June 17, 2024 • 18 mins
In this episode, we interview community dining participants at Weits Cafe in Morris, Illinois. Participants shared heartwarming stories of friendship and well-being. Discover how these programs are transforming lives, one meal at a time! AgeGuide has a variety of innovative community dining and restaurant programs for older adults, where meals become moments of joy and connection.
Facebook: facebook.com/AgeGuide
Twitter: twitter.com/AgeGuide
Instagram: instagram.com/theageguidepodcast
Podcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcast
Website: ageguide.org
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
SPEAKER_01 (00:01):
Hello, and welcome to The Age Guide, perspectives
on the aging journey.
We are here to be your personalguide and enhance your quality
of life on the road ahead.
Welcome to another episode ofAge Guide's special podcast
series celebrating our 50thanniversary.
(00:23):
We're thrilled to have you joinus for this milestone year.
Our theme, The GreatReconnection, highlights the
importance of social connectionsfor older adults, fostering a
sense of community andbelonging.
In today's episode, we're divinginto the innovative world of
community dining and restaurantprograms designed specifically
(00:45):
for older adults.
These programs offer more thanjust a meal.
They provide an opportunity formeaningful social interactions,
new friendships, and asignificant boost to overall
well-being.
We recently visited White's Cafein Morris, Illinois, where we
had the pleasure of speakingwith participants who shared
(01:07):
their experiences.
From the joy of sharingdelicious food to the sense of
camaraderie that fills the air,the stories we heard truly
underscore the positive impactof these programs.
So sit back, relax, and join usas we explore how community
dining and restaurant programsare enriching the lives of older
(01:31):
adults one meal at a time.
Let's listen in.
SPEAKER_07 (01:35):
So we are excited to be here in person with you today
out in the community at White'sCafe in historic downtown
Morris.
This is a great location.
I love it.
And we've got some communitymembers who like to dine here at
this restaurant with us.
Can you start by sharing whatyou like about coming to
(01:55):
White's?
SPEAKER_04 (01:56):
We go to exercise classes or something like that,
and we don't feel like goinghome and fixing something to
eat.
SPEAKER_07 (02:01):
Right.
SPEAKER_04 (02:02):
And I know there's a lot of them that think this is
just for the people that can'tafford anything else, but it's
not.
That's right.
And I keep telling people thatbecause it's more for fun, and
you save money, but on the otherhand, you go out so many times
that you end up spending itanyhow.
That's true.
It's a social thing.
(02:23):
you know, enhancement.
SPEAKER_07 (02:24):
It's about that social connection.
I'm so glad you said thatbecause we're doing this podcast
series right now on the greatreconnection, we're calling it.
Post COVID, people have hadtrouble getting back out and
doing things with other people.
And a lot of people feel kind ofsocially isolated.
So we're trying to feature theseprograms and how they help
people to connect.
SPEAKER_04 (02:43):
And a lot of times people are moving closer to
their children or something.
Right.
And they don't have a lot offriends in the area.
And that makes it really nicefor them because they can get
out and meet other people.
that are their same age and havethe same problems they have.
SPEAKER_07 (02:57):
That's a great place to meet other people.
That's good to hear.
I
SPEAKER_06 (03:01):
just like this restaurant because it has the
common table.
Over the years, many people havebeen alone, and they can come
and sit and dine at this tableand share their meals and not be
alone.
SPEAKER_07 (03:18):
We're all sitting at a long table that sits, what do
you think, 12 people maybe?
and anyone can come here and sitat this table and then they're
they're with a group yeah you'rewith friends that that's neat
SPEAKER_03 (03:31):
well i like the program real well uh i live by
myself and uh it's a chance toget out and see people and uh
have conversations and i likethe program and and The meals
are something we can afford.
Excellent.
And since I don't cook, I canboil water if I'm careful.
(03:53):
But since I don't cook, I eatout a lot.
And, boy, it adds up when you'reeating out all the time.
Yeah, it does.
It could add up.
And so this program is really abenefit to me.
And it's just nice to get outand see people and eat.
I like the Meals on Wheelsreally well.
(04:14):
And so I'm going to be using it,I can tell you, as much as
possible.
SPEAKER_02 (04:20):
Excellent.
Thank you for sharing that.
I love this program.
The Great Plates program isawesome.
It's the best deal in town.
Best deal in town.
