An older man having coffee with others at a senior center

News & Events for Older Adults in Howard County • September 2024

Office on Aging & Independence's Community Living Program receives $1.1 Million Grant

The Community Living Program assessing a home for safety modifications for a man in a wheelchair.

The Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Older Adults Home Modification Grant Program (OAHMP) has awarded OAI $1.1 million to support our Community Living Program (CLP). The funds will be used to provide functional home modifications and limited repairs to eligible older adults in Howard County who want to safely age in place. "This grant will significantly enhance our ability to serve our older adults," said OAI's administrator, Ofelia Ross Ott. "HUD’s commitment to supporting aging populations recognizes the importance of enabling older adults to maintain independence and quality of life in their later years.” Launching this fall, the program aims to serve 200 households over a three-year period. To qualify, residents must be age 62 or older, rent or own a primary residence in Howard County, and have a household income less than 80% of the local area median income. For more information, contact Maryland Access Point of Howard Count y at 410-313-1234 (voice/relay).

Senior Center Month Celebrates "Powering Connections" at Howard County's 50+ Centers

September is National Senior Center Month, the perfect time to celebrate the wide variety of healthy aging opportunities at Howard County’s six 50+ centers. Read the September issue of OAI’s monthly publication, The 50+ Connection, and the Centers' quarterly newsletters to learn how OAI activities support the 2024 theme, "Powering Connections."

Sharing Grand Memories

Elkridge 50+ Center

September 9, 10 a.m. / Register

Celebrate National Grandparents Day with us as we honor grandparents and show appreciation for the older adults who make a difference in our lives.

Howard County Garden Club Flower Show

Ellicott City 50+ Center

September 13, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Keeping with the 2024 theme, “Back to School,” join us as we study over 26 classes of horticulture specimens, from asters to zinnias. No registration.

Senior Planet presents: Civic Engagement Discussion

North Laurel 50+ Center

September 17, 10:30 a.m. / Register Part 1: Discussion

September 18, 10:30 a.m. / Register Part 2: Workshop

"Online Tools for Contacting Lawmakers" is a two-part workshop to help you learn about non-partisan websites to identify your elected officials, track their votes and find contact information. Plus, discover how to use change.org to support causes that matter to you.

KASA Thrift Sale

Bain 50+ Center

September 25, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Don’t miss the Korean American Senior Association’s (KASA) annual thrift sale. Purchase gently used clothing, jewelry, household items, handcrafts, and more; proceeds benefit the Vivian Reid Emergency Fund. No registration.

Glenwood 50+ Center Fair

Glenwood 50+ Center

September 25, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Explore a wide range of programs and services, including craft demos, fitness assessments, digital education sessions, arthritis talks, and more, then enjoy a soup and salad bar. Representatives from Howard County Police, Fire & Rescue Services, Emergency Management, and Recreation and Parks will also be onsite to share information.

Reflections in the Garden: Making Sense of Life through Nature

Ellicott City 50+ Center

October 8, 15, 22, 1 p.m. / Call Kim Flash at 410-313-3668 to register

Discover how nature can boost your mood and emotional wellbeing. Engage in guided activities to encourage reflection, mindfulness and a fresh perspective.

Eating a Healthy Diet Supports Active Aging

September is Active Aging Month! Join OAI's registered dietitian, Carmen Roberts, at a 50+ Center near you this month to learn how your body’s nutritional needs change with age, and get tips to modify your eating habits to support healthy aging. Throughout these presentations, Carmen will examine nutritional changes we all need to be aware of to stay healthy in our 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond. Here's the schedule of nutritional presentations:

September 5, 11 a.m. to noon - Elkridge
September 6, 11 a.m. to noon - North Laurel
September 10, 11 a.m. to noon - Bain
September 12, 11 a.m. to noon - East Columbia
September 17, 11 a.m. to noon - Glenwood

To register for these or other nutrition programs at Howard County 50+ Centers, visit the ActiveNet registration pag e.

Stay Connected with OAI's Virtual Programs

RoseMarie and MaryPat facilitators of Aging with Grace

SeniorsTogether: Aging with Grace

Virtual Series: October 7 – December 16 / 10:30 a.m. / Register

Facilitators Mary Pat Donelan (left) and Rose Marie Moran (right) are back with a new session of the SeniorsTogether program, Aging with Grace. Take a deeper look at what your later years may bring, offer and demand. Each session explores unique topics on aging using Joan Chittister’s book, “The Gift of Years,” to explore the gifts, challenges and opportunities of growing older.

Personal Financial Skills

Virtual Series: Tuesdays, September 24 – November 12, 7 p.m. / Register

Planning for the future is most effective, successful and enjoyable when you carefully consider what you want to do, how it can be done and if you can afford to do it. Budgeting, setting goals, understanding credit and avoiding or getting out of debt are all important tools which can support the planning process, whether it's for next year or 20 years from now. Presented in partnership with Bridgeway Community Church, the first session is held at Bridgeway's Columbia campus; all others are virtual.

Falls Prevention: From Awareness to Action

At various Howard County 50+ Centers / Details and Registration

Join us during Falls Prevention Awareness Week, September 23-27, to focus on fun, engaging and educational activities to help older adults reduce the risk of falls and live more confidently. From balance exercises to home safety tips, there's something for everyone. Register now to assess your balance, and learn what you can do to decrease your risk of falling and increase the safety and accessibility of your home as you age.

Living Well: Diabetes Self-Management

North Laurel 50+ Center

October 8 – November 12, 9:30 a.m. / Register

Ellicott City 50+ Center (offered in Korean)

October 10 – November 14, 9:30 a.m. / Register

This six-week diabetes disease self-management program, presented in either English or Korean, is designed for people living with Type 2 Diabetes and/or their caregivers. Weekly topics include glucose monitoring, skin and foot care, appropriate exercise, nutrition and healthy eating, and maintaining a balanced blood sugar. For more information, contact Heather Sites at 410-313-3507 (voice/relay) or visit our website.

Senior Planet presents: Manage Your Health Series

Elkridge 50+ Center

Five weeks, starting September 25, 10 a.m. / Register

In this five-week series, explore a variety of free health management tech tools with OAI's digital inclusion staff. (No class October 9.) Weekly topics include:

Week 1: Mobile Health Apps.
Week 2: Fitness Apps.
Week 3: Intro to Heart Rate Monitoring Apps.
Week 4: Intro to Sleep Technology.
Week 5: Mindfulness Apps.

Tech Device Donation Drive

North Laurel 50+ Center

October 8 – 10, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

During "Digital Inclusion Week 2024" OAI will host a tech device donation drive. All donations are gifted to the nonprofit organization PCs for People to be recycled. Visit the Digital Education webpage for more information.

Alzheimer's Community Forum: Engaging & Supporting the Latino Community

September 26, 5 to 7:30 p.m. / North Laurel Community Center

9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel 20723 / Register

OAI and the Alzheimer's Association Greater Maryland Chapter present an opportunity for Howard County's Latino community to learn about Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and memory loss. This community listening session will focus on the basics of these conditions, the services of the Alzheimer’s Association and plans to expand the reach of local programs and services. Presented in English with Spanish materials, translation and resources. Bring a friend and share your thoughts! For more information, view the flier in English or Spanish, or call Kathy Wehr at 410-313-5955 (voice/relay).

For more information about Office on Aging & Independence programs, visit our website or follow us on social media @HoCoCommunity. If you need assistance, contact Maryland Access Point of Howard County at 410-313-1234 (voice/relay) or visit www.howardcountymd.gov/map.