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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 virtually on Tuesday, August 26 at 6pm and in person at the Durham Center for Senior Life (406 Rigsbee Ave) on Tuesdays, September 23 and October 21, at 6pm. Click here or call 919-688-4772 to register for one of these free seminars.

AGING FORWARD OF DURHAM

2121 Umstead Rd, 919-489-2217, agingforwarddurham@gmail.com, website

Folks from three north Durham churches got together to discuss the need to help area seniors who were living independently but were unable to get to their medical appointments. They decided to create a local chapter of Aging Forward, a nationwide nonprofit, to find ways to solve this problem. Nearly two dozen neighbors stepped forward to drive seniors (age 65+) to their doctor, dental, eye, and physical therapy appointments. More are needed. Ideally, this program will expand to cover more of Durham and will include trips to and from banks, houses of worship, hair salons/barbers, grocery stores, etc. Because most of the volunteer drivers’ vehicles can’t accommodate wheelchairs, they can only serve seniors who are able to walk. The drivers walk them to and from their vehicles, making sure that they return home safely. This service is provided free of charge and the volunteer drivers are background-checked. Contact Aging Forward of Durham if you’d like to be a driver or if you live north of I-85 and need this service.

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

Here are a few programs and activities offered by the Center; click here to read “Our Times,” DCSL’s monthly schedule.

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, October 14, 9am–noon); call and register at ext 104
- Kitchenless Seniors EATS—Homeless seniors can get free bags of food.

REPEATING EVENTS

MONDAYS
- Conversational French Club, 9:30–10:30am, in the Classroom
- Total Body Workout, 10–11am, in the Exercise Room
- Ping-Pong, 10am–noon, in the Activity Room
- Meeting Health & Wellness Goals, 10:30am–noon, in the Volunteer Room (no instructor 10/6 or 10/13)
- Sewing, 11am–1pm, in the Art Studio; call for info at ext 110
- Bible Study, 12:45–2:30pm, in the Café
- Chair Flow & Flex, 1–2pm, in the Exercise Room (no class 9/22)
- Monday Matinees, 1pm; with free popcorn
  - October 6—Going Varsity in Mariachi
  - October 13—The Valet
  - October 20—Sugar
  - October 27—Encanto
- 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
TUESDAYS
- ConnecTech, 8:35–9:30am, in the Tech Room; get tips for navigating technology
- Seniors on the Move Line Dancing, 8:35–9:30am, in the Exercise Room
- Talk Tuesdays, 9am–noon; counseling students from North Carolina Central University will meet one-on-one and offer mental health resources
- Open Art Studio, 9am–12:30pm, in the Art Studio
- Basic Spanish Class, 9:30–10:30am, in the Volunteer Room; call and register at ext 110
- 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, 10–11am, in the Activity Room (no class 10/14)
- American Sign Language (ASL), 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
- DCSL Band Practice, 2–3:30pm, in the Theater
- Women’s Pool, 4–7:15pm, in the Recreation Room
- Fitness Center and Tech Lab open for drop-ins 5–7:15pm
- Pinochle 5:15–7pm, in the Activity Room
- Kings in the Corner, 5:15–7pm, in the Classroom
- Evening Line Dancing with Lafayette, 6:15–7:15pm, in the Exercise Room
- Evening Tech Support with Chuck, 6:30–7:30pm, in the Computer Lab
WEDNESDAYS
- French 1 Class, 9–9:45am, in the Classroom; Adama Traore will teach this introductory class; call and register at ext 110
- Total Body Workout, 10–11am, in the Exercise Room
- Quick Drawing Class, 10–11am, in the Art Studio (starts 10/15)
- Ping-Pong, 10am–noon, in the Activity Room
- Hispanic Heritage Group, 10am–2pm, in the Classroom
- Chair Flow & Flex, 1–2pm, in the Exercise Room
- Super Agers Tech Class, 1–2:15pm, in the Tech Room
- Chair Volleyball, 2–3pm, in the Exercise Room
- Lamba: Senegalese Dance Class, 2–3:30pm, in the Exercise Room (no class 10/8)
- New World New Skills Tech Class, 2:15–3pm, in the Tech Room
- Jammin’ with Janet, 2:30–3:30pm, in the Activity Room; joyful movement to music from around the world
- Life Line Dancers, 3:30–4:30pm, in the Exercise Room
THURSDAYS
- Seniors on the Move Line Dancing, 8:35–9:30am, in the Exercise Room
- Just Ask George (tech questions), 9–11am, in the Computer Lab; bring your device for one-on-one support
- Open Art Studio, 9am–noon, in the Art Studio
- Breakfast BINGO, 9:30–10:30am, in the Café
- Yoga Your Way, 10–11am, in the Exercise Room
- Keep It Moving Gentle Exercise, 10–11:15am, in the Activity Room (no class 10/16)
- Conversational French Club, 11am–noon, in the Classroom
- African Dance & Drumming, 11:30am–1:30pm, in the Exercise Room
- Pinochle, noon–7pm, in the Activity Room
- Kings in the Corner, noon–7pm, in the Class Room
- African Dance & 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 Painting Studio, 1–3pm, in the Art Studio
- ConnecTech, 1:30–2:30pm, in the Tech Room; get tips for navigating technology
- Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, 2:15–3:15pm, in the Exercise Room
- Acrylic Painting, 4–6pm, in the Art Studio
- Fitness Center and Tech Lab open for drop-ins 5–7:15pm
- Pinochle 5:15–7pm, in the Activity Room
- Kings in the Corner, 5:15–7pm, in the Classroom
- Cardio & More, 5:30–6:15pm, in the Exercise Room (no class 10/23)
- Evening Tech Support with Chuck, 6:30–7:30pm, in the Computer Lab
FRIDAYS
- DCSL Walking Club, 9–9:50am; meet in the lobby; ask to borrow a walking pole if you need one
- Open Art Studio, 9am–12:30pm, in the Art Studio
- Ping-Pong, 10am–noon, in the Activities Room
- Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention, noon–1pm, in the Activity Room (no class 10/10)
- Friday Matinees, 12:30pm; with free popcorn
  - October 3—ET: The Extraterrestrial
  - October 10—[no movie—the Center is closed]
  - October 17—La Dolce Villa
  - October 24—Practical Magic
  - October 31—Hocus Pocus
- Afternoon BINGO, 1–2pm, in the Lower Commons
- Chair Flow & Flex, 1–2pm, in the Exercise Room (no class 10/10 or 10/17)
- Duke ConnecTech, 1:30–3pm, in the Lower Commons; get help with your technology.

