Mary was a nurse for 40 years, so she understands the importance of good nutrition. But she said recent inflation “caused a great change” in...
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Medication doesn’t work if you can’t afford it, and too many Washingtonians continue to struggle to fill prescriptions because of their cost. But that’s about...
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November 5 is General Election Day. Ballots were mailed out on Oct. 18 and online registration was available until Oct. 28. If you didn’t get...
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November is a busy month, with Thanksgiving and other holidays approaching that many of us look forward to celebrating with our loved ones. It is...
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Given the upcoming elections in November, we are seeing and hearing a lot of media urging us to “speak truth to power” and “make your...
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Working Washingtonians, and especially those caring for loved ones who are sick or aging, should be on the lookout for a crucial vote this November....
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Did you know that Blacks and African Americans (as well as Indigenous persons) are two-times more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and other dementias...
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In a flurry of activity during our two-month legislative session, Washington lawmakers introduced almost 1,200 bills. Fortunately, AARP Washington lobbied fiercely for a fraction of...
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Aging and Disability Services—the Area Agency on Aging for Seattle and King County—has been in existence for 51 years. In that time, social workers have...
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On January 24, Age Friendly Seattle kicked off the new year with the first Civic Coffee of 2024, in collaboration with the Wallingford Senior Center....
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If you’re like me, you stopped making New Year’s resolutions a long time ago. Still, there’s something about the beginning of a new year and...
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As we approach the end of the calendar year, we also look forward to the 2024 legislative session in Olympia, which will begin on January...
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Everyone knows someone with diminished hearing. Among the AgeWise population, data varies but typically indicates that at age 65, approximately a third of people have...
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November is National Family Caregiver Support Month. We are grateful to Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and members of the Seattle City Council for proclaiming November...
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The 2023 YES FEST, an annual community celebration at Yesler Terrace Park, was held on Friday, July 28. I was able to come out and...
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I am a 20-year-old intern for Age Friendly Seattle. My everyday life resembles that of most people my age: going to my college classes, learning...
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Hopefully, you are aware that this e-newsletter—AgeWise King County—is published by the Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging & Disability Services. I chair the Advisory...
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Most of us are very aware that the COVID-19 pandemic harmed not only our physical health but general welfare. For an extended period, the pandemic...
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Last month, the Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging & Disability Services met in person for the first time since February 2020. During the COVID-19...
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If you’re older than 50, think back to 1973. What was happening in your life? That year, the U.S. ended its involvement in the Vietnam...
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March is national Women’s History Month. The 2023 theme is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.” We celebrate women’s history as well as women who...
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Last fall, AARP Washington announced that Marguerite Ro was selected as its new state director. Ro now directs the Association’s activities on behalf of nearly...
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Aging Readiness is the theme of the 2023 Age Wave legislative agenda, published recently by AARP Washington on behalf of a coalition of organizations engaged...
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158. It's just a number, much like any other three-digit number. But it's one that's going to make a huge difference over the next few...
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While many folks were wrapping up 2022, AARP Washington’s advocacy team was ramping up for the 2023 legislative session. We met with legislators, advocacy groups,...
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In December, it was my pleasure to be elected to a second term as chair of the Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging & Disability...
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No one was hit harder by the COVID-19 pandemic than residents of long-term care. Living in “restricted” situations for much of the past year and...
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Members of the Aging and Disability Services (ADS) Advisory Council are gearing up for the 2023 Washington State legislative season. This follows a historic 2022...
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Every day our dedicated veterans face issues in their lives, including access to affordable housing, financial stability, mental health, substance abuse issues, and medical health...
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Members of the Seattle-King County Advisory Council for Aging & Disability Services (ADS) advocate year-round for local, state, and national programs that promote quality of...
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On Friday, August 26, I attended a Congressional roundtable event with Congresswoman DelBene (CD1) to discuss the state of healthcare for older adults. This event—organized...
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Although it shouldn’t anymore, Primary Election Day takes me by surprise some years. We used to cast our primary ballots in September. Now, in Washington...
