Don’t create barriers to ballot access
By Lynn Kellogg We just passed the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This law protects the right to vote and ensures the government will fight efforts to suppress it. Originally aimed to rid the country of rules designed to block voting by Black Americans, for many minorities it signaled the beginning of […]
Older Americans Act is worth celebrating – July 12, 2025
By Lynn Kellogg July 14 marks the 60th anniversary of the national Older Americans Act (OAA). Five national organizations championing the cause of the older population have come together to declare July 14 a Day of Action and awareness of the tremendous impact of the OAA. The organizations: ADvancing States, National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs […]
Find purpose in retirement through volunteerism – June 14, 2025
By Lynn Kellogg One retired acquaintance told me she planned to go find at least a part time job because she was “crawling the walls” at home. She asked me how I liked retirement. I love it, but it took a deliberate journey to reinvent oneself. Within a span of 18 months, I was widowed […]
Medicaid cuts would hurt vulnerable seniors – May 17, 2025
By Lynn Kellogg Last month I wrote about key efficiencies in three pieces of national legislation critical to the health and livelihood of our elder population: the Older Americans Act, Medicare and Medicaid. Now it’s important to drill down further on Medicaid. Why? Because when something is called a “waiver” and it’s “discretionary” by state, […]
Changes in Washington could affect elder care – April 19, 2025
By Lynn Kellogg Congress has critical budget decisions to make on how to spend reduced dollars. It’s a daunting task without knowing the intricacies of the programs and interests affected. Big-ticket items dramatically affecting our elder population are in play: the Older Americans Act (OAA), Medicaid and Medicare. Within these structures, key programs exist to save money […]
Advocacy is important and you can help – March 15, 2025
By Lynn Kellogg Before retirement, one of my roles at Region IV Area Agency on Aging was non-partisan political advocacy. Serving people 18 and over, the agency develops products, businesses and services to assure people from all walks of life have the support and choices they need to maintain as independent a lifestyle as possible throughout […]
Inspired by Black History Month – Feb. 15, 2025
By Lynn Kellogg I am inspired and energized by Black History Month. It comes just after honoring Dr. Martin Luther King who always inspires with his vigilance and words, compelling one not to fall into “appalling silence” when confronted with inequities. Additional inspiration comes from The Rotarian magazine’s comparison of Rotary’s values with those of […]
Social connections can help brain health – Jan. 18, 2025
By Lynn Kellogg An out-of-town friend recently came to visit for a couple days. Widowed just a few months ago after 50 years, we talked about the inexplicable sense of “forever gone”, a very quiet house, and finding the freedom and energy to move on. Her adult children and grandchildren stay in regular touch; some […]
Help is available for in-home care – Lynn Kellogg – Dec. 21, 2024
Visiting loved ones is a time of sharing, and often hearing how they are doing. With visiting in full swing this holiday season, a number of questions have come my way on resources, services and ideas on how to help someone coping with change. Check my column last month at r4aaa.revelmarketing.com/, under News/Articles for ideas and opportunities related […]
When life changes … adapt – Lynn Kellogg – Nov. 23, 2023
Thanksgiving and the holiday season are upon us. It’s a good opportunity to pivot away from stressors and focus on gratefulness. Good exercise for one’s mental health. Over the next few weeks, visits with family and friends will abound. It’s one of the best times for generations to connect. Catching up with each other’s lives, […]