The Aging Report

Residents’ Rights Month is celebrated in October to honor those living in long-term care settings, such as nursing homes, assisted living, retirement communities, and those who receive supportive services in their home or community. This month provides an opportunity to focus on awareness, dignity, respect, and the overall value of each individual resident and their rights. In addition, we also want to encourage those living in long-term care settings to become self-advocates.

The 2022 theme for the October Residents’ Rights Month is “Inspiring Unity Within Our Community.” This theme emphasizes the necessity of fostering meaningful connections within facilities and promotes residents’ ties to their neighborhood. The ongoing effort to protect residents’ rights is something that AgeGuide has always advocated for through our mission of supporting home and community-based services. However, we acknowledge that the pandemic has exacerbated this issue further. Residents who live in long-term care facilities became disconnected and isolated during the lockdown. In response to that, this year’s theme works to address the need to recognize residents’ dignity and humanity by protecting and re-asserting their rights. We want to embolden residents to build relationships within their community to foster connections. 

Aging advocates, community leaders, healthcare professionals and many others gathered on October 3rd for the inaugural Aging Summit hosted by AgeGuide. The one-day summit kicked off with a keynote address by Ramsey Alwin, President & CEO of the National Council on Aging, who joined virtually. Her keynote introduced the conversation around the longevity AGEnda, the theme for the event and outlined megatrends shaping the world today.  

The second session of the day featured a rapid panel on Advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. This panel featured four professionals covering topics including digital equity, ageism, LGBTQ inclusivity and cultural inclusivity. The speakers shared best practices that can be replicated in any community.  

The third session covered the topic of Age-Friendly Communities and Affordable Housing. The presentation went in depth about the impact of age-friendly communities and how they foster growth and make for happier residents of all ages. The presentation also covered affordable housing, the need and what different options might look like for a wide range of ages. 

The fourth session talked about Cultivating Age-Friendly Healthcare, focusing on healthcare decisions and priorities and resources to help caregivers get the support they need in the community.  

The day wrapped up with a panel on Creating the Care Economy We Need. The panel explored how we can support informal and paid caregivers and grow this important sector.  

AgeGuide would like to thank our esteemed panelists, presenters and attendees who participated in the inaugural Aging Summit. The day was filled with meaningful conversations around age, longevity, and inclusive communities and what we will do with our extra years. We hope we inspired people to take action to improve our communities and the lives of older adults now and for the future. 

If you missed the Aging Summit, stay tuned for an upcoming podcast episode featuring a lively discussion with the Care Economy panelists in a live recording. Watch for the episode at www.AgeGuide.org/TheAgeGuidePodcast 

Medicare Open Enrollment is here! Medicare beneficiaries have from October 15th until December 7th to review their health coverage options and make changes that will take effect on January 1, 2023. You may not have to make any changes to your coverage if you’re happy with it, but taking time to review your options could save you money. Open Enrollment is your opportunity to review any changes in coverage and to get help understanding what these changes will mean for you in 2023.

On September 30, just hours before the clock struck midnight, Congress delivered, and the President signed, a short-term funding bill to prevent the government from turning into a proverbial pumpkin and shutting down. The short-term funding bill, known as a Continuing Resolution (CR), will continue to fund the government at FY 2022 funding levels through December 16. There was little surprise that the bill passed as Congress usually finds it easier to compromise when they’re up against a deadline. This CR allows legislators to deflect final FY 2023 spending decisions until after the midterm elections. 

While waiting for the October podcast episode, catch up on previously released epsiodes! Topics include long-term care issues during the COVID-19 pandemic, long-term care Ombudsman program, and our newest series on Caregiving. This podcast is about putting a face on aging and giving a voice to older adults and caregivers by highlighting their experiences and stories. We want to provide a window into the struggles and joys of aging, to dispel myths and combat ageism.

Follow us on Instagram, YouTube and listen to our podcast on your favorite streaming platform. 

Fall is the primary season for illnesses. Adults 65 years and older face a higher risk of exposure to COVID-19, influenza A & B (flu), and the common cold. In addition, those individuals who are immunocompromised or have underlying health conditions are, unfortunately, at an even greater risk. It is important to identify your illness and stay up to date with your vaccinations to help fight against infection.

This month's update features all you need to know about fall cold season including COVID-19, influenza and the common cold.

Exposing the Face of Ageism: Gerontologist Tracey Gendron reveals why understanding the complexities of age bias is a vital first step in taking effective action to end it.

Alzheimer's Association Statement on Lecanemab Phase 3 Topline Data Release - Breakthrough Alzheimer's Trial Results Show Experimental Drug Significantly Slows the Disease

How Family Caregivers Can Avoid Money Catastrophes

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!