Spending time having fun with your grandchildren is a priority in any grandparent's life, but you may find yourself at a loss of fun activities to do with the grandkids at various ages in their lives. Usually though, if you've spent a lot of time with your grandchildren from the time they were born, you already have a really good idea of what they like to do, and what they consider fun. This helps greatly in trying to figure out which activities you should do next.
If you're not quite sure what your grandchildren consider fun activities though, there are some old standby activities that are almost always sure to be fun for the both of you. Here are some idea of activities to do with your grandchildren when they're between the ages of six and nine.
1. Teach them a skill. By the time your grandchildren are six to nine years old, they're able to start learning a wide variety of things from you. If for instance, Grandma likes to crochet or knit, you may have already noticed that one or more of your Grand daughters has started showing a great deal of interest in what you're doing. And this is an excellent way to spend quality time together while doing fun and enjoyable activities too. Simply teach your grandchild something.
You may teach them to sew, crochet or knit for instance. Or you could teach them how to throw and catch baseballs or footballs. You could also teach them how to bake cookies, or how to do small woodworking or even gardening projects too.
2. Do crafts together. This is an extension of the previous suggestion which works quite similarly. If you have a grandchild who enjoys doing arts and craft projects, you can have fun while doing those activities together. If they're not interested in learning your hobby for instance, then pick a craft or art project they enjoy doing instead. This could be something simple like building a jewelry box using popsicle sticks, or it could involve learning to paint or play the piano instead.
3. Go to Fun Places. When your grandchildren are between the ages of six and nine, they're still thrilled to go to a variety of fun places with Grandma and Grandpa. They're young enough for instance, to still be completely enthralled with seeing the animals at the zoo. They'd probably also love to see a live circus, or visit an amusement park too.
Some grandkids this age might also have lots of fun visiting an old west town to see shows put on by "Cowboys and Indians", and some might like to go to a miniature golf course or baseball batting cage too.
Grandchildren in the six to nine age group are usually still young enough to love going out for ice cream with Grandma and Grandpa too, so don't neglect those simply little pleasures in life. Other things that the grandkids might enjoy in this age range include going to a game arcade, or going to see a popular kids movie too.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
Zethiopia 5th year Anniversary Gala Dinner
Zethiopia 5th year Anniversary Gala Dinner
(You do not want to miss this event!)
Saturday, November 10, 2007
From 5:00 PM to Midnight
at the Holiday Inn Eisenhower Metro
2460 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
for more information call - Zethiopia
202 518 0245
or e-mail dereje@zethiopia.com
(You do not want to miss this event!)
Saturday, November 10, 2007
From 5:00 PM to Midnight
at the Holiday Inn Eisenhower Metro
2460 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
for more information call - Zethiopia
202 518 0245
or e-mail dereje@zethiopia.com
Friday, October 12, 2007
JDC-ESHEL - The Association for the Planning and Development of Services for the Aged in Israel
JDC-ESHEL is a non-profit organization founded and supported by the Israeli government and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. JDC-ESHEL strives to improve the status of the elderly population in Israel, developing conditions and services to guarantee better quality of life for the elderly, and to improve the image of older people to society as a whole.
JDC-ESHEL has established three distinct programs for elderly new immigrants from Ethiopia. One is an employment program in Ashdod , which utilizes the craft abilities of this group, and at the same time incorporates into the program Hebrew language classes and social and cultural activities to help this group integrate into Israeli society. The Ethiopian crafts project is designed to take advantages of skills and crafts native to Ethiopia, and turn it into an employment opportunity for those elderly new immigrants who are unable to find work on the open market. The work is done in a group setting, which encourages the development of social relationships, and additional support is provided to the elderly in marketing their work and in developing skills which help them integrate into Israeli society.
The second program is an exercise and nutrition program in Rechovot where new immigrants from Ethiopia are paired with veteran Israelis in a walking group and in cooking lessons to share recipes and prepare special dishes together.
The third program is a Supportive Community which provides community services that enable elderly Ethiopian immigrants to continue living in their homes within their communities thanks to a comprehensive basket of services. Ethiopian elderly immigrants have joined Supportive Community programs together with elderly from other countries of origina in Kiryat Gat and in Hadera adn several additional programs throughout the country are planning to incorporate Ethiopian elderly.
JDC-ESHEL has established three distinct programs for elderly new immigrants from Ethiopia. One is an employment program in Ashdod , which utilizes the craft abilities of this group, and at the same time incorporates into the program Hebrew language classes and social and cultural activities to help this group integrate into Israeli society. The Ethiopian crafts project is designed to take advantages of skills and crafts native to Ethiopia, and turn it into an employment opportunity for those elderly new immigrants who are unable to find work on the open market. The work is done in a group setting, which encourages the development of social relationships, and additional support is provided to the elderly in marketing their work and in developing skills which help them integrate into Israeli society.
The second program is an exercise and nutrition program in Rechovot where new immigrants from Ethiopia are paired with veteran Israelis in a walking group and in cooking lessons to share recipes and prepare special dishes together.
The third program is a Supportive Community which provides community services that enable elderly Ethiopian immigrants to continue living in their homes within their communities thanks to a comprehensive basket of services. Ethiopian elderly immigrants have joined Supportive Community programs together with elderly from other countries of origina in Kiryat Gat and in Hadera adn several additional programs throughout the country are planning to incorporate Ethiopian elderly.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Senior Citizens Get Advice on Exercise from Heart Association, Sports Docs
The recommendation for senior citizens is similar to the updated recommendation for the younger adults, but has several important differences including: the recommended intensity of aerobic activity takes into account the older adult’s aerobic fitness; activities that maintain or increase flexibility are recommended; and balance exercises are recommended for older adults at risk of falls.
In addition, senior citizens should have an activity plan for achieving recommended physical activity that integrates preventive and therapeutic recommendations. The promotion of physical activity in older adults should emphasize moderate-intensity aerobic activity, muscle-strengthening activity, reducing sedentary behavior, and risk management.
The recommendations for senior citizens (age 65 and older) also apply to adults age 50-64 with chronic conditions or physical functional limitations (e.g. arthritis) that affect movement ability or physical fitness.
The reports says healthy adults under age 65 need moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity for at least 30 minutes on five days each week or vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity for at least 20 minutes on three days each week, according to updated physical activity guidelines.
It also recommends they will benefit from performing activities that maintain or increase muscular strength and endurance for at least two days each week. It is recommended that 8-10 exercises using the major muscle groups be performed on two non-consecutive days. To maximize strength development, a resistance (weight) should be used for 8-12 repetitions of each exercise resulting in willful fatigue.
Recommendations are less vigorous for senior citizens.
Although the author’s note in the report for the elderly that “regular physical activity, including aerobic activity and muscle-strengthening activity, is essential for healthy aging.”
Below is a summary of the recommendations for senior citizens, which the report says “can reduce the risk of chronic disease, premature mortality, functional limitations, and disability.”
Summary of physical activity recommendations for older adults – 2007.
1. To promote and maintain good health, older adults should maintain a physically active lifestyle.
2. They should perform moderate-intensity aerobic (endurance) physical activity for a minimum of 30 min on five days each week or vigorous-intensity aerobic activity for a minimum of 20 min on three days each week.
Moderate-intensity aerobic activity involves a moderate level of effort relative to an individual’s aerobic fitness. On a 10-point scale, where sitting is 0 and all-out effort is 10, moderate-intensity activity is a 5 or 6 and produces noticeable increases in heart rate and breathing. On the same scale, vigorous-intensity activity is a 7 or 8 and produces large increases in heart rate and breathing.
For example, given the heterogeneity of fitness levels in older adults, for some older adults a moderate-intensity walk is a slow walk, and for others it is a brisk walk.
3. Combinations of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity can be performed to meet this recommendation.
These moderate- or vigorous intensity activities are in addition to the light intensity activities frequently performed during daily life (e.g., self care, washing dishes) or moderate-intensity activities lasting 10 min or less (e.g., taking out trash, walking to parking lot at store or office).
4. In addition, at least twice each week older adults should perform muscle strengthening activities using the major muscles of the body that maintain or increase muscular strength and endurance.
It is recommended that 8–10 exercises be performed on at least two nonconsecutive days per week using the major muscle groups. To maximize strength development, a resistance (weight) should be used that allows 10–15 repetitions for each exercise. The level of effort for muscle-strengthening activities should be moderate to high.
5. Because of the dose-response relationship between physical activity and health, older persons who wish to further improve their personal fitness, reduce their risk for chronic diseases and disabilities, or prevent unhealthy weight gain will likely benefit by exceeding the minimum recommended amount of physical activity.
6. To maintain the flexibility necessary for regular physical activity and daily life, older adults should perform activities that maintain or increase flexibility on at least two days each week for at least 10 min each day.
7. To reduce risk of injury from falls, community-dwelling older adults with substantial risk of falls should perform exercises that maintain or improve balance.
8. Older adults with one or more medical conditions for which physical activity is therapeutic should perform physical activity in a manner that effectively and safely treats the condition(s).
9. Older adults should have a plan for obtaining sufficient physical activity that addresses each recommended type of activity.
Those with chronic conditions for which activity is therapeutic should have a single plan that integrates prevention and treatment.
For older adults who are not active at recommended levels, plans should include a gradual (or stepwise) approach to increase physical activity over time. Many months of activity at less than recommended levels is appropriate for some older adults (e.g., those with low fitness) as they increase activity in a stepwise manner.
Older adults should also be encouraged to self-monitor their physical activity on a regular basis and to reevaluate plans as their abilities improve or as their health status changes.
Need for an activity plan.
The recommendations for senior citizens put particular emphasis on an activity plan that identifies the levels of physical activity the achieve and describes how the person intends to meet them.