Balanced meals.
very very affordable um and it'ssocial it's socializing in the
(04:43):
same breath so you get yourentertainment and you get your
nutrition anyway this really isa great program and um i'm
thrilled i will continue toenjoy the program as much as
possible.
SPEAKER_07 (05:02):
Excellent.
Thank you for sharing.
It's always good to hear frompeople what's working and what's
not.
If
SPEAKER_02 (05:08):
we eat in, I will order a meal to go.
So then the next day We can eatit then the next day.
Oh, that's a good idea.
Yeah.
So I'm trying to encourage dadto do that also.
Right.
So he can
SPEAKER_07 (05:21):
have a meal to take home and then the next day he
can eat that.
Oh, that's a great idea.
And they let you do that?
Yes.
And they pack it up for you?
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Okay.
That's good to know too.
Because I know we did an episoderecently on home delivered meals
and we went out with a homedelivered meal driver and we got
to tag along and see peoplegetting their meals.
(05:41):
And that's a great program forpeople who are stuck at home.
But if you can get out, I knowyou'd rather have more options
and you'd rather be out in yourcommunity eating, right?
But I think a lot of peoplethink of the nutrition program
for older adults as beingsomething that happens at a
senior center or something thathappens at a social service
agency and they don'tnecessarily know that you can go
(06:04):
out in your community and eat ata restaurant and we've got a
number of sites here in GrundyCounty and we've got some other
sites around our county so it'skind of a new and exciting
thing.
Do you think that it's reallydifferent to be able to come to
a restaurant rather than what ifyou had to go to the senior
center or to a social serviceagency to get your meal?
What would you prefer or what doyou think the difference would
(06:27):
be?
SPEAKER_04 (06:28):
For one thing, sometimes you want to go out
with your family and they're notin a senior aid program.
So this way you can go out, useyour coupon, so they don't feel
like they have to buy mom hermeal.
And then they can also eat atthe same place and eat with you.
you.
SPEAKER_07 (06:44):
That's wonderful.
So it's even got anintergenerational aspect to it.
You can take your family, youcould take somebody who's maybe
not on the program and meet themfor lunch, right?
Oh, that's excellent.
Well, I know coming just off ofthe COVID,
SPEAKER_06 (06:59):
it was better when you can control your
environment.
Oh, that's true too.
When you weren't in the biggroup.
SPEAKER_07 (07:05):
That's true too.
You have your own space in therestaurant if you want it.
You can kind of separateyourself a little bit and feel a
little bit more secure.
SPEAKER_06 (07:13):
And the just getting out too out in the community and
getting out yeah and it used tobe you know that eating out at a
restaurant you just maybecouldn't afford that right so
this is making that affordablethat's wonderful
SPEAKER_07 (07:29):
yeah because when you're on a fixed income as a
number of you have said it'sexpensive to go out to eat all
the time
SPEAKER_06 (07:35):
and we're keeping our restaurants in business as
well too because a lot of themstruggled with covid as well
that's so true
SPEAKER_07 (07:43):
that's so true so You're supporting local
businesses as
SPEAKER_03 (07:46):
well.
Probably, I have to go getchecked every year now for my
driver's license.
SPEAKER_07 (07:52):
Oh, yeah.
SPEAKER_03 (07:52):
And one of these years, they're going to cut me
off, I know.
Hopefully not too soon.
So, you know, when they do, thenI've got problems.
Not really, I've got help here.
My son and his wife live close.
Yeah, but transportation is
SPEAKER_07 (08:10):
tricky, right?
Yeah.
They're going to have to...
SPEAKER_03 (08:13):
Bring me meal or I'll get, maybe they'll have a
bus or something I can
SPEAKER_07 (08:17):
get on it.
We've got some resources foryou, I think.
So we'll hear from PattyStrahan, the nutrition
SPEAKER_05 (08:24):
director.
Right, with Community NutritionNetwork.
We do have a partnership withGrundy Transit here in town.
And they just need to mentionthat they're going to one of our
meals.
And the bus provided there'savailability because, you know,
doctor's appointments and thattype of thing take first
precedent.
But if there's availability,then the bus will pick them up,
(08:46):
bring them either to the seniorcenter if they want to be part
of that, or they'll bring themto a dining site, one of our
dining sites.
And then they can eat, and thenthe bus will pick them up and
bring them back.
But they're really greatpartners.
It's a great program to workwith.
So it's an option for people.