SPECIAL EVENTS

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

Volunteer Notary Public—Wednesday, October 1, 9:30–11am, in Office 216; free notary services; call and register at ext 103
The Joy of Origami: Bats to Cats—Wednesday, October 1, noon–1pm, in the Art Studio; Barbara Pearl will teach how to take paper and fold it into Halloween-themed animals; call and register at ext 110
EATS: Nutrition Today: Cooking Demo—Friday, October 3, 9:30–10:30am, in the 406 Café; today’s topic, “Happy Harvest Demo,” hosted by Jasmine Westbrook from Durham County DINE
NCCU/Duke Elder Law Project—Friday, October 3, 10am–1pm; get help with your will/advanced directives; fill out the legal aid referral form with Support Services and meet income requirements before setting an appointment

Stroke Support Group—Monday, October 6, 1–2:30pm, in the Volunteer Room
Durham County Veteran Services—Monday, October 6, 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
Staying Connected: Internet and Email for Beginners—Monday, October 6, 9:30–11am, in the Computer Lab; Frederick “Stony” Brown will teach the basics about the internet and getting the most out of your computer
Staying Connected: Internet and Email for Beginners—Tuesday, October 7, 9:30–11am, in the Computer Lab; Frederick “Stony” Brown will teach the basics about the internet and getting the most out of your computer
Little Garden Club—Wednesday, October 8, 11am–1pm, in the Art Studio
Volunteer Notary Public—Wednesday, October 8, 1–2pm, in Office 216; free notary services; call and register at ext 103
Hispanic Heritage Celebration—Wednesday, October 8, 2–4pm, in the Lower Commons; celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with fashion, food, music, and dancing; call and register at ext 110
Exploring Art Mediums: Gourd Painting—Thursday, October 9, noon–1pm, in the Art Studio; instructor Marie will teach decorating dried gourds with acrylic paints; call and register at ext 110
Caregiver Support Group—Thursday, October 9, 12:30pm, in the Boardroom; anyone caring for someone over age 55 can get resources and support; no need to register
Chinese Workshop—Thursday, October 9, 3:30–4:30pm, in the Volunteer Room

