News

Volunteer Opportunity: Participate in research to improve balance

Many elderly people risk falling and breaking a hip as a result 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 the new Ready–Steady program, offered by the School of Nursing. Help find the best ways to avoid accidental falls through strength-building and balance exercises. Compensation provided.

From the Cares Bookshelf

The Power of Meaning: Crafting a Life that Matters, by Emily Esfahani Smith, explains a growing new movement within psychological research that is fundamentally reshaping our understanding of the good life. It’s a very readable book for academics and non-academics alike.  

Searching on UMRA's website

The familiar U of M page heading includes a blank search field and a Search button. On our site the search results default to just our site, not the whole U. We recommend that you take advantage of this search capability.

URGENT: Luncheon RSVPs

This is a call to all UMRA members who have reservations for the November luncheon. You are being asked to contact Judy Leahy Grimes if you know that circumstances will prevent you from attending the November luncheon.  As you know, most of the recent luncheons have been fully subscribed, necessitating the closure of reservations, meaning that some members who would have liked to attend were prevented from doing so. Yet there are often name tags which have not been picked up and open spaces at some of the tables indicating that additional members might have been accommodated. To allow as many people to come as possible we ask people to report if circumstances have changed which will prevent them from attending. Contact Judy at  [email protected]  or 651-698-4387.  She is manageing a waiting list for those who want to attend.

The Frugal University Retiree

UMRA has compiled a wide variety of benefits for university retirees. From the Campus Club and the University Bookstore, from parking discounts to the School of Music and Northrop, find out what the frugal retiree can do at a discount!

Hero needed

UMRA is still seeking a successor to Earl Nolting as discount coordinator. 

Professional Development Grants for Retirees—Time to apply!

Need some financial help for a research or creative project you’d like to undertake or complete? The Professional Development Grants for Retirees (PDGR) program has transitioned to a new, online-only application process. The application deadline is December 15. 

When getting around becomes difficult

If you have given up your car, or if driving at night is a challenge, you can still enjoy concerts—in your own living room. Start by requesting email delivery of Ostinato, the School of Music electronic newsletter to receive information on upcoming SOM events and note which ones are live-streamed.

MN Gerontological Association Partnership

At its October meeting,  the UMRA Board of Directors approved a partnership  with the Minnesota Gerontological Society (MGS).  The goal of MGS is “to provide educational and professional development for practitioners,  students, educators, researchers and others to enhance services for the aging  in Minnesota.”  The UMRA Board feels the free webinars listed on the MGS  site may be of particular interest to our members.  To get notices of all upcoming workshops, and MGS news and events, sign up for their mailing list.

Volunteer opportunity— Help high school debaters become more effective communicators

Want to learn (or brush up on) skills as a debate judge? The Minnesota Urban Debate League, which sponsors the fall high school debate season, needs volunteer judges for final weekend tournaments through November and early December. No prior experience is needed; training and a meal will be provided. Here's a chance to give teenage speakers valuable feedback about improving skills in critical thinking, public speaking, and effective communication.  

From the Cares Bookshelf

Letters from Madelyn: Chronicles of a Caregiver recounts the difficulties of managing caregiving in a true story that reveals the character of a caregiver who must contend with every emotion, yet manage this stage of life with growth, grace, and humor. If you worry about the headaches and traumas of wearing out together, especially as a member of an intimate pair, you will find this book relevant and comforting.  

UMRA grant brings magnificent textile collection to light

Thanks to an award from UMRA’s Professional Development Grants for Retirees (PDGR) program, Regents Professor Emerita Joanne Eicher’s collection of more than 500 African textiles can now be viewed through a U of M online database.

Volunteer opportunity: Become an AARP tax-aide

Do you enjoy working with numbers and helping people? You can do both, by joining AARP's tax-aide program—the nation's largest volunteer-run tax preparation and assistance service. You will be helping seniors, low-income, disabled, and other disadvantaged taxpayers at a site near you. Choose to be a Preparer/Counselor, Document Facilitator, or Technical Supporter. AARP provides everything you need—and you need neither tax experience nor AARP membership to join. 

UMRA launches e-Newsletter in September

In September, UMRA’s new e-Newsletter began reaching all UMRA members who have email addresses. The e-news provides direct access to articles posted on the UMRA website as well as a link to the traditional, print newsletter for those who prefer to read or print out a copy of the newsletter for themselves. For those who prefer to have a printed copy mailed to them, that is still available upon request.

Planning for a meaningful retirement: Thoughts from the Cares Committee

One way to decide how you will spend your retirement is to think of it as a question of the meaning of life. Think back on your life and what made it meaningful. Make a list of your values and your options and then brainstorm. If you read the research literature on happiness, you will find that deep happiness comes not from pleasure-seeking, but from helping others.

What can caring for others do for you?