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VIAL OF LIFE

Durham County Emergency Medical Services, 201 E Main St, Suite 660, 919-560-8285

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Durham County EMS offers free Vials of LIFE (Lifesaving Information for Emergencies) to anyone who wants to make sure that vital information can easily be found during emergencies. It’s a great way to help ensure that you and your loved ones are protected in times of medical emergencies.

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Each Vial of Life kit is made up of one labeled bottle (approximately 3 inches tall with a screw-on cap—it looks like an oversized prescription bottle), an instruction sheet, a special business-card-sized magnet and a form to fill out with the following information: Name, address, phone number, date of birth, Social Security number, hospital preference, medical history (there’s a list of conditions including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, depression, plus a blank space), other medical history/assistive devices, allergies (to medications or otherwise), doctor’s name and phone, advanced directives (like DNR (Do Not Resuscitate), etc), space for listing medications and dosages, health insurance policy info, emergency contacts (names and phone numbers), and a space for additional information.

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After filling out the form, you should fold or roll it up, put it in the bottle, and screw the cap on. Then place the bottle somewhere on the top or condiment shelf of your refrigerator so it can be found easily and stick the magnet on the refrigerator door.  If EMS is called to your home, they’ll know to check your refrigerator for a Vial of Life magnet, which will then lead them to the Vial of Life bottle inside. Emotions can run high, people can get confused, and it’s so important to have one place where vital information can be accessed quickly.

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You can get a set for yourself and even get an extra set so you can place a bottle in your vehicle‘s glove compartment. And if you have a family or live with someone, consider getting a Vial of Life set for each person (especially for elderly members of your family).

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You can pick up your free Vials of Life at the Durham County EMS office; call first to make sure they have them in stock. If you can’t stop by, you can order kits by calling Durham One Call (919-560-1200) or via the Durham One Call app, and your order will be mailed to you.

SENIOR PHARMASSIST

406 Rigsbee Ave, 2nd floor, 919-688-4772, seniorpharmassist.org
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Senior PharmAssist helps Durham County residents age 60+ manage and get access to the medications they need. They’re able to find resources that make medicines available at low cost, and they help teach how to use medications safely and effectively. A staff pharmacist can take a good look at all of the medications being taken by a resident and can recommend which ones are inadvertently working against each other. (This sometimes happens when someone has multiple doctors who aren’t aware of what the others are prescribing.) Call to set an appointment.​

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Senior PharmAssist will host a series of Medicare Basics seminars for those who are about to turn 65 and need to learn more. In-person workshops will be held at the Durham Center for Senior Life (406 Rigsbee Ave) on Tuesdays, January 14 and February 11, at 6pm. Click here or call 919-688-4772 to register for one of these free seminars.

DURHAM CENTER FOR SENIOR LIFE

​406 Rigsbee Ave, 919-688-8247, website

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 8:30am–5pm; Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30am–7:30pm

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Here are a few programs and activities offered by the Center; click here to read “Our Times,” DCSL’s monthly schedule, which includes activities such as Belly Dancing, Line Dancing, African Drumming/Dance, Yoga, and more.

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  • The Center is hosting an Essentials Supply Drive all month to help seniors in need gain access to things that can make their everyday lives a little easier. If you can afford to, please make your donation(s) of any type of cleaning , hygiene, and self-care supplies and/or nonperishable food donations at the front desk. This winter, items like blankets, socks, and gloves are also needed. Please keep in mind that many struggling seniors are caring for their grandkids and/or elderly partners.

  • The DCSL EATS (Ease Access To food for Seniors) program is designed to help those age 55 and up stay healthy with affordable and nutritious foods:

    • ​Food Pantry—If you’re in need, you can get one bag of food per month

    • Commodity Supplemental Food Program—When you’re approved (based of age and income), you can pick up food at a certain time and place

    • Shop & Grab—You can “go shopping” by choosing food out in the lobby to take home (this month on Tuesday, January 7, 9am–noon); call and register at ext 104

    • EATS Produce Grab & Go—Friday, January 24, 10am; pick up free produce (supplied by Red’s Quality Acre Farm)

    • Kitchenless Seniors EATS—Homeless seniors can get free bags of food.

