A Taxing Proposition
How would eliminating property taxes impact the services they help provide?
Taxes, to paraphrase Benjamin Franklin, are one of life’s two certainties.
How those taxes should be collected, however, is a topic of seemingly endless debate.
The latest debate concerns a proposal to put an amendment on the November ballot to eliminate property taxes in Ohio. While the thought of paying less in taxes appeals to many, eliminating property taxes altogether could mean an increase elsewhere – think income tax and/or sales tax –as well as a potentially negative impact on those local entities that receive funding from property tax dollars.
See TAXES on page 6.
SPRING CONTENT
01 A Taxing Proposition In Our Community 04 The Power of Peers Feature 08 What’s Your Sleep Number? Health & Wellness
10 Understanding Property Taxes in Ohio Government
12 Designed to Stay: Habitat for Humanity Homes Help Older Adults Age in Place Age-Friendly Delaware County
14 From the Source SourcePoint News, Programs, and Resources
16 Go With the Flow: Why Roundabouts Work Transitions in Aging
16 When Your Smartphone Reaches End of Life Technology 17 Sudoku Fun & Games
18 Mental Health: Changing the Conversation Health & Wellness 21 Coping with Chemo Health & Wellness
22 Did You Receive a Letter from the Social Security Administration? Consumer Safety 24 Getting to and from the Floor: A Little Practice Can Help You Stay Independent Falls Prevention
25 Older Americans Month: Champion Your Health In Our Community 26 Handling a Hernia Health & Wellness
27 What is a ComPASS? In Our Community
800 Cheshire Road, Delaware
740-363-6677 | MySourcePoint.org EIN 31-1354284
SourcePoint is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that provides professional expertise, services, and programs for Delaware County adults who want to thrive after 55, as well as family caregivers. Services and programs are supported by the local senior services levy, private and corporate donations, grants, and the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging.
2026 Board of Directors
President: Pamela Foster, Orange Township
Vice President: Cheri Thompson, Delaware
Secretary: Annie Horstman, MD, Delaware
Treasurer: Michael Tucker, JD, Delaware
Eleanor Biddulph, Westerville
Randy Bournique, Delaware
Bill Brown, Delaware
Adrienne Corbett, Delaware
Todd Everingham, MBA, Dublin
Ron Fantozzi, Columbus
Beth Fligner, JD, Dublin
Alice Frazier, MD, Delaware
Liz Gitter, MSSW, Delaware
Beth Long-Higgins, MDiv, Delaware
Heidi Reed, Sunbury
Jodie Wegmiller, BSN, MBA, Delaware
The board typically meets the last Wednesday at noon for six months out of the year. Members of the public who wish to attend may call the chief executive officer at 740-363-6677.
My Communicator is published quarterly and is made possible through advertisers, donors, and volunteers. About 5,000 copies of each edition are printed and distributed throughout Delaware County. My Communicator is available for pick-up at SourcePoint and 50 other locations, such as libraries, senior living communities, health care facilities, and other nonprofit organizations. To find a nearby pickup site, contact SourcePoint at 740-363-6677. Read My Communicator online at MySourcePoint.org/publications.
To advertise or submit educational content for consideration, contact Chief Advancement Officer Alison Yeager at alison@MySourcePoint.org
The appearance of advertising does not represent an endorsement by SourcePoint. We reserve the right to refuse any advertising that conflicts with our mission.
Welcome to SourcePoint, where life after 55 is just the beginning of your new adventures!
Our enrichment center offers a free community pass to Delaware Co. residents age 55 and better, granting access to hundreds of programs each quarter. For those who can’t make it during the day, we are rolling out After Hours classes in April 2026 to fit your busy schedule.
Peers
From page 1
Do birds of a feather really flock together?
The science says yes. People do tend to choose friends who are similar to them. You also become more like your friends over time. And that can influence your health. Many behaviors spread socially. Examples include how much you exercise, how much alcohol you drink, whether you smoke, and what foods you eat.
It’s also activated by social rewards, like getting a compliment.
Scientists are still trying to untangle why that is. Studies have found that activity in certain brain areas changes when other people are around. That can affect what you choose to do.
But this work also suggests that you can harness the power of social relationships to gain healthier habits—and motivate others to do the same.
Social Influence
“People care about what others think across all different age groups—and that influences how much they value different ideas and behaviors,” says Dr. Emily Falk at the University of Pennsylvania. She studies how social networks affect decision making. This is called social, or peer, influence.
Teens are especially responsive to peer influence. That’s because their brains undergo changes that make them highly attuned to social situations. At the same time, the reward system in the teen brain becomes extra sensitive.
The reward system is a brain circuit that causes feelings of pleasure. It’s activated by things we enjoy, like eating good food.
And teens are just learning to navigate the social world. Understanding other people’s values and being influenced by them are important parts of socializing. Being influenced on things like clothing choices and musical taste can help teens learn to fit in and make friends. But taking part in risky behaviors, like drinking alcohol or smoking, can lead to health or legal consequences.
“Research shows that even just having another peer around can change the reward response in the brain and also the risk-taking tendencies of teenagers,” says Falk. Her team studies how peers affect teens’ driving behaviors and smoking decisions.
Some people seem to be more easily influenced than others, too. They may be more sensitive to feeling included or excluded by others. Or they may be more sensitive to social signals, like the tone of someone’s voice or their body language.
Dr. Mary Heitzeg’s team at the University of Michigan is doing research to better understand how a person’s biology and reactions to social situations affect whether they develop substance use or mental health problems later in life.
socially included or excluded. They’re also looking at how the brain’s reward system responds to different situations.
Heitzeg’s team is part of a large 10year effort, called the ABCD Study, to understand the factors that influence teens’ health and risk behavior in the long term. Factors can include families, friends, schools, neighborhoods, and communities.
“Adolescence is such a risky period,” says Heitzeg. “That’s when sexual initiation happens, initiation and escalation of substance use happens, as well as other types of risky and delinquent behaviors, like risky driving.”
But it’s also a time that peer influence can help teens thrive if it gets them more involved with their community or helps them learn behaviors to get along with others, like how to cooperate or be empathetic.
Peer influence doesn’t disappear with age. In fact, for older adults, friendships and social connections can play an important role in shaping daily habits, supporting mental health, and encouraging positive choices that promote independence and well-being.
Peer Quality, Not Quantity
Positive and negative peer influences can affect more than just your behavior. They can also change the way you feel.
Using brain scans, the team is looking at how teens’ brains respond to being
Studies show that, in general, the more friends you have and the more time you spend with them, the happier you are. Friends give you people to share your feelings with, to get new perspectives from, or to just do fun activities with.
But it’s the quality of those friendships— not quantity—that really makes the difference. Quality of friendships has been linked to higher life satisfaction and better mental health.
“We’ve all experienced letting a friendship go because it didn’t feel great,” says Dr. Rebecca Schwartz-Mette of the University of Maine. Her lab studies how peer relationships affect the emotional development of children and teens.
Friendships you feel you want to let go of may be low quality. They might be fraught with conflict, criticism, and aggression. For youth, low quality friendships are linked to poor academic performance and behavioral issues.
High quality friendships provide understanding, support, and validation of
your self-worth. These types of friendships are more stable and are more satisfying.
Spending time with friends can be especially helpful for people with anxiety or depression. However, Schwartz-Mette’s studies have shown that depression can also be worsened by certain friendship qualities. One is called co-rumination.
“Co-rumination is basically when people get together and talk excessively about everything that’s going wrong and how bad they feel,” she explains. “With that person, they feel understood, validated, and that this person is emotionally close to them. But they get more depressed because they’re focusing their attention on negative things.”
Research suggests that it may help to refocus such friendships. Talk about both
positive and negative things in your day. Look for healthy activities to get out and do together, like going for a walk. Encourage each other to keep up healthy habits like physical activity, healthy eating, and getting a good night’s sleep.
“Noticing that our behavior is influenced by other people, we can be intentional and try to focus on the people who are doing the things we want to get into ourselves,” Falk explains. “Sharing your healthy habits with other people could make a real difference to somebody else.” And to yourself.
Source: NIH News in Health. Read more at newsinhealth.nih.gov.
Taxes
From page 1
SourcePoint is one of those local organizations that derives much of its operating revenue from property taxes; the Senior Services Property Tax Levy provides between 75% and 80% of funding.
“The concept of state taxes is made up of income, sales, and property tax, like three legs on a stool,” said Jodie Kaminsky, community aging planner at SourcePoint.
“If you take one leg of the stool out, the need for what gets funded doesn’t go away, so you have to use one of the other legs to make up the difference.”
In Ohio, property taxes are determined by multiplying a property’s assessed value (which is 35 percent of its appraised value) by a local mill rate. For example, if a property is appraised at $200,000, its assessed value would be $70,000. A local mill rate of 2% (20 mills) would mean the property tax owed would be $1,400.
“Ohio is one of the older states in the country (in terms of population), and it’s only going to get older,” said SourcePoint CEO Fara Waugh.
As Delaware County’s older population grows, so does the need for many of the services SourcePoint provides, including Meals on Wheels and in-home care.
“We do get some federal funding for Meals on Wheels, but it doesn’t keep pace,” Waugh said. “The federal funding doesn’t cover 50% of the meals we serve.”
Waugh said much of SourcePoint’s property tax revenue supports other services that help keep Delaware County residents in their homes as they age.
“The property tax supports the case management services provided by our care consultants,” Waugh said. “We are trying to support people who want to stay in their homes. That is less expensive than being in a nursing home, and many times people don’t need all of the services that are provided in a nursing home.”
“Property taxes are the only taxes that are assessed locally and that stay local, so as a community, we have more say in how that money is used,” Kaminsky said.
Other entities that receive funding from property taxes include school districts, fire and police departments, EMS, 9-1-1 service, mental health, and developmental disabilities, just to name a few. While the majority of property tax revenue goes to fund school districts, eliminating property taxes entirely would also eliminate smaller levies that fund these essential local services. Kaminsky said in Delaware County, there is a correlation between the services provided through property taxes and the overall health of those who live here.
“People live longer and better partially because of the services they have access to here,” she said. Delaware County has repeatedly been named among the healthiest in the state and the country in the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps annual data release and at 81.3 years, is reported to have one of the highest predicted lifespans.
In addition to being one of the healthiest counties, Delaware County continues to be among the fastest growing in the state. The county’s total population has grown by more than 35% since 2010, and the number of Delaware County residents age 60 and older is projected to nearly double between 2020 and 2050, according to the Scripps Gerontology Center analysis of Ohio Department of Development projections.
More than 90% of SourcePoint’s in-home care clients have said the services they receive have helped them to continue living in their home.
Other SourcePoint services supported by the Senior Services Property Tax Levy include transportation to medical appointments, respite care, adult day care services, and insurance counseling.
“We have trained specialists who assist folks in selecting their Medicare Part D plan and getting enrolled in Medicare,” Waugh said. “A lot of the programming we do at the enrichment center is funded by fees, but not 100%. We are able to offer no or reduced fees because of the funding we get through the levy.”
Those proposing the amendment to eliminate the property tax haven’t announced an alternative tax plan to replace those funds typically collected from property. Without a plan in place, critical services could be lost, Waugh said, but shifting the burden to the sales tax may not be the best solution.
“It’s important to learn what those property tax dollars are used for and what eliminating them would mean,” Waugh said. “A sales tax is disproportionately paid by those with lower incomes. You pay taxes on items you purchase; that isn’t based on your income, it is based on what you purchase, so those with lower incomes end up paying more. I know property taxes are a concern, but all of us would be impacted by their elimination.”
Kaminsky said thoughtful tax reform may be the best way to approach the challenging issue of keeping taxes equitable while the community continues to grow and evolve.
“Maybe you have someone who has lived in their home for 40 years and it’s gone up in value, and now they can’t keep up with property taxes while on a fixed income.” Kaminsky said. The question is how to implement reforms that help that population. “Targeted updates to existing programs like the Homestead Exemption could be one way to address that scenario.”
Property tax reform would also keep that revenue local, which Waugh said is a vital piece of the funding puzzle.
“Keeping that funding local means you can support current programs and develop new ones that meet the needs of our community,” Waugh said. “When older residents can stay in their homes and communities—grandparents living near their grandchildren—those property taxes support multiple generations, and strengthen the entire community.”
Source: Jeff Robinson is a feature writer for My Communicator.
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SCAN ME
What’s Your Sleep Number?
The first thing millions of older Americans do when they wake up is look at their wrist or app to see how they slept—how long, how deeply, and how restfully. For a growing number of adults ages 50 and older, sleep has become something that is quantified, analyzed, and discussed over coffee—“what was your sleep number last night?” This reflects a broader shift in how health and technology intersect.
According to AARP, one-third of Americans ages 50 or older report owning a wearable device. Wearables with dedicated sleep-tracking capabilities, such as the Fitbit, Apple Watch, and Oura Ring, are increasingly being used to measure sleep parameters in older people, while also capturing other health metrics. These devices provide low-cost, unobtrusive, and consumer-level insights into normal sleep patterns associated with advancing age, all without the need for clinical intervention.
of sleep-tracking, revealing how these tools fit into broader goals of health monitoring, including the goal of “aging in place.”
A focus on sleep scores and frequent interaction with technology may actually heighten sleep-related anxiety.
Not surprisingly, while many older adults gained increased awareness of sleep patterns and related health behaviors, their experiences varied widely depending upon usability, data interpretation, and applicability. The experts felt similarly, and while they saw the potential, they were keenly aware of the limitations related to accuracy and discordance with sleep hygiene principles. Specifically, consumer devices rely upon indirect physiological signals rather than gold-standard measures, which can lead to misclassification of sleep and wakefulness, inconsistent estimates of sleep stages, and varying results across competing devices.
So, what does it mean to track sleep later in life? As interest in these devices grows, so do questions about their usefulness, accuracy, and impact on daily life. Manufacturers of sleeptracking devices often claim these tools promote improved sleep health, but could sleep tracking inadvertently cause more harm than benefit?
Experiences, Perceptions and Sleep Hygiene Practices of Sleep-tracking Older Adults
To explore how older adults experience and interpret sleeptracking wearables, we conducted a mixed-methods stakeholder analysis examining experiences, perceptions, sleep hygiene practices, and potential behavior changes associated with these devices.
The analysis integrated qualitative interviews with a vendor representing a well-known wrist-worn device; a board-certified sleep physician; and a research advocate who specializes in digital health and older adults via social listening, or scouring relevant comments in Amazon and online communities, to read what fans and critics of sleep-tracking devices said.
Expert perspectives and consumer experiences in combination provided insights into older adults’ experiences and perceptions
Additionally, the focus on sleep scores and frequent interaction with technology may actually heighten sleep-related anxiety, and shift attention away from good sleep practices. Collectively, these findings suggest that sleep-tracking wearables play an influential but complex role in older adults’ health routines, offering increased awareness and engagement, while also presenting challenges to consumer satisfaction, appropriate interpretation, and long-term use.
