The Aging Report

Join us on August 21 as we explore conversations around the importance of supporting economic resilience across the lifespan. Engage in vital discussions on financial resilience and economic policies that better align with aging's new realities. Your voice is crucial in shaping the future of aging.

Through these discussions, we aim to elevate the discourse on longevity and foster a new intentional focus on the American aging demographic and its financial hurdles, obligations, and opportunities.

For more information, visit www.ageguide.org/agingsummit

In June, AgeGuide hosted three Advocacy Collaborative events around the theme, The Great Reconnection. These events, cosponsored by AARP, focused on informing legislators about issues facing older adults, caregivers, and their families in our region.

Over 250 aging network professionals, elected officials, older adults, and other advocates came together to engage, empower, and advocate. The events were well-attended, and the speakers shared engaging stories that gave a window into aging services and sparked great conversations.

From the time you’re born, your relationships help you learn to navigate the world. Positive social habits can help you build support systems and stay healthier mentally and physically. Social Wellness Month is an initiative that promotes the importance of social well-being and the positive impact it has on our overall health and happiness. It aims to raise awareness about the significance of maintaining healthy relationships, fostering connections, and engaging in social activities.

An AgeGuide program that helps with social connection and mental wellness, especially for those who are homebound is Friendly Visiting. Friendly Visiting provides regular visits by volunteers focused on developing friendship and engaging in enjoyable and purposeful activities together. Another format of this program is Telephone Reassurance, which provides phone calls that offer a friendly chat, a security check, and informal assistance. This program benefits both the volunteer and the program participants by cultivating valuable social relationships.

Scammers are getting craftier, and it's up to us to stay ahead. In this episode, we interview a local older adult who fell victim to a scam by a fake residential repair contractor.

Hear her recount her experience and learn how AgeGuide’s funded partners and other community helpers stepped in to help. Plus, get essential tips to protect yourself from fraud.

Disability Pride Month is a crucial time to recognize and celebrate the contributions, struggles, and rights of people with disabilities.

Over one billion people have disabilities worldwide, representing the most significant global minority. In fact, 23% of older adults have a disability and in Illinois that number is even higher at 35%. Naturally, everyone with a disability needs and deserves to participate equally in society.

This month provides an opportunity to reflect on the history of disability rights movements, the ongoing struggles for equality, and the achievements made in advancing accessibility and inclusivity.

Many people report feeling lonely and isolated, especially after the pandemic. The 5-3-1 rule helps you reflect on the quality and quantity of your social interactions. Read the full article here.

In recent years, about one-in-two adults in America reported experiencing loneliness. And that was before the COVID-19 pandemic cut off so many of us from friends, loved ones, and support systems, exacerbating loneliness and isolation. Last year, the U.S. Surgeon General's Office drew attention to the devastating impact of loneliness and isolation in a new report. Read the full report here.

At AgeGuide, we love getting social! Stay up to date with the latest news, updates and learn more about AgeGuide and our work advocating for older adults and the services they need on our social media pages!