PRIME TIMELIVING PRIMETIMELIVING EXPO 2026
JOINUSAT
ManisteeSeniorCenter
Wednesday,May6th 9a.m.-2p.m.
Thisyear’sPrimeTime LivingEXPOisafree, funandinformative eventpackedwithlive Entertainment,classes, giveawaysandlocal vendorsfromhome improvement,recreation, finance,health&fitness productsandservices, andsomuchmoretolive yourbestlife!
Stayingsteady: Whystrengthand
balancematterasweage
Naturalmusclelossthatcomeswithagingoftenaffects thelegsandcore,whichareessentialforbalanceand posture.Strengthtraininghelpsslow—orevenreverse —thisprocess.
Aswegrowolder,staying activeisn’tjustabout feelinggood—it’sabout stayingsafe,independent andconfidentinour everydaylives.
Oneofthemostimportant, andsometimesoverlooked, waystodothatisthrough regularstrengthand balancetraining.
Fallsremainoneofthe leadingcausesofinjuryamong olderadults,butthegood newsisthatmanyfallscan beprevented.Thekeylies inaddressingthephysical changesthatnaturallyhappen withage,especiallymuscle loss,jointstiffnessandchanges inbalance.
“Strengthandbalance trainingdirectlytargetthe underlyingcausesoffalls,” saidKevinKott,MaryFree BedatMunsonRehabsitelead inManistee.“Whenwehelp olderadultsbuildstrength andstability,we’renotjust preventinginjuries—we’re helpingthemstayactiveand
confidentintheirownhomes andcommunities.”
Strongermuscles, strongerfoundation Asweage,wenaturally losemusclemass,acondition knownassarcopenia.This musclelossmostoftenaffects thelegsandcore,whichare essentialforbalanceand posture.Strengthtraining helpsslow—orevenreverse— thisprocess.
Strongermusclesprovide thefoundationneededto reactquicklyifyoutrip, steponunevengroundor turnsuddenly.Theyalso helpsupportthehips,knees andankles,reducingthat unsteadyfeelingmanyseniors experience.
“Whenmusclesaroundthe jointsarestronger,movement becomes smootherandmore controlled,”Kottexplained. “Thatcontroliswhathelps preventwobblingorlosing balanceduringeveryday activities.”
Betterbalance, safermovement
Balancetrainingworkshandin handwithstrengthbuilding.
Simpleexercisesthatchallenge balanceimproveyourbody’s abilitytomakequickadjustments. Thisaddedstabilitycanmake walkingonsidewalks,navigating stairsorsteppingoutoftheshower saferandlessstressful.
Improvedmusclestrengthalso supportsbetterpostureanda steadiergait.Reducingshuffling, leaningforwardorwalking cautiouslywithstiffmovements cansignificantlylowertheriskof falling.
Strongbonesand confidentsteps
Resistance-basedexercisesdon’t juststrengthenmuscles—they alsohelpimprovebonedensity.
Strongerbonesmeanalower riskoffracturesifafalldoes occur.That’sanimportantbenefit foragingadultswhowantto stayactivewithoutfear—justas importantisconfidence.
Manyseniorsdevelopafearof falling,whichcanactuallyincrease riskbycausinghesitantorrigid movements.
Feelingphysicallycapablehelps replacefearwithconfidence— andconfidenceleadsto
safermovement.
“Whenpeopletrusttheirbodies again,theymovemorenaturally,” saidKott.“Thatconfidencecanbe transformative.”
Supporting independenceatanyage
Perhapsthegreatestbenefitof strengthandbalancetrainingis howitsupportsindependence.
Everydaytasks—gettingoutof bed,risingfromachair,climbing stairs,carryinggroceries— becomeeasierandsaferwith strongermuscles.
Maintainingindependence meansrelyinglessonothers fordailycare,oftendelayingor preventingtheneedforassisted livingorfull-timecaregiving.For manyolderadultsinourManistee andBenziecommunities,that independenceispriceless.
Thegoalisn’tintense workoutsorpushinglimits—it’s consistent,guidedmovement thatmeetsindividualswherethey are.Withtherightsupportand encouragement,strengthand balancetrainingcanhelpseniors continuedoingthethingsthey love,ontheirownterms.
AsKottputsit,“It’sabout helpingpeoplelivewell,movewell, andstayconnectedtotheirlives andcommunity.”
