National Senior Health and Fitness Day is upon us, a day meant to highlight and promote physical activity for those in their golden years.

Happening on Thursday, May 30, the event raises money for Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels, Housing Bureau for Seniors, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and three other senior services in Washtenaw County.

workshop participants at the Ann Arbor Senior Center will be shown how to best utilize technology, like virtual reality, to improve their health and quality of life.

Virtual Reality goggles are big with gamers, but it’s now being used as a tool to enrich the lives of senior citizens.

200 Volunteers are needed so Meals on Wheels can get back to 5-days-a-week meal delivery

CareYaya uses its platform to connect seniors and older adults to pre-health student caregivers at costs 30 percent lower than industry standards.

How does this sound - life in a community where everything you want to do is within walking distance, you have social events programmed every week, and it’s all for an affordable cost.

Dementia expert Jill Gafner Livingston will share her personal experience of becoming her husband’s caregiver and advice on tackling difficult behaviors and stress.

Do you have a compelling story to share?

Debbie Stroup, a local expert on Medicare, offers these tips for seniors who might have questions during open enrollment.

Nonprofit Perfect Pair focuses on bridging the intergenerational gap between college students and seniors.

With a fixed income and higher prices these days, there is a risk of outliving your money.

There are many ways to get scammed these days and most of the time senior citizens are getting targeted.

Explore the Huron River by learning a new skill this summer.

Big Hearts for Seniors returns for a night of storytelling and fundraising for programs benefitting local seniors.

Two Washtenaw County organizations have joined forces to help seniors cope with increased isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Senior living communities can off a lifestyle that is fun, entertaining, enjoyable, and supportive.

Throughout the state today, people were digging out, clearing driveways, and working to get things back to normal. We’re also seeing the kindness of neighbors shining through by helping seniors who can’t get out and shovel the snow themselves.

Seniors living in the Trenton Towers high-rise apartment building have been dealing with elevators that are either down or in a constant state of repair, leaving many stranded or stuck in their apartments.

The city of Ann Arbor is launching a pilot program to help older adults better age in place in their homes.

Many are under the impression that getting medical tests always means driving to a doctor’s office or hospital.

Senior citizens can book free rides through Dec. 17 with AARP's 50+ program.

See The Ark's lineup of September events.

Many older adults reported decreased physical activity during the pandemic, which can increase the risk of falls, says U-M.

Registration is open for the Ann Arbor tournament.

New programming is coming to the Gallup Park Canoe Livery for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

People living nearby said it’s going to make a huge difference in the local neighborhood.

Finding the right care for yourself or an aging loved one can be a challenge.

Detroit Area Agency on Aging, Detroit Housing Commission, Focus HOPE, Matrix Human Services

Whether you’re a fan or not, it’s hard to ignore the personal family drama around Britney Spears.

A recent survey found that U.S. senior care facilities are facing or have recently faced staff shortages amid a tumultuous year.

Many Michigan seniors have spent the last 15 months virtually cut off from the outside world and that is all about to change.

The daughter of the legendary radio-super icon Casey Kasem wrapped up a tour in Michigan where she spoke to courts and lawmakers about elder-care and the need for reform when it comes to the powers of court-appointed guardians and conservators.

Their games might be slower and with fewer home runs, but it is still a game of passion.

A new partnership between EMU and U-M aims to help older adults improve their technology skills.

Often students ask themselves whether their homework will really help them in the real world. For two Michigan State University seniors their homework not only helped them learn, it became the basis of their successful eco-conscious fashion brand Infknit Apparel.

Gifted by the Area Agency on Aging 1-B (AAA 1-B), the electronic cats and dogs bring their owners comfort and companionship by purring, barking, blinking, wagging tails and turning their heads.

Big Hearts for Seniors is free to attend and will feature an evening of storytelling.

Program aims to make booking, paying for essential trips simple.

The free Glacier Hills Senior Living Community series will provide training and techniques to residents, families and community organizations.

The evidence-based program is designed to help reduce fall risk factors by increasing strength and improving balance.

The $1,000 scholarships are available for residents of Genesee, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Families caring for loved ones in Washtenaw County can now receive $1,000 scholarships to help with the cost of respite care. Offered by the Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter, the scholarships are aimed at relieving some of the stress and financial burden of caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia. Community members interested in applying can send an email to helplinegmc@alz.org or call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900. Learn more about Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter resources at www.alz.org/gmc.

OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – Homebound seniors are some of the people most likely to be left behind in the rush to get the population vaccinated against COVID-19. Homebound seniors still come into contact with the outside world -- but how do you get the vaccines to them? People who are homebound are unable to get out to a vaccination site to get a COVID-19 vaccine. They are already working to vaccinate homebound people. Oakland County announced a plan to vaccinate homebound seniors last week.

The Oakland County Health Division announced Thursday that it is partnering with nursing care company Ready Nursing Solutions to help administer the COVID-19 vaccine to long-term care facilities and homebound seniors. “We still have much to do, but we are making progress offering COVID vaccine to our senior citizens, teachers, and other eligible individuals,” Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter said. Be sure to select “Oakland County Residents – Homebound” on the intake form organization dropdown menu. The homebound senior must meet State of Michigan eligibility requirements. More: Oakland County Vaccine HubMichigan COVID-19 vaccinations: How to find appointments, info on phases

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Older community members anticipating St. Patrick’s Day festivities should plan on stopping at the Ann Arbor Senior Center on Wednesday, March 17. Between noon and 1 p.m., seniors who stop by the “Luck of the Irish” drive-thru event will receive coffee, doughnuts and St. Patrick’s Day-themed goodie bags. Festive attire is encouraged, according to a social media post by the Senior Center. The event is being held in collaboration with Heartland Health Care of Ann Arbor. Ann Arbor Senior Center is at 1320 Baldwin Ave.

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – From Detroit to Macomb County, there are new initiatives being rolled out to help ensure seniors receive their COVID-19 vaccinations. But now Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel says the county is expanding vaccine eligibility criteria and is lowering that requirement. Anyone who is a resident of Macomb County, who is 60 or older, get them on that list,” Hackel said. To make a vaccination appointment in Macomb County, call the SMART Macomb Vaccine lines at 586-421-6579 or e-mail macombvaccines@smartbus.org with a name, phone number, address and date of birth. AdREAD: Macomb County reaches out to seniors, offers vaccines, rides to get itREAD: A look into Macomb County’s SMART bus COVID vaccination program

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – Through a partnership with SMART, Macomb County is offering a new vaccination location in Sterling Heights. The vaccination site is at the Sterling Heights Senior Center on Utica Road, between Schoenherr and Van Dyke roads. It’s why the Macomb County Health Department partnered with SMART to help distribute the coronavirus vaccine. Macomb County executive Mark Hackel said the new site is currently dedicated to vaccinating Macomb County residents and workers who are 60-years-old and older. More information can be found on the Macomb County Health Department’s official website here.

WAYNE COUNTY, mich. – Last week, Local 4 spoke with a Westland Family that was unable to schedule a vaccine appointment for their 81-year-old mother. Dorothy Bigalow, 81, is now set to receive the vaccine later this week. READ: Wayne County family frustrated over 81-year-old mother’s inability to get vaccinatedMany seniors have been left behind in state and local COVID-19 vaccination efforts. When Sue Woody spoke with Local 4 on Friday, there was an overwhelming response. The Administrator of Beaumont Dearborn personally spoke with Sue Woody on the phone on Saturday and scheduled a vaccine appointment for her for Wednesday.

DETROIT – As some counties struggle to get the first group of seniors vaccinated the City of Detroit is moving ahead at full speed. That includes vaccinating residents with a wide range of disabilities. It has made Detroit a national leader amid the struggle to get the vaccine out. As cars make their way through the TCF Center in Downtown Detroit hundreds are being vaccinated. Glover agreed stating many Detroiters with a disability need the help they can now receive.

MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – Through a partnership with SMART, Macomb County is offering a different approach for seniors to get their COVID vaccines. Willie Gattie, another Macomb County resident, received a similar call. The 66-year-old, who is visually impaired, said leaders were finally finding ways to get seniors the much-needed COVID vaccine. The bus drove up to the vaccination hub near 32 Mile Road where seniors received their vaccines. READ MORE:Tracking Michigan COVID-19 vaccine dataMacomb County’s SMART bus vaccination program draws praise, but doses remain in low supplyMacomb County seniors brave snowy roads to get vaccinated

(AP Photo/Hussein Malla)The Macomb County Health Department is expanding a program to help seniors who rely on bus services get to COVID-19 vaccination appointments. Interested seniors should call the SMART Macomb Vaccine Hotline at 586-421-6579 to register for the county wait list. Seniors or someone they know can avoid the call altogether by emailing the SMART Macomb Vaccine Hotline 24/7 at macombvaccine@smartbus.org, and including their name, address, phone number and date of birth. SMART will maintain a wait list, and the county will contact individuals from the list as appointments at Richmond/Lenox EMS or other community sites become available. Richmond/Lenox is being overwhelmed by calls and is not able to make appointments or add names to the wait list.