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The 2022 Washington State Legislature adjourned sine die (i.e., this year’s session ended) on Thursday, March 10. This session will go down as one of...
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Last month, Aging and Disability Services and the Seattle Human Services Department welcomed a new team member—Age Friendly Seattle Program Manager Dinah Stephens. Dinah comes...
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It is my pleasure to introduce myself to you this month. As the new chair of the Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging & Disability...
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No one could have predicted that the lingering and devastating impacts of the COVID crisis would still be with us as we enter the 2022...
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You may have heard that Washington is near the top on the Long-Term Services & Supports State Scorecard issued by AARP, AARP Foundation, The Commonwealth...
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There are many types of advocates, and I would venture to say that each person who reads this article is an advocate—for a person, a...
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Most people are aware of the special Sunday in June called Father’s Day. It’s been a national holidays since 1972. But did you know that...
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In May, we celebrate Older Americans Month and the contributions of older people throughout our communities and our nation. The 2021 theme—“Communities of Strength”—is so...
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As Advocacy Chair of the Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging & Disability Services (ADS Advisory Council), I have followed developments in the state...
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Two dear friends recently told me how often they are accosted with inane remarks and mean tweets as one goes about her day in a...
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We know that it takes time to build great communities. We also believe that tangible improvements can spark long-term change. The AARP Community Challenge launched...
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This year, due to the COVID quarantine, the Washington State Legislature's open public meetings will be held online. That means that everybody—legislators, lobbyists, advocates, and...
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The past four years have been a rocky road—and I don’t mean ice cream! Political polarization and turmoil, a worldwide pandemic and quarantine, racial tension,...
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Perhaps you read the Seattle Times article about income inequality on Sept. 25 (“Seattle’s median household income soars past $100,000—but wealth doesn’t reach all”). Median...
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Some days I shake my head in near-disbelief at the news. Frequently, the phrase “truth is stranger than fiction” comes to mind. “'Tis strange but...
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You may recall last month’s article about the new Long-Term Care Coalition in Washington state. The coalition’s work is intense and ongoing. Why? Because thousands...
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We’re lucky in Washington state. We can register to vote online 24/7 or by mail until eight days before an election or in-person through Election...
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May is Older Americans Month, when we celebrate the contributions of older people throughout their lifetimes. Despite current limitations, that celebration is more important now...
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After the global pandemic, will “saving the planet” still matter? In our hearts, we know the right answer: It will. Especially for future generations. The 50th...
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The risk for COVID-19 rises with age. Adults age 60 years and over are at highest risk for severe illness with COVID-19 and the older...
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The Age Friendly Seattle 2019 Annual Report is hot off the press, and well worth review. If you’re not familiar with the “age friendly” movement,...
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If you would like to receive AgeWise King County in your e-mail each month, click here to add yourself to our e-mailing list!...
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This year, the Frye Art Museum celebrates ten years of Creative Aging Programs. Part of the ever-evolving offering of programs is an annual Creative Aging...
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You may find it of interest to know who is speaking for Aging and Disability Services (ADS) in Olympia. It’s not ADS employees (unless they...
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What a year! In 2019, the Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging & Disability Services took part in state and federal advocacy, including the Washington...
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Each fall, we gear up for the coming session of the Washington State Legislature. The 2020 session convenes on Monday, January 13. The 2020 regular...
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Recently, the Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging & Disability Services weighed in on changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility rules proposed by...
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Do you remember the 21st night of September? The band Earth, Wind & Fire released September, their classic funk song, in 1978. How about The...
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Our public health approach to gun violence is a framework that we use to understand how and when firearms are used unsafely, raise public awareness...
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Aging in place, as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is "the ability to live in one's home and community safely,...
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Aging with Pride: The National Health, Aging and Sexuality/Gender study is generating exciting and crucial knowledge on health, aging, and caregiving among lesbian, gay, bisexual,...
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The state legislative session adjourned April 28 with several wins for the Seattle-King County Advisory Council for Aging & Disability Services (ADS) and other Area...
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The popular Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) will open on Monday, April 8. This seasonal program allows older low-income residents to apply for $40...
