We All Deserve to Age Boldly, Joyfully, Fearlessly | |
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June is Elder Abuse Prevention Month, a time to come together to promote a better understanding of elder abuse and how we can identify, address, and prevent it so that, together, we can support everyone as we age.
We've compiled a library of resources to help aging adults and the people who love them. Scroll on to learn more!
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As people age, loneliness and isolation can lead to abuse.
But with the right social structures in place, people can remain connected to their community and to society as a whole, reducing the likelihood of elder abuse.
Click button below to learn more about the signs and types of elder abuse, who might be most at risk, and how to recognize and report elder abuse.
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Elder Abuse:
A Public Health Issue | |
Elder abuse is a critical public health issue that can not only take a heavy toll on survivors' health and emotional well-being but also accounts for higher rates of hospitalization and institutionalization, at an estimated annual cost to our nation’s healthcare system of $5.3 billion.
The more we understand our role in preventing elder abuse, the better we can build a community in which people of all ages are safe and supported. Click button to learn more.
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How Culture Affects
Elder Abuse | |
Research suggests that lived experiences may impact an older person’s willingness to report abuse. Older adults who have experienced racism and oppression throughout their lives may be distrustful of agencies that they believe may place their families at risk of being discriminated against on the basis of race.
Click button below for information around how culture impacts elder abuse and to access resources for a diverse community of aging adults, their loved ones, and their caregivers.
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Resources for
Non-English Speakers | |
As the number of aging adults continues to rise, California's aging population will be more ethnically and racially diverse than ever before.
To reach as many people as possible, National Center on Elder Abuse has compiled a variety of publicly available information and resources from trusted organizations that you can download, print, and share.
Click button below to view resources.
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There are an estimated 2.4 million LGBT adults over the age of fifty in the United States. In the course of their lifetime, they have seen monumental change. Any LGBTQ adult over the age of 65 was born at a time when same consensual same-sex activity was still illegal in all 50 states. However, far too many LGBTQ older adults are struggling in what should be their golden years.
LGBTQ older adults face high rates of economic insecurity, few options for LGBTQ specific housing, severe health and wellness issues, and a dearth of support services tailored to meet their unique needs:
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Economic Insecurity – Many LGBTQ older adults suffer economic insecurity due to the legacy of discrimination’s effect on lifetime income. Having earned less throughout their lifetime and having forfeited tax breaks afforded married heterosexual couples, LGBTQ older adults – whether in a relationship or single – have fewer savings to draw on.
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Health & Wellness – LGBTQ older adults face a number of alarming health disparities. Among LGBTQ older adults, there is a higher prevalence of risk factors such as smoking, alcohol abuse, and unprotected sex. One report found that 30 percent of LGBTQ older adults experienced depression, while nearly 40 percent seriously considered suicide. These health disparities are exacerbated by discrimination and a lack of culturally competent healthcare. More than ten percent of LGBTQ older adults have been denied healthcare or received inferior care on account of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
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HIV/AIDS – Half of all people living with HIV are over the age of 50, and the majority of those older adults with HIV identify as LGBTQ. People with HIV are living longer, and LGBTQ older adults are still contracting the virus. For the latter group, medical providers all too often fail to routinely test for HIV due to misconceptions about the sexual activity of LGBTQ older adults. Additionally, LGBTQ older adults all too often fail to seek out HIV tests and delay treatment when diagnosed, due to fear of discrimination.
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Housing – LGBTQ older adults are twice as likely as their straight counterparts to be single and living alone, often without any children. In these scenarios, they become reliant on “families of choice.” Lack of culturally competent senior housing for LGBTQ older adults has resulted in an unacceptable number of seniors returning to closet in their last few years just to get adequate housing.
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The Facts of LGBT Aging
From caregiving, wellness and health care, to discrimination, housing and legal issues, aging while LGBT presents unique challenges.
Click the button below to learn more!
