May 2024 Edition

Family & Consumer Sciences
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Powered by Connection
Reports about the impact of loneliness and social isolation warn of the dangers to overall health and well-being. It is important to note that people can feel lonely, even when surrounded with people. Recognizing the power of meaningful social connection, the Administration for Community Living declared that the theme for the 2024 Older Americans Month, which takes place every May, is Powered by Connection. The ACL recognizes the research that supports the many ways meaningful connection and social relationships support overall health and well-being. These include reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, anxiety, and depression. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that staying socially connected with others in meaningful ways can also improve recovery from stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also promote healthy lifestyle choices, improve sleep, reduce the risk of violent and suicidal behaviors, prevent death from chronic disease, and enhance overall well-being and quality of life. In addition to enhancing individual health, meaningful connection also powers a community’s well-being, according to the CDC. Supportive and inclusive community connections can happen within neighborhoods, parks, work environments, recreations centers, schools, places of worship, and other community settings. These connections build overall community support, a sense of safety, and resilience. People living in supportive communities are more likely to give back, which further strengthens connection. To connect to an older adult in your life or to help your community engage older adults, the ACL, CDC, and the Virginia Senior Navigator suggest that you do the following:

• Promote a community event, club, or volunteer opportunity.

• Help older adults overcome barriers that prevent them from connecting, including transportation so they can get places where they can establish meaningful relationships.

• Create regular and meaningful social exchanges, like telephone calls, lunches, or outings.

• Tell an older adult in your life that you care for them, love them, value, and/or appreciate them.

• Select appropriate technology, including devices, apps, and websites, which are designed to help strengthen relationships and stay active and connected.

• Help someone step outside of their comfort zone and try something new like recreation, an education program, or craft.

• Provide a random act of kindness.

• Contact local resources such as the County Extension Office, senior center, or area agency on aging.

• Tap into friendship cafes, support groups, and telephone check-in programs.

• Add something to count on and look forward to on the calendar. Browse community events, look for virtual and in-person support groups.

If you or someone you know is struggling with loneliness and/or social isolation, reach out to a health-care provider. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of hurting themselves, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

 

Flyers for:
Low Impact Fitness
Decluttering & Organizing
Quilting Group
Lunch & Learn
Blanket of Love
The Lavender Lady
T-Shirt Quilt
Fun With Kitchen Towels
Healthy Food Choices
Blood Drive
Scholarship Quilt
Area Annual Meeting

 

Book of the Month
The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom (2010)

This historical fiction story with family dynamics is told from the perspective of an Irish indentured servant in the home of a Virginian planter. The story brings to life the underworld of the slaves, the bonds they formed and the twisted connections with the members of the family.
Orphaned during her passage from Ireland, young, white Lavinia arrives on the steps of the kitchen house, and is placed, as an indentured servant, under the care of Belle.
Through the eyes of Lavinia and Belle, Grissom’s debut novel unfolds in a heartbreaking and ultimately hopeful story of class, race, dignity, and deep-buried secrets.
This is a two book series. The second book is ‘Glory Over Everything’. Both books can be found at the Taylor County Library. It is listed in the KEHA booklist under ‘Classics and Old Favorites.’

Debbie Wilcoxson: Vice-President of Modern Day Homemakers and Cultural Arts Chairperson for Taylor County.

 

Calendar of Events

 

Health Bulletin: Mental Health Awareness

MoneyWi$e: Invest in Yourself: Which Retirement Plan is Right for You?