Don't take it from an expert; listen to a neighbor

As we get older, many of the questions we have never get asked. Some are hesitant to question medical professionals and others don’t trust the insurance “experts,” and still others don’t receive relevant information, no matter who they listen to.

The trite clicha “failure to communicate” is a reality. I was a newspaper editor when the Part D Medicare prescription drug plan was initiated. Preparing an article about this new plan meant talking with a lot of senior citizens. Everyone who was eligible received a thick booklet from Medicare, and most people told me they threw the book away, because it was too much to read, too confusing and they would just wait and see what happened.

Most of us, however, would believe someone just like us. We depend on our friends more and more as we age and conversations are held often about prescriptions, where the bargains can be found and how to find help. Years ago in our previous life, we would have been swapping stories from our children’s school days or trying to find when the next Little League practice was. All the actions and ailments of our children disappeared as we got older. Now our focus is on our changing health and issues that affect our quality of life.

Places where seniors gather and exchange information today range from a kitchen table to a house of worship. No longer are there corner stores where people could catch up on all the latest news. Today, many of us depend on the media to inform us, and for those who have access, this method works.

There are other centers of senior activities. For some, it’s the coffee shop in the morning. Others belong to organizations where they can exchange ideas and information. Senior dining centers are a great place to visit with people your own age in a comfortable setting. In addition to having a nutritious lunch, you might tap into the experiences shared and learn more about some common issues and concerns.

Southern Maine Agency on Aging provides many places for senior luncheons. Lunch is served at noon; a suggested donation of $3.50 goes toward the cost of the meal and reservations are required 48 hours in advance, by calling 1-800-400-6325 (TTY: 883-0532).

You can also find out about the delivery of Meals on Wheels at this phone number. Ask about a menu for the coming month. If you have Internet access at your home computer, you can print a menu.

Senior dining centers provide an opportunity to get out during this cold winter, meet some friends or make new ones and perhaps share valuable information. Centers are open throughout York and Cumberland County. The latest schedule (from the Southern Maine Agency on Aging Web site, smaaa.org) is as follows, but double check when you call to find out if there have been changes:

• Biddeford: Monday through Thursday, J.R. Martin Community Center, 189 Alfred St.

• Buxton/Hollis: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Groveville Fire Barn, 38 Turkey Lane

• Kennebunk: Monday through Friday, Ross Corner Woods, 124 Ross Road

• Kezar Falls: Second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, Riverside United Methodist Church, 5 School St.

• Kittery: Every Tuesday, Community Building, 2 Cole St.

• Portland: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Salvation Army, 297 Cumberland Ave.

• Sanford: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, National Guard Armory, William Oscar Emery Drive

• South Portland: Every Thursday, People’s Methodist Church, 310 Broadway

• Westbrook: Every Monday, Pride’s Corner Congregational Church, 235 Pride St.

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