August 2025

Spotlight on VOLUNTEERING

Have you ever considered that, while people find time to volunteer with others or within organizations, they may also need socialization just as much as those they support? In our organization, we have over two hundred volunteers, many of whom operate independently in the community. This often means they do not have regular opportunities to engage with staff or their peers.

At our agency, we strive to create opportunities for our volunteers to connect with one another and learn about the work others are doing with their clients or in their respective spaces.

For over a year now, the RSVP Program has been meeting regularly on the last Thursday of the month for a volunteer social. Attendance is not mandatory, but those who come regularly have become strong supporters of one another and delight in each other’s accomplishments. They also provide encouragement to each other, as we all struggle from time to time. Often, new volunteers are encouraged to attend, as it is a nice way to introduce all the variety of initiatives AOASCC has, and to hear about it from others. Sometimes we just talk about life, and sometimes we share this time with a presenter. 

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CHOICES Corner

Depression in older adults is a significant public health concern. Approximately 14% of older adults cope with depression. Older adults have the highest rate of suicide. Factors such as poverty, poor housing, social isolation, chronic illnesses, and functional limitations contribute to depression in older adults.

Depression can cause confusion and forgetfulness and is frequently, incorrectly, assumed to be signs of dementia. It is important that depressive symptoms be evaluated by a qualified professional to ensure effective treatment for depression is implemented to prevent worsening of the depression and its consequences. Additionally, dementia symptoms require evaluation to ensure a correct diagnosis, and an appropriate treatment plan is made.

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This newsletter is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $577,233 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.    

CAREGIVER Corner

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among older adults in the U.S. In Connecticut, over 150,000 seniors live with a heart condition, and this number is expected to rise as the population ages. Caregivers of individuals with cardiac conditions play a vital role in supporting their loved ones' health and well-being. There are several ways in which a family caregiver can impact a loved one’s cardiac condition. Being diagnosed with heart disease can be frightening and usually requires lifestyle changes. The family caregiver plays a role in successfully managing heart disease.

For most people diagnosed with heart disease, changes are necessary to diet, exercise, and smoking behaviors. Making these changes can be incredibly stressful. If the caregiver can embrace the changes, there is an increased likelihood the changes will be successful. Preparing heart-healthy meals for everyone, not just the person with heart disease, is one way to support the transition to heart-healthy eating.

Regular exercise is important for everyone and especially for a person with heart disease. It is good practice for the caregiver to exercise with a person with heart disease. The mutual activity provides support for each other’s exercise plan. If you exercise together, you reinforce each other’s progress and remove the resistance created by being told what to do. You are in it together.

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