Go back to school with AARP University

It is back-to-school time and not just for children, but seniors as well. However, there is no need to shop for new clothes, unless of course you want to.

The AARP University will host a daylong learning event titled “Taking Care of Business: Caring for Your Financial and Personal Health,” 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, at Bangor High School, 885 Broadway. Registration begins at 8 a.m.

This informative and fun-filled day offers six sessions – three on financial health and three on heath – from which you may choose two to attend. The financial health classes are:

. Reviewing Your Retirement Game Plan. In this class you will learn some strategies to have the retirement you want. Even if you are already retired, or close to it, it is important to review your financial plans for the future.

. Investment Safety. This session will provide “basic information on the range of financial advisers available to you, what the most common financial credentials mean, how to interview a prospective adviser and the importance of checking on an adviser’s background before entrusting your money with him or her,” said Phyllis Cohn, communications director for AARP Maine. “We’ll also provide tips on spotting potentially deceptive practices that are often used to market financial and investment services to seniors.”

. Legal Tools for a Safe, Financial Future. Terms like “advance directive” and “durable power of attorney” get tossed around, but what do they really mean to you – and do you need them? Find out in this session. Learn how legal tools can avoid future confusion and controversy and preserve your right to make decisions about your health care and finances despite any future incapacity.

Now for the personal health options:

. T’ai Chi: A Not-So-Forgotten Art. This activity is wonderful for balance and flexibility. The ancient Chinese practice can be “invigorating and not at all mysterious,” said Cohn. “It really benefits one’s overall health. Come see what T’ai Chi really is and try a few introductory movements because it’s suitable for all physical abilities.”

. Managing Your Mental Health. Depression is not a natural part of aging. And while everyone feels sad sometimes, it is helpful to explore the reasons for these feelings. This session will cover the tools and techniques to help you identify if your sadness is actually depression.

“Getting older means life changes,” said Cohn. “Seniors face retirement, moving, scaling down, more time with children and spouse but even so, sometimes these new wonderful challenges make them feel sad. We want to help them be informed about depression because it is treatable and not something seniors have to live with.”

. Eating Happy but Healthy. Healthful eating does not have to be boring and tasteless. This session will teach you how to watch your waistline while tickling your taste buds.

You also will learn what constitutes healthy eating, and how you can be sure that you are well-nourished but not over-nourished. Tips for convenient home meals and recipes will be offered.

And Lucie Arbuthnot will present “Staying Mentally Sharp and Physically Fit” to better keep you informed.

As if all of this is not enough, the keynote speaker will be the incomparable Dr. Erik Steele, vice president and chief medical officer of Eastern Maine Healthcare System, presenting “A Conversation with Dr. Steele: Strategies for Personal Empowerment.”

A delicious catered lunch is included, so you must register in advance by calling 877-926-8300. The “tuition” for AARP University’s day of learning is a mere $5, which is nonrefundable.

Who would have thought going to school on a Saturday could be so much fun?

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. E-mail Carol Higgins at chiggins@eaaa.org. For information on EAA, call 941-2865, toll-free 800-432-7812, e-mail info@eaaa.org or visit EAAA.org. TTY 992-0150.