September 2024

Spotlight on VOLUNTEERING

As we share with our volunteers the fact that the Agency on Aging itself is aging, they chuckle. But what is it to age? We believe it is only a number and one that should always be celebrated!

We are struck by the fact that keeping active and engaged in life is valuable to health and happiness! Our volunteers show us that staying engaged as part of their communities and individuals who are supported by their service truly make a difference. Many of our Volunteers will be turning 90 years old this year and we witness them continuing to make an impact in the communities and with their peers.

One of the ways our volunteers can do this is through the “Aging with Grace” program. AOASCC’s, Judy Neron, Program Manager for the Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion Program came up with the idea to have Volunteer Companions and their clients demonstrate their gratitude through art. Hence the “Aging with Grace” Project was created.

Click to read the full article and learn more about Volunteering.

CHOICES Corner

Each October, Medicare sends out the “annual notice of change” to recipients announcing changes to health care plans. There are several key changes this year that could impact you, so please read your notice carefully when it arrives. There are key changes occurring both for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans in 2025.

You may be facing a significant increase in monthly prescription plan costs, and some Medicare recipients will no longer have access to their Medicare Advantage plan because some insurers have announced they will be exiting select markets in 2025. Information about changes will come out soon. You will be able to make changes in your coverage during the annual election period, which begins on October 15. One of the changes affecting your drug costs will limit the maximum you will have to pay out of pocket to $2,000 in 2025. Another change will limit insulin costs to $35 per month.

If you have questions about your annual notice of change, call a CHOICES counselor at 800-994-9422.

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:

Fall is the time to protect yourself

and your loved ones

Fall is in the air providing relief from the heat and humidity we experienced over this summer. Fall is also the time of the year to make certain you have a plan for protecting your loved ones from the flu, COVID-19, and RSV.

The good news is that you may be able to get the flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines at the same time! Scientific studies during the last three years indicate that it is safe to get a flu vaccine, RSV vaccine, and a COVID-19 vaccine at the same visit.

We are all aware of the need to get the flu and COVID-19 boosters, but many people are unaware of the need to protect older adults from RSV. RSV is a common cause of lower respiratory tract infections like pneumonia. Although many people are infected by RSV without major complications, for older adults It can be extremely dangerous. Click to read more.

Did you know that the season we call fall used to be referred to as “harvest” or “the harvest season?” It’s named for the harvest moon, an exceptionally bright full moon that appears during the autumnal equinox. It provided essential light for harvesting back before electricity was available.

Celebrate our

50th Anniversary with us!

Click here to learn more