Aging in Place: Truths About Communicating with Adult Children—Monday, October 13, 12:30pm, in the Classroom; certified senior housing professional Tracy Drakeford-Pierce will give tips and tricks to getting your adult children to really hear you, especially on difficult topics
EATS: Shop & Grab—Tuesday, October 14, 9am–noon; You can “go shopping” by choosing food out in the lobby to take home; call and register at ext 104
Volunteer Notary Public—Wednesday, October 15, 9:30–11am, in Office 216; free notary services; call and register at ext 103
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)—Wednesday, October 15, noon–1pm, in the Theater; Tanyss Mason will talk about about local volunteer opportunities at Swim for Charlie
Durham County Veteran Services—Wednesday, October 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
AARP Meeting—Wednesday, October 15, 2–3pm, in the Theater
Lucas Legacy Garden Opening—Thursday, October 16, 11am–12:30pm; outside off the front entrance; celebrate the new community garden with a ribbon cutting and plant something in the raised planting beds
Growing Gardens Club—Thursday, October 16, 11am–12:30pm, in the Classroom
Aging with Pride Movie Matinee—Thursday, October 16, 3:30pm, in the Theater; watch the movie Falling (2021)
DCSL EATS: Cooking Demo—Friday, October 17, 9:30–10:30am, in the 406 Café; today’s topic, “Nutrition Education and Demo,” hosted by the Interfaith Food Shuttle
Introduction to ChatGPT—Friday, October 17, 10:30–11:30am, in the Computer Lab; learn about artificial intelligence from instructor Keith Glidewell, get some hands-on practice, and get your questions answered
Trinity Band Fall Concert—Friday, October 17, 11:30am–12:15pm, in the Lower Commons; enjoy a performance by the Trinity School Band during the lunch hour
Durham Access Service Information Session—Friday, October 17, noon–1pm, in the Volunteer Room; representatives from Bike Durham and GoDurham will explain this transportation service, including eligibility and how to apply
What’s Happening at Duke?—Friday, October 17, 12:30–1:30pm, in the Volunteer Room; Duke postdoctoral students will discuss the latest updates and developments in STEM; this month’s session will cover the Benefits of Awe
Motion-Crafted Care—Friday, October 17, 3–4pm, in the Exercise Room; Dr Obed Mulenda leads this exercise rehab and strength-training program

Durham County Veteran Services—Monday, October 20, 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
Introductory Session on Sexuality and Aging with PPSAT—Monday, October 20, noon–1pm, in the Classroom; discuss aging and intimacy and the importance of staying safe
Volunteer Notary Public—Wednesday, October 22, 9:30–11am, in Office 216; free notary services; call and register at ext 103
Monthly Birthday Celebration—Wednesday, October 22, 12:30pm, in the Lower Commons; celebrate your October birthday with treats and fun; call and register at ext 110
Painting with Police—Wednesday, October 22, 12:30–3pm, in the Art Studio; socialize and paint with police officers; call and register at ext 110
Chinese Workshop—Thursday, October 23, 3:30–4:30pm, in the Volunteer Room
EATS: Produce Grab & Go—Friday, October 24, 11am, in Office 216–while supplies last; stop by and pick up fresh produce provided by Red’s Quality Acre Farm; first-come, first-served
Crafting with Regina: Greeting Cards—Friday, October 24, 12:30–1:30pm, in the Art Studio; learn how to make hand-crafted, personalized cards
Aging with Pride Social Club—Friday, October 24, 2:15–3:15pm, in the Classroom; senior members of the LGBT+ community can meet and share resources

Introverts Social Group—Monday, October 27, 11:30am–12:15pm, in the Classroom; make new friends and connections in a small, no-pressure setting with games and conversation
Senior Legal Advisor Presentation—Monday, October 27, 12:30–1:30pm, in the Classroom; certified senior legal advisor Rick Messemer will talk about legal topics of special interest to seniors
Monthly Member Check-in—Tuesday, October 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
Volunteer Notary Public—Wednesday, October 29, 9:30–11am, in Office 216; free notary services; call and register at ext 103
Pumpkin Decorating—Thursday, October 30, 10:30am–1pm, in the Art Studio; decorate a pumpkin to take home or submit it for tomorrow’s Pumpkin Decorating Contest during the Costume Party; call and register at ext 110
LGBTQ+ History Trivia—Friday, October 31, 10–11am, in the Classroom; test your knowledge during this LGBTQ+ trivia contest
Costume Party—Friday, October 31, 2–3:30pm, in the Lower Commons—start with some trick-or-treating, followed by music, dancing, and vote for your favorite pumpkin during the Pumpkin Decorating Contest.

