LEWISTON — The Education Center at SeniorsPlus has announced its upcoming events.
All classes will be held at 8 Falcon Road in Lewiston and are free of charge, unless otherwise noted.
Diabetes and Medication: Tuesday, March 7, 1 to 2 p.m. Instructor: Beacon Hospice Staff. Diabetes is a common lifelong disease which can be managed by monitoring medications, diet and exercise. Understanding the disease process and factors that contribute to the disease can help people improve their quality of life and reduce symptoms. The course will review disease process, signs and symptoms and medication management.
Medicare Basics: Tuesday, March 7, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Bethel Adult Education at the Telstar High School, 284 Walkers Mill Road. Instructor: SeniorsPlus Staff. Participants will learn the basics and timelines of this complex system, when it’s necessary to sign up for what, and ways to save money.
Dementia Conversation: Thursday, March 9, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Instructor: Mark Pechenik, the Alzheimer’s Association. The course will offer tips to assist families with difficult conversations related to dementia, including going to the doctor, deciding when to stop driving and making legal and financial plans. Topics will also include the need to plan ahead and build a care team that communicates well, connecting with resources to enhance quality of life for everyone and hearing from people who are dealing with similar issues.
Not Getting Older, Just Getting Better!: Tuesday, March 14, 11 a.m. to noon. Instructor: Chloe JonPaul. JonPaul will share her approach to aging, dispelling the myths and planning a fabulous journey. After all, she says, the best is yet to come.
Colon Cancer Prevention: Thursday, March 16, 1 to 2 p.m. Instructor: Maureen Higgins, the Dempsey Center. March is Colon Cancer Awareness month. Participants will learn how to reduce their risk and the importance of screening.
Medicare Basics: Saturday, March 18, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Instructor: SeniorsPlus staff. Students will learn the basics and timelines of this complex system, when to sign up for what, and ways to save money.
Powers of Attorney: Tuesday, March 21, 10 to 11 a.m. Instructors: Angela Morgan and Madelyn Breerwood, Legal Services for the Elderly. This class will cover the different types of financial powers of attorney and health care advance directives containing health care powers of attorney. Participants will learn how to create and how to revoke springing, durable and living wills and health care advance directives and understand powers of attorney and the agent’s duties under these documents.
Nutrition 101: Tuesday, March 21, 1 to 2 p.m. Instructor: Ellen Shrader, Central Maine Medical Center. A registered dietitian will discuss the difference and importance of calories, carbs, fats and protein as well as explore common myths and facts associated with each one. She will also discuss vitamins and minerals and how nutritional needs change as we age.
Healthy Cooking for 1 or 2: Wednesday, March 22, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Instructor: SeniorsPlus nutrition department. Cooking for one or two often seems like a daunting task. “Is it worth the trouble?” For those on a budget and needing to eat healthy, it can be an overwhelming challenge. It doesn’t have to be a hassle. Participants will learn simple tips to make healthy, budget-friendly meals and sample a quick, healthy dish. Class is limited to 30 students.
AARP Safe Driving: Thursday, March 23, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Instructor: Elwood Beach. Cost: $20, payable to AARP; $15 for AARP members. Drivers 55 and older who complete this class are eligible for discounts on their auto insurance for three years. Those attending should bring their driver’s license, lunch and membership card.
Knee Replacement Surgery: Tuesday, March 28, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Instructors: Dr. Wayne Moody and Dr. Mohamed Al-Saied, St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center. For those who have knee pain or have wondered if surgery is an option, this presentation will teach about diagnosis and available treatments.
Senior College: Is It Art?: Wednesdays, March 29 to May 3, 9 to 11 a.m. Instructor: John Stoth. This course will be an exploration of modern and contemporary art over the past 100 years. The course is characterized by short lectures, group discussions and exercises, as well as art making itself. This course is for Senior College members only. To become a member of Senior College and register, call 207-753-6510, or go to usm.maine.edu/seniorcollege for more information.
Adjusting to Living Alone: Thursday, March 30, 1 to 3 p.m., Instructor: Panel of volunteers from Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice. Studies and articles always say that people have to “get out” and be social when their spouse or partner dies. What they don’t say is how to adjust to home life without them there. The panel will share personal experiences of adjusting to living alone.
Ongoing classes
Some insurance companies offer reimbursement for these classes. Those interested in attending must contact their insurance company to find out if they do.
Gentle Chair Yoga: Mondays through April 3 (no class March 20), 9 to 10 a.m. Instructor: Tisha Bremner. Cost: $40 for eight weeks; $8 drop-in.
Designed to increase vitality, gain a deeper sense of balance, and find your inner calm. Combines meditation, easy warm-ups, light stretches and gentle yoga postures.
Mindful Yoga & Meditation: Fridays, March 31 to May 5, 10 to 11 a.m. Instructor: Tisha Bremner. Cost: $30 for six weeks; $8 drop-in. Mindfulness is the practice of living and being in the moment, which benefits health and well-being. Participants will explore present moment awareness, breath techniques, meditation and easy movements to help relieve stress and tension.
Total Strength & Balance: Mondays, 11 a.m. to noon, Wednesdays and Fridays, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Instructor: Linn Morin. Cost: $3 for one class per week; $5 for any two classes per week; $6 for three classes per week. These classes are for all – beginner or advanced – who are interested in improving strength, balance and bone density. FMI, register: Linn, 207-523-9055.
The SeniorsPlus Education Center is fully accessible. Hearing assistive equipment is available.
FMI, register: 207-795-4010, 1-800-427-1241.
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