News from ECIAAA

East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging Joins Campaign to Encourage Older Adults to Remain Active and Involved in Their Own Lives and in the Community.

Older Americans Month is celebrated each May to honor and recognize older Americans for the contributions they make to our families, communities and society. To assist our National Aging Network and other groups plan for activities during the month of May or throughout the year, the Administration on Aging (AoA) issues a theme for Older Americans Month. This year's theme “Never Too Old to Play” encourages older Americans to stay engaged, active and involved in their own lives and in their communities. Additional information coming soon.

As stated on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Website, Older Adults Need at Least:

	2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (i.e., brisk walking) every week and
	muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest,  shoulders, and arms).

	1 hour and 15 minutes (75 minutes) of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity (i.e., jogging or running) every week  and
	muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest,  shoulders, and arms).

	An equivalent mix of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity and
	muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest,  shoulders, and arms).

Some other various activities :

Activities for Seniors: Hobbies, Crafts & Classes Suitable for Older Adults

Senior citizens, senior caretakers and activity directors may have special skills to teach others. The following ideas may be one-time activities or classes, on-going weekly or monthly events, or turned into a club. Clubs are especially good for building friendships and knowledge.

• Calligraphy
• Digital photography
• Flower arranging
• Scrapbooking
• Quilt making or sewing
• Computer and Internet use
•  

For more ideas, check city & college extension pamphlets for classes. Craft and sewing stores often offer short-term courses and workshops. For a longer term activity, look into semester-long classes at a local college. Many colleges offer senior discounts.

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For more information about services for older adults and their caregivers, please contact the East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging toll-free,

1-800-888-4456

About Eldercare Locator

The Eldercare Locator is the first step to finding resources for older adults in any U.S. community and a free national service of the U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA) that is administered by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a). Contact the Eldercare Locator at 800.677.1116 or www.eldercare.gov.

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 Click here to read our 2010-2011 Annual Report.

Click here to view the FY2012 Public Information Document

Our Vision

East Central Illinois is seen as a great place to grow up and grow old.

Our Purpose

To enable older adults to live with dignity and safety.