2025 September–October
The Health Benefits of Apples
An update from Dana Pierce, Nutrition Administrator
Fall is the time for apples! I love making a batch of homemade applesauce in the fall. It’s so easy in a crock-pot, and I only use apples, cinnamon, and lemon juice—this way is healthy and yummy!
Did you know apples are a simple and powerful fruit that offer a variety of health benefits, especially for older adults? They are packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants, helping to maintain overall wellness and preventing agerelated diseases.
A big benefit of apples is their high fiber content. One medium apple contains about 4 grams of dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels. For older adults, this can mean improved digestion and reduced risk of constipation—common concerns with age.
Apples are also rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C. This helps protect cells from damage, which is linked to chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and cognitive decline. Regular apple consumption may contribute to better brain function and a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Heart health is another area where apples shine. Their fiber and antioxidant content can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and reduce blood pressure.
Additionally, apples are low in calories and have a high-water content, making them a smart snack for weight management. For seniors looking to maintain a healthy weight without feeling deprived, apples offer a satisfying and nutritious option.
Apples are more than just a convenient snack—they’re a nutritional powerhouse that supports healthy aging. Including apples in a regular diet can help older adults maintain vitality, independence, and overall quality of life.
Apples are easy to incorporate into daily meals. Whether eaten raw, baked, or added to salads and oatmeal, they require little preparation and suit a variety of dietary needs. Try the Healthy Apple Crisp recipe included on the next page, and enjoy the goodness of those fall apples!
Upcoming Events
Fall Festival
September 25 • Liberty, IN
LifeStream’s annual Fall Festival is returning on Thursday, September 25 from 10am–2pm at the Treaty Line Pioneer Village in Liberty. This event offers older adults a day of pontoon boat rides, a health fair, musical entertainment, crafts, Bingo, and much more. All activities are provided at no cost, and lunch is available for an encouraged donation of $10. Registration is open until September 11. Learn more and register at lifestreaminc.org/fall-festival
What’s cooking?
Healthy Apple Crisp
Ingredients:
Apple Filling
2 lbs apples, 5 c, cored & diced
1 T corn starch
1 tsp lemon juice
2 T sugar
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Crisp Topping
Medicare Open Enrollment
October 15—December 7 • East Central Indiana
Medicare open enrollment opens on October 7. LifeStream Services has SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) trained counselors available to assist those who need help with navigating the challenges of health insurance, including Medicare, Medicaid, long-term financing options, prescription coverage, and more. If you or a loved one needs assistance, please call LifeStream at (765) 759-1121.
1/2 c old fashioned oats
1/2 c all-purpose flour
2 T cane sugar
2 T brown sugar
1/4 c light butter, melted
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Peel, core, and dice the apples. Combine the apples with the rest of the filling ingredients and place into a round pie or tarte dish. Combine the flour, oats, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Melt the butter and add it to the dry ingredients. Stir to combine. Using your fingers, sprinkle the crumble topping evenly on top of the apple mixture. Bake at 375 for 40 minutes, or until the inside is cooked and the top is golden brown. Serve with ice cream, whipped cream, or a dollop of yogurt.
Recipe source: https://sweetsavoryandsteph.com/healthy-apple-crisp/
Please visit lifestreaminc.org/nutrition for more resources and information about our programs and services.
Your donation counts!
LifeStream coordinates the meals at 21 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 find donation boxes at the meal sites that will help us continue the sites and feed more people. You can make your donation by sending a check to 1701 Pilgrim Blvd. Yorktown, IN 47396 or visit lifestreaminc.org/nutrition to make a donation online
Veronica Gober MS RDN LD
Veronica Gober MS RDN LD Menus
Falls Prevention
An update from Gina Harvey, Wellness Educator
Do you have a fear of falling? If so, you are not alone—the risk of falling and fear of falling are common as we age. But I have good news; falling is not a normal part of the aging process and it can be prevented! Having a fear of falling can paralyze you and lead to a restriction of activities, slowly taking away your independence. Let’s take a moment to recognize the risk factors for increased falls.
