Blog – Do Good Door County

From Clutter to Care: Addressing Hoarding Disorder Among Older Adults

Recently, the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging released a comprehensive report titled “The Consequences of Clutter: How Hoarding Disorder Affects America’s Older Adults, First Responders, and Their Communities.” This report sheds light on the profound impact of hoarding disorder on older Americans and provides recommendations for federal and local agencies to better support those affected. Hoarding disorder is a complex mental health condition characterized by the excessive accumulation of items, which can create hazardous living conditions. The Senate report, see the full report at https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24785563-senate-aging-committee-report-on-hoarding-disorder-july-2024, highlights that this disorder disproportionately affects older adults, with approximately six percent of individuals

July 13, 2024 No Comments

Celebrating Freedom Together

by Cynthia Germain The 4th of July is a time of celebration, a day when communities come together to commemorate the birth of our nation with fireworks, parades, and barbecues. Amidst the patriotic spirit and vibrant festivities, it is essential to remember and include our older adults in these celebrations. Not only do they have rich histories and stories to share, but their involvement in community events can significantly boost their sense of belonging. For many older adults, especially those who may be experiencing isolation or loneliness, the 4th of July can be a poignant reminder of past celebrations and

June 30, 2024 No Comments

We are honored to receive DHS Grant

by Cynthia Germain The Department of Health Services (DHS) announced 37 grants were awarded to form or enhance a local coalition and develop innovative and relevant solutions that address the unique needs of local populations and communities related to social isolation. Do Good Door County is proud to be one of the recipients of the DHS grant to enhance the Aging Coalition of Door County and implement a community project aimed at addressing the social isolation in our community. “The lack of social connection poses a significant risk for individual health and longevity. Loneliness and social isolation increase the risk

June 23, 2024 4 Comments

Tickling the Funny Bone

by Cynthia Germain We all know the saying “laughter is the best medicine,” but have you ever wondered if there’s any truth to it? Well, research has shown just how powerful a good laugh can be, especially for our senior community. Picture this: a group of elderly individuals, each standing in front of a mirror, forcing themselves to laugh for one minute every day. Sounds a bit odd, right? But this intentional laughter exercise, where participants engage in laughter regardless of their mood, showed some fascinating results. This isn’t just about cracking jokes or watching funny videos. Intentional laughter, as

June 16, 2024 1 Comment

Smart Snacking and Drinking for Better Health in Later Years

by Cynthia Germain It goes without saying that as we get older, it’s really important to eat well and drink enough fluids. Good nutrition and staying hydrated can help you feel energetic, healthy, and active. But sometimes, eating and drinking enough can be difficult because of changes in appetite and sense of taste as we age. In addition, large meals can be overwhelming and unappealing. Breaking meals into smaller, more frequent snacks can help ensure that nutritional needs are met without all the fuss of a heavy meal. Here are some tips on how to incorporate healthy snacks throughout the

June 9, 2024 No Comments

Melodies of Healing: The Impact of Sound Therapy on Older Adults

By Cynthia Germain There’s an interesting opportunity coming up this month presented by Midsummer’s Music, a local organization dedicated to bringing chamber music to Door County. On June 14th, they will be hosting a coffee talk with Dr. Maja Jurisic to discuss and demonstrate the healing power of sound. In recent years, sound therapy has gained recognition for its profound healing effects, particularly among older adults. This ancient practice, which uses sound frequencies to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, offers an enjoyable way to enhance overall health. Sound therapy encompasses a range of practices that use sound to promote

June 2, 2024 No Comments

Celebrating Memorial Day and Our Older Adults

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 19, 2024 No Comments

Healthy Aging with the Village Model

by Cynthia Germain There is no question that as we age, we wish to do so gracefully, maintaining our independence, well-being, and connections within our communities. Yet, for many of us, the path to healthy aging can seem fraught with challenges, from physical limitations to social isolation. Enter the Village model—a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives, happening now in Door County. Recently, a study titled “Developing Research Capacity for Healthy Aging with Villages” shed light on the profound impact these grassroots organizations have on promoting healthy aging in our communities. You can see

May 12, 2024 2 Comments

Letters to the Editor

by Cynthia Germain In the Peninsula Pulse last week, Letters to the Editor section, there was a disturbing letter from Jean Hollander of Egg Harbor titled Save Our Seniors During a Storm. She explained that she is 80 years old, lives alone and her electricity went out during the recent storm. She was without juice for her phone, no lights and no heat. She was unable to get to her garage. “It was scary..no one knew I was here”, Jean said. She then outlined how there should be a checkup for seniors, a list of seniors living alone, to be

April 26, 2024 4 Comments

When To Hang Up the Keys

by Cynthia Germain As we age, there is no doubt that our abilities undergo changes. One area where this becomes particularly noticeable is driving. Just like some great athletes know when it’s time to retire at the top of their game, knowing when to hang up the keys can be a critical decision for an older adult. Consider Bart Starr, the iconic quarterback for the Green Bay Packers. He knew when it was time to step away from the game. Starr achieved great things during his career, including multiple Super Bowl victories, and his decision to retire came after battling

