SeniorsPlus has announced its March calendar

LEWISTON – The Education Center at SeniorsPlus has announced their March calendar. Unless stated otherwise, classes are free and located at 8 Falcon Road in Lewiston. Our programs are made possible through support from people like you; they are also donation supported. Call SeniorsPlus at 800-427-1241 or 207-795-4010 for more information and to register. The SeniorsPlus Education Center is fully accessible. Hearing assistive equipment is available.

Diabetes and Medication
TIME: 1 – 2 p.m.
INSTRUCTOR: Beacon Hospice Staff
Diabetes is a common, life-long, and controllable disease. It can be managed by monitoring medications, diet, and exercise. Understanding the disease process and factors that contribute to the disease can help people improve their quality of life and reduce symptoms. Review disease process, signs and symptoms, and medication management.

Medicare Basics in Bethel
TIME: 6 – 7:30 p.m.
INSTRUCTOR: SeniorsPlus Staff
LOCATION: Bethel Adult Education at the Telstar High School, 284 Walkers Mill Road
Learn the basics and timelines of this complex system, when you need to sign up for what, and ways to save money.

Dementia Conversation
DATE: Thursday, March 9
TIME: 10 – 11:30 a.m.
INSTRUCTOR: Mark Pechenik, The Alzheimer’s Association
Tips to assist families with difficult conversations related to dementia, including going to the doctor, deciding when to stop driving, and making legal and financial plans. Topics will also include the need to plan ahead and build a care team that communicates well; connecting with resources to enhance quality of life for everyone; and hearing from people who are dealing with similar issues.

Not Getting Older, Just Getting Better!
DATE: Tuesday, March 14
TIME: 11 a.m. – noon
INSTRUCTOR: Chloe JonPaul
Chloe will share her approach to aging. Dispel the myths and plan the fabulous journey. After all, the best is yet to come!

Colon Cancer Prevention
DATE: Thursday, March 16
TIME: 1 – 2 p.m.
INSTRUCTOR: Maureen Higgins, The Dempsey Center
March is Colon Cancer Awareness month. Learn how to reduce your risk and the importance of screening.

Medicare Basics
DATE: Saturday, March 18
TIME: 10 – 11:30 a.m.
INSTRUCTOR: SeniorsPlus Staff
Learn the basics and timelines of this complex system, when you need to sign up for what, and ways to save money.

Powers of Attorney
DATE: Tuesday, March 21
TIME: 10 – 11 a.m.
INSTRUCTORS: Angela Morgan and Madelyn Breerwood, Legal Services for the Elderly
This class will cover the different types of financial powers of attorney and health care advance directives containing health care powers of attorney. Learn how to create and how to revoke springing, durable, and “living wills” and health care advance directives and understand powers of attorney and the agent’s duties under these documents.

Nutrition 101
DATE: Tuesday, March 21
TIME: 1 – 2 p.m.
INSTRUCTOR: Ellen Shrader, CMMC
A registered dietitian will discuss the difference and importance of calories, carbs, fats, and protein as well as explore common myths and facts associated with each one. She will also discuss vitamins and minerals and how our nutritional needs change as we age.

Healthy Cooking for 1 or 2
DATE: Wednesday, March 22
TIME: 1 – 2:30 p.m.
INSTRUCTOR: SeniorsPlus Nutrition Department
Cooking for one or two often seems like a daunting task. You might wonder “Is it worth the trouble”? If you’re on a budget and need to eat healthy, it can be an overwhelming challenge. It doesn’t have to be a hassle. Learn simple tips to make healthy, budget-friendly meals. Sample a quick, healthy dish. CLASS IS LIMITED TO 30.

AARP Safe Driving
DATE: Thursday, March 23
TIME: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
INSTRUCTOR: Elwood Beach
COST: $20, payable to AARP; $15 for AARP members
Drivers 55+ who complete this class are eligible for discounts on their auto insurance for 3 years. Bring your driver’s license, lunch, and membership card.

Knee Replacement Surgery
DATE: Tuesday, March 28
TIME: 10 – 11:30 a.m.
INSTRUCTORS: Dr. Wayne Moody and Dr. Mohamed Al-Saied, St Mary’s
If you have knee pain or have wondered if surgery is an option, this presentation will help you to learn more about diagnosis and available treatments.

Senior College: Is It Art?
DATE: Wednesdays, March 29 – May 3
TIME: 9 – 11 a.m.
INSTRUCTOR: John Stoth
An exploration of modern and contemporary art over the last 100 years. The course is characterized by short lectures, group discussions and exercises, as well as art making itself. THIS COURSE IS FOR SENIOR COLLEGE MEMBERS ONLY. To become a member of Senior College, call 753-6510, or go to usm.maine.edu/seniorcollege for more information. YOU MUST REGISTER FOR THIS CLASS WITH SENIOR COLLEGE.

Adjusting to Living Alone
DATE: Thursday, March 30
TIME: 1 – 3 p.m.
INSTRUCTOR: Panel of volunteers from Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice Studies and articles always say that you have to “get out” and be social when your spouse or partner dies. What they don’t tell you is how you adjust to home life without them there. The panel will share personal experiences of adjusting to living alone.

Ongoing classes
Some insurance companies offer reimbursement for these classes. You must call your insurance company to find out if they do.

Gentle Chair Yoga
DATES: Mondays, Jan. 30 – April 3 (no class 3/20)
TIME: 9 – 10 a.m.
INSTRUCTOR: Tisha Bremner
COST: $40 for 8 weeks; $8 drop-in
Designed to increase vitality, gain a deeper sense of balance, and find your inner calm. Combines meditation, easy warm-ups, light stretches, and gentle yoga postures.

Mindful Yoga & Meditation
DATES: Fridays, March 31 – May 5
TIME: 10 – 11 a.m.
INSTRUCTOR: Tisha Bremner
COST: $30 for 6 weeks; $8 drop-in
Mindfulness is the practice of living and being in the moment, which benefits health and well-being. Explore present moment awareness, breath techniques, meditation, and easeful movements to help relieve stress and tension.

Total Strength & Balance
DATES/TIMES: Mondays, 11 a.m. – noon
DATES/TIMES: Wednesdays and Fridays, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
INSTRUCTOR: Linn Morin COST: $3 for one class per week; $5 for any two classes per week; $6 for three classes per week.
TO REGISTER OR FOR INFORMATION: Call Linn at 523-9055. These classes are for all – beginner or advanced – who are interested in improving strength, balance, and bone density.