And you mentioned thehome-delivered meals for people.
(09:09):
We have those meals available asfrozen.
So if people tell us they wouldlike to try those, they just
need to let us know.
And they can actually come get acouple to try them out to see if
they like them.
You know, we have special dayswhere the office is open and
available for people to come inand replenish their meals on
their cards.
(09:29):
So on those days, we have acouple people who come, and
they've tried out the meals, andso they get...
several of them to take home sothat they have something just in
case so that's an option for yousir as well these are the same
meals that our home deliveredparticipants use they are made
by the same caterer in Bataviathey're locally made fresh flash
(09:54):
frozen immediately from whenthey're made and so you're
getting them within you know atthe most within a week of when
they were frozen so
SPEAKER_07 (10:04):
it's got all of your nutritional needs, one third of
your nutritional needs for theday as an older adult.
SPEAKER_05 (10:10):
And it's an availability.
It's another option.
SPEAKER_07 (10:12):
Yeah.
That's something to think about,especially in winter when it's
really cold and you don't feellike going out.
How about popping a meal in themicrowave, right?
That's made really healthy foryou.
It's nutritious.
Exactly.
Although it seems like therestaurants that have been
participating, we've got reallygood feedback that they just
really enjoy this.
They love having more peoplecoming in the restaurant and
(10:32):
they really see it as anopportunity to give back to the
community.
a bit as well.
So it's a win-win for everybody,it sounds like.
An excellent opportunity.
And I don't want to downplay thevalue of the senior centers
either because that's anothergreat opportunity for people and
people who go there anyway to dothings like bingo or the games
or the activities, the seasonalfestivities and things like
(10:56):
that.
They can get a meal, a hot mealthere too, and that's very
valuable.
But I like the new options thatare provided to you with the
restaurant and the And like yousaid, Patty, that's kind of
opening up the door for peopleto realize, oh, there's all
kinds of nutrition options forme, and I can try out some
different things.
And hopefully the word isgetting out there to people in
the community down here thatthis is a great option and a
(11:19):
great way to meet other peopleand get together.
And I imagine when you come in,this place gets pretty busy
during the day if you come forlunch, right, or at dinnertime.
Does it get pretty busy in here?
Do you sometimes have to waitfor a table?
No, that hasn't been a problem.
Okay.
That's good.
That's good.
And when it's crowded and busyin here, do you get a chance to
(11:42):
kind of walk around and talk topeople and see different friends
and run into people when
SPEAKER_04 (11:47):
you're here?
I usually see the same peoplefrom one restaurant to another
that are in the program.
SPEAKER_07 (11:51):
Okay.
SPEAKER_04 (11:51):
Yeah.
That gives you a little bit of awider field to learn to know
people.
SPEAKER_07 (11:55):
Yeah.
But you had mentioned thatsometimes you'll bring your
family along or that kind ofthing.
So I bet the nice thing is thatyou see people from all walks of
life here.
Yes.
So during the day, there'sprobably some business people
who come in here to have lunch.
Families come in here for dinneras well, right?
So you can run into anybody fromthe community in here, which is
a nice thing.
SPEAKER_06 (12:14):
This restaurant also sometimes has musical
arrangements that come in andyou'll see a sign that says, you
know.
There'll be some live music.
Yeah, live music.
And so that brings a lot ofpeople too.
SPEAKER_07 (12:28):
Great.
I appreciate all of you sharingthis with us.
I love how the menu is kind of avintage retro menu, and it's got
all kinds of good stuff on it.
And you guys have a special menuthat you can choose off of,
right?
Okay, so here we've got thingslike chicken, parmesan, Polish
sausage, quesadillas, a turkeydinner, the spaghetti and
(12:50):
meatball.
What's everybody's favoritemeal?
SPEAKER_04 (12:54):
Like I said, here they have a very good breakfast
menu and we usually eatbreakfast here.
SPEAKER_07 (12:58):
Oh you can even do breakfast?
SPEAKER_04 (12:59):
Yes we do breakfast here after we do our
SPEAKER_07 (13:02):
yoga.
I love breakfast.
Breakfast is fun.
What's your favorite sir?
SPEAKER_03 (13:08):
Here my favorite would probably be the turkey
dinner.
Okay.
Because I stock up on thoseSpaghetti and meatballs.
SPEAKER_07 (13:18):
Okay, so you've got lots of that.
