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.
Area 9 Frozen Menu July 2026
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
1 Pizza Casserole California Vegetable Blend Apple Juice, 6 oz Whole Wheat Bread Pineapple Cobbler Milk Margarine Tossed Salad/Salad Dressing Cal: 826 Sodium: 896
6
7 Herb Crusted Pork Loin Scalloped Potatoes Green Beans Whole Wheat Bread Oreo Cookies Milk Margarine Cal: 628 Sodium: 544
Chicken Piccata Seasoned Pasta Spring Vegetable Blend Wheat Dinner Roll Butter Sugar Cookie Milk Cal: 616 Sodium: 876
13 Honey Glazed Chicken Breast Whipped Sweet Potatoes Green Beans Wheat Dinner Roll Applesauce, 4.5 oz Milk Margarine Cal: 578 Sodium: 696
Bacon & Cheese Egg Patty Hashbrowns Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal Mandarin Oranges, 4.5 oz Milk
Cal: 604
Sodium: 834
20
21
Southwest Stew Summer Vegetable Blend Saltine Crackers Apple Cobbler Milk
Oriental Shoyu Chicken Jasmine Rice Japanese Vegetable Blend Pineapple Tidbits Fortune Cookie Milk
Cal: 584
Cal: 553 Sodium: 426
Sodium: 948
27 Teriyaki Meatballs Lentil Vegetable Pilaf Broccoli Naan Bread Mandarin Oranges, 4.5 oz Milk
Cal: 733
Sodium: 1158
28 New! Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Green Peas Carrots Wheat Dinner Roll Milk Oatmeal Crème Cookie Margarine Cal: 763 Sodium: 901
Cal: 552
Cal: 649 Sodium: 898
9 Stuffed Pepper Bake Parslied Rice Green Peas Carrots Pineapple Tidbits, 4.5 oz Milk
16 Chicken Calabacita (Chicken & Squash) Yellow Rice Broccoli Whole Wheat Tortilla Hot Pineapple Tidbits Milk Cal: 641 Sodium: 479
22 Salisbury Steak w/ Steakhouse Sauce Whipped Potatoes Green Beans Whole Grain Bread Pears, 4.5 oz Milk Margarine Tossed Salad/Salad Dressing Cal: 683 Sodium: 782
17 Cheeseburger Baked Beans Glazed Carrots Whole Grain Hamburger Bun Fudge Crème Cookie Milk Cal: 894
Sodium: 1365
23 Creole Baked Chicken Red Beans and Rice Collard Greens Cornbread Nutty Buddy Bar Milk Margarine
Cal: 700
24 Turkey Divan Parslied Rice Succotash Brussels Sprouts Snickerdoodle Bar Milk
Sodium: 1232
29 Egg Patty Breakfast Sausage Hashbrown Potatoes Biscuit Hot Peaches Milk Margarine Tossed Salad/Salad Dressing
10 A-1 Chopped Steak Derby Potatoes Broccoli Wheat Dinner Roll Apple Juice, 6 oz Milk Margarine Cal: 626 Sodium: 679
Cal: 607 Sodium: 621
15 Spaghetti Bake Green Peas Saltine Crackers Apple Cobbler Milk Cranberry Juice, 4 oz (2) Tossed Salad/Salad Dressing Cal: 930 Sodium: 910
3 New! Pork Fried Rice Whole Kernel Corn Asian Green Beans Applesauce, 4.5 oz Milk
Sodium: 822
8 Fajita Chicken Charro Beans Whole Wheat Tortilla Hot Peaches Milk Taco Sauce Tossed Salad/Salad Dressing Cal: 643 Sodium: 771
14
2 Creamy Chicken Marsala Whipped Potatoes Broccoli Wheat Dinner Roll Mandarin Oranges, 4.5 oz Milk
Cal: 765
Sodium: 540
30 Santa Fe Chicken w/ Penne Pasta Southwest Corn Green Beans Rice Krispie Treat Milk
