Community Chat 2022 January-February Newsletter
Community Chat 2026 July-August Newsletter
Drink Up: Why Staying Hydrated is Your Best Health Move An update from Dana Pierce, Nutrition Administrator
As we get older, our bodies undergo a quiet change that many of us don’t notice: our natural sense of thirst declines. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve spoken with vibrant seniors who felt inexplicably tired or dizzy, only to realize they hadn’t had a sip of water since breakfast. By the time you actually feel thirsty, your body is already running low. Because our bodies lose some ability to conserve water as we age, staying ahead of dehydration is one of the simplest ways to protect your independence and vitality. Even mild dehydration can sneak up on you, causing unexpected fatigue, a nagging headache, or mild confusion. It’s also a sneaky culprit behind balance issues, which can dangerously increase your risk of a fall. The good news? You don’t need to chug giant gallons of plain water to feel your best. It’s all about making hydration a gentle, enjoyable part of your daily routine:
Keep a favorite mug handy: Place a nice cup or a small water bottle next to your favorite reading chair or nightstand as a friendly visual cue. Mix up the flavors: If plain water feels boring, try herbal teas, clear broths, or water infused with a slice of lemon or cucumber. Eat your fluids: Enjoying juicy watermelon,crisp berries, or a warm bowl of soup counts beautifully toward your goals. A great rule of thumb is to look at your urine color— you are aiming for a pale, straw-like yellow. If it looks dark, treat yourself to a refreshing glass. A Quick Safety Note: While getting enough fluids is crucial for most of us, certain medical conditions like heart failure or kidney disease require strict fluid limits. Always check with your doctor to find the daily amount that is perfectly tailored to your body.
(800) 589-1121 | lifestreaminc.org | facebook.com/lifestreamservices
Upcoming Events Events JOY Games South
Healthy Aging Expo
August 17-18, 2026 • Richmond, IN
September 17, 2026 • Richmond, IN
JOY Games is an event that is held in Richmond. This event is hosted to accommodate our competitive and non-competitive active agers with various activities such as Pickleball, Chair Volleyball, Price is Right, Bingo and much more.
This fun-filled day will feature a variety of community resources, screenings and demonstrations to help promote socialization, activity, and community support. Visit lifestreaminc.org/events to learn more.
Visit lifestreaminc.org/joy-games to learn more.
What’s cooking? 4-Ingredient Hydration Salad 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups watermelon cubes 2 cups strawberries, hulled and cut into quarters 1/2 English cucumber, sliced into half moons 1 lime
Directions: In a medium bowl, combine the watermelon, strawberries, and cucumber. With your palm on top of the lime, roll it back and forth on your countertop a few times to get more juice out of it. Slice the lime in half and squeeze both halves over your salad. Toss the salad with a spoon until evenly coated. You can serve this salad immediately after tossing, or you can chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. If you let the salad sit before serving, the fruits will release some of their juices, mixing with the lime juice and making the salad a bit sweeter.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Easy Recipe Variations: · Play with your fruit options: I chose watermelon, strawberries, and cucumber to make this salad because they all have high water content, but there are lots of other summer fruits you could swap in and still get the same hydrating benefits. Try switching out the strawberries for pineapple. Pineapple and lime pair incredibly well together, as do pineapple and watermelon. Or, try swapping out the cucumber for something tangy like grapefruit and use its juice in place of the lime juice. · Sweeten it up: Sometimes I really want this recipe to feel more like a dessert, so I’ll add a little bit of honey. If you like things on the sweeter side, feel free to add about a tablespoon of honey to this recipe and mix it in, or simply drizzle some honey on top of your individual portion.
YOUR DONATION COUNTS! LifeStream coordinates the meals at 17 senior café sites throughout 12 counties. We rely on donations from generous people like you to help us continue to reach and help us serve more people in need. You can make your donation at meal sites, by sending a check to 1701 Pilgrim Blvd. Yorktown, IN 47396, or visiting lifestreaminc.org/nutrition to make a donation online.
