Social Services News - October 2014

This month’s senior group meetings

Senior groups take place at IAHC and Gaelic Park. See below for specific details of senior group meetings this month. All senior group meetings begin at 10am. There is no cost and refreshments will be served. All are very welcome. If you need further information, please call our office on 773-282-8445.

Irish American Heritage Center - Tara Club - Wednesday, 8th October 2014 – Medicare Update  Joint Meeting with Tír na nÓg   

Just when you think you really understand Medicare and how it affects you, it changes! This is particularly true during the annual open enrolment period for Part D prescription drug plans. To bring us up to date with more recent changes to Medicare we are joined by a representative from the Senior Health Insurance Program at the Illinois Department on Aging.  

Wednesday, 29th October 2014 – Take Care of Those Hips! (note change of date)

Join Dr. Terry Younger, anorthopedic surgeon with Swedish Covenant Medical Group, as he explains the causes of hip pain, new treatment options and what to expect should you need hip replacement surgery.

Gaelic Park – Emerald Club

Wednesday, 1st October 2014 – Behind the Scenes at Croke Park

Croke Park, now a stadium in the heart of Dublin City with a capacity of over 82,000, has been the home of Gaelic games since 1896. Today, we will watch a fascinating documentary that goes beyond the action on the field and gives an insider’s account of what it takes for the stadium to host a massive event – the All-Ireland Football final. The documentary runs longer than our regular meetings - 104 minutes total.

Wednesday, 15th October 2014 – Medicare Update

Just when you think you really understand Medicare and how it affects you, it changes! This is particularly true during the annual open enrolment period for Part D prescription drug plans. To bring us up to date with more recent changes to Medicare we are joined by a representative from the Senior Health Insurance Program at the Illinois Department on Ageing.  

Annual Fall Outing - Wednesday, 22th October (Note change of Date)

Join us as we set out in search of all that is best about fall in the Midwest! There are few better places to appreciate the change in the seasons that at the Chicago Botanic Gardens. We will explore some of the 285 acres of beautiful gardens and lakes by trolley and enjoy a delicious boxed lunch. All those interested should call our office on 773-282-8445 for further details.

Volunteers Needed

Irish Senior Connect (ISC) is a listening phone line for isolated seniors. It has been running for over two years now in Boston and last month became operational at Chicago Irish Immigrant Support. ISC is an invaluable service to lonely older folks providing much needed social interaction and a listening ear.  A key component to the success of ISC is the volunteers that assist in running the listening line. There are a variety of opportunities to get involved in this meaningful project whether you want to man the phone lines and provide your own listening ear to isolated seniors or you would prefer to be involved in the planning and development of the service. Volunteers are provided with training and support at all times. If you would like to get involved or would like to know more about ISC please call me at the CIIS office on 773-282-8445.

For Your Viewing Pleasure

Our population is aging, and – if the baby boomers have a say in it – reshaping the whole conversation around the subject.  Is retiring young really all that it’s cracked up to be? Is it even good for us?  What does it take to live to 90 and beyond, and do it well?  Watch these “60 Minutes” episodes “Living to 90 and Beyond” and  “Age Wave” to hear what older adults have to say about these questions.