Blog – Do Good Door County

A Caregiver’s Grief, Part 1

By Cynthia Germain Writing is my creative outlet, as you might have guessed. And there have been times in my life when it has been therapeutic. This is one of those times with the loss of my father. I endeavor to write a series, length not known at this point, about the grief as I experience it as a caregiver. Like all of you, I have had loss of people in my life…a mother, two brothers, grandparents, other family members and certainly a handful of friends (live long enough, it will happen). I find, however, that losing someone who you

September 21, 2025 No Comments

Celebrating World Senior Citizen’s Day

by Cynthia Germain Yes, someone thought it would be a good idea to give our older adults a day of recognition – August 21st. In our country, that was President Ronald Reagan in 1988. The goal was to recognize the contributions of older adults to family, community, and society, and to raise awareness about issues that affect them—such as health, independence, and quality of life. You can see the full heartfelt Proclamation at https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/proclamation-5847-national-senior-citizens-day-1988?utm. Over time, the observance spread internationally. In 1991, The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to recognize and promote the rights of older persons worldwide.

August 10, 2025 1 Comment

A Plate Full of Vitality

by Cynthia Germain Eating well is one of the most powerful ways to stay active, independent, and energized as we age. But knowing what “eating well” looks like can be unclear. We know that our bodies change, our metabolism slows, and the way we absorb nutrients can shift. How do we eat to give the body what it needs, support bone and muscle health, and boost overall well-being? Fortunately, there are simple visual tools that make healthy eating easy to understand and follow. You may be familiar with MyPlate, the simple visual guide from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

August 3, 2025 No Comments

60 Years and Counting What Really Matters

by Cynthia Germain Later this week, I’ll celebrate my 60th birthday. And I wonder…Wow, how did I get here? But even more so I wonder…What do I do with the next decade? How do I want to live them? What do I still want to experience, create, and give. As I do with many things that pique my curiosity, I did a little research. And I came across an article about the importance of staying healthy in your 60s. I always like articles that give practical advice—not a long list of “shoulds,” but meaningful suggestions that feel doable and encouraging.

July 20, 2025 1 Comment

Could Your Pet Be Boosting Your Brain?

by Cynthia Germain A recent article in The Guardian highlighted something many of us have suspected all along. Pets aren’t just good company, they might also be good for our brains. Researchers followed adults over 50 for nearly two decades and found that those who owned dogs had better memory, while cat owners experienced less decline in verbal fluency. The study didn’t claim that pets directly cause better brain health, but it did suggest some compelling links. Regular dog walks might support memory by increasing physical activity and social interaction. And cats? Their quirky, unpredictable behavior and quiet companionship might

July 6, 2025 1 Comment

When the Heat is On, Stay Cool and Connected

by Cynthia Germain We wait all year for these glorious Door County summers—the sunshine, the many outdoor events, the coming of strawberries, cherries, and more. But as wonderful as this season is, it can also bring intense heat, and with it, serious health concerns—especially for older adults. As we age, our bodies don’t adjust to temperature changes as efficiently. Medications can interfere with our ability to regulate heat, and chronic conditions may increase the risk of heat-related illnesses. What might feel like a warm day to one person can be dangerous to another. So when the thermometer rises, we all

June 22, 2025 No Comments

Recipes for a Life Connected

by Cynthia Germain We’ve all heard the phrase “food for the soul,” and what it seems to say is that it’s not about the recipes but the connection it brings. I recently came across the U.S. Surgeon General’s thoughtful and engaging guide called Recipes for Connection, offering practical ways to strengthen our social bonds and improve overall well-being. Just like a good cookbook, this one offers all the ingredients and steps, in an inspiring way. And like any good recipe, it’s meant to be shared. At the heart of the guide is a simple truth we already know: human connection

June 15, 2025 No Comments

Bloom Where You Are Planted

by Cynthia Germain There’s something about this time of year that feels like a celebration. As an avid gardener, I can confidently say: this is it—the sweet spot. The flowers are showing their best colors, the vegetable sprouts are boldly pushing through the soil, and the trees are lush and so very green. Everything is alive, awakening, and stretching toward the sun. It may sound ironic, but there’s something special about welcoming spring in the autumn years of life. Just as nature hits her stride in the spring, so too can we. This season, with its bright colors and fresh

June 8, 2025 1 Comment

The Not So Secret Ingredients of Healing

by Cynthia Germain Finding myself recuperating from minor surgery recently gave me time to think about the healing process. I wondered, as with other things that seem to slow as we age, “does healing take longer as we get older?” Turns out, although not unexpected, yes. As we age, our bodies naturally become a bit less efficient at healing. It’s a process influenced by a variety of factors: slower cell regeneration, reduced collagen production, changes in circulation, and even shifts in immune function. It’s like our bodies, just like an older car, take a little time and care to get

June 1, 2025 1 Comment

The Legacy of Memorial Day

by Cynthia Germain The great weather that we have had leads well into Memorial Day, a long-celebrated holiday since 1868. Originally known as Decoration Day, it was instituted after the Civil War to commemorate the soldiers who perished in that devastating conflict. Over time, Memorial Day has evolved to honor all Americans who have died in military service. While Memorial Day is often marked by ceremonies, parades, and the decoration of graves, it’s also an important occasion to consider and celebrate our older adults, many of whom have a deep connection to the history and legacy of this day. It

May 18, 2025 No Comments

Vitality in Aging: A Community Success Story

by Cynthia Germain In the Fall of 2024, we launched something new—something hopeful, practical, and full of purpose. The Vitality in Aging program, made possible through a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services in collaboration with the Aging Coalition of Door County, spanned six months and invited older adults in Door County to take a closer look at their own wellness. Although social connection was the focus, physical health and nutrition were also a big part of this unique program, bringing together three vital pillars of aging. We called it Vitality because we know aging isn’t about decline.