Dementia Education & Awareness An update from Kelly Smith, Dementia Outreach Specialist
As dementia rates continue to rise across the United States, education and awareness are becoming more important than ever, especially among younger generations. Dementia Friends Indiana K-12th sessions are helping our youth better understand dementia, reduce stigma, and build compassionate communities for the future. Dementia Friends Indiana Youth Sessions are targeted for ages Kindergarten through 12th grade and are interactive educational programs designed to teach children and teens what dementia is, how it affects the brain, and how they can support individuals living with dementia. Through engaging activities, discussions, and real-life examples, students learn that people living with dementia are still people with emotions, memories, and a need for connection and respect. These sessions also help young people develop empathy and communication skills. Students learn simple ways to interact positively with someone living with dementia, such as speaking clearly, showing patience, and creating meaningful moments through conversation and kindness. By increasing understanding at an early age, youth are empowered to become advocates for inclusion and dementia-friendly communities. Research continues to show that social connection and community support play an important role in quality of life for individuals living with dementia. Programs like Dementia Friends Indiana help bridge generational gaps and encourage youth to become active participants in supporting older adults in their schools, neighborhoods, churches, and families. Dementia Friends K-12th sessions can be offered in schools, youth organizations, community groups, libraries, churches, and after school programs. They are a powerful way to spark conversations about brain health, aging, compassion, and community responsibility. The next generation has the power to change the way society views dementia and it starts with education. Bring a Dementia Friends Indiana K – 12th session to your school or community organization today. Help educate, inspire, and empower young people to create a more compassionate and dementia-friendly Indiana. To learn more or schedule a session, Contact our Dementia Outreach Specialist.
Christina Davidson cdavidson@lifestreaminc.org 765-759-1121 ext. 298
Kelly Smith kjsmith@lifestreaminc.org 765-759-1121 ext. 297
SUPPORT LIFESTREAM BY PURCHASING A 50TH ANNIVERSARY COOKBOOK! In celebration of LifeStream’s 50th year of service, we’ve created a special keepsake cookbook filled with favorite recipes from clients, staff members, community partners, café participants, and supporters. To purchase a cookbook, scan the QR code or visit: lifestreaminc.org/50thcookbook
Meet the Area 9 Caregiver Program Coordinator, Chelsea Wells! Chelsea Wells stepped into her role as Lifestream’s Caregiver Program Coordinator/Care Coach in March and serves Area 9, including Fayette, Franklin, Rush, Union, and Wayne counties. Chelsea comes to Lifestream from Reid Health, where she worked in Patient Access and gained valuable experience supporting patients and families within the healthcare system. Chelsea is passionate about supporting caregivers and connecting families with helpful resources and services throughout their communities. Her passion for caregiving comes from personal experience after stepping into a caregiving role for her son’s grandmother. During that time, she experienced first hand how overwhelming it can be to navigate caregiving responsibilities while trying to find support and resources. Through that journey, Chelsea connected with Lifestream and understands the importance of ensuring caregivers feel supported, informed, and not alone. As a busy mom and caregiver in her everyday life, Chelsea brings compassion, understanding, and a personal connection to the families she serves. She looks forward to building relationships throughout Area 9 and helping caregivers access the support and resources they need.
Care Team Resource Binders LifeStream’s STEP In Caregiver Programs are a comprehensive way to educate and support family caregivers, care partners, and people with care needs. LifeStream offers Caregiver Memory Kits, support groups, and evidence-based programs to help you STEP In to caregiving. LifeStream Services is also thrilled to provide caregivers and care partners with a resource binder that is an organizational tool used to prepare in the case that someone else may need to step in and provide care—either temporarily or permanently—and to empower caregivers who help with care needs. Individuals who may need to step in could include another family member, a professional caregiver, a neighbor, or a friend. All of these care partners make up your care team. To learn more, reach out to stepin@lifestreaminc.org
Mental Wellness
An update from Gina Harvey, Wellness Educator Celebrating National Wellness Month this August is the perfect reminder that healthy aging is a dynamic, lifelong journey. For older adults, prioritizing personal wellness means far more than just scheduling routine doctor appointments; it is about actively cultivating a vibrant, independent, and joyful lifestyle. By focusing on a few simple, intentional daily habits across physical, mental, and social pillars, seniors can significantly boost their overall quality of life, daily comfort, and longevity. First, nurturing the physical body through safe movement and mindful nutrition lays a strong foundation for long-term health. Staying active does not require intense, exhausting gym workouts. Instead, safe, low-impact movements like chair yoga, light flexibility stretching, or a brisk daily stroll help maintain joint flexibility, improve physical balance, and preserve essential muscle strength. Alongside consistent movement, everyday nutrition plays an essential role in preserving vitality. Meals should regularly feature lean proteins, calcium-rich foods for bone durability, and plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables. Additionally, because the body’s natural thirst signals inherently weaken with age, staying properly hydrated is absolutely critical. Drinking at least eight glasses of water daily—or enjoying hydrating snacks like fresh watermelon and warm herbal tea—keeps energy levels steady, prevents fatigue, and supports healthy digestion. Second, a healthy, resilient body thrives best when paired with an active, engaged mind. Cognitive stimulation is vital for keeping brain health sharp as the years pass. Simple, accessible activities like reading thought-provoking books, solving crossword puzzles, playing strategic card games, or picking up a brand-new hobby create vital new neural pathways and stave off cognitive decline. Mental wellness also requires effective, daily stress management. Practicing deep breathing exercises, listening to soothing music, or spending a few quiet minutes in mindful meditation can dramatically lower cortisol levels, ease anxiety, and drastically improve sleep quality. Finally, emotional well-being is deeply and permanently tied to consistent social connection. Social isolation stands as a significant risk factor for seniors, making regular community engagement essential for cognitive and emotional health. Connecting with close family, calling an old friend, or regularly visiting a local community center helps combat loneliness and brings a renewed sense of purpose to daily life. National Wellness Month serves as a beautiful annual invitation to embrace these holistic practices. By blending gentle movement, smart nutrition, mental challenges, and a strong social circle, older adults can truly thrive all season long. If you would like to learn about LifeStream wellness courses, contact Gina Harvey, Wellness Educator, at gharvey@lifestreaminc.org.
Lifestream Menu July 2026
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
1 Chicken Calabacita (Chicken & Squash) Yellow Rice Broccoli Whole Wheat Tortilla Hot Pineapple Tidbits Milk
Spaghetti Bake Green Peas Tossed Salad Saltine Crackers Apple Cobbler Milk Salad Dressing Diet: Hot Apple Slices Cal: 737 Sodium: 792
6 Southwest Stew Summer Vegetable Blend Saltine Crackers Apple Cobbler Milk Diet - Hot Apple Slices
Cal: 584
Sodium: 948
Cal: 573 Sodium: 426
13 Teriyaki Meatballs Lentil Vegetable Pilaf Broccoli Naan Bread Fresh Fruit Milk
Cal: 758
Sodium: 1153
New! Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Green Peas Carrots Wheat Dinner Roll Milk Strawberry Gelatin Margarine Diet - SF Gelatin Cal: 702 Sodium: 894
Cal: 802 Sodium: 1065
27 New! Creamy Marsala Garden Meatballs Penne Pasta Italian Vegetable Blend Broccoli Fruited Orange Gelatin Milk Diet - SF Gelatin Cal: 586 Sodium: 786
Cal: 748
Cal: 797
Sodium: 954
Cal: 700
Sodium: 1232
Cal: 696
Sodium: 688
Cal: 649
Cal: 578 Sodium: 375
License # 37004552A
17
Cal: 854
Sodium: 838
23 Smothered Beef Patty Whipped Potatoes Green Beans Whole Grain Bread Fresh Fruit Milk Margarine
24 Butter Chicken w/ Yellow Rice Cauliflower Spiced Peaches n' Granola Milk
Cal: 628 Sodium: 685
Cal: 535
Sodium: 394
30 Egg Patty (2) Hashbrown Potatoes French Toast Sticks Fresh Fruit Milk Pancake Syrup
Cal: 704
________________________________ Courtney Furr RDN LD
Sodium: 540
Beef Patty Lettuce & Tomato Potato Wedges Hamburger Bun Pineapple Cobbler Milk Ketchup | Mustard Diet - Hot Pineapples
Sodium: 490
29 Beef Stroganoff (Egg Noodles in Stroganoff) Yellow Squash Green Beans Fig Bar Cookie Milk
Cal: 765
16
22 Krab Cake w/ Dill Sauce Garden Vegetable Blend Green Peas Saltine Crackers Chocolate Cake Milk Diet - Lorna Doone Cookies
10 Turkey Divan Parslied Rice Succotash Brussels Sprouts Snickerdoodle Bar Milk Diet - Graham Crackers
Santa Fe Chicken w/ Penne Pasta Southwest Corn Green Beans Rice Krispie Treat Milk
Sodium: 1120
28 Sloppy Joe Baked Beans Carrots Hamburger Bun Fresh Fruit Milk
9
15
21 Chicken Breast New! w/ Romesco Sauce Parslied Noodles Tuscany Vegetable Blend Tossed Salad Fresh Fruit Milk Salad Dressing Cal: 591 Sodium: 776
Sodium: 479
Creole Baked Chicken Red Beans and Rice Collard Greens Cornbread Nutty Buddy Bar Milk Margarine
Egg Patty Breakfast Sausage Hashbrown Potatoes Biscuit Hot Peaches Milk Margarine
3
Closed for Holiday
8 Salisbury Steak w/ Steakhouse Sauce Whipped Potatoes Green Beans Whole Grain Bread Fresh Fruit Milk Margarine Cal: 636 Sodium: 661
14
20 BBQ Pork Riblet Hawaiian Baked Beans Mixed Vegetable Blend Hamburger Bun Rice Krispie Treat Milk
Cal: 641
7 Oriental Shoyu Chicken Jasmine Rice Japanese Vegetable Blend Fresh Fruit Fortune Cookie Milk
2
Sodium: 852
31 Chicken Enchilada w/ New! Citrus Mojo Sauce Fiesta Black Beans Stewed Tomatoes Sugar Cookie Milk
Cal: 544
Sodium: 847
Menus subject to change
Lifestream Menu August 2026
MONDAY
TUESDAY
Frito Pie Whole Kernel Corn Green Beans Corn Chips Lemon Swirl Pudding Milk Diet - SF Vanilla Pudding Cal: 714
Sodium: 730
3
10
WEDNESDAY 4
Chicken Cordon Bleu Broccoli Glazed Carrots Wheat Dinner Roll Fresh Fruit Milk Margarine Cal: 699
Sodium: 1083
11
THURSDAY 5
Loaded Potato Bake w/Ham Spring Vegetable Blend Cabbage Whole Grain Bread Fresh Fruit Milk Assorted Jelly Cal: 560
Sodium: 1234
12
New! Chicken Tenders Ranch Beans Summer Vegetables Hamburger Bun Oatmeal Crème Cookie Milk BBQ Sauce Diet - Graham Crackers Cal: 901 Sodium: 1326
Breakfast Sausage Chopped Steak w/Onion Gravy Potato Wedges w/Country Gravy O'Brien Hashbrown Potatoes Green Beans Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal Saltine Crackers Fresh Fruit Rice Krispie Treat Milk Milk Ketchup
Southwest Stew Summer Vegetable Blend Saltine Crackers Apple Cobbler Milk Diet - Hot Apple Slices
Oriental Shoyu Chicken Jasmine Rice Japanese Vegetable Blend Fresh Fruit Fortune Cookie Milk
17
Cal: 584
Sodium: 948
Teriyaki Meatballs Lentil Vegetable Pilaf Broccoli Naan Bread Fresh Fruit Milk
Cal: 758
24
Sodium: 1153
BBQ Pork Riblet Hawaiian Baked Beans Mixed Vegetable Blend Hamburger Bun Rice Krispie Treat Milk
31
Cal: 611
Sodium: 708
18
Cal: 573 Sodium: 426
25
New! Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Green Peas Carrots Wheat Dinner Roll Milk Strawberry Gelatin Margarine Diet - SF Gelatin Cal: 702 Sodium: 894
Cal: 677
Sodium: 643
Salisbury Steak w/ Steakhouse Sauce Whipped Potatoes Green Beans Whole Grain Bread Fresh Fruit Milk Margarine Cal: 636 Sodium: 661 Egg Patty Breakfast Sausage Hashbrown Potatoes Biscuit Hot Peaches Milk Margarine Cal: 748
Sodium: 1120
19
26
FRIDAY 6
Meatloaf w/Ketchup Sauce Whipped Potatoes Zucchini w/Tomatoes Wheat Dinner Roll Oreo Cookies Milk Margarine
Sweet & Sour Chicken Parslied Rice Japanese Vegetable Blend Green Peas Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Milk
Cal: 652
Sodium: 1285
Cal: 633 Sodium: 514
Chicken & Sausage Whole Kernel Corn Okra & Tomatoes Cornbread Fudge Crème Cookie Milk Margarine Diet - Lorna Doone Cookies Cal: 821 Sodium: 651
BBQ Pulled Pork Macaroni & Cheese Carrots Coleslaw Hamburger Bun Fresh Fruit Milk
Cal: 735 Sodium: 1414
Creole Baked Chicken Red Beans and Rice Collard Greens Cornbread Nutty Buddy Bar Milk Margarine
Turkey Divan Parslied Rice Succotash Brussels Sprouts Snickerdoodle Bar Milk Diet - Graham Crackers
Cal: 700
13
Sodium: 1232
Santa Fe Chicken w/ Penne Pasta Southwest Corn Green Beans Rice Krispie Treat Milk
Cal: 649
Cal: 802 Sodium: 1065
20
Sodium: 490
27
Cal: 765
Sodium: 540
Beef Patty Lettuce & Tomato Potato Wedges Hamburger Bun Pineapple Cobbler Milk Ketchup | Mustard Diet - Hot Pineapples Cal: 854
7
14
21
28
Sodium: 838
Menus subject to change
________________________________ Courtney Furr RDN LD License # 37004552A
Senior Medicare Patrol Bingo
An update from Laura Bray, Volunteer Services Administrator
Medicare fraud is no joke—scammers are always finding new ways to trick Indiana seniors into giving away their personal information. It’s frustrating, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. The Indiana Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) is a team of local volunteers who love getting out into the community to help folks protect their hard-earned benefits. And guess what? Learning how to spot scams doesn’t have to be boring. Our volunteers have a great way to share the SMP message: SMP Bingo! It’s a fun, lively way for your group to hang out, play a game, and learn how to: Protect-Detect-Report Medicare Fraud! Whether you want a quick chat or a fun game of SMP Bingo, our volunteers are ready to visit your senior café, your club, church, senior center, or neighborhood group. Want to get your group on the schedule for SMP Bingo? Just want more information on volunteering? Contact Laura Bray at 765-759-1121 ext. 136 or by email at lbray@LifeStreaminc.org
Volunteer Concierge Program
What is the Volunteer Concierge Program?
A volunteering initiative in which individuals are matched with older adults in need of: - Friendly Call/Visit - Companionship - Technology Assistance
Who can volunteer?
- Task Assistance · Housekeeping · Meal prep · Light yardwork
Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older with a desire to impact an older adults life through support and companionship. Those interested can contact Laura Bray, Volunteer Services Administrator, at 765-808-8827 or lbray@lifestreaminc.org or Fill out an application at lifestreaminc.org/support/volunteer.
lifestreaminc.org · 800-589-1121