Fallsaretheleadingcauseofinjuryamongolder adults.Thekeytopreventingthemisaddressing thephysicalchangesthatnaturallyhappenwith age,especiallymuscleloss,jointstiffnessand changesinbalance.
FRIDAY MAY 29
Oneofbesttools incombatingthe growingnumber ofscamsisto givepeoplethe skillstodetect thembeforeany actionistaken.
COMMON SCAMS: Learnhowtospotfraudandavoidloss
ByJoshGlass CONTRIBUTINGWRITER
Theworldweliveintodayisfilled withscams.
Thetricksandstrategiesusedby wouldbescammersvaryfromsimple textmessagesandphonecallsto elaborateauthenticlookingemails. Thesecriminalsdon’tbreakinto yourhousetostealyourpossessions, insteadtheyuseacomputerorcell phonetopreyonthepublic’strustand honesty.
Foreachstoryoffraudbeing preventedbylawenforcementthere aremanymorewhichhaveended tragicallywithpeoplebeingscammed outofthousands
ofdollars.
Asweseethistrendrise,itisour elderlypopulationthatismostatrisk andoftentargeted.
Detectingtheseever-changing scamscanseemlikeafutileendeavor. Wetrytoalertthepublictothe“latest andgreatest”scamsbutstruggle tokeepupwiththeever-changing tactics.
Oneofbesttoolsincombatingthis growingtrendistogivepeoplethe skillstodetectthesescamsbeforeany actionistaken.
Thepurposeofthisarticleisnot todiscusseverytypeofscamout therebutrathertoteachbroader
scamdetectionstrategieswhichwill hopefullyhaveapositiveimpacton thenumberof theseincidentsthatendin financialloss.
Herearesomepreventativepoints toconsiderwhenbeingcontactedby scammerstohelpdetectascam.
Scammerswill pretendtobefroman organizationyouknow
Thesescammerswillpresent themselvesasbeingfroma governmentorganization.
Theycanclaimtobefromfederal organizationssuchastheSocial SecurityAdministrationorMedicare
JoshGlass
or even local organizations like your local bank or nearest law enforcement agency.
For example, would-be scammers can use an app which can trick your phone’s caller ID into displaying the name of an official business or organization.
The problem or prize dilemma
A popular strategy used by scammers is to present you with either a problem or a prize.
Commons tricks are telling you that you are in some form of trouble with the government because you owe them money, there is some type of virus on your computer, that someone in your household is in trouble or that there is some type of issue with your bank account and you need to verify information.
These scammers will sometimes claim that you’ve won a prize, and you need to send them a small fee or verify personal information to claim that prize.
Creating urgency
Scammers create a false sense of urgency to bypass your logic. They often insist that you stay on the line, preventing you from hanging up to verify their claims or speak with a trusted friend.
Scammers use threats of arrest, lawsuits, or license revocation to intimidate you. They may also claim your computer is failing in order to trick you into granting them remote access.
Specified method of payment
Criminals often demand untraceable payment methods, such as gift cards or wire transfers, which are nearly impossible to recover.
Dictating a payment method is a great indication of a scam. Be equally cautious of "overpayment" tactics.
If someone sends you a check and asks you to wire a portion of the funds back, the check is fraudulent, and you will be held responsible for the lost money.
What you can do
To protect yourself, start by blocking unwanted calls and filtering suspicious text messages.
Never provide personal or financial information in response to an unexpected request, as legitimate organizations will not ask for sensitive data this way.
If you receive a message from a company you trust, ignore the links provided and contact them directly using an official phone number or website.
Always resist the pressure to act immediately; real businesses will give you time to make an informed decision.
Be wary of demands for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or "refunds" from a deposited check, as these are clear signs of fraud.
Finally, consult a trusted friend or family member before taking any action to help you spot a potential scam. When in doubt, it is always best to contact your nearest law enforcement agency before you take any action.
Joshua A. Glass is the chief of police of the Manistee City Police Department.
FOOD PANTRIES SERVE FOODPANTRIESSERVE Manistee
&Benziecounties Manistee&Benziecounties
ByLukeMorey STAFFWRITER
Therearemorethana dozenfoodpantries inManisteeandBenzie counties.
ThepantriesinManistee Countyserveover2,400 residentsonaregularbasis.
Belowisalistoffood pantriesintheareaof ManisteeandBenzie counties.
BearLake
•Foodpantryis9-11 a.m.onthethird Thursdayofthe monthatBearLake CommunityChurch, 7861MainSt.
