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A Healthier You: Virtual Events for Seniors in February
January 25, 2021
Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, a not-for-profit member of Hartford HealthCare Senior Services, provides virtual classes on pertinent health and wellness topics.
For more information about Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, click here or call 1.877.424.4641.
Here are some upcoming events, all available by either phone or video conference. For people who have not used Zoom, the video or virtual “conference room,” click here to learn more about using the program.
The following are virtual classes being offered in February.
Virtual Class: Dimensions of Wellness Examines All Aspects of Self
An interactive and engaging virtual presentation on Monday, Feb. 1, 10 to 11 a.m., provides insights into a wellness model incorporating the physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, vocational and environmental aspects of life. Participants will be encouraged to review, recognize and celebrate their unique triumphs and what they are already doing to live their best lives and what they might like to change. Presenter will be a transitional care nurse with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging. This free event is sponsored by Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging and Plainville Senior Center.
Registration is required. Call 1.855.442.4373 or click here. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.
Virtual Class: Dementia Caregiver Series Focuses on Strategies
A free virtual dementia caregiving series can provide the tips and strategies to gain greater insights into caring for a loved one with dementia. Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging is providing a five-week series on Mondays, Feb. 1 through March 1, 1:30 to 3 p.m. A certified dementia specialist with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging will lead the series.
Topics will include: Session 1: Overview of Dementia; Session 2: Basics of Good Communication and Understanding Behaviors; Session 3: Safety in the Environment and How to Structure a Day with Activities; Session 4: Taking Care of the Caregiver and Care Options; and Session 5: Overview of Community Resources that May Be Helpful. Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions.
Registration is required. Call 1.855.442.4373 or click here. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.
Live Well with Chronic Pain Virtual Workshop
For those with chronic pain brought on by health conditions, each day can be a struggle. The free six-week virtual workshop, “Live Well with Chronic Pain,” will provide practical tools to help individuals to develop self-management skills and the confidence to take control of chronic pain. This series will be held Mondays, Feb. 1 through March 8, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Weekly meetings with a trained Live Well leader enhances the experience and can help to alleviate social isolation prevalent at this time. Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions.
Topics will include: understanding and managing symptoms; dealing with stress and difficult emotions; learning how to safely maintain physical activity and improve flexibility; setting achievable weekly goals; as well as questions and answers with the facilitator.
Amina Weiland, resource coordinator with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, will present this virtual Live Well series. Sponsors are Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging and the Department of Rehabilitation Services – State Unit on Aging, Connecticut Dept. of Public Health, North Central Area Agency on Aging.
Registration is required. For more information or to register, call Amina Weiland at 860.286.3236.
Virtual Class: Healthy Brain Series Examines Optimum Aging
Strategies and information on maintaining an active and engaged brain is the focus of a free five-part series presented by Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging. The Healthy Brain Series will be held Tuesdays, Feb. 2 through March 2, 6 to 7 p.m. A certified dementia specialist with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging will present the program.
Topics will include: Challenge Your Mind Daily – Activities To Keep Your Mind Sharp; Feeding the Brain – The Importance of Diet and Hydration; Benefits of a Purposeful Life: Finding Meaningful Engagement as You Age; Good Sleep and Brain Power; and The Blue Zones – Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest. Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions.
Registration is required. Call 1.855.442.4373 or click here. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.
Virtual Class: Heart Healthy Behaviors
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide in both men and women. Research has identified factors that increase a person’s risk for coronary heart disease. The more risk factors you have, the higher your chance of developing heart disease. A free virtual class, “Heart Healthy Behaviors,” will be held Wednesday, Feb. 3, 10:30-11:30 a.m., with a focus on the risk factors that can be controlled to help lower the risk for developing heart disease. This program is sponsored by Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging and Cromwell Senior Center.
Registration is required. Call 1.855.442.4373 or click here. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.
Virtual Class: Staying on Your Feet in the Ice and Snow
Avoiding slips and falls isn’t always easy especially in the winter. However, there are a few basic strategies to prevent falls and reduce injury if a fall is inevitable. The free virtual class, “Staying on Your Feet on the Ice and Snow,” will be held Wednesday, Feb. 3, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Evan Gross, exercise physiologist with Hartford HealthCare GoodLife Fitness, will lead the program. GoodLife Fitness is sponsoring, coordinating with West Hartford Senior Center.
Registration is required. Call 1.855.442.4373 or click here. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.
Virtual Class: How to Fall Safely
Avoiding slips and falls isn’t always easy – sometimes they are inevitable. However, there are a few basic strategies to prevent falls and reduce injury if a fall occurs. A free program, “How to Fall Safely,” will be held Wednesday, Feb. 3, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Techniques will be demonstrated to show how to fall the correct way whether forwards, backwards or to the side. Presenter will be Christine Solimini-Swift, exercise physiologist, with GoodLife Fitness. This program is sponsored by GoodLife Fitness and Calendar House.
Registration is required. Call 1.855.442.4373 or click here. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.