Social listening showed that some people love it: “I bought it to find out how I was really sleeping… It gives me so much information! Love it!” Others found devices hard to use, read, and interpret. The experts concurred, pointing out that older adults are heavier users of technology than many give them credit for, yet raised the question if sleep-tracking wearables, “provide any useful data” beyond a person’s subjective experience.
Arguably the most interesting question is how sleep-tracking works with sleep hygiene, which is defined as any behavior that promotes (or hinders) good sleep. There is a growing chasm between awareness of good sleep habits and actual bedtime behaviors, which tracking can increase awareness of, but rarely
fixes. In fact, the sleep physician noted, “Going to the sleep doctor in a state of panic—that’s probably about the only behavioral change I see!”
Sleep hygiene recommendations include maintaining consistent times for going to bed and waking up, engaging in regular daytime physical activity, and obtaining adequate natural light exposure, all of which help regulate circadian rhythms as they change with age. Creating a sleep environment that is quiet, dark, cool and free of unnecessary stimulation also remains essential. These recommendations don’t include devices. In fact, instead of listening to the data, it’s important to first listen to our bodies, and to become consciously aware of “the spaces between wakefulness and rest.”
Still, sleep-tracking wearables occupy a supportive, though imperfect, role in the landscape of aging and health. While these devices have the potential to increase sleep awareness, they
often intensify frustrations due to functionality and usability challenges among older adults. Accordingly, sleep-tracking wearables neither replace clinical judgment nor guarantee improved sleep outcomes; however, for many older adults they offer a meaningful sense of engagement, and a better understanding of how daily habits influence sleep.
Source: Generations by the American Society on Aging. Read more at generations.asaging.org.
OPTIONS OPTIONS
WASTE & ELECTRONICS APRIL - SEPTEMBER COLLECTION SITES (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY)
1 & 3 Wednesdays in Delaware County.
rd 2 Wednesdays in Knox County.
Open to residents in all four District counties (Delaware, Knox Marion, Morrow).
$20/car Household Hazardous Waste (cash or card).
$20 per TV & CRT monitor (cash or card). All other electronics are free. Call (419) 751-2290 to schedule a drop-off appointment.
HOUSEHOLD HA A DOUS WASTE COLLECTION EVENT
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION EVENT (NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED)
Saturday, June 13, 2026
9:00am – 1:00pm.
Marion County Fairgrounds, 220 E. Fairground Street, Marion, OH.
$20/car (cash only).
For additional information, please call (740) 223-4120.
ELECTRONICS COLLECTION E ENT EVENT (NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED)
Saturday, June 27, 2026
9:00am – 1:00pm OR until the truck is full.
Delaware County Fairgrounds, 236 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Delaware, OH.
$20 per TV & CRT monitor (cash only).
All other electronics are free, and please be prepared to wait to be served.
For additional information, please call (740) 203-2076.
GOVERNMENT
Understanding Property Taxes in Ohio
Property taxes can sometimes feel confusing, but they play an important role in supporting the communities where we live. In Ohio, property taxes are unique because they are local taxes that stay in the community, funding essential services that residents rely on every day and reflecting the services the voters in the community value.
From schools and libraries to senior services and emergency response, property taxes help make our communities stronger, safer, and more connected.
Property Taxes Stay Local
Unlike many other taxes that go to the state or federal government, property taxes largely remain within the county and local communities where they are collected. Those dollars help fund services that residents see and benefit from directly.
Property taxes support important community resources such as:
• Local school districts
• Police, fire, and EMS services
• Libraries and parks
• Township and city services, like road maintenance and snow removal
• Programs that support older adults and families
In Delaware County, for example, property taxes help fund organizations like SourcePoint, which provides programs and services that help older adults live healthy, active, and independent lives. When looking at a specific property, the auditor’s website has a breakdown of how your tax bill is allocated on the Tax Distribution tab.
How Property Taxes Are Calculated
In Ohio, property taxes are based on a property’s assessed value, which is calculated as 35% of its market value.
For example:
• If a home is worth $200,000
• The taxable value is $70,000 (35% of the market value)
That taxable value is then multiplied by local tax rates approved by voters in your community. These rates help fund schools, public safety, and other local services.
Property Values and Updates
County auditors determine property values and update them periodically to reflect changes in the housing market.
In Ohio:
• A full property reappraisal occurs every six years
• A value update happens every three years between reappraisals
These updates help ensure that the tax system remains fair and reflects current property values across the community. And for those who think their property valuation is wrong, the auditor’s office has a process for property owners to initiate a dispute.
The Role of Levies
Many local services are funded through voter-approved property tax levies. When residents vote for a levy, they are choosing to invest in targeted services that matter to their community.
These levies can support things like:
• Schools and education programs
• Libraries and park districts
• Emergency medical services
• Services for older adults
• Community health and human services
This system allows residents to have a direct voice in how local services are funded.
Credits That Help Reduce Taxes
Ohio also offers programs that help reduce property taxes for many homeowners.
These include:
• Owner-occupancy credit for primary residences
• Property tax rollbacks on many residential properties
• The Homestead Exemption for eligible older adults, veterans, and people with disabilities
These programs help provide targeted property tax relief while still supporting important community services.
A Local Investment in Quality of Life
Property taxes play a vital role in maintaining the services and resources that make communities thrive and reflect the services your community values. Because these dollars stay local, they support programs and organizations that residents see every day—from schools and parks to services that help older adults remain active and independent.
In counties across Ohio, including Delaware County, property taxes help fund programs like those offered by SourcePoint, ensuring that older adults and caregivers have access to the support they need.
When residents contribute through property taxes, they are helping invest in the quality of life, safety, and well-being of their own community.
Our Local Property Taxes at Work
SourcePoint is proud to serve the older adults in Delaware County. Thanks to the Senior Services Property Tax Levy, which provides between 75% and 80% of our funding, we provide services like:
• Meals on Wheels and community cafes
• Medical transportation for older adults
• Homemaking and personal care
• Health and wellness programs
Last year, 91% of in-home care clients said services helped them stay at home. SourcePoint provides resources that allow older adults to stay in their homes and communities—where they want to be and at a lower cost than a nursing home.
Did You Know?
Delaware County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Ohio, with total population growth of more than 35% since 2010.
More than 1 in 4 residents will be age 60 or older by 2030.
Longer life expectancy means more residents living into their 80s and beyond— the age group most likely to need supportive services.
In Our Community
Eliminating property taxes—without a plan to replace the lost funding—puts vital services at risk.
More than 69% voted in support of the last levy
Stable, local funding ensures services remain available for today’s older adults—and tomorrow’s.
This material is provided for educational and informational purposes only.
AGE-FRIENDLY DELAWARE COUNTY
Designed to Stay: Habitat for Humanity Homes Help Older Adults Age in Place
As housing costs continue to climb across Delaware County, two local families can achieve something many residents increasingly struggle to attain: a safe, affordable home.
Habitat for Humanity of Delaware & Union Counties is building two homes this year designed specifically for older adults—projects that aim to help residents remain in the communities they love while addressing the county’s growing need for affordable housing.
The homes serve two households with strong ties to the community: Tammy, a retired grandmother raising her grandson, and the family of Bonnie, Russell, and Shane (pictured at right), who currently share a small apartment while managing disabilities and rising rent costs.
“Not just the idea of owning a home but helping build it is more meaningful than just renting another hole in the wall,” Russell said.
As part of Habitat’s program, homeowners contribute 300 hours of “sweat equity,” helping build their homes and completing homeowner education classes before purchasing their new homes with a zerointerest, affordable mortgage.
