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Relationship Expert Encourages Single Seniors to Take Advantage of Technology and Practice New Dating Etiquette

As Unmarried and Single Americans Week (September 20-26th) is upon us, it is important to remember that a significant number of singles today are seniors.

According to U.S. Census Bureau News (July, 2009), there are 15.8 million single Americans who are 65 or older. These older Americans account for 16 percent of all unmarried and single people age 18 and older. Many of these seniors have found themselves single again after a divorce or the death of a significant other. Although many single seniors don’t wish to remain single, it can be hard to get back on the horse again after so many years out of the dating scene.

According to relationship expert Paul A. Falzone, CEO of The Right One and Together Dating, “Dating isn’t just for the young. It’s for the young at heart. Age doesn’t matter.”

As the CEO of one of the world’s largest brick-and-mortar dating services, Falzone has paired thousands of clients during more than 35 years in business. A large number of these singles were people over the age of 55 looking for friendship and love.

“When you’re a single senior, you’re looking for many of the same things that singles of any age are looking for – someone to spend time with who shares your interests and who has those qualities that you find attractive,” explained Falzone.

Take Advantage of Technology

Falzone encourages single seniors to learn more about and take advantage of technology. A traditional brick and mortar dating service that uses high-tech matchmaking software to match members in conjunction with matchmaker consultation services is ideal for single seniors. This type of “high touch” matchmaking service, such as The Right One or Together Dating’s, will help you get back out into the dating scene. Even if you don’t think you’re ready to look for love just yet and are more interested in making new friends, this type of dating service can be instrumental in introducing you to others who share your interests and who are also looking for friendship.

Many seniors are already knowledgeable about social networking sites such as Facebook and use it to correspond with their children and grandchildren. For those who aren’t familiar with it, Facebook is a great way to communicate with family members but you can also use it to get back in touch with folks you probably haven’t seen in a while such as former colleagues or high school and college classmates.

Have a hobby? Then there’s probably a “Meetup Group” for it. From quilting, photography and sports to dining out and more, you may find others with similar interests online at Meetup.com.

New Dating Etiquette

For single seniors who haven’t dated in a long time, perhaps even decades, Falzone advises of the new dating etiquette:

· Meet in a public place by your own transportation. Play it safe until you get to know the person.

· Men and women now split the bill. Don’t commit the faux pas of expecting one person to pay for everything. Both parties should offer to pay their share and be prepared to do so. Be sure to have cash on hand in case plastic isn’t on the menu.

· Don’t air your “dirty laundry”. Problems with your ex or your adult children? Conflicts with families or former partners are a natural part of life, yet there’s no need to share the burden early on.

· Dating is about BOTH people. Dating is and always will be two-way, with plenty of listening and communication. You should work around both of your schedules and interests when arranging a date and deciding where to go. One person doesn’t get to call all the shots.

· Guard your personal information and your assets. Know that there are many people who are quick to take advantage of the loneliness of seniors. Be aware that not everyone you meet may be a person of substance, ethically and morally.

· Be safe. Tell a friend or someone else close to you, where and with whom you are going on your date. If you can’t reach anyone, call your own voicemail and leave a detailed message and any contact info you have about your date.

Falzone continued, “Something that hasn’t changed is courtesy. Courtesy transcends the generations. Confirm your date, be on time and conclude it comfortably. If you want to see each other again, great, but if not, that’s okay too. Go on your date with no expectations, and be sure to end it on a polite note. Most importantly – be yourself and be honest and sincere.”

Help is on the way
Catering to more than 300,000 members at more than 60 locations throughout North America, The Right One and Together Dating are the largest brick and mortar dating services in the industry, offering a more consistent product, a greater number of potentially compatible mates and added value of flexibility in transferring memberships to another geographic region.

Romantic Locations

North American locations and affiliates of Together are located in: Indiana (Ft. Wayne, Carmel); Kentucky (Louisville); Louisiana (Metairie); Maryland (Columbia, Frederick); Minnesota (Edina); Nevada (Reno); New Hampshire (Hooksett, Nashua, Portsmouth and Salem); Ohio (Cincinnati); South Carolina (Greenville); Texas (San Antonio and Austin) and Virginia (Falls Church); Pennsylvania (Harrisburg).

