Caring for Body and Mind in October

October is a month filled with health-related events, including the annual Medicare open enrollment period, from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. There are many things to consider, such as whether you are using traditional Medicare and a supplemental policy, or a Medicare Managed Care Plan. Planning for open enrollment can be very confusing and stressful! One valuable resource I have used is the State Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA). They provide free, unbiased, and confidential assistance to help Washington residents understand Medicare, compare plans, and find ways to save money on health care costs. SHIBA is a program of the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner and offers help from trained volunteer advisors. You may want to check them out—they offer 1-1 phone calls or in-person consultations, often at senