The Aging Report

Caregiving requires a lot — a lot of heart, passion, drive, energy, strength…. As any caregiver knows, the list goes on. Yet, caregivers also need a lot — information, resources, support — and many are too much in the thick of their role to come up for air and ask for any of those things.

Today, more than 53 million adults in the U.S. are caregivers, 1 in 5 people. Nearly one-quarter of caregivers report that the role has worsened their own health, according to an AARP survey, and 61% of caregivers are balancing caregiving and their careers.

For the past couple of months, AgeGuide has been busy gathering feedback from older adults, caregivers, and community stakeholders through listening sessions and surveys to assess the ever-growing needs of community members in the region.

On March 6th from 10-11:30 AM, AgeGuide will share the findings and discuss identified needs and opportunities for aging services in the region. Community members, older adults, and stakeholders are all encouraged to attend.

Please register ahead of time for the live Zoom presentation.

For over a decade, annual investments in federal aging services programs have not only failed to keep pace with the growth in the number and diversity of older Americans, but also suffered from indiscriminate cuts. Currently, Congress is in the middle of the 2024 fiscal year appropriation decisions, and it is essential that advocates speak up for older adults, caregivers, Medicare beneficiaries, and community members to make sure we change course to invest in essential aging services.

Funding decisions that were due at the beginning of the current fiscal year remain unfinished, making the fate of many programs and benefits for older adults uncertain. We are currently under yet another continuing resolution (CR) which extends the FY23 appropriations for the Older Americans Act (OAA). 

February is American Heart Month, and it is a perfect opportunity to recognize the importance of heart health, especially for older adults. As we age, our risk of developing heart disease and stroke increases, making it more important to take care of our hearts.

This month is an opportunity for older adults to engage in heart-healthy activities and lifestyle changes that enhance overall well-being. By participating in awareness campaigns, educational events, and community initiatives associated with American Heart Month, older adults can connect with resources, support networks, and healthcare professionals who can guide them toward making positive changes in their lives.

In this episode, we continue our celebration of our 50th Anniversary theme, ‘The Great Re-Connection.’ We finish our series discussing the importance of building connections and supporting older adults who are caring for children, we interviewed Sheree Stillwell, a grandparent raising a grandson and a co-facilitator of a local support group for grandparents raising children.

Additionally, she participates in State Representative Natalie Manley's Legislative Committee on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. Sheree provided us with a firsthand look at the experience of grandparents who are stepping in and parenting again. You can listen to the Age Guide Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

February is National Senior Independence Month, a perfect time for seniors to celebrate the independence they enjoy and to plan ahead to maintain that independence. It is our mission at AgeGuide to provide resources and services for older adults to help them do just that.

We have a variety of programs to help older adults remain independent, safe in their homes, and connected to their communities. Contact us at (800) 528-2000 to learn more!

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!