Seniors’ Days 2019: Celebrating Our Retirees

Seniors’ Days 2019 was greatly appreciated by the hundreds of retired members (and those nearing retirement) who participated in the event.

As reported in the past, Seniors’ Days provides specific attention to retired members, both as a whole and as individuals. But it has also become a great resource in retirement preparation for members over age 55 who are still working. Those that participated in the event in May visited their respective Health Centers without any appointment being necessary, giving each of them the opportunity to speak personally with doctors, dentists and other health care and lifestyle professionals.

Brooklyn Health Center Medical Director Dr. Rick Walquist and staff members welcoming retirees to Seniors' Days 2019. Each senior who attended received a gift bag filled with goodies like those seen here.

Seniors’ Days 2019 provided a variety of other valuable services to retired members of our union who use the Health Centers. They had the opportunity to learn about an array of significant topics, ranging from the importance of exercise to the need for good nutrition. There were yoga instructions and other demonstrations. Information was distributed on many health-related topics such as heart care, arthritis, foot care, health care proxies, colon cancer, prostate health, breast cancer, and osteoporosis, among others. As always, the event also afforded retired members with the opportunity to enjoy the company of fellow retirees.

Everyone who attended Seniors’ Days 2019 received a lovely gift bag that contained great goodies. There were also raffles throughout the day at each Health Center with some very nice prizes. There were presentations on numerous topics such as body mechanics, health care proxies, hypertension (high blood pressure) and signs of a stroke.

There were reviews concerning the benefits and services available to retired members, including the pension plan. These presentations, made at all four Health Centers, were also valuable to members who are retiring in the next few years. Representatives from the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) gave valuable talks on safety for seniors. Representatives from the New York City Department of the Aging and some of the Health Centers' neighboring community groups explained other services available to seniors. Healthy food and other refreshments were served to all.

All who attended were reminded of the great importance of having a primary care physician. Many received various tests for blood pressure, etc. Legal issues specific to seniors were also discussed, as were the services available from the Members Health Assistance Program (MHAP).

"I firmly believe there is little doubt that Seniors’ Days 2019 lived up to its defined goal of providing participants with the opportunity to learn more about health issues specific those over age 55," said Benefit Funds CEO Dr. Robert Greenspan. "The additional opportunity to see doctors and/or other Health Center personnel in a relaxed and informal atmosphere certainly adds to this goal.

As we said earlier, many of those who attended Seniors’ Days 2019 had plenty of praise for the event. It is further evidence of the value of the various Health Awareness events sponsored by the Benefit Funds office. Still to come this year at the Health and Dental Centers are Kids Days, which will be held Wednesday, Thursday and Friday August 21, 22 and 23; Men’s Health Week, which will take place Tuesday, September 10 through Friday, September 13, and Women’s Health Week, which is scheduled for Tuesday, October 22 through Friday, October 25.