Blog

Giving Tuesday and the Mission of Do Good Door County

In recent years, the holiday season has seen a marked shift from a focus solely on shopping and consumerism to a spirit of generosity and giving. One notable phenomenon that has gained traction globally is “Giving Tuesday.” This day, which falls on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, encourages individuals to channel their holiday spirit into charitable acts and support causes that make a positive impact in their communities. Giving Tuesday was first conceptualized in 2012 by the Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact at the 92nd Street Y, a cultural center in New York City. The idea was simple yet

November 26, 2023 No Comments

Tasting Time: Why Our Palates Change as We Age

Why does our sense of taste change over time, and why do some people lose their appetite as they age? It’s true, the world of taste, like a fine wine, matures over time. As children, we are often drawn to sweet treats, a preference believed to be ingrained from birth. As we grow, our taste buds broaden their horizons, embracing the spectrum of flavors—sour, salty, bitter—all contributing to a diverse palate. Through our adult life, our taste experience changes. It is characterized by an appreciation for the complexity of flavors. The ability to discern subtle notes in food and drink

November 19, 2023 No Comments

Hiring a Part-Time MatchUp Coordinator

We did it! We obtained funding to launch the MatchUp program. First, let me acknowledge the Bader Foundation and express our immense appreciation of their support. Second, if you don’t know what MatchUp is, check out this video on our YouTube channel…https://youtu.be/hR4sljN1SvA. And third, and most importantly, this funding gives us the ability to hire a part-time MatchUp Coordinator. Keeping in line with the benefits of MatchUp, the job description of this position emphasizes the social, physical and emotional benefits. The process of matching through the program also focuses not just on the duties of a job, but the values

November 15, 2023 No Comments

Caring for the Caregiver: Knowing When to Share the Load

Caregiving is a noble and often rewarding role, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Whether you’re taking care of an aging parent, a spouse with a chronic illness, or a disabled family member, there may come a time when you need extra help. Recognizing the signs that you’re reaching your limits and knowing when to seek additional assistance is crucial for both your well-being and the well-being of the one that you care for. One of the earliest indicators that a caregiver needs extra help is an increase in stress and burnout. Signs of caregiver burnout may

November 5, 2023 No Comments

Revolutionizing Aging in Door County

As the United States grapples with a rapidly growing population of older adults, innovative solutions are needed to support their changing needs. One such solution gaining traction and making a significant impact is the “Village Model.” This model is not just transforming the lives of older adults but also inspiring communities throughout the United States to follow suit. The Village Model is a unique approach to aging in place, community building, and providing comprehensive support to older adults. The concept is simple but powerful: a group of older adults in a specific geographic area comes together to form a “village”

October 29, 2023 2 Comments

The Road to Freedom: Using Medical Equipment with Confidence

Mobility devices and other supportive equipment are a game-changer for folks with physical disabilities or injuries. They bring freedom and independence but using them safely is important. Here in Door County, we’ve got a community gem called Neighbor-to-Neighbor, a non-profit lending a hand with medical equipment. I occasionally volunteer for this organization and find that many people have challenges choosing the right devices and using them safely, so let’s do a quick review. Choose the Right DeviceSelecting the right equipment is the first step in ensuring safety and comfort. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional or physical therapist

October 22, 2023 No Comments

Will you be the next Volunteer of the Year?

We were very pleased and not so surpised to see that The Sister Bay Advancement Association named Kathy Wagner the 2023 Sister Bay Volunteer of the Year. She has given her time to various organizations and events for over 25 years, and most recently to our organization, serving as secretary on our board (certainly our honor) as well as on the steering committee for SAIL, the village movement happening now in Sister Bay/Liberty Grove. Why does she do it? We would have to ask her. But the benefits of volunteering, this we know. We wrote a blog about 8 months

October 16, 2023 No Comments

Social Security Through the Ages

In the someday book that I am writing, I weave a generational story that speaks to the changes in our society and aging. As I consider the importance of the Social Security Act of 1935, here’s an excerpt from that story: She looked out the window, taking in the spring’s bounty and spotting the familiar hem of her granddaughter’s blue skirt as she makes her way down Halsted Street. She thinks even from this distance it looks a little frayed. As Chloe comes into full view, she sees that her granddaughter has a small bag in one hand and a

October 9, 2023 No Comments

What is a Doula?

Life is a journey, and along the way, we go through some really big changes. Some of these changes are happy, like when a new baby is born, and others are sad, like when someone’s life is coming to an end. But in both these moments, there are special people called doulas who are there to help. As someone who has been in the health care arena for many years, I have always been impressed by doulas and how they play a crucial role at the beginning and end of life. What is a Doula? A doula is a trained

October 1, 2023 No Comments

The Beauty of Aging

Aging is one of those universal experiences that can leave us scratching our heads and wondering, “Where did the time go?” But there’s a silver lining to those silver hairs and reasons to embrace yourself as you age – wrinkles, wisdom, and all. Wrinkles…those little creases that show the world you’ve lived, laughed, and enjoyed life. You might be tempted to fight them with creams and serums. Perhaps it’s easier, and certainly less expensive, to wear them like badges of honor! And the gray hairs. Loreal sure has made millions on the thought that gray hair is not a good