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Join the Fun at Sacramento Pride Event, June 8 – 9, 2024
Every year, more than 20,000 visitors descend on Sacramento for the city’s two-day SacPride. On June 8–9, the Capitol Mall transforms into a buzzing entertainment zone with food vendors and musical performances from stars like Rebecca Black as well as local talent. On Sunday, honor the 1969 Stonewall Riots at the Pride March.
Watch colorful floats and musical acts make their way from Southside Park to the State Capitol—or pre-register to join the march yourself. For more information on Sacramento Pride activities, visit https://sacramentopride.org.
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June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month | |
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Just like the rest of our bodies, our brains change as we age. Most of us eventually notice some slowed thinking and occasional problems with remembering certain things.
However, serious memory loss, confusion, and other major changes in the way our minds work may be a sign that brain cells are failing. The most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s is difficulty remembering newly learned information.
Alzheimer's changes typically begin in the part of the brain that affects learning. As Alzheimer's advances through the brain it leads to increasingly severe symptoms, including disorientation, mood, and behavior changes; deepening confusion about events, time, and place; unfounded suspicions about family, friends and professional caregivers; more serious memory loss and behavior changes; and difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking.
People with memory loss or other possible signs of Alzheimer’s may find it hard to recognize they have a problem. Signs of dementia may be more obvious to family members or friends. Anyone experiencing dementia-like symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible.
If you need assistance finding a doctor with experience evaluating memory problems, your local Alzheimer’s Association can help. Earlier diagnosis and intervention methods are improving dramatically, and treatment options and sources of support can improve quality of life.
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What Can Help Improve Brain Health?
Heart Health:
What’s good for the heart is good for the brain. High blood pressure, midlife obesity, diabetes, and smoking all may have negative impacts on heart health; that may be why these factors also increase one’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Exercise:
Exercising strengthens both the heart and the brain. Outside of risk factors that cannot be changed (for example, age and genetics), physical inactivity is one of the most common modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease.
Sleep:
Quality sleep and a healthy brain go hand in hand. It’s important to get a good night’s sleep. Those with sleep impairment can have up to a 1.76-fold increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Mental Health:
Mental wellness plays a role in brain health. Those suffering from anxiety or depression are at a higher risk of developing dementia.
For more tips on brain health, click here.
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Memory Changes that Happen with Aging
Older adults may worry about their memory and other thinking abilities, such as taking longer to learn something new. These changes are usually signs of mild forgetfulness — or age-related forgetfulness — and are often a normal part of aging.
As people grow older, changes occur in all parts of the body, including the brain. As a result, some people notice that they don’t remember information as well as they once did and aren’t able to recall it as quickly. They may also occasionally misplace things or forget to pay a bill. These usually are signs of mild forgetfulness, not a serious memory problem.
It’s normal to forget things once in a while at any age, but serious memory problems make it hard to do everyday things such as driving, using the phone, and finding the way home.
Signs that it might be time to talk with a doctor include:
- Asking the same questions over and over again
- Getting lost in places you used to know well
- Having trouble following recipes or directions
- Becoming more confused about time, people, and places
- Not taking care of yourself — eating poorly, not bathing, or behaving unsafely
To learn more about memory problems and forgetfulness in older adults, click here.
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June is Cataract Awareness Month | |
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Cataracts are cloudy areas that develop in the lens in the front of the eye. Normally, the lens of the eye is clear like a camera lens.
Cataracts keep light from easily passing through the lens to the back of the eye (the retina), causing blurry vision. Cataracts usually form slowly, causing no pain, redness, or tearing of the eye.
Some stay small and don’t alter eyesight. If they become large or thick and have a significant impact on vision, they can almost aways be removed with surgery.
Learn more here.
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Summer Heat is Here!
California is expected to experience extreme heat in the upcoming days. As California undergoes more frequent and severe heat waves, Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced a new website that connects communities with resources before, during and after emergencies.
In addition, the Department of Public Health has created a Heat & Summer Safety Toolkit to provide resources and communication tools that can be shared.