The Right One’s offices and affiliates located throughout the United States include: California (San Diego); Colorado (Glendale); Georgia (Atlanta); Illinois (Downers Grove, Rockford, Normal, Schaumburg and Chicago); Massachusetts (Norwell, Newton Center, Shrewsbury and Woburn); Michigan (Bingham Farms); Nebraska (Omaha and Lincoln); New Jersey (Cherry Hill); New York (NYC); Nevada (Las Vegas); Pennsylvania (Harrisburg, King of Prussia); Rhode Island (Warwick); Texas (Dallas); Utah (Salt Lake City); and Wisconsin (Madison, Appleton, Elm Grove).

Singles Station Dating Company, an affiliate of The Right One and Together Dating, is the largest independently owned personal introduction service in the Southwest. In the last 25 years, Singles Station has introduced more than 100,000 couples and is responsible for thousands of successful relationships and marriages. Singles Station Dating Co. has offices in Oklahoma (Oklahoma City and Tulsa), Arkansas (Bentonville, Fort Smith and Little Rock), Tennessee (Memphis and Nashville), Missouri (Springfield and St. Louis) and will be opening soon in Kansas (Wichita and Kansas City). For more information about Singles Station, please visit www.singlesstation.com or call 866-807-LOVE(5683).

For more information about Together Dating and The Right One, please visit their websites at www.togetherdating.com and www.therightone.com, or call (800) 818-DATE (3283).

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Old Colony Elder Services Launches Supportive Housing Program in Plymouth

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) with main offices in Brockton has launched a Supportive Housing Program in Plymouth that provides supportive services to senior residents enabling them to live longer in the community and preventing premature institutionalization.

OCES (http://www.oldcolonyelderservices.org) has a longstanding relationship with the Plymouth Housing Authority (PHA) which manages five different housing sites: Northfield, Cherry Hill, Southfield, High Cliffs and Castle Court. OCES has incorporated the Supportive Housing Program at each site and currently serves over 100 elders in these buildings. Each building offers community rooms and a kitchen. Northfield is also a congregate meal site and serves meals at noon Monday through Friday (except on holidays). Every resident is eligible for the Supportive Housing Program.

Maura Shepard is the Supportive Housing Specialist (SHS) for all Plymouth locations and is on-site at Northfield. Shepard is responsible for overseeing the Supportive Housing program which includes organizing and implementing various structured social, educational and recreational programs as indicated through a resident needs assessment and through the provision of care management. These services are meant to encourage and build a community atmosphere among the residents. A “Falls Prevention” class has already been offered and there are plans for other programs including nutrition, money management, caregiving and chronic disease management throughout the summer and fall.

Shepard also serves as a liaison between the senior residents and the PHA, home care agencies providing care, OCES’ Care Managers and resident families; this helps ensure that seniors are linked to the specific supportive services that are needed in order for them to remain safe and independent in their homes and maintain their dignity.

“The Supportive Housing program is a win-win. We’re very fortunate to have the support of the Plymouth Housing Authority and partnerships with a variety of community based resources. We’ve had a good response from residents and they are very comfortable with the program,” noted Diana L. DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

To learn more about the Plymouth Supportive Housing Program, contact Maura Shepard at OCES at 508-746-9750.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver; Caring Homes and Enhanced Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent
unnecessary or premature institutionalization.

The agency has 130 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers.  For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services Collaborates with The Charity Guild of Brockton to Offer New Program

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) recently announced their collaboration with The Charity Guild of Brockton in the development of a new program known as “Special Foods for Special People”.

The goal of the “Special Foods for Special People” program is to distribute special dietary foods to homebound elders who suffer from diseases common to this age group. Many are unable to afford specialty items due limited income and increasing food costs.

OCES will assist with the program’s outreach and education initiatives and the Charity Guild will provide the food and the volunteers to deliver the special food to elders in their homes. The Charity Guild recently received a grant from the Howard Home Foundation which has enabled them to develop and run the “Special Foods for Special People” program.

