The Aging Report

November is a time to support and honor our nation's vital unpaid family caregivers. Families are often the primary source of support for older adults and people with disabilities. In fact, today in America, more than 53 million family caregivers provide unpaid care, an economic value totaling more than $470 billion.

That's why every November we celebrate National Family Caregivers Month. While family caregivers should be celebrated every day, this is a time to expressly recognize and honor caregivers nationally, raise awareness around caregiving issues, educate communities, and work to increase support for our nation's caregivers.

To celebrate November Family Caregiver month, the White House recently shared a Presidential Proclamation saying, “…We recognize the love and sacrifice of millions of American caregivers. They are the backbone of our country, caring for young children, aging parents, disabled veterans, injured service members, and others who need support and medical assistance. Let us celebrate and honor our caregivers and renew our efforts to protect their dignity, health, and security. Because when we care for our caregivers, we honor our American ideals and move closer to a future where no one in this Nation is left behind.”

So, how can you raise your voice during National Family Caregiver Month?

Every year, Medicare gives 60 million beneficiaries a chance to review their coverage and make changes that will help them get the best health insurance program available. Now is the time for people with Medicare to review their coverage options and make a choice that meets their health care needs. Medicare beneficiaries have from October 15th until December 7th to review their health coverage options and make adjustments that will take effect on January 1, 2023.

It’s AgeGuide’s 50th anniversary! Established in 1973 as part of the Older Americans Act, AgeGuide is proud of its half century of enhancing life for people on their aging journey. At this unique time in history, we’re seeing a movement toward “The Great Reconnection.” This emphasis on reconnecting with others post-pandemic, positively impacts older adults, caregivers, and all of us who are aging. AgeGuide is committed to rekindling relationships and a renewed focus on building community.

In this episode, we sit down with Marla Fronczak, CEO of AgeGuide, to kick off our 50th anniversary series with a look back at where it all started and a look forward to how aging services can spark a great reconnection. 

November is American Diabetes Month, a time to rally against the diabetes epidemic through research, education, and advocacy. An estimated 33% of adults aged 65 or older have diabetes. This population is more at risk of developing diabetes-related complications than younger people living with diabetes.

Learn more about diabetes and Diabetes Month by visiting diabetes.org.

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