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 Celebrating
Older Americans Month
Every May, the Administration on Aging celebrates Older Americans Month in honor of the unique contributions older adults make to their families, communities and society as a whole. This year, the theme "Never Too Old to Play" will encourage older individuals to remain active in their own lives as well as in their communities. Look out for more information coming soon. _________________________
Social Security for Those with DisabilitiesSocial Security, as many are aware, can be a complex and confusing program to navigate. Nancy Mayer, J.D. with Diabetes Sisters outlined the various benefits that individuals with disabilities are eligible for through the Social Security program.
Diabetes Sisters exists to improve the health and quality of life of women with diabetes, and to advocate on their behalf.
Click here for the full article.
_________________________ Eating Fish to Ward off Alzheimer's DiseaseA new study found that, among those who ate fish once a week, individuals had larger volumes of gray matter in the areas of the brain which involve memory and learning.
Click here for the full article. __________________________
Wanted: Your StoriesWe are now collecting stories for the 2012 Mother's Day Campaign. Do you or someone you know have a personal story about how the economy and recession have affected your work life? Our 2012 Mother's Day Report will highlight workforce issues affecting women age 40 and over and we may want to feature your story.
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Volume II
Issue 12
December 2011
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"Wisdom begins in wonder." - Socrates
From OWL's roost to yours... wishing you a Happy New Year!
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Medicare Beneficiaries Saw Significant Savings During 2011  Recently, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that, during 2011, beneficiaries saw significantly lower costs for important health care. These savings came from discounts on medications in the donut hole coverage gap and free preventive care. "Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, millions of Americans are receiving free preventive services and getting cheaper prescription drugs," said Acting CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner.
Beneficiaries have saved a total of $1.5 billion on their prescriptions, at about about $569 per person. And more than 24.2 million people took advantage of free preventative benefits such as the Annual Wellness Visit.
For more information on how the Affordable Care Act closes the donut hole, click here.
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Older American's Act Reauthorization
The Older American's Act was enacted by Congress in 1965 which subsequently created federal and state agencies to focus on the unique issues older adults face as they age. The 112th Congress is now charged with the reauthorization of the Older American's Act.
In anticipation of this reauthorization, the National Health Policy Forum has released a report, "The Aging Services Network: Serving a Vulnerable and Growing Elderly Population in Tough Economic Times," which highlights the important role these agencies serve.
Click here to read the full report.
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Patty Duke turns 65...
And Applies for Social Security 
Patty Duke has finally turned 65. After years of telling us all how to apply for Social Security benefits online, Patty Duke, earlier this month, filled out her Social Security application. "If you're not sure how to get started on the computer, ask a loved one to help you out. I did, and it was so easy," Duke said about her experience. For a video of Duke applying for her benefits, click here.
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Workforce Innovation Fund
Grants Now Available On December 22, Secretary Solis of the U.S. Department of Labor announced $98.5 million in grant funds through the Workforce Innovation Fund.
The fund will focus grants on programs that support, evaluate and enhance workforce investment strategies, particularly for vulnerable populations.
For more information on how to apply and the funding process, click here.
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Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world,
and all there ever will be to know and understand.
Albert Einstein |
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OWL-THE VOICE OF MIDLIFE AND OLDER WOMEN
OWL is a 501(c)(3) national grassroots organization founded in 1980 that continues to be the only national membership organization that advocates solely from the perspective of now over 74 million midlife and older women.
www.owl-national.org
1625 K St, NW, Suite 1275, Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 1-877-OLDRWMN (653-7966)
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