SPEAKER_03 (13:20):
Yeah, I get those
SPEAKER_07 (13:21):
frozen.
Yeah, you've got those at home,so it's nice to have a hot
turkey dinner, right?
SPEAKER_02 (13:26):
My favorite meal is the fried chicken dinner.
Ooh.
Yeah, that's very good.
They do a good fried chicken.
Very good, very good.
Yeah, and I believe the mashedpotatoes are fresh.
Oh, yum.
Somebody's
SPEAKER_07 (13:40):
peeling those things and getting them all out there
for you.
Yum.
Okay.
good so something for everybodyit sounds like
SPEAKER_05 (13:49):
well and I have to say that this crew right here
that you're talking with theytake great advantage of the
program you know it's lovely tohave all of this out and
available but it doesn't reallymean anything if people don't
take part in the program andthis crew right here are huge
advocates for our program so Iwant to thank you guys for
coming here to talk to themabout it because because you
(14:11):
know we've had people on formany many many years prior to
when we were doing thisparticular version of our dining
SPEAKER_07 (14:19):
program so they've stuck it stuck it out
SPEAKER_05 (14:21):
right and they've helped make it so successful and
with it they're bringing alongfriends and neighbors and yeah
people from outside the countyso that's a good part of why
it's become so successful
SPEAKER_07 (14:33):
very successful because of all of you thank you
so much and thanks for sharingwhat you like about it
SPEAKER_04 (14:38):
and the ones that are in charge are really good to
work with so we appreciate themtoo very much
SPEAKER_07 (14:44):
yes thank you Thank you.
But sounds like you guys areadvocates for this and you're
spreading the word and gettingmore people because I think the
more people that hear aboutthis, the bigger it's going to
be able to grow and then you'llcontinue to get more options.
And we talk about this kind ofthing all the time.
I'm in charge of advocacy at AgeGuide and we talk to our
(15:07):
legislators.
We were just in Washington, D.C.
on the hill visiting legislatorsand we told them about this
great new restaurant programthat we're doing and how much
people like it and why it'svaluable so you know they're
listening to these things tooand they want to know what you
want and what works for you andcongress has been very
supportive of nutrition forolder adults there's some other
(15:28):
things that are harder to getfunding for but everybody wants
to support older adults to havegood nutrition so this is a
popular program and so i thinkthere's some some opportunities
to continue to grow these kindsof things and we'll continue to
to partner with patty and hergroup and look forward to seeing
what comes next
SPEAKER_01 (15:47):
Thank you so much for listening.
Before we go, we have a quickword from Age Guide featuring
the Medicare Minute.
Hello and welcome to yourMedicare Minute.
We are here with Val Guzman, ourBenefit Access Specialist here
at Age Guide.
On this episode, we have aquestion from Archie in McHenry.
(16:11):
He asked,
SPEAKER_00 (16:23):
Certain Medicare plans offer a wide range of
benefits that are meant toimprove your lives, but also
keep you as healthy as possible.
The first important piece toknow is that not all people with
Medicare have these benefits,but if you do, there's a lot
that you may not know about.
(16:44):
The most common extra benefitsare things like dental, vision,
and hearing coverage that letyou see a dentist or help you
get new glasses.
Your plan could also offerthings like credits to purchase
over-the-counter items such asvitamins or over-the-counter
(17:05):
medicine.
Your plan may offertransportation benefits to help
you get to your doctor'sappointments or even deliver
meals after a hospital stay.
Most importantly, your Medicareplan will have staff that can
help you navigate all of thesebenefits that you're entitled
(17:26):
to.
So you get everything that youneed.
SPEAKER_01 (17:32):
Thank you for listening to The Age Guide,
Perspectives on the AgingJourney.
We hope you learned somethingnew on this podcast because we
all have a stake in promoting ahigh quality of life for people
on their aging journey.
Age Guide coordinates andadministers many services for
older adults in NortheasternIllinois.
We serve DuPage, Grundy, Kane,Kankakee, Kendall, Lake,
(17:55):
McHenry, and Will Counties.
Our specially trainedprofessionals are available to
answer questions and connect youwith local service providers and
resources.
If you are interested in theseservices or want to learn more,
go to our website at hguide.org.
Call our offices at630-293-5990.
(18:18):
Please follow our podcasts sowhen we post our monthly
podcast, you are notified onyour streaming account.
Thank you, and we will see younext time on The Age Guide,
Perspectives on the AgingJourney.
