, 2015 through April 10, 2016. Click here to register or call 651-724-6001.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015
EvolvingConnections Book & Brew
1:00 to 3:00 PM
Episcopal Homes, Seabury, The Gathering Place
1830 University Avenue West, St. Paul, MN
This interactive session will explore the book, SuperBetter: A Revolutionary Approach to Getting Stronger, Happier, Braver, and More Resilient---Powered by the Science of Games by Jane McGonigal. Led by Susan Hawkins, Joann Ellis, Holly Ross and Mary Lange. Contact Joann Ellis at [email protected] for information. Register now.

Thursday, December 3, 2015
Eyewitness to Climate Change with Will Steger
7:00 PM - Northrop, Best Buy Theater, University of Minnesota
84 Church St. S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455
The Friends of the Libraries invite you to an evening with arctic explorer Will Steger, who is best known for having traveled tens of thousands of miles by kayak and dogsled over 50 years, leading teams on some of the most significant polar expeditions in history. Steger will be joined by Todd Reubold of the Institute on the Environment for a conversation after his initial presentation. Free and open to the public. Reservations requested by November 23 at z.umn.edu/willsteger.
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