Resources
Articles
Exploring the Benefits of Senior Centers
When you hear the term “senior center,” what comes to mind? For some, it might conjure images of nonstop games of bingo, or quiet afternoons spent knitting. And while knitting and bingo are certainly activities you might encounter—and enjoy participating in—at a senior center, summing up the experience with these stereotypes doesn’t do credit to the depth and breadth of activities available at today’s senior centers. These vibrant community hubs are continually evolving to meet the diverse needs and interests of older adults, offering a wide range of activities, services and opportunities that cater to a modern, active lifestyle.
Articles
The Importance of Immunizations for Older Adults
As we age, the body undergoes numerous changes, many of which impact our immune system. One of the most significant aspects of aging is the gradual weakening of the immune system, a process known as immunosenescence. This decline in immune function increases susceptibility to infections and diseases. Older adults make up about 70 to 85 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths, and are at the highest risk of severe-to-fatal pneumonia than any other age group. Accordingly, while immunizations are important for people of every age, they are of critical importance to older adults.
Articles
Understanding the Impact of the Older Americans Act
May marks a significant celebration for the nation’s older adults—Older Americans Month. This yearly observance, established in 1963, is more than just a month-long recognition; it’s a celebration of the invaluable contributions and wisdom of older Americans, as well as a commitment to improving their quality of life through important services.
Articles
Finding the Dementia Support Programs You Need
Caring for someone living with dementia is challenging on so many levels. For most of us, there are aspects to providing care that require skills, training and education we feel we just don’t have. There are aspects to disease education and managing behaviors that are difficult to know. And there is also the stress and strain of providing care — which for many of us is something we do on top of working and having a family of our own.
Articles
How Older Adults can Engage in Lifelong Learning
Receiving a diploma doesn’t have to mean the end of education. Lifelong learning is a concept that upholds continuous and self-motivated personal and professional development throughout one’s life, long after graduating from compulsory education. There’s no age that doesn’t benefit from a little extra knowledge, but older adults in particular should remember that it’s never too late to learn something they never knew before. Engaging in lifelong learning has many benefits for older adults, including enhancing cognitive function, improving quality of life and encouraging self-growth. Here are some ways you can engage in lifelong learning, and why it matters for older adults to keep expanding their minds no matter how many years pass!
Articles
Practical Tips for Aging in Place with Mobility Aids
Aging in place with the support of mobility aids requires a holistic approach that encompasses understanding the challenges, selecting the right aids, making essential home modifications, creating a age-friendly living space, and utilizing caregiver assistance along with financial and community resources. By implementing these practical tips, older adults can maintain their independence and quality of life in the comfort of their own homes.
Videos
Sorting out the Risks and Benefits of Medications for Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Learn more about the risks and benefits of medications that are currently on the market to treat dementia and mild cognitive impairment. This webinar also discusses ways to get the most benefit and minimize the risks of these medications and have a brief discussion on medications that are being studied for these conditions that appear to be close to being marketed.
Videos
Storm Clouds or Calm Seas? The Outlook of Aging Policies for 2024
Join Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging as Bob Blancato, President of Matz, Blancato, and Associates and the National Coordinator of the Elder Justice Coalition leads a discussion on what we can anticipate from federal aging policies in 2024. Topics include the renewal of the Older Americans Act, health care reform and how aging policies will impact our respective states and communities.
Articles
Decoding Dementia’s Genetic Connections
Dementia affects millions of individuals globally. While age, not genetics, is the primary risk factor, there’s growing evidence that genetics can indeed play a role in determining an individual’s susceptibility to certain types of dementia.