“It is recommended that older adults with chronic conditions develop an activity plan in consultation with a health care provider so that the plan adequately takes into account therapeutic and risk management issues related to chronic conditions,” according to the report.
The continued:
“The plan should be tailored according to chronic conditions and activity limitations, risk for falls, individual abilities and fitness, strategies for minimizing risks of activity, strategies for increasing activity gradually over time (if the person is not active at recommended levels), behavioral strategies for adhering to regular physical activity, and individual preferences.
“Healthy, asymptomatic older adults without chronic conditions should also develop an activity plan, preferably in consultation with a health care provider or fitness professional, so as to take advantage of expertise and resources on physical activity and injury prevention.
“This recommendation reframes the common advice to consult a health care provider before starting to increase physical activity. Health provider consultation regarding physical activity should occur regardless of whether an adult currently plans to increase physical activity, as it is part of the ongoing process of promoting physical activity that should occur in geriatric medicine.
This recommendation is consistent with a recently developed quality of care measure for older adults that measures whether older adults discuss physical activity with a health care provider at least once a year.”
Some other highlights include:
Areas of Emphasis in Promoting Physical Activity in Older Adults
With sufficient skill, experience, fitness, and training, older adults can achieve high levels of physical activity. The promotion of physical activity in older adults should avoid ageism that discourages older adults from reaching their potential. At the same time, it is difficult or impossible for some older adults to attain high levels of activity. Several areas should be emphasized in promoting physical activity in older adults as described below.
Reducing sedentary behavior.
There is substantial evidence that older adults who do less activity than recommended still achieve some health benefits. Such evidence is consistent with the scientific consensus for a continuous dose-response relationship between physical activity and health benefits (30). For example, lower risks of cardiovascular disease have been observed with just 45–75 min of walking per week (40).
Increasing moderate activity and giving less emphasis to attaining high levels of activity.
Realistic goals for aerobic activity will commonly be in the range of 30–60 min of moderate-intensity activity a day, as illustrated by the Health Canada recommendation for older adults (26) (Table 1).
Vigorous activity has higher risk of injury and lower adherence (20). Age-related loss of fitness, chronic diseases, and functional limitations act as barriers to attaining high levels of activity. Vigorous activity and/or high levels of activity are appropriate for selected older adults with sufficient fitness, experience, and motivation.
Taking a gradual or stepwise approach.
The standard advice to increase physical activity gradually over time is highly appropriate and particularly important for older adults. This advice minimizes risk of overuse injury, makes increasing activity more pleasant, and allows positive reinforcement for small steps that lead to attainment of intermediate goals. It can be appropriate for older adults to spend a long time at one step (e.g., attending exercise classes two or three days a week) so as to gain experience, fitness, and self-confidence. Very deconditioned older adults may need to exercise initially at less effort than a ‘‘5’’ on a 10-point scale and may need to perform activity in multiple bouts (Q10 min) rather than in a single continuous bout (20).
In addition, activity plans need to be reevaluated when there are changes in health status.
Performing muscle-strengthening activity and engaging in all recommended types of activity.
Muscle-strengthening activity is particularly important in older adults, given its role in preventing age-related loss of muscle mass (60), bone (44), and its beneficial effects on functional limitations (30,31,35,55,60). Currently, only about 12% of older adults perform muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week (63).
Sustaining emphasis on individual-level and community-level approaches. As with younger adults, promotion of physical activity in older adults relies upon both individual and community approaches that are evidence-based and reflect theory and research on behavior change.
For example, the Task Force on Community Preventive Services has recommended or strongly recommended several community-level interventions as effective in promoting physical activity, such as interventions to increase access to places of physical activity combined with informational outreach (29).
Using risk management strategies to prevent injury.
Chronic conditions increase risk of activity-related adverse events, e.g., heart disease increases risk of sudden death and osteoporosis increases risk of activity-related fractures. Activity-related musculoskeletal injuries act as a major barrier to regular physical activity. While these considerations lead to more emphasis on risk management, there is insufficient research on effective strategies to prevent injuries. Risk management strategies mainly reflect clinical experience, expert opinion, and legal liability concerns.
Evidence that risk management strategies can be effective comes from the observation that published exercise studies routinely implement risk management and serious adverse events in these studies are rare. However, research studies presumably exclude adults at high risk of injury.
Conclusion
“Virtually all older adults should be physically active,” conclude the authors.
“An older adult with a medical condition for which activity is therapeutic should perform physical activity in a manner that treats the condition. In addition, an older adult with medical conditions should engage in physical activity in the manner that reduces risk of developing other chronic diseases as described above.
“Given the breadth and strength of the evidence, physical activity should be one of the highest priorities for preventing and treating disease and disablement in older adults. Effective interventions to promote physical activity in older adults deserve wide implementation.”
The papers have been published jointly in Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise®, ACSM’s official journal and Circulation, a journal of the American Heart Association. For more information or additional details on the physical activity guidelines, please visit www.americanheart.org/fitness.