 

REPEATING EVENTS

  • MONDAYS

    • Muscle Pump, 8:40–9:45am, in the Exercise Room 

    • Conversational French Club, ​9:30–10:30am, in the Volunteer Room 

    • Total Body Workout, 10–11am, in the Exercise Room 

    • Ping-Pong, 10am–noon, in the Activity Room 

    • Meeting Health and Wellness Goals, 10:30am–noon, in the Volunteer Room (starting 1/20) 

    • Sewing, 11am–1pm, in the Art Studio; call for info at ext 110 

    • Low-Impact Beginning African Movement, 11:30am–12:30pm, in the Exercise Room 

    • Monday Matinees, ​1pm; with free popcorn

      • January 6—Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark

      • January 13—Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

      • January 27—Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

    • Chair Flow & Flex, 1–2pm, in the Exercise Room 

    • Bible Study, 12:45–2:30pm, in the Classroom 

    • Advanced Watercolor, 1–3pm, in the Art Studio; call for info at ext 110 

    • Chair Volleyball, 2–3pm, in the Exercise Room 

    • Life Line Dancers, 3:30–4:30pm, in the Exercise Room 

    • Walking Club, 3:30–5pm, meet in the Lobby 

  • TUESDAYS

    • ​Seniors on the Move Line Dancing, 8:35–9:30am, in the Exercise Room 

    • Open Art Studio, 9am–12:30pm, in the Art Studio 

    • Google It! Smartphone & Computer Class, 9:30–10:30am, in the Tech Room 

    • Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 9:30–10:55am, in the Classroom 

    • Yoga Your Way, 10–11am, in the Exercise Room 

    • Keep It Moving Gentle Exercise, 10:15–11:15am, in the Activity Room 

    • American Sign Language, 11am–noon, in the Volunteer Room 

    • Belly Dance, 11:30am–12:45pm, in the Exercise Room 

    • Crocheting Club, noon–2:30pm, in the Volunteer Room 

    • Pinochle, noon–7pm, in the Activity Room 

    • ​Afternoon BINGO, 1–2pm, in the Lower Commons 

    • Quilt Making, 1–3pm, in the Art Studio 

    • Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, 2:15–3:15pm, in the Exercise Room 

    • Kings in the Corner, 2:30–7pm, in the Classroom 

    • Acrylic Painting, 4–6pm 

    • DCSL Band Practice, 3–4:30pm, in the Theater 

    • Cardio & More, 5:30–6:15pm 

    • Line Dancing, 6:15–7:15pm 

  • WEDNESDAYS​

    • Muscle Pump, 8:40–9:45am, in the Exercise Room 
    • Total Body Workout, 10–11am, in the Exercise Room 
    • Quick Drawing Class, 10–11am, in the Art Studio 
    • Ping-Pong, 10am–noon, in the Activity Room 
    • Hispanic Heritage Group, 10am–2pm, in the Classroom 
    • Super Agers Tech Class, 1–2:15pm, in the Tech Room 
    • Spanish, Level 2, 1–2pm, in the Volunteer Room 
    • BINGOcize, 1–2pm, in the Lower Commons 
    • Chair Flow & Flex, 1–2pm, in the Exercise Room 
    • Chair Volleyball, 2–3pm, in the Exercise Room 
    • New World New Skills Tech Class, 2:15–3pm, in the Tech Room 

    • Life Line Dancers, 3:30–4:30pm, in the Exercise Room 

    • Walking Club, 3:30–5pm, meet in the Lobby 

  • THURSDAYS

    • Seniors on the Move Line Dancing, 8:35–9:30am, in the Exercise Room 

    • Open Arts, 9am–noon, in the Art Studio 

    • One-on-One Consultations (tech questions), 9:30–10:30am, in the Tech Room 

    • Breakfast BINGO, 9:30–10:30am, in the 406 Café 

    • Yoga Your Way, 10–11am, in the Exercise Room 

    • Keep It Moving Gentle Exercise, 10:15–11:15am, in the Activity Room 

    • Conversational French Club, 10:30–11:30am, in the Class Room 

    • Intermediate African Dance, 11:30am–12:30pm, in the Exercise Room 

    • Pinochle, noon–7pm, in the Activity Room 

    • Kings in the Corner, noon–7pm, in the Class Room 

    • African Drumming, 12:30–1:30pm, in the Exercise Room 

    • Thursday Bible Study, 12:30–1:30pm, in the Volunteer Room 

    • Afternoon BINGO, 1–2pm, in the Lower Commons 

    • Open Art Studio, 1–3pm, in the Art Studio 

    • Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, 2:15–3:15pm, in the Exercise Room 

    • Acrylic Painting, 4–6pm 

    • Cardio & More, 5:30–6:15pm 

  • FRIDAYS

    • Muscle Pump, 8:40–9:45am, in the Exercise Room 

    • Open Studio, 9am–12:30pm, in the Art Studio 

    • Total Body Workout, 10–11am, in the Exercise Room 

    • Ping-Pong, 10am–noon, in the Activities Room 

    • Ladies in Fitness Training (LiFT), 11:30am–1pm, in the Fitness Center; call and register at ext 110 for this program 

    • Friday Matinees, ​12:30pm; with free popcorn

      • January 3—Bridget Jones’s Diary​

      • January 10—Lawrence of Arabia

      • January 17—Becoming Jane

      • January 24—National Treasure

      • January 31—One-Eyed Jacks

    • BINGOcize, 1–2pm, in the Lower Commons 

    • Tai Chi for Arthritis & Falls Prevention, 1:15–2:15pm, in the Exercise Room.  

