November is recognized as National Diabetes Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to a disease that affects millions of Americans, including many older adults.
Diabetes is a condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar (glucose) and, if left unmanaged, it can lead to serious health complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, vision loss, nerve damage and an increased risk of falls and mobility problems.
As we age, it becomes especially important to understand the warning signs of diabetes, which may include increased thirst, frequent urination, unusual fatigue, blurred vision and slow-healing wounds.
Some people may have diabetes without experiencing noticeable symptoms, making routine health screenings and annual wellness visits especially important. Early detection, healthy eating habits, regular physical activity and proper medical care can make a significant difference in managing diabetes and maintaining a good quality of life.
At Archuleta Seniors Inc. (ASI), we encourage older adults to take an active role in protecting their health and learning about the risks associated with diabetes.
Making healthy food choices, staying physically active, taking medications as prescribed and keeping regular appointments with health care providers are important steps toward prevention and management.
Our Meals on Wheels, congregate dining and Grab-N-Go meal programs help support older adults by providing nutritious meal options and opportunities to stay socially connected.
We also encourage seniors to speak with their health care providers about blood sugar testing and any concerns they may have.
Diabetes does not have to prevent someone from enjoying an active, independent and fulfilling life. This November, let’s make our health a priority, stay informed, and remember that small, healthy choices today can make a big difference in our well-being tomorrow.
Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving closures
ASI will be closed for Thanksgiving Nov. 26 and Nov. 27.
No meals or services will be provided on those days.
Senior Conversations
The very popular Senior Conversations with local Bill Salmansohn takes place on Mondays from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. at the Senior Center.
Salmansohn brings to the conversations a variety of topics designed to stimulate discussions within a safe and comfortable environment as we explore our well-being and shared experiences.
This is a unique opportunity to connect with others in the Archuleta community, fostering sharing and friendships.
Snacks will be provided.
Afterward, hosted by Robin Williams, stay for a get-together created for those who wish to continue the conversation. This opportunity is typically from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., following Senior Conversations. The group occasionally reconvenes as an informal gathering at various local restaurants.
Stretching and mobility classes
Community members are invited to attend free weekly classes every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. at the Senior Center at 451 Hot Springs Blvd., in the back of the Ross Aragon Community Center.
The stretching and mobility classes for adults age 55 or better are designed to help build balance in the body through functional exercises that aim to improve mobility and flexibility.
Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of techniques that can help enhance overall movement efficiency.
Though not necessary, a mat is recommended for this class.
The program is instructed by local ballet dance instructor Dee Pitchon, who will provide modifications to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the exercises.
American mahjong
American mahjong is played using a set of tiles and the current year score card. Play includes groups of three or four players and follows a pattern of division exchange and display of tiles.
Bring your card and come to play or watch and learn from 1:15 to 3:45 p.m. Tuesdays at the Senior Center.
Bridge
The game of bridge is held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 1:15 p.m.
Bridge is a four-player card game with partners sitting opposite each other around a table. It is a trick-taking card game using a standard 52-card deck. Come alone or bring a partner.
Hand and foot card game
Whether you are new to hand and foot or interested in learning, please join us most Tuesdays at 1:15 p.m. at the Senior Center.
This card game involves four rounds of play, with the final round reached sometime between two and three hours later. Plan to stay and meet some new friends or catch up with those you have missed.
No experience is necessary, so come willing to learn.
Rummikub
Come check out Rummikub on Tuesdays from 1:15 to 3:45 p.m. It is a tile-based game for two to four players, combining elements of the card game rummy and mahjong.
Emotional freedom
On the second Thursday of the month from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., join the “Tappers,” who practice a self-regulation technique to relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, insomnia and more.
Everything you need to get started is included in this fun, engaging, supportive class taught by Judith Newman, LPC.
Tai chi
Tai Chi classes are held at the Senior Center on Thursdays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Tai chi is not a martial art, but rather a tool for self-healing. Softness, flow and effortlessness are the guiding principles in this meditative practice. The 19 movements and one pose are designed to stimulate, circulate and balance the vital energy that is inherent in all of us.
