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A Winter of Wellness
Fall is in full swing and with that comes cooler weather. As the seasons change, you are more inclined to stay indoors and pass on events you used to enjoy in the warmer months--it happens to the best of us. Yet this lack of socialization, movement, and engagement in the winter can have a negative impact on your health and well-being. Winter can be an especially difficult season for older adults. You may not have the means to drive or keep up with home maintenance and repairs, and you could start feeling a bit defeated during this time. Trying to combat these things can be overwhelming, but just because you aren’t able to get out as much doesn’t mean there aren’t a variety of things you can do to have a winter of wellness.
Helpful Tips for Open Enrollment
The world of Medicare/Medicaid can be an extremely confusing one. Each year, open enrollment occurs from October 15-December 7. This process can be overwhelming—how do you know which option is the best fit for you? Here are a few tips for navigating the open enrollment season.
Sally Andreatta Announced as the New Director of Contract Services for the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan
The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM) is pleased to announce that Sally Andreatta has joined the AAAWM team as the new Director of Contract Services.
Kendrick Heinlein Announced as the New Executive Director for the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan
The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM) is pleased to announce that Kendrick Heinlein, current Director of Contract Services at the agency, will take on the role of Executive Director beginning October 1, 2022.
Staying Active While Aging- Avoiding Falls
September 18-24 was Falls Prevention Week, a nationwide effort to raise awareness that falls are preventable. As we get older the chance of our suffering a fall increases, in fact according to the National Council on Aging (NCOA) 1 in 4 Americans aged 65+ falls each year*. The key to fall prevention is that because we know which factors contribute to falls we can work to prevent them. The National Council on Aging recommends a number of steps you can take to prevent a fall and build your confidence along the way!
My West Michigan Interview: Resources for Combating Senior Social Isolation
Many seniors will tell you that these last couple of years during the pandemic have taken a toll. Feelings of isolation and loneliness are pervasive. Sabrina Minarik, Contract Administrator, joined My West Michigan to talk about the challenges of social isolation for seniors and what can be done to help. The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan has resources for both seniors and their caregivers.
My West Michigan Interview: How Can An Area Agency on Aging Help You?
In this video, AAAWM Outreach Specialist Liz Barnett shares the history of area agencies on aging and how they can provide resources at the local level for both seniors and their caregivers.
My West Michigan Interview: Elder Abuse Awareness Month
It is estimated that 1 in 6 older adults experience elder abuse, yet only 1 in 24 cases are reported. Elder Abuse Awareness Month works to rectify this. In the interview below, Cassie Caple, Contract Administrator, shares the significance of this month.
