When asking people to describe Medicare or Medicaid, most people are at best not sure and at worst confused. Let’s start with Medicare. It’s a federal insurance program available for most people over 65 regardless of income, younger people with disabilities, and dialysis patients. Medicaid is an assistance program. It serves low-income people of all…
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know Before Buying Long-term Care Insurance
Long-term care insurance (LTCI) offers a range of services and support for those challenged by performing daily activities such as bathing or showering, dressing, getting in and out of bed or a chair, walking, using the toilet, and eating. According to the Administration for Community Living, nearly 70% of 65-year-old people will need long-term care…
Read MoreFood insecurity and skyrocketing inflation. It’s a recipe for disaster for fixed-income seniors.
Food prices have risen 10.4% from June 2021 to June 2022, according to the most recent Consumer Price Index report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, resulting in food insecurity for some of the most vulnerable in our community—older adults on fixed incomes. As stated by Nourish.org, food insecurity is “the state of being without reliable access…
Read MoreSeptember is Falls Prevention Awareness Month
Falls Prevention Awareness month is an excellent time to focus on one of older adults’ leading causes of injury-related death. Falling is common for older adults, especially those who live alone. Every year, one in four older adults experience a fall, and falls are the leading cause of severe and fatal injuries for adults over…
Read MoreHe’s 85 years old and just fulfilled a lifelong goal — to finish college.
As reported in the Bend Bulletin on June 7th, Bend resident Robert Weed recently finished his final courses for a Bachelor of Science in liberal studies from Oregon State University-Cascades, nearly 70 years after taking his first stab at higher education at Oregon State in the 1950s. According to a university spokesperson, he is the…
Read MoreJune is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month
In the United States, more than 5 million individuals live with Alzheimer’s, and over 15 million people act as caregivers. Wearing a purple ribbon was established to bring awareness to the disease and to demonstrate support for all those in our lives affected by Alzheimer’s. The brain is a fascinating thing! Looking at the brain…
Read MoreIn conversation with our Volunteer of the Month, Michael Hensley!
Meet the Council on Aging (CoA) May volunteer of the month. Michael is a member of our esteemed Board of Directors! Recently, we sat down with Michael to find out why he chose to give so much of his time to the CoA. Why do you volunteer for the Council on Aging? I was looking…
Read More10 Products or Services Seniors Can Get for Free
Why spend money if you can get products and services for free? Whether through the federal, state, or local government or churches and non-profits in your area, there are many options. Do your research and start saving money and enjoying retirement. Another way to find free services specifically is through the Eldercare Locator website. This program is funded by the…
Read More10 Myths About Aging
Reposted from the National Institute on Aging Many people make assumptions about aging. What’s it like to grow “old”, and how older age will affect them. But as we are getting older, it is important to understand the positive aspects of aging. Research has shown that you can help preserve your health and mobility as…
Read MoreCelebrating Older Americans Month and Helping Seniors Age Their Way
In May 1963, President John F. Kennedy launched the first monthlong celebration of older Americans. Even then, with only 16 million people aged 65 years or older living in the United States, JFK knew the value of honoring older Americans, celebrating their contributions to our communities and our nation. Now more than ever we have…
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