Where’s Tom Wolfe when we need him to help us understand new cultures?
Tom Wolfe died a few weeks ago. It was a great loss to all folks who enjoy modern American fiction. Wolfe established his reputation in non-fiction, adopting a captivating style, focusing on colorful figures in sports, space, and social issues, lacing his rhetoric with penetrating personal observations and colorful metaphors. But I think he will […]
Business the old-fashioned way: internet free
The internet is my friend…mostly. I love to keep up with friends and family on Facebook. In the evenings I usually get in a Words with Friends game or two. It’s great to be able to check weather and news at any given moment. And of course, for work, it’s a minute-to-minute necessity – at […]
What can I do if my insurance won’t cover a prescription?
By: Sara Duris Q. I’ve always had great prescription drug coverage but my doctor put me on something new and it isn’t covered by my insurance. What can I do? A. First contact your drug plan and find out why this drug isn’t covered and what the plan recommends. There might be an alternative drug […]
Let your voice be heard on Older Michiganians Day
Advocacy is tricky. Often the loudest voice at the table gets the biggest share of the proverbial pie, and those with softer voices get a smaller share. But is that the best way to allocate resources? Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) have a federal mandate to be an advocate on behalf of older adults. he […]
Low-income housing is hard to find; get on the wait list early
March Questions and Answers Q. By: Sara Duris I have recently moved back to southwest Michigan to be near family, but I can’t find any low-income housing. Every place has a waiting list and I have heard you can’t even apply for a Section 8 voucher. Do you have any options? A. There is a […]
Much to think about as the population continues to age
It’d been two years since I’d been to my favorite little gulf coast area of southern Florida. Two years before, finding my own age 60-something contemporaries at early morning beach yoga, laid back sunset concerts, performance art, and a growing small town farmer’s market created a new feel for the region I’d been visiting for […]
What would be lost if America outlawed assault weapons?
The students from that high school have shed light on the fears that students across the nation have – that they are vulnerable to the unspeakable violence that single armed assailants can do to students – or movie and concert-goers or religious groups. Will the students be successful in moving policymakers to establish protective measures? […]
Thank you, for everything you do, Grandma Lilly
Grandma “Lilly” has been in the Foster Grandparent Program for several years. She is always smiling, energetic, and will dive in to help wherever she sees a need. For seven hours a day, every school day of the week, Lilly goes to a kindergarten classroom to mentor students who are struggling to improve their skills. […]
This month we recognize those who take on the high calling of social work
Older adults increasingly use social media as a platform to find news and information, share their experiences and connect with friends and family. New studies show social media use can also be good for their health. But with the benefits, can come some risk. Today, 34% of Americans ages 65 and up say they use […]
Tips for protecting yourself from Medicare, veterans benefits fraud
Questions and Answers about Consumer Protection By: Sara Duris With March 4-10 being National Consumer Protection Week, and the numerous inquiries Area Agency on Aging’s Info Line for Aging & Disability gets regarding scams and financial exploitation, I thought I would focus on two potential areas of fraud impacting individuals we serve who are on Medicare […]