•Weeklycommunity lunchesareatnoon onWednesday. Emergencyfoodboxes areavailablefrom9 a.m.to1p.m.Monday throughThursday.
Benzonia
•10a.m.to2p.m. Mondaythrough Thursday,4-6p.m.on Tuesdaysand10a.m. tonoononFridaysat BenzieAreaChristian Neighbors,2804 BenzieHighway.
•BenzieFriends ResourceFoodPantry islocatedat1034 MichiganAve.Call 231-383-4300for hours.
Brethren
•9-11a.m.onthelast Wednesdayofthe monthatLakeview Churchofthe Brethren,14094Coates Highway.
Copemish
•MarillaFoodPantry: 11a.m.tonoononthe secondThursdayof themonthatMarilla TownshipHall,9991 MarillaRoad.
•FeedYourSoulOf Copemish:11a.m.to 12:30p.m.onthethird Fridayofthemonthat 16798FirstSt.
Honor
•8:30a.m.to12:15p.m. onthefirstandthird Thursdayofthemonth attheBenzieFood PartnersFoodPantry, 10907MainSt.
Irons
•10a.m.to3p.m.onthe secondMondayand Tuesdayofthemonth atIronsSeventhDay AdventistChurch, 8980W.HalfMile Road.
Kaleva
• Little Free Food Pantry: Selfserve nonperishable food donation cupboard outside the Manistee County Library Kaleva branch, 14618 Walta St.
• Bethany Lutheran Church Food Pantry: 10 a.m. on the first Friday of the month at the Maple Grove Community Center, 9208 Kauko St.
Lake Ann
• 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday and Thursday, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays every other week at Lake Ann United Methodist Church, 6583 First St.
• Woodside Wesleyan Church Pantry: Noon to 2 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of the month at 6789 Ole White Road.
Manistee
• Feeding America West Michigan Mobile Food Pantry: 11 a.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month at Lakeshore Church, 1201 Lakeshore Road.
• Manistee Friendship Society: Call 231-398-0434 for availability. Located at 50 Filer St.
• Little Free Food Pantry: Selfserve nonperishable food donation cupboard outside the Manistee County Library, 95 Maple St.
• Matthew 25:35 Food Pantry: 9-11 a.m. on the second Friday of the month at the parking lot of the former Manistee Catholic Central School, 1200 U.S. 31
• Manistee Senior Center: 9-11 a.m. on the third Friday of the month at the Wagoner Community Center, 260 St Mary’s Parkway.
• Echo His Love’s Manna food pantry: 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 160 Memorial Drive. Order by phone at 231-2991277.
• FiveCAP: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. the first Thursday of every third month at 265 First St.
Onekama
• 10-11:15 a.m. on the fourth Friday of the month at St. Joseph of Onekama Catholic Church, 8380 Fifth St.
Thompsonville
• 5:30-7:30 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of the month, 9:30 a.m.-noon on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at Fresh Wind Food Pantry, 14595 Thompson Ave.
Wellston
• Little Free Food Pantry: Selfserve nonperishable food donation cupboard outside the Manistee County Library Wellston branch, 1273 Seaman Road.
Manistee County ManisteeCounty Libraryofferstechhelp forseniors
TheManisteeCountyLibrary ishelpinglocalseniorsbuild confidencewithtechnologybyhosting regularTechHelpHoursintwo locations.
TechHelpHoursarefrom11a.m. tonoononTuesdaysattheWagoner CommunityCenter,locatedat260St. MaryParkwayinManistee,andfrom 2-3p.m.WednesdaysattheManistee Library,locatedat75MapleSt.in Manistee.
Thewalk-inprogramoffersone-ononeassistanceforolderadultswho wanttolearnhowtousesmartphones, tablets,laptopsandotherdigitaltools.
DuringTechHelpHours,library staffprovidepatient,personalized guidanceoneverydaydigitaltasks suchassendingemails,using videocallstoconnectwithfamily, navigatingapps,accessingonline servicesandstayingsafeonline.
Theprogramisdesignedtomake technologymoreapproachablewhile helpingseniorsstayconnectedwith lovedonesandaccessimportant resources.
“Digitalliteracyisessentialfor stayingconnectedandindependent intoday’sworld,”saidJulieHerringa, executivedirectoroftheManistee CountyLibrary.“Bybringingtechhelp directlytotheseniorcenter...we’re meetingpeoplewheretheyareand makingsureourseniorcommunity membersfeelcomfortableusingthe technologythat’sbecomesuchabig partofdailylife.”
