A recent article on the National Council on Aging website points out the impact stress can have on our health.
“Be strong enough to stand alone, smart enough to know when you need help, and brave enough to ask for it.”
Stress is unavoidable; we all experience it occasionally. But did you know that the effects of stress on us older adults can be greater than other age groups? The article points out that stress accelerates the aging process, can worsen health problems, and can even reduce the effectiveness of vaccines, including for the flu and pneumonia. Common causes of stressors for older adults are chronic illness, caregiving responsibilities, grief, loneliness, financial concerns, and major life changes.
Learning to recognize we are experiencing stress is important to taking care of ourselves. Some signs of stress are headaches, digestive issues, irritability, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, tearfulness, and social withdrawal. Here are some stress management strategies to consider trying. If possible, identify what is causing your stress and see if there is anything you can do to change that.
Be sure that you are eating well, drinking lots of water, getting some exercise and enough sleep. Find ways to calm racing thoughts by listening to calming music, deep breathing, or any such approach that works for you. Ask for help by reaching out to a friend, family member, your pastor, your neighbor, or to HELPERS. We are here to offer confidential support, a listening ear, referrals, whatever might be helpful in easing your stress.

Coming this Summer: Theater Bus Trip, Site yet to be determined. Watch for more details.
Wednesday, May 3rd.
Hosted by the Barnesville Area Community Fund with the assistance of HELPERS. The goal of this special day is to help senior members of our community with a variety of outdoor projects with the help of a team of volunteers. Contact HELPERS for more information and/or to sign-up for the Day of Caring.
Grow Young Fitness Program for Seniors Barnesville Channel 12 at 9:05am and 4:05pm Monday through Friday.
Exercises for Seniors, on Mondays, and Thursdays, 9:30-10, Bville Senior Community Center. This is a basic, low impact exercise program to promote body movement, strength & balance. No pre-registration is required. Just show up and have fun while also doing your body good!
Tuesday, April 11th
10-11 am
HELPERS office.
All are welcome to join us for this monthly morning coffee break. Fika is a Swedish coffee tradition; it’s a time set aside for being together, catching up with friends, and enjoying a little something to eat.
Contact HELPERS in advance if you would like transportation assistance.
Game Day every Tuesday & Friday, 12:45 to 3pm, at the Bville Senior Community Center Join in the fun & games such as Pinochle, Whist, Hand & Foot and Rummy with other area seniors. Coffee and treats served following the activities. The Senior Community Center is located at 501 2nd Ave. NE. Call 218-493-4277 for more information.
We have ideas, resources, classes and social activities to help you survive the winter blues. Below is some of what we have to offer.
Barnesville Day of Caring

Wednesday, May 3rd.
Hosted by the Barnesville Area Community Fund with the assistance of HELPERS. The goal of this special day is to help senior members of our community with a variety of outdoor projects with the help of a team of volunteers. Contact HELPERS for more information and/or to sign-up for the Day of Caring.
Grow Young Fitness
Grow Young Fitness Program For Seniors
Channel 12 at
9:05am and 4:05pm
Monday through Friday.

Be sure to check it out!
Exercise Seniors
Mondays and Thursdays

Exercises for Seniors on Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30-10, Bville Senior Community Center.
This is a basic, low-impact strengthening exercise program to promote body movement and strength.
No pre-registration is required.
Just show up and have fun while also doing your body good!
Game Day!
Tuesday & Friday
Game Day every Tuesday & Friday, 12:45 to 3pm, at the Bville Senior Community Center Join in the fun & games such as Pinochle, Whist, Hand & Foot and Rummy with other area seniors.
Coffee and treats served following the activities.
The Senior Community Center is located at 501 2nd Ave. NE. Call 218-493-4277 for more information.
Transportation assistance can be provided by calling HELPERS in advance.

Fika-“Take a Break” with
Coffee & Conversation

Tuesday, May 8th
10-11 am
HELPERS office.
All are welcome to join us for this monthly morning coffee break. Fika is a Swedish coffee tradition; it’s a time set aside for being together, catching up with friends, and enjoying a little something to eat.
Contact HELPERS in advance if you would like transportation assistance.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
HELPERS is always looking to add to our amazing team of volunteers and we have a variety of opportunities to fit your interests and time availability.
Some of those opportunities include Transportation in and/or out of town, Monday delivery of Meals on Wheels, Friendly-Visiting, Errands/Shopping Assistance.
Give us a call or stop in our office for more information.

The Barnesville Senior Community Center is available for rental for your gatherings.
Contact Eva at 218-493-4277 for information and to make your reservation.