Blog – Do Good Door County

Take a Step Towards a World without Alzheimer’s

by Cynthia Germain On September 14th, Door County will come together for a cause that deeply affects families and friends in our community —the annual Alzheimer’s Walk. Hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association, this event offers a chance for us to support those impacted by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, while raising funds for critical research and community resources. Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, affects over 6 million people in the U.S. alone. It is a progressive disease that robs individuals of their memory and cognitive abilities, often leaving families and caregivers with immense emotional and physical

September 8, 2024 No Comments

Labor Day Reflections: The Legacy and Future of Older Workers

by Cynthia Germain As we approach Labor Day, a holiday traditionally associated with the unofficial end of summer capped off by the backyard BBQ, it’s a good time to reflect on the deeper meaning of this day. Labor Day is a celebration of the hard work and contributions that generations of workers have made to build our communities. Among these workers, older adults hold a special place, having spent decades shaping the workforce and contributing to the fabric of our society. Labor Day has its roots in the late 19th century labor movement in the United States as the country’s

August 25, 2024 No Comments

The Art and Science of Connection

by Cynthia Germain At Do Good Door County, we believe in the power of connection. Through our various programs and initiatives, we’ve seen firsthand how vital social health is to living a longer, healthier, and happier life. This belief is reinforced by the work we’re doing as part of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services grant, where we’ve been encouraged to join the Commit to Connect network. This network is dedicated to addressing isolation and loneliness, particularly among older adults, aligning perfectly with our mission. As we delve deeper into this important issue, we want to share with you a

August 18, 2024 No Comments

The Power of Alone Time

by Cynthia Germain There is no doubt that being social is essential to good health as we age but ask anyone who enjoys their own company, and they’ll say there’s a big difference between being lonely and being alone. Solitude can be a source of self-awareness and creativity and those who like it often possess deep self-awareness and resilience. It is essential to balance these qualities with meaningful social connections but let’s take a look at those individuals who possess unique abilities that enable them to thrive in being alone. Here’s what they may have: Self-Awareness and Independence: Older adults

August 11, 2024 No Comments

Turning Work into Friendships

by Cynthia Germain In today’s workplace, the value of intergenerational friendships cannot be overstated. According to an insightful article from the Harvard Business Review, “Why We Need Intergenerational Friendships at Work,” these relationships foster mutual growth, enhance understanding, and drive productivity across age groups. We couldn’t agree more as our MatchUp program is dedicated to connecting older adults with vetted employers throughout Door County. The Harvard Business Review article highlights the fact that for the first time, managers are experiencing new challenges as they lead up to five generations (Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z). There

August 4, 2024 No Comments

Beyond Politics: Honoring Life Transitions

by Cynthia Germain The recent decision by President Joe Biden to withdraw from the race for the White House goes beyond political affiliations, touching on the universal themes of aging, legacy, and the profound respect we owe to those who have dedicated their lives to service. Regardless of which side of the aisle you sit, it is important to acknowledge the difficulties of stepping away from a role one has passionately filled and to celebrate the achievements that have marked such a journey. Aging brings with it a host of challenges, some of which revolve around the idea of stepping

July 28, 2024 2 Comments

From Clutter to Care: Addressing Hoarding Disorder Among Older Adults

by Cynthia Germain 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

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