In addition, senior citizens should have an activity plan for achieving recommended physical activity that integrates preventive and therapeutic recommendations. The promotion of physical activity in older adults should emphasize moderate-intensity aerobic activity, muscle-strengthening activity, reducing sedentary behavior, and risk management.
The recommendations for senior citizens (age 65 and older) also apply to adults age 50-64 with chronic conditions or physical functional limitations (e.g. arthritis) that affect movement ability or physical fitness.
The reports says healthy adults under age 65 need moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity for at least 30 minutes on five days each week or vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity for at least 20 minutes on three days each week, according to updated physical activity guidelines.
It also recommends they will benefit from performing activities that maintain or increase muscular strength and endurance for at least two days each week. It is recommended that 8-10 exercises using the major muscle groups be performed on two non-consecutive days. To maximize strength development, a resistance (weight) should be used for 8-12 repetitions of each exercise resulting in willful fatigue.
Recommendations are less vigorous for senior citizens.
Although the author’s note in the report for the elderly that “regular physical activity, including aerobic activity and muscle-strengthening activity, is essential for healthy aging.”
Below is a summary of the recommendations for senior citizens, which the report says “can reduce the risk of chronic disease, premature mortality, functional limitations, and disability.”
Summary of physical activity recommendations for older adults – 2007.
1. To promote and maintain good health, older adults should maintain a physically active lifestyle.
2. They should perform moderate-intensity aerobic (endurance) physical activity for a minimum of 30 min on five days each week or vigorous-intensity aerobic activity for a minimum of 20 min on three days each week.
Moderate-intensity aerobic activity involves a moderate level of effort relative to an individual’s aerobic fitness. On a 10-point scale, where sitting is 0 and all-out effort is 10, moderate-intensity activity is a 5 or 6 and produces noticeable increases in heart rate and breathing. On the same scale, vigorous-intensity activity is a 7 or 8 and produces large increases in heart rate and breathing.
For example, given the heterogeneity of fitness levels in older adults, for some older adults a moderate-intensity walk is a slow walk, and for others it is a brisk walk.
3. Combinations of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity can be performed to meet this recommendation.
These moderate- or vigorous intensity activities are in addition to the light intensity activities frequently performed during daily life (e.g., self care, washing dishes) or moderate-intensity activities lasting 10 min or less (e.g., taking out trash, walking to parking lot at store or office).
4. In addition, at least twice each week older adults should perform muscle strengthening activities using the major muscles of the body that maintain or increase muscular strength and endurance.
It is recommended that 8–10 exercises be performed on at least two nonconsecutive days per week using the major muscle groups. To maximize strength development, a resistance (weight) should be used that allows 10–15 repetitions for each exercise. The level of effort for muscle-strengthening activities should be moderate to high.
5. Because of the dose-response relationship between physical activity and health, older persons who wish to further improve their personal fitness, reduce their risk for chronic diseases and disabilities, or prevent unhealthy weight gain will likely benefit by exceeding the minimum recommended amount of physical activity.
6. To maintain the flexibility necessary for regular physical activity and daily life, older adults should perform activities that maintain or increase flexibility on at least two days each week for at least 10 min each day.
7. To reduce risk of injury from falls, community-dwelling older adults with substantial risk of falls should perform exercises that maintain or improve balance.
8. Older adults with one or more medical conditions for which physical activity is therapeutic should perform physical activity in a manner that effectively and safely treats the condition(s).
9. Older adults should have a plan for obtaining sufficient physical activity that addresses each recommended type of activity.
Those with chronic conditions for which activity is therapeutic should have a single plan that integrates prevention and treatment.
For older adults who are not active at recommended levels, plans should include a gradual (or stepwise) approach to increase physical activity over time. Many months of activity at less than recommended levels is appropriate for some older adults (e.g., those with low fitness) as they increase activity in a stepwise manner.
Older adults should also be encouraged to self-monitor their physical activity on a regular basis and to reevaluate plans as their abilities improve or as their health status changes.
Need for an activity plan.
The recommendations for senior citizens put particular emphasis on an activity plan that identifies the levels of physical activity the achieve and describes how the person intends to meet them.
“It is recommended that older adults with chronic conditions develop an activity plan in consultation with a health care provider so that the plan adequately takes into account therapeutic and risk management issues related to chronic conditions,” according to the report.
The continued:
“The plan should be tailored according to chronic conditions and activity limitations, risk for falls, individual abilities and fitness, strategies for minimizing risks of activity, strategies for increasing activity gradually over time (if the person is not active at recommended levels), behavioral strategies for adhering to regular physical activity, and individual preferences.
“Healthy, asymptomatic older adults without chronic conditions should also develop an activity plan, preferably in consultation with a health care provider or fitness professional, so as to take advantage of expertise and resources on physical activity and injury prevention.
“This recommendation reframes the common advice to consult a health care provider before starting to increase physical activity. Health provider consultation regarding physical activity should occur regardless of whether an adult currently plans to increase physical activity, as it is part of the ongoing process of promoting physical activity that should occur in geriatric medicine.
