The Link
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In This Issue
Message from the CEO
Dear Friends,
As we turn the page on another year, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your continued support and dedication to our mission. The start of a new year offers a time for reflection and renewal, and it is with great optimism and hope that we look ahead to all that we can accomplish together in 2025.
At Legacy Link, we are privileged to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers, communities that continue to teach us invaluable lessons in resilience, wisdom, and the importance of connection. Every year, we are reminded of how meaningful our work is—whether it’s through the friendships that blossom at our events, the assistance we provide through our programs, or the knowledge that we are making a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.
As we step into this new year, we remain committed to ensuring that every client we serve feels supported, valued, and empowered. Whether it’s through health and wellness initiatives, social engagement opportunities, or resources to help with daily living, we will continue to focus on what matters most: helping older adults live with dignity and joy.
I am so grateful to each of you—our volunteers, donors, staff, and community partners—for your role in helping us achieve this important work. Your generosity, compassion, and time make all the difference. I look forward to another year of working alongside you to create a brighter, more inclusive future for older adults in our community.
Wishing you and your loved ones a happy, healthy, and fulfilling New Year. May 2025 be a year of growth, connection, and continued impact.
With warm regards and appreciation,
Melissa Armstrong, CEO/AAA Director
Five New Year’s Resolutions for Seniors
The new year is about new beginnings, and for many of us that means New Year’s resolutions. If you’re contemplating what yours should be this year, consider the following suggestions to stay healthy and active as you age.
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Learn Something New
Learning new skills as a senior keeps the mind active and may help prevent dementia, while also offering social benefits. Local programs, classes, or clubs can introduce fresh activities and help expand social circles, which reduces loneliness and isolation.
Get Active
Exercise is essential for seniors, offering benefits like improved bone density, pain reduction, mood enhancement, and cognitive support. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly to help manage health conditions and boost overall well-being.
Drink More Water
Staying hydrated is critical as we age since seniors are more prone to dehydration, a major cause of hospitalizations. Aim for six to eight cups of water daily, incorporating water-rich foods like cucumbers, while avoiding diuretics like coffee and alcohol, which can dehydrate the body.
4
Improve Sleep
Consistent sleep is essential for seniors, who should aim for seven to nine hours each night. To support healthy sleep, establish a regular bedtime routine, avoid late naps and caffeine, exercise earlier in the day, and limit screen time before bed.
5
Eat Antioxidant-Rich Foods
To support healthy aging, add antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like selenium and zinc, to your diet. These nutrients, found in foods like sweet potatoes, legumes, and fish, help protect cells from oxidative damage. Aim to get them through whole foods rather than supplements whenever possible.
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.
In The Community
Legacy Link participated in several events this fall to raise awareness about the programs, services, and resources available within the community.
Legacy Link staff attended the Southeastern Association of Area Agencies on Aging (SAAAA) Conference to engage with industry professionals and stay informed on the latest trends and best practices in aging services.
On December 5th, Legacy Link staff united to assemble 336 holiday food bags for clients who face food insecurity. These prepared bags aim to ensure that our clients can enjoy a nourishing meal during the holiday season. This initiative embodies our core values: advocating for food security, showing character through dedicated service, working as a team toward a common goal, displaying empathy for our community, and honoring diversity in the experiences of those we serve. Together, we are proud to make the holidays brighter for those in need.
Legacy Link is proud to have provided CPR training to its staff this December, strengthening life-saving skills and reinforcing our commitment to safety and well-being. We look forward to expanding these opportunities, further enhancing our team’s capabilities and continuing to support our community with the skills needed to respond effectively in emergencies.
Senior Community Service Employment Program
Do you need training to return to work?
Get paid while learning new skills through the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP).
SCSEP Success Story
Meet Sonia, a dedicated professional with a background as a business owner and wellness coach. Despite her extensive experience, Sonia faced significant challenges in her job search, finding it difficult to secure responses from potential employers. Like many others navigating the job market, Sonia felt discouraged by the lack of job opportunities. With no callbacks or interviews, she realized she needed support to enhance her employability and find a fulfilling position. Determined to turn her situation around, Sonia discovered the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) at Legacy Link. She learned about the program through a community fair, which promised the training and resources she needed to re-enter the workforce.
