April 24, 2024 —
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 those, tracking 15 bills across the House and Senate. While we didn’t move all the legislation that we had hoped, our priority bills made it past the finish line. The... Read More
April 24, 2024 —
Happy Older Americans Month! I can’t remember when I started to think of myself as an “older adult.” Often, it’s not a date on a calendar but more how you feel and the kinds of activities you still can do comfortably. For me, and much of the research shows, keeping active physically can help one... Read More
March 26, 2024 —
The Northwest Kidney Centers Dialysis Museum has relocated to SeaTac after 45 years at its original site. I was invited to attend the grand opening in March, which caused me to reflect on visits to the original museum and my work at Northwest Kidney Centers. And it was fun to see exhibits once again—the original... Read More
March 26, 2024 —
If you or a loved one has experienced belly pain, gas, diarrhea, and constipation, you know it isn’t pleasant. It can cause people to feel isolated and alone, due to the uncertainty of symptoms and not knowing if there will be a bathroom nearby. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects about 10 percent to 15 percent... Read More
March 25, 2024 —
Age Friendly Seattle’s Civic Coffee on February 23, 2024—cohosted by the Ballard NW Senior Center—featured a panel presentation on digital navigation and local resources to help older people navigate the digital world. Panelists Sarah Carrier, privacy program manager with Seattle Information Technology, and Sharonne Navas, co-founder and executive director of Equity in Education Coalition discussed... Read More
March 22, 2024 —
What is stress? A common definition is “physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension.” Another popular definition is “a condition or feeling experienced when a person perceives that demands exceed the personal and social resources the individual is able to mobilize.” For more information, visit The American Institute of Stress. Stress is a ubiquitous part... Read More
March 22, 2024 —
KD shares a home in the Seattle area with her husband David, their two children and her mother-in-law Kathleen. Kathleen needs long-term care due to her multiple sclerosis (MS), which she has been managing for the past 30 years. In recent years, KD and David started noticing a decline in Kathleen’s ability to do everyday... Read More
March 22, 2024 —
Spring is here! Hang that down jacket at the back of your closet, dig out your sunglasses—reliable sunshine is within striking distance! With so much to look forward to, why let illness keep you down? Staying up to date on vaccinations gives you the best chance at a healthy season ahead. And this year, you’ve... Read More
March 22, 2024 —
We celebrate Financial Literacy Month every April to promote financial education and well-being in the United States. Financial Literacy Month also serves as a reminder that Social Security is a vital part of any financial plan. Our online tools can help you understand your potential Social Security benefits and how they fit into your financial... Read More
March 22, 2024 —
In my AgeWise articles in February and March, I shared information about ways to save money. As the infomercials say, “But wait! There’s more!” One of the biggest savings available to older people with low to moderate income comes through Washington State’s Senior Property Tax Exemption program, which is administered in King County by the... Read More