Beyond getting the actual shot, getting signed up for a vaccination appointment can be a huge and confusing process for elderly residents -- especially since computers are needed to do so. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, from Michigan, had called on the state to set up a phone system to help simplify the appointment scheduling process for seniors. On Thursday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) held a virtual COVID vaccine information session, hearing from seniors who are beyond frustrated by the sign up process. Michigan health officials walked seniors through the state’s COVID vaccine website, where individuals are advised to seek information about vaccinations in their local communities. Officials then encouraged seniors to call 2-1-1 for assistance with scheduling a vaccination appointment, especially if they do not have access to the internet or a computer.

DETROIT – Matrix Human Services announced Tuesday it received over $1 million in grants to fund four multi-generational programs. Matrix says this grant will improve their overall health and nutrition, allowing them to age in place gracefully. Matrix says this grant will go to help adults who seek to become early childhood educators. Seniors interested in participating in this program can contact Matrix Human Services at matrixhumanservices.org. Matrix helps rebuild Detroit’s neighborhoods through the efforts of over 550 employees at more than 50 program locations throughout the city.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. – Seniors in Washtenaw County are sharing their concerns over COVID-19 vaccine distribution and shortages. However, thanks to grocery giant Meijer help is on its way. DETAILS: Meijer to launch COVID-19 vaccine clinics at Michigan stores: What to know“We keep urging that seniors get their shot,” said Susan Ringler-Cerniglia of the Washtenaw County Health Department. She says while the City of Detroit is witnessing an increase in COVID-19 vaccine doses that is not the case for Washtenaw County. AdRead more: Wide COVID vaccine availability still months away for Washtenaw County residents, health official saysCoronavirus in Michigan

LIVONIA, Mich. – One of Metro Detroit’s largest cities is without access to COVID-19 vaccine doses as of Friday, the city’s mayor announced while emphasizing her hope to change this. Livonia Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan expressed frustration with the Wayne County Public Health Division’s vaccine rollout and distribution. AdHere is the message from the mayor on Friday:“At this time, the City of Livonia does not have access to any vaccine doses, though we are trying hard to change that. The City of Livonia is under the Wayne County Health Department, as are all Wayne County cities (except Detroit, which has its own health department). Under an agreement between Wayne County and local health systems, county residents 65 years of age and older are being vaccinated through those health systems.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Valentine’s Day isn’t just for the young. On Wednesday, Feb. 10, Ann Arbor Senior Center will host a drive-thru Valentine’s Day event for older community members. From noon to 1 p.m., center staff will give away coffee, doughnuts, valentines and goodie bags to seniors who drive to the center. Sister events will also take place in Ann Arbor at Brookdale Memory Care at 750 W. Eisenhower Pkwy, and Brookdale Assisted Living and Memory Care at 2190 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. Ann Arbor Senior Center is at 1320 Baldwin Ave.For more information, community members can call 734.794.6250 or visit www.a2gov.org/senior.

DETROIT – On Monday, frustration grew as seniors trying to get vaccinated found out the wait may take longer than expected. Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel is blaming the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and saying that the focus has shifted away from seniors. The MDHHS has now allowed other essential workers to get vaccinated and Hackel believes that move wasn’t the right one to take. There have been issues all over not just in Michigan and the rollout has caused confusion and concern for many. We have highly encouraged vaccine providers to prioritize vaccination of older residents as they begin to expand their vaccination efforts.

DETROIT – With vaccines rolling into Michigan the City of Detroit announced it is ready to start vaccinating seniors starting Wednesday. But the city is taking a different approach only allowing seniors 75 and older to take part in this first phase. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is not happy about all those calls. Gretchen Whitmer about opening up the next phase to those 65 and older, but Detroit is focused on those 75 and up. Ask the doctorVIEW: Tracking Michigan COVID-19 vaccine dosesMore: Michigan COVID-19 vaccinations: How to find appointments, info on phases

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – A grant given by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation Vital Seniors Initiative will provide area Washtenaw County caregivers a bit of time to care for themselves. The $50,000 grant was awarded to the Area Agency on Aging 1-B and allows it to further help individuals who are taking care of friends, family and community members with dementia. The 6-bed licensed home in Ypsilanti serves individuals with dementia or who have a mild cognitive impairment diagnosis. While families of those with dementia will work with Memory Lane to establish admission, the Area Agency on Aging 1-B will pay for the care and service. Read: New program aims to connect Washtenaw County caregivers to individualized support

YPSILANTI, Mich. – The Washtenaw County Health Department will begin scheduling for the next phase of vaccinations beginning on Monday. Until now, the Health Department has been actively vaccinating health care workers that fall under Phase 1A. Local health departments were authorized this week by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to begin inoculating the following groups starting Monday:People age 65 years or older. “In Washtenaw County, this represents thousands of newly eligible individuals,” read a news release from the Health Department. The Health Department cautions that appointments may be scheduled weeks away depending on vaccine supply and overall capacity.