This recommendation is consistent with a recently developed quality of care measure for older adults that measures whether older adults discuss physical activity with a health care provider at least once a year.”
Some other highlights include:
Areas of Emphasis in Promoting Physical Activity in Older Adults
With sufficient skill, experience, fitness, and training, older adults can achieve high levels of physical activity. The promotion of physical activity in older adults should avoid ageism that discourages older adults from reaching their potential. At the same time, it is difficult or impossible for some older adults to attain high levels of activity. Several areas should be emphasized in promoting physical activity in older adults as described below.
Reducing sedentary behavior.
There is substantial evidence that older adults who do less activity than recommended still achieve some health benefits. Such evidence is consistent with the scientific consensus for a continuous dose-response relationship between physical activity and health benefits (30). For example, lower risks of cardiovascular disease have been observed with just 45–75 min of walking per week (40).
Increasing moderate activity and giving less emphasis to attaining high levels of activity.
Realistic goals for aerobic activity will commonly be in the range of 30–60 min of moderate-intensity activity a day, as illustrated by the Health Canada recommendation for older adults (26) (Table 1).
Vigorous activity has higher risk of injury and lower adherence (20). Age-related loss of fitness, chronic diseases, and functional limitations act as barriers to attaining high levels of activity. Vigorous activity and/or high levels of activity are appropriate for selected older adults with sufficient fitness, experience, and motivation.
Taking a gradual or stepwise approach.
The standard advice to increase physical activity gradually over time is highly appropriate and particularly important for older adults. This advice minimizes risk of overuse injury, makes increasing activity more pleasant, and allows positive reinforcement for small steps that lead to attainment of intermediate goals. It can be appropriate for older adults to spend a long time at one step (e.g., attending exercise classes two or three days a week) so as to gain experience, fitness, and self-confidence. Very deconditioned older adults may need to exercise initially at less effort than a ‘‘5’’ on a 10-point scale and may need to perform activity in multiple bouts (Q10 min) rather than in a single continuous bout (20).
In addition, activity plans need to be reevaluated when there are changes in health status.
Performing muscle-strengthening activity and engaging in all recommended types of activity.
Muscle-strengthening activity is particularly important in older adults, given its role in preventing age-related loss of muscle mass (60), bone (44), and its beneficial effects on functional limitations (30,31,35,55,60). Currently, only about 12% of older adults perform muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week (63).
Sustaining emphasis on individual-level and community-level approaches. As with younger adults, promotion of physical activity in older adults relies upon both individual and community approaches that are evidence-based and reflect theory and research on behavior change.
For example, the Task Force on Community Preventive Services has recommended or strongly recommended several community-level interventions as effective in promoting physical activity, such as interventions to increase access to places of physical activity combined with informational outreach (29).
Using risk management strategies to prevent injury.
Chronic conditions increase risk of activity-related adverse events, e.g., heart disease increases risk of sudden death and osteoporosis increases risk of activity-related fractures. Activity-related musculoskeletal injuries act as a major barrier to regular physical activity. While these considerations lead to more emphasis on risk management, there is insufficient research on effective strategies to prevent injuries. Risk management strategies mainly reflect clinical experience, expert opinion, and legal liability concerns.
Evidence that risk management strategies can be effective comes from the observation that published exercise studies routinely implement risk management and serious adverse events in these studies are rare. However, research studies presumably exclude adults at high risk of injury.
Conclusion
“Virtually all older adults should be physically active,” conclude the authors.
“An older adult with a medical condition for which activity is therapeutic should perform physical activity in a manner that treats the condition. In addition, an older adult with medical conditions should engage in physical activity in the manner that reduces risk of developing other chronic diseases as described above.
“Given the breadth and strength of the evidence, physical activity should be one of the highest priorities for preventing and treating disease and disablement in older adults. Effective interventions to promote physical activity in older adults deserve wide implementation.”
The papers have been published jointly in Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise®, ACSM’s official journal and Circulation, a journal of the American Heart Association. For more information or additional details on the physical activity guidelines, please visit www.americanheart.org/fitness.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Ethiopia Elderly Sponsorship - ROPE NEWS
Ethiopia - Elderly sponsorship through ROPE
No longer destitute
In ETHIOPIA, ROPE runs a sponsorship programme for elderly folk who have no family to take care of them. Eshetu is one of the beneficiaries. We are able to provide him with medical treatment as required, cleaning materials, and with new clothing once a year. Eshetu is house-bound so he also has one meal a day delivered through the “Food on Foot” scheme. Counselling services and home-to home visits are also arranged. As a result of this support Eshetu and others like him are in better health and physical condition. They always extend their heartfelt thanks to their ROPE sponsors. If you would like to sponsor an elderly person please click HERE.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Monday, October 1, 2007
Washington D.C. Urban League offers Senior Citizen Services
Oasis Senior Center For The Homeless Aged
The Aging Division's Oasis Center for the Homeless Aged is located at 1226 Vermont Avenue, NW. Services provided daily include meal services, case medical screening, recreation and socialization, art therapy, housing placements, one-site medical screening and consultation, personal hygiene and grooming, and mental health counseling. Transportation services are also provided as needed. The Center for Homeless Aged services approximately 200 persons annually; the average daily number of clients who are seen by the service is estimated to be 55.
