Education, protection offered to are seniors

Continuing education is important at all ages.
The Healthy Living Series returns for its 11th year with that purpose.
“Seniors need to be aware of up-to-date information, and they take note of what we say,” said Sharon Boyes, program assistant with Lincoln County Senior Services.
The program will be held Monday, March 22 at the Senior Center and Wednesday, March 24 at the East Lincoln Community Center.
Area senior citizens will start off the morning with exercises lead by Belinda Branson with the Lincoln County Health Department.
During the day participants will learn about elder neglect and abuse, medication management and self-defense.
The keynote speaker will be Dan Starks. The experienced self-defense instructor is featured weekly on NBC6 with his program “Don’t Be a Victim.” He will speak with seniors about safety and awareness.
Starks teaches self defense to companies, employees, families, singles, students and seniors and operates Starks Training Institute, designed to equip attendees with the skills to avoid becoming a victim or surviving if an assault becomes inevitable.
Boyles said the topic is a timely one for seniors.
“With all that is going on right now, most of the seniors really want to know how to protect themselves in their homes,” she said.
Seniors will be fed a healthy lunch compliments of Melinda Houser with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.
Door prizes will be awarded, and information packets will be distributed. Brochures and pamphlets will inform participants of services available in the area as well as instructions for better health.
Take home information can be especially important for the elderly.
“If they forget some of the information they can look at it later from home,” said Marti Hovis, program and services coordinator with Lincoln County Senior Services.
Lincoln County Senior Services assists more than 900 senior citizens and caregivers in the area. The organization provides information and hosts several programs a year — including an Older Americans Month celebration and a National Night Out post.
Boyles said seniors are responsive to the gatherings.
“They like eating and talking — the socialization.”
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The Healthy Living Series is sponsored by the Lincoln County Senior Services, the Lincoln County Health Department, Lincoln County Home Health Department, N.C. Cooperative Extension Services, Lincolnton/Lincoln County Parks and Recreation Department.
The event is free and open to area senior citizens. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The program will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pre-registration is encouraged by calling 704-732-9053.by Diane Turbyfill