September is such a lovely month. The air begins to cool a bit. The nights get longer, and suddenly pumpkin spice is everywhere. It brings thoughts of how quickly time is flying and gets us thinking about what we want for our future. Neighbors Network is taking advantage of this season of change to reaffirm the importance of body, mind and spirit in aging well. Over the next few months, we are planning some new programs for Members and Volunteers. This month, we will learn to support our minds and bodies through gentle chair yoga. Next month, we delve into the importance of connection on aging well in a new series. These programs are open to the public and we hope you will join us!
A Series to Boost Mind and Body
Starting this month, we will learn how gentle seated movement and thoughtful practices make a difference with chair yoga led by Amanda, a certified yoga teacher. Her calm, peaceful instruction will resonate long after the session. Enjoy seated movement Tuesday, September 15, from 10:30 to Noon at the Winter Park Community Center, 721 W. New England Ave., Winter Park 32789.
nd the public are welcome to enjoy this program at no cost.
According to Harvard Medical School, yoga has been linked to a long list of health benefits, and larger, longer-term studies are in progress. Based on what we’ve learned thus far, the perks of a regular yoga practice may include:
- lower stress
- reduced risk of heart disease
- more stable blood sugar
- less back and arthritis pain
- sharper memory
- less anxiety and depression
- better sleep
- greater happiness
- weight loss
Chair yoga can deliver these benefits while providing a more stable, seated base from which to exercise. Members, Volunteers, a
Social Connections are the Keys to Aging Well
Linking Lives: A Journey to Wellness
Neighbors Network is about connection – Volunteers and Members providing the socialization that is so important at any age yet can be more challenging as we grow older. This engaging series will give participants the tools to understand how mental wellbeing is a key to healthy aging. It will be interactive, informative, and fun! Each week, we’ll get to know others, understand why social connections are so important, and learn practical strategies to build your social network.
WHEN: Tuesdays, October 6, 13, and 20, 10:30 am – Noon
WHERE: Winter Park Community Center, 721 W. New England Ave.
All materials will be provided. Light refreshments will be served.
It’s free and open to Neighbors Network Members, Volunteers and the public. Invite your friends and neighbors!
This series will help all of us understand the critical basics:
• Defining social isolation and loneliness and the impacts
• Understanding mental health and wellbeing
• Definitions of social connection and the impacts
• Barriers to establishing social connections and strategies to overcome barriers
• Creating goals and developing a social connection plan
• Creating community connections
Created by the National Council on Aging with support from the Humana Foundation.
Spotlight on a Volunteer
We are delighted to have Sharon on our team. She started volunteering with us early this year. She has driven more than a dozen Members, some more than once because she enjoyed talking with them. For one ride, she took a Member to the airport for an early morning flight. Sharon said, “she hugged me tight when I dropped her off, she was so grateful for the ride.” Her heart goes out to the Member whose husband lives in an assisted living in the next town, because it’s hard for her to get there to see him since she no longer drives.
One of her favorite memories is driving a Member who is “a female version of my father, so it’s easy to be with her. It brings back memories of helping him,” especially when we moved him to Florida to be closer. He’s been gone a few years now. Sharon wishes there were a Neighbors Network where he lived in Connecticut.
When asked why she chooses to spend her time volunteering with Neighbors Network, Sharon said, “I enjoy older people and Neighbors Network’s flexibility. It fills me up to help.”
Sharon and her husband live in Baldwin Park, she likes that it’s very walkable. Their daughter and son-in-law are in Orlando, too. Her two grandkids live in Connecticut with her son and daughter-in-law. She enjoys traveling to see them.
In addition to driving, Sharon looks forward to helping Members with organizing, household tasks and visiting. She also likes to crochet, scrapbook, sew and craft. The Creative Spirits group is looking forward to meeting her!
We are very glad to have Sharon volunteering with us.
Thank You
We are excited about our expanding activities and programs, not only for our Members and Volunteers, but for community members, too. So much of this… our growth, our success with Members, our community impact… is due to your ongoing support. Whether you are spreading the word about Neighbors Network, encouraging new memberships, recruiting new volunteers, or financially contributing, you are making a truly meaningful difference. We are forever grateful.
Your friends at Neighbors Network