**Risk Literacy for Seniors: Navigating 2025 Challenges in Suburban America** *A Practical, Non-Digital Course for Adults Aged 60+*

**Risk Literacy for Seniors: Navigating 2025 Challenges in Suburban America** *A Practical, Non-Digital Course for Adults Aged 60+* --- ### **Module 5: Fighting Isolation and Building Connections** Loneliness can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Let’s rebuild your social safety net: **Real-Life Example:** After her husband passed, Helen, 71, felt trapped in her suburban home. A neighbor invited her to a weekly knitting group at the library. There, Helen met other widows, learned about free meal programs, and even started volunteering at a food pantry. Now, she says, *“I’ve got friends who check on me, and I check on them.”* **What You Can Do:** - **Join Local Groups:** Senior centers, libraries, and churches host free activities like bingo, gardening clubs, or book discussions. Ask a neighbor to go with you the first time. - **Phone Trees:** Partner with 3–4 neighbors to call each other every morning. A simple *“Good morning, all’s well here!”* builds trust. - **Volunteer:** Food banks, schools, and animal shelters need helpers. Tasks like folding newsletters or sorting donations are easy on the body. **Watch Out for Elder Abuse:** - **Signs of Financial Abuse:** Sudden changes to wills, mysterious withdrawals, or new “friends” offering to manage your money. - **What to Do:** Call the **National Elder Fraud Hotline (1-833-372-8311)** or tell your doctor. You’re not being a burden—you’re protecting yourself. **Activity:** *Write down one place you’ll visit this month to meet others (e.g., “Ask Martha from church about the lunch group”).* --- ### **Module 6: Your Personal Risk Action Plan** Let’s tie everything together. Think of this as your roadmap for staying safe and independent. **Step 1: Prioritize Your Risks** - **Health:** Are medications or transportation your biggest worry? - **Money:** Are scams or rising bills more pressing? - **Safety:** Does your home need repairs, or are you unprepared for storms? **Step 2: Build Your Toolkit** - **Emergency Contacts:** Write down phone numbers for: - A trusted family member. - Your doctor’s office. - The local police non-emergency line. - **Neighbor Network:** Identify 2–3 people nearby who can help in a crisis (e.g., power outage, fall). **Step 3: Small Steps, Big Impact** - **This Week:** Install a grab bar in your shower. - **This Month:** Call your bank to set up a “trusted contact” (someone they can alert if they suspect fraud). - **This Year:** Attend one community event to meet new friends. **Example Plan:** *Frank, 78, prioritized fall prevention. He added nightlights, moved his recliner closer to the phone, and asked his grandson to trim the tree roots cracking his porch steps. “I’m not as quick as I used to be,” he says, “but now I sleep better.”* --- ### **Final Activity: Share Your Story** Gather with classmates (in person or via a conference call) to: 1. **Celebrate Wins:** Share one risk you’ve reduced (e.g., “I hired a handyman to fix my stairs”). 2. **Problem-Solve:** Discuss lingering challenges (e.g., “I’m still nervous about phone scams”). 3. **Swap Resources:** Trade phone numbers for reliable services (e.g., a trustworthy plumber, a free ride program). --- ### **Ongoing Support** - **Free Printed Guides:** Pick up updated materials at your local senior center (e.g., *“2025 Scam Alerts”* or *“Heatwave Survival Tips”*). --- ### **Why This Matters** Risk literacy isn’t about fear—it’s about freedom. By taking small, practical steps, you’re ensuring you can enjoy your home, hobbies, and independence for years to come. As Helen says, *“Growing older isn’t easy, but with a little planning, it’s still a good life.”* --- **Course Materials Provided:** - A **pocket-sized emergency card** (fill in your contacts). - A **monthly checkup checklist** (e.g., test smoke alarms, review bills). - A list of **local resources** (food delivery, free legal aid, repair grants). Let’s get started—your safety and peace of mind are worth it! 🌟