September 25, 2023 1 Comment

The Aging Coalition of Door County Gets It

Members of the Aging Coalition of Door County recently met in Sister Bay for a panel to review how they serve the community and more specifically, how they help older adults be social and engage in the community. After the panel session, we continued to discuss the barriers to get older people out to socialize, agreeing that often it’s the person’s reluctance to do so, whether it be because unfamiliarity of the transportation options, the event place, or just some level of “shyness”. This conversation brought me back to an article I read about a recent study published in Psychological

September 17, 2023 2 Comments

Lessons from Centenarians

The candlestick rotary phone, the ice box, the Ford V8 Sedan…if you are approaching 100 years on this earth, these definitely bring back memories. There’s something truly remarkable about individuals who have reached the age of 100 and beyond. These centenarians, often dubbed “super-agers,” have not only witnessed a century’s worth of history but have also accumulated a treasure trove of insights that can guide us in the art of successful aging. Here’s some lessons and perspectives shared by these extraordinary individuals. 1. Enjoy the Little Things People who have lived a long time say they often find happiness in

August 27, 2023 No Comments

Coping With Loss As We Age

Recently, my father suffered a loss. Not a big one or perhaps not considered a significant one but a loss all the same. A willow tree on his property was damaged in the last storm and needed to be taken down. He planted that tree as a boy, watered it by hand, and watched it grow. His sadness was very apparent with his realization that 80 years later, the willow tree is gone and he’s still here. I write this to consider how, when I am old, I will cope with the big and little losses. We know that life

August 20, 2023 1 Comment

Getting Old Ain’t For Sissies

Ah, the wonderful journey of aging! They say age is just a number, but let’s be real – that number comes with a whole lot of surprises, wrinkles, aches, and a healthy dose of sass. They say that getting old ain’t for sissies, and as I see 60 on my horizon, I’m finding some real truth in this, and here’s why: Where am I? –You know that feeling when you walk into a room and forget why you’re there? Welcome to the club! It’s like our brains are playing hide-and-seek with our car keys and sanity. And don’t even get

August 13, 2023 No Comments

Why Age-Friendly Communities Matter

An age-friendly community is one that embraces people of all ages, recognizing and addressing the unique challenges and opportunities that different age groups bring to the table. It focuses on creating an environment where older adults can thrive while maintaining their independence, dignity, and quality of life. However, the benefits of age-friendly communities extend beyond seniors; they create a harmonious setting where all community members can interact, learn from each other, and collectively contribute to the betterment of society. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified eight key domains that collectively shape an age-friendly community. Each domain plays a crucial

August 6, 2023 No Comments

Making Time Last

Still being somewhat reflective from by birthday, I sense how fast we are suddenly halfway through the summer. I wonder why time, an odd force that governs our lives, seems to speed up as we grow older. The leisurely long days of childhood and carefree moments of young adulthood transform into just memories. There are reasons why this happens and ways to slow the ticking clock. The feeling that time accelerates with age is influenced by several factors, such as the predictability of routines and the way we store memories. As we age, our lives become more structured, and routines

July 30, 2023 No Comments

Laughter Never Gets Old!

As I approach another birthday, I can’t help but reflect on what a long, strange trip it’s been. Certainly, I am reminded that with each passing year, life blesses us with new adventures, valuable lessons, and, of course, a healthy dose of humor. So what’s so funny about birthdays? Birthday Candles: The Eternal Battle! Remember when blowing out birthday candles was a piece of cake? Well, now it’s more like an Olympic sport. As we grow older, our lung capacity starts dwindling, and the number of candles seems to multiply. Each year, it’s a fierce battle between the candles and

July 23, 2023 No Comments

Navigating the Challenges of Losing the Ability to Drive as You Age

Driving is often seen as a symbol of independence and freedom. It allows us to travel at our convenience, maintain social connections, and do daily tasks with ease. However, as we age, the ability to drive safely can become more challenging. It is a difficult transition to accept when the time comes to give up the keys. This often stems from a person not wanting to recognize that their physical abilities are changing. In addition, many people fear that they will become a burden to others or that their social connections will shrink without the ability to drive. While it

July 16, 2023 No Comments

The Power of Respite Care in Caregiving

Being a caregiver can be fulfilling, but it can also be incredibly demanding and challenging. Balancing the responsibilities of caregiving while maintaining your own well-being is key to ensuring that you can provide the best possible care for the one you love. Caregivers often put their own needs on the backburner while assuring that the one they love is getting what they need. However, neglecting your own physical, emotional, and mental health can lead to burnout and diminished caregiving abilities. Take the time to assess your needs, identify your limitations, and recognize when you need support or respite. Remember that

July 9, 2023 1 Comment

Honoring Older Veterans on the 4th of July

The 4th of July is a day that holds great meaning for us in the USA. It is a time when the entire nation comes together to celebrate its independence, reflect upon its rich history, and honor those who have served in the armed forces. As we commemorate this special day, let’s pay tribute to those heroes who are now older adults, having served in World War I, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and all the other defenses that our country has demanded of them. This day gives us an opportunity to pause and reflect upon the sacrifices they

June 25, 2023 No Comments