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Where you live in Seattle can determine how easy or hard it can be to access healthy food. That's one of the key findings from...
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Only a few years ago, people would jokingly ask, "Is there an app for that?" These days, you can bet there is not only one...
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Over 110,000 persons live with Alzheimer's or other dementias in Washington state. Nationally, another person is diagnosed every 65 seconds. For many, and for too...
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When David received a diagnosis of Alzheimer's at age 76, a cloud of sorts was lifted. All the questions about memory lapses, balance issues, and...
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The snow events that took place throughout King and neighboring counties last month were unusual, to say the least. February 2019 was the snowiest month...
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Chances are, when you welcomed the new year, you set some new goals and aspirations. And you may have looked back and wondered, "What happened?!"...
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In December, I was honored to be appointed director of the Seattle Human Services Department (HSD). I thank Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan for her continued...
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February 26, 2019 is Senior Lobby Day in Olympia. I've participated in countless lobby days over the years—as a senior advocate, as a former elected...
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On the second Monday in January, the 66th Washington State Legislature convenes its 2019 session in Olympia. Throughout the session—which meets for 105 days in...
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After 21 years living on the street and with a multitude of health issues, Larry Stuvland was referred to Aging and Disability Services for assistance...
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In December, it is very tempting to write a cheery article about celebrating the holidays with families, food, friends, and fun. I don't want to...
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"Remember, we all stumble, every one of us. That's why it's a comfort to go hand in hand."—Emily Kimbrough As many family caregivers can attest,...
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Some of the things that I enjoy most about AgeWise King County is the ability to provide food for thought, resources for healthy aging and...
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Most of us know or have known someone who experienced a crisis. Unfortunately, financial and health crises are a common occurrence. And that adage, "accidents...
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It's October. Most of the fall leaves are still on the trees. Is it too early to focus on the 2019 state legislative session? Advocacy...
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The "Age Wave" is a term many use to describe the growing number of older adults in our country. Between the baby boom that occurred...
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You may not be surprised to hear me give a shout-out to the professionals at Aging and Disability Services—the Area Agency on Aging for Seattle-King...
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Aging and Disability Services (ADS)—the Area Agency on Aging for Seattle & King County—is planning for an upcoming funding process for our network of information,...
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[caption id="attachment_1724" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Greg Francis serves on the Planning Council for Health Care for the Homeless Network of PHSKC: “I had unmet health needs...
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Seattle hosted the Special Olympics USA Games the first of July. The mission of the USA Games is to "showcase the abilities of athletes with...
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These days, everybody is thinking about legacy. From politicians to tech programmers designing programs for capturing our digital lives, the legacy concept looms large. And...
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On June 20, 2018, Sound Generations announced the winners of their 2018 Inspire Positive Aging Awards. This annual awards program recognizes individuals who exemplify positive...
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Summer is finally here! Especially in sunny weather, the days are long and many of us enjoy more time outdoors with family, friends, and neighbors....
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"Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves—and the only way they could do that is...
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Not long after Medicare was created, organizations were hired by the agency to provide consumer protections and other services to Medicare patients and their families....
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"Joe" is a lonely, friendly, and trusting 78-year-old man with a soft spot for those with hard-luck stories. He was befriended by "Sally," a much...
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Innovation—the action or process of innovating, synonymous with change, alteration, revolution, upheaval, transformation, metamorphosis, breakthrough, and more. The term "innovation" is largely positive, and a...
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Members of the Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging & Disability Services are very engaged. All of our members are active in Aging Network advocacy,...
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"My grandma is my mommy who chose me." So says Ms. Shirley's seven-year-old granddaughter who came to live with her six years ago when her...
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Spring is in the air, and we’ve got some refreshing news about the aging network to share! Age-friendly communities I hope you’ve noticed the exciting...
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It seems to happen to me more frequently, an older adult at the grocery store, or in line at the library, striking up a conversation....
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When you see an advertisement that includes an older person, what are the messages you receive? Are they messages of strength or weakness? Messages of...
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In January, I asked you to tell me what content is meaningful to you in AgeWise King County and ideas on how we can improve....