In July, Sonia did her initial intake into the SCSEP program. From the outset, she was impressed by the professionalism and passion of the intake staff. They took the time to explain how the program could benefit her, instilling a sense of hope and excitement for her future.
Throughout her time in SCSEP, Sonia received targeted training and support in clerical and administrative skills. This training not only equipped her with valuable competencies but also boosted her confidence in navigating the job market. Focused on developing her clerical and administrative abilities, Sonia worked closely with program staff who provided mentorship and guidance.
After a little over one month in the program, Sonia celebrated a significant milestone—she secured employment at her training assignment! This quick turnaround exemplifies the effectiveness of the SCSEP program in connecting seniors with meaningful job opportunities.
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 to learn more.
Five Ways to Stay Physically Active in the Winter
No matter your age, staying active is key to aging well—and there’s scientific evidence to prove it. When adults exercise regularly, benefts include improved cardiovascular and muscle fitness, improved brain health, and better ability to do tasks of daily life.
But exercising during the winter months can be challenging, especially as temperatures drop, roads and sidewalks are slippery, and storms prevent outdoor activities. To help you stay engaged (and motivated), here are five ways to keep active.
No matter what exercise you choose to do to stay active this winter, it’s advised that you consult a health care professional or physical activity specialist about the types and amounts of activity appropriate for your abilities and chronic conditions.
Get Involved
Georgia Mountains RSVP Volunteer View
Volunteer Spotlight
Judy Walsh, a Legacy Link volunteer with the SHIP Medicare office, continues to be an inspiration to all who know her. A former Georgia Medicare Volunteer of the Year Award recipient, Judy has volunteered here since 2006, assisting callers with navigating through the complicated Medicare system. Medicare beneficiaries benefit from her vast knowledge and perseverance to assist them in receiving the most cost-effective choices for Medicare supplemental health insurance. In October 2012 Judy was chosen to be a guest speaker at the GeorgiaCares (former Georgia SHIP) Annual State Conference. Her inspirational topic was “Why I Take the Challenge”, citing her desire to stay active in her community and to utilize her knowledge to assist others. Her tenacity is especially appreciated by those with complicated issues as she spends the extra time finding a resolution to their health care problems by researching information with the national Medicare office, written regulations, and other experienced Medicare counselors on the Legacy Link office team. Judy also assists with spreading the word about the Medicare SHIP program at outreach events in her home county of Forsyth. Judy has years of experience starting many years ago with the first Medicare counseling program in Washington, D.C. Through RSVP, Judy received the President’s Award for Lifetime Service in 2014 which is achieved by serving 4,000 lifetime hours. Judy has amassed over 8,428 volunteer hours during her RSVP Medicare GeorgiaCares/SHIP volunteer career. This past year she served 235 hours and assisted 85 Medicare beneficiaries. Legacy Link and Medicare beneficiaries across our area are fortunate to have her as a trusted resource for Medicare information.
Help your neighbors and yourself by volunteering!
RSVP sites need you!
Meals on Wheels
Delivery & packing. Through your local county senior center - most need new volunteers.
Medicare SHIP
Counselors (requires certification), outreach and information distribution, clerical / database.
Senior Centers
presentations, administrative help, respite programs, kitchen help
Get involved and make a positive difference in your local area. Many organizations have lost volunteers due to the pandemic and are looking for new ones to assist with their programs. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to helping others.
Just a few hours a month can contribute to the success of these programs and help keep you young by being mentally and physically engaged. Studies have shown that volunteers report a better mental outlook, less loneliness, and even physical benefits by being active as a volunteer in their community.
Those interested in volunteering through RSVP can contact the program at Legacy Link 770-535-2650.
Winter Recipe:
Slow-Cooker Beef Stew
Ingredients
• 1-1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 6 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch lengths
• 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
• 3 celery ribs, coarsely chopped
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
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• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) beef broth
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon browning sauce, optional
• Minced fresh thyme, optional
Instructions
Step 1
Layer the potatoes, carrots, onion and celery in a 5-qt. slow cooker. Place flour in a large shallow dish. Add stew meat; turn to coat evenly. In a large skillet, brown meat in oil in batches. Place over vegetables.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, broth, mustard, salt, pepper, thyme and, if desired, browning sauce. Pour over beef. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or until the meat and vegetables are tender. If desired, sprinkle with fresh thyme before serving.