Blog

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 No 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

Getting Back On Your Feet

Accidental falls can be common among older adults and often result in injuries that impact their overall health and independence. Let’s look at what to do when you’ve fallen, including how to self-assess, techniques to get up safely, when to seek medical help, and additional resources. After a fall, it’s essential to assess yourself for any injuries and determine if you can get up safely. Follow these steps to perform a self-assessment: If you feel confident in getting up without further assistance, follow these techniques to ensure a safe and steady rise: While some falls may not result in significant

June 18, 2023 No Comments

Aging Gracefully with Classic Films: A Timeless Journey on The African Queen

For most of us, aging becomes an inevitable part of our lives. However, growing older doesn’t mean we have to let go of our passions and zest for life. One great way to embrace the journey of aging is through the captivating world of classic films. These timeless masterpieces not only transport us to different eras but also offer profound insights and lessons that resonate with us throughout our lives. One such film is the “The African Queen” with a tale that celebrates the spirit of aging gracefully. Released in 1951 and directed by John Huston, “The African Queen” stars

June 11, 2023 No Comments

Supporting Older Men’s Mental Health And Happiness

I recently learned a startling statistic…Door County has a suicide rate of 14.9 per 100,000, higher than the national rate of 13.48 per 100,000. Older adults account for almost 20% of suicides, the majority being men. It is vital to address the unique challenges faced by older men. This segment of our community often struggles silently, with their mental health concerns going unnoticed or disregarded. The reasons for older men having higher suicide rates are multifaceted, including factors such as social isolation, loss of loved ones, physical health issues, and stigma surrounding mental health in older generations. To effectively support

June 4, 2023 No Comments

Part-Time Work: A Key to Social Connection

As we age, many of us find ourselves seeking new ways to stay engaged, active, and financially secure. One avenue that holds great potential is part-time employment. Part-time jobs offer a range of benefits for older adults, from supplementing income to promoting social connections and overall well-being. In Door County, an exciting initiative called MatchUp aims to connect older adults with vetted and trained employers, providing them with fulfilling part-time job opportunities. Here are some of the advantages of part-time work for older adults: Financial Security:One of the primary benefits of part-time employment for older adults is the opportunity to

May 21, 2023 1 Comment

Age with Pawsitivity: The Many Benefits of Owning a Pet in Later Years

As we journey through the golden years of life, it becomes increasingly important to prioritize our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. While there are numerous ways to do so, one avenue that stands out for its remarkable benefits is owning a pet. The companionship and unconditional love provided by pets can bring immeasurable joy and contribute positively to our overall health and happiness. Here are some advantages of having a pet as we age: Companionship – Pets, whether a loyal dog, a purring cat, or a chirping bird, offer unwavering companionship. As we age and experience changes in our social

May 14, 2023 1 Comment

A Reflection on Mother’s Day and Aging

As Mother’s Day approaches, it’s a time to reflect on the women who have raised us and the importance of aging gracefully. As we age, it’s important to remember the lessons that our mothers taught us and to honor the aging process. Mothers are often seen as a symbol of love, sacrifice, and devotion. They devote their lives to caring for us, nurturing us, and helping us grow into the best version of ourselves. As we grow older, our relationship with our mothers may change but the time they took to raise us often remains in our memory. Aging is

May 7, 2023 No Comments

Celebrating Older Americans Month by Breaking Down Ageism

May is Older Americans Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions and achievements of older adults, as well as to raise awareness about issues affecting older Americans. The observance was established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy as “Senior Citizens Month,” and was later renamed “Older Americans Month” by President Jimmy Carter in 1980. Recently hearing a comment about our current President’s re-election announcement that was centered not around his presidency but his age prompts me to write about a type of discrimination that pervades our society…ageism. Ageism is when people are treated unfairly or judged based

April 30, 2023 1 Comment

Aging in Place Made Possible: How Villages Support Seniors in Door County

Over the last month, we have been hosting meetings throughout the County to revisit the results of the Door County Age-in-Place survey specific to the different areas and review the most promising answer to the concerns expressed by our residents. The solution…the Village model. The Village Movement began over 20 years ago with a group of older adults in Boston that wanted to live in their own homes while staying engaged in their neighborhood, born with the idea of being active and supporting each other and others with the same needs and outlook. Now there are more than 300

April 23, 2023 2 Comments

Growing Health and Happiness: Why Gardening is Great for Seniors

Spring is coming and I’m a fan of the garden which got me thinking about the rewards of gardening as I age, besides the great vegetables and herbs. Gardening has long been known to provide a range of benefits for people of all ages. However, for older adults, gardening can be particularly beneficial in terms of physical, mental, and emotional health. The range of physical movements involved in gardening, such as bending, stretching, and lifting, can help improve strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. Gardening also helps improve balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls. These physical benefits of gardening

April 15, 2023 1 Comment

Promoting Digital Equity and Inclusion for Aging in Place

Digital equity and inclusion are important considerations when it comes to the use of technology by older adults to age in place. Digital equity refers to the concept of ensuring that everyone has equal access to the technology and digital resources they need to thrive in modern society, regardless of factors such as age, income, race, or geographic location. Inclusion, on the other hand, refers to the practice of creating a welcoming and accessible environment for all individuals to participate in digital activities and benefit from technological advancements. Unfortunately, many older adults may face challenges when it comes to accessing

April 8, 2023 No Comments