Older Americans Month - May 2025
Historically, Ohio has recognized May as Older Americans Month. However, earlier this year, Governor Mike DeWine signed a bill officially designating May as Older Ohioans Month in line with his continued commitment to older adults. “In May, we celebrate nearly 3 million older Ohioans,” said Governor DeWine. “We want people to remain empowered, active members of their communities. That can mean staying in or rejoining the workforce, participating in lifelong learning, taking charge of your health, or remaining engaged citizens well into older adulthood.”In honor of this year’s Older Ohioans Month and Older Americans Month, Ohio Department of Aging is challenging what it means to age. The Administration for Community Living’s 2025 Older Americans Month theme is “Flip the Script on Aging.” The theme challenges outdated stereotypes and highlights the fulfilling lives older adults lead every day. With more than one in four Ohioans expected to be over the age of 60 by 2030, ODA is committed to changing how aging is viewed and experienced across the state.
Fun in the Fog by Brad Nellis
Like most Clevelanders, I LOVE the summers in northeast Ohio; they’re fantastic. Once the leaves come out, it’s so lush around here and the temperature is generally pretty great. Not to mention all the extra daylight!
In fact, many years ago, we made the decision to NOT take a vacation in the summer since it’s such a nice season in The Land.
But other than enjoying the summer temps and then the crispness in the air in the fall, I never paid that much attention to the weather. As I’ve gotten more into nature photography, however, I’ve become much more attuned to it. Not just to avoid getting caught in a downpour or a bad snowstorm, but for the opportunities to experience and photograph a scene in a different condition. Recently, I visited CVNP and the Brecksville Reservation over a couple of days since conditions were good for some foggy views.
Chippewa Creek photo by Brad Nellis
See more of Brad's Fun in the Fog
More than just Child Proof!
Recommended For You (popular with other Cleveland Seniors)
Tell me this won't happen to us!
Three retirees, each with a hearing loss, were playing golf one fine March day. One remarked to the other, 'Windy, isn't it?''No,' the second man replied, 'it's Thursday'
And the third man chimed in, 'So am I. Let's have a beer.'
Tell me this won't happen to us!
More fun like this
Feria de Cleveland 2025
Feria de Cleveland is an annual celebration bringing the vibrant energy of Spain's spring fairs to Cleveland. Hosted by Abrepaso Flamenco and the Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center, this family-friendly event featured live flamenco performances, dance competitions, authentic Spanish fashion, music, arts and crafts, and delicious food.
Abrepaso Flamenco at Cleveland Feria
See videos and photos of the Feria de Cleveland
Debbie Hanson
ClevelandSeniors.com and ClevelandWomen.com co-founder Debbie Hanson passed away April 12, 2025 after a long illness. We are devastated. More about Debbie will be posted soon.Her wake is Wednesday April 23 and funeral on Thursday April 24.
Obituary and details for Debbie Hanson.
She will be greatly missed by family, friends and the community.
Debbie Hanson
Spring baseball in the CLE is not for the faint of heart.
By Brad NellisI’ve been to my fair share of Cleveland Guardians games and was even a member of a season ticket group awhile back. In all these years, I’ve resolutely avoided attending any games before May due to the coldish weather. Including this year.
But the Akron Rubber Ducks lured us out for their home opener on April 8. It was 33 degrees at first pitch and it felt every bit of 33 degrees at the game. But complimentary tickets are tough to pass up and we had a good time.
Akron Rubber Ducks Field
Akron Rubber Ducks mascots with Brad Nellis
We started going to Ducks games more often a few years ago when one of our kids got us a set of vouchers for game tickets. It was a fun, different thing to do so we’ve bought ourselves a 10-ticket flex package for the past couple of years. Friday home games usually include fireworks; a ballgame, a beer or two, and a fireworks show makes a great finish to the week.
And since we bought a flex package, the Ducks kindly reached out with a nice offer of comp tickets for the home opener. Win-Win!