TheTechHelpHoursreflectthe library’songoingcommitmentto lifelonglearningandcommunity support.Seniorsareencouragedto bringtheirowndevicesandquestions, andnopriorexperiencewith technologyisrequired.
FormoreinformationaboutTech HelpHoursorotherprograms offeredbytheManisteeCounty Library,visitthelibrary’swebsiteat manisteelibrary.orgorcallthemain branchat231-723-2519.
AsignificantpercentageofAmerican childrenarebeingraisedbya grandparent.Accordingtodatafromthe U.S.CensusBureau,2.74millionchildren intheUnitedStateswerebeingraisedbya grandparentin2021.TheUSCBnotesthat suchchildrenwerelivingwithatleastone grandparentwhowasresponsibleformost oftheirbasicneeds.Grandparentsalso playanotablecaregivingroleinCanada, whereStatisticsCanadareportsonein fiveunpaidcaregiversin2022reported providingroughly15hoursofcareeach weektoagrandchildorgrandchildrenover theprevious12months.Thoughthefigures fromtheUSCBsuggestagrowingnumber ofgrandparentshavetakenoncaregiving rolesinrecentyears,dataindicatesthat suchincreasesaregenerallyapplicableonly tooldergrandparentcaregivers.Indeed, theUSCBreportsthatthenumberof grandparentcaregiversbetweentheagesof 30and59declinedbetween2009and2021, whilethenumberofgrandparentcaregivers ages60andolderincreasedduringthat12yearperiod.
Manistee County ManisteeCounty CouncilonAgingsupportsseniors
TAreaseniorstaketothedancefloorFeb.13,2026fortheManisteeCountyCouncilonAging’sValentine’sDay partyattheWagonerCommunityCenter. CourtesyofSarahHoward
heManisteeCountyCouncil onAginghasbeen“enriching seniors’livessince1971”.
TheManisteeCouncilon Agingisanonprofit501(c)(3) organizationthatwasfounded in1971.Thefirstspacethatthey usedfortheManisteeCounty seniorswasthemultipurpose roomatthethen-modernCentury Terraceapartmentsonthe ManisteeRiver.
MCCOA’smissionis“Manistee CountyCouncilonAgingserves theseniorcitizensofManistee Countybypromotingquality oflifeandindependenceby addressingtheiruniqueneeds andchallenges,utilizingafiscally soundapproach.”
TheMCCOAisfundedbya
voter-approvedmillageand servesallManisteeCountysenior citizens,regardlessofincome orability.TheMCCOAhasone millagewhichfundsitsday-to-day programsandMealsonWheels program.
Thecouncilonagingprovides programsandactivitiesfor seniors60andoverandconnects themtoessentialservicesand resources.Thenonprofitalso promotessocializationand independence.
Thecouncilonagingoffersfull listofprogramsandactivities dailythatarealwaysfun,helpful andentertaining.
“Weofferalotofwaysforall seniorstobeabletokeepmoving andexerciseattheirabilities.We
notonlyholdprogramsatthe Manisteeseniorcenter(Wagoner CommunityCenter),butwealso holdthematalternativesites aroundManisteeCounty,”said SarahHoward,executivedirector oftheManisteeCountyCouncilon Aging.
Someprogramsinclude:
•Resourceandreferral services,
•StateHealthInsurance AssistantProgram(SHIP),
•MealsonWheels,
•HealthySeniorsProgram,
•SeniorReimbursement Program,
•Monthlyfoodbank,
•Footclinic,
•Bloodpressureclinic,
•Legalservices,
•Taxservices,
•MobileSecretaryofState.
“Activitieslike,daytripsand grouptravelarewonderfulways thatseniorscangetoutandsee somegreatsights,shopsand restaurantsclosertohomeortake anadventureofalifetime,”said Howard.“Wehavespeakersand presentationsregardingtopics thatcanassistorhelpourseniors staycurrentwiththeirhealth andwhatisgoingonaroundthe countyandtheworld.”
Thereareseveralexercise programsatthecenterandsome
ofthemealsitesaround thecounty,likeZumba Gold,Sit&GetFit,Cardio Drumming,TaiChi,Line DancingandBalance& Stretching.
TheHealthySeniors Programhelpsseniors withpoolpasses,yoga classesandgympasses outsideofthesenior center.
