We’d like to extend a hearty congratulations to our volunteer of the month Natalie Morganti. Natalie prepares and packages food for our Grab-N-Go program. She also volunteers for Pet Pals, where she fulfills orders and makes deliveries. Natalie, why did you decide on volunteering at the Council on Aging? I’ve volunteered with Meals on Wheels…
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Trouble balancing is the most common reason seniors seek medical help Good balance is critical to staying active, independent, and to go about daily life. If you have good balance you can walk without staggering, and you are unlikely to fall while getting out of a chair. If you’ve ever felt lightheaded or dizzy, you…
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An excerpt from an interview of Caring Connections participants by Geoff Norcross, host of Think Out Loud on OPB. This episode aired Friday, June 25th. Norcross: Emily, can you talk first about the problem? Emily Freeman, Council on Aging Outreach Manager: A poll released last month by the University of Michigan revealed that twice as many…
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In a society that glorifies youth and change in its popular imagery, the common negative images of age and aging can fuel disrespectful behavior. Among the ageist biases reported, older people felt they were thought of as useless, less intelligent, stingy and a burden. As a group, there is a perception in developed countries that…
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Here’s to our August Volunteer of the Month, Sierra Ritchie! Her creativity and hard work are an asset to the Council on Aging. Sierra is a member of the local Girl Scouts and earned her volunteer badge by donating over 50 hours to the Council on Aging! Sierra, why did you decide on volunteering at…
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Congratulations to Morgan Dewalt, our July volunteer of the month, for her volunteer service as our Medicare counselor’s receptionist. Our Medicare counselors are part of the Oregon Senior Health Benefits Assistance Program (SHIBA) and are highly trained volunteers that help seniors navigate the complexities of Medicare, including enrolling at 65, annual open enrollment updates and…
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Caring Connections is a lifeline for seniors who are facing loneliness and isolation and just need a friend to talk to once a week. A retired physician, Alan Hillis, was one of the first volunteers to join the Caring Connections program. Alan is matched with Ed, a senior who signed up to have a weekly…
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When we make communities socially inclusive for older adults, it helps them to live a long and fulfilling life. The World Health Organization’s report on age-friendly cities says, “Social participation and social support is connected to good health and well-being throughout life.” Since humans are social creatures, inclusion, or a sense of community, is key…
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This month’s volunteer(s) of the month award goes out to all of the dedicated volunteers from PacificSource. PacificSource employees have been volunteering for Meals on Wheels for about 20 years now! We sat down with them to have a quick chat about their work. Q: Why do employees continue to volunteer for the Council on…
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Natural disasters are devastating to families, businesses, and homes. The number one disaster threat to homes and families isn’t a dreaded Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. It’s not torrential rains and massive flooding. It’s not even a colossal freeway pileup. Instead, it’s a tiny spark – that leads to a flame – that leads to a fire –…
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