I’m not super well-schooled in minor league baseball but it seems like the AA level embraces quirkiness. And the Rubber Ducks are right there. Sure, they’ve got the silly, between innings games, but they’ve also made a genius move by leaning into local flavor and creating some pretty great merch and uniforms to go along with it. Think Luigi’s famous (cheese) salads, the “devil strip”, Swensen’s Galley Boys, White French dressing, and more.
So, if you’re looking for something interesting and a little different to do this year, check out the Rubber Ducks. You can even score some sweet stickers like I did!
Baby Car Seats in the 60s
The Greatest Generation
Here is a mother with her 8 sons, who all served in World War II. Thankfully, they all came back, safe and sound.
Remember This?
Respect the Vets
Senior Driver
The Sixties
Alzheimer’s Association Urges Americans to Focus on Brain Health
Currently, two-thirds of Americans have at least one major risk factor for dementia. Science shows that modifying risk factors and promoting healthy behaviors can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia – in fact, scientists estimate that up to 40% of dementia cases worldwide could be prevented by a change in habits. The Alzheimer’s Association is offering “10 Healthy Habits for Your Brain,” simple everyday actions people can take to reduce their dementia risk.
- Challenge your mind. In the words of Ted Lasso, be curious! Put the brain to work and do something new. Challenging the mind may have short- and long-term brain benefits.
- Stay in school. Education reduces the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Encourage youth to stay in school and pursue the highest level of training possible. Continue your own education by taking a class at a library, school or online.
- Get moving. Engage in regular exercise and activities that raise your heart rate and increase blood flow to the brain and body.
- Protect your head. Help prevent a head injury. Wear a helmet, a seatbelt and be careful of falls.
- Be smoke-free. Quitting smoking can lower the risk of cognitive decline back to levels similar to those who have not smoked. It’s never too late to stop.
- Control your blood pressure. Medication, eating right and engaging in physical activity can lower blood pressure.
- Manage Diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes can be prevented or controlled by healthy eating, increased physical activity and medication.
- Eat right. Healthy eating can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Focus on vegetables and lean proteins, avoiding processed and high-fat foods.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Talk to your doctor about your ideal body weight. Following these healthy habits and getting adequate sleep can help you maintain a healthy weight.
- Sleep well. Good quality sleep is important for brain health. Turn off all screens before bed to minimize disruptions. Address any sleep-related problems like sleep apnea.
“Research confirms what we have suspected for some time – people can lower their chances of cognitive decline with healthy habits,” said Mary Ertle, program director for the Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area and Greater East Ohio Area chapters. “Adopting these simple actions can decrease dementia risk, even for people with a family history. It’s never too late or too early to take charge of your brain health.”
Six million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, including 220,000 Ohioans. The number of Ohioans living with Alzheimer's is expected to increase to 250,000 by 2025. One in three seniors dies with dementia - more than breast and prostate cancer combined. Those concerned about themselves or a loved one can contact the Alzheimer's Association Cleveland Area Chapter at 216.342.5556 to schedule a care consultation and be connected to local resources.
Watch out for Utility Scammers
Be aware of scammers who call and claim to be collecting on your bill and ask for an online or over-the-phone payment. Some of these requests can sound and look real. In some cases, scammers are able to make it appear they are calling from a Dominion Energy phone number. How to avoid these scams:
- Remember, Dominion Energy will never call you to demand a payment.
- If you pay your bills on time, be suspicious of any call or email regarding your account.
- Be careful using search engines. Instead go directly to dominionenergy.com. Scammers use fake ads to trick you into clicking.
- Never provide personal or financial information to someone who calls and asks for it.
- Verify the status of your account by logging in to your online account or the Dominion Energy app.
- If you’re still in doubt as to the status of your account, or if you were speaking with an employee, please call Dominion Energy. There is no need to hold for an agent to check your account balance.