The program is funded by the DC Office on Aging. For more information, call (202) 265-2017 or (202) 529-8701.
Brenda Turner, Director2900 Newton Street, NEWashington, DC 20018(202) 529-8701
For more information, please visit their website by clicking HERE.
Haile - 2:04:26 World Record in Berlin!
Berlin, Germany - Haile Gebrselassie finally fulfilled the first one of his two big marathon dreams: The 34-year-old Ethiopian broke the World record at the real,- Berlin-Marathon, clocking 2:04:26. It was Paul Tergat (Kenya) who had run 2:04:55 in 2003 in Berlin.
“It was something very special today, because this is the marathon world record!” said Gebrselassie after improving the World Marathon record by 29 seconds. “That is something different in comparison to the 5,000 or 10,000m, because the Marathon is the king of the distance races.” The two-time Olympic 10,000m champion has now broken 24 World records or world bests.
Gebrselassie produced the absolute highlight at Germany’s biggest and most spectacular Marathon for which 40,215 runners from 115 nations had entered. About one million spectators cheered on the Ethiopian.
“The spectators gave me more support than last year. I have to say thank you Germany! Today the weather was perfect, it was not as windy as last year,” said Gebrselassie, who will target his next big Marathon goal next year, when he will run the Olympic race in Beijing.
Not only Gebrselassie but Gete Wami also defended her title in Berlin in ideal weather conditions. The Ethiopian clocked 2:23:17 to complete yet another double win in Berlin after 2006. But the real surprise came in second place, which featured a great debut by Irina Mikitenko. She clocked 2:24:51, which is the best ever Marathon debut by a German woman. She is now the third fastest on the German all-time list behind Uta Pippig (2:21:45) and Katrin Dörre-Heinig (2:24:35).
Gebrselassie on WR pace from the gun
Led by pacemakers, Gebrselassie was on course for the World record throughout. He went through halfway in 62:29. His rivals couldn’t match that kind of pace from the very start leaving Gebrselassie in a race of his own through the streets of Berlin. Up to the 30 kilometre point two of the original five pacemakers were able to stay with him. But then both Eshetu Wondimu (Ethiopia) and Rodgers Rop (Kenya), the latter winner of this year’s Hamburg marathon in 2:07:32 and a former champion in New York and Boston, dropped out.
Tergat calls to offer congratulations, Gebrselassie apologises
Shortly after Gebrselassie crossed the finish line, race director Mark Milde’s phone rang. Tergat was on the line, and he wanted to congratulate Haile. “Paul is a good friend and I apologized to him for taking his World record,” Gebrselassie explained. His total winnings from Berlin were 130,000 Euros. “But I don’t run for money. If I did, I could race somewhere every week,” said Gebrselassie.
The Kenyan Abel Kirui was second in an outstanding personal best of 2:06:51. Third place went to his compatriot Salim Kipsang in 2:07:29. The best German finisher was Falk Cierpinski (SG Spergau) who crossed the line in 23rd place. The son of the double Olympic champion Waldemar Cierpinski ran a personal best in 2:19:06.
Wami aggressive from the start as well
In the women’s race Gete Wami, like Gebrselassie, went clear of her rivals from the start. The Ethiopian, who ran a national record of 2:21:34 a year ago in Berlin but lost it in the meantime to Berhane Adere, also had an escort of pacemakers. After reaching halfway in 70:25 she did just enough to be assured the victory. Five weeks from now Wami will be on the start line for the marathon in New York.
Wami is shooting for the jackpot in the World Marathon Majors series for 2006-07. Following her win in Berlin she has taken the lead from Latvian Jelena Prokupcuka. If she finishes ahead of the Latvian in New York, she’ll win 500,000 dollars.
“I was very confident before the race that I was in good shape. I’ll take it easy for a week and then start training for New York – I think I’ve a real chance of winning the WMM jackpot,” Wami said.
The outcome of the race for second place was more dramatic. Well behind Wami after the second half were Helena Kiprop of Kenya and the Japanese Naoko Sakamoto (both at 72:31). A further 26 seconds behind was a trio including Mikitenko. On her Marathon debut she ran an outstanding second half to move up to second. She ran the second half in 1:11:54, covering the second half faster than the first on her debut attempt at the distance. That shows she could run faster still in the Marathon, an event for which she now has an Olympic qualifying time.(IAAF)
“It was something very special today, because this is the marathon world record!” said Gebrselassie after improving the World Marathon record by 29 seconds. “That is something different in comparison to the 5,000 or 10,000m, because the Marathon is the king of the distance races.” The two-time Olympic 10,000m champion has now broken 24 World records or world bests.
