Tips, resources to be prepared for all kinds of emergencies – July 7, 2019
All the recent storms and flooding should make us aware of the need for emergency preparedness. This is especially true for vulnerable populations, including older adults and persons with disabilities. Here are some useful tips and resources to help with preparing for an emergency: While everyone has unique needs and abilities, every individual can take […]
Why Michigan’s population is aging faster than the nation – Lynn Kellogg – June 30, 2019
A perk of working in the field of aging is awareness of population shifts. Through the 20th century, advances in medicine and improvement in working conditions increased life expectancy dramatically. Flash forward to today and you see the aging and retirement of baby boomers as the leading edge of what’s sometimes called a “silver tsunami”; […]
Cheryl, Lisa become fast friends thanks to Senior Companion program -Pat Arter – July 21, 2019
Some call it Karma, what goes around comes around. Others would say you can’t sit and wait for your best life to happen, you have to take steps to make it happen. The following (true) story is about a couple of people ended up sharing a special part of their lives together. It didn’t happen […]
Fight loneliness, isolation: Be intentional about building connections-Christine Vanlandingham-July 9, 2019
Loneliness is the 82-year-old man who celebrated his birthday alone after not speaking to anyone except the cashier at the grocery store for an entire week. It’s the homebound younger adult with disabilities who turned down telemedicine services because the Housecalls physician is one of only three people who ever come to her home. It’s […]
Physical touch can have cognitive, emotional benefits – but be sure to ask first – Pat Arter – Jan 1, 2019
Can I hug you? Not a question we hear very often, but in this day of social media, high public scrutiny and political correctness, people are increasingly nervous about initiating touch. Whether it be a handshake, an arm around a shoulder, or a full-blown hug, hesitating to reach out usually results in not reaching out […]
Organized labor’s halcyon days were short-lived
A few weeks ago, we celebrated labor, as we do every year. But the activities are less demonstrative than in earlier years. Few parades, few gatherings, even fewer speeches. It seems hard to remember that labor once had an infrastructure. For example, WCFL radio, owned by the Chicago Federation of Labor, was a powerful national […]
Canning salsa preserves veggies,memories
Thirty-two dollars. That’s how much it cost to make 35 pints of salsa, using only fresh, southwest Michigan vegetables. The value, however, is immeasurable. Thirty-two dollars. That’s how much it cost to make 35 pints of salsa, using only fresh, southwest Michigan vegetables. The value, however, is immeasurable. My husband and I are a well-oiled machine […]
Speak for yourself and plan for your future health care
It’s never too late to live life on your own terms. Norma, a 90-year-old from northern Michigan, exemplified that lesson. Just two days after her husband of 67 years died, Norma was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. Treatment options were discussed, surgery, radiation and then chemo were recommended. When asked how she’d like to proceed, […]
Need help regaining control of your surroundings? AAA can help.
Need help regaining control of your surroundings? AAA can help. Author: Lynn Kellogg At a meeting in Lansing an announcement was made; another colleague is retiring. Whew. When you’re in your sixties or seventies, this becomes a frequent happening. Future plans may be well thought out, or not. After decades of working together, some colleagues […]
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) Honors Lynn Kellogg as a Top Aging Services Leader
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) Honors Lynn Kellogg as a Top Aging Services Leader WASHINGTON, DC—The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) recently honored Lynn Kellogg with the 2014 President’s Award for her significant contributions and leadership to further the mission of the Aging Services Network. “Lynn is a paragon […]