Homes Designed for Aging in Place
Both homes incorporate elements of universal design, a building approach that makes homes safer and easier to navigate for people of all ages and abilities.
For Tammy, the opportunity represents a life-changing step toward stability. A former claims adjuster who worked for 35 years, she retired due to health challenges and now lives on a fixed income. Rising rent has placed significant pressure on her budget.
“Our rent was more than 40% of my monthly income and rising each year,” Tammy said. “Often we were scrimping to buy groceries, especially with the rise in my health care costs.”
Through Habitat’s program, Tammy purchased a new ranch-style home in Ostrander designed to support her mobility needs while providing a stable environment for the grandson she has raised since infancy.
When Habitat breaks ground on their 86th home in Delaware County this spring it will be in partnership with Bonnie, Russell, and Shane, who have shared a small two-bedroom apartment in Lewis Center for seven years. Bonnie and Shane both live with disabilities, and the stairs leading to their current apartment make everyday tasks difficult.
Despite working and carefully budgeting, the family has struggled to find accessible housing that is also affordable.
The approach reflects a growing trend in housing planning. A 2023 survey of local residents by the Delaware Public Health District showed that nearly 90% of older adults want to remain in their own homes and communities as they age, rather than move into institutional settings. Not only is aging in place typically more affordable, it is the preferred option for most people.
By building homes that support mobility and independence, Habitat aims to help older adults remain connected to their neighborhoods, families, and support systems.
Examples of universal design include: wider doorways, step-free entrances, accessible bathrooms, levered door handles and single-level living spaces — design choices that allow residents to remain in their homes as their needs change.
Rising Housing Costs in Delaware County Projects like these come at a time when housing affordability has become a growing concern across Delaware County. Over the past decade, housing costs have climbed significantly, placing additional pressure on renters and residents living on fixed incomes. Local housing studies show that about 37% of renters and roughly one-fifth of homeowners in Delaware County are cost-burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing.
The county reports the highest home sale prices in the Columbus region and in the state, with the median home sale price reaching about $510,000 in 2025.
Rental costs have also increased, with average apartment rents reaching approximately $1,610 per month, among the highest in central Ohio. In comparison, in 2013, the median monthly rent was $883 per month.
While prices rise, demand for housing continues to grow as the county’s population expands. The shortage of smaller, moderately priced homes has made it difficult for seniors, service workers, and residents on fixed incomes to find affordable options.
Closing the Gap
Habitat for Humanity’s work represents one of the many ways community organizations are responding to this challenge.
In addition to building new homes, Habitat for Humanity of Delaware & Union Counties operates a home repair program partially funded by a grant from SourcePoint that helps older adults maintain safe living conditions. The program addresses critical home repairs, such as roofs, HVAC, plumbing, electrical and safety concerns to prevent further damage to a home and preserve long-term stability and safety. Further, Habitat also provides accessibility improvements like ramps that help older adults age safely in their home.
While two homes alone cannot solve the county’s housing challenges, Habitat leaders say each project provides lifechanging stability for families and strengthens the broader community.
For Tammy, her home means a future where her grandson can focus on being a child rather than worrying about housing uncertainty. For Bonnie, Russell, and Shane, it means accessibility, independence, and the space to build a life together.
For both households, the opportunity represents something far greater than a house.
It represents a place to truly call home.
Source: Jodie Kaminsky is SourcePoint’s community aging planner, leading the Age-Friendly Delaware County initiative.
Habitat’s approach:
• Zero-interest, affordable mortgages for qualified homebuyers
• 300 hours of sweat equity by participants
• Homes designed with accessibility and universal design features
• Home repair program for older adults
Looking to get involved?
Did you know there are multiple ways you can support our local Habitat for Humanity? You can volunteer, donate, or shop!
Looking for volunteer opportunities? The majority of volunteers—both in the ReStore and on construction sites—are older adults from our community. Volunteering with Habitat is a great way to meet new friends, learn new skills, and make a positive impact in our community.
Downsizing or spring cleaning? Donate furniture and household supplies to the ReStore.
Looking for a great deal? Stop by the ReStore to discover new hidden gems. Proceeds from the ReStore are funneled back into Habitat’s local programs.
Find the ReStore at 1161 Columbus Pike in Delaware.
Find more information at habitatdelawareunion.org
FROM THE SOURCE
The latest news, programs, and resources available at SourcePoint.
Fitness & Wellness
DROP-IN OPTIONS
ComPASS members can drop in for the fitness center or exercise classes on days they visit without prior registration. To drop in, members must: 1. Confirm available openings with Customer Service. 2. Pay the $5 drop-in fee.
BALANCE BOOST
Mondays with Dyan, 1–1:45 p.m. or Thursdays with Dyan, 11‒11:45 a.m.
Beginner-advanced. The National Institute of Health recommends strength training to prevent falls in older adults. You need balance for everything from walking to getting out of a chair to tying your shoes. This prevention-focused class will boost your balance by building strong muscles in your arms, core, and legs. Beginners are encouraged to attend.
Fee: $50 for a one-time per week series.
PEDAL & PUMP
Tuesdays or Thursdays with Austin, 10–10:45 a.m.
Beginner-advanced. Social cycling at your own pace and intensity. Promotes physical and emotional well-being while getting you in shape. Cycling is a whole-body exercise with mental health benefits. Boost bone density, improve cardiovascular health and endurance, strengthen the core and lower body, work on weight loss, and get happy, healthy, and smarter (per Harvard University and OSU)!
Fee: $50 for a one-time per week series.
RESISTANCE TRAINING
Mondays with Jennifer, noon‒12:45 p.m.
Beginner-advanced. This class demystifies resistance/ strength training by teaching you the ‘how’ behind the exercise and equipment. Using dumbbells and bodyweight to help you achieve your goals to build muscle, boost bone health, and gain confidence.
Fee: $50 for the series.
TAI CHI: CHAIR ONLINE
Thursdays with Mimi, 1–1:45 p.m.
Experience the gentle, stress-relieving movements of Tai Chi from home! This modified, seated class is perfect for improving your flexibility, coordination, and relaxation, all from the stability of your chair.
Fee: $10 for the series.
Transitions in Aging
A MATTER OF BALANCE RETURNS
Mondays, April 20 through June 15, 2:15–4:15 p.m.
This is a fall prevention program which incorporates some exercise. Have you fallen in the past? Have you limited your activity for fear of falling? Do you want to improve balance, flexibility, and strength? A Matter of Balance is a free, award–winning program that teaches practical strategies to reduce your fear of falling and increase your activity level. In this series, you’ll learn to view falls as controllable, set realistic goals for yourself, reduce risk factors, and exercise to increase strength and balance.
DRIVING QUESTIONS? LET’S TALK! BY APPOINTMENT NEW! Have questions about driving—for yourself or someone you care about? Schedule a friendly, peer-based, oneon-one conversation—no tests or lectures. Jackie Bain from the DPHD will meet with you to chat about everyday driving concerns, common challenges, and simple tips or adjustments that can help you feel more confident behind the wheel. You’ll also get connected to local resources and helpful information tailored to your situation. To schedule your appointment, contact Jackie Bain at 740-203-2083.
THOUGHTFUL FUNERAL PRE-PLANNING NEW!
Wednesday, May 6, 9–10 a.m.