Playwright Marc Holland presents his story at the 2020 Big Hearts for Seniors event. Big Hearts for Seniors is searching for community members willing to share their stories at its annual fundraiser. The Big Hearts for Seniors: Generations event will happen virtually on May 27, 2021. Our theme “Generations” will allow our storytellers to share memories of connection and tradition,” said Big Hearts for Seniors artistic director Breeda Miller. During the week on April 12, storytellers will record their stories in front of a small audience which will be shown at the Big Hearts for Seniors: Generations event in May.

ANN ARBOR – A group of University of Michigan students have been actively engaging with local older adults during the pandemic to help ease their isolation and strike up new friendships. The project was launched by members of the Lambda Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma, an honorary co-ed band sorority focused on service. The group connected with the Ann Arbor Senior Center and began advertising in the center’s newsletter for virtual pen pals. “Chatting with my virtual pen pal has helped me remain connected to the U-M campus and the surrounding Ann Arbor community, as well as learn more about Michigan in general,” Souza said in a statement. “Additionally, as an aspiring high school teacher, I was so excited to learn that my pen pal was a high school teacher!

YPSILANTI, Mich. – On Wednesday, Nov. 18, seniors in Washtenaw County can pick up boxes of free food at a drive-thru event in Ypsilanti. From noon to 2 p.m., the Area Agency on Aging 1-B (AAA 1-B) will distribute approximately 400 boxes of food to community members age 60 and older. Recipe guides will also be included in the boxes to help community members create meals. Food for the event was secured through a partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Food Bank Council of Michigan and Gleaner’s Community Food Bank. Community members with questions can call AAA 1-B Information and Assistance phone line at 800-852-7795.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. A nonprofit organization in Michigan wants caregivers in Washtenaw County to get the coaching and support that they need. Offered by Area Agency on Aging 1-B, the free Caregiver Coaching program aims to help new and experienced caregivers by providing coaching, a listening ear and vetted referrals and resources. People just look at themselves as oh Im just helping my mom, said Amy Smyth, the caregiver coordinator for Caregiver Coaching at AAA 1-B. Many resources, like support groups, happen during working hours but caregivers experience questions or crises outside those set times. Smyth said, based on Census data, there are around 58,000 family and informal caregivers in Washtenaw County; however, not everyone identifies as a caregiver, which makes it difficult for them to find support resources.

DETROIT With more places reopening amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic many people are wondering if its safe to resume some of their usual routines. READ: Heres everything that has reopened across entire state of Michigan as of todayDr. Preeti Malani is University of Michigans chief health officer. With all activity, its about decreasing risk to the lowest possible risk, she said. When it comes to visiting grandchildren, Malani said theres not a perfect time and theres not a way to do it without any risk. She also suggests you have a discussion as a family before you visit to figure out the best approach ahead of time.

The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. This segment is sponsored by Eastern Michigan University, Concordia University in Ann Arbor, Western Michigan University and The Mike Morse Law Firm. We are wrapping up the Live In The D senior week which highlights the graduating class of 2020. Hosts Jason Carr and Tati Amare each gave their personal message to the seniors as they take their next step in life. They gave seniors insight on unpredictable challenges, getting used to a new norma,l and venturing into the great unknown of college and life.

The Area Agency on Aging 1B is stepping up to keep seniors safe and healthy. Area Agency on Aging sounds very official, but in simple terms, the group helps take care of the most vulnerable members of the community. The Area Agency on Aging 1B covers most of the area. Our biggest goal is to keep seniors safe in their homes for as long theyre comfortable," said Katie Brennan, director of philanthropy for Area Agency on Aging 1B. Area Agency on Aging 1B serves a six-county region that includes Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Washtenaw counties.

ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. Lake Shore High School held their first graduation ceremony on Monday night. There was only one graduate and the ceremony was right outside their home. READ: These 9 virtual or drive-by graduation party ideas are brilliantThe high school started graduation season by putting up signs to honor the seniors. Then officials decided to board a bus, while being socially distant, and brought a ceremony to a new graduate. People started showing up and I was like, This is real.Lake Shore High School set up for a graduate unlike any other on Monday.

Phone scammers are targeting seniors who are isolated from their families. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.