“We’re very excited to be able to partner with Old Colony Elder Services on this project. It has been a very high priority for us. The ‘Special Foods for Special People’ program affords us the chance to reach out to individuals in the community. Now, we are able to go to those who cannot come to us,” said Nancy Gustafson, President of The Charity Guild’s Board of Directors.

How it Works

A Registered Nurse and Dietician from OCES conduct an assessment of an elder’s needs. Then, the nurse and dietician consult with the elder about disease and prevention and the vital role that proper nutrition plays in their overall health. OCES then educates and trains the elder (and their caregiver) in proper nutritional intake and dietary needs as it relates to his/her specific health problem. Once the assessment, education and training are completed, the Charity Guild provides and delivers the special diet foods to the homebound elder.

“Now, homebound elders are able to get the nutritional foods that are specific to their disease that they would not otherwise be able to obtain. This program is essential to the many elders who are suffering from illnesses which could benefit from a special diet,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

About the Charity Guild of Brockton

Established in 1971, The Charity Guild of Brockton is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization providing assistance to greater Brockton area residents through their food pantry and thrift shop.  The Charity Guild’s mission is “to provide basic and necessary services to those unable to meet their primary needs of food, clothing and household goods.” The Charity Guild is located at 501 Main Street in Brockton. To learn more about them, visit the website at www.TheCharityGuild.org.

For more information about the “Special Foods for Special People” program, contact Lucille Dallaire of OCES at (508) 584-1561.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.

The agency has 130 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers.  For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services Advises Elders on How to Avoid Heat Related Illnesses and Stay Cool this Summer

When the temperature rises, older adults are at high risk for heat related illnesses.  Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit agency that provides seniors, families and caregivers with valuable resources and services, offers tips to help elders stay cool this summer.

· Avoid strenuous activity or over-exertion in the heat. Even household chores such as laundry, vacuuming, gardening, mowing the lawn, painting and so forth should be put off until the weather cools.

· Avoid extended periods of sun exposure. If you must be in the sun, wear a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses and bring an umbrella to create shade.

· Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.

· Eat well-balanced, light meals. Try to avoid high protein foods as they will increase metabolic heat.

· Wear lightweight, loose and light colored clothing.

· When it’s hot or very humid, stay indoors in an air-conditioned area or near a fan.

· Go to a place where you can get relief from the heat such as a library, theater or community area that has air-conditioning.

Avoid heat related illnesses

In extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation of perspiration is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain normal temperature. Heat related illnesses include heat cramps which are muscular pains and spasms in the abdominal or leg muscles caused by loss of water due to heavy sweating. To treat heat cramps – rest in a cool place and drink half a glass of cool water every fifteen minutes.

Heat exhaustion is when the body overheats in high temperatures and/or high humidity, causing a form of mild shock. A rapid pulse, intense sweating, nausea, headache, dark urine, pale and/or flushed skin and feeling faint are some of the symptoms of heat exhaustion. To treat it, get the person to a cooler place and apply cool, wet cloths to the face and body. Have the person drink cool water slowly every fifteen minutes. Watch the person carefully for signs of heat stroke.

Heatstroke occurs when the body’s temperature reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit or above. It is severe and life-threatening. It’s typically caused by exertion in hot weather and dehydration. Some signs of heatstroke include rapid heartbeat, hot red skin, absence of sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea, irritability or confusion. Older adults may also experience fainting. If any of these symptoms are suspected, call 911 immediately. Then move the person to a cooler place, immerse in a cool bath or wrap him/her in wet sheets. Watch for breathing problems. If he/she has changes is levels of consciousness, refuses water or is vomiting, do not give him/her anything to eat or drink.

OCES has resources available to elders in their service area who meet the criteria for low income and who cannot afford fans or air-conditioning. For assistance or more information, call (508) 584-1561.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

For more information about services for seniors or if you know an elderly person (e.g., family, friend, neighbor) who you think might need assistance, contact OCES at 508-584-1561.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.