It can be uncomfortable to think about funeral planning, but it’s an important gift you can give your family. Funeral pre-planning means deciding in advance how you want your funeral or memorial to look. It can be funded or not funded... either way pre-planning removes any guessing, especially at such a difficult time. Your loved ones will know if you want a burial or cremation, church service or graveside, or have other requests or preferences. It truly is one of the kindest gifts you can leave your loved ones. Join us for a discussion and look at funeral myths that often complicate decision making. Program presented by Memory Lane Sunbury. Free planning booklet for those who attend.
Learning
THOUGHT SPARKS
Wednesdays, April 8, May 6, June 3, 1‒2 p.m.
Thought Sparks stimulates reflection on thought-provoking questions that capture life’s ebbs and flows, detours and roundabouts, peaks, and valleys. Questions like: “If you could have one superpower, what would you want it to be?”
Members share their adventurous, courageous, creative, insightful, intense, passionate, and stirring perspectives. The dialogues elicit cerebral canons, cheerful chortles, nodding noggins, subtle surprises, and more. Register to avoid: FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).
Fee: $3 for series.
BRAIN BOOST HYBRID
Fridays, 11 a.m.‒noon.
Previously known as Mind Aerobics. Flex your mind every Friday as we engage in group discussions, mind games, trivia, and in-depth current event conversations. Bring an open mind and share your ideas as we work our memories, problem-solving abilities, and ability to make connections. Each week is different, with segments that encourage you to think. In person or online available. Fee: $20 for the quarter.
The Arts
GUITAR LESSONS: ACOUSTIC TIPS AND TRICKS NEW!
Tuesdays, 4–4:30 p.m.
In this intermediate level class, we’ll focus on fingerpicking, chord shapes, flat picking, hybrid picking, fills and runs.
Fee: $5 for the series.
MEDITATIVE COLORING RETURNS
Wednesdays, April 8, 15, 22, and 29, 1–2 p.m.
Wednesdays, May 6, 13, 20, and 27, 1–2 p.m.
Wednesdays, June 3, 10, 17, and 24, 1–2 p.m.
Step into a calm, creative space where color meets mindfulness. In this relaxing class, you’ll explore the soothing art of meditative coloring — no art skills needed, just an open mind. Unwind, focus your thoughts, and let your stress melt away one stroke at a time. Perfect for boosting creativity, reducing anxiety, and finding your inner calm.
Fee: $5 for the series.
Social Connections
KARAOKE! CHESHIRE KARAOKE PARTY RETURNS!
Tuesdays, April 28, May 12, and June 9, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Grab the mic and have some fun! When everyone starts singing with you, you’ll know you have chosen a good song. Feel free to bring your own dinner and beverage of choice.
BOWLING: SUMMER BOWLING LEAGUE NEW!
Fridays, May 8 through July 24, 12:45–4 p.m. at Delaware Lanes, 536 Sunbury Road.
Cost is $13 each week, payable on-site. Questions, contact Norma at 740-816-9525.
ORANGE TOWNSHIP SOCIALS
First Tuesday of each month, 1–3 p.m. at North Orange Park Community Room, 7560 Gooding Boulevard, Delaware. Looking to connect with others in your community? Hosted by SourcePoint with Orange Township, these special gatherings invite adults 55+ to enjoy conversation, laughter, and simple games that are easy to learn and fun to play.
Day Trips
SAFARI AT THE WILDS NEW!
Thursday, June 4; estimated timing: 8 a.m. bus departure, 6 p.m. estimated return.
Come face to face with exotic animals from all over the world when you visit the Wilds, Ohio’s safari and one of the largest animal conservation centers. Knowledgeable guides will lead us through open-range animal areas, where you will see rhinos, giraffes, and many other rare and endangered animals roaming in large, natural settings. Explore, learn, and relax while you observe the wildlife around you.
Transportation, Private Open Air Safari Tour and private lunch included. But wait, there’s more. This trip includes a mystery bonus stop! Activity Level 1. Registration through May 5. Fee: $125 for members; $145 for nonmembers.
BROADWAY IN COLUMBUS: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS NEW! Tuesday, June 9; estimated timing: 6:15 p.m. bus departure, 11 p.m. return.
A young man finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus and a life beyond his wildest dreams. His adventure becomes a reminder that life can begin again at any age. Join SourcePoint for this performance at the Ohio Theatre in Columbus. Activity Level 1. Registration through April 27. Fee: $105 for members; $125 for nonmembers.
TRANSITIONS IN
AGING
Go with the Flow: Why Roundabouts Work
Roundabouts may feel unfamiliar to many older drivers—but most end up liking them once they get used to the design. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 65% of adults over 65 reported favoring roundabouts in surveys taken a year after a new roundabout opened. While those who learned to drive before roundabouts were common may initially feel unsure, experience shows that confidence—and appreciation— grow quickly. Many older drivers ultimately prefer roundabouts because they offer safer, smoother, and more efficient travel.
To support motorists as roadway designs continue to evolve, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) provides a variety of tools and resources. Drivers can check live traffic cameras, download the OHGO travel app, and stay updated on construction and closures through ODOT’s statewide and local
TECHNOLOGY
social media channels. All of these tools are available at transportation.ohio.gov.
Want to learn more in person?
The SAFE Delaware County Coalition and Age-Friendly Delaware County are pleased to host Katie Wright, Traffic Safety Engineer with ODOT, at SourcePoint on Tuesday, April 21, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Katie will be in the gathering area during lunch to offer guidance, answer questions, and provide tips for navigating Delaware County’s continually improving roadways.
The SAFE Delaware County Coalition invites all drivers to participate in older driver safety programs at SourcePoint and to contact coordinator Jackie Bain for additional information on how to keep you driving longer safely at jbain@delawarehealth.org or 740-203-2083.
When Your Smartphone Reaches End of Life
Many tech devices, like our computers, smartphones, and tablets, have an end-of-life. That essentially means the device will no longer be supported by the manufacturer. It doesn’t mean it will stop working, but it does mean it may not work safely. When a device is not being updated, it can be susceptible to compromise, making it less safe to use for banking, financial transactions, health portals, government websites, etc.
It can be confusing. Sometimes we think that because the device is “old,” it is out of date, and we must replace it. That isn’t necessarily true. Just because the model of the smartphone, tablet, or computer is no longer sold doesn’t mean it has reached the end of its life.
Other times, the device still works, so we think it’s fine to use, and it may not be. The important thing is that the device is getting “updates.”
One of the places I look at for end-of-life information is a website endoflife.date Don’t be overwhelmed when you look there because it includes information for many kinds of tech. The column on the left side of the home page is organized by the manufacturer. That is the easiest way to find your device. An iPhone is listed under Apple. An Android phone is listed by the manufacturer, such as Samsung, Google, etc.
Without going into too much detail, there is a difference in the data shown between an Apple device and an Android OS device. An Apple iPhone will list the OS version supported and whether
the device is supported for updates. When the supported column shows a red box and “No,” the device is no longer getting security updates.
The data shown for an Android phone, like a Samsung Galaxy, is different from that of an iPhone. The Samsung Galaxy entry will show two columns of dates. The first is the support date for the Android OS, and the second is the Samsung manufacturer’s update date. Most of the time, the two dates are the same, but the older the phone, the more likely the dates are not the same.
Doing a web search may also tell you if the tech will be getting security updates. Sometimes the manufacturer’s website will tell you. You can also look in the settings app and see when it last got an update. If the last update is more than a year old and won’t update, the device is out of date and should be replaced.
The bottom line is we should keep our devices updated. A device that isn’t getting updates presents a risk we should avoid.