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There are four simple ways to help keep your family and community safe this summer:
Stay Cool (During the Hottest Times of the Day)
- If you are getting too hot, take a short, cool shower and stay in an air-conditioned area.
- Those without air conditioning should check with their city or county for cooling centers or visit public locations such as a library or shopping mall. Avoid physical exertion or exercising outdoors.
- Wear lightweight, light colored, loose clothing, and when outside, wear hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Stay Hydrated
- Don’t wait until you are thirsty. Make water your go-to drink. Drink water early … and often.
- Drink sports drinks (in moderation with water) to help replace electrolytes lost during exercise.
- Avoid sugary, alcoholic, and very cold drinks.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Stay Connected
- Check on each other, especially those at high risk of heat-related illness including infants and young children, people 65 years of age or older, individuals with chronic illness, disabilities or who are pregnant.
- Use a buddy system when working in the heat.
Stay Informed
- Check your local news for weather forecasts, extreme heat alerts, and cooling center information.
- Know the warning signs of heat-related illness (Heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, nausea or vomiting, paleness, fatigue, light headedness or dizziness). If you feel any of these symptoms, move to a cooler location immediately. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
Learn more about Older Adults and Heat Related Illness.
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Free Online Learning for Older Adults | |
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Elder Abuse Awareness: Understanding the Different Types of Abuse
This class is designed to educate participants on the different types of elder abuse and to raise awareness about the severity and prevalence of this issue. Participants will learn how to identify signs of possible elder abuse and understand the steps they can take to prevent and report it.
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10-Min Workout for Safely Getting Up & Down from the Floor
Gain confidence and maintain your independence with exercises designed to help you safely get up and down from the floor.
This class provides practical techniques and exercises to enhance mobility and reduce the risk of falls.
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Common Scams &
Fraud
Do not become a victim of fraud!
Gain a basic understanding of how scammers work, common tactics (banking, peer-to-peer, phone, email, snail mail, charity/disaster, elder, and health care) they use, and how to prevent yourself from becoming their next victim.
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Calling All Advocates Who Want to Join The Health Equity In Aging Conversation
Through the California Collaborative for Long-Term Services and Supports Regional Grant Program, AAA4 partnered with the ADRCs for Nevada, Placer, and Yuba-Sutter Counties to reduce barriers to services in those counties for older and disabled adults falling through gaps in care and into repeated emergency and crisis response.
Starting in April 2024 through the end of 2025, the Regional Grant Program will recruit additional people with lived experience to join in the ADRCs’ work reaching diverse communities. Participants will identify and implement strategies to reduce barriers to services while receiving meaningful opportunities to join the health equity in aging conversation through virtual webinars, roundtables, in-person community roundtables, workshops and conferences.
Advocates with lived experience interested in joining should contact Liz Pazdral at lpazdral@agencyonaging4.org.
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Sewer Lifeline Rate Assistance Program | |
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Our friends at Sacramento Area Sewer District are offering rate assistance to provide income-eligible customers an opportunity to save money on their sewer bill.
Call (916) 875-5500 or visit www.sacsewer.com for more information and to apply.
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Community Resource Fair Hosted by SMUD | |
Healthy Eating = Healthy Aging | |
Colorful
Fruit Pizza!
Eat the rainbow this Pride Month! During the summer month fresh produce grows in abundance. Eating a colorful and balanced diet each day helps us get all the vitamins our bodies need.
Click the link below to try this delicious Fruit Pizza recipe
to incorporate colorful fruit.
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Mango Cucumber Wrap
While fruits and veggies are nutritious year around, they often taste even better and are less expensive when you can get them fresh in season.
The colors of fruits and vegetables also indicate different combinations of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Try this delicious mango cucumber wrap!
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Fresh Watermelon Salsa
A great way to add color to a snack is to make salsa and dips.
Watermelon is a great ingredient in a fun summer salsa.
Enjoy a mouthwatering combination of sweet and zesty. Click the link below to get this recipe!
