Senior Style

A resource guide for seniors You need to know By Judith M. Wilson Special to the Marin IJ M arin County has a wealth of resources and activities for people 60 and over. Many programs have been virtual over the past year, but in-person activities are gradually returning, and some programs are operating on a hybrid model, offering a choice of in-person or online participation. Check regularly to find out the status of the ones that meet your needs. ADVOCACY AARP AARP advocates on behalf of elders, offers discounts and benefits and is a resource for valuable information such as storing documents, tax help, and how to avoid scams and fraud targeting elders. aarp.org Administration on Aging As an agency of U.S. Health and Human Services, it carries out provisions of the Older Americans Act of 1965 and works to ensure the well- being of older individuals. acl.gov/ about-acl/administration-aging Elder Financial Protection Network EFPN offers information such as how to prevent becoming a victim and identifying potential abusers as part of its mission to prevent elder financial abuse. 707-981-8403, elderfinancialprotection.org Senior Advocacy Services Programs include Long Term Care Ombudsman, Elder Justice Initiative and Medicare Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program. 707-526-4108, senioradvocacyservices. org Marin County Commission on Aging This 23-member advisory council represents the interests of older adults and lobbies on their behalf in Sacramento. Its mission is to promote the dignity, independence and quality of life for seniors through advocacy, information, programs and services. marinhhs.org/boards/commission- aging CONNECTIONS Covia This is a Bay Area program that supports elders by connecting them with others for meaningful conversations. Well Connected is a virtual community that offers group conversations, games and education on the phone or online. 925-956-7400, covia.org/programs LITA Volunteers from Love is the Answer visit elders in long-term care facilities so they won't be lonely and isolated. A new YouTube channel provides digital walks and entertainment.. 415-472- 5482, litamarin.org Telephone Reassurance Program The San Rafael Police Department offers a free telephone check-in for elders. Registered users get regular phone calls with a friendly greeting and a check to see how they're doing. Police will follow up with a welfare check if they don't answer. Episcopal Senior Communities offers the program in partnership with Vivalon and Novato Independent elders. Check other Marin communities for similar programs. 415-485-3000, srpd. org/telephone-reassurance-program 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 your phone. alertmarin.org Emergencies Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies, and you'll reach a dispatcher 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. Ready Marin This program offers training to teach people to take care of themselves if a disaster strikes and gives advice on planning ahead. readymarin.org. ENRICHMENT AND FITNESS Emeritus Students College of Marin ESCOM offers clubs, discounted 26 October 17, 2021 Senior Style A Marketing Supplement of the Marin Independent Journal | marinij.com

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