Virtual Class: Seniors and Medication
As people age, they may find themselves taking more medication for increased health problems. However, the potential for interactions and complications may increase as well. Questions may also arise about when to take a medication, should it be taken with food, what are some of the side effects and more. The free virtual class, “Seniors and Medications,” will be held Wednesday, Feb. 10, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Presenter will be Christina Polomoff, PharmD, BCACP, BCGP, Population Health clinical pharmacist with Hartford HealthCare Integrated Care Partners, and UCONN Pharmacy students. Hartford HealthCare Integrated Care Partners and South Windsor Senior Center are sponsoring.
Registration is required. Call 1.855.442.4373 or click here. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.
Virtual Class: Exercise and Healthy Aging
Throughout the aging process, people’s bodies change as daily activities and habits also impact their overall health. Exercise can be a tool to help prevent and fight disease and age-related decline. A free virtual program, “Exercise and Healthy Aging,” will be held Wednesday, Feb. 10, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., led by Lisa Murawski, exercise physiologist with Hartford HealthCare GoodLife Fitness. This event is sponsored by Hartford HealthCare GoodLife Fitness and McLean are sponsoring.
Registration is required. Call 1.855.442.4373 or click here. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.
Virtual Class: Navigating the ‘What Ifs’ during the ‘Golden Years’
Life in general can be filled with the unexpected. The free virtual class, “Navigating the ‘What-Ifs’ in Your ‘Golden Years’,” will provide information about various topics pertaining to aging and ways to be proactive rather than reactive. The event will be held Tuesday, Feb. 16, 11 a.m. to noon, led by Michelle Lavoie, resource coordinator with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging. Discussion will include the varying levels of care, types of housing, funding sources and community resources. Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging and Plainville Senior Center are sponsoring.
Registration is required. Call 1.855.442.4373 or click here. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.
Virtual Class: All about Vein Disease
Veins and arteries are the largest “transportation” system in the human body moving blood from and to the heart. A variety of conditions and diseases can limit the capabilities for veins and arteries to perform this function. A free virtual class, “All about Vein Disease,” will be held Wednesday, Feb. 17, 10 to 11 a.m., led by a vein specialist. Alfred Gladstone, MD, is board-certified in Diagnostic Radiology and Vascular Interventional Radiology by the American Board of Phlebology (Vein Disease). This program is sponsored by Hartford HealthCare and Vein Centers of CT, member of Midstate Radiology Associates.
Registration is required. Call 1.855.442.4373 or click here. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.
Virtual Class: Sepsis Education
Sepsis – an extreme reaction to an infection that can be deadly if left untreated – is the focus of the free virtual class “Understanding Sepsis,” on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Nicholas Arsenault, transitional care nurse with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, will present on various topics including: the signs to look for, prevention and care. Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging and Bristol Senior Center are sponsoring.
Registration is required; call Bristol Senior Center at 860.584.7895. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.
Virtual Class: Seniors and Medication
As people age, they may find themselves taking more medication for increased health problems. However, the potential for interactions and complications may increase as well. Questions may also arise about when to take a medication, should it be taken with food, what are some of the side effects and more. The free virtual class, “Seniors and Medications,” will be held Wednesday, Feb. 17, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Presenters will be Hartford HealthCare Integrated Care Partners pharmacists and UConn pharmacy students. Hartford HealthCare Senior Services is sponsoring.
Registration is required. Call 1.855.442.4373 or click here. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.
Virtual Class: Understanding Cholesterol
Statistics show that 42 million Americans have high cholesterol while 63 million more are on the border line. Interpreting cholesterol numbers and what LDL and HDL means can be confusing. A free virtual class on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., will provide clear explanations about cholesterol, statin therapy and how medications can help individuals to reach certain goals. A question and answer period will follow. Presenters will be Sean Jeffery, PharmD, CGP, FASCP, FNAP, AGSF, pharmacist, Integrated Partners Hartford HealthCare Group, and clinical professor, University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, and Hannah Ayes, pharmacy student, University of Connecticut, School of Pharmacy.
Registration is required. Call 1.855.442.4373 or click here. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.
Virtual Class: Staying on Your Feet in the Ice and Snow
Avoiding slips and falls isn’t always easy especially in the winter. However, there are a few basic strategies to prevent falls and reduce injury if a fall is inevitable. The free virtual class, “Staying on Your Feet on the Ice and Snow,” will be held Thursday, Feb. 18, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Lisa Murawski, exercise physiologist with GoodLife Fitness, will lead the program.
Registration is required. Call 1.855.442.4373 or click here. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.
Virtual Class: Avoid Becoming a Victim of Fraud and Scams
Scams and fraud are nothing new but during the pandemic the prevalence has been on the rise, especially COVID-19 ruses directed toward older adults, according to the FBI. The free virtual class, “Avoid Becoming a Victim of Fraud and Scams,” will be held Thursday, Feb. 18, noon to 1 p.m. Questions and answers will follow. Lillian Swan, RN, transitional care nurse with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging will present. Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging is sponsoring.
Registration is required. Call 1.855.442.4373 or click here. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.
