This spring, AgeGuide will host Advocacy Breakfast Collaboratives, a series of events designed to bring together older adults, caregivers, community partners, and elected officials for important conversations about the needs of aging residents across northeastern Illinois.

These events will provide an opportunity for community members to connect directly with legislators and aging-service partners to discuss the issues that matter most, including nutrition services, caregiver support, transportation, social connection, and the future of aging programs.

AgeGuide recently brought the voices of older adults, caregivers, and the aging services network directly to Capitol Hill during the USAging Policy Briefing and Capitol Hill Day in Washington, DC.

Our Hill Visits

During the visit, which involved getting in over 20,000 steps, our team met directly with many of our members of Congress and their staff to discuss the growing needs of older adults and caregivers across our communities. These conversations happened in offices, hallways, cubicles, and even the underground tunnels. Our message focused on the critical role federal aging programs play in helping older adults remain safe, healthy, and independent in their homes.

April is National Volunteer Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the individuals who generously give their time, compassion, and talents to support others. In the aging network, volunteers are a vital part of the support system that helps older adults remain connected and independent.

Across our communities, volunteers make an extraordinary difference every day. From delivering meals and making friendly phone calls to assisting with Medicare counseling, transportation, and board involvement, their dedication helps ensure older adults receive not only essential services, but also meaningful human connection.

Rising costs for food, medications, housing, utilities, and health care continue to impact many older adults, especially those living on fixed incomes. Recently Illinois made updates to public benefit programs, property tax, and energy relief programs. Here’s what you need to know.

From April 13–17, 2026, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and partners nationwide will recognize Boost Your Budget Week, an annual campaign that helps older adults, caregivers, and service providers explore public and private benefits that support financial stability, health, and independence. The campaign connects people to education, benefits screening, and local enrollment assistance.

In this episode of Aging Well, Bob Blancato, national advocate for older adults and expert in nutrition and aging policy, explores the critical role nutrition plays in supporting healthy aging and strengthening communities.

This episode examines how nutrition intersects healthcare, social services, and public policy, and why improving access to healthy food is essential for preventing chronic disease and promoting well-being among older adults. Listeners will gain insight into the growing “Food as Medicine” movement, the importance of nutrition security, and how programs like the Older Americans Act nutrition services help address both health and social isolation for older adults.

This conversation offers a thoughtful look at how better nutrition, stronger policy, and community advocacy can help ensure older adults have the support they need to age well.

We have a new Action Alert! Older adults and family caregivers in our communities rely on critical services funded through the Older Americans Act (OAA), including home-delivered meals, transportation, caregiver support, and in-home services.

As Congress begins work on the FY 2027 budget, we must urge lawmakers to protect and increase funding for these essential aging programs so older adults can continue to age safely and independently at home. Send a letter today!

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