Hello, and welcome to The Age Guide, perspectives
on the aging journey.
We are here to be your personalguide and enhance your quality
of life on the road ahead.
Welcome to another episode ofAge Guide's special podcast
series celebrating our 50thanniversary.
(00:23):
We're thrilled to have you joinus for this milestone year.
Our theme, The GreatReconnection, highlights the
importance of social connectionsfor older adults, fostering a
sense of community andbelonging.
In today's episode, we're divinginto the innovative world of
community dining and restaurantprograms designed specifically
(00:45):
for older adults.
These programs offer more thanjust a meal.
They provide an opportunity formeaningful social interactions,
new friendships, and asignificant boost to overall
well-being.
We recently visited White's Cafein Morris, Illinois, where we
had the pleasure of speakingwith participants who shared
(01:07):
their experiences.
From the joy of sharingdelicious food to the sense of
camaraderie that fills the air,the stories we heard truly
underscore the positive impactof these programs.
So sit back, relax, and join usas we explore how community
dining and restaurant programsare enriching the lives of older
(01:31):
adults one meal at a time.
Let's listen in.
SPEAKER_07 (01:35):
So we are excited to be here in person with you today
out in the community at White'sCafe in historic downtown
Morris.
This is a great location.
I love it.
And we've got some communitymembers who like to dine here at
this restaurant with us.
Can you start by sharing whatyou like about coming to
(01:55):
White's?
SPEAKER_04 (01:56):
We go to exercise classes or something like that,
and we don't feel like goinghome and fixing something to
eat.
SPEAKER_07 (02:01):
Right.
SPEAKER_04 (02:02):
And I know there's a lot of them that think this is
just for the people that can'tafford anything else, but it's
not.
That's right.
And I keep telling people thatbecause it's more for fun, and
you save money, but on the otherhand, you go out so many times
that you end up spending itanyhow.
That's true.
It's a social thing.
(02:23):
you know, enhancement.
SPEAKER_07 (02:24):
It's about that social connection.
I'm so glad you said thatbecause we're doing this podcast
series right now on the greatreconnection, we're calling it.
Post COVID, people have hadtrouble getting back out and
doing things with other people.
And a lot of people feel kind ofsocially isolated.
So we're trying to feature theseprograms and how they help
people to connect.
SPEAKER_04 (02:43):
And a lot of times people are moving closer to
their children or something.
Right.
And they don't have a lot offriends in the area.
And that makes it really nicefor them because they can get
out and meet other people.
that are their same age and havethe same problems they have.
SPEAKER_07 (02:57):
That's a great place to meet other people.
That's good to hear.
I
SPEAKER_06 (03:01):
just like this restaurant because it has the
common table.
Over the years, many people havebeen alone, and they can come
and sit and dine at this tableand share their meals and not be
alone.
SPEAKER_07 (03:18):
We're all sitting at a long table that sits, what do
you think, 12 people maybe?
and anyone can come here and sitat this table and then they're
they're with a group yeah you'rewith friends that that's neat
SPEAKER_03 (03:31):
well i like the program real well uh i live by
myself and uh it's a chance toget out and see people and uh
have conversations and i likethe program and and The meals
are something we can afford.
Excellent.
And since I don't cook, I canboil water if I'm careful.
(03:53):
But since I don't cook, I eatout a lot.
And, boy, it adds up when you'reeating out all the time.
Yeah, it does.
It could add up.
And so this program is really abenefit to me.
And it's just nice to get outand see people and eat.
I like the Meals on Wheelsreally well.
(04:14):
And so I'm going to be using it,I can tell you, as much as
possible.
SPEAKER_02 (04:20):
Excellent.
Thank you for sharing that.
I love this program.
The Great Plates program isawesome.
It's the best deal in town.
Best deal in town.
Balanced meals.
very very affordable um and it'ssocial it's socializing in the
(04:43):
same breath so you get yourentertainment and you get your
nutrition anyway this really isa great program and um i'm
thrilled i will continue toenjoy the program as much as
possible.
SPEAKER_07 (05:02):
Excellent.
Thank you for sharing.
It's always good to hear frompeople what's working and what's
not.
If
SPEAKER_02 (05:08):
we eat in, I will order a meal to go.
So then the next day We can eatit then the next day.
Oh, that's a good idea.
Yeah.
So I'm trying to encourage dadto do that also.
Right.
