Downloadable Calendars

Seniors can download and print a monthly calendar of health and wellness events. Note that the colored calendar dates are programs that require REGISTRATION.

Download a printable calendar of MAY Senior health programs HERE

Download a printable calendar of JUNE Senior health programs HERE

(R) – Please register for each program online at cal.olpl.org.

Around the Library

As information professionals, we help people find accurate, relevant and timely information for their specific needs—including health. While we are not health experts, we maintain awareness of issues affecting health locally and work with community partners on discussions, activities and programs that address these challenges. We collaborate with Oak Lawn Chamber members, local business and health advocates to share conversation, strategies, policy and resources to build an informed community.

New Collection: Chromebooks and Memory Kits

AgeOptions awarded the library a grant to purchase materials and host programs related to technology training and reducing social isolation for adults ages 60 and over. We purchased two new types of materials for this purpose:

• Memory Kits
• There are five kits, each with different materials to support those experiencing dementia and their caregivers. Each kit includes games, DVDs, CDs, books and resources.
• The five themes are The Great Outdoors, In the Garden, Activity Night, Food for Thought and The Golden Oldies.
• Chromebook Kits
• Five kits include a Chromebook and mouse.
• Five include a Chromebook, mouse and Wi-Fi hotspot

All kits are available for checkout and to be placed on hold by Oak Lawn Library cardholders ages 60 and over. The items may be checked out for three weeks and are not renewable. Please come check one out today!

SUMMER 2023 HEALTH PROGRAMS

(R) – Please register for each program online at cal.olpl.org.

Take Charge of Your Health with AgeOptions (R)

Tuesdays, Jun. 6, 13, 20 & 27, Jul. 11 & 18 from 9:30 a.m.-noon in Meeting Room C
PLEASE NOTE: A six-week commitment is required for this series.
This six-week interactive workshop, originally developed at Stanford University for people with ongoing health conditions and their caregivers, provides skills and tools to help you make meaningful and lasting changes to your health. Topics include nutrition and healthy eating habits, physical activity, pain and stress management, problem solving and more. Each two and a half hour class includes a break. A six-week commitment is required. We will contact registrants prior to the workshop to verify enrollment. A minimum of 12 people must enroll in order for the workshop to move forward. Participants must sign a privacy policy and liability waiver at the first class. For further questions, please contact Meghan Moran, assistant department head of customer services, at 708-422-4990 ext. 630 or mmoran@olpl.org.

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Support Group

Mondays, Jun. 12, Jul. 10 & Aug. 14 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Café
An opportunity for family members, friends and caregivers to share their feelings, thoughts and experiences in a safe environment with others going through similar things. No registration required. Please drop in. Facilitated by Mary Murphy, RN, BSN, CDP (Certified Dementia Practitioner) of Hibernian Home Care.

Who’s Got Game? (R)

Tuesdays, Jun. 13 & 20, Jul. 11 & 18, Aug. 8 & 15 from 10-11 a.m. in the Café
Join us for fun and games at this senior social hour! Registered attendees will be entered to win a small goodie bag at the end of each month. Light refreshments will be served. Games may vary. Supplies for this program are partially funded via the AgeOptions Library CARES ARPA grant. Sponsored in part by JenCare.

Programs with Advocate Health (R)

These hybrid programs will also stream online at the OLPL YouTube page.

Shoulder Talk with Dr. James Leonard
Monday, Jun. 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the Café

Nutrition for a Healthy Heart with Mary Gregory, RD
Thursday, Jul. 27 at 6:30 p.m. in the Café

Sports Medicine Talk with Dr. James Leonard
Monday, Aug. 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the Café

Gout: An Old Disease with New Perspectives with Dr. Veena Nayak
Monday, Aug. 28 at 6:30 p.m. in the Café

Yoga for Adults Ages 60 and Over (R)
Wednesdays, Jun. 21, Jul. 26 & Aug. 16 at 1 p.m. in the Café
Yoga teacher Nancy McGourty leads this fun and engaging beginner’s yoga class. Please bring your own mat, if possible. Limited to 10 registrants. This program is funded by the AgeOptions Library CARES ARPA grant.

Communication Strategies for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias with Pathlights (R)

Thursday, Jun. 22 at 3 p.m. in the Café and virtually via Zoom
Patricia McClure-Chessier, award-winning author of “Losing a Hero to Alzheimer’s: The Story of Pearl” and “A Caregiver’s Guide for Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Nine Key Principles,” shares communication strategies she learned caring for her mother who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

Wits Workout (R)
Tuesdays, Jun. 27, Jul. 25 & Aug. 29 from 10-11 a.m. in the Café
Engage in interactive puzzles and games and learn what you can do in your daily life to keep your brain healthy! The program, developed by the University of Illinois Extension, is funded in part by the AgeOptions Library CARES ARPA grant. Light refreshments will be provided.

What’s Your Beat? with Northwestern Medicine (R)
Thursday, Jul. 20 at 2 p.m. in the Café
Explore how different tempos and genres of music affect our health: from our hearts to exercise performance to decreasing depression symptoms. Taught by a Northwestern Medicine exercise physiologist who is also a classically trained piano teacher.

AARP Smart Driver Course (R)
Wednesday, Aug. 23 and Thursday, Aug. 24 from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Café
Review driving skills and techniques, and learn strategies and tips to help you adjust to normal age-related changes that may affect driving ability. Participants will receive AARP’s 2022 edition of the “Smart Driver Guidebook.” Attendance at both days is required to receive a certificate of completion. The fee for the course is $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members. Fees must be paid to the instructor as cash or check payable to AARP at the start of the course. Please bring your driver’s license and AARP card with you (if applicable). Limited to 20 registrants.

VIDEOS OF PAST PROGRAMS

If you missed a 2021 program, you can still view the Zoom presentation on OLPL’s YouTube channel:

• Brain Health / 4/27/21
• The Emerging Importance of Aging in Place /  6/7/21
• Heartburn-Gerd: Treatment Updates for This Common Condition / 6/15/21
• Advance Planning Is Crucial for Successful Aging / 6/17/21
• Your Health Plan to Age in Place / 6/21/21
• Stroke Education, Prevention, and Wellness / 6/28/21
• Legal and Financial Planning for Aging in Place / 7/6/21
• Understanding Behaviors in Dementia / 7/7/21
• Preventing Colon Cancer: Everything You Need to Know / 7/8/21
• Transitioning to Senior Living / 7/20/21
• Melanoma Skin Cancer Awareness / 8/17/21
• Legal and Financial issues for Caregivers / 9/16/21
• Pathlights Medicare Series Part 2: Medicare D enrollment / 10/13/21
• Cutting Through the Medicare Maze / 10/14/21
• Pathlights Medicare Series Part 3: How Medicare and Medicaid work together / 10/20/21