Inactivity is a major risk factor, contributing to weak muscles and low stamina. Chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and nerve conditions can also increase your falls risk. A cluttered home poses many obstacles and can lead to a fall. Have you started a new medication? Are you familiar with your medication side effects? Medications can alter our blood pressure and increase our falls risk.
The best falls prevention is exercise. Strengthening your large muscle groups, especially the legs, can improve your ability to get up from a chair and maneuver around your home. Focusing on flexibility exercises for your shoulders, hips, and heel cord can help coordinate your movements and even improve your ability to regain your balance.
Adapting your environment to reduce your fall risks is also helpful. Removing rugs, adding night lights, and wearing sturdy shoes indoors and out can help you maintain your balance. Using assistive equipment, like grab bars, toilet seat risers, and rollators, can help you maintain your independence as well. Consider a life alert button or establish a buddy system with a neighbor. Plan for a falls event before it happens, so you know what you will do and who will check on you.
If you would like to learn more about A Matter of Balance or other wellness courses, contact Gina Harvey, Wellness Educator, at gharvey@lifestreaminc.org.
Outreach Corner
An update from Angie Jenkins, Outreach Coordinator
It’s been a busy summer with LifeStream events—and now we’re about to hit the fall season! With fall comes cool breezes and changing leaves, and of course, our annual Fall Festival.
LifeStream’s Fall Festival will be held on September 25 at the Treaty Line Pioneer Village in Liberty. The Fall Festival draws crowds of over 400 older adults for a day of pontoon boat rides, a health fair, musical entertainment, crafts, Bingo, and much more. All activities are provided to attendees at no cost, and lunch is available at the festival for an encouraged donation of $10. Registration is open until September 11. You can visit lifestreaminc.org/fall-festival or call (765) 759-1121 to register.
We’d also like to remind you that Medicare Open Enrollment opens in October. LifeStream Services has SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) trained counselors available to assist those who need help with navigating the challenges of health insurance, including Medicare, Medicaid, long-term financing options, prescription coverage, and more. If you or a loved one needs assistance, please call LifeStream at (765) 759-1121 and ask to speak with a SHIP counselor.
To learn more about upcoming LifeStream events, visit lifestreaminc.org/calendar, or contact Angie Jenkins, Outreach Coordinator, at ajenkins@lifestreaminc.org.
Senior Medicare Fraud Volunteers
An update from Laura Bray, Volunteer Services Administrator
Indiana Medicare fraud presentations are educational events designed to inform older adults about common scams targeting Medicare beneficiaries. Hosted by organizations like LifeStream Services and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP), these presentations help seniors recognize fraud, protect their personal information, and report suspicious activity. By raising awareness, the sessions aim to empower Indiana’s senior community to safeguard their Medicare benefits and contribute to the fight against healthcare fraud!
If you would like to volunteer for Senior Medicare Patrol in your community, or if your business, club, religious organization, senior center, or social group would like an SMP Volunteer to give a presentation on Medicare Fraud, please contact LifeStream at (765) 759-1121 to arrange a presentation!
The LifeStream Volunteer Program matches students, children, adults, and groups with community needs. Join the fun of making a difference in the lives of others by completing an application to be a volunteer today. Contact Laura Bray, Volunteer Services Administrator, at (765) 808-8827 or lbray@lifestreaminc. org to learn more about how you can impact someone’s life.
LifeStream Cookbook
Celebrating 50 years of service
As LifeStream celebrates 50 years of service in 2025, we thank the many staff, volunteers, and community members who have made us who we are and continue to help us make a positive impact throughout East Central Indiana.
LifeStream would like to thank the many people who have contributed to this project. Senior Café participants and site leaders, clients, volunteers, staff, and friends have all submitted recipes that have been a special part of their lives, and we are excited to now share this with you.
Nutrition is a vital part of health; not just for the physical benefits, but also for the social connection it can bring. We hope that this cookbook brings you opportunities to create not only a delicious meal, but also a new friendship or connection. Thank you for being an important part of LifeStream’s nutrition past, present, and future!
Order a LifeStream 50th Anniversary Cookbook for $15 now at www.lifestreaminc.org/50thcookbook