Jarren Ringle is a member of SourcePoint and a volunteer instructor. SourcePointers come to Jarren for tutelage on their tablets, laptops, and the most popular of all devices – cell phones. He teaches various technology classes throughout the year including one-on-one sessions and group classes. Jarren also volunteers at the Delaware County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. With many years of project management experience in various technology fields, he enjoys helping others with technology.
Technology 1:1 Assistance: Jarren Ringle provides guidance on technology in a 45-minute time slot. Do you have questions regarding a cell phone, PC, laptop or tablet? Share what the device is and what your question is upon registration so that Jarren can be better prepared to help. Schedule your 1:1 at MySourcePoint.org/EC or call 740-363-6677.
FUN & GAMES
Sudoku
EASY HARD
See Sudoku Solutions on page 23.
Mental Health: Changing the Conversation
Ms. Kim and her husband Sae moved to the United States from Korea many years ago. Together, they planted new roots, raised a family, and looked forward to the continued adventures they would share well into their lives.
They were happy. And then, in December 2020, Sae unexpectedly died of COVID.
Ms. Kim, 71, was shattered. She had relied on Sae for everything, including his English language skills and his confident ability to navigate American culture. Now, when she most needed comfort from her children, grandchildren, and church community, pandemic precautions kept all three at a distance. Her grief quickly spiraled into despair.
When Ms. Kim returned to the Hanul Family Alliance senior center—where she and Sae had been regulars—staff were alarmed by the depths of her depression. But they worried about suggesting grief counseling, too.
Why?
“Given the mental health stigma among Korean and Korean-American seniors, we did not want to risk the relationship we had built with her over the years,” a center employee explained. “We had to approach it carefully.”
Understanding mental health stigma Here and around the world, many types of mental disorders are common, including anxiety and depression. Nearly 58 million U.S. adults (one in five) lives with at least one mental illness, and sometimes more than one. Globally, as many as 970 million people do.
Yet discrimination against mental illness and the people who have it has existed for thousands of years. As the
psychiatrist and researcher Wulf Rössler wrote, “there is no country, society, or culture where people with mental illness have the same societal value as people without mental illness.”
Today, this ongoing and widely-held stigma prevents far too many people from getting the help they need and deserve. By some estimates, as many as 83% of those who could benefit from treatment don’t seek it out. And the result? From low self-esteem to workplace discrimination, people we know and love deal with the impacts of mental health stigma every day. Like Ms. Kim, they feel ashamed. They are isolated. They don’t have access to employment, health care, and other opportunities.
someone who’s unhoused for being lazy and unwilling to work.”
These shame-andblame games can make us feel more in control of our own fate. We won’t gain weight if we don’t visit the drive-through. We won’t lose our housing as long as we keep our job. But, as Cameron explained, stigma clouds the many factors that contribute to complex issues like obesity and homelessness. That gets in the way of meaningful discussion and solutions. And people who feel embarrassed by their situation are less likely to reach out for help and support.
The same is true for mental illness and the stigma around it, which takes several forms:
Are you among them? If so, you’re not alone. And it’s time to change the conversation.
What is mental health stigma?
First, let’s define what “stigma” means. Stigma, in its most basic sense, is a prejudice or bias. It happens when people don’t understand the reasons behind someone else’s situation, health condition, or even beliefs. Many times, stigma comes out of fear.
“It’s human nature to point fingers when we see something we’re afraid of or don’t fully understand,” said Kathleen Cameron, former Senior Director of NCOA’s Center for Healthy Aging. “We may blame someone who lives with obesity for eating too much junk food. We might shame
Public stigma. Public stigma is a shared prejudice. It happens when a group of people holds negative opinions about mental illness and those who experience it.
Self-stigma. Self-stigma is prejudice directed inward. It happens when you take to heart other people’s negative opinions about mental illness and feel ashamed by it.
Cultural stigma. This stigma is a little bit of both. It happens when your community’s dominant beliefs cause you to view mental illness negatively in yourself and others.
Structural stigma. Structural stigma is built into society. It happens when workplace or government policies deny people with mental illness from equal opportunities.
Each type of mental health stigma can lead to discrimination, exclusion, and social isolation.
What’s the impact of mental health stigma?
Mental health stigma is harmful to people and society. And the harm can be hard to overcome.
“If you have a mental illness personally, and people see and treat you differently for long enough, you begin to think they’re right,” Cameron said. “If you don’t have a mental illness yourself, but you’re around enough public, cultural, and structural stigma, you begin to believe the stereotypes about people who do.”
These attitudes can become more deeply rooted over time.
“Think about it,” Cameron continued. “There’s a reason why discrimination against people with mental illness has been around for ages. Society has made it normal.”
In other words, mental health stigma is a vicious cycle with multiple impacts:
Emotional effects. These include feelings of shame, sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. Stigma also may make you angry.
Psychological effects. These include low self-esteem, being unwilling to ask for help, and believing your illness defines you. Stigma can make existing symptoms worse.
Social effects. These include feeling isolated from friends and family, being bullied in person and online, and having difficulty maintaining relationships with others.
Economic effects. These include having fewer work or career advancement
options, unequal health insurance coverage, and lost wages due to unfair sick leave policies.
“I do believe that attitudes about mental illness are changing as more and more people are educated and recognize that mental illnesses are similar to other conditions that have a biological basis,” Cameron said.
What causes mental health stigma?
Mental health stigma boils down to misunderstanding. Maybe we don’t have personal experience with mental illness. Maybe the information we have about it is limited. That’s why it’s important to know and recognize the main causes of stigma, including:
Lack of education and awareness
Mental illness isn’t just one thing. It doesn’t affect just one type of person. It doesn’t even show up the same way in different people. And, unlike many physical illnesses that are openly talked about or easy to see, mental illnesses can be hidden. That’s why they can be difficult to know about or understand—even for mental health care providers themselves.
Misinformation and ignorance about mental illness is common,” Cameron said. “Without better public education and awareness, though, assumptions about mental health continue.”
Ignorance doesn’t have to be deliberate to be harmful. When we don’t know the facts about mental health conditions, we are more likely to buy into the stereotypes. We may even contribute to them ourselves.
Media representation
Think about a movie you’ve seen that includes a character who lives with mental
illness. How did that character behave? What did they look like? Where did they live?
Hollywood tends to embrace damaging stereotypes about mental illness. Movies often show people who live with these conditions as violent, reclusive, or dysfunctional. They are the “crazed ax murderer” or the “psychotic loner” or the “compulsive drug abuser.” Intentionally or not, this encourages viewers to think negatively about mental illness in other people and in themselves.
Awareness is growing when it comes to more accurate portrayals of mental health issues in movies and TV shows. And some shows, such as The Chi (Showtime) and Wolf Pack (Paramount+), show examples of mental health tools and community support. Yet a study found 72% of onscreen characters who had mental health conditions were portrayed as violent.
Today’s news outlets and social media platforms don’t help, either. Rössler, the psychologist, found that readers give much more attention to headlines and stories about crimes committed by people with mental illness than by those without.
“Plus, anyone with an opinion can comment on these stories when posted online,” said Cameron. “Often, those comments stir up more fear and outrage about mental illness.”
Historical attitudes
Prejudice against mental illness is hardly new. “It probably dates back to prehistoric times, and we just don’t have a written record of it,” Cameron said. “But we do have plenty of evidence starting with ancient cultures around the world.”
Many of these cultures believed that people with mental illness were possessed by demons or were being punished by a deity.
See MENTAL HEALTH on page 20.
Mental Health
From page 19
And society punished them, too: throwing patients into prison, torturing them, and kicking them out of their families and communities.
