Acton Council on Aging

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

Megan Ford Au.D., a licensed audiologist in practice since 1998, will provide hearing screenings, ear wax checks, and basic hearing aid checks. Please allow 15 minutes for your appointment. Dr. Ford has worked at several major medical centers in Boston, Cleveland and Worcester. In 2013 she opened her private practice, HearSmart Audiology, in Littleton. There has been such a high demand for Dr. Ford’s appointments, she will now be coming to the Center monthly! To sign up for a slot, contact the Council on Aging by phone (978-929-6652) or email (seniorcenter@actonma.gov). Acton 60+ only.

The Friends of the Acton Council on Aging proudly announce that the Honoring Excellence program will host Holocaust Survivor, Author and Public Speaker Janet Singer Applefield. Janet wrote a memoir about her experience as a Jewish child in Poland, surviving by taking on the identity of a deceased Catholic girl and hiding in plain sight with the aid of strangers. Her father, weighing just 110 pounds, survived the Theresienstadt camp-ghetto and reunited with his daughter. He transcribed Janet’s recollections of her years of survival, which served as the basis for her memoir. Refreshments will be served following the program. At

With the end of the Punic Wars in the second century BCE, Rome dominated the Western Mediterranean and was poised to expand eastward. Yet the tremendous growth of Roman power caused social turmoil in Rome itself. The result was civil war, dictatorship, and the eventual collapse of the Roman Republic. This illustrated lecture will look at the forces that caused the transformation from Roman Republic to Roman Empire. Open to out-of-towners 60+ for $5

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 has worked with older adults

In this workshop suitable for all skill levels, you will make one to two greeting cards. You may choose from several versatile designs of holiday cards based on your experience level and make your creation unique by selecting embellishments and a sentiment. All supplies provided by instructor. Registration required. Image of sample cards available to view at Reception. Nancy Dodge is an avid crafter and a Stampin’ Up distributor. Open to out-of-towners 60+ for $5