From the desk of Rand Simmons

Each year, the month of May is set aside to recognize the value of older Americans to our society. The theme this year, “Older Americans: Connecting the Community,” reminds us that age has no bounds when it comes to enriching lives and contributing to our country.

Many older adults are no longer able to read standard print books due to vision problems or physical barriers. Be it macular degeneration; glaucoma; diabetic retinopathy; or other vision problems, or severe arthritis; MS; Parkinson’s; or other conditions that make it difficult or impossible to hold a book or turn its pages, the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library provides a world of information for free to those who are eligible for its many services. For more information go to www.wtbbl.org.

The Washington Talking Book & Braille Library can be a lifesaver. It provides players and a steady supply of talking books chosen to suit the interests of the individual reader. Audio books and magazines are also available instantly through download from the library’s website, and staff will coach patrons and their caregivers in downloading what they need.

This service is especially helpful for homebound readers who can go through more than a book a day. And for those who want to see or feel their books, rather than listen to them, the library provides Braille and large print books.

Selections from local and national newspapers, grocery ads, magazine articles, short stories, a live talk show and vintage radio programs are broadcast 24 hours a day on the Evergreen Radio Reading Service.

The library hosts Ten Squared, an annual celebration of all patrons who are 100 years old or older, and just started a quarterly book club which meets in Seattle, and is open to patrons around the state by conference call.  Seniors can communicate with the library in the way they feel most comfortable-by telephone, written letter or email, or by visiting the Seattle location.

You don’t have to be blind to be eligible-the service is for everyone who cannot read standard print. And best of all, the library charges no fines or fees and even the postage is free! This is especially helpful to those on a fixed income.

Here are some resources if you are serving older Americans:

• Celebrate the Month with promotional materials, available at www.sos.wa.gov/quicklinks/AOA, from the Administration on Aging.
• Transforming Life after 50 (TLA50) is an initiative that is enhancing public library services and programs for members of the community who are over 50. Find out more at transforminglifeafter50.org.
• The Administration on Aging of the United States Department of Health and Human Services has made available a number of resources aimed at the needs of older Americans, including information on emergency preparedness and response. Be prepared for the arrival of summer weather with “Tips for Preventing Illness During Hot Weather” and “Heat Stress and the Elderly” by going to: www.sos.wa.gov/quicklinks/Heat.

In 2004, there were 36.3 million Americans 65 and older. By the year 2050, it is projected that there will be 86.7 million Americans 65 and over. At the same time, these older Americans are more active than ever before. As people live longer, work longer and go to school longer, there’s growing awareness that just as we need to eat well and exercise our bodies, we also need to keep our brains sharp.

For most people, cognitive abilities tend to improve until our 30’s, at which point they generally stay the same until our 50’s when they begin to decline. However, this decline can begin as early as our 30’s, and by starting cognitive training early, people have an opportunity to build up cognitive reserves.

During older Americans Awareness Month, spread the word about the importance of cognitive training, and that it’s never too late- or too early- to start.
http://www.cognifit.com/blog/older-americans-awareness-month/awareness/18/5/2010

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