Volunteer Opportunity: Participate in research to improve balance
A common health issue for our age group is falling and breaking a hip because of poor balance. If you are at least 70 years old and not involved in a physical activity/exercise program, you are invited to participate in Ready–Steady, a new research program through the School of Nursing, to find the best ways to avoid accidental falls through strength-building and balance exercises.
The purpose of the research, funded by the National Institutes of Health, is to determine which motivational and wellness strategies are most effective. Siobhan McMahon, RN, is the principal investigator.
Small groups (of four to six) will meet for 90 minutes a week for eight weeks at a convenient community center to learn leg strengthening and balance movements for home practice. Working with a coach and nurse, they will use a physical activity monitor (Fitbit) to assess their response to the activities. Volunteers will also meet with a research assistant both before and after the eight-week session, as well as 6 and 12 months after, to observe progress in balance, strength, and physical activity.
Compensation is provided for each meeting, and participants keep the Fitbit.
This is a multi-year study. If you are a snowbird or edging into age 70, you can join the program when you're ready. Contact URVC to register: [email protected] or 612-625-8016.
The University Retirees Volunteer Center wishes each UMRA and family member the very best in health and spirit for the year now upon us. We believe volunteerism promotes wellness, and we have volunteer opportunities to match your interests in bettering our society. Submit a Volunteer Profile and tell us what you want to offer.
“I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the community, and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.” ~ George Bernard Shaw
— Alan Kagan, URVC Coordinator
News
The election of UMRA officers and new board members for 2024–25 will be conducted via an online poll from May 13 to 19, with the results to be announced at our annual meeting on May 21. Look for the ballot in your email inbox on May 13. Diane Young has been nominated to be president-elect.
“I convinced myself I could handle this problem without support groups or doing additional research, but that’s only because I didn’t want to make it any more real than it already was. Denial comes in many forms, and one is to avoid thinking about the problem any more than need be.” —Alice A. Larson
Meet UMRA member Peter Moe. He retired in 2023 after a career that spanned nearly half a century at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and is credited with developing the “Arb” into one of the few in the U.S. with world-class fruit and landscape breeding programs.
The University Retirees Volunteer Center (URVC) has welcomed two new members with valuable skills and experience to the URVC Leadership Council: Lynn Slifer and Jeanne Jacobson.
The University plans to remove retirees from the @umn.edu internet identity domain on December 7. UMRA has advocated for ensuring continued access to this identity (including email, Google Workspace, and associated services), citing University retirees’ enduring contributions to and engagement with the University. Thus far, our efforts have not prompted any change of plans.
Leading the online Journal of Opinions, Ideas & Essays has been a labor of love for Kris Bettin. Alas, a change in family needs has necessitated her retirement. So, JOIE is seeking a new leader to join a savvy editorial committee of five and bring fresh ideas for continued development of the UMRA-sponsored journal.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to explore your photographic interests, hone your photographic skills, and hear what other retirees are up to, the UMRA Photo Club is a great place to be. We have fun! And whatever your skill level, there is room for everybody.
Soon you will receive an email or letter inviting you to renew your UMRA membership for the 2024–25 year. Please renew before you get busy with your summer activities. Your support helps to make our programs and many other member benefits possible!
This will be a new regular column where you can find organizational tasks that need your help! We are currently looking for help researching a new UMRA Membership Database and URVC volunteer database, and a co-producer for UMRA's Zoom webinars. See more details: