Colorado seniors are being encouraged to prioritize their health and wellness as part of National Mental Health Awareness Week, running May 11-15. The Lyons Library is hosting a Mental Health Panel on Wednesday, May 13, from 6:30-7:30pm featuring local mental health professionals Roslynn Regnery and Eve Ellis focused on “staying grounded in politically uncertain times.”
The panel will offer practical tools for managing emotional overwhelm, with a focus on navigating stress rather than cataloging difficulties. According to the library, the program is designed as “a welcoming, low-pressure space to learn and reflect” open to all residents.
Health Concerns in Seniors
Leg cramps, or “charley horses,” are increasingly affecting older adults. Up to 60% of adults experience leg cramps at night, with a 33% chance of experiencing a leg cramp at night at least once every two months for those over age 60. While 3 out of 4 reported cases happen at night, many seniors experience them during the day, especially when stretching or sitting for long periods. If leg cramps occur frequently, medical attention is recommended to check for conditions such as diabetes, kidney failure, mineral deficiencies, or blood flow issues, as over a dozen medications can cause these as side effects.
Other Health Initiatives
Colorado has reported 20 measles cases as of the end of March. Cases have been tracked monthly: zero in January, 2 in February, 11 in March, 4 in April, and 3 in May. Boulder County Aging is hosting monthly “healthy conversations” over Zoom, with an upcoming session on inflammation scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, from 3-4 p.m.
On the policy front, Colorado’s expanded red flag law now allows licensed health professionals, mental health providers, and educators, in addition to law enforcement and family members, to petition for Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs), which temporarily remove firearms from individuals posing a significant danger to themselves or others.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://lyonsrecorder.org/2026/05/07/may-senior-news-what-are-you-putting-off/