Thrive Alliance and other area agencies on aging statewide to help seniors get fruits and veggies year-round with the goal of lowering the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure

Low-income seniors across the state aren’t getting enough to eat, and many don’t have access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Half of Indiana seniors report having trouble eating healthy, which causes an increased risk of chronic diseases and reduced quality of life.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation recently awarded a $4.4 million Connecting Older Hoosiers with Healthful Foods grant to the IAAAA Education Institute, Inc.

Findings from a 2021 Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults, showed a concerning trend in Indiana: About half of older adults reported a lack of accessible, affordable quality food.

Each of the area agencies on aging will partner with local food banks, food pantries and producers to obtain fresh produce, which will be provided to participating seniors at senior meal sites or as part of home-delivered meals. Seniors also will receive information and tips on preparing healthy meals.

Thrive Alliance is incorporating this generous gift into its Nutrition program by providing congregate meal program participants to add additional whole fruits and vegetables to their regular diets. Through the program, we will learn whether the addition of healthful whole foods has any impact on the participants’ health indicators such as weight, blood pressure, A1C levels, diagnoses such as diabetes and heart disease, and community longevity.

Connecting Older Hoosiers with Healthful Foods is a collaboration among the area agencies on aging, Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, its 11 food bank members and the Indiana University Center for Aging Research (IUCAR).

Many thanks to all who participated in, sponsored and assisted with our Annual Pickleball Tournament. And many thanks to our photographers:
Warrie Dennis
Joe Salee
Tim Ostrander
Christy Casey
Greg Willmore

A collection of photos of the event can be found at these links:

Saturday, June 10 Photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1PYLAap0bvE0KeHPp3MWeer-aEfpnuA-7?usp=sharing

Sunday, June 11 Photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZfLiau8w-5rye_l6B6NPv7kSzVmLpy5L?usp=sharing

COVID-19 test scams are at the highest they have ever been. If you have been receiving COVID-19 tests that you didn’t order, please contact the #SeniorMedicarePatrol. Be on the lookout for calls, emails, and even visits to your home that don’t seem right. Be sure to follow the SMP to keep up to date on scams.

The June edition of Caregiver Connection is at this link: https://thrive-alliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/June-2023-Caregiver-Connection.pdf

Adele was born in Salatiga, Indonesia. After WW II, at age 18, she left by boat to travel to Breda, Holland. There, she studied to get her bachelor of nursing degree. She and her husband and two-year-old daughter took another boat trip in 1962 and immigrated to the USA, making Columbus their home. Adele worked in the labor and delivery department at the local hospital for 30 years. Her daughter, son, grand-daughter and great-grandson are a daily part of her life. She would prepare wonderful Indonesian foods, and also took on Hoosier cooking. Her family had the best of both worlds when it came to her cooking. To her family, she has been a symbol of kindness and strength. “Lemons?” She would question. “I’ll make lemon pie” ❤️

Thrive Alliance will closed for business on Monday, May 29 as we join in commemorating the lives of those who died in service to our Nation.

Louise is the mother of 10 children: five boys and five girls, many of them in the photo she’s holding. Her caregiver attests that she is a delight to spend time with and always seems to look on the bright side of things. She was a hard worker, raising five children as well as working for a group home for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She enjoys weekly church services and keeping up with her large family.