top of page
VIAL OF LIFE

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

​

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.

​

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.

​

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.

​

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).

​

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
​​
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.​

​

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, September 17, October 22, November 19, and December 10, 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

Monday–Thursday 8:30am–7:30pm and Fridays 8:30am–5pm:

​

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.

​

  • 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. 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, October 29, 9am–noon). Call and register at ext 104 with NaQuana Johnson.

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

 

REPEATING EVENTS

  • MONDAYS

    • 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

    • Health and Wellness Support Group, 10:30am–noon, in the Volunteer Room

    • Sewing, 11am–1pm, in the Art Studio

    • Low-Impact Beginning African Movement, 11:30am–12:30pm

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

    • Monday Zumba, 1–2pm, in the Exercise Room

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

    • 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; call and register at ext 110

    • Tech Center, 5:15–7:15pm

    • Fitness Center, 5:15–7:15pm

  • TUESDAYS

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

    • NCCU Talk Tuesdays, 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 

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

    • Google It! How-to-Questions, 9:30–10:30am

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

    • Keep It Moving Gentle Exercise, 10:15–11am, in the Activity Room (no October 29)

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

    • Crocheting Club, noon–12:30pm, in the Volunteer 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

    • Muscle Pump, 5:15–6:15pm

    • Pinochle, 5:15–7pm

    • 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; call and register at ext 110
    • Ping-Pong, 10am–noon, in the Activity Room
    • Actividades en Español, 10:30am–1pm, in the Classroom
    • BINGOcize, 1–2pm, in the Lower Commons
    • Chair Flow & Flex, 1–2pm, in the Exercise Room
    • Durham County Veteran Services, 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
    • SuperAgers Advanced Tech Knowledge, 1–2:15pm, in the Volunteer Room
    • Chair Volleyball, 2–3pm, in the Exercise Room
    • New World New Skills Smartphone/Computer Class, 2:15–3pm, in the Volunteer Room

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

    • Walking Club, 3:30–5pm, meet in the Lobby; call and register at ext 110

    • Tech Center, 5:15–7:15pm

    • Fitness Center, 5:15–7:15pm

  • THURSDAYS

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

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

    • ​Talkback Thursdays Smartphones & Computers Class, 9:30–10:30am, in the Volunteer Room

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

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

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

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

    • Bible Study Class, 12:30–1:30pm, in the Volunteer Room; call and register at ext 110

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

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

    • Playing with Music, 3–4:30pm, in the Lower Commons

    • Muscle Pump, 5:15–6:15pm

    • Kings in the Corner, 5:15–7pm

    • Pinochle, 5:15–7pm

  • 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

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

      • October 4—The Wedding Planner​

      • October 11—Harriet

      • October 18—Field of Dreams

      • October 25—The Breakfast Club

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

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

​

SPECIAL EVENTS

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

​

  • Durham County Veteran Services—Wednesday, October 2, 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

  • Flu Shot Clinic—Wednesday, October 2, 1–4pm, in the Activity Room; staff from Walgreen’s will provide flu shots (both standard and high-dose) and the latest COVID booster

  • Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration—Wednesday, October 2, 2pm, in the Lower Commons; enjoy music, dancing, food, and a fashion show; call and register at ext 110

  • Rosh Hashana—Thursday, October 3, 10:30–11:30am, in the Lower Commons; usher in the Jewish New Year with apples and honey

  • Nutrition Today: Cooking Demo—Friday, October 4, 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

  • NCCU/Duke Elder Law Project—Friday, October 4, 10am–3pm; seniors age 60+ who meet the income requirements can get appointments to receive help with their wills and advanced directives

  • Doll Workshop—Friday, October 4, 10:30–11:30am, in the Classroom; learn how to make a doll; all materials will be provided; call and register at ext 110

  • Wound Care Presentation—Friday, October 4, 11:45am–12:45pm, in the Classroom

​

  • Durham County Veteran Services—Monday, October 7, 9am–1pm; 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