So he can
SPEAKER_07 (05:21):
have a meal to take home and then the next day he
can eat that.
Oh, that's a great idea.
And they let you do that?
Yes.
And they pack it up for you?
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Okay.
That's good to know too.
Because I know we did an episoderecently on home delivered meals
and we went out with a homedelivered meal driver and we got
to tag along and see peoplegetting their meals.
(05:41):
And that's a great program forpeople who are stuck at home.
But if you can get out, I knowyou'd rather have more options
and you'd rather be out in yourcommunity eating, right?
But I think a lot of peoplethink of the nutrition program
for older adults as beingsomething that happens at a
senior center or something thathappens at a social service
agency and they don'tnecessarily know that you can go
(06:04):
out in your community and eat ata restaurant and we've got a
number of sites here in GrundyCounty and we've got some other
sites around our county so it'skind of a new and exciting
thing.
Do you think that it's reallydifferent to be able to come to
a restaurant rather than what ifyou had to go to the senior
center or to a social serviceagency to get your meal?
What would you prefer or what doyou think the difference would
(06:27):
be?
SPEAKER_04 (06:28):
For one thing, sometimes you want to go out
with your family and they're notin a senior aid program.
So this way you can go out, useyour coupon, so they don't feel
like they have to buy mom hermeal.
And then they can also eat atthe same place and eat with you.
you.
SPEAKER_07 (06:44):
That's wonderful.
So it's even got anintergenerational aspect to it.
You can take your family, youcould take somebody who's maybe
not on the program and meet themfor lunch, right?
Oh, that's excellent.
Well, I know coming just off ofthe COVID,
SPEAKER_06 (06:59):
it was better when you can control your
environment.
Oh, that's true too.
When you weren't in the biggroup.
SPEAKER_07 (07:05):
That's true too.
You have your own space in therestaurant if you want it.
You can kind of separateyourself a little bit and feel a
little bit more secure.
SPEAKER_06 (07:13):
And the just getting out too out in the community and
getting out yeah and it used tobe you know that eating out at a
restaurant you just maybecouldn't afford that right so
this is making that affordablethat's wonderful
SPEAKER_07 (07:29):
yeah because when you're on a fixed income as a
number of you have said it'sexpensive to go out to eat all
the time
SPEAKER_06 (07:35):
and we're keeping our restaurants in business as
well too because a lot of themstruggled with covid as well
that's so true
SPEAKER_07 (07:43):
that's so true so You're supporting local
businesses as
SPEAKER_03 (07:46):
well.
Probably, I have to go getchecked every year now for my
driver's license.
SPEAKER_07 (07:52):
Oh, yeah.
SPEAKER_03 (07:52):
And one of these years, they're going to cut me
off, I know.
Hopefully not too soon.
So, you know, when they do, thenI've got problems.
Not really, I've got help here.
My son and his wife live close.
Yeah, but transportation is
SPEAKER_07 (08:10):
tricky, right?
Yeah.
They're going to have to...
SPEAKER_03 (08:13):
Bring me meal or I'll get, maybe they'll have a
bus or something I can
SPEAKER_07 (08:17):
get on it.
We've got some resources foryou, I think.
So we'll hear from PattyStrahan, the nutrition
SPEAKER_05 (08:24):
director.
Right, with Community NutritionNetwork.
We do have a partnership withGrundy Transit here in town.
And they just need to mentionthat they're going to one of our
meals.
And the bus provided there'savailability because, you know,
doctor's appointments and thattype of thing take first
precedent.
But if there's availability,then the bus will pick them up,
(08:46):
bring them either to the seniorcenter if they want to be part
of that, or they'll bring themto a dining site, one of our
dining sites.
And then they can eat, and thenthe bus will pick them up and
bring them back.
But they're really greatpartners.
It's a great program to workwith.
So it's an option for people.
And you mentioned thehome-delivered meals for people.
(09:09):
We have those meals available asfrozen.
So if people tell us they wouldlike to try those, they just
need to let us know.
And they can actually come get acouple to try them out to see if
they like them.
You know, we have special dayswhere the office is open and
available for people to come inand replenish their meals on
their cards.
