Congress is currently considering significant budget cuts that would affect Medicaid and home and community-based services that older adults and people with disabilities depend on. It is imperative to help your Members of Congress understand the detrimental impacts of these cuts to home and community-based services.

Advocacy in Action: Key Alerts to Support Older Adults

1. The Need to Protect Medicaid

Last week, House and Senate Republicans advanced competing budget resolutions with both proposing detrimental cuts to Medicaid, a key program that helps millions of older adults access essential healthcare services.

2. The Importance of Reauthorizing the Older Americans Act (OAA)

The Older Americans Act is a vital piece of legislation that supports services such as nutrition programs, caregiver support, and home and community-based services for older adults.

We are delighted to invite you to our Annual Meeting, a special occasion to connect, reflect, and look ahead. Join us for an engaging event filled with networking opportunities, important updates, recognitions of outstanding contributions, and lunch.

This year, we are honored to welcome Sandy Markwood, CEO of USAging, as our keynote speaker presenting, Shaping the Future of Aging, Advocacy and Action. Ms. Markwood will share her insights on the future of Older Americans Act services and how we can collectively advocate for the well-being of older adults. Her presentation promises to be both inspiring and informative, offering valuable national perspectives on the challenges and opportunities ahead.

The 51st Annual Meeting & Luncheon will be held on Friday, April 25th from 9:30 AM – 1 PM at The Carlisle in Lombard, IL

February is Heart Month—a time to raise awareness about cardiovascular health and explore the many ways we can care for our hearts. While regular exercise, a heart-healthy diet, and regular check-ups are well-known pillars of heart health, one crucial factor is often overlooked: social connection.

Research shows that loneliness and social isolation are significant risk factors for heart disease. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that social isolation can increase the risk of heart disease by nearly 30%. For older adults, this risk is even more pronounced.

February is Black History Month, a time to reflect on and celebrate the achievements, culture, and contributions of African Americans throughout history. This year’s theme, “African Americans and Labor,” highlights the profound impact Black workers have had on shaping industries, advancing labor rights, and fighting for social and economic justice.

Black older adults have played a critical role in the labor movement. From agricultural and domestic work to leadership in unions and advocacy for fair wages and better working conditions, they have challenged systemic inequality and fought for dignity in the workplace. However, the struggle is not over. Black older adults today continue to face unique barriers in the workforce, including age discrimination, economic disparities, and the long-term effects of structural racism.

Missed an episode? Now’s the perfect time to catch up on The Age Guide Podcast! Explore insightful conversations on aging, caregiving, and community support—anytime, anywhere. From expert interviews to personal stories, every episode offers valuable perspectives for older adults, caregivers, and professionals.

Our current podcast series, "Aging Unfiltered " explores effective strategies to prevent and counter ageism. We focus on topics from intergenerational programs to ageism in the workplace and feature a diverse range of voices to raise awareness and inspire action towards building a more inclusive world for all ages.

Follow us on social media to be the first to know when our next episode drops. Don’t miss out on fresh stories, expert advice, and important conversations on aging.

Nicor Gas offers energy assistance programs designed to help customers with qualifying incomes. You may be eligible for bill discounts, waivers of deposits, and late payment fees through the Nicor Gas Low-Income Discount Program. Everyone deserves access to clean, safe, and reliable natural gas. If you're facing financial challenges, contact Nicor Gas.

If you or someone you know could benefit, visit this link to learn more and see if you qualify.

At AgeGuide, we love getting social! Stay up to date with the latest news, updates and learn more about AgeGuide and our work advocating for older adults and the services they need on our social media pages!