For centuries, we have known that the health of the brain and the body are connected.  But now, science is able to provide insights into how to make lifestyle choices that may help your brain and body healthy as you age.  Join us to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition; exercise; cognitive activity and social engagement; and how to use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging.

The presenter for all this essential information will be Stephan Cooke, MA.  Mr. Cooke is the Education Manager for the Central Ohio Alzheimer’s Association  The program will take place on Tuesday, March 10th, 11:30 am, at 100 Executive Dr. ( former TRECA Building) in the Memorial Room.  This seminar is free, but reservations must be made by Friday, March 6th.  Light refreshments will be served.  To reserve your place, call the Marion County Council on Aging at 740.387.0401

There are many good reasons to create your own personal Social Security account.  Through this account, you can apply for social security retirement and disability benefits; apply for Medicare;  apply for  Extra Help with your prescription drug costs; check your annual earnings record and potential benefit amounts; get a replacement Medicare card, and much more!  Get more information and answers to frequetly asked questions at www.socialsecurity.gov/faq

Partnering with Interim HealthCare, the Marion County Council on Aging is pleased to announce that limited funding is now available to assist with in-home respite care services. Respite care is available for temporary, non-emergency caregiver relief, and is designed to decrease stress and isolation for the caregiver. Services must be provided in the client’s home and is to be used by those full-time caregivers who can be best served by this short term assistance.   The person receiving the care must be over the age of 60, a resident of Marion County, and living in an independent living situation. Qualification for Respite Care Services is by a written standardized assessment, which shall determine the appropriateness for client enrollment in this program. The type and extent of care will vary, depending on the circumstances.

For further information on this new service, please contact the Marion County Council on Aging at 740.387.0401 or Interim HealthCare at 740.387.0301

Trained volunteers for the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) are available to answer your questions about issues concerning Medicare options, prescription plans and other supplement insurance plans.   Contact the Marion County Council on Aging at 740-387-0401 for additional information or to schedule an appointment for consultation.