Alabama - Gulf Coast

It began as an idea in 2003 and now stands as a beacon of pride for the foundation that started it all. Initially named the Mobile Regional Senior Community Center Foundation, Inc. when the Articles of Incorporation were filed in 2008, the foundation was organized as a 501 (C) (3) to gain funding and bring power to the idea that Mobile needed to support seniors in our area with a center and programs designed for senior adults age 55 and up.In 2008, the 20,000 square foot center opened and offers a thermal plunge pool, a fitness room, billiards room, computer classes, and exercise, dance and art classes. A variety of programs are offered to meet the needs of both retired and working senior participants. There is an active roster of 5,000 members for whom the center offers not only activities but has become a place to meet and make friends, and for many, a home away from home. In 2013, the name of the center was changed by the Mobile City Council to the Connie Hudson Mobile Regional Senior Community Center to honor now County Commissioner Connie Hudson, who spearheaded the effort to fund and build the center.The foundation works as a partner to support and continue to enhance the center by providing resources for furnishings, appliances, computers, art equipment, pool tables and fitness equipment. Managed by a Board of Directors with assistance from an Advisory Board, the foundations hosts fundraisers and accept donations from supporters and friends. Because needs are always constant and changing, contributions are always welcome.Connie Hudson Mobile Regional Senior Community Center Offers:FitnessGames - Bingo, Dominoes, Billiards, ChessBilliardsComputer LabAquatic Exercise1031 West Cafe Services Lunch M-F 10:30 am to 3 pm - Open to the publicThe Connie Hudson Senior Center can be contacted at 251-208-6701.

Safe Weight Loss Strategies for Older AdultsMaintaining a healthy weight is an important goal at any age. However, as we age, it can get trickier and more challenging to drop any excess weight we may be carrying. Especially those pesky holiday pounds. When it comes to losing weight, weight loss strategies for older adults should prioritize safety and long-term health rather than quick fixes.Although they are becoming increasingly popular, weight loss drugs arent always the most effective or safest method for weight loss. The same goes for the trendy fad diets you read about online. When it comes to losing weight, you need to look at it as a marathon, not a sprint.Adopting sustainable lifestyle changes is crucial for shedding excess pounds while safeguarding against potential health risks. Whether youre looking to slim down or just maintain a healthy weight, here are some healthy and safe weight loss strategies for older adults that will help you along your journey to Better HealthPlace Focus on Balanced NutritionA well-balanced diet is the foundation for healthy weight loss. Focus on nutrient-dense foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limiting processed foods, sugary snacks, and excessive salt intake is crucial for maintaining optimal health. Set a goal to eat a piece of fruit or a vegetable at every meal and for every snack. Incorporate avocados into your diet to increase your healthy fats. Instead of white pasta or rice, swap it out for brown or whole wheat. Making little adjustments to your diet can produce big rewards for weight loss.Practice Portion ControlControlling portion sizes is vital for managing caloric intake. Losing weight is all about burning more calories than you eat or drink. And if you focus on consuming fewer calories through portion control, that will make it easier to do so. Older adults may find it helpful to use smaller plates, which can create the illusion of a fuller plate and contribute to reduced portion sizes. Additionally, paying attention to hunger and fullness cues can prevent overeating. Youve heard the saying, Eating with your eyes. Well, you want to do the exact opposite and eat with your stomach. Dont rely on visual cues like a clean plate to stop eating. Listen to your stomach and stop when you feel full.Drink Up to Stay HydratedDrinking an adequate amount of water is crucial for overall health and can support weight loss. Sometimes, the body can confuse thirst with hunger, leading to unnecessary calorie consumption. Drinking water before meals can also contribute to a feeling of fullness, reducing the likelihood of overeating. Make it a goal to increase your water intake throughout the day. If you get bored with water, try swapping still water for sparkling. If you still crave something different, drink liquids that have some sort of nutritional value, such as broth and 100% fruit juice with no added sugar. You can also hydrate through your food. Oranges and cucumbers are great foods that offer a hydration boost. Participate In Regular ExerciseEngaging in regular physical activity is essential for weight loss and maintaining muscle mass. Again you want to burn more calories than you consume. Older adults should incorporate a mix of aerobic exercises, strength training, and flexibility exercises into their routine. Its advisable to start slowly and gradually increase intensity, focusing on activities that are enjoyable and sustainable. Make realistic and attainable goals. Instead of saying youre going to work out every single day, set a goal to walk for 15 minutes three days a week. Then, gradually work up to every single day. Get Adequate SleepAdequate sleep is a crucial yet often underestimated factor in successful weight loss. Research consistently shows that insufficient sleep can disrupt hormonal balance, affecting key regulators of hunger and satiety. Furthermore, inadequate sleep can impair glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, promoting the storage of excess calories as fat. Prioritize quality sleep by aiming for seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night. Monitor Your Progress GraduallyWeight loss strategies require monitoring your progress. However, rather than focusing solely on the scale, you should monitor progress through various measures, including changes in energy levels, improved mobility, and better overall well-being. Celebrating small victories can help maintain motivation and reinforce positive lifestyle changes. Again, losing and maintaining a healthy weight is a marathon. Consult with a Healthcare ProfessionalReady to take charge of your health and achieve your weight loss goals? Look no further! Contact a VIPcare primary care provider today at 251-257-2886 and embark on a personalized journey towards a healthier, happier you. With our expert guidance and support, together, we can make your wellness aspirations a reality. Don't wait any longeryour best self awaits!   

