New Grandparent Survey

Humana, Inc. recently published the results of a survey of 1,0001 grandparents aged 65 and over. This survey found that young adult grandchildren motivate their grandparents to stay healthy. Here are some highlights of the study:

•  The majority of grandparents believe that their grandchildren have the same work ethic as their generation.
• 54 percent of grandparents believe their adult grandchildren are more career-focused.
• Nearly 50 percent of grandparents agree technology has brought them closer with their adult grandchildren.
• 20 percent of grandparents use Facebook to keep up with the profiles of their grandchildren.

For more information, click here.

National Family Caregiver's Month

Over 65 million people in America care for a chronically ill, disabled, or aged family member or friend.  On average they spend 20 hours per week caring for their loved one.  President Obama has proclaimed November 2012 as National Family Caregivers Month. You can read this proclamation here.  The National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) is a non profit organization, which was founded in 1993. Its mission is "to empower family caregivers to act on behalf of themselves and their loved ones, and to remove barriers to health and well being." The NFCA coordinates National Family Caregivers Month and they offer the following recommendations for celebrating National Family Caregivers Month, including:

• Offer a few hours of respite time to allow a caregiver to rest.
• Send a card of appreciation or a bouquet of flowers to brighten up a family caregiver’s day.
• Help a family caregiver decorate their home for the holidays or offer to address envelopes for their holiday cards.
• Help a family caregiver find information and resources on the internet or to locate a local support group.

 Remember, you can contact the Area Agency on Aging's Senior Helpline (1-800-963-5337) to find local resources for respite care. This helpline is available for residents of Florida. In addition, you can find a large list of online caregiving resources from the federal government here. 

HPH Hospice hosts caregiving support groups in Pasco County for people who are taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia. You can click here for meeting information.

Upcoming Pasco County Library Programs

Would you like to learn how to use Facebook to connect with your family, learn to download library ebooks, or learn how to make wire and bead jewelry? These are just a few of the upcoming Pasco library programs. The Friends of the Library sponsors our programs.  Here are some of the upcoming library programs for Older Adults in Pasco County:
          
           Every Tuesday at 5:45pm
     Ruby's Tuesdays
     Hudson Regional Library
 A fun group that likes to knit! From the beginner to the advanced, this group is for everyone. Bring your yarn and needles and join the fun.
Hudson Regional Library
8012 Library Road, Hudson, FL 34667
(727) 861-3040
       
           Sat, Nov 24th  at 11:00am
    Sit-n-Knit
    South Holiday Library
South Holiday Library
4649 Mile Stretch Drive, Holiday, FL 34690 
(727) 834-3331

          Tues, Nov 27th  at 3:00pm
    Downloading ebooks, the basics
    Regency Park Library
 Learn the basics of downloading an ebook the frugal way- through your Pasco County Library System. Registration required, please call 727-861-3049. Bring your device and laptop, if possible. Don't forget your power supply. Please have your amazon.com login and password for Kindle users. Nook users need Adobe Digital Editions sign in completed.
Regency Park Library
9701 Little Road New Port Richey, FL 34654 
(727) 861-3049 

           Wed, Nov 28th at 2:00pm 
     Introduction to Facebook
     New River Library 
Learn how to use Facebook to keep in touch with family and friends.
New River Library
34043 State Road 54, Zephyrhills, Fl 33543
(813) 788-6375
 
            Thurs, Nov 29th at 6:00pm 
     Introduction to Jewelry Making
     New River Library
Learn some basic techniques for making wire jewelry and beading. This program is for adults and registration is required. Please call 813-788-6375 to register. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. 
New River Library
34043 State Road 54, Zephyrhills, Fl 33543
(813) 788-6375

           Fri, Nov 30th at 11:00am
     Knitters for Charity
     Hudson Regional Library
 Come join this fun group as they knit different items for different charities. .
Hudson Regional Library
8012 Library Road, Hudson, FL 34667
(727) 861-3040

           Thurs, Nov 30th at 2:00pm
    Senior Movie Feature!
    Hugh Embry Library
Seniors, enjoy the latest releases of great films, along with light refreshments, thanks to our generous Friends of Hugh Embry Library!
 Hugh Embry Library
14215 Fourth Street, Dade City, FL 33523 
(352) 567-3576

Also, many branches offer other computer classes. You can contact your local branch to register for these classes.

The Nov/Dec Issue of the Elder Update is available

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs publishes a bimonthly newsletter, the "Elder Update", for Florida Seniors. The current issue includes articles about:

• all retirement benefits switching to direct deposit
• healthy sleep
• how fixing cataracts can improve your health
• avoiding lottery scams
• the newly redesigned veteran's website- www.FloridaVets.org
• connecting generations through Facebook.

You can download the current issue here. Alternatively, you can sign up for a print subscription here.

Upcoming Pasco County Library Programs

Would you like to try a new craft, meet new people, learn to Skype, or learn more about Medicare? These are just a few of the upcoming Pasco library programs. The Friends of the Library sponsors our programs.  Here are some of the upcoming library programs for Older Adults in Pasco County:

                  Thurs, Nov 8th at 2:00pm 
              Medicare 101 at Regency Park
Mike Lewis from the Area Agency for Aging and SHINE will be presenting an informative program on Medicare, Medicaid and issues surrounding the open enrollment and supplemental insurance. Registration required, 727-861-3049.
Regency Park Library
9701 Little Road 
New Port Richey, FL 34654 
(727) 861-3049

            Friday, Nov 9th at 12:00pm
     AARP Driver Safety Course at 
     Hudson Regional Library
Hudson Regional Library
8012 Library Road, Hudson, FL 34667
(727) 861-3040
       
           Friday, Nov 9th  at 2:00pm
     Online Shopping Class at 
     South Holiday Library
Just in time for the holidays, learn how to maximize your savings and have your purchases delivered right to your door!
South Holiday Library
4649 Mile Stretch Drive, Holiday, FL 34690 
(727) 834-3331

           Wed, Nov 14th at 2:00pm 
      Senior Social at New River Library 
Wii bowling, card games, and refreshments.
New River Library
34043 State Road 54, Zephyrhills, Fl 33543
(813) 788-6375
           
            Thurs, Nov 15th at 11:00am
    Learn to Skype at Hugh Embry Library
Call 352-567-3576 to register to learn Skype. Talk to your relatives and friends free (they can get free Skype accounts, too)! We'll show you how. Bring your laptop!
 Hugh Embry Library
14215 Fourth Street, Dade City, FL 33523 
(352) 567-3576


          Thurs, Nov 15th at 5:00pm     
    Make a Wreath at Regency Park Library
Learn to make a wreath.
Regency Park Library
9701 Little Road 
New Port Richey, FL 34654 
(727) 861-3049

Also, many branches offer other computer classes and classes that teach you how to use e-book readers. You can contact your local branch to register for these classes.