Senior Digest News

Personal approach pays dividends

Monday, January 30, 2012 7:58:38 AM by Administrator Account

On the Senior Agenda by William F. Flynn, Jr.

In 2011, the Gray Panthers of Rhode Island merged with the Senior Agenda Coalition, retaining its identity as the coalition’s membership partner. Together we have been working on a campaign to build membership and identify issues. We have been doing that in partnership with the Rhode Island Organizing Project (RIOP), a coalition of 15 organizations that helps mobilize people to improve their communities. It has won victories for funding after-school programs, improving neighborhoods, producing affordable housing and most recently securing shelter for homeless persons in Woonsocket.

Asking about lighting could brighten your day

Monday, January 30, 2012 7:57:13 AM by Administrator Account

Today's Antiques by Scott Davis

Prior to the invention of the electric light, most lighting was achieved using portable oil lamps and candles that lit a small area. Larger spaces needed to be lit by chandeliers and sconces that were mounted to ceilings and walls. Those fixtures could be fitted with multiple lamps or candles.

Oral hygiene is a link to maintaining health

Monday, January 30, 2012 7:55:51 AM by Administrator Account

By Kathleen Heren

Members of Rhode Island’s Long-Term Care Council recently discussed oral hygiene in relationship to the elderly. Two mobile dental providers explained their company’s role in providing dental services for elderly residents of long-term care facilities whose payment source is Medicaid. For people who have family members an assisted living setting, the difficulty of finding dentists who accept Medicaid can be quite challenging, if not impossible. To learn that there are services available was very promising.

Can’t drive? Don’t fuss; get out and hop a bus

Monday, January 30, 2012 7:54:36 AM by Administrator Account

On the Inside by Kathleen S. Connell

People of the “Senior Digest” generation re-member Duke Ellington. Who of a certain age cannot hum if not sing the lyrics to his classic “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore”? It’s a jazz ballad about someone who, due to circumstances, is pretty much out of circulation, spending lonely days and nights at home. Was Ellington offering a remedy by choosing “Take the A Train” as his orchestra’s signature theme song?

’Tis the season to visit Sachuest Point

Monday, January 30, 2012 7:53:10 AM by Administrator Account

The Wild Life by Todd McLeish

One of the best places in Rhode Island to observe wildlife in winter is the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge in Middletown at the eastern end of Second Beach. It’s an ideal place to take your grandchildren to explore nature, and it’s an idyllic setting for an easy walk along wide grassy paths with spectacular views.