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The City of Seattle Office of Housing and the Northwest ADA Center are seeking participants to complete surveys to inform their work on LGBTQ housing...
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On February 22, ADS Advisory Council members will participate in Senior Lobby Day. Organized by the Washington State Senior Citizens' Lobby in partnership with the...
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[caption id="attachment_1426" align="aligncenter" width="525"] The 2017 Washington Rhinestone Club Debutante Court.[/caption] Debutante balls are held throughout the world, including Australia, the United Kingdom, Latin America,...
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The Phinney Neighborhood Association started an ambitious project that grew out of their Difficult Conversations Series on Race in 2016. A small steering committee was...
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Happy New Year! I am starting the new year with renewed optimism and focus! I look forward to working with all of you to roll...
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Do you enjoy seeing the people in your city do well? Do you want to help get them there? Well right now the United Way...
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In December, I know two things are about to happen—the holidays and the launch of a new session of the Washington State Legislature. While the...
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It's been my honor and humble privilege to chair the Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging & Disability Services in 2017. We've had a fantastic...
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Many of us help out family members and friends who are older, sick, or have a disability but don't think of ourselves as caregivers—when in...
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We have much to be thankful for this year. The Age Friendly Seattle resolution was unanimously adopted by the Seattle City Council, committing the city...
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. When breast cancer facts or statistics are reported from institutions such as the Washington State Department of Public Health...
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What do you know about women and aging? Are there differences between how older men and older women live? Age Friendly Seattle—a new City of...
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Access to housing and services for older adults and those with different capacities are critical to the success of our communities. We have new tools...
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As I began to write this article, the sky was covered by a blanket of white haze that blocked the brilliant blue sky that I...
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In the early '80s, a revolution in Washington state began with a simple notion—people who need long-term support want to stay at home for as...
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The City of Seattle's Human Services Department (HSD) has announced recipients of its initial set of Innovation Fund awards. The Innovation Fund was established in...
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Most of us don't like to think about aging. Speaking broadly for my Generation X, Millennials, and those coming up behind us, we are aware...
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The summer is nearly over, but not without some excitement! I hope many of you were able to safely observe the eclipse. Whether donning those...
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Developmentally delayed and suffering from diabetes, dementia and several mental health diagnoses, Hazel began to fall repeatedly while in the care of her aging sister....
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"There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers,...
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In our culture today, people are bustling about with packed schedules, constantly checking their electronic devices for the latest news and updates while embracing instant...
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Who among us hasn't known someone who, as they grew older, became increasingly withdrawn? She or he may have said they liked living alone. He...
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Does end-of-life education belong in an age-friendly community's effort? Most people don't use the words "friendly" next to "death" or "dying." Although, if we agree...
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On May 31, 2017, Cathy Knight joined the Human Services Department as director of Aging and Disability Services (ADS), the Area Agency on Aging for...
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The City of Seattle's Human Services Department (HSD) is piloting an Innovation Fund of $225,000 to test new ideas that focus on results and racial...
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The historic Supreme Court decision in June 2015 legalizing marriage equality in all 50 states enables LGBTQ life partners and those in long-term relationships to...
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We all need someone on our side, whether it's to advocate and protect us or to encourage and cheer us on. June 15 is World...
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May is Older Americans Month, and the Administration for Community Living (ACL) is encouraging older adults to make a statement. Let's do it! Let's start...
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In nursing, we have seen language move from person-centered care to whole person care. We think the theme for National Nurses Week (this year from...
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As part of Mayor Ed Murray's Age-Friendly Seattle initiative, the Mayor's Office and other City of Seattle staff and community members are planning "Aging the...
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I think it was actress Bette Davis who said, "Old age ain't no place for sissies." We laugh but we also know that's a pejorative...
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While homelessness has not traditionally been thought of as a "senior issue," older adults are not immune to the impacts of the homelessness crisis. In...
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On March 22, 2017, Mayor Ed Murray launched Age-Friendly Seattle—a new initiative for the City of Seattle to address environmental, economic, and social factors influencing...
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When the World Health Organization (WHO) established its Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities in 2010, it recognized eight domains of livability—community features that...