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SPECIAL EVENTS

Here are some special events for December; see more by exploring the Our Times online newsletter:

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  • The Joy of Origami: Dollar Bill Unfolding—Thursday, January 2, noon–1pm, in the Art Studio; Barbara Pearl will lead a class on Japanese artistic paper folding; call and register at ext 110

  • EATS: Nutrition Today: Cooking Demo—Friday, January 3, 9:30–10:30am, in the 406 Café; hosted by Durham County DINE (Durham’s Innovative Nutrition Education) for Life program; call and register at ext 110

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  • Durham County Veteran Services—Monday, January 6, 9am–noon; military veterans and their families are encouraged to find out what benefits they’re eligible to sign up for; call and register at ext 103

  • Alzheimer’s Association’s Male Caregiver Support Group Meeting—Monday, January 6, 10am, in the Boardroom

  • Stroke Support Group—Monday, January 6, 1–2:30pm, in the Volunteer Room

  • EATS: Shop & Grab—Tuesday, January 7, 9am–noon; You can “go shopping” by choosing food out in the lobby to take home on ; call and register at ext 104

  • The Minor Solution—Wednesday, January 8, 1–2pm, in Office 216; free notary services; no need to register 

  • Managing Mobile Device Storage—Wednesday, January 8, 1–2pm, in the Computer Lab; learn how to maximize the storage on your smartphone and also your cloud storage

  • Firesticks and the Best Streaming Services: Making the Right Choice—Thursday, January 9, noon, in the Computer Lab; Dell Rains will teach how to get rid of cable but still find your favorite TV shows

  • Mixed-Media Exploration: Charcoal and Exploring Shadows—Thursday, January 9, noon–1pm, in the Art Studio; artist Marie Crock will lead this adventurous art series; call and register at ext 110

  • Caregiver Support Group–Thursday, January 9, 12:30pm, in the Boardroom; anyone caring for someone over age 55 can get resources and support; no need to register 

  • Supporting Loved-Ones with Dementia: A Presentation for Caregivers—Friday, January 10, 12:30–1:30pm, in the Volunteer Room; Support Services intern Foxx Hart will share tips on everyday tasks including bathing, getting dressed, and personal grooming

  • Aging with Pride Social Club—Friday, January 10, 2:15–3:15pm, in the Classroom; senior members of the LGBT+ community can meet and share resources

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  • Durham History Talk—Monday, January 13, 12:30–1:30pm, in the Volunteer Room; hosted by the Museum of Durham History; call and register at ext 110

  • Aging in Place: Decluttering (New Year, Less Stuff)—Monday, January 13, 12:30–1:30pm, in the Classroom; certified senior housing professional Tracy Drakeford-Pierce will share some tips and tricks on clearing your space and gaining peace of mind

  • Medicare Basics—Tuesday, January 14, 6pm; hosted by Senior PharmAssist; call 919-688-4772 to register 

  • Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP): Durham VA Healthcare System—Wednesday, January 15, noon–1pm, in the Theater; Kendra Monden from the Durham VA will describe the help they offer military veterans and how you can get involved as a volunteer

  • Painting with Police—Wednesday, January 15, 12:30–3pm, in the Art Studio; socialize and paint with police officers; call and register at ext 110

  • Digital Legacy at a Glance—Wednesday, January 15, 1pm, in the Computer Lab; bring your smartphone and decide now what’s going to happen to your digital content after you pass on

  • Durham County Veteran Services—Wednesday, January 15, 1–3pm; military veterans and their families are encouraged to find out what benefits they’re eligible to sign up for; call and register at ext 103

  • Durham AARP Chapter #189 Monthly Meeting—Wednesday, January 15, 2pm, in the Theater

  • Building Stronger Bones—Thursday, January 16, 10:30–11:30am, in the Volunteer Room; health educator Jill Davis will discuss osteoporosis and how important it is to managing your bone health