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Meals on Wheels: Delivering More Than Just a Meal | |
Attention Yuba and Sutter Counties!
Did you know? Agency on Aging Area 4 oversees Meals on Wheels Yuba Sutter. The home-delivered meal program provides meals to program participants who are homebound, physically or mentally frail, or are in need of meals either because they cannot prepare food for themselves.
Our Meals on Wheels Yuba & Sutter Counties meals are delivered to program participant's doors with the help of team of dedicated staff and volunteers.
Meals are prepared fresh by local restaurants, and delivered cold. All meals are nutritionally balanced, pre-approved by a registered dietitian and designed for older adult's needs.
Learn more! Click button to visit their website. Subscribe to their newsletter by clicking button below to be the first to hear about news and events — including an upcoming Food Truck Fundraiser happening in happening in Yuba and Sutter counties — and how you can get involved!
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Do you receive SSI? Don’t miss out on food benefits! | | |
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Food prices have increased significantly in recent years. It makes it difficult for many of us—especially older adults—to keep eating well.
Fortunately, CalFresh has allocated funds specifically for adults aged 60+. We simplify the application process for them.
Learn more and start your application today.
Click button below or call us at
1-800-211-4545
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What is Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC)?
An ADRC is a network of organizations that work together to make access to services easier for older adults, people with disabilities, and family care providers. We are here to support you in finding resources and exploring your community options for living independently.
We can help you stay in your home, remain connected to your community, make a smooth transition from hospital to home, and access caregiver resources or respite care.
How can an ADRC help you?
- By providing in-person, phone, or online information about a wide range of services and resources.
- By presenting options for long-term services and support so that informed choices can be made about care planning.
- By offering short-term services to address urgent needs and prevent unnecessary admission to a nursing facility or hospital.
- By coordinating relocation from hospitals or nursing facilities back to a home or the community and arranging for needed support.
ADRCs are transforming the way people access community resources.
Get help today!
CALL: (800) 211-4545
EMAIL: cm@agencyonaging4.org
WEB: www.adrc4.org
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Workshops for Healthy Aging | |
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Agency on Aging Area 4 hosts free virtual and in-person workshops for the older adult community in Sacramento, Nevada, Placer, Sierra, Sutter, Yolo, and Yuba Counties.
Whether you’re interested in nutrition, health promotion or job readiness we have the classes for you! Our team is currently creating interest lists for each of our workshops. Click on the workshop you're interested in below and fill out the form. A staff member will contact you when new classes are scheduled.
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Bingocize
Bingocize is a 10-week, socially engaging group-based program that combines exercise, health education, and the widely popular game of bingo.
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A Matter of Balance
A Matter of Balance is an 8-week course that enables participants to reduce the fear of falling by learning to view falls as controllable, setting goals for increasing activity levels, making small changes to reduce fall risks at home, and exercise to increase strength and balance.
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Live Strong & Safe
Live Strong & Safe Fall Prevention Program is a short one session series that provides a comprehensive overview of fall prevention, including home safety and medication management.
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Diabetes Empowerment Education
Diabetes Empowerment Education is a 6-week workshop to help adults with diabetes learn more about diabetes, self-manage their condition, and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.
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Cooking Matters
Cooking Matters is a 4-week course that teaches participants to shop smarter, use nutrition information to make healthier choices and cook delicious, affordable meals.
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Eat Smart, Live Strong
The Eat Smart, Live Strong is a 4-week course designed to encourage older adults to increase fruit and vegetable consumption to at least 3 1/2 cups and to participate in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each day.
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Food Smarts
Food Smarts is a 6-week course designed to support healthy behavior change in the areas of healthy eating, food safety, cooking, food waste reduction and food resource management.
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Mature Edge
Mature Edge is a job-readiness program that can help the mature worker update their resume and learn valuable skills to land the job you want.
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For the latest news on healthy aging, follow us on social media! | |
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These email newsletters are funded, in part, by CalFresh Healthy Living Program.
Learn more here.
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