May 11, 2025 No Comments

Planting Seeds That Matter

by Cynthia Germain Spring has a way of waking up something inside us. The days get a little longer, the sun feels a little warmer, and there’s a feeling of possibility in the air. So when we think of planting seeds, it’s easy to picture those blooming flowers or green vegetables when we tuck those tiny seeds into the soil. But seeds aren’t just for gardens. We plant seeds every day – in our families, our friendships, our communities, and even within ourselves. When you call an old friend just to check in, you’re planting a seed. When you encourage

April 27, 2025 No Comments

The Joy of Aging

by Cynthia Germain I recently came across some studies that gave me even more reason to embrace the aging process. Turns out, many of us actually get happier as we get older. That’s right. Despite the cultural noise that often treats aging as something to resist, the evidence says something entirely different: life satisfaction tends to increase in our later years. And perhaps more importantly, we gain a deeper sense of what really matters. So, how can we lean into that and truly enjoy life as we age? 1. Stay Curious and EngagedWhether it’s joining a book club, mentoring someone

April 13, 2025 1 Comment

Why Did I Come In Here?

by Cynthia Germain We’ve all done it. You walk into a room with a mission. And then… nothing. You have that curious feeling that you meant to do something. You stand there, scanning the space like it’s going to give you a hint.Welcome to the classic “Why did I come in here?” moment. And if you’re over 50 or perhaps 60 or 70, it starts to feel like a regular part of your day. But here’s the thing: this is not dementia or Alzheimer’s. This is aging being its usual quirky self. And wonderfully normal. Our brains are marvels—billions of

April 6, 2025 1 Comment

Women over 50: Start Your Day the Right Way

by Cynthia Germain I recently came across an article from EatingWell titled “7 Things Women Over 50 Should Do Every Morning, According to a Dietitian.” As a woman over 50 myself, I found it wonderfully practical. No gimmicks, just simple, thoughtful ways to start the day feeling stronger, clearer, and more in tune with what the body and mind really need. Women, in general and definitely over 50, find ourselves juggling a lot—caregiving, working, volunteering, and just multitude of things that come our way each day. It’s easy to put ourselves last, especially when it comes to daily routines. But

March 23, 2025 2 Comments

Do You See Me, Really See Me?

by Cynthia Germain I’ve heard a disturbing statement many times over the years…an older person saying “I feel invisible.” Each time, it hits me the same way—a stark but undeniable truth about aging in our society. These aren’t just passing comments. They are confessions, said with the weight of someone who has spent days, weeks, months and even years fading into the background while the world moves past them. Aging comes with a host of challenges—some physical, some emotional—but one of the most unexpected and painful is the feeling of becoming invisible. It happens gradually. Fewer people look your way

March 16, 2025 1 Comment

The Impact of Worry: Finding Balance as We Age

by Cynthia Germain Worry is nothing new. It’s part of our human experience—our minds racing ahead, considering what might happen next. But in today’s world, with the different media outlets running 24/7 reviewing constant concerns about health, finances, and global events, worry seems to have taken on a heavier presence. For older adults, this weight can feel even greater, affecting both mental and physical well-being. A little worry now and then isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It helps us prepare, plan, and navigate life’s uncertainties. But chronic worry is a different story. It can come on slowly and take hold

March 9, 2025 No Comments

Making The Move Easier

by Cynthia Germain A family friend had recognized some months back that he and his wife could eventually no longer take care of their home and property as they once did. Rather than wait until the situation became urgent, he took the proactive step of finding a place with a continuum of care—one that offers independent apartments, assisted living, and advanced care. The community he chose is still under construction and is expected to be completed later this year. While he knows this is the right decision for their future, the transition is not easy. After decades in their Door

March 2, 2025 1 Comment

Bringing Back the Heart of Community

by Cynthia Germain In today’s fast-paced world, the cherished spirit of neighborliness often seems like a relic of the past. Yet, the Age Friendly initiative, anchored by AARP’s Eight Domains of Livability, offers a promising blueprint to revive that sense of community. These Eight Domains define the essential aspects of a community that supports everyone, especially older adults, in living well and feeling connected. At the foundation of this framework are Outdoor Spaces and Buildings, which emphasize the creation of inviting parks, safe sidewalks, and accessible public structures. Such environments naturally encourage spontaneous interactions and shared experiences reminiscent of a

February 23, 2025 No Comments

How MatchUp is Changing Work & Community

by Cynthia Germain When we launched MatchUp in 2024, our goal was simple: connect older adults in Door County with meaningful part-time work while helping businesses create age-friendly workplaces. Now, looking back on our first full year, we can proudly say, we did it—and we did it well! Last year, MatchUp successfully brought together 55 businesses across 71 locations, covering industries from retail, hospitality, and museums to schools and nonprofits. At the same time, 37 individuals enrolled in the program, looking for opportunities to stay engaged, contribute their skills, and connect with their community. And the best part? 22 of

February 15, 2025 No Comments