Dr. Adelman with University Living

Everything Elderly is on Saturday mornings at 8:30, on 1290 am WLBY, sponsored by Senior Helpers. This past weekend, our guests were from University Living and from St. Joseph Parish.

First, we have the distinct privilege of speaking with Dr. Adelman, Professor Emeritus from the University of Michigan. Dr. Adelman was formerly the Director of the Institute of Gerontology, and is now the Director of University Relations at University Living. He has been involved with University Living since before it was built more than 10 years ago. The developers sought to develop unique programs that linked the University of Michigan to the residents of University Living, a very progressive approach for a senior living facility.

Dr. Adelman has introduced several different intergenerational programs at University Living, involving university students interacting with and building relationships with the elderly residents. The most notable program is probably the “Learning to Love Opera” series, which leverages the live transmissions of New York operas to local theatres. This program is open to those in the local community and includes classes at University Living, preparing the participants to enjoy the musical events. There are guest faculty lectures, as well as live performances by students.

University Living also has a current news event program where Dr. Adelman promotes spirited discussions. He likes that the students learn they can have heated discussions and not agree at all with others but then still be good friends, enjoying pleasant dinners together. Importantly, through participation in Dr. Adelman’s programs, the university students “learn to value people for who they are, rather than how old they are."

To contact Dr. Adelman or University Living, call 734-669-3030. You can also contact him by e-mail at radelman@umich.edu. To listen to the full 12-minute conversation, click on the audio link below:

Elaine Young with St. Joseph Parish

Photos by Sheila Doeden

We were pleased to have Elaine Young as our next guest. Elaine is the head of the Disabilities Concerns Committee at St. Joseph Parish in South Lyon. She and her husband have been members of the parish for 15 years, and she has been with the committee for almost seven years.

Elaine came on the show to promote the church’s upcoming screening test for Alzheimer’s disease. This will be from noon to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 16. The event is at the Activity Center at St. Joseph Parish at 830 Lafayette St. (also known as Pontiac Trail) in South Lyon. Please call 248-719-6855 for an appointment, though walk-ins will be taken as well.

This is third year the parish has offered this event. They screened 128 participants last year. Elaine is hoping for a good turnout, and she has 33 screeners lined up ready to test folks. The test is free, it only takes about 15 minutes, and the results are kept confidential. The screening event is a collaborative effort with the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. The test promotes early detection and helps establish a base line for those concerned about developing the disease later in life.

Elaine spoke of her wonderful director and the great team on the Disabilities Committee, all working so well together. Elaine is retired now and really enjoys being able to use her skills for worthwhile causes.

To contact Elaine Young and to get on the screening test schedule, please call 248-719-6855. To listen to the full 12-minute discussion, click on the audio link below:

Alan Caldwell is the owner of Senior Helpers, providing in-home care services, primarily to the elderly. He can be contacted at acaldwell@seniorhelpers.com, or at 734-927-3111.