Virtual Class: They Say I Have Dementia – What Does That Mean?’
A diagnosis of dementia can be frightening for those affected by the syndrome, their family members and caregivers. The free virtual class, “They Say I Have Dementia – What Does That Mean?” on Thursday, Feb. 18, 3 to 4 p.m., will explore this topic. Discussion will center on the signs and symptoms of dementia, different types of dementia and risk factors. Presenter will be Patty O’Brian, CDP, dementia specialist with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging which is sponsoring the event.
Registration is required. Call 1.855.442.4373 or click here. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.
Virtual Class: Men’s Health – A Path to Health & Wellness
Men and women have health concerns specific to their gender. Knowledge and being proactive can help people take charge of their health and possibly prevent certain conditions and diseases. The free virtual class, “Men’s Health – A Path to Health & Wellness,” on Thursday, Feb. 25, 10 to 11 a.m., will address common areas of concern related to men. Nicholas Arsenault, RN, transitional care nurse with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, will lead the program. Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging and Plainville Senior Center are sponsoring.
Registration is required. Call 1.855.442.4373 or click here. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.
Virtual Class: Dementia Caregiver Series Focuses on Strategies
A free virtual dementia caregiving series can provide the tips and strategies to gain greater insights into caring for a loved one with dementia. Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging is providing a five-week series on Fridays, Feb. 26 to March 26, 10:30 a.m. to noon. A certified dementia specialist with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging will lead the series.
Topics will include: Session 1: Overview of Dementia; Session 2: Basics of Good Communication and Understanding Behaviors; Session 3: Safety in the Environment and How to Structure a Day with Activities; Session 4: Taking Care of the Caregiver and Care Options; and Session 5: Overview of Community Resources that May Be Helpful. Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions. Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging is sponsoring the series.
Registration is required. Call 1.855.442.4373 or click here. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.
Virtual Dementia Caregiver Support Groups ‘Meet’
Caregivers often have overwhelming responsibilities assisting their loved ones in doing the most basic tasks while handling their own lives. To provide education and a venue to discuss challenges and helpful strategies, Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging offers a variety of free virtual dementia caregiver support groups. Topics include: communication techniques, caregiver support, benefits of activities, family dynamics and safety issues. The groups meet at various times to make it easier for more people to participate.
Registration is required. Call 1.855.442.4373 or click here. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.
- Second Wednesday of every month (Feb. 10), 10 to 11 a.m., facilitated by Adrianne DeVivo, dementia specialist. Registration is required; call 1.855.442.4373.
- Second Wednesday of every month (Feb. 10) 6:30 to 8 p.m., facilitated by Patty O’Brian, CDP, certified dementia specialist. This group is associated with the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter and is sponsored by HHC Center for Healthy Aging and Southington Care Center.
- Third Monday of every month (Feb. 15) excepting holidays, 1 to 2:30 p.m., facilitated by Patty O’Brian, CDP, dementia specialist. This group is coordinated with the Berlin-Peck Library and sponsored by HHC Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter.
- New: Younger Onset Dementia Caregiver Support Group – Third Wednesday of every month (Feb. 17), 8 to 9 p.m., facilitated by Adrianne DeVivo, dementia specialist.
- Last Monday of every month (Feb. 22), 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., facilitated by Michelle Wyman, dementia specialist. This group is sponsored by HHC Center for Healthy Aging and Duncaster.
Call-in Dementia Caregivers Support Group – Meets every Friday from 2 to 3 p.m., facilitated by a dementia specialist. Registration is not required. To join Hartford HealthCare’s Virtual Meeting Room, call 860.972.6338 and when prompted, enter the access code 19623#.
Center for Healthy Aging launches Facebook Caregivers Support Group
A new Facebook page specifically for families and caregivers who have questions or comments pertaining to caregiving has been launched by Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging. People are welcome to join the “Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging Support Group.” Concerns might include behavior changes, transition of care to assisted living, home healthcare, community services or end of life planning. A Center for Healthy Aging professional will oversee the Facebook page to provide helpful answers and resources to support users in their caregiving roles.
For more information, call the Center for Healthy Aging at 877.424.4641.
Memory Café for People With Memory Loss
Memory Café, a new socialization group for people with memory loss, mild cognitive impairment and early dementia, has begun every Monday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. This is intended to be a welcoming place for individuals and their families with a shared experience. A dementia specialist with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging will lead the group.
Registration is required. Call 1.855.442.4373 or click here. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.
Movement Disorders Group Meets Bimonthly
The Chase Family Movement Disorders Center and Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging are offering a caregiver support group for individuals who care for people with movement disorders and other neurodegenerative conditions. This free support group is offered on first and third Tuesdays (Feb. 2 and 16), 10 to 11 a.m. Each session spotlights a different caregiver/care-partner topic and begins with a brief clinician-led presentation. Facilitators are Amanda Brill, LCSW, at the Chase Family Movement Disorder Center, and Jennifer McCaughey, MS, resource coordinator, Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging.
For more information, call Amanda Brill at 860.696.4653 or Jennifer McCaughey at 860.696.4623.