(09:29):
So on those days, we have acouple people who come, and
they've tried out the meals, andso they get...
several of them to take home sothat they have something just in
case so that's an option for yousir as well these are the same
meals that our home deliveredparticipants use they are made
by the same caterer in Bataviathey're locally made fresh flash
(09:54):
frozen immediately from whenthey're made and so you're
getting them within you know atthe most within a week of when
they were frozen so
SPEAKER_07 (10:04):
it's got all of your nutritional needs, one third of
your nutritional needs for theday as an older adult.
SPEAKER_05 (10:10):
And it's an availability.
It's another option.
SPEAKER_07 (10:12):
Yeah.
That's something to think about,especially in winter when it's
really cold and you don't feellike going out.
How about popping a meal in themicrowave, right?
That's made really healthy foryou.
It's nutritious.
Exactly.
Although it seems like therestaurants that have been
participating, we've got reallygood feedback that they just
really enjoy this.
They love having more peoplecoming in the restaurant and
(10:32):
they really see it as anopportunity to give back to the
community.
a bit as well.
So it's a win-win for everybody,it sounds like.
An excellent opportunity.
And I don't want to downplay thevalue of the senior centers
either because that's anothergreat opportunity for people and
people who go there anyway to dothings like bingo or the games
or the activities, the seasonalfestivities and things like
(10:56):
that.
They can get a meal, a hot mealthere too, and that's very
valuable.
But I like the new options thatare provided to you with the
restaurant and the And like yousaid, Patty, that's kind of
opening up the door for peopleto realize, oh, there's all
kinds of nutrition options forme, and I can try out some
different things.
And hopefully the word isgetting out there to people in
the community down here thatthis is a great option and a
(11:19):
great way to meet other peopleand get together.
And I imagine when you come in,this place gets pretty busy
during the day if you come forlunch, right, or at dinnertime.
Does it get pretty busy in here?
Do you sometimes have to waitfor a table?
No, that hasn't been a problem.
Okay.
That's good.
That's good.
And when it's crowded and busyin here, do you get a chance to
(11:42):
kind of walk around and talk topeople and see different friends
and run into people when
SPEAKER_04 (11:47):
you're here?
I usually see the same peoplefrom one restaurant to another
that are in the program.
SPEAKER_07 (11:51):
Okay.
SPEAKER_04 (11:51):
Yeah.
That gives you a little bit of awider field to learn to know
people.
SPEAKER_07 (11:55):
Yeah.
But you had mentioned thatsometimes you'll bring your
family along or that kind ofthing.
So I bet the nice thing is thatyou see people from all walks of
life here.
Yes.
So during the day, there'sprobably some business people
who come in here to have lunch.
Families come in here for dinneras well, right?
So you can run into anybody fromthe community in here, which is
a nice thing.
SPEAKER_06 (12:14):
This restaurant also sometimes has musical
arrangements that come in andyou'll see a sign that says, you
know.
There'll be some live music.
Yeah, live music.
And so that brings a lot ofpeople too.
SPEAKER_07 (12:28):
Great.
I appreciate all of you sharingthis with us.
I love how the menu is kind of avintage retro menu, and it's got
all kinds of good stuff on it.
And you guys have a special menuthat you can choose off of,
right?
Okay, so here we've got thingslike chicken, parmesan, Polish
sausage, quesadillas, a turkeydinner, the spaghetti and
(12:50):
meatball.
What's everybody's favoritemeal?
SPEAKER_04 (12:54):
Like I said, here they have a very good breakfast
menu and we usually eatbreakfast here.
SPEAKER_07 (12:58):
Oh you can even do breakfast?
SPEAKER_04 (12:59):
Yes we do breakfast here after we do our
SPEAKER_07 (13:02):
yoga.
I love breakfast.
Breakfast is fun.
What's your favorite sir?
SPEAKER_03 (13:08):
Here my favorite would probably be the turkey
dinner.
Okay.
Because I stock up on thoseSpaghetti and meatballs.
SPEAKER_07 (13:18):
Okay, so you've got lots of that.
SPEAKER_03 (13:20):
Yeah, I get those
SPEAKER_07 (13:21):
frozen.
Yeah, you've got those at home,so it's nice to have a hot
turkey dinner, right?
SPEAKER_02 (13:26):
My favorite meal is the fried chicken dinner.
Ooh.
Yeah, that's very good.
They do a good fried chicken.
Very good, very good.
Yeah, and I believe the mashedpotatoes are fresh.
Oh, yum.
Somebody's
SPEAKER_07 (13:40):
peeling those things and getting them all out there
for you.
Yum.
