Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida HELPLINE: 866-413-5337
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Save the Date

45 Year Anniversary Celebration Community Health Resource Fair – A great way to celebrate, share resources and connect with community members on Friday, September 15, at 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida in Fort Myers.

Challenge the Narrative of Aging: Aging Unbound

Established in 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated every May. Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), OAM is a time for us to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of older Americans, highlight important trends, and strengthen our commitment to honoring our older citizens.

This year’s theme, Aging Unbound, offers an opportunity to explore a wide range of aging experiences and to promote the importance of enjoying independence and fulfillment by paving our own paths as we age.
This May, join us as we recognize the 60th anniversary of OAM and challenge the narrative on aging. Here are some ways we can all participate in Aging Unbound:

  • Embrace the opportunity to change. Find a new passion, go on an adventure, and push boundaries by not letting age define your limits. Invite creativity and purpose into your life by trying new activities in your community to bring in more growth, joy, and energy.
  • Explore the rewards of growing older. With age comes knowledge, which provides insight and confidence to understand and experience the world more deeply. Continue to grow that knowledge through reading, listening, classes, and creative activities.
  • Stay engaged in your community. Everyone benefits when everyone is connected and involved. Stay active by volunteering, working, mentoring, participating in social clubs, and taking part in activities at your local senior center or elsewhere in the community.
  • Form relationships. As an essential ingredient of well-being, relationships can enhance your quality of life by introducing new ideas and unique perspectives. Invest time with people to discover deeper connections with family, friends, and community members.

Call Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida’s Health and Wellness Coordinator at (239) 652-6914 to learn about upcoming workshops near you, or visit https://aaaswfl.org/events/ for a list of free events available to older adults in Southwest Florida.

For more information, visit the official OAM website, follow ACL on Twitter and Facebook, and join the conversation using #OlderAmericansMonth.

 

April is National Volunteer Month!

Navigating Medicare can be complicated, but trained volunteers can help by answering questions and providing personalized guidance to those who need it. We want your help to support members of your community as they enroll in Medicare for the first time, review plan options, or troubleshoot problems. SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) provides unbiased support to Medicare beneficiaries and their families so they can make informed decisions about their care and benefits.

You can help people in your community navigate Medicare. For some, it offers a chance to give something back to their community. For others, it provides an opportunity to develop new skills or build on existing experience and knowledge. In Florida your local SHIP program is SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders). Learn more about volunteering with SHINE.

During the month of April, we’ll be celebrating our SHINE volunteers. We look forward to sharing more in our May newsletter. Make sure to sign up to receive our newsletters if aren’t already receiving them.

Medicare Minute: Talking to Your Doctor

This month’s focus is on understanding how to communicate well with your health care provider, know your rights if a provider does not think your care will be covered, seek a second and third opinion if needed, and identify billing errors. Click here to learn more.

Hurricane Ian Recovery Funds Available to Seniors in SWFL

Florida Hurricane Ian survivors (60+ years old) may be eligible for Hurricane Ian recovery assistance.

Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida currently has Hurricane Ian funds available within the Agnes Laitinen Unmet Needs Crisis Fund. This fund is used to assist older adults and adults with disabilities in crisis when no other resources are available.

Please contact 866-413-5337 to complete the application and learn about next steps.

Call now as funds are only available until March 31.

Medicare and Home Health Care

This month’s focus is on understanding what home health care is, knowing when Medicare will cover home health care, understanding what it means to be homebound, and preventing, detect, and report potential Medicare home health fraud and abuse. To read the Medicare Minute for March, click here.

SHINE Medicare Webinars in February 2023

SHINE will be hosting virtual classes for anyone interested in learning more about Medicare.

SHINE Webinar Schedule February 2023 (Public)

To request SHINE counseling, call the Elder Helpline at 866-413-5337 or visit www.floridashine.org to submit a contact request.

2023 Lee County Senior Games

The Lee County Senior Games “Fitness Matters” run from January 27 to March 18, 2023. Athletes ages 50+ and over are welcome to compete. Events include: table tennis, archery, bowling, pickleball, swimming, billiards, and tennis.

Register online: https://www.leegov.com/parks/athletics/senior-games

 

Preventive Services

If you’ve had Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) for longer than 12 months, you can get a yearly “Wellness” visit once every 12 months to develop or update a personalized prevention plan to help prevent disease and disability, based on your current health and risk factors. The yearly “Wellness” visit isn’t a physical exam. Contact your SHIP if you have questions about what your Medicare covers.