by Brenda J Shelton

After dealing with low vision for my entire life, I came to the conclusion that macular degeneration and blindness are not the end, but the beginning of a new chapter in my life life. Attitude and persistence are my best assets in meeting the challenges presented with my vision problems.

Woman visits west-side senior communities Dec. 19 conducting “wellness tests”

INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 22, 2011) – A new scam is targeting senior citizens on the city’s west side. A woman has been visiting residences in area senior communities asking to conduct “wellness tests” and instead robbing the elderly.

It seems like only a short time ago we announced some new additions to our lending loan library, where you can borrow Assistive Technology for FREE for 30 days, and we are growing faster than ever and want to keep you all in the loop. However, before we get to meet the new additions to our library, let's go over the terms and conditions of the loan library one more time.

• Go to the loan library website via www.eastersealstech.com

- Click "Equipment Loan Library" under Do You Need Equipment?

by Rev. Jamie Wilson, CDP, CDI, CSA, MBA

I just bought my Mom an iPad. She is in the advanced stages of Alzheimer's Disease so many people have questioned why I would do that. She is clearly incapable of operating it. So, here is my logic: As people with AD and other dementias advance they often lose the ability to communicate. They can't find words or form sentences and they don't understand what is said to them (this is called aphasia). The auditory abilities decline. Visual cues and signals, however, are easier to understand. So bottom line, my Mom can have a more meaningful interaction with someone if she can SEE them. Since my brother and sister are both out of state having a "FaceTime" or "Skype" conversation with them is much more fulfilling for my Mom than just a phone conversation. Even though my Mother is unable to contribute much to the conversation, I watch her smile and laugh as my siblings wave to her and tell her they love her.

The INDATA Project does more than loan out assistive technology; the project also helps qualified individuals receive funding in the form of loans from STAR Financial.

By Carol Applegate, RN, Attorney at Law

As an elder law attorney, my goal is to bring peace of mind to families when they’re facing challenging decisions related to the health and financial well-being of their elder parents. When it was time to do the same for my own family, it was no different for me as I re-assumed the role as child. Initially I felt awkward about intruding in my parents’ health and financial decisions.  After all, they had always been the ones taking care of me. My biggest concerns were …. Should I intrude? The answer? Yes! And, am I making these decisions too early?  Absolutely not.

“Look out world, it’s gonna be a good day!”

That’s the kind of positive energy that defines my life today. My many, many mentors over the years – from family to friends to business associates – have taught me so much about the power of positivity and I’ve taken their lessons to heart. Their wisdom has enriched my life and impacted my good health and, certainly, my personal and professional successes. No matter what your age, it’s so important to embrace the lessons you can learn from people in your life.

A few weeks ago, friend Tom and I strapped our bicycles to his van and headed off to the 44th Annual Hilly Hundred. The “Hilly” is a two-day bicycle tour of the country roads around Bloomington, Indiana - about 50 miles each day. The Hilly is not a race. Riders are encouraged to take their time and enjoy the fall scenery. As a result, the Hilly draws participants from all age groups - from under 10 to over 70.

It’s become something of a Fall ritual for Tom and me. Tom, who has ridden the Hilly perhaps 20 times, celebrated his 65th birthday earlier this year. As for me (a mere tyke at 63), this was my ninth ride.

By Barbara Boyd, ICA Creative Ambassador

You can take the girl out of the spotlight, but perhaps not the spotlight out of the girl.

After spending more than a decade out of that spotlight, I’m delighted to be the new “active aging ambassador” for IndyCreativeAging.org.  That means I’ll be traveling around Central Indiana to share the details of this exciting new website for seniors and their adult children. It provides a great place for conversations, information and inspiration! I am excited to share my stories and experiences with fellow Hoosiers who, like me, have a lot of living left to do.

by Wade Wingler, Director of Assistive Technology

Are you an avid reader who struggles with books that have print that’s too small? Do you sometimes have difficulty hearing details during a telephone conversation? Do you wish that the print on your computer’s screen was easier to see?  Do you ever have a hard time hearing the television?