  • Doll Workshop—Monday, October 7, 10:30–11:30am, in the Classroom; learn how to make a doll; all materials will be provided; call and register at ext 110

  • Caregiver Support Group–Thursday, October 10, 12:30pm, in the Boardroom; anyone caring for someone over age 55 can get resources and support; no need to register 

  • Firesticks and the Best Streaming Services: Making the Right Choice—Thursday, October 10, 1pm, in the Computer Lab; learn how to get rid of cable but still find your favorite TV shows

  • Aging with Pride Social Club—Friday, October 11, 2:15–3:15pm, in the Classroom; senior members of the LGBT+ community can meet and share resources

​

  • Aging in Place: Decluttering—Monday, October 14, 12:30–1:30pm, in the Classroom; certified senior housing professional Tracy Drakeford-Pierce will lead a talk on getting rid of the clutter that could be overwhelming you

  • Painting with Police—Wednesday, October 16, 12:30–3pm, in the Art Studio; socialize and paint with police officers; call and register at ext 110

  • Durham County Veteran Services—Wednesday, October 16, 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

  • Nutrition Today: Eat Well Exchange—Friday, October 18, 9:30–10:30am, in the 406 Café; call and register at ext 110

​

  • Durham County Veteran Services—Monday, October 21, 9am–1pm; 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 History Talk—Monday, October 21, 12:30–1:30pm, in the Volunteer Room; hosted by the Museum of Durham History; call and register at ext 110

  • Volunteer Office Hours—Wednesday, October 23, 10:30am–noon, in the Volunteer Room; learn about opportunities to volunteer at DCSL

  • Monthly Birthday Celebration—Wednesday, October 23, 12:30pm, in the Lower Commons; celebrate your October birthday with treats and fun; call and register at ext 110

  • Durham Volunteer Network Speaker Series—Thursday, October 23, 12:30–1:30pm, in the 406 Café; learn about volunteer opportunities with the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP); cosponsored by OLLI and Americorp RSVP; call and register at ext 110

  • The Minor Solution—Wednesday, October 23, 12:45–2pm, in Room 216; free notary services; no need to register 

  • Aging with Pride Movie Matinee—Wednesday, October 23, 3:30pm, in the Theater; watch the movie To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar  (1995)

  • Fall Sip n’ Paint—Wednesday, October 23, 5:30–7:15pm; $10; call for more info

  • Breast Cancer Awareness Event—Thursday, October 24, 11am

  • Learn to Use Your iPhone—Thursday, October 24, 1pm, in the Computer Lab

  • What’s Happening at Duke?—Friday, October 25, 12:30–1:30pm, in the Classroom; Duke University’s Postdoctoral Association will give updates on the latest research in biology, neuroscience, engineering, and technology

  • Aging with Pride Social Club—Friday, October 25, 2:15–3:15pm, in the Classroom; senior members of the LGBT+ community can meet and share resources.​​

​

  • Senior Legal Advisor Presentation: Beneficiary Designations—Monday, October 28, 12:30–1:30pm, in the Classroom; certified senior advisor and lawyer Rick Messemer will share important information on inheritance; call and register at ext 110 

  • Shop & Grab—Tuesday, October 29, 9am–noon, in the Lobby; you can “go shopping” by choosing food out in the lobby to take home for free; call and register at ext 104​

  • Monthly Member Check-in—Tuesday, October 29, 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

  • Magic Show—Tuesday, October 29, 12:30pm; Wayne Haarhus from Maximum Magic will put on an exciting magic show in honor of National Magic Month

  • Tricks & Treats Costume Party—Thursday, October 31, 2–3:30pm, in the Lower Commons; come in costume and enjoy music, dancing, and food.​

​

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:

​

  • 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, 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

  • Bass Guitar Lessons—Tuesdays noon–1pm

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

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:

​

  • 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.

​

​

​

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:

​

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:

​

  • 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.

​

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.” 

​

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

OLLI Winter 2024.jpg
bottom of page