Okay.
good so something for everybodyit sounds like
SPEAKER_05 (13:49):
well and I have to say that this crew right here
that you're talking with theytake great advantage of the
program you know it's lovely tohave all of this out and
available but it doesn't reallymean anything if people don't
take part in the program andthis crew right here are huge
advocates for our program so Iwant to thank you guys for
coming here to talk to themabout it because because you
(14:11):
know we've had people on formany many many years prior to
when we were doing thisparticular version of our dining
SPEAKER_07 (14:19):
program so they've stuck it stuck it out
SPEAKER_05 (14:21):
right and they've helped make it so successful and
with it they're bringing alongfriends and neighbors and yeah
people from outside the countyso that's a good part of why
it's become so successful
SPEAKER_07 (14:33):
very successful because of all of you thank you
so much and thanks for sharingwhat you like about it
SPEAKER_04 (14:38):
and the ones that are in charge are really good to
work with so we appreciate themtoo very much
SPEAKER_07 (14:44):
yes thank you Thank you.
But sounds like you guys areadvocates for this and you're
spreading the word and gettingmore people because I think the
more people that hear aboutthis, the bigger it's going to
be able to grow and then you'llcontinue to get more options.
And we talk about this kind ofthing all the time.
I'm in charge of advocacy at AgeGuide and we talk to our
(15:07):
legislators.
We were just in Washington, D.C.
on the hill visiting legislatorsand we told them about this
great new restaurant programthat we're doing and how much
people like it and why it'svaluable so you know they're
listening to these things tooand they want to know what you
want and what works for you andcongress has been very
supportive of nutrition forolder adults there's some other
(15:28):
things that are harder to getfunding for but everybody wants
to support older adults to havegood nutrition so this is a
popular program and so i thinkthere's some some opportunities
to continue to grow these kindsof things and we'll continue to
to partner with patty and hergroup and look forward to seeing
what comes next
SPEAKER_01 (15:47):
Thank you so much for listening.
Before we go, we have a quickword from Age Guide featuring
the Medicare Minute.
Hello and welcome to yourMedicare Minute.
We are here with Val Guzman, ourBenefit Access Specialist here
at Age Guide.
On this episode, we have aquestion from Archie in McHenry.
(16:11):
He asked,
SPEAKER_00 (16:23):
Certain Medicare plans offer a wide range of
benefits that are meant toimprove your lives, but also
keep you as healthy as possible.
The first important piece toknow is that not all people with
Medicare have these benefits,but if you do, there's a lot
that you may not know about.
(16:44):
The most common extra benefitsare things like dental, vision,
and hearing coverage that letyou see a dentist or help you
get new glasses.
Your plan could also offerthings like credits to purchase
over-the-counter items such asvitamins or over-the-counter
(17:05):
medicine.
Your plan may offertransportation benefits to help
you get to your doctor'sappointments or even deliver
meals after a hospital stay.
Most importantly, your Medicareplan will have staff that can
help you navigate all of thesebenefits that you're entitled
(17:26):
to.
So you get everything that youneed.
SPEAKER_01 (17:32):
Thank you for listening to The Age Guide,
Perspectives on the AgingJourney.
We hope you learned somethingnew on this podcast because we
all have a stake in promoting ahigh quality of life for people
on their aging journey.
Age Guide coordinates andadministers many services for
older adults in NortheasternIllinois.
We serve DuPage, Grundy, Kane,Kankakee, Kendall, Lake,
(17:55):
McHenry, and Will Counties.
Our specially trainedprofessionals are available to
answer questions and connect youwith local service providers and
resources.
If you are interested in theseservices or want to learn more,
go to our website at hguide.org.
Call our offices at630-293-5990.
(18:18):
Please follow our podcasts sowhen we post our monthly
podcast, you are notified onyour streaming account.
Thank you, and we will see younext time on The Age Guide,
Perspectives on the AgingJourney.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
Two Guys, Five Rings: Matt, Bowen & The Olympics
Two Guys (Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers). Five Rings (you know, from the Olympics logo). One essential podcast for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Bowen Yang (SNL, Wicked) and Matt Rogers (Palm Royale, No Good Deed) of Las Culturistas are back for a second season of Two Guys, Five Rings, a collaboration with NBC Sports and iHeartRadio. In this 15-episode event, Bowen and Matt discuss the top storylines, obsess over Italian culture, and find out what really goes on in the Olympic Village.