Much later in America, in the 1970s, government-run psychiatric hospitals developed a bad reputation for treating patients poorly. These hospitals didn’t have enough money or staff to care for residents properly. And in some cases, staff were just plain abusive.
Finally, doctors and the general public alike didn’t understand many mental illnesses—including what caused them and how to treat them. Many patients endured drastic treatments, like shock therapy and lobotomy, often without their permission.
“When mental health stigma runs this deep and for so long, it’s no wonder it continues today,” Cameron observed. “History has shaped our attitudes without us even really knowing it—because the stigma has always just been there.”
Understanding mental health stigma in older adults
This brings us back to Ms. Kim.
Public stigma could have made her feel embarrassed by her depression. And cultural stigma could have prevented her from seeking help. Fortunately, staff at Hanul Family Alliance are well-informed, sensitive, and knew how to address these stigmas. Ms. Kim overcame them and now participates in the grief counseling she needed and deserves.
“As we get older, we can face additional mental health stigmas and stereotypes, too,” Cameron pointed out. “It’s important to raise awareness about this so that we can break down negative attitudes and barriers to care.”
It’s true that we are more likely to experience certain losses the older we get. The death of a friend or partner, changes to our health, and even retirement can lead to grief. But mental illness is not a normal part of aging. Still, incorrect assumptions about depression in older adults leave many people to suffer in silence.
provider, helps remove the stigmas around mental illness for everyone.
The bottom line Mental health stigmas can be hard to overcome. And no wonder: human beings have stereotyped mental illness, and the people who experience it, for most of recorded history.
Other barriers exist to mental health care, too. If you live in a rural area, don’t have reliable transportation, or your insurance doesn’t cover it, you are less likely to get treatment. If you or someone you know face these kinds of barriers, virtual counseling may help.
Overcoming mental health stigma
Despite these challenges, there are practical steps you can take to address mental health stigma:
Speak up. Share your personal experiences with mental illness. Stand up for others when they experience stigma. Explain that mental health is as important as physical health.
Speak out. Call out movie directors and media outlets when they use mental illness to sell tickets and get “clicks.” Remind people that the words they use can hurt—or help. Praise movies and media that portray a more positive perspective on mental health.
Speak truth. Address prejudice and stereotypes by learning the facts about mental health and sharing those facts with others.
It’s also important to talk to your doctor and be honest about any mental health struggles you may have. Advocating for yourself, and educating your health care
Over time, these public, personal, and institutional prejudices become normal. We don’t see them or recognize them because they’ve always been there.
As we age, we encounter additional stigmas around mental health that can stand in the way of getting care. We deserve better. We must understand barriers to treatment and work together to break them down.
Let’s change the conversation about mental health stigma. Talk to your doctor, your family, and your friends, about the issue today.
Source: National Council on Aging. Read more at ncoa.org.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Coping With Chemo
Cancer cells multiply in an uncontrolled way, making them difficult for your body to stop. Chemotherapy, or chemo for short, uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. These drugs usually target cells that are growing quickly. Normal body cells can also get caught in the crossfire of many chemotherapy drugs, causing unwanted side effects. Scientists are finding ways to lessen chemo’s impact on your body.
Most of the cells in your body divide and multiply into new cells. Your body needs new cells to replace old or damaged ones. Some of the body’s healthy cells multiply frequently, like those that line the intestines and those involved in hair growth. Chemotherapy drugs can kill these cells, too.
stimulate specific points on the body. Scientists are also testing herbal remedies, like ginger, to see if they help with nausea.
Bao is testing acupuncture and yoga for treating CIPN. Yoga combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation.
“These ancient modalities intrigue me because they don’t have much side effects,” Bao says. “For acupuncture, the most common side effects are a little bruising and bleeding. And for yoga, joint and muscle pain.”
Her recent studies suggest that these techniques could help ease some of the symptoms of CIPN. She now has larger trials ongoing.
Chemo can have a range of unwanted side effects. Common ones include nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, fatigue, and hair loss. Which side effects a person with cancer has depends on many things. These include the type of cancer being treated and which chemotherapy drug is used.
Chemo can reduce your white blood cell count. These cells help your body fight off infections and disease. Fewer white blood cells can lead to a higher risk of infections. Some chemotherapy drugs can cause nerve damage called chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). This leads to pain, tingling, numbness, and loss of balance.
“Chemotherapy does work,” explains Dr. Ting Bao, a cancer specialist at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. “There are side effects, but they are becoming more and more manageable.”
Antinausea drugs can help with nausea and vomiting. Changes to your diet can help to manage nausea, fatigue, and mouth sores. Physical activity and healthy sleep habits can help combat fatigue. Medications may also be available for some kinds of pain caused by chemo. For CIPN pain, however, there are very few options. Your doctor can recommend what may work for you based on your symptoms.
Researchers are looking for new ways to reduce the side effects of chemo. Studies suggest that acupuncture may help relieve nausea and vomiting. This ancient practice uses thin needles to
Other research teams are trying to understand the molecular underpinnings of CIPN and testing drugs that target them.
If you’re preparing for chemo, ask about possible side effects. Your doctor can help you make a management plan. Most cancer centers offer treatment education sessions. These sessions provide information about expected side effects. Patient support groups are also available to help you navigate cancer treatment.
Source: NIH News in Health. Read more at newsinhealth.nih.gov.
Ask Your Doctor
If you’re undergoing chemotherapy, find out more about managing side effects. Ask your health care team:
• What side effects am I at higher risk for based on my cancer type or treatment?
• When might side effects start? How long might they last?
• What signs or symptoms should I call you about?
• What steps can I take to feel better?
• What precautions should I take to stay safe?
• What medicines can help?
• What foods and drinks do you advise? Which should I avoid?
• Could you refer me to a specialist who could give me further advice?
Did You Receive a Letter from the Social Security Administration?
You open your mail to find a letter saying you may be able to get help paying for the costs of Medicare. It appears to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA) ...but is it for real? Here’s what you need to know and what you should do next.
Is this letter from the Social Security Administration a scam?
No. Every year in May and June, SSA sends letters (see example to the right and on SSA’s website) to people with Medicare who may be eligible for two money-saving programs that can help them afford their prescriptions and health care costs.
What are these money-saving programs?
The Medicare Part D Extra Help program (also known as the Part D Low Income Subsidy, or LIS) helps pay your Part D drug plan premium and saves you money on medications at the pharmacy. SSA estimates that Extra Help has an average annual value of $5,700.
If you qualify for Extra Help in 2026, you will pay:
• No premiums for your drug plan
• No deductibles
• No more than $12.65 for each brandname drug the plan covers ($5.10 for generic)
Medicare Savings Program (MSPs) pay for the Part B premium each month ($202.90 in 2026), providing an estimated yearly value of $2,434.80. There are four types of MSPs, each with its own set of eligibility requirements. Depending on the program you’re enrolled in, you may also get help paying for other Medicare costs like your annual Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) and co-pays at the doctor’s office.
Why did I get a Social Security letter?
Social Security sent you this letter because you are enrolled in Medicare and, based on your monthly Social Security benefit, you appear to have an income that qualifies you for these programs.
Getting this letter does not mean you automatically qualify for these programs. You still need to fill out an application for each program.
Social Security does not have access to information about your other income and resources, such as any pension or retirement account you may have. If you apply for Extra Help or MSP, you will be asked for more information about your overall finances.
Where can I get help with an application? To get in-person help with an Extra Help/ MSP application:
Contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). SHIPs are federally funded to provide free, objective assistance to people with Medicare and their families. Visit the SHIP website or call toll-free 1-877-839-2675 to speak with a trained counselor.