“Weofferclasses thathelpeveryonestay creativedependingon whattheyliketodo.We havepaintingclasses,card makingclasses,knitting andcrochettegroupsand craftingclasses,”said Howard.“Weoffersome greatmusiconourToe TappingTuesdaysand wealsolovetothrowa greatpartyforallofthe holidays.Andyes,wedo havebingo.Everyone alwaysasksaboutour bingo.”
Thecouncilonaging offersFunBingoand ProduceBingo.
“Westrivetohavefun butalsohelpfultoour seniorsthroughoutthe county.Bingosoundsold fashionedorfrivolousto somepeople,butthisis agreatwaytogetfood toseniorswhomaybe
tooproudtoattenda foodbank,”Howardsaid. “Whenyouareonafixed incomeandthecostof everythingisgoingup youneedtopickand choosewhatyoucanbuy andwhatyoucan’tso ourprizesforFunBingo areshelfstablefoods andeverydayproducts liketoothpasteortoilet paper.”
ProduceBingoprovides freshfruitsandvegetables forpeopletowinandtake home.EveryWednesday allseniorswhocomein toplaybingoforanhour leavewithfivefoodprizes.
“Thisisawonderful programthatmanyother seniorcentershavecopied fortheirlocalseniors,” saidHoward.
“TheManisteeCounty CouncilonAgingis vitaltoourcounty. TheMCCOAishelping seniorcitizensremain healthy,independent andconnectedby improvingqualityof life,whichinturn strengthenstheentire Manisteecommunity— socially,economically andculturally.Asthe senorpopulationgrows, thissupportbecomes increasinglyimportant.”
Bloodpressureclinics areheldonWednesdaysforseniorsatthe WagonerCommunity Center. Courtesyof SarahHoward
CardiodrummingwithReginatakesplaceeveryWednesday,Thursdayand FridayforseniorsattheWagonerCommunityCenterinManistee. CourtesyofSarahHoward
Estateplanningisnot justforthewealthy justforthewealthy— everyonecanbene t t fromensuringwhat assetstheydohave. Withoutawillorproperplanning,probatecourtcould leadtoanexpensive,lengthy,journeyforyourlovedones withunintendeddistributionofassets.Estateplanningis alsousefulifyoubecomeincapacitated.
Calltodaytolearnmore: 1-888-692-0300 www eplspc.com www.eplspc.com
Senior resources Seniorresources forfood,housingandmore
ByMichelleFedder EDITOR
Therearemanyresourcesouttherefor olderadults,fromhousingassistanceto foodassistance.
Sometimes,itcanbehardtodetermine wheretoturn.
Herearesomeoftheprogramsand organizationsavailableforseniorsinBenzie andManisteecounties.Programslistedare thosegearedtowardolderadultsandmay notbecomprehensive.
Generalcommunity resourceinformation
Call211foracomprehensivereferralsystem fornon-emergencylifechallenges
Call988forsuicide&crisishotline
AreaAgencyonAgingofNWMichigan —10countiesincludingManisteeandBenzie 800-442-1713or231-947-8920
Programs: Homeandcommunitybased servicessupportingindependentlivingfor olderadultsanddisabledadultsover 18years
AgingandDisability ResourceCollaborativeof NorthwestMichigan
866-642-4582 adrcnmi.org
Programs: Unbiased,objectiveinformation aboutcommunitysupportsandresources forolderadultsanddisabledindividualsof anyage.Counselingoptionsavailabletohelp withimmediateneeds,longtermplanning andaccessingfinancialorinsurance programslikeMedicare,MedicaidandSSDI andothersupports
DepartmentofHealthandHuman Services—ManisteeCounty
1475U.S.31South,SuiteA,inManistee 231-723-8375
AdultProtectiveServices Phone: 855-444-3911 michigan.gov/mdhhsornewmibridges. michigan.gov
Programs: Cashassistance,emergency relief,foodassistanceandhealthcare assistance.
DepartmentofHealthandHuman Services—BenzieCounty
448CourtPlazaGovt. CenterinBeulah 231-882-1330
michigan.gov/mdhhsornewmibridges. michigan.gov
Programs: Cashassistance,emergency relief,foodassistanceandhealthcare assistance
UnitedWayoftheWestShore 449RiverSt.inManistee 231-723-2331 unitedwaymanistee.org
Programs: Education,financialstability, furniture,andhealthandwellness.