  • Enjoli Faithful KiNeXionZ: Lifeline Program Enrollment—Thursday, January 16, 11am–1pm; recipients of government programs can apply for a free phone through Lifeline; call and register at ext 103

  • Canva—Thursday, January 16, 1pm, in the Computer Lab; learn how to make flyers, invitations, cards, presentations, and more with the free version of this fantastic graphics program

  • EATS: Nutrition Today Cooking Demo—Friday, January 17, 9:30–10:30am, in the 406 Café; presentation by the Eat Well Exchange

  • What’s Happening at Duke?—Friday, January 17, 12:30–1:30pm, in the Classroom; presenters from Duke University’s Postdoctoral Association make presentations on the latest developments in biology, neuroscience, engineering, and technology 

  • Chinese Workshop—Friday, January 17, 3–4pm, in the Classroom; Gary Su will give an introduction to Chinese language and culture, including basic words and phrases; call and register at ext 110

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  • Talk Tuesdays—January 21, 9am–noon, in Office 216; counseling students from North Carolina Central University conduct one-on-one sessions and connect seniors with mental-health resources; call and register at ext 103

  • Martin Luther King Jr Line Dancing Celebration—Tuesday, January 21, 5–7pm, in the Lower Commons; celebrate Dr King’s legacy with food, music, and line dancing with Lafayette Artis; call and register at ext 110

  • Monthly Birthday Celebration—Wednesday, January 22, 12:30pm, in the Lower Commons; celebrate your January birthday with treats and fun; call and register at ext 110

  • Telehealth for Seniors—Wednesday, January 22, 1pm, in the Computer Lab; learn about this technology that can monitor health at a distance and how “telemedicine” can be used for virtual medical appointments and real-time doctor visits

  • Aging with Pride Movie Matinee—Wednesday, January 22, 3pm, in the Theater; watch the movie Maurice  (1987)

  • EATS: Produce Grab & Go—Friday, January 24, 10am, in the Lobby; you can “go shopping” by choosing fresh produce from Red’s Quality Acre Farm to take home for free

  • NCCU and Duke Elder Law Project—Friday, January 24, 10am–4pm; seniors who are age 60+ and who also meet certain income requirements can get help making out their wills and advanced directives

  • Health Topics Talk: Lifestyle and Diabetes—Friday, January 24, noon–1pm, in the Volunteer Room; Duke University Hospital Nurse Rebekah May will discuss health-related topicswith a focus on diabetes; call and register at x110

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  • NCCU Talk Tuesdays, Monday, January 28, 9am–noon, in Room 216; have a confidential one-on-one talk with a counseling student from North Carolina Central University, who can share mental-health resources; call and register at ext 103 

  • Monthly Member Check-in—Monday, January 28, 12:15pm, in the Theater; share your ideas and thoughts on the Center’s events and activities; feel free to bring your lunch; no need to register

  • Senior Legal Advisor Presentation—Monday, January 27, 12:30–1:30pm, in the Classroom; certified senior advisor and lawyer Rick Messemer will share important information on various legal topics

  • Talk Tuesdays—January 28, 9am–noon, in Office 216; counseling students from North Carolina Central University conduct one-on-one sessions and connect seniors with mental-health resources; call and register at ext 103

  • Enjoli Faithful KiNeXionZ: Lifeline Program Enrollment—Thursday, January 30, 11am–1pm; recipients of government programs can apply for a free phone through Lifeline; call and register at ext 103

  • Good Grief and Body Donation Talk—Friday, January 31, 9:30–11am, in the Classroom; Green Burial Project founder Anne Weston and Sara Williams will present “Good Grief: The Art of Writing a Condolence Letter” and “Understanding Body Donation” (to medical research); call and register at ext 110

  • Aging with Pride Social Club—Friday, January 31, 2:15–3:15pm, in the Classroom; senior members of the LGBT+ community can meet and share resources.​​​​​​​​

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LITTLE RIVER SENIOR CENTER

The Durham Center for Senior Life also sponsors programming at the Little River Senior Center (part of the Little River Community Complex at 8305 N Roxboro Rd, in Bahama). Call 919-477-6066 for more info; you can also check out the current Our Times online schedule to see all of their classes and activities:

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  • Coffee Talk—Monday–Friday 8:30–9am

  • Walking Club—Monday–Friday 8:30–10am

  • Free Play Gym—Monday–Friday 8:30am–1pm

  • Games and Quilting—Monday–Friday 9:30am–1:30pm

  • Group Exercise—Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 10–10:30am

  • Bible Study—Tuesdays 10–11am

  • Guitar Lessons—Tuesdays and Thursdays 10–11am

  • Cards, Thursdays 10–11:30am

  • BINGO—Mondays 10:30–11:30am, Tuesdays 11–11:30am, Thursdays 10–11am, Fridays 10:30–11am

  • Lunch (congregate meal)—Monday–Friday, 11:30am

  • Bass Guitar Lessons—Tuesdays and Thursdays noon–1pm

  • Crocheting—Monday–Friday 12:30–1:30pm.

