Life's lessons never end.
No matter our age, we are always learning. Illinois Extension, in cooperation with Illinois Home and Community Education Association, has advice centered around our core program Family | Food | Finance. Check out the recordings or look for upcoming local workshops, or print the 2023 Lessons for Living lineup.
2023 Lessons for Living Series
Addressing Ageism and Promoting Inclusivity
September 28 at 10 AM
Generalizations or stereotypes can lead to ageism, or discrimination based on a person’s age. The truth is, we are all aging, but ageist attitudes influence how we think of others and even ourselves. This catchall approach implies that older people are more alike than different from each other, which is a stereotype.
What to Eat, When You Can't Eat That
October 10 at 10 AM
Learn how to read labels, identify hidden allergens, and the difference between an allergy, sensitivity, and intolerance. This program will discuss common and uncommon food allergies and simple substitutions for nutritious meals. Take home recipes the whole family will enjoy!
Don't Go It Alone
November 9, 10 AM
Research increasingly shows that social isolation and loneliness can deeply impact the quality of life, especially for older adults. And some studies show that more than a fifth of adults in the United States identify themselves as lonely, isolated or both.
Lessons for Living Series 2024
Navigating Changes as We Age | February 15 or September 26, 10 AM
Everyone is aging, and many changes happen along the way - physically, mentally, and financially - in about every aspect of our lives. This lesson will examine some of those changes and how to adopt a more accepting mindset that will result in improved well-being and possibly new opportunities!
Eating for Eye Health | April 25, 2 PM or October 8, 10 AM
Age-related eye diseases are the leading cause of blindness and vision problems in the United States, but luckily, you can do things to reduce your risk. Learn about the most common types of eye disorders, the role of nutrition in eye health, and what you can do to protect your eyes.
Estate Planning 101: Know the Basics | May 14 or November 14, 10 AM
Have you ever felt overwhelmed when you heard "estate planning"? In this session, we hope you become less fearful of estate planning, learn some basic concepts and terms related to estate planning, and gather resources to aid you in getting your affairs in order.
Don’t Go It Alone: Improving Your Social Connections | June 13, 10 AM
Studies show that more than 20% of adults in the United States feel lonely, isolated, or both. Research increasingly shows that social isolation and loneliness can profoundly affect the quality of life, especially for older people. Participants will explore the various consequences of isolation and loneliness and strategies for keeping in touch with others.
Financial Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults | July 9, 2 PM
Disasters and other emergencies can disrupt your finances and your sense of normal. In this session, you will learn ways to organize and manage your finances, develop valuable resource lists, and ways to reduce anxiety and stress. With a focus on implications for older adults, we also will explore processes such as building your contact lists before an emergency and watching out for financial fraud following a disaster. Finally, we will review materials to help you build or rebuild your financial preparedness toolkit.
The Fuel to Fight Cancer | August 15, 2 PM
Nutrition is a tool to support cancer prevention, treatment, and care. This lesson will discuss research on how food can reduce cancer risk and ways to incorporate nutrition to help manage the side effects of treatment.