Find out if there’s a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC) near you. BECs help people with Medicare apply for all the public and private beenfits programs they may be missing out on.
How do I know if other letters I receive are a scam?
Scammers are known to pose as agents of the federal government (this is called a “government imposter scam”). If you receive a letter from Social Security and are not sure if it is real or not, you can verify it by calling 1-800-772-1213. SSA also encourages you to set up an account at My Social Security to be able to check notices and your benefits at any time.
Source: National Council on Aging. Read more at ncoa.org.
Medicare Savings Programs
Could Save You
$1,978.80 or More Annually in Medicare Costs if You’re Eligible
If you can’t afford Medicare premiums or other medical costs, you may be able to get help. Medicare Savings Programs can help pay for costs under Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and/or Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance). These programs may include help with premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and/or copayments. The type of help you may qualify for depends on your income and total resources (like money in a bank, stocks, or bonds). To qualify for a Medicare Savings Program, your monthly income and total resources, in some states, must be at or below the amounts shown in this table:
Getting to and from the Floor: A Little Practice Can Help You Stay Independent
Did you ever want to do an activity that involves sitting on the floor, but were concerned that you could not get up? You are not alone.
Why practice getting up from and down to the floor?
Whether you choose to sit on the floor for an activity, such as playing with your grandchildren or complete a household task, or because you’ve fallen, your ability to get down to and rise from the floor can make a big difference. Ease in getting to and from the floor can be important for maintaining your independence and continuing to enjoy the activities you love.
needed not only to rise from the floor, but also to safely lower yourself down. In addition to building strength, there are great techniques that anyone can master. But they need to be tailored to your abilities.
A physical therapist can teach you personalized strategies and exercises to help you re-learn this skill and help you feel more steady in your overall mobility. If you’re unsure where to start, reach out to a physical therapist.
How do I find a physical therapist?
Only about half of people who fall can easily get back up on their own, even without an injury. By learning how to safely rise from the floor, you can avoid staying down for long periods and reduce the risk of complications, taking greater control of your health and well-being.
Learning or maintaining this skill can also play a key role in increasing your confidence in managing your risk of falls, a common issue in older adults. By practicing and mastering the techniques for safely and confidently lowering yourself to the floor and getting back up, you can:
• Participate in activities that are meaningful to you
• Gain confidence in your ability to recover from a fall
• Reduce anxiety, and
• Improve your quality of life
This confidence empowers you to stay active and continue enjoying activities that keep you healthy and socially engaged.
What if I can’t or have trouble getting up from the floor? What if the thought of getting down on the floor makes me worried?
Incorporating regular balance and strength exercises, along with practicing how to safely get up and down from the floor, can be a vital part of maintaining your independence. These activities help build the muscle strength, flexibility, and coordination
Asking friends, family, your doctor, and even staff at your senior center for a recommendation can be helpful in finding a physical therapist who will partner with you. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) also provides an online search tool.
Will my insurance cover physical therapy?
Health insurance plans, Medicare, and Medicare Advantage plans cover physical therapy, especially if you are having trouble with your balance or walking. Check with your physical therapist and your insurance plan to see if you need a physician’s referral, and ask if there are any co-pays you will be expected to pay.
Source: National Council on Aging. Read more at ncoa.org.
SourcePoint offers a variety of falls prevention programs, including A Matter of Balance, beginning Monday, April 20. Read more on page 14.
Older Americans Month: Champion Your Health
Each May, communities across the country celebrate Older Americans Month, a time to recognize the contributions of older adults and highlight issues that impact aging. Established in 1963 by John F. Kennedy as “Senior Citizens Month,” the observance began when just
take an active role in their well-being. It focuses on prevention, informed decision-making, and maintaining independence through healthy lifestyle choices. From staying physically active to accessing preventive care and building strong social
Issues like social isolation and elder abuse remain important challenges that communities must continue to address.
At its core, this month is about both celebration and action. It honors the lasting impact older adults have made through their work, volunteerism, and dedication to family and community.
It also encourages all of us to get involved—whether by attending local events, volunteering, checking in on
Tips To BOOST Your Health as You Age
Did you know that making lifestyle changes can help you live longer and better? Try these tips to get started.
Get moving — try gardening, biking, or walking.
Choose healthy foods rich in nutrients.
Manage stress — try yoga or keep a journal. Learn something new — take a class or join a club. Go to the doctor regularly. Connect with family and friends.
Learn more about steps you can take to promote healthy aging at www.nia.nih.gov/healthy-aging.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Handling a Hernia
Everything in your body has its proper place. Muscles and other internal structures help keep your organs where they should be. But sometimes they’re not strong enough to do that. In that case, a piece of tissue or organ can slip through a gap in the weakened structures around it. The result is a condition called a hernia.
to order medical imaging, like an ultrasound.
help doctors tailor patient conversations.
Most hernias occur in the abdomen. But they can happen in other places, like your groin or upper thigh.
Inguinal hernias are the most common type. These occur in the lower abdomen, just above the groin. Another type is an umbilical hernia, which happens near your belly button.
Hernia symptoms depend on where they happen and the organ involved. Often, the first sign is a bulge. Some hernias are painful, but not all. Some cause odd sensations or discomfort.
“You would be surprised how, just in the course of everyday life, hernia symptoms can affect someone,” says Dr. John Fischer, a surgeon at the University of Pennsylvania. “A hernia can affect activities of daily living and how much you can get done in a day. It can affect sleep. It can affect your psychological well-being, your feelings about how you look, and your ability to interact socially.”
Doctors can often diagnose a hernia with a physical exam. But in rare cases your doctor may not be able to see or feel the bulge a hernia causes. So they may need
Hernias aren’t usually life-threatening. But in rare cases, a hernia can become an emergency if it becomes “strangulated.” That means the part of the organ causing the hernia has had its blood supply cut off by the squeezing of the muscles around it. Strangulated hernias can cause severe pain, nausea, or vomiting.
A hernia may not need treatment if it isn’t causing symptoms. Your doctor might instead monitor it to make sure it doesn’t get worse. If a hernia is causing problems, surgery is the only permanent solution. But even after surgery, the same organ may slip out of place again.
Many types of surgery increase the risk for a new hernia. Cutting into the internal structures that hold organs in place can weaken those structures. Organs can then more easily push through the weakened area. The result is called an incisional hernia.
Incisional hernias are more likely to occur in people who smoke or have diabetes. These conditions can make the body heal more slowly after surgery. Slower healing causes the weakness in an area to last longer, increasing the risk for a hernia.
Fischer’s NIH-funded research is looking at ways to reduce the chance of someone getting an incisional hernia after surgery. His team hopes to create a mobile app to assess a patient’s risk for an incisional hernia. An app-based assessment could
“It’s important to understand what kinds of activities you can do after an operation,” Fischer says.
But many factors other than surgery can make a hernia more likely to happen. See the Wise Choices box to learn what puts you at higher risk.
Source: NIH News in Health. Read more at newsinhealth.nih.gov.
Are You at Risk of a Hernia?
Anybody can get a hernia, but it is more likely to happen in people who:
• Are older.
• Are male.
• Carry excess weight.
• Have a long-term cough or sneeze.
• Are smokers.
• Have a tumor in their abdomen or a medical condition that causes fluid to build up there.
• Have had abdominal surgery before.
What is a ComPASS?
Delaware County residents ages 55 and better can sign up for a free Community Pass—or ComPASS—at SourcePoint’s enrichment center. This pass offers access to the 44,000-square-foot facility, where we offer both free and fee-based programs.
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