Senior Style

A resource guide for seniors You need to know By Judith M. Wilson Special to the Marin IJ M ore than half of Marin County's residents are 60 and over, and COVID-19 has created new challenges for them, as they take steps to safeguard their health. Nonprofit organizations, government agencies and local businesses are all offering resources to meet their needs at a time when it's wise to exercise caution and limit activities outside the home. ADVOCACY AARP AARP advocates on behalf of elders, offers discounts and benefits and is a resource for valuable information. You'll find a checklist of important documents and where you should keep them at aarp.org/money/estate- planning/info-01-2009/where_keep_ important_documents.html. Elder Financial Protection Network EFPN offers information and referrals as part of its mission to prevent elder financial abuse. 415-956-5556, bewiseonline.org Gray Panthers of Marin This group of politically active Marin residents advocates and endorses positions in areas such as peace and social justice, civil rights and universal healthcare. 415-453-1550, graypanthersmarin.org. HICAP This health insurance and advocacy program provides information and helps people understand Medicare and supplemental insurance and assists with billing and claims. senioradvocacy.org. Marin County Commission on Aging This 23-member advisory council represents the interests of older adults and lobbies on their behalf in Sacramento. It is currently providing assistance in accessing essential services. marinhhs.org/boards/ commission-aging. CONNECTIONS Covia Social Call Social Call matches individuals who are 60-plus with friendly volunteers for conversations on the phone or in person, when it's safe to do so. Volunteers must pass a background check and take training, For more information, contact Casey O'Neill, coneill@covia.org, 415-535-7741, covia.org/services/http. LITA Volunteers of all ages from Love is the Answer visit elders in long-term care facilities so they won't be lonely and isolated. Pets visit too. 415-472-5482, litamarin.org. You Are Not Alone A friendly caller from the Tiburon Police Department calls elderly and disabled residents who have signed up for the program every day to check on their welfare and wish them a good morning. Belvedere, San Rafael and Sausalito offer similar services. townoftiburon. org/162/You-Are-Not-Alone. DISASTER PREPAREDNESS Alert Marin All fire and law enforcement agencies in Marin County use Alert Marin to notify residents about emergencies and announce evacuation and shelter- in-place orders. Register your phone number and address, and you'll receive alerts on our phone. alertmarin.org. Emergencies Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies, and you'll reach a dis- patcher who will take steps to help with your immediate need. To report an emergency in Marin County by mobile phone, call 415-472-0911. For needs that are not urgent, call the office of your local law enforcement agency. Emergency Preparedness The Administration on Aging provides detailed information on how to prepare for a disaster. Click on the link to Emergency Preparedness. aoa.gov. Ready Marin This organization offers training to teach people to take care of themselves if a disaster strikes and advice on planning ahead. readymarin.org. ENTERTAINMENT AND ACTIVITIES Book Passage Book Passage in Corte Madera offers curbside pickup, online shopping and Conversations with Authors online. Register to see the live conversations, and submit questions beforehand to help shape the conversation. Novelist Claire Messud appears on Saturday, Oct. 24, to talk about her new book, and actor Matthew McConaughey celebrates his memoir "Greenlights" in a ticketed event on Friday, Oct. 30. Once you're registered, you'll have access to the archive of talks. Visit bookpassage.com. California Film Institute The Smith Rafael Film Center's Rafael@home is offering programs and events for home viewing that include live-streamed films and conversations with filmmakers. rafaelfilm.cafilm.org. Green Music Center The music center at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park is providing access to diverse artistic experiences through live streaming and recently recorded videos. gmc.sonoma.edu/ engagingfromasocialdistance. 26 October 18, 2020 Senior Style A Marketing Supplement of the Marin Independent Journal | marinij.com

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