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SPECIAL EVENTS

Here are some special events for December:

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  • EATS: Produce Grab & Go—Friday, January 17, 10am; you can “go shopping” by choosing fresh produce from Red’s Quality Acre Farm to take home for free.

Here’s a nice Spanish/English message from the Durham Center for Senior Life.

DURHAM PARKS AND RECREATION: MATURE ADULTS 

Durham Parks and Recreation has a Mature Adults division that provides programming and sets up special events for seniors (age 55+). Here are a few events to check out:

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  • A new Lunch and Learn Series at the WD Hill Recreation Center (1308 Fayetteville St) starts on Wednesday, September 11, noon–1:30pm, with a talk on Home Modifications to Prevent Falls. They’ll have a talk every month (Wednesday, October 9, noon–1:30pm—Aging and Adult Services, Wednesday, November 6, noon–1:30pm—10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s, and Wednesday, December 11, 11am–12:30pm—Scams, Scams, Scams!). Call Nicole Waller at 919-224-9689 for more info and to register.

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Click on the DPR logo to view the

September–December issue

of Play More.

DUKE HEALTH—PACT STUDY

919-668-3154, PACTStudy@duke.edu, website

 

Researchers at Duke Health are conducting a study to see if Alzheimer’s disease can be prevented with cognitive training. The PACT* Study is looking for people age 65+ who would like to volunteer to participate in the study and undergo computerized training exercises that are designed to reduce that risk.

 

To qualify, participants should be age 65 and older, with no neurological disorders or cognitive impairments and no history of stroke or brain injury. The potential benefits of taking the computerized training exercises can include enhanced mental quickness, improved gait and balance, and protection against depression. The length of the study will be approximately 3 years, with three study visits of up to 2 hours each. The 45 1-hour computer training sessions will be done in your own home.

 

* PACT = Preventing Alzheimer’s with Cognitive Training

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

Raleigh office, 919-277-4201, website:

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The BBB wants to point out three of the most-used scams out there that are targeting seniors. Make sure that your families and friends are aware that tricksters like to prey on older adults when they’re not up with the latest scams:

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  • Lottery and sweepstakes scams—Criminals will send you a check with a cover letter congratulating you for winning a huge amount of money. They’ll tell you to deposit the check and then wire funds to cover the cost of fees, insurance, taxes, or whatever. Even if the check looks real and has the name of an actual bank on it, it’s a fake. If you went ahead and sent funds from your account, you have lost that money. Remember, you’re not likely to win a contest you didn’t enter, and you should never pay anyone to accept a prize.   

  • Medical alert scams—You’ll get a phone call from someone claiming to be from Medicare or another government office. They’ll ask for all kinds of personal information, like bank account/credit card numbers, claiming that they’re trying to verify or update something or to fix an error. Medicare never calls and asks for information—if you’re on Medicare (or Medicaid), the government already has all the information they need.

  • Grandparent scams—A stranger will call you on the phone claiming to be your grandchild (sometimes saying that they have a bad connection if you don’t recognize their voice). They’ll claim that they’re in trouble or ran out of money and will beg you to wire they some money to help them out. Stay calm and ask questions you know only your grandchild would know the answer to. You can also call their number or their parents’ number after hanging up. Sometimes criminals go so far as to call, claiming to have people’s grandkids in custody and demanding a ransom. Frantic family members can lose thousands with these sick scams.

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If you’d like to have someone from the local Better Business Bureau to speak to your group about senior issues, call the Raleigh office at the number listed above.

OLLI (the OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE)

Duke Continuing Studies, Box 90700, Durham NC 27708; 919-684-6259, OLLI@duke.edu:

 

OLLI (the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) is a Duke University–affiliated organization that offers a wide variety of classes and activities for older folks. In-person courses will be held at Judea Reform Congregation (1933 W Cornwallis Rd, in the Education Bldg). Registration for the Winter 2024 season will open on Tuesday, January 9. Annual membership is $60; click here to start an account and become a member. If you’d like to participate but need a scholarship, write to Kathy.Parrish@duke.edu and ask about “Community Membership.” 

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Click on the image below to view the Winter 2024 catalog.

OLLI Winter 2024.jpg
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