Cal: 649
________________________________ Courtney Furr RDN LD License # 37004552A
Sodium: 490
31 Beef Patty Potato Wedges Hamburger Bun Pineapple Cobbler Milk Ketchup | Mustard
Cal: 845
Sodium: 834
Area 9 Frozen Menu August 2026
MONDAY
TUESDAY 3
BBQ Pork Riblet Hawaiian Baked Beans Mixed Vegetable Blend Hamburger Bun Rice Krispie Treat Milk Cal: 802
Sodium: 1065
10
New! Creamy Marsala Garden Meatballs Penne Pasta Italian Vegetable Blend Broccoli Chocolate Chip Cookie Milk Cal: 579 Sodium: 778 Frito Pie Whole Kernel Corn Green Beans Corn Chips Lorna Doone Cookies Milk Cal: 669
17
Sodium: 554
24
New! Chicken Tenders Ranch Beans Summer Vegetables Hamburger Bun Oatmeal Crème Cookie Milk BBQ Sauce Cal: 901
Sodium: 1326
31
WEDNESDAY
Chicken Breast New! w/ Romesco Sauce Parslied Noodles Tuscany Vegetable Blend Tropical Fruit, 4.5 oz Milk Cal: 522 Sodium: 672 Sloppy Joe Baked Beans Carrots Hamburger Bun Applesauce, 4.5 oz Milk Cal: 775
4
11
Sodium: 953
18
Chicken Cordon Bleu Broccoli Glazed Carrots Wheat Dinner Roll Pineapple Tidbits, 4.5 oz Milk Margarine Cal: 679
Sodium: 1083
25
THURSDAY 5
Krab Cake w/Dill Sauce Garden Vegetable Blend Green Peas Saltine Crackers Chocolate Cake Milk Tossed Salad/Salad Dressing Cal: 760 Sodium: 809
Smothered Beef Patty Whipped Potatoes Green Beans Whole Grain Bread Applesauce, 4.5 oz Milk Margarine Cal: 606 Sodium: 684
Beef Stroganoff (Egg Noodles in Stroganoff) Yellow Squash Green Beans Fig Bar Cookie Milk Tossed Salad/Salad Dressing Cal: 641 Sodium: 497
Egg Patty (2) Hashbrown Potatoes French Toast Sticks Peaches, 4.5 oz Milk Pancake Syrup
12
19
Loaded Potato Bake w/Ham Spring Vegetable Blend Cabbage Whole Grain Bread Mandarin Oranges, 4.5 oz Milk Assorted Jelly Tossed Salad/Salad Dressing Cal: 599 Sodium: 1361
26
Breakfast Sausage Chopped Steak w/Onion Gravy w/Country Gravy Potato Wedges O'Brien Hashbrown Potatoes Green Beans Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal Saltine Crackers Peaches, 4.5 oz Rice Krispie Treat Milk Milk Ketchup Tossed Salad/Salad Dressing Cal: 599 Sodium: 707 Cal: 677 Sodium: 643
Cal: 692
FRIDAY 6
13
Sodium: 851
20
Butter Chicken w/ Yellow Rice Cauliflower Spiced Peaches n' Granola Milk Cal: 535
Sodium: 394
14
Chicken Enchilada w/ New! Citrus Mojo Sauce Fiesta Black Beans Stewed Tomatoes Sugar Cookie Milk Cal: 544
Sodium: 847
21
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
Cal: 633 Sodium: 514
Sodium: 1285
Chicken & Sausage Whole Kernel Corn Okra & Tomatoes Cornbread Fudge Crème Cookie Milk Margarine Cal: 821
27
Sodium: 651
7
BBQ Pulled Pork Macaroni & Cheese Carrots Hamburger Bun Apple Juice, 6 oz Milk
28
Cal: 669 Sodium: 1288
Southwest Stew Summer Vegetable Blend Saltine Crackers Apple Cobbler Milk
Cal: 584
Sodium: 948
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