The May/June Elder Update is Available

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs publishes a bimonthly newsletter, the "Elder Update", for Florida Seniors. The current issue includes the following articles:

•  Medicare and Disaster Preparedness
•  Ageism
•  Florida Senior Day 2015
•  Hardworking canine volunteer aids in the fight against elder abuse (This story is about a local Victim Advocate with the Area  Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas and her dog -  she is a real local hero!)

You can download the current issue here. Alternatively, you can sign up for a print subscription here. The 2015 Disaster Preparedness Guide should be published in July.

Older Americans Month Census Facts

May is Older Americans Month. This year's theme of "Older Americans Month" is "Get Into The Act".  Every Year the U.S. Census Bureau provides a fact sheet to celebrate this month. 

Here are some highlights from this fact sheet:

• 44.7 million people in the U.S.were 65 or older in 2012
• $35,611 is the median income of householders 65 and older
• 9.5% is the poverty rate for people 65 and older
• 18.7% of Florida's population was 65 or older in 2012.
• 4.9 million full time year round workers were 65 and older in 2012.
• 9.3 million veterans of the armed services are age 65 or older 
• 62.4% of those 65 and above accessed the Internet  through a  high - speed Internet connection

The full census report can be found here.

Local Volunteer Wins State Award

At Florida Senior Day, Janet Mills was awarded the Champion of Service Award for her outstanding service for more than 10 years as a dedicated volunteer with the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program. During that time she helped more than 10,670 people with Medicare counseling. Congratulations, Janet, and thank you for your many years of service to Florida Seniors!

"Tacky Tourist" Fun Fest in Dunedin

The Lifestyles After 50 Tacky Tourist Fun Fest will be held on Friday, May 15th in Dunedin from 9:00am - 2:00pm. Admission and parking are free. The event will feature:

• Free Health Screenings
• Live Entertainment
• Free coffee and goodies
• Free bingo and giveaways 

Our Lady of Lourdes Church at the Conmy Center
750 San Salvador Dr.  
Dunedin, FL 34698
1-888-670-0040 or 813-653-1988

Older Americans Month

May is Older Americans Month.  This observance was originally called "Senior Citizen's Month" when it was created in 1963, but it was renamed "Older Americans Month" by President Carter in 1980.  The purpose of Older Americans Month is to "recognize older Americans for their contributions to the nation".
The Administration for Community Living has announced the theme for this year - "Get into the Act". This theme focuses on how older adults are taking charge of their health, getting engaged in their communities, and making a positive impact in the lives of others. 
If you are looking to get involved in your community, remember that the library has lots of opportunities for engagement. You can be a part of the New River Library community garden, help raise money for our children's programs by participating in our Friends of the Library groups, attend our Senior Socials, or volunteer at your local library!

Upcoming Library Programs

Would you like to learn how to do genealogy research, find new friends at a Senior Social, or learn how to download library ebooks? These are just a few of the upcoming Pasco County library programs. The Friends of the Library sponsors our programs.  Here are some of the upcoming library programs for Older Adults in Pasco County:

Wed, Apr 29th at 4:00pm
   Hugh Embry Chess Club
   Hugh Embry Library
This chess club is for beginning and advanced players! We have chess sets, or bring your own.
Hugh Embry Library
14215 Fourth Street, Dade City, FL 33523 
(352) 567-3576 

Thursday, Apr 30th and May 7th at 11:00am
    SHINE Medicare Help
     New River Library
A SHINE volunteer (Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders) will help people with their Medicare enrollment questions.
New River Library
34043 State Road 54, Zephyrhills, FL 33543
(813) 788-6375

Thurs, Apr 30th,  at 5:00pm
     Tablet Talk           
     South Holiday Library
Looking to learn more about technology? Learn how to use different apps to get the most out of your tablet! Each week we'll explore a different topic to help make you a tech pro! If you don't have a tablet and want to see what's available, we'll have several varieties on display.
South Holiday Library
4649 Mile Stretch Drive 
Holiday, FL 34690 
(727) 834-3331

Fridays at 11:00am      
Knitters for Charity       
Hudson Regional Library  
Join this fun group to knit and crochet for charity. They have donated over 12,000 items-hats, scarves, items for children, afghans, and more-to cancer patients, the needy, the homeless, and others. New faces are always welcome, and if you want to learn how to knit or crochet, they will teach you!
Hudson Regional Library 
8012 Library Road, Hudson, FL 34667 
(727) 861-3040

Fri, May 1st at 2:00pm
    Ebooks from your library
     New River Library
Learn how to get ebooks from the library to your tablet.
New River Library
34043 State Road 54, Zephyrhills, FL 33543
(813) 788-6375

Sat, May 2nd at 2:00pm
   Genealogy- where do I begin?
   Regency Park Library
Get some tips on how to get started with genealogy.
Regency Park Library
9701 Little Road
New Port Richey 34654
(727) 861-3049

Tues, April 5th at 10:00am
    AARP Smart Driver Course
    New River Library
You can click here to find local classes and register for a class.
New River Library
34043 State Road 54, Zephyrhills, FL 33543
(813) 788-6375

Tues, May 5th and May 19th at 12:00pm
    Knitting Club
    Hugh Embry Library
Bring your supplies and a bag lunch if you wish, 1st and 3rd Tues each month January-May!
Hugh Embry Library
14215 Fourth Street, Dade City, FL 33523 
(352) 567-3576 

Wed, May 6th at 11:00am
    Alzheimers Association/
    Caregiver's  Support
    Land O'Lakes Library
This program will inform the community about services and support available for patients with dementia.
Land O'Lakes Library
2818 Collier Parkway
Land O'Lakes, FL 34639
(813) 929-1214          

Wed, May 6th at 2:00pm
     Senior Social
     New River Library
Adults, age 50 and above, can enjoy card games, board games, and Wii bowling. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Library.
New River Library
34043 State Road 54, Zephyrhills, FL 33543
(813) 788-6375

Thurs, May 7th at 10:00am
    Social Seniors
    Land O'Lakes Library
Join our group of Social Seniors for coffee, cake, and conversation. Get involved at the library by offering programming suggestions. Or, take this time to meet new friends, discuss common interests, and engage in recreational activities.
Land O'Lakes Library
2818 Collier Parkway
Land O'Lakes, FL 34639
(813) 929-1214           

Also, many branches offer book discussions and technology programs.

New U. S. Department of Veteran's Affairs' Streamlined Claims Process

The  U. S. Department of Veteran's Affairs has standardized their claims process by:

• using standardized forms for compensation claims (online on the eBenefits page).
• you can get downloadable forms from links in this VA blog post.
• you can get the new form to appeal your claims decision here 
• if you want to file a claim, but need time to gather information, you can file an "intent to file a claim" form here.

If you need more help with your Veteran's benefits, you can contact the Pasco County Veteran's Services Department by calling (727) 834-3282 or check the department's webpage here.