Lunch & Learn – Past Classes & Recordings

Happy New Year!  Each January, many people start thinking about breaking and building habits.  How can we make our internal autopilot work for us instead of against us?  This conversation is an opportunity to begin exploring what you want and developing a plan to get there. Our special guest presenter for this session is Mayo Clinic and National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach, Hartley Newell-Acero!

November is National Native American Heritage Month, and we are honored to be joined by Collette Pederson from Grand Portage. Collette shares her reflections on aging informed by a cultural perspective that values care for Elders in the home as well as Elder-supportive community programs.

We are very excited to welcome Kate Surbaugh, RN, CEO of Sawtooth Mountain Clinic! She’ll discuss the current state of primary and preventative health care for older adults in Cook County. Our discussion topics include: What should older adults know about accessing health care in Cook County? What are the opportunities and challenges in providing rural health care to older populations? What does the future hold for local health care?

Learn how intergenerational connections can benefit people of all ages! Cook County ISD 166 Principal Josh Belanger helps us discover existing ways that older adults can connect with and support our Cook County students. In addition, we learn about intergenerational events and activities that are currently being explored through collaborative partnerships with area organizations like Care Partners. Participants also share their own experiences and ideas for connecting community members from generation to generation.

Alzheimer’s and other dementias cause memory, thinking, and behavior problems that interfere with daily living. Join us to learn how to recognize common signs of the disease; how to approach someone about memory concerns; the importance of early detection and benefits of a diagnosis; possible tests and assessments for the diagnostic process, and Alzheimer’s Association resources. Our wonderful guest speaker is Jenna Pogorels from the Alzheimer’s Association!

Having too much stuff can impede people from relocating or getting healthcare into their homes. This engaging presentation from AARP Minnesota’s Joan Palmquist explores why stuff is so important for some people and teaches practical, easy-to-follow tips on downsizing and decluttering. Learn how to get started! 

For Elder Abuse Awareness Month, we are joined by Brenda Shafer-Pellinen with the Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging and Minnesota Elder Justice Center. This informative session helps us learn more about what elder abuse is, recognize the common dynamics of abuse in later life, identify unique barriers that may exist for older adults seeking assistance, and learn about available resources. Discover what to look for and how to get help if you or someone you know might be a victim.

Ah, the need for magnifying eyeglasses and/or bifocal lenses…for many of us, it’s one of the first signs that we are not getting any younger! What happens when these strategies are not enough? In May (Healthy Vision Month!) we will welcome Amy McClellan from the Minnesota Aging Eyes Initiative. Amy provides lots of great ideas, tips, and resources for protecting our eyes and helping them perform everyday tasks as we age.

One of the best things about living in Cook County is the natural beauty that surrounds us! Hiking, kayaking, fishing, skiing…there so many ways to get out and explore one of the loveliest places on earth. Yet as we age, we may find it more difficult to enjoy these activities in quite the same way we did when we were younger. Tregg Axtell, Physical Therapist from North Shore Health, is on hand to give us some tips for safely continuing to pursue the outdoor adventures we love…at any age!

According to US Office for the Victims of Crime, fraud and scams aimed at older adults resulted in losses of more than $184 million in 2018. Many crimes go unreported because victims are scared, embarrassed, or don’t know who to call. March is Fraud Prevention Month, and Joan Palmquist from AARP is on hand to help us learn to proactively spot scams, and know what to do if we think we (or someone we know) may have been targeted. Note: recording is not available for this session.

Cook County HRA Executive Director Jason Hale joins us to discuss the role of the HRA as well as the ever-evolving outlook for older adult housing in Cook County. What’s available now, and what ideas might be under consideration for the future? How can residents of our county advocate for housing solutions and planning that includes older adults?

Age-Friendly communities seek to enhance the quality of life for all age demographics in eight key domains, including transportation, housing, outdoor spaces, health services, and more. Discover how a team of Cook County residents is championing this state-wide initiative in our area to help make Cook County systems and communities more inclusive of and responsive to older adults. We also get first impressions of key issues identified through the recent Age Friendly Needs Assessment Survey and community forums.  Special guest presenters are Age Friendly Cook County Project Managers Andrea Tofte, Cook County Public Health Educator and Julie Wilson, Care Partners Executive Director.

We know that elder abuse happens everywhere – even in Cook County. What may be less clear is when and how to report suspected abuse, and what happens next. Martina Johnson from Cook County Public Health & Human Services and Sheriff Pat Eliasen help us learn what elder abuse is, the scope of the issue in Cook County, the process for reporting, how our local authorities respond when a report is received, and what Adult Protective Services hopes to achieve.

This seminar helps familiarize us with the basic steps of estate planning, including the function of a will and the different types of trusts. The goal is to help attendees feel more confident knowing how to begin or modify a process to gift their assets according to their wishes. Our presenters are Claire Smith from Edward Jones, and local estate-planning attorney Ruthanne Vos.

Many people think falls are a normal part of aging. But the truth is, they’re not. Most falls can be prevented—and we have the power to reduce the risk. Becky Stoner, local Physical Therapist, helps us discover how even small changes in our personal habits, health care routines, and living spaces can make a big difference in keeping us safe. Cook County Public Health Educator Andrea Tofte also shares about our county’s Healthy Homes Assessment initiative and other programs that may help address safety issues in and around the home.

At this yummy Lunch & Learn we welcome special guest Annie Albertson, MS, RD, and Grocer/Nutritionist at the Cook County Whole Foods Co-op for over 7 years. She retired from General Mills after serving 30 years in the Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition conducting population-based nutrient intake research among many other nutrition related assignments. Annie loves sharing her knowledge and love of food, and helps us explore key issues around nutrition and aging, and discover resources and practical tips for healthy AND delicious eating.

Widespread biases and misconceptions about aging abound – and they can affect our own expectations about growing older. Our attitudes about aging have an impact on our quality of life, health and even longevity. Special guest presenter Brenda Shafer-Pellinen from the Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging discusses how ageism can influence us, and how we can contribute toward a more positive narrative about aging.

Focusing on strategies for staying active at any age, with discussion around the special benefits of senior fitness. Learn tips for overcoming common challenges, and discover local opportunities for active fun and exercise.

Guests Presenters:
Nancy Giguere, Yoga Instructor at the Hub
Nancy Koloski, West End Bone Builders Facilitator
Nancy Starr, Silver Sneakers Yoga Instructor

When someone shows signs of dementia, it’s time to talk. Often, conversations with family about changing behaviors can be challenging and uncomfortable. This program offers tips on how to have honest and caring conversations to address some of the most common issues. Topics covered in the program include going to the doctor, deciding when to stop driving, and making legal and financial plans. Our guest presenter is Jenna Pogorels from the Alzheimer’s Association.

Aging well is definitely a team effort – and it’s more likely to happen when we plan ahead! Learn about resources for building an aging support team with a panel of representatives from local service organizations, including In-Home Support, The Hub, North Shore Health, Care Partners of Cook County, and Aging Well Resources.

Guest Presenters:
Martina Johnson, Cook County Public Health & Human Services
Laura Nelson, Cook County In-Home Support Coordinator
Hilja Iverson, BSW, North Shore Health Social Services
Pat Campanaro, End of Life Doula
Julie Wilson, Care Partners of Cook County
Betsy Blume, Care Partners of Cook County

Discover how creativity plays a role in healthy aging. Local groups and organizations tell us about the opportunities they offer and how to connect with them for artsy-craftsy fun and inspiration…regardless of experience or skill level. (Zoom only due to weather)

Guest Presenters:
Sarah Beggs, North House Folk School
Jean Bushman, North Woods Fiber Guild
David Coleman, North Shore Swing Band
Sue Hennessy, Grand Marais Playhouse

Recording is not available for this Lunch & Learn session, but you can view a free online version of the class by visiting the Alzheimer’s Association Online Training Center (link below)

For centuries, we’ve known that the health of the brain and the body are connected. Now science is able to provide insights into how to make lifestyle choices that may help you keep your brain and body healthy as you age. Learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity, and social engagement, and use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging. Our guest presenter is Jenna Pogorels from the Alzheimer’s Association