Sometimes, all it takes is a friendly call – Alexandra Newman – March 9, 2024
About one-third of older adults in the United States live alone, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That’s about 14 million people who are in danger of becoming isolated from their communities. “While my husband is still here, I know how these people feel. I can’t do anything. I have cancer and they still haven’t […]
Non-partisan advocacy a blessing and something any older adult can do – Lynn Kellogg – March 2, 2024
One of the required roles that came with my many years at the Area Agency on Aging was that of non-partisan political advocate. I’m grateful; it taught me a lot. You can get involved too; your voice is needed. The visionary framers of the Older Americans Act of 1965 recognized the population would be aging […]
Ageism Awareness Day an opportunity to rethink how we see aging – Christine Vanlandingham – Oct. 7, 2023
“There are six myths about old age: that it’s a disease, a disaster; that we are mindless; that we are sexless; that we are useless; that we are powerless; and that we are all alike.” ~ Maggie Kuhn, Founder of the Gray Panthers October 7th is Ageism Awareness Day and is an opportunity to draw […]
A guide to applying for disability benefits – Sara Duris – Sept. 30, 2023
Q: How does someone qualify to get disability income from Social Security? A: To qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you must have worked long enough in jobs covered by Social Security, and recently enough, and you must have a medical condition that meets Social Security’s definition of disability. According to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) website, the number […]
Take advantage of free Medicare counseling – Alexandra Newman – Sept. 23, 2023
When I started working at Area Agency on Aging earlier this year, I had very little knowledge about Medicare and Medicaid. I couldn’t even remember the difference between them until someone told me they remember it: We “care” for older adults and we “aid” those who need it. When I learned there was a free, […]
It’s time to stop undervaluing older adults – Christine Vanlandingham – Sept. 9, 2023
The growth of the aging population is often framed in the news as an economic drain on society. In local community conversations I frequently hear similar negative sentiments regarding the aging of southwest Michigan’s population. Statements framing the increase in the older demographic as a problem to be solved, not as an asset to be […]
Stepping out of our comfort zones – Aug. 26, 2023 – Alexandra Newman
I would consider myself an adventurous person, but I don’t always like to try new things. When I’m thrust into an unfamiliar environment, it can take me a little bit to warm up and find my bearings. That’s probably true for most people, barring the most social butterfly. I recently met up with an Area […]
How to enjoy the sandwich generation – July 29, 2023 – Emily Marshall
When one thinks of a sandwich, images of peanut butter and jelly oozing out over the edges of their bread might pop into their mind’s eye – or turkey, cheese, tomatoes, and lettuce spilling out. There are all kinds of delicious sandwiches that many of us enjoy. But there is another kind of sandwich that […]
Deciding when a loved one is not safe to drive – Sara Duris – July 8, 2023
Q. We think my dad needs to stop driving. Is there a way to report him so his license is revoked? A. The decision to stop driving, or talk to a loved one about stopping, is complicated and difficult. There can be valid reasons for such a decision, but it is important to consider everyone’s […]
Opening yourself up to help – Alexandra Newman – July 1, 2023
It can be hard to accept help. There are a variety of reasons why, but it’s a fact about humans. For my family, the recent help we’ve had to accept is from hospice. My grandpa is 94 years old and still lives at home in Ohio with my grandma, 82, as his primary caregiver. He […]