January, 2015 Living Well in Later Life Workshop
Tue, January 27 2015, 11:30am
Campus Club ABC
The third and final workshop in the “Living Well in Later Life” series about housing choices will focus on making one’s current home work better towards the goal of aging in place.
Marilyn Bruin and Becky Yust, professors in the College of Design, will present recent research that addresses the risks and consequences of not making changes to one’s current home and the major changes that can make a difference.
Many aesthetically pleasing choices for home modifications are available today, and we will look at some that allow successful aging in place. The guiding principles center on the application of universal design—the concept of designing products and the environment to be aesthetic and usable to the greatest extent possible by everyone, regardless of age, ability, or status. Discussions will include identifying the community attributes that best support aging in place.
The workshop follows the luncheon program in Campus Club ABC at approximately 1:30 p.m. Members as well as guests and prospective members are encouraged to attend.
Sharing our ideas and resources—From the Cares Committee desk
If, after the housing workshops, you are interested in more information about housing options in the metro area, there is a reference you may fid quite helpful. Look for the Senior Housing Directory, 2014-15 edition. This free annual publication of the Care Options Network organizes detailed information by type of housing: Condominiums and Cooperatives, Continuing Care Retirement Communities, Rental Housing and Townhomes, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Home Care, and Assisted Living Care Suites. It includes a Twin Cities map, divided into four quadrants, a list of Senior /Community Centers, and a comprehensive list of Resources and Services for Seniors.
This outstanding publication can be invaluable to anyone considering a move from their current residence. It is also available online at www.seniorhousinginc.org. a 2015-16 edition is planned for spring distribution.
— Earl Nolting, UMRA Cares Committee
Upcoming Events
Our July 15 "hike" is going to be a kayaking adventure on Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun) and Lake of the Isles! If you don't have a kayak (or paddleboard), Wheel Fun Rentals, located next to the new concession stand rents single kayaks at $15 an hour and double kayaks at $25. The second hour is free if we rent before noon. Life jackets are provided with the rental.
Laura Ericksen will lead the discussion of How Stella Learned to Talk by Christina Hunger, a true story by a speech-language pathologist who taught her dog, Stella, to communicate using buttons associated with different words.
Our August 5 hike will be a reprise of our hike last summer at William O'Brien State Park. This is a beautiful park with a winding trail and a great view of the countryside. The hike is about 5.5 to 6 miles and we'll go at a moderate pace with frequent water breaks. After the hike, we will eat lunch at Rustic Roots Winery, a half mile north of the park.
Kathy Cramer will lead the discussion of The Bookbinder by Pip Williams, a book set in 1914 Oxford chronicling the life of Peggy who works in the University bindery, but craves a life beyond binding books but to being a scholar herself.
Enjoy a two-hour cruise on the Jonathan Padelford, leaving from the Harriet Island dock in St. Paul, boarding time at 5:30 p.m. We will have a brief program on board by Patrick Nunnally from the River Life Program of the Institute on the Environment.
August 31 is the due date for annual reports and updates. Annual Reports, Toolkits, web page updates, operating document updates and archives collections are all due each year on this date.
Autumn is a wonderful season in Minnesota so plan to join UMRA at the Andersen Horticultural Library at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Kristen Mastel, head librarian and curator, will reveal its treasure trove of publications and artifacts relating to plant history, horticulture, and natural history. After the tour, those who are interested may stay to eat lunch together, sitting outside if the weather is nice. Later, you are invited to a one-hour tram tour of the entire Arboretum that includes natural areas of flowering shrubs, bogs, and forests, family garden and landscaping showpieces, and the red barn farm
After a summer break the UMRA Photo Club will next meet September 10, 2024 in the meeting room of the Hennepin County St. Anthony Branch Library. For those interested in lunch, meet at the Great Dragon at 11:30 am. For September the THEME will be Curves
We will continue to discuss the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage. You will also hear about notable non-health plan and non-broker resources.