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—Thursdays 10–11:30am
BINGOcize—Mondays and Wednesdays 10:30am
BINGO—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.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Here are some special events for September:

Cooking Demonstration—Thursday, September 18, 10am.

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

ECU DEMENTIA CAREGIVER/PATIENT SURVEY

Dr Rashmita Basu, 252-744-2785, basur19@ecu.edu

Dr Rashmita Basu from Eastern Carolina University is looking for people with dementia and caregivers of individuals with dementia who can fill out surveys for research purposes. The caregivers will be asked questions describing the tasks they take on to help their loved-ones, and the people with dementia will be asked if they need help throughout the day. It should take around a half-hour to complete the survey, and each person with receive a $15 gift card for their participation.

NORTH CAROLINA REGISTRY FOR BRAIN HEALTH

919-613-8633, ncbrainhealth.org

The NC Registry for Brain Health connects people to current research studies, tips for maintaining brain health, and resources for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. After joining, registrants will receive regular updates, quarterly newsletters, free educational materials, and no-pressure invitations to research studies. The registry was made possible thanks to a partnership of Duke University, the UNC School of Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, North Carolina A&T State University, and Eastern Carolina University. Visit the website to learn more and to register. Click here to read the Spring 2025 newsletter.

ADD-ME

DukeUNC-ADDME@duke.edu, website

The Alzheimer’s Disease Discoveries in Medicine (ADD-ME) is for those who want to keep up with the latest information and research and who are willing to participate in upcoming clinical trials. This endeavor is a partnership between Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Visit the website for more info and to sign up.

LEGAL AID OF NORTH CAROLINA

Senior Legal Helpline, 877-579-7562, website

Legal Aid NC has a Senior Legal Helpline, where older adults can get free legal help with housing issues, including landlord/tenant disagreements and mortgage foreclosure; elder abuse, including exploitation and physical abuse; consumer affairs, like collections and repossessions; benefits (Medicaid, Medicare, food stamps (SNAP/EBT), Social Security and SSI, and military veterans’ benefits); and documents, including wills and living wills, and healthcare and legal powers of attorney. Call between the hours of 9 to 11am or 1 to 3pm on weekdays.

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:

Lyon Park Recreation Center’s (1309 Halley St) Lunch and Learn Series will present a talk on Protecting Yourself from Scams and Fraud on Wednesday, October 8, noon–2pm; learn about the latest scams and tricks from staff from the Durham Sheriff’s Department; free admission; contact Nicole Waller at 919-224-9689 to register
Lyon Park Recreation Center’s (1309 Halley St) Lunch and Learn Series will present a talk on Responding to Dementia-Like Behaviors on Wednesday, November 5, noon–2pm; learn about some of the symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease; free admission; contact Nicole Waller at 919-224-9689 to register
Lyon Park Recreation Center’s (1309 Halley St) Lunch and Learn Series will present a talk on Mental Health Matters on Wednesday, December 3, noon–2pm; discuss a variety of mental health topics with a licensed clinical mental health counselor; free admission; contact Nicole Waller at 919-224-9689 to register.

Click on the DPR logo to view the

September–December issue

of Play More.

NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING

NIA Information Center 800-222-2225 • Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center 800-438-4380

Keep up with useful information and resources on healthy aging and dementia in English and Spanish:

Healthy Aging—Access health information, videos, and infographics on exercise, caregiving, and more; click here
Envejecimiento Saludable—Acceda a información de salud, videos e infografías sobre ejercicio, cuidados de familiares y más; clic aquí

Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias—Find tips, resources, and clinical trials for people living with dementia, caregivers, and families; click here
Enfermedad de Alzheimer y Demencias Relacionadas—Encuentre sugerencias, recursos y estudios clínicos para personas que tienen demencia, y sus cuidadores y familias; clic aquí

Free Print Publications—Order easy-to-read materials on topics related to healthy aging and dementia; click here
Publicaciones Impresas Gratuitas—Solicite materiales fáciles de leer sobre temas relacionados con el envejecimiento saludable y la demencia; clic aquí.

CHECK FOR SAFETY

Click on the brochure for a detailed checklist on staying safe and avoiding falls as an older person living at home.

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). 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 Summer 2025 catalog.