For nearly a decade, people with disabilities have had the option to accumulate savings in a special tax-free account without risking their means-tested public benefits. In 2024, the annual limit on how much money one can deposit into these savings vehicles, known as ABLE accounts, will rise, allowing individuals to add up to $18,000 per year.What Is an ABLE Account?Many people across the disability community rely on such government assistance as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Yet having too many assets to their name can disqualify them from receiving these often critical benefits. For example, in most states, the resource limit to qualify for Medicaid is just $2,000. In 2014, Congress signed the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act into law to help address this issue.Individuals with an ABLE account can save up to a total of $100,000, tax-free, while remaining eligible for public assistance programs. Family members, friends, and others can make contributions to the account, too. The disabled person can then use these funds to help maintain their independence by spending them on disability-related expenses, including assistive technologies, education, transportation needs, vacations, legal fees, and health care.Unlike a special needs trust (SNT), an ABLE account can be opened by the individual with the disability. This offers them considerably more control over the account funds compared with an SNT. Starting in 2024, the annual limit on contributions to ABLE accounts will be $18,000, up from $17,000 in 2023. Through the end of 2025, ABLE account owners who work can contribute their employment income to these savings vehicles even beyond the per-year deposit limit. (Learn more about these rules under the ABLE to Work Act.)The idea for these accounts derived from the concept of a 529 college savings plan. Similar to a 529 plan, funds in an ABLE account grow tax-deferred over time. In addition, each state administers its own ABLE account program.To qualify, you must meet the Social Security Administrations strict definition of disabled. You also must have incurred your disability before age 26. (Note that the age cutoff will shift to age 46 come 2026. According to estimates, this age adjustment will result in roughly 6 million more individuals becoming eligible to open these types of savings accounts.)Why Open an ABLE Account?People with disabilities are among those most at risk for financial disaster. According to research, just 10 percent of people of working age who are living with a disability are financially healthy.ABLE Accounts, or 529A accounts, can serve as a form of future financial support for these individuals. Yet the vast majority of those who could benefit from these accounts remain unaware of them. As of 2022, 8 million people were eligible for this type of account, yet a mere 120,000 had one in place.Get Support With ABLE Accounts To learn more about setting up this type of savings account, consult with Ashley Day Special Needs & Elderly Law at 251-277-3377.

What it Means to be an Organ DonorOrgan donors save lives and provide a second chance for men, women, and children waiting for transplants. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, more than 100,000 people are on the national transplant waiting list at any given time. Every day, 17 people will die from that list waiting for an organ donation. The unfortunate truth is there is a greater demand for organs than there are people to donate them, and understanding how donations afterlife can help those in need may make a difference in your decision to be an organ donor.  What is an organ donor?An organ donation is when doctors take a healthy organ from one person and put it into someone else. An organ donor allows their organs to be used in an organ transplant. An organ donor can save up to eight lives and improve the lives of 75 more individuals. Some most commonly donated organs include kidneys, hearts, pancreas, intestines, skin, corneas, and bone marrow.  While some organ donations occur after the donor passes away, there are several organs and tissues that you can donate while alive. While alive, you can donate a kidney, liver lobe, or part of a lung, pancreas, or intestine. These organs can continue to function, even if you only have a portion of them.  Misconceptions about organ donationsSome people are concerned about becoming organ donors because of misconceptions theyve heard. Here are the facts behind common misconceptions to help you feel more at ease with your decision.  Myth: I cant donate organs because of a medical illnessTruth: Few medical conditions automatically disqualify someone from being a donor. Even if someones had cancer or disease of an organ, they could still have healthy tissues or other organs that would be viable for a donation.  Myth: Im too old to be an organ donorTruth: There is no age limit on organ donations. Doctors assess organs on a case-by-case basis; even older adults have working organs and tissue that may be suitable for a transplant to save someones life.  Myth: My family will have to change end-of-life arrangements if I donate an organTruth: The body is treated with care throughout the donation process and will not interfere with your end-of-life plans. Those who wish to have an open-casket funeral can still do so without anyone noticing anything different about the body.  How do I become an organ donor?If you think organ donation might be something for you, you can sign up to be a donor online through your state registry or by going to https://www.organdonor.gov/sign-up. You can also sign up in person at your local motor vehicle department. You can change your mind or update your information at any time.  Working with Visiting AngelsIf youre waiting on a transplant or have recently undergone transplant surgery and need help caring for yourself at home, the team at Visiting Angels can help. Our caregivers can assist with light housekeeping, meal preparations, medication reminders, personal grooming, and transportation.   Our Mobile office works with seniors in Mobile and the surrounding area. If youd like to learn more about our services or wish to schedule a complimentary consultation, visit our listing, our website or call 251.345.4100.