Lifestyles After 50 Fun Fest

The Lifestyles After 50 Fun Fest will be held on Wednesday, January 23rd at the Florida State Fairgrounds from 10am - 3:00pm. Admission is free, but there is a $3 parking fee. The event will feature:

• Free Health Screenings
• Live Music
• Senior Friendly Sports Center
• free coffee and goodies
• free bingo and giveaways

             Florida State Fairgrounds
             Special Events Building
             4800 Hwy 301 N. , Tampa, FL 33610
             (Martin Luther King entrance)

The Jan/Feb 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:

• How Social Security can help you when a family member dies
• World Diabetes Day
• Vision and Aging
• Caregiving
• Medicare coverage of vaccines
• Statewide Medicaid managed long-term care

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 join a knitting group, attend a Senior Social, or learn Tai Chi exercises? 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:

  Fri, Jan 4th, 18th, 25th, and Feb 1st at 11:00am              
    Introduction to Tai Chi
     Hudson Regional Library
 The Taoist Tai Chi Society returns to provide introductory instruction on the art of Tai Chi. Please consult with your physician before starting any exercise program. Registration is required.
Hudson Regional Library
8012 Library Road, Hudson, FL 34667
(727) 861-3040

  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, Jan 9th 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, Jan 4th, 11th, 18th, and and 25th 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, Jan 10th 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

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

Sleep is Important for Good Health

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.  
• Avoid caffeine late in the day.

You can find more information about sleep from the National Institutes of Health Senior Health website.

Social Networking Websites Increase in Popularity

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.
• Facebook users have more close relationships.

You can access the full report here.

Upcoming Pasco County Library Programs

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.

Protect Yourself from Scams

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:

• Financial Fraud Awareness
• Identity Theft Awareness
• Family-in-Need Scam
• Tax Season Scam Awareness

Below is their video about Financial Fraud:


You can find more videos here.