Gebrselassie produced the absolute highlight at Germany’s biggest and most spectacular Marathon for which 40,215 runners from 115 nations had entered. About one million spectators cheered on the Ethiopian.
“The spectators gave me more support than last year. I have to say thank you Germany! Today the weather was perfect, it was not as windy as last year,” said Gebrselassie, who will target his next big Marathon goal next year, when he will run the Olympic race in Beijing.
Not only Gebrselassie but Gete Wami also defended her title in Berlin in ideal weather conditions. The Ethiopian clocked 2:23:17 to complete yet another double win in Berlin after 2006. But the real surprise came in second place, which featured a great debut by Irina Mikitenko. She clocked 2:24:51, which is the best ever Marathon debut by a German woman. She is now the third fastest on the German all-time list behind Uta Pippig (2:21:45) and Katrin Dörre-Heinig (2:24:35).
Gebrselassie on WR pace from the gun
Led by pacemakers, Gebrselassie was on course for the World record throughout. He went through halfway in 62:29. His rivals couldn’t match that kind of pace from the very start leaving Gebrselassie in a race of his own through the streets of Berlin. Up to the 30 kilometre point two of the original five pacemakers were able to stay with him. But then both Eshetu Wondimu (Ethiopia) and Rodgers Rop (Kenya), the latter winner of this year’s Hamburg marathon in 2:07:32 and a former champion in New York and Boston, dropped out.
Tergat calls to offer congratulations, Gebrselassie apologises
Shortly after Gebrselassie crossed the finish line, race director Mark Milde’s phone rang. Tergat was on the line, and he wanted to congratulate Haile. “Paul is a good friend and I apologized to him for taking his World record,” Gebrselassie explained. His total winnings from Berlin were 130,000 Euros. “But I don’t run for money. If I did, I could race somewhere every week,” said Gebrselassie.
The Kenyan Abel Kirui was second in an outstanding personal best of 2:06:51. Third place went to his compatriot Salim Kipsang in 2:07:29. The best German finisher was Falk Cierpinski (SG Spergau) who crossed the line in 23rd place. The son of the double Olympic champion Waldemar Cierpinski ran a personal best in 2:19:06.
Wami aggressive from the start as well
In the women’s race Gete Wami, like Gebrselassie, went clear of her rivals from the start. The Ethiopian, who ran a national record of 2:21:34 a year ago in Berlin but lost it in the meantime to Berhane Adere, also had an escort of pacemakers. After reaching halfway in 70:25 she did just enough to be assured the victory. Five weeks from now Wami will be on the start line for the marathon in New York.
Wami is shooting for the jackpot in the World Marathon Majors series for 2006-07. Following her win in Berlin she has taken the lead from Latvian Jelena Prokupcuka. If she finishes ahead of the Latvian in New York, she’ll win 500,000 dollars.
“I was very confident before the race that I was in good shape. I’ll take it easy for a week and then start training for New York – I think I’ve a real chance of winning the WMM jackpot,” Wami said.
The outcome of the race for second place was more dramatic. Well behind Wami after the second half were Helena Kiprop of Kenya and the Japanese Naoko Sakamoto (both at 72:31). A further 26 seconds behind was a trio including Mikitenko. On her Marathon debut she ran an outstanding second half to move up to second. She ran the second half in 1:11:54, covering the second half faster than the first on her debut attempt at the distance. That shows she could run faster still in the Marathon, an event for which she now has an Olympic qualifying time.(IAAF)
Friday, September 28, 2007
HUD has Housing Options for Senior Citizens
Looking for housing options for yourself, an aging parent, relative, or friend? Do some research first to determine what kind of assistance or living arrangement you need; what your health insurance might cover; and what you can afford. Then check here for financial assistance resources and guides for making the right choice. Talk to a HUD-approved housing counselor if you have questions about your situation.
For more information on the HUD programs, click HERE!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
United Nations International Day of Older Persons
United Nations International Day of Older Persons
United Nations International Day of Older Persons
October 2, 2007
Washington, DC, USA
Online Registration
Click here to register for this event.
Event Info
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The Shakespeare Theatre Company
The Forum - Harman Center for the Performing Arts
610 F Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Contact AARP International at: intlaffairs@aarp.org
With generous support from the BBC, the UNA-USA Council of Organizations, and the International Association of Homes and Services for the Ageing (IAHSA); AARP is sponsoring My Generation: Connecting, Giving, Enjoying on Tuesday, October 2, 2007, in celebration of the 2007 International Day of Older Persons.
The program will feature an exclusive screening of the American debut of the BBC acclaimed Documentary "Power to the People: the Great Granny Chart Invasion" documenting the formation of the UK senior rock group “The Zimmers”. The film will be followed by an interactive dialogue with Peter Oakley of "The Zimmers" and Neil Reed, Music Producer of the group's debut hit single My Generation.
The program will also present the YouTube contest "AARP’s U@50+" submissions and film clips from directors age 50+.
