Extension Making Difference in Lives of Senior Citizens

Auburn, April 17, 2003---In 1990, when Dallas County Extension Coordinator Harriett Bates began the “Making the Older Years Golden” program for senior adults in her county, she had no idea it would grow into such a popular event.

It started with about 50 Dallas countians, but now it has grown to 400 senior adults from seven counties. Senior adults from Bibb, Butler, Chilton, Dallas, Lowndes, Perry and Wilcox counties attended this year.

The Extension program, designed to help seniors 50+ make the best of their “golden years,” provides current information on issues facing senior adults, such as nutrition, health, insurance, financial and estate planning, all in a fun, relaxed and entertaining atmosphere.

“I love the spirit these seniors exhibit,” Bates says. “They come to participate any way they can -- on walkers and canes or in wheelchairs. “Older Americans are often a forgotten and neglected group of people so it makes them extremely happy when a day is set aside for them to learn and have fun. The program is our way of telling the seniors they are still an important part of our communities, and it’s a way to say “thank you” for the services they provided over the years.”

Larry Morris of WHBB radio volunteers his services as emcee each year. He entertains the seniors throughout the day by telling funny stories.

According to several senior adults attending, the event is “the place to be every April.”

Judy Smitherman and Debbie Sims, both of Clanton, look forward to attending every year.

“We come to party, meet new people and have a good time,” Smitherman said.

The ladies learned about this event from their Chilton County Extension agent and have been coming for three years. Chilton County has a small version of the program for their senior adults.

“I’ve learned so much from the program,” said Sims. “Each year we get wonderful information that we can use to protect ourselves from fraud, injury or health problems. The nutritional information is helpful too.” This year, she brought her mother

With the help of various cosponsors, Extension has been able to keep the cost at $5 a person for the day’s events, which also includes a morning snack and a box lunch. Bates said she purposely keeps the price low because most seniors are on a fixed income and can’t afford to pay more.

Nettie Williams, a retired elementary school teacher from Selma, has attended the program all 13 years.

“I come because it’s so much fun,” she said. “The speakers are always good and the

information we get helps me with everyday living. It also provides me with an opportunity to renew old acquaintances and make new friends. I meet someone new every year. “

The speakers provide practical information for the senior adults.

Attorney Jan Neal talked about making advance directives. She discussed the details of a durable power of attorney and a health care directive. Neal said recent laws have changed the information required in a living will and have changed other procedures that may be taken if a patient has no health care directive, such as a living will.

Extension Nutritionist Barbara Struempler shared nutritional information with the group and alerted them to upcoming changes in the Food Guide Pyramid.

Brunetta G. Williams, 92, also of Selma, said “I’m so thankful for this program. It helps me so much. I learn interesting things each time I come.” Mrs. Williams still lives on her own. She has attended the program all 13 years.

Joe Thomas, retired vocational director of the Lowndes County School System, had high praises for the event.

“This event is so beneficial to the senior community. It gets folks out of the house or assisted living facility, boosts their spirits and gives them useful information they can take back home and put to use.” Thomas also provided musical entertainment for the crowd.

Two topics that were of great interest to the seniors were “How to Get Free and Reduced-Cost Medications” and “Proper Use of Medications” presented by Beth Black, RX coordinator for the Area Agency on Aging, and pharmacist Eric Rousell, respectively. Seniors pay as much as $600 a month for their medications, depending upon their insurance coverage. Few of those attending knew about the free and reduced-cost medication program. Seniors must be at least 60, and their annual income cannot be more than $18,000 to qualify for the program.

Rousell said, lack of communication between doctor, patient and pharmacist causes him the most problems. He advised senior adults to do four things when their doctor writes a new prescription:

· Ask the doctor what the prescription is and what it is for.

· Write down the name of the medicine. (Most people cannot read the actual prescription.)

· Ask how and when to take the medication and if you will need refills.

· Whenever possible, order and pick up your own prescriptions, rather than have someone else do it for you.

Perry County Extension Agent Sallie Hooker brought 34 seniors to the program. “I’ve been bringing seniors from Uniontown and Marion for the past four years,” Hooker said.

“They love it, and more and more want to come each year. “

The day’s activities ended with a short exercise session, led by Mamie Soloman, senior exercise instructor with the Selma City School System.

Other sponsors for the program included Vaughan Regional Medical Center, LLC, Pepsi Cola Bottling Company, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Selma/Dallas County Retired Teachers Association, Alabama Tombigbee Regional Community Area Agency on Aging; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Morris Productions, WHBB Radio Station, Homewood Selma, Inc., Selma Chapter of Links, Inc., Social Security Administration and Dr. Patricia Robinson. Dallas County Master Gardeners provided table decorations and door prizes.

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