The Administration on Aging has a webpage about how getting enough sleep is important for good health. Older adults need 7-9 hours of sleep, which is the same amount which younger adults require. As people age, they have more trouble falling asleep and sleep less deeply. It is very important to get enough sleep, because insufficient sleep can increase the chance of accidents and falls. Here are some suggestions from the Administration on Aging about how to get a good night's sleep:
Go to sleep and get up at the same time each day, even on weekends.
Develop a bedtime routine. About 30–45 minutes before bedtime each
night, do the same things so your body will know that it’s time to
sleep.
Older adults have dramatically increased their use of social networking websites, such as Facebook. A PEW Research Center social networking report has found that 57% of internet users age 50-64 use social networking websites, while 38% of those age 65+ use these sites. Facebook is the most popular social network for older adults, with 56% of internet users age 50-64 using this website and 40% of those age 65+ using this website ("Photos and Videos as Social Currency Online" by Lee Rainie et al.). People use Facebook to stay in contact with friends and family and to share their pictures. Older adults are also using LinkedIn for career networking and Pinterest to share images. Why are social networks so popular? A PEW Research Center study investigated the social impact of social networking and found that:
The average user of a social networking site has more close ties and is half as likely to be socially isolated as the average American.
Facebook revives “dormant” relationships.
Internet users get more support from their social ties and Facebook users get the most support.
Would you like to join a knitting group, attend a Senior Social, or see a great movie?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
Wed, Dec 19th at 2:00pm Senior Social New River Library Card games and Wii bowling for age 50+. Refreshments provided by the Friends of the Library. New River Library 34043 State Road 54, Zephyrhills, FL 33543 (813) 788-6375
Fri, Dec 21st and 28th 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, Dec 27th at 6:00pm Knitting Club New River Library Learn basic knitting techniques. Please bring a pair of size 8
knitting needles and a ball of #4 yarn. This club is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. New River Library 34043 State Road 54, Zephyrhills, FL 33543 (813) 788-6375
Fri, Dec 28th 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 and book discussions. You can
contact your local branch to register for these classes.
The Elder Consumer Protection Program of the Stetson University College of Law provides educational materials and videos to help older adults avoid scams and fraud. They also provide consumer news and alerts. Here are links to several of their brochures:
The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas offers a free helpline, which provides assistance and referral information on government funded programs, non-profit agencies, and for-profit businesses that serve seniors in our county.
