Healthy Aging Programs
Change Lives
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September is Healthy Aging Month where we explore the many ways we can maintain our health and happiness and lead fulfilling lives.
Healthy Aging is more than just maintaining your physical heath. It is about mental, social, and financial health too. It's never too late to find a new career, new sport, passion or hobby.
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Now, more than ever, it is important for older adults to remain active and engaged during a time of physical distancing. AgeGuide has adapted many programs to online platforms to help older adults stay engaged, connected and remain healthy. To learn more about online programs available, contact the Care Coordination Unit in your county.
One way to ensure healthy aging is the prevention of falls and falls-related injuries! Falling is NOT a normal part of aging. Falls Prevention Awareness Day is Tuesday, September 22nd, cleverly scheduled on the first day of fall. This year, due to the pandemic, the National Council on Aging decided to devote a week to falls prevention awareness. As we are going, doing, and moving less, our risks and chances of falling have increased due to lack of movement.
In honor of Falls Prevention Awareness Week, our funded partners have special virtual presentations, activities and exercises scheduled for older adults to enjoy. Learn more about contributors and prevention of falls, after all, falling is not a normal part of aging. To start with the quick survey, click here.
Senior Services of Will County
Virtual exercises and programs to get you up and moving!
Contact Mary Thayer at 815-723-9713
Oswego Senior Center
Virtual exercises and programs to help you stay connected and engaged!
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AgeGuide Against Alzheimer's |
On September 21st, we honor World Alzheimer's Day! Like so many events taking place in 2020, the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s is going to look different this year. The annual fundraiser is going virtual, so the Walk will take place in neighborhoods throughout the various communities. AgeGuide is proud to support this important effort and has teams in the Grundy/Will Walk as well as in the Fox Valley Walk. AgeGuide staff and supporters will be dressed in purple on Saturday, September 26 as our AgeGuide Against Alzheimer’s teams walk to raise money to end Alzheimer’s disease. |
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As a fundraiser, AgeGuide has partnered with the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) to help raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease by Lighting the World in Teal. This international effort encourages supporters to use teal light bulbs in exterior fixtures during the month of November (Alzheimer’s Awareness Month) and particularly on November 5. AgeGuide is selling “Turn it Teal” kits for $25 each which include 1 standard indoor/outdoor teal light bulb for an overhead fixture, 2 teal C-9 light bulbs suitable for porch lights, 1 string of teal party lights and an 12x18 yard sign. All proceeds from the sale of “Turn it Teal” kits will go towards the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
AgeGuide encourages dementia-friendly businesses and households to participate and/or support the Light the World Teal project. Anyone interested in purchasing a “Turn it Teal” kit can call AgeGuide at 630-293-5990 or email Liz at ewigging@ageguide.org. Participants will have to opportunity to register and submit photos of their lighted home or business through the AFA website to become part of the world-wide Light the World in Teal initiative.
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Protect Yourself
Against the Flu
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Getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever during the 2020-2021 flu season to protect yourself and the people around you from the flu, and to reduce the strain on healthcare systems responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Adults 65 years and older are at high risk of serious complications from influenza due to weakening of the immune system. A flu vaccine is the best way to help prevent flu and its potentially serious complications. |
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In recent years, flu vaccines have reduced the risk of flu-associated hospitalizations among older adults by about 40%. The best way to prevent flu is to get vaccinated, but healthy habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like flu.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider before accepting medical treatment.
Flu Shot Resources:
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Deliver Meals to Home
Bound Older Adults
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AgeGuide's nutrition partners in DuPage, Kane and Will counties are seeking volunteers to deliver meals to home-bound older adults. Volunteering just 2-3 hours on a weekday morning can make a huge difference to a home-bound older adult. Volunteers need to be 18 years of age or older or be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. There has never been a more critical time to get involved! |
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For more information, contact these nutrition providers:
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DuPage Senior Citizens Council (DuPage County): Nicole Barnes or Ann Margaret Luciano at 630-746-0909
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Kane Senior Council (Kane County): Nicole Barnes or Ann Margaret Luciano at 630-746-0909
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Community Nutrition Network (Will County): (815) 351-9285 or email volunteer@cnnssa.org
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Cast Your Ballot
This November!
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Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2020.
Illinois allows any voter to request a ballot by mail. Voting by mail is a safe and secure way to cast your ballot this year. Request a vote by mail ballot here.
All mail in ballot requests must be submitted to the Election Authority by October 29, 2020.
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You can also vote in person. Illinois offers early voting. Click here to find early voting locations.
For more information on voting and mail-in ballots, click here. |
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At AgeGuide, we use our role as advocates for older adults to promote and elevate policies and programs that support older adults and their caregivers and effectively address the needs of an aging America.
Want to stay up to date on the latest legislation at the Federal level that affects older adults and the critical services we provide? Read more on our blog.
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AgeGuide Northeastern Illinois was established in 1974. Services funded or coordinated by AgeGuide meet the diverse needs of the most rapidly growing population in Illinois. Over 700,000 seniors age 60 and over live in the agency's eight-county service area:
DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties
1910 S. Highland Ave, Suite 100
Lombard, IL 60148
Copyright © 2020. All Rights Reserved.
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