ManisteeCounty CouncilonAging
260St.MaryParkwayinManistee 231-723-6477
manisteecountycoa.com
Hours:8a.m.to4:30p.m. MondaythroughFriday
Programs: Informationandreferral services,healthyseniorsprogram,food bank,matterofbalance,PATH,footclinic,
eye glass clinic, blood pressure clinic, hearing aid clinic, hearing clinic, flu shot clinic, Medicare/Medicaid assistance program, AARP driving courses, AARP tax program, adult foster care gift program, senior services reimbursement program, legal consultation, congregate meal site, senior project FRESH, Meijer computer learning, lifelines available, income tax preparation, senior food pantry and senior dining program.
Benzie Senior Resources — The Gathering Place
10579 Main St. in Honor 231-525-0601
benzieseniorresources.org/
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday
Programs: Exercise classes, daily activities, live music, meals, Careline, MMAP, homemaker services, home chores and more
Manistee County Transportation — Dial-A-Ride
180 Memorial Drive in Manistee
Office: 231-723-1664 Bus dispatch: 231-723-6525 manisteecountytransport. wordpress.com
Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday
Programs: Free transportation to Munson Medical Center for patients. Fare discounts available to seniors age 65 or older or persons with disabilities
Benzie Bus
14150 U.S. Highway 31 in Beulah 231-325-3000
benziebus.com/
Hours: 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday
Programs: Prescription deliver, half-price fare for seniors; health rides provides door-todoor transportation for medical appointments, including primary care, specialty services and ongoing treatments
Manistee County Habitat for Humanity
231-723-7458
habitatmanistee.org/
Programs: Builds and renovates decent, affordable housing; critical repair/weatherization
Benzie County Habitat for Humanity
231-399-0300
benziehabitat.org/
Programs: Builds and renovates decent, affordable housing; critical repair/weatherization
Echo His Love
525 Michael St. in Manistee 231-723-6613
echohislove.org/
Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday
Programs: Manna Pantry, Safe Harbor, Family Services, Homeless Services
FEEL THE DIFFERENCE IN MINUTES FEELTHEDIFFERENCEINMINUTES
Curiousaboutnaturalwaystoimprovehowyoufeel?
AtthePrimeTimeLivingExpo,you’reinvitedto:
✓ TryLiveWellnessDemos
✓ ExperienceMultipleDevicesFirsthand
✓ Learnhowfrequency-basedtechnologyishelpingothersfeelbetter
Manypeoplereportimprovementsin:
•Circulation&Mobility
•Energy&Recovery
•OverallComfort&Relaxation
VisitBrianattheExpo
Stopby,testityourself, andtakehomeinfo Exploreatyourown paceorsharewith friendsandfamily.
Benzie Area Christian Neighbors
2804 Benzie Highway in Benzonia 231-882-9544
benziebacn.org/
Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. Tuesday; 10 a.m. to noon Friday
Programs: Supplemental food bags for seniors
Manistee Friendship Society
50 Filer St. in Manistee 231-398-0434
manisteefriendshipsociety.org/
Hours: 9:30 to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday
Programs: Serves members of the Manistee Friendship Society with laundry, haircuts, wellness groups, food
Benzie County Free Legal Services for Seniors
448 Court Place in Beulah 231-882-0062
Hours: 2 p.m. fourth Friday of each month
Programs: Free legal service to seniors
Senior Volunteer Programs — Catholic Human Services
1832-A Oak Hollow Drive in Traverse City 800-658-8554
Programs: Senior Companion and Foster Grandparent Programs. Open to those age 55 or older
May6|9AM-2PM|ManisteeCountySeniorCenter
Brian.TheFrequencyAwakening.com
Seniors canemphasize Seniorscanemphasize balancewhencaregiving
Spendingtimewithgrandchildrencan makeseniorsfeelyoungandvalued. Grandparentsareoftenaskedtostepin ascaregiverstotheyoungsterstheylove.
TheU.S.DepartmentofLaborreports2.74 millionchildrenintheUnitedStateswere beingraisedbyagrandparentin2021, themostrecentyearfordata.Censusdata from2021alsoshowsoneinfiveCanadian grandparentsregularlyhelpswithgrandchild care.
Chasingaroundatoddlerorschool-aged childcanaffectseniorsdifferentlythanit affectsparentsintheir20sor30s.Effectively andsafelymanagingthephysicaland emotionaltollofcaringforgrandchildren maycomedowntoemphasizingbalance.