- Dominion Energy employees will never request to enter a customer’s home without proper identification, an appointment or a reported emergency. Additionally, employees do not ask for payment in person.
Learn more from Dominion
Alzheimer's Association Releases 2024 Facts and Figures Report
10 sources of Tax-Free Income (not taxable)
- Workers Comp & Disability Insurance.
- Scholarships and Employer Education Assistance.
- Health Savings Account.
- Child Support & Alimony.
- Federal Disaster Relief.
- Inheritance and Gifts.
- Life Insurance Payouts.
- Capital Gain on your Home.
- Municipal Bond Interest.
- Roth IRA.
Some limitations and exceptions apply. Have questions? Contact CPA Sam Tanious at 440-991-6864 or e-mail samytaxservices@gmail.com
Just Thinking
Today I was in a shoe store that sells only shoes, nothing else. A young girl with a tattoo and green hair walked over to me and asked, "What brings you in today? I looked at her and said, "I'm interested in buying a refrigerator." She didn't quite know how to respond, had that deer in the headlights look.
I was thinking about old age and decided that old age is when you still have something on the ball, but you are just too tired to bounce it.
When people see a cat's litter box they always say, "Oh, have you got a cat?" I just say, "No, it's for company!"
Employment application blanks always ask who is to be called in case of an emergency. I think you should write, "An ambulance."
The older you get the tougher it is to lose weight because by then your body and your fat have gotten to be really good friends.
The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a replacement.
Have you ever noticed: The Roman Numerals for forty (40) are XL.
The sole purpose of a child's middle name is so he knows when he's really in trouble.
Did you ever notice that when you put the 2 words "The" and "IRS" together it spells "Theirs?"
Aging: Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it.
Some people try to turn back their "odometers." Not me. I want people to know why I look this way. I've traveled a long way and a lot of the roads were not paved.
Ah! Being young is beautiful but being old is comfortable.
Lord, keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth.
May you always have:
Love to share,
Cash to spare,
Tires with air,
And friends who care.
A Different Perspective
We are a Unique Generation
- We grew up in the 40s-50s-60.
- We studied in the 50s-60s-70s.
- We dated in the 50s-60s-70s.
- We got married and discovered the world in the 60s-70s-80s.
- We ventured into the 70s-80s.
- We stabilized in the 90s.
- We got wiser in the 2000s.
- And went firmly through the 2010s.
- Turns out we've lived through NINE different decades, TWO different centuries, & TWO different millennia.
- We have gone from the telephone with an operator for long-distance calls to video calls to anywhere in the world.
- We have gone from slides to YouTube, from vinyl records to online music, from handwritten letters to email and WhatsApp.
- We have gone from live matches on the radio, to black and white TV, and then to HDTV.
- We went to Blockbuster and now we watch Netflix.
- We got to know the first computers, punch cards, diskettes and now we have gigabytes and megabytes in hand on our cell phones or iPads.
- We wore shorts throughout our childhood and then long pants, oxfords, Bermuda shorts, etc.
- We dodged infantile paralysis, meningitis, H1N1 flu and now COVID-19.
- We rode skates, tricycles, invented cars, bicycles, mopeds, gasoline or diesel cars and now we ride hybrids or 100% electric.
Yes, we've been through a lot but what a great life we've had! They could describe us as "exennials" people who were born in that world of the fifties, who had an analog childhood and a digital adulthood.
We're kind of Ya-seen-it-all. Our generation has literally lived through and witnessed more than any other in every dimension of life. It is our generation that has literally adapted to "CHANGE".
A big round of applause to all the members of a very special generation, which are UNIQUE.
Remember our car radios?
Funny Retiree Mental Fitness Evaluation
This test is to ascertain your mental state now. If you get one right you are doing OK, if you get none right you better go for counseling. (I'll meet you there.)
There are 4 test questions. Don't miss one.