The agency has 130 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers.  For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services to Hold “Elder Care Expo” on April 14th

PLYMOUTH COUNTY AND AVON; EASTON AND STOUGHTON, MA…
Old Colony Elder Services of Brockton will hold an “Elder Care Expo” for seniors and caregivers on Tuesday, April

14, 2009 from 10 a,m. to 2 p.m. at the Brockton Council on Aging, 10 Father Kenney Way in Brockton.  This is a FREE event.

The Elder Care Expo is designed to broaden the community’s awareness about resources available to help manage elder care issues.  There will be resource exhibits, health screenings and educational seminars throughout the day.  Health screenings include: hearing, glucose and pulmonary function screenings as well as blood pressure checks.

Rochelle Sugarman, Family Caregiver Support Program Caregiver Specialist at OCES will present a seminar on “Tools for Caring”.  Seniors and caregivers will learn about tips and resources that are available to family caregivers and the elders in their care.

Pam McCormack, Manager of the Alzheimer’s Association Southeastern MA, Cape Cod and the Islands office, will hold the seminar “Maintain Your Brain: How to Live a Brain-Healthy Lifestyle”.  Attendees will learn about
scientifically-rooted nutritional and lifestyle advice, interactive exercises and activities.  This program is
geared to adults who want to learn more about staying fit from the neck up.

There will also be refreshments, giveaways and raffles.  Every attendee will receive the updated Elder Education and Community Outreach (EECO).Resource Guide for Older Adults and Caregivers.

This event is sponsored by Old Colony Elder Services’ Family Caregiver Support Program (which is partially funded by The Older Americans Act, Title IIE with support from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs) and EECO.  For more information contact:  Sara Gassett at Old Colony Elder Services (508) 584-1561 ext. 272.

Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association strives to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through research; provide care and support for those affected and promote brain health.  The Southeastern MA/Cape Cod and the Islands Regional Office is located in Raynham, MA.  For more information, visit the website http://www.alz.org/manh/.

EECO
Elder Education and Community Outreach is sponsored by Brockton Neighborhood Health Center; Brockton Council on Aging; Brockton Visiting Nurse Association; Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital; Brockton Board of Health; New England Sinai Hospital and Rehab Center/Sinai Day Health; Old Colony Elder Services; St. Joseph’s Manor/Mater Dei Adult Day Health; Senior Whole Health and Brockton Area Multi-Services, Inc. (BAMSI) Helpline.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent
unnecessary or premature institutionalization.

The agency has 130 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers.  For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services Encourages General Public to “Be a Santa to a Senior” this Holiday Season

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) that serves Plymouth county as well as the towns of Avon, Easton and Stoughton, is encouraging the general public to participate in the “Be a Santa to a Senior” program by providing a
gift to a senior in need.

Old Colony Elder Services, working in conjunction with Home Instead Senior Care, the “Be a Santa to a Senior” program sponsor, has identified approximately 170 isolated elders who otherwise would not receive a gift this holiday season.


Each of these seniors is represented by an ornament with their “wish list” on it.   The wish lists may include items such as postage stamps, clothing, a gift card to a grocery store, candy or other item. The ornaments adorn Christmas trees located at Duval’s Pharmacy at 571 Washington Street in Whitman and Southeast Medical Center on Route 18 in East Bridgewater.

To be a “Santa to a Senior”, simply select an ornament from one of the two trees and purchase a gift that is on that senior’s “wish list”.  Then, bring the gift (unwrapped) along with the ornament, back to the participating location from which the ornament was selected.

All the gifts will be collected by Home Instead Senior Care and a wrapping party will be held on December 16th.  Representatives from Home Instead Senior Care and OCES will help wrap and distribute the gifts to the seniors.

For questions about “Be a Santa to a Senior”, contact Susan Willis, Home Care Program Director at OCES (508) 584-1561.

About Old Colony Elder Services
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent
unnecessary or premature institutionalization.

The agency has 130 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers.  For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the new website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Encourages General Public to “Be a Santa to a Senior” this Holiday SeasonRead More