•Protectyourbody.Grandparentsshould relyonstrollers,highchairsandstep stoolstominimizeheavylifting.Whena
childwantstobeheld,aseniorcansiton thecouchorachairandhavethechild climbuptothem.
•Incorporatedowntime.Seniorsshould schedulequiettimesotheycangeta physicalandmentalbreak.Whetherthis timeinvolvesreadingbooksorengaging ineasycrafts,ensuringthereareblocks oftimeforrestisessential.
•Conductasafetycheck.It’simportant forahometobesafeforkidsandseniors alike.Removingbreakableitemsand coveringupsharpedgesonfurniture andotherhardsurfacescanprotect grandparentsandgrandkids.
•Establishsomeboundaries.Grandparents shouldestablishclearcommunication withtheirownchildrenregardingtheir expectations.It’simportanttodefinea schedulethatworksforthesenior,andhe
orsheshouldbehonestabouthowmuch theycanmanage.
•Knowtherules.Grandparentsshould discusswhatparentsexpectregarding screentime,naps,food,andmore. Aunitedfrontfromparentsand grandparentscanreducetheneedto negotiatewithheadstrongchildren.
•Makeabackupplan.Seniorsshould emphasizetotheirchildrenthatthey needtohaveabackupcaregiveravailable forwhentheyarenotabletowatchthe grandchildren.Seniorsdeservedaysoff. Grandparentsfrequentlyarecalled upontopitchinandhelptheirchildren withcaregivingneeds.Bondingwith grandchildrencanberewarding,butseniors mustbalancetheirownneedswiththeneeds oftheirchildrenandgrandchildren.
Howseniorscanfindasuitable volunteering opportunity volunteeringopportunity
Volunteeringisarewarding experiencethatengagespeople fromallwalksoflife.Whileyoung adultsandadultsinmiddleagemay findithardtosqueezevolunteering intotheirschedules,retireesarefreeof manyoftheprofessionalandpersonal obligationsthatpreventyoungeradults fromvolunteering.
Retireescanreapsomeunique benefitsfromvolunteering. Volunteeringcanprovideretirees newopportunitiestosocialize,which canhelpthemavoidfeelingsof socialisolationandlonelinessthat manyseniorsconfrontafterretiring. Volunteeringalsocanprovidean opportunityforseniorstoutilizetheir professionalexpertisetothebenefitof others.
Withsomuchtogainfrom volunteering,retireescanstartlooking foropportunitiesintheircommunities. Manysuchopportunitiesexist,andthe followingtipscanhelpretireesfindthe mostsuitableoneforthem.
•Identifyyourmotivationto volunteer.Identifyingwhyyou wanttovolunteercanbeagreat firststep.Manyretireeswhohad longanddistinguishedcareers intheprofessionalarenaaspire togivebackbyemployingtheir expertiseinnewways.For example,retiredattorneysmay wanttovolunteerwithanonprofit organizationthatprovidesfree legaladvicetothosewhocannot affordtohiretheirownlegal representatives.Onceretirees haveidentifiedwhytheywantto volunteer,theycanthenlookfor opportunitiesthatalignwith
thatmotivation.
•Consideranypotentiallimitations youhave.Somevolunteering opportunitiesarephysically demanding,whichmakesthem difficultforretirees.Seniors maynotbeabletohandlea volunteeringopportunitythat requiresheavyliftingorone thatasksvolunteerstospend hoursontheirfeet.Behonest aboutanyphysicallimitations, anddiscussanyuncertaintyyou mighthavewithyourhealthcare providerbeforecommittingtoa volunteeringgig.
•Decidehowmuchtimeyoucan volunteer.Volunteeringisoften characterizedasarewarding experiencethatoffershomebound seniorsachancetogetupand go.Butsomeretireesalready haveactivesociallives,soit’s imperativethatprospective volunteersidentifyhowmuch timetheyhavetovolunteer.Many organizationsallowvolunteersto determinehowmuchtimethey spendvolunteering,butothers mayaskmoreofvolunteersin regardtoatimecommitment.For example,volunteeringtoorganize communityeventsmayrequirea significanttimecommitmentthat someretireesdonotnecessarily wanttomake.
Therearemanygreatreasons tovolunteer.Retireesconsidering volunteeringcangivetheprospect ampleconsiderationbeforetheybegin searchingfortherightopportunityto giveback.
