Blog – Do Good Door County

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

Are You a Caregiver? Check Out These Resources

by Cynthia Germain Wisconsin is home to 580,000 family caregivers—individuals who provide vital support to older adults and people with disabilities. Here in Door County, caregiving is a significant part of life for many residents. According to our Aging in Place Survey, caregivers in our community provide varying levels of support: 10% provide care daily,11% provide care weekly, and 21% provide care on occasion. This means that over 40% of those surveyed are actively involved in caregiving in some capacity. These numbers tell us that caregiving touches nearly every household, and that resources and support are crucial. That’s where WisconsinCaregiver.org

February 2, 2025 No Comments

Discover CredibleMind Door County

by Cynthia Germain As we age, our mental and emotional well-being becomes just as important as our physical health. For older adults in Door County, navigating life’s transitions—retirement, changes in relationships, or the loss of loved ones—can feel overwhelming at times. That’s why CredibleMind is such a valuable resource, offering free tools and information to support your mental health. Through the Door County CredibleMind portal, you can explore numerous articles, videos, and self-assessments on topics that matter most to you. Whether it’s learning strategies to cope with loneliness, tips for staying mentally sharp, or ways to build emotional resilience, this

January 27, 2025 No Comments

When a Furry Friend Crosses the Rainbow Bridge

by Cynthia Germain Recently, several friends have shared the heartache of saying goodbye to their furry friends. It’s a pain many of us know all too well. It suddenly gets too quiet…the absence of paws running through the house or the warmth of them curled up beside you. As we grow older, these losses can feel different, heavier somehow, perhaps because the love we lose is so unconditionally given. It’s a richness that only comes from time with these very special companions. Pets occupy a unique corner of our lives. They don’t care if we’ve had a bad day or

January 19, 2025 No Comments

Weathering the Flu Season

by Cynthia Germain As the chilly days of winter settle into Door County, it brings with it a rise in those sicknesses of the season. This year, it seems especially relentless, with flu, COVID-19, and RSV making their rounds. If you’ve noticed more friends and neighbors under the weather lately, you’re not alone. Health experts across Wisconsin are reporting a significant increase in these illnesses. Why are older adults more affected? Aging naturally brings changes to our immune systems, making it harder to fight off infections. Chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or COPD can add another layer of risk.

January 12, 2025 No Comments

Being Prepared in 2025

by Cynthia Germain Let’s talk disaster preparedness. It’s more than just a first aid kit on the shelf or a blanket in the car during the winter months. As we step into 2025, one of the most important resolutions we could make this year is ensuring we’re prepared for the unexpected, and being ready is especially critical for older adults. The FEMA Disaster Preparedness Guide for Older Adults lays out a clear and simple approach to take charge of your safety in the new year. By focusing on three steps—assessing your needs, making a plan, and engaging your support network—you

January 5, 2025 No Comments

Holiday Message From Do Good Door County

by Cynthia Germain Merry Christmas from Do Good Door County! As the year draws to a close, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude to those who have helped make it possible. This season is not just about festivities but about the joy and warmth that community brings, and here at Do Good Door County, we have much to be thankful for. First and foremost, we extend our deepest appreciation to Kris Ingram, our MatchUp Coordinator. Kris has been instrumental in getting the MatchUp program off the ground. In addition, her dedication and passion have also been

December 22, 2024 No Comments

What to Give When They Have Everything

by Cynthia Germain Christmas is a wonderful time of year…the lights, the songs and especially the presents! But what if the person in your life seems to have everything? A common conundrum with an older adult as they have had a lifetime of accumulating the things they want and need, leaving little room for more “stuff.” But the fun of gift-giving is that it doesn’t have to be about material things. Here are some ideas for gifts that go beyond the ordinary and show how much you care this holiday season. Consider gifting an experience that creates memories: And then

December 15, 2024 1 Comment

You Rest, You Rust

by Cynthia Germain I recently came across the phrase “you rest, you rust” and found it a poignant reminder of the need to stay active. Not just physically, but mentally and socially. Picture an old bicycle that’s been left outside. Over time, its shiny frame dulls and its gears no longer move freely. The same happens to us when inactivity takes hold. While rest is important, prolonged stillness can lead to a kind of rusting that affects our body, mind, and spirit. When we stop moving, our bodies begin to weaken. Muscles lose strength, joints become less flexible, and our

December 8, 2024 No Comments

A Giving Tuesday Message: Looking Back in Gratitude, Forward with Purpose

by Cynthia Germain Giving Tuesday is more than just a day on the calendar—it’s a movement that invites each of us to step up and make a difference. With so many causes to support, from rescuing animals to empowering young people, there’s a place for everyone to donate their time, talent, or money. At Do Good Door County, our focus is on aging—an issue that touches every life in some way, whether through parents, grandparents, and even ourselves as we grow older. We are grateful for the incredible support we’ve received over the last year. It’s that support that fuels

December 1, 2024 No Comments

Puzzles and Games Are More Than Just Fun

By Cynthia Germain There’s something wonderfully simple about a puzzle, pieces on a table waiting for someone to come along and put them together. In today’s high-tech world, puzzles and games offer a unique opportunity for connection, especially across generations. A friend recently reached out, sharing her experience of working on a puzzle at a family gathering. The energy, she said, was something special: relaxed, joyful, and fully cooperative. It was a hit with her group, and it got me thinking about the quiet but profound benefits these activities bring, especially to older adults. Puzzles and games are more than

November 17, 2024 No Comments

Thank you Veterans!

This Veteran’s Day, Do Good Door County pays tribute to all who have served—across generations and branches of service. Veterans, from those who served decades ago to those who served more recently, have shown unwavering courage and dedication, shaping the freedoms we enjoy today. Older veterans hold unique stories that reflect not only their personal experiences but also moments in history. If you know someone who has served, take some time on Veterans Day to ask about their service. Each veteran’s story is a window into a different era, filled with insights about their time in their branch of the

November 10, 2024 No Comments