Acton Council on Aging

Remaining independent, staying safe, and thriving are all goals that will be discussed with Melissa Lee and Patricia Jacotin from Oasis Senior Advisors. Join them to navigate the ins and outs of senior living options—from aging in place to community living—and to tackle your questions about costs, planning for the future, managing care needs or dementia care, and finding social engagement. Enjoy light snacks and beverages while you learn more about the next steps to consider what will work best for you. Please register with the Council on Aging (COA): 978-929-6652. Open to all 60+/free           

Are you looking to get outside this autumn but worried about where to walk and how to avoid ticks and mosquitoes? Join Acton’s Community Conservation Specialist, Ian Bergemann, and Acton Public Health Nurse, Susan Sama, for a presentation on how to safely navigate the outdoors this fall. Learn how to prevent tick and mosquito borne illnesses, how to find trails in town, and what apps you can use to identify wildlife! Open to all age 60+/free

Join us for a joyful evening at Velvet Vine Café. Enjoy timeless tunes from the '50s, '60s, and early '70s, setting the mood for a nostalgic and delightful night out and informative talks on skincare and emotional wellness. Velvet Vine Café - 166 Great Road, Acton-MA Wednesday, September 10th | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Admission is free. Charges apply to food and drink ordered. RSVP at Velvet Vine Seniors Night Out. For Information call (978) 929-6516. This event is a collaboration between Velvet Vine Cafe, Majestic Day Spa, and Vibrant Focus Unlimited, with support from the Acton Senior Center

In celebration of National Falls Prevention Week, come take part in a free wellness screening event focused on helping you stay upright, active, and independent. Hosted by Rehab Health 360 in partnership with the American Physical Therapy Association’s Geriatrics Special Interest Group, this interactive event includes four hands-on screening stations: Vitals & Orthostatic Hypotension Check – Understand your blood pressure changes and how they may affect balance Timed “Up and Go” Test – Assess your mobility, cognitive ability and risk for falls during dual task Strength Screening – Understand how your lower extremity strength impacts your balance Four-Stage Balance Test –

Join Rainbow Coordinator Rosie Latto for an hour of conversation. People in the LGBTQ+ community and allies are warmly welcome. Note that an ally is a person who actively supports and advocates for the rights and inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. Bring your ideas for program topics and any questions! Refreshments served. Please reach out to Chris Chirokas at the COA with any questions: cchirokas@actonma.gov or 978-929-6652. Open to all 60+/free

Aging provides us with significant challenges and aging alone can lead to loneliness and social isolation. Former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called social isolation a public health crisis in need of the same investments in research as other public health challenges. From a sexual wellness perspective, Dr. Jane Fleishman will offer up-to-date research, recommendations, and tips for aging alone. Join us for a thought-provoking, compassionate, and positive perspective on aging alone. Jane Fleishman, PhD, MEd, MS, is an educator, writer, researcher, and author of The Stonewall Generation: LGBTQ Elders on Sex, Activism, and Aging. She is on a mission to

Feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or embarrassed just thinking about all the stuff in your home? You’re not the only one! Come learn 5 essential, practical ways to reduce your stress so you can stay motivated and make steady progress without the emotional roller coaster. Forget “attacking” your clutter or “revving up” to get rid of it asap. There’s a better way: a more respectful, sustainable approach. Clutter is just part of life—together, everything is figure-out-able! Let’s Start Now! Bring your clutter—clean towels, sheets or blankets, and Laura will donate them for you to Household Goods! Attendees have a chance to win a

Open to all Seniors (60+)/free Are you experiencing grief from the death of an older loved one and finding it hard to cope with everyday life? If so, please join us in a new grief support group that will meet once a month for one hour via Zoom to discuss ways of coping with grief. Listening to others’ experiences can help you to better understand your own experience and may provide you with new insight in more constructive ways of dealing with this stage of life. This group will be led by Julie Norstrand, PhD, an experienced eldercare consultant who

During this introductory presentation, local reflexologist Rebecca Howard will share information regarding the many benefits of foot reflexology as well as the historical development and practice of modern reflexology. Rebecca will teach participants some hand reflexology self-care techniques and provide demonstrations as time allows.  

Join Gauri Tandon of Neurovana Health is returning for a second workshop on breathing exercises that are rooted in the centuries-old practice of pranayama. This practice is known to help with better sleep, improved digestion, and reducing stress. Also discussed will be concepts of self-awareness through breathwork and strategies to include in our daily lives to help us feel better. You can participate whether or not you attended Gauri’s first workshop in June. Space is limited; please call the COA at 978-929-6652 to register. Open to all age 60+/free

Reflexology is a complementary health therapy involving applying gentle pressure to specific points on the hands, feet, and ears to promote relaxation and promote healing and balance in other parts of the body. Curious about how reflexology can help you? Contact the Council on Aging to make an appointment with reflexologist Rebecca Howard. Acton age 60+ only.  

Come join us at the Senior Center for Energy Bingo! It’s just like regular bingo—only a bit more electric (get it?). Learn how to save money with state and local energy efficiency programs, while enjoying a fun afternoon of bingo hosted by the Acton Sustainability Office. Topics will include the Acton Clean Energy Coaching Program, Home Energy Assessments, heat pumps, renewable energy, weatherization, subsidized appliances, electric vehicles, and more! No prior knowledge is needed—just come ready to learn and have fun. Members of the Sustainability Office will be available for questions after the game until 3:30 and take-home resources will