The genius of the Older Americans Act
By Lynn Kellogg Some ideas are just genius. We go through life, and if we’re fortunate, make it to older ages. Whether rich or poor, we all just want to keep doing our thing, whatever interests or passions that entails, until we don’t, and are gone. Our lives change at every age, from childhood through […]
Reauthorizing the Older Americans Act: Why It Matters Here — and Why It Must Move Now
By Christine Vanlandingham Most of us want the same thing as we grow older: to remain in our own homes, connected to our communities, with dignity and independence intact. We want help when we need it — without giving up autonomy, dignity, or the ability to live at home. For more than 60 years, the […]
From kitchen tables to a community promise
Honoring the goals of older adults and people with disabilities, one conversation at a time By Christine Vanlandingham Every person deserves dignity, independence, and choice—especially as we age or live with a disability. These aren’t luxuries; they’re the foundation of a life well lived. Yet for too many older adults, those principles can feel fragile—eroded […]
From Support to Solutions: Resources for a Dignified, Independent Life – July 19, 2025
By Christine Vanlandingham At a local hair salon this past weekend, a conversation floated across the room—one that’s becoming increasingly common. A woman in the chair across the way was sharing her struggle to care for her aging mother, who has mild cognitive impairment and needs nursing home-level care for her physical needs. “She doesn’t […]
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 […]
Independence every day – July 5, 2025
By Alexandra Newman As you’re reading this column you’re probably looking forward to (or recovering from) an event celebrating Independence Day. When I think about the people who fought for our county’s independence nearly 250 years ago, I can’t help but draw a small comparison with the people around the country who are fighting right […]
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 needed to support family caregivers – Feb. 22, 2025
By Christine Vanlandingham In tough budget climates, there is a strong business case for supporting family caregivers. Employee turnover is a costly issue for US businesses. According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), replacing an employee can cost between 50% to 60% of their annual salary. For employees who are caregivers, the stress […]
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 […]