People who embrace Fort Collins and Larimer County during the latter phase of life are not your stereotypical older adults and retirees. They’re active, engaged, educated, and awesome!
They’re drawn to the region for its beautiful weather, booming arts and culture scene, outdoor recreational activities, distinct restaurants and breweries, and bustling, diverse communities. For today’s Baby Boomers, aging and retirement looks vastly different from what their parents might have experienced.
Jeanne MacKenzie, with Senior Corps/RSVP at Volunteers of America,points out that Baby Boomers actually span a 40-year age difference – from those who are in their 50s and considering the next phase of life to those in their 90s and happily established in retirement.
Poudre River Public Library District’s slate of programs and services aimed at seniors and intergenerational fun offers something for every older adult to enjoy, from lifelong learning to creating social connections to inspiring new passions.
Programs for Seniors
New Directions: 50 & Better. This *new* series, hosted by Volunteers of America(Northern Colorado) and AARP Colorado, is all about enriching your life. Each month, an interactive, informational program explores different topics related to aging and active living. The first part of the series looks at gearing up for an active retirement.
The New Directions: 50 & Better series is designed as a collaborative program where participants can direct much of the conversation and focus based on their needs and interests. More information about the free program can be found on the Library’s online events calendar or by calling the Answer Center at 970-221-6740. To speak with Volunteers of America about the program, please call Jeanne MacKenzie at 970-472-9630 ext. 21.
Money Matters. The popular and award-winning financial program features a variety of topics,many of which are directly related to older adults like Medicare Planning, Understanding Social Security Choices, Buying or Refinancing a Home, and Budgeting and Saving.
Dementia-Friendly Programs. There’s a lot of joyful living to do even when dementia is part of the journey. The Memory Café and the Lifetime Enrichment series are both designed to give people with dementia (and their care partner) the opportunity to socialize, reminisce, or learn new things in a fun and engaging format. Presented in partnership with Dementia-Friendly Communities of Northern Colorado.
Book Clubs. Read,socialize, and have fun at one of the many book club groups hosted by the Library including the newest group, Book Club for Mortals. This group discusses books related to the end-of-life journey like “Driving Miss Norma”and “The Last Lecture.” There’s nothing somber about Book Club for Mortals, just conversations that will make you think about how you want to spend the next chapter of life. Presented in partnership with the Larimer Advance Care Planning Team.
Programs to #ConnectToCuriosity. Lifelong learning opportunities abound for all ages at the libraries. If you haven’t already had a chance to attend one of these programs, now is a great time: History Comes Alive performances, International Night travel and culture presentations, Great Decisions discussions, Antarctic Lectures, Composer Talks, Kevin Cook’s nature series, and so much more. Pick up a copy of the monthly newsletter and events calendar for full information, sign up for weekly email alerts, or access the Library’s events webpage.
Computer, Technology, and eMedia Classes. Even though our Computer and Technology Classes are open to all ages, they are especially popular with seniors who are either just getting started with a particular device or software program or who are expanding their skills and interests. Classes range from introduction to computers to cybersecurity basics to photo editing with your mobile device. There are also a variety of eMedia classes dedicated to helping you use your smartphone or tablet to access digital library resources like eBooks and eMagazines.
Starting in February 2019, you can take advantage of Old Town Library’s newest tech service: BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Help Desk.During the scheduled BYOD Help Desk times, tech-savvy volunteers will be on hand to help with your laptop, mobile phone, and tablet. Receive assistance troubleshooting common problems and get answers to questions about viruses and malware, password management, and much more. This is a great option before calling in a technician for repairs.
The BYOD Help Desk will be held on the first and third Wednesdays of every month, from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. in Study Room A at Old Town Library.
Other Services for Seniors
Assistive Technology & Materials. A variety of assistive technologies are available at Old Town Library and Harmony Library to aid reading and writing including Optical Character Recognition, Non-Visual Desktop Access, Dragon Naturally Speaking software, and much more. Other library resources include books on CD, large-print books, eBooks, and closed-captioned DVDs.
Colorado Talking Book Library. Staff can help you get materials from the Colorado Talking Book Library which serves the blind and physically handicapped with audio, Braille, and large print books.
Homebound Service. If physical limitations due to age, illness, accident, or disability keep you from visiting the library – and you’re a resident of the Poudre River Public Library District – you may be eligible for our homebound delivery service. To learn more, please call Sylvia at 970-416-2588.
In the Community. The Library’s Outreach Department provide a variety of services in the community including their work with Los Ancianos Unidos at Northside Aztlan Community Center.
Library staff can help you find the right information and the right resources for what you need.
Another benefit of the Library for the 50 and older group is serving as a trusted, single point of access for information about community resources and services for aging and active living, whether it’s related to senior housing, health and wellness, retirement, or other important topics.
For the growing population of active and engaged seniors in the area, the Library District is an appealing place for socializing and lifelong learning. Stop by one of the three library locations soon and learn more about the amazing programs and services offered for seniors.