Giraffe Test
1. How do you put a giraffe into a refrigerator?
Stop and think about it and decide on your answer
before you scroll down.
The Correct Answer:
Open the refrigerator, put in the giraffe, and close the door. This question tests whether you tend to do simple things in an overly complicated way.
Elephant Test
2. How do you put an elephant into a refrigerator?
Did you say, Open the refrigerator, put in the elephant, and close the refrigerator?
Wrong Answer.
Correct Answer:
Open the refrigerator, take out the giraffe, put in the elephant and close the door. This tests your ability to think through
the repercussions of your previous actions.
Lion King Test
3. The Lion King is hosting an Animal Conference. All the animals attend... except one. Which animal does not attend?
Correct Answer:
The Elephant. The elephant is in the refrigerator. You just put him in there. This tests your memory.
Okay, even if you did not answer the first three questions correctly, you still have one more chance to show your true abilities.
Crocodile Test
4. There is a river you must cross but it is used by crocodiles, and you do not have a boat. How do you manage it?
Correct Answer:
You jump into the river and swim across. Haven't you been listening? All the crocodiles are attending the Animal Conference. This tests whether you learn quickly from your mistakes. Ha Ha!
I Wish You Enough
Recently I overheard a father and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the departure. Standing near the security gate, they hugged and the Father said, "I love you, and I wish you enough."
The daughter replied, "Dad, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Dad."
They kissed and the daughter left. The Father walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see he wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on his privacy, but he welcomed me in by asking, "Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?"
"Yes, I have," I replied. "Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever-good-bye?"
"I am old, and she lives so far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is, the next trip back will be for my funeral," he said.
"When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, 'I wish you enough,' may I ask what that means?"
He began to smile, "That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone..." He paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail, and he smiled even more. "When we said, 'I wish you enough,' we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them.'' Then turning toward me, he shared the following as if he were reciting it from memory.
I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.
I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.
He then began to cry and walked away.
They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them; but then an entire life to forget them.
Don't hang out with Negative People
A man was getting a haircut prior to a trip to Rome. He mentioned the trip to the barber, who responded, “Why would anyone want to go there.
It’s crowded and dirty and full of Italians. You’re crazy to go to Rome. So, how are you getting there?”
“We’re taking United,” was the reply. “We got a great rate!” “United!”
exclaimed the barber. “That’s a terrible airline. Their planes are
old, their flight attendants are ugly and they’re always late. So,
where are you staying in Rome?”
“We’ll be at the downtown International Marriott.” “That dump! That’s
the worst hotel in Rome. The rooms are small, the service is surly and
they’re overpriced. So, whatcha doing when you get there?”
We’re going to go to see the Vatican and we hope to see the Pope.
“That’s rich,” laughed the barber. “You and a million other people
trying to see him. He’ll look the size of an ant. Boy, good luck on
this lousy trip of yours. You’re going to need it!”
A month later, the man again came in for his regular haircut. The
barber asked him about his trip to Rome. “It was wonderful,” explained
the man. “Not only were we on time in one of United’s brand new
planes, but it was overbooked and they bumped us up to first class.
The food and wine were wonderful, and I had a beautiful young
stewardess who waited on me hand and foot.
And the hotel! Well, it was
great! They’d just finished a $25 million remodeling job and now it’s
the finest hotel in the city. They were overbooked too, so they
apologized and gave us the presidential suite at no extra charge!”
“Well,”muttered the barber. “I know you didn’t get to see the Pope”
“Actually, we were quite lucky, for as we toured the Vatican, a Swiss
Guard tapped me on the shoulder and explained that the Pope likes to
meet some of the visitors, and if I’d be so kind as to step into his
private room and wait, the Pope would personally greet me. Sure
enough, five minutes later, the Pope walked in. As I knelt down he
spoke to me.”
“What did he say?”
“He said, ‘Where’d you get the crappy haircut?
You didn't know I was a chef, did you?
