The Link
Message from the CEO
Every year, our team at Legacy Link celebrates two different new beginnings to the year. The first is January 1st as the calendar year starts over and we all focus on new opportunities. The second is July 1st. Most of our programs operate with funding that runs July to June, which means that every July 1st all of our programs are approached with the same optimism as New Years Day. As we enter the new fiscal year, I’m excited for Legacy Link to embark on another year focused on being your link to a better life.
Our work is strengthened by our incredible partnerships. I’d like to highlight two partnerships that are growing over the next year and making a significant impact in our community. Our partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Hall County is stronger than ever. We are collaborating specifically with their new Aging in Place Program. Through this partnership, we are able to work together to help low income older adults repair their homes so that they can age in place safely and with dignity. This is a mission that both of our organizations stand firmly behind. Legacy Link is thrilled to be a part of this meaningful work.
Additionally, Legacy Link and the University of North Georgia’s Institute for Healthy Aging have partnered together to sponsor a caregiver support group, Adult Children with Aging Parents (ACAP) of Hall County. ACAP provides a monthly opportunity for caregivers to meet, learn about a designated topic, and share experiences. Even though this is a new support group, we have been able to see what a needed service this is within Hall County and I am humbled to learn from caregivers’ stories. If you are a caregiver, please consider joining us at Legacy Link every second Tuesday of the month from 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM. You can also find our upcoming events, including ACAP meetings, on our website under the events tab.
I look forward to continuing to make a difference in the lives of our clients by working with our team, partners, and Board of Directors for another fiscal year. I truly believe that by working together, we are changing the world for the better a little bit every day.
Melissa Armstrong CEO/AAA
10 Summer Safety Tips for Seniors
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Older adults are less aware of thirst and lose the ability to conserve fluid. Drink consistently throughout the day, aiming for six to eight cups
Use Proper Sun Protection
Aging skin is more susceptible to sun damage. Seniors should use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+, apply generously every two hours, and choose water-resistant options.
Dress for the Weather
Wear lightweight, long-sleeved clothing, long pants, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-filtering sunglasses to protect from UV rays and maintain a reasonable body temperature.
Avoid Extreme Heat
High temperatures can be risky for seniors. Check forecasts and avoid going out during peak heat. Opt for early morning or late evening activities to stay safe.
Recognize Heat Exhaustion and Stroke
Know the signs of heat-related illnesses like flushed skin, rapid heartbeat, and dizziness. If symptoms appear, move to a cool place, hydrate, and seek medical help if necessary.
Be Aware of Medication Interactions
Some medications increase sun sensitivity. Check with your doctor about any medications you or your loved ones are taking to ensure safe summer activities.
Keep Cool Indoors
Maintaining a cool home is crucial. Use air conditioning to manage temperatures, as it affects sleep, communication, and the risk of hyperthermia in seniors.
Prevent Trips and Falls
Summer poses risks for falls. Keep areas well-lit, wear non-slip footwear, and ensure walking aids are in good condition to avoid accidents.
Stay Connected
Regular check-ins with family and friends are essential. Ensure seniors stay hydrated, have working air conditioning, and limit sun exposure during extreme heat.
Consult Your Doctor
Before summer, talk to a doctor about any health concerns and get recommendations to stay safe and enjoy the season.
In The Community
Legacy Link staff recently attended the National Council on Aging 2024 Age+ Action Conference held in Washington D.C. this May.
Alongside senior center directors from Georgia, they had the opportunity to engage with key figures, including U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock during a breakfast session, and later met with U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff. The event, which included a dedicated day on Capitol Hill, aimed to raise awareness among lawmakers about the importance of supporting aging policies.
Legacy Link was proud to advocate for “Aging Well For All!”
On May 31st, the Northeast Georgia Fall Prevention Coalition hosted a Fall Prevention Expo in Hartwell. 63 people were in attendance.
The community partners who helped make this event possible were Legacy Link, St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital, Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Public Health for District 2, Northeast Georgia Medical Center, and Brenau University.
The venue was provided by Hartwell First Methodist Church.
The participants were lead through fall prevention exercises, presentations about the importance of exercise and how it correlates with the prevention of falls and had access to the community partners to learn more about available resources in the community.
NGMC offered blood pressure screenings with the assistance of Occupational Therapy students from Brenau University taking an older adult course. These students also helped conduct vision screenings and fall risk assessments for the participants.
In May, Legacy Link went GREEN for Mental Health Awareness Month.
Senior Community Service Employment Program
SCSEP Success Story
Ms. Bagwell joined the Senior Community Service Employment Program through Legacy Link in October of 2023. She built her clerical skills through the Claris Remote Job Readiness Program and then transitioned into the home office managing income recertifications for the state. After just two short months, she was offered a position in a chiropractic office as an office administrator.
The SCSEP program brought me up to date on modern business operations and the working environment. It not only refreshed my computer skills but offered me new resume and job-hunting skills. It connected me back to the world I thought of because of my age, and the time since my last job, was lost to me. Thank you so much for all you did to help me.
Do you need training to return to work?
Get paid while learning new skills through the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP).
If you are 55 years of age or older, have a low income, and want to get back into the workforce, we can help! SCSEP can connect you with a local nonprofit or government agency, where you will get paid to build work experience through onthe-job-training. Once you’ve developed your skills and your network, you’ll be ready for regular employment.