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Key theme in Discovery 2017 Alzheimer's Regional Conference So often the discussion about Alzheimer's disease and related dementias is narrowly focused on diagnosis and the...
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Last month, I had the pleasure and the privilege of being part of a panel addressing the role that racial equity and social justice play...
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Seattle identified as impact area for intergenerational excellence movement Never before in our community's history has Seattle enjoyed a larger population of healthy, vital and...
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Family caregivers and in-home care providers are invited to attend "Giving Care, Taking Care," a day-long conference on Monday, June 5, 2017 in Tukwila, Washington....
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Marthalee Galeota, access and disability program manager for the Starbucks Coffee Company, is the featured speaker at a special event hosted by the Northwest Universal...
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When the World Health Organization established its Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities in 2010, it recognized eight domains of livability—community features that impact...
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So often, aging in our society is referred to as a negative process, discussed only in terms of its challenges and hardships. This perception is...
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Our state and region thrive when people of all ages actively participate in their communities, have equitable access to opportunities, and everyone is treated with...
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In my final month as chair of the Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging & Disability Services, I reflect on the success of the past...
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The Seattle Mayor's Council on African American Elders (MCAAE) is currently seeking candidates to fill eight open positions, beginning in January 2017. The MCAAE promotes...
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According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, a family caregiver is "someone who is responsible for attending to the daily needs of another person. Family...
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One of the best things to happen in the world of aging and disability services this year is a new focus on supporting individuals with...
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If you are a regular Agewise King County reader, you may recall the article on affordable housing from May 2016. That same month, a new...
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The City of Seattle is shifting our approach to outreach and engagement. We need your ideas on how the City can keep you better informed...
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In January 2017, we will see a cast of new legislators in Olympia—State Senators and Representatives who will descend on Olympia into a sea of...
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The 9th annual Falls Prevention Awareness Day will be observed on September 22, 2016—the first day of fall. Washington Governor Jay Inslee has declared September...
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A health forum scheduled next month is dedicated to the exchange of innovative ideas, best practices, and advancement of la vida buena y sana—a good...
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The New York Times recently released an op-doc (video) entitled Not Dead Yet, featuring Norman Lear, creator of some of the most successful sitcoms of...
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On June 13, 2016, members of the Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging & Disability Services joined Puget Sound Advocates for Retirement Action (PSARA) and...
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For the fifth year in a row, Aging and Disability Services (ADS)—the Area Agency on Aging for King County—is coordinating a conference that brings health...
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Aging and Disability Services, the Area Agency on Aging of Seattle-King County, is excited to announce a partnership with the Northwest Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Center....
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This may be news to a few people, but not to our older readers: Aging does not start at age 50 (or 60, or 65,...
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Governor Inslee shares the importance of the plan to address the overwhelming impact of Alzheimer's in Washington state. My family has a long history of...
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Posting signs to promote woman suffrage, Washington Equal Suffrage Association, Seattle, 1910. (Photo courtesy of University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections, A. Curtis 19943.) March...
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February 25, 2016 was a beautiful day in Olympia, not only because of the weather but because the 2016 Senior Lobby Day was successful. Seattle-King...
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Are you an older adult who needs transportation? Have you signed up for utility assistance? Are you helping someone with a disability find suitable housing?...
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Help for millions of family caregivers across Washington state is on its way with the introduction of House Bill 2424—the Caregiver Advise, Record and Enable...
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Understanding local and national population and health trends is essential to Aging and Disability Services' role in planning and developing services for older adults, caregivers,...
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From Friday, January 8, until Friday, February 26, 2016, a unique art exhibit takes place in Seattle City Hall. More than four dozen artworks by...
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Tick-tock-tick-tock! The first day of the Washington State Legislature's 2016 session is January 11. Since it is a short session ending on March 10, the...
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You've probably heard about King County's housing affordability problem. Median home prices in King County recently shot past their bubble-era peak to land at over...
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Older Americans Month dates back to 1963 when President John F. Kennedy, working with members of the National Council of Senior Citizens, designated May as...
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