Bits and Bytes is a community newsletter sponsored by the Bedford Council on Aging
Bedford COA Events
FREE Tax Preparation
Starting Feb 5th continuing through April 5th
Memory Cafe
Tuesday, January 28th at 10 AM
Home Improvement Contractors
Tuesday, January 28 at 12:30 PM
Robin Putnam, Research and Special Projects Manager from the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation and Amy Schram, the Community Relations Manager from the Better Business Bureau will present on home improvement contractors
And, Much Much more in this month’s Newsletter COA Connections – January 2020
In the News – Big Picture
Government-Funded Day Care Helps Keep Seniors Out Of Nursing Homes And Hospitals
Kaiser Health News – Dec 23, 2019
SAN MARCOS, Calif. — Two mornings a week, a van arrives at the Escondido, Calif., home of Mario Perez and takes him to a new senior center in this northern San Diego County town.
In the News – Community Ideas
How SFO is working to make flying easier for seniors
San Francisco Chronicle – Dec 21, 2019
Frank Bator has sailed on the Nile, watched polar bears in Canada, and cruised around the British Isles — all after flying out of San Francisco International Airport in the past seven years.
Podcasts
HELPING OLDER ADULTS AGE IN PLACE: PODCAST WITH DR. SHAUN OWENS
JPHMP Direct TALK – Jan 7, 2019
In this episode of JPHMP Direct Talk, we highlight the work of Dr. Shaun Owens, Director of the Healthy Aging Research and Technology (HART) Lab at the University of South Carolina’s College of Social Work
Outsmarting Scammers with Senior Matters
NPR.org Senior Matters – Jan 8, 2019
This month on Senior Matters, host Diane Johnson is joined by Carbondale Police Lieutenant Christopher Wurtsmith to provide advice on identifying and avoiding phone scams.
In the News – Transportation
Minding The (Age) Gap: Volunteer Drivers Make Transportation More Accessible To Suburban Seniors
WAMU.org – Dec 19, 2019
Janice Palmer’s world turned upside down this year. The active 66-year-old found out she had stage 4 cancer.
In the News – Money
Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Before You Retire?
US News & World Report – Jan 10, 2020
PAYING OFF YOUR HOME mortgage before you retire is a major financial achievement, but you don’t necessarily have to eliminate all housing debt in order to retire well.
Beware of 2020’s Stealth Social Security Cut
The Motley Fool – Dec 29, 2019
Those who are just becoming eligible for Social Security should know about what’s happening to their benefits.
Why retiring at 65 could become a thing of the past
CNBC – Dec 30, 2019
Raising the retirement age is an emotional issue. For evidence, just look at proposals to move up the full retirement age for Social Security. Even the idea upsets advocates who want to see the program expanded and individuals receiving benefits
Your Money: Retiring in 2020? Here’s what you need to do.
Pioneer Press – Dec 28, 2019
Is the finish line in sight? Are you imagining trading work for a little “me time”? Maybe a tropical oasis is calling your name. If so, congratulations. We hope you enjoy your upcoming retirement.
In the News – Seniors and Pets
Elder Pet Care helps Fort Collins seniors and their furry friends stay together
The Coloradan – Dec 29, 2019
Thomas and the nonprofit Elder Pet Care have served seniors and their furry friends for 25 years. The service operates out of an old, yellow house at 909 N. College Ave. that was converted into a veterinary clinic.
In the News – Technology
Seniors get special attention at consumer tech show
Yahoo News – Jan 10, 2020
How can the tech sector help seniors remain independent, connected, healthy, and safe?
Solutions for the elderly were prominently displayed at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show ranging from smart clothing to embedded sensors to help monitor those at risk.
Digital caregiving: 5 tech gadgets to help seniors live healthier, happier lives
San Diego Union-Tribune – Dec 25, 2019
Stereotypes about older adults make it seem like they’re reluctant to adopt new forms of technology, but in reality, many seniors just want devices and apps that are designed with them in mind.
New Tech Ideas for Aging Well
Kiplinger’s Retirement Report – Dec 16, 2019
New technology can counter some difficulties aging adults face with everyday tasks and can also help caregivers better understand the needs of their loved ones. The tech market for adults over age 50 is growing rapidly.
In the News – Working
More Americans are working into old age
CBS News – Dec 19, 2019
More Americans are working past the traditional retirement age of 65 compared with a decade ago, new U.S. Census data show.
Foster Grandparents Program allows seniors to work with kids
The Hour – Dec 22, 2019
MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (AP) — The faces of students at Opequon Elementary School light up when they see Darris Sandlin walk into their classroom.
In the News – Caregivers
Compassion Isn’t Enough For Family Caregivers. They Need Training Too
Forbes – Jan 14, 2020
Family members and friends are the bedrock of our system of personal care for frail older adults and younger people with disabilities. Without their support, the nation’s hospitals and nursing homes would be filled
Parenting Your Aging Parents When They Don’t Want Help
Kaiser Health News – Dec 19, 2019
David Solie’s 89-year-old mother, Carol, was unyielding. “No, I will not move,” she told her son every time he suggested that she leave her home and relocate to a senior living
3 Thoughts About Holiday Self-Care For Caregivers
Forbes – Dec 23, 2019
The holidays can be a difficult time for caregivers. Between increased responsibilities, tighter budgets and even the lack of sunlight, self-care is more important during this time of year than any other. We often see symptoms of burnout in this community
In the News – Scams & Fraud
Hotels, AARP Try to Combat Travel Scams Aimed at Seniors
Travel Pulse – Dec 22, 2019
There are way too many stories out there of people purchasing travel packages that don’t exist or booking hotel rooms, paying upfront and then finding out there is no place at the inn when they arrive.
FBI warns against cyber scammers targeting seniors
KFOX 14 – Dec 29, 2019
Nowadays, online shopping is one of the most popular ways to make purchases.
With a few clicks, you’ll have whatever you need on your doorstep before you know it.
In the News – Aging in Place
Technology, customization makes aging-in-place more feasible for boomers
Baton Rouge Business Report – Dec 16, 2019
Step into the downsized, remodeled home of an increasing number of aging baby boomers in Baton Rouge and it’s likely the place is “smarter” than where you are living.
In the News – Health
Older People Need Geriatricians. Where Will They Come From?
New York Times – Jan 3, 2020
The medical profession has been troubled for years by a persistent shortage of doctors who treat the oldest and sickest patients.
Extending ‘Healthspan’: Brain Scientists Tap Into The Secrets Of Living Well Longer
Kaiser Health News – Jan 1, 2020
AUSTIN, Texas — Retired state employees Vickey Benford, 63, and Joan Caldwell, 61, are Golden Rollers, a group of the over-50 set that gets out on assorted bikes — including trikes for adults they call
Aging in the Right Place: Exercise is a secret ingredient to aging well
Herald Tribune – Dec 16, 2019
Many health experts recommend taking up an active hobby as you age, such as tennis or running, to help you remain fit while retaining strength and stamina.
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