Can you still feel the burn from this?
Battlefield Crosses
If they only knew
Signs of a Stroke - Remember STR
Remember the '3' steps, STR. Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:
S Ask the individual to SMILE.
T Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (i.e. It is sunny out today.)
R Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call emergency number immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.
New Sign of a Stroke - Stick out Your Tongue. Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out his tongue... If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other,that is also an indication of a stroke.
More on Recognizing a Stroke
Stay Fit To Drive
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) supports the state highway system and promotes transportation initiatives statewide. ODOT's mission is to provide safe and easy movement of people and goods from place to place.As we age we have all experienced slowing down and/or weakening of some of our abilities. Maybe it's our vision or hearing not being what it used to be. Or a physical or mental challenge. Or even our medications! Maybe we didn't drive much during the Covid pandemic and are a little rusty or fearful now.
The good news is that we older adults are among the safest drivers on Ohio roads. We are more likely to wear our seatbelts and less likely to speed or drink and drive as some of the younger people. The bad news is that the risk of being injured or killed in a crash increases with age.
The best news is that ODOT is sharing information about resources and services available to older Ohioans, families and friends, caregivers and others who interact with older drivers through its Stay Fit to Drive program.
More information and a free informative, colorful brochure
Hi! What do you want to do today?
Or just Browse around using the topics to the left
Better than many weather forecasters
ClevelandSeniors.Com Joke of the Week
After seeing a documentary about ice fishing, Zeke decided to give it a try. He gathered some gear and headed out to the ice. As he set up and was about to drill his first hole he heard a booming voice from above saying "There are no fish under the ice."
Zeke was starled but started to drill. He again heard the powerful voice stating "There are no fish under the ice."
Zeke got scared. But decided he must be imagining it and began to drill again.
The voice boomed out again, "There are no fish under the ice."
Zeke looked up to the havnes and asked, "Is that you Lord?"
The voice boomed, "No, this is the manager of the skating rink"
McDonalds menu in 1972
Advice from someone heading toward his 80th birthday
- After loving my parents, my siblings, my spouse, my children and my friends, I have now started loving myself.
- I have realized that I am not "Atlas". The world does not rest on my shoulders.
- I have stopped bargaining with vegetable & fruit vendors. A few pennies more is not going to break me, but it might help the poor fellow save for his daughter's school fees.
- I leave my waitress a big tip. The extra money might bring a smile to her face. She is toiling much harder for a living than I am.
- I stopped telling the elderly that they've already told that story many times. The story makes them walk down memory lane & relive their past.
- I have learned not to correct people even when I know they are wrong. The onus of making everyone perfect is not on me. Peace is more precious than perfection.
- I give compliments freely & generously. Compliments are a mood enhancer not only for the recipient, but also for me. And a small tip for the recipient of a compliment, never, NEVER turn it down, just say "Thank You."
- I have learned not to bother about a crease or a spot on my shirt. Personality speaks louder than appearances.
- I walk away from people who don't value me. They might not know my worth, but I do.
- I remain cool when someone plays dirty to outrun me in the rat race. I am not a rat & neither am I in any race.
- I am learning not to be embarrassed by my emotions. It's my emotions that make me human.
- I have learned that it's better to drop the ego than to break a relationship. My ego will keep me aloof, whereas with relationships, I will never be alone.
- I have learned to live each day as if it's the last. After all, it might be the last.
- I am doing what makes me happy. I am responsible for my happiness, and I owe it to myself. Happiness is a choice. You can be happy at any time, just choose to be!
Beatitudes for Friends of the Aged
Smith climbed to the top of Mt. Sinai to get close enough to talk to God. Looking up, he asked the Lord.. "God, what does a million years mean to you?"
God, grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway, The good fortune to run into the ones that I do, and the eyesight to tell the difference.
Home
Arts & Leisure
Calendar of Events
Cleveland Cooks Vol 3