April 21, 2024 No Comments

Coming to Journey’s End

by Cynthia Germain Life is surely a journey. There is a beginning, all that great middle, and an end. The end, that point where we must confront the inevitability of our own mortality, is as natural as the sun rising and setting. It’s a challenging time, especially when we’re faced with decisions about medical interventions and maintaining dignity. Even when healthcare professionals advocate for treatments and we feel torn, there’s room to find peace. First, let’s look at some possible clues that the clock is running down. Understanding the signs that indicate the end of life is approaching is crucial,

April 14, 2024 1 Comment

Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word

We are grateful once again to have guest author Jamie Palmer, a retired Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 40 years of experience in the field of psychology, join us today. We hope you enjoy her words! Why is it so hard for some people to say, “I’m sorry”? Only two little words, yet some will draw their last breath without ever having uttered them. Our childhood experiences play a significant role in shaping our ability to apologize and handle emotions. The Origins of Avoidance BehaviorFrom our earliest moments, we could sense changes in our parents’ emotions. Unable to understand

April 7, 2024 1 Comment

Mindful Living = Aging Well

by Cynthia Germain I have previously touched on mindfulness as a component of healthy aging so I thought it was time to make it a full focus of a blog. As you age, you are sure to encounter various changes that can impact your overall well-being. Chronic pain, illness, loss of loved ones, and transitions in roles are among the challenges you may face. Mindfulness offers an opportunity amidst these changes to cultivate acceptance and gratitude. At its core, mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment, fully aware of your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the surrounding

March 31, 2024 1 Comment

Will Robots Become Our Caregivers?

by Cynthia Germain Recently, I was reading Elderhood: Redefining Aging, Transforming Medicine, Reimagining Life by Louise Aronson, and in one section, she examines the use of robots for caregiving tasks. I connected with the idea that there may be technologies that would lessen the caregiving burden and appreciated her candid review of some fundamental questions surrounding the future of robot caregivers. Technologies to assist in daily tasks and companionship activities in healthcare and long-term care are not new. In the United States, robotic exoskeletons are empowering seniors with mobility impairments, enabling them to maintain independence and mobility. In healthcare facilities,

March 24, 2024 1 Comment

Can Door County be a Blue Zone?

by Cynthia Germain What’s so great about “Blue Zones” and can Door County become one? Blue Zones are regions of the world where people live much longer than average, often surpassing the age of 100, while maintaining good health and vitality. Blue Zones were first identified by journalist and explorer Dan Buettner, who along with a team of experts, studied communities worldwide with unusually high concentrations of centenarians. From Okinawa, Japan, to Sardinia, Italy, these regions share common lifestyle factors that contribute to exceptional health and longevity. The key characteristics of Blue Zones include: So can Door County be a

March 17, 2024 1 Comment

Aging Successfully vs. Aging With Ease

by Cynthia Germain I have never been a fan of the term “aging successfully”. It seems to denote that if you are not doing it, you must be failing. There are certainly steps that assure physical, cognitive and emotional well-being as we age. However, aging is a journey marked by both challenges and opportunities. As such, I always thought it better to “age with ease”. But let’s look at these two approaches to senescence as both can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life. Aging successfully often involves adopting healthy lifestyle habits, staying mentally engaged, and nurturing meaningful relationships.

March 10, 2024 No Comments

Opportunity Knocks

We are pleased to occasionally have a guest author and even more pleased to have Jamie Palmer, a retired Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 40 years of experience in the field of psychology, join us today. We hope you enjoy her words! When I look back on my life, aside from the usual memories of childhood, family gatherings, and milestones celebrated, I remember the nice things that random people did for me; the May Day basket left at my door, the coins set aside at the toll booth, a door held open for me, a snow covered driveway magically

March 3, 2024 No Comments

Time’s Bonus Days

by Cynthia Germain Leap years are like bonus days in our calendar. You know, the ones when February gets an extra day—February 29th. But why do we have leap years, and what do they mean for someone who is, say 80 years old? Our Gregorian calendar works in 365-day cycles. However, the Earth takes about 365.25 days to orbit the sun. That extra quarter-day might not sound like a big deal, but over time, it adds up. So to keep our calendar in sync with Earth’s orbit, we have leap years. They happen every four years, giving us that extra

February 25, 2024 No Comments

Piece by Piece: Building Community with MatchUp Door County

by Cynthia Germain After months of careful planning and anticipation, we are thrilled to announce the launch of MatchUp Door County, a groundbreaking program brought to you by Do Good Door County. Designed to bridge the gap between older adults and personalized employment opportunities in our beloved Door County, MatchUp is poised to revolutionize the way seasoned individuals connect with meaningful work. Imagine finding a part-time job that fits you just right, like pieces of a perfectly crafted puzzle. That’s precisely what MatchUp aims to accomplish. We understand what you’re all about – your unique experiences, values, and needs. Our

February 18, 2024 2 Comments

Scandia Village: The Pros and Cons of For-Profit and Non-Profit Ownership

by Cynthia Germain There have been concerns expressed by many in the Sister Bay area about the recent purchase of Scandia Village by a for-profit organization. Certainly, its long history as a non-profit has an impact on opinions. This transition does reflect the evolving dynamics within the older adult care industry and prompts a closer look at the types of companies that own and operate these facilities. Let’s examine the advantages and disadvantages of each ownership model. The advantages of for-profit ownership include financial stability and resources, efficiency and innovation, and perhaps market competition. For-profit companies often have access to

February 11, 2024 1 Comment