If you are a limited income senior wanting to refresh your job skills through a paid training assignment, call Legacy Link’s SCSEP Program at 770-538-2657.
Monthly Medicare Classes
Georgia SHIP State Health Insurance Assistance Program
Georgia SHIP State Health Insurance Assistance Program provides free, unbiased information, as well as assistance to Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers as they navigate health and drug plans.
Certified Medicare counselors assist people with Medicare to understand their benefits and make informed decisions about their healthcare options.
In addition to helping those with Medicare enroll in plans that meet their needs, they can assist with:
• Checking on availability of financial assistance to help with Medicare Costs
• Filing Medicare claims and appeals
• Explaining Medicare Summary Notices
• Reviewing Explanation of Benefits
• Providing educational presentations regarding Medicare to community groups
Georgia SHIP is a public-private partnership, administered by the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Aging Services (DAS).
Scan the QR code to get more information.
Medicare Open Enrollment is October 15 - December 7
- December
Medicare Open Enrollment is October 15-December 7
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Summer Recipe:
Grilled Chicken Kebab with BBQ Sauce & Field Green Salad
Kebabs
• 1 pound boneless, skinless, chicken breast, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 6 bell peppers (green, yellow, red or orange), cut into 2-inch-square pieces
• 1 small white or red onion, cut into 2-inch-square pieces
• 1 cup whole button mushrooms, stems on
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 metal or wooden skewers
Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
Dressing
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon, lime or orange juice
• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon mustard, yellow or Dijon
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 1/2 cups field greens salad mix
Barbecue Sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon, lime 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup minced onion
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
To make barbecue sauce:
Add all ingredients to saucepan and mix well. Over medium heat, bring to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and keep warm.
To make salad:
Mix together citrus juice, balsamic vinegar and mustard; slowly drizzle in olive oil and whisk until dressing is well blended. Toss field greens lightly with vinaigrette just before serving.
To make kebabs:
If using wooden skewers, let soak in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes to prevent burning. Heat grill to medium heat. Thread chicken pieces on skewer alternately with pieces of bell peppers, onion and the whole mushrooms. Brush pieces lightly with olive oil; season with salt and pepper.
Grill kebabs for 15 minutes total, turning to keep them evenly browned on all sides. Brush with barbecue sauce in last 5 minutes of grilling. Chicken is done when it registers 165 degrees on meat thermometer. (You can also quickly grill the kebabs to brown the edges, then bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or to 165 degrees on meat thermometer.)
Serve with barbecue sauce on the side, along with mixed field green salad with citrus vinaigrette dressing.
Get Involved
Georgia Mountains RSVP Volunteer View
Transforming Lives Through Service
The service that older adults perform through AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP has a dual impact. While communities benefit from older volunteers’ time, skills, and experience, volunteers reap extraordinary health benefits from serving.
AmeriCorps found that volunteering significantly benefitted older adults. After only one year of volunteering:
84%
percent of volunteers reported improved or stable health
88%
78%
percent of volunteers reported decreased feelings of isolation percent felt less depressed
With one in every five Americans projected to be 60 or older by 2030, it is more important than ever to ensure older adults have options to remain active and engaged in their communities, and volunteering is one of those options. Older adult volunteers build social networks, develop friendships, and find purpose through AmeriCorps Seniors and other volunteer programs.
For more information, those interested in volunteering through RSVP can contact the program at Legacy Link by phone 770-535-2650 or email djsuchke@legacylink.org
RSVP is an AmeriCorps Seniors grant program that matches adults ages 55+ with volunteer service opportunities at government and non-profit agencies. Funding is provided by AmeriCorps, the federal agency for volunteering and service, with local sponsorship and funding provided by Legacy Link, Area Agency on Aging. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov. Georgia Mountains RSVP serves 10 counties in north Georgia with over 200 volunteers. Those interested in volunteering through RSVP can contact the program at Legacy Link 770-535-2650.
Make An Impact
Join the Legacy Link community and make a lasting impact!
Scan to donate as a one-time contributor or become a monthly donor, ensuring a continuous flow of support for our mission. Your generosity fuels our cause and paves the way for a brighter future.
Thank you for being a part of the Legacy Link family!
Exercise Programs That Promote Senior Fitness
Regular exercise can help older adults stay independent and prevent many health problems that come with age. NCOA helps community organizations offer fun and proven programs that keep seniors moving.
The CDC 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends two types of physical activity each week to improve health—aerobic and muscle-strengthening. Experts recommend that older adults engage in:
Moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes five days a week.
Muscle-strengthening activities for two or more days a week that work all major muscle groups.
Key Takeaways
1. Experts say older adults should engage in moderate exercise and strength training each week, however less than one-third meet this recommendation.
2. The best exercise for seniors to prevent health problems and stay independent are aerobic activity and musclestrengthening.
3. NCOA helps community organizations offer fun and evidence-based exercise and training programs to keep seniors active.
Statistics show that less than onethird of Americans aged 65+ meet this recommendation. However, there are many proven programs that can help keep seniors active. NCOA’s Center for Healthy Aging connects community organizations to proven programs that empower older adults to engage in regular exercise.
Scan below to explore these evidencebased physical activity programs, which have been proven to produce measurable health benefits for older adults.
https://www.ncoa.org/article/exercise-programs-that-promote-senior-fitness