Bingo
The next dates for bingo are Fridays, Nov. 13 and Dec. 11, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Participation is free, and all we ask is you bring yourself and a friend for an hour of joyful fellowship. We will provide prizes for all winners, and snacks will also be provided.
No RSVP is required; just show up.
All ages are welcome, but we ask those 18 and younger to come with an adult chaperone. Seats are first come, first served.
Scrapbooking and
crafters club
The Pagosa Springs Scrapbooking and Crafters Club continues to hold monthly meetings the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Community Center, 451 Hot Springs Blvd., within the dining hall in the Senior Center.
This creative tradition has been happening since 2005, and we invite all creative individuals to come and share ideas, connect with new and old friends, learn/share creative techniques, share supplies and indulge in a potluck lunch together. Bring your scrapbooking projects — or any crafting project that you may want to work on with the group.
Help us create an intergenerational community. Those ages 18 and older are welcome. For those youth age 17 and younger, we kindly request an adult chaperone accompany them.
If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please send your request to copenhavercreative@gmail.com and you will receive a notification each month of the upcoming meeting, along with handy tips and tricks for scrapbooking and more.
Share lunch Monday through Friday
Join local elders, their friends, family and community at the Community Cafe, also known as the Silver Fox’s Den, in person for delicious meals Mondays through Fridays at the Community Center between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Grab ‘N’ Go pickup via our convenient portico is also available all week.
To reserve your meal for the day, please make your reservation via text or phone call to (970) 264-2167 by 8:45 a.m. weekdays. Please say whether it is dine-in or Grab ‘N’ Go.
Our dining hall is open to all ages and welcomes you all with kindness and warmth. We provide hot/cold meals for anyone in the community interested in a nutritious and delicious meal. For those 60 or older we request a suggested donation of $6, but no one will be turned away. There is a $10.50 charge for guests under the age of 60.
Meals include a main course, side dish, fruit/dessert, garden salad plus beverage.
Community Cafe menu
Call or text (970) 264-2167 before 8:45 a.m. Please note that occasionally the menu must be changed on short notice.
Thursday, Nov. 12 — Codfish Veracruz, quinoa rice pilaf, broccoli, garden salad, fruit, dessert bar and milk.
Friday, Nov. 13 — Butternut squash and mushroom lasagna, spinach and onions, bread, garden salad, fruit, and milk.
Monday, Nov. 16 — Tortilla-lime crusted tilapia with tartar sauce, broccoli cornbread, garden salad, fruit, cookies and milk.
Tuesday, Nov. 17 — Mushroom, spinach and gouda quiche, yellow squash, dinner roll, garden salad, fruit, vanilla yogurt and milk.
Wednesday, Nov. 18 — Beef meatloaf, mashed potatoes, peas and pearl onions, dinner roll, garden salad, fruit, and milk.
Thursday, Nov. 19 — Chicken fajitas with tortillas, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, garden salad, fruit, muffin and milk.
Friday, Nov. 20 — BBQ country ribs, green beans, corn casserole, garden salad, fruit, apple crisp and milk.
Meals on Wheels
We deliver fresh Meals on Wheels five days a week (and provide frozen Meals on Wheels for weekends) to homebound Archuleta County residents. The meals are delivered by our wonderful volunteers. Call or text us at (970) 264-2167 for how to sign up for the program.
Text reservations
Don’t forget that we offer a convenient texting service for you to communicate with us. Text us at (970) 264-2167. When texting, please include your name, phone number and the days you want a meal. If you are canceling a reservation, please include your name, phone number and the days you want to cancel.
Mountain Express Transit senior paratransit services
Seniors over the age of 60 can be verified to receive services through discounted paratransit services, free bus rides and pick up at your home to bring you to the Senior Center for lunch. To become eligible, there is a form to complete.
Older adults needing a ride to a local food pantry can contact the Mountain Express Transit (MET) to schedule a ride with its paratransit service.
Call the Archuleta County MET at (970) 264-2250 for information.
Medicare assistance by
appointment
For anyone who needs help enrolling and navigating Medicare plans, the San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging helps with parts A, B and D. They can also help you with fraud concerns and troubleshooting any billing issues you may be having. By appointment only. Please call the Medicare line at (970) 403-6759 for an appointment and where to meet.
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