Commentary will be given by the Pulitzer-Prize winning author Dr. Robert Butler, President & CEO of the International Longevity Center-USA. Line Vreven, Director of AARP International, will host the event as master of ceremonies.
Please join us for a special reception following the program. Doors open starting at 4:30 PM.
For directions to the Shakespeare Theatre, visit: www.shakespearetheatre.org/visit/index.aspx.
Visit the AARP website for registration information: www.aarp.org
United Nations International Day of Older Persons
October 2, 2007
Washington, DC, USA
Online Registration
Click here to register for this event.
Event Info
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The Shakespeare Theatre Company
The Forum - Harman Center for the Performing Arts
610 F Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Contact AARP International at: intlaffairs@aarp.org
With generous support from the BBC, the UNA-USA Council of Organizations, and the International Association of Homes and Services for the Ageing (IAHSA); AARP is sponsoring My Generation: Connecting, Giving, Enjoying on Tuesday, October 2, 2007, in celebration of the 2007 International Day of Older Persons.
The program will feature an exclusive screening of the American debut of the BBC acclaimed Documentary "Power to the People: the Great Granny Chart Invasion" documenting the formation of the UK senior rock group “The Zimmers”. The film will be followed by an interactive dialogue with Peter Oakley of "The Zimmers" and Neil Reed, Music Producer of the group's debut hit single My Generation.
The program will also present the YouTube contest "AARP’s U@50+" submissions and film clips from directors age 50+.
Commentary will be given by the Pulitzer-Prize winning author Dr. Robert Butler, President & CEO of the International Longevity Center-USA. Line Vreven, Director of AARP International, will host the event as master of ceremonies.
Please join us for a special reception following the program. Doors open starting at 4:30 PM.
For directions to the Shakespeare Theatre, visit: www.shakespearetheatre.org/visit/index.aspx.
Visit the AARP website for registration information: www.aarp.org
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
About Zethiopia
Zethiopia is a diversified news and information Independent newspaper that represents America's local and national Ethiopian community.
Zethiopia is published bi-monthly by the Ze Ethiopia Corporation. The newspaper's motto is, "Not just both sides, all sides!" The newspaper is free and bilingual with production based in Washington, D.C.
Zethiopia just celebrated it's third year anniversary and at this time is distributed in major metropolitan areas. 10,000 copies are circulated per printing and each week our subscription and advertising base continues to grow.
A large well educated and rapidly growing base of Ethiopian-American citizens and residents are indicative of the importance and necessity of a media source to channel information throughout the community.
The Ethiopian population is estimated at approximately 1 million people, concentrated in major geographic regions to include Washington D.C, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Minneapolis, Houston and Atlanta. The goal of Zethiopia is to create a sense of community and respect of Ethiopian culture through our publication - linking each of these geographic areas through news and an exchange of ideas, thoughts, and interest.
For more information about Zethiopia, please visit our website: http://www.zethiopia.com/.
Zethiopia is published bi-monthly by the Ze Ethiopia Corporation. The newspaper's motto is, "Not just both sides, all sides!" The newspaper is free and bilingual with production based in Washington, D.C.
Zethiopia just celebrated it's third year anniversary and at this time is distributed in major metropolitan areas. 10,000 copies are circulated per printing and each week our subscription and advertising base continues to grow.
A large well educated and rapidly growing base of Ethiopian-American citizens and residents are indicative of the importance and necessity of a media source to channel information throughout the community.
The Ethiopian population is estimated at approximately 1 million people, concentrated in major geographic regions to include Washington D.C, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Minneapolis, Houston and Atlanta. The goal of Zethiopia is to create a sense of community and respect of Ethiopian culture through our publication - linking each of these geographic areas through news and an exchange of ideas, thoughts, and interest.
For more information about Zethiopia, please visit our website: http://www.zethiopia.com/.
Announcing Zethiopia Radio
Zethiopia is proud to announce its first foray into the broadcast media with the launch of Zethiopia Radio. Zethiopia Radio is an independent news outlet that will provide news and be a forum for diverse views targeting Ethiopians living in the Washington Metropolitan area. Zethiopia Radio is an extension of Zethiopia, a bilingual Amharic-English newspaper that started publication in July, 2002.
Zethiopia Radio will start out as a one hour news program, to be broadcast every Sunday from 5-6 PM on WZHF 1390 AM. The one hour program will consist of news, reports, current affairs, interviews and entertainment.
By launching Zethiopia Radio, we hope to better serve the Ethiopian community in the Greater Washington Metropolitan area and to build upon the solid reputation we have achieved with Zethiopia newspaper. It is our goal and desire to bring forth the same level of commitment and professionalism that has distinguished us in the print media.
Look to Zethiopia Radio to inform the public and be a positive factor in creating well informed discussions on topics related to both Ethiopia and the day-to-day concerns of its community.
For more information and access to archives of previously broadcast shows please visit:
http://www.zethiopia.com/radio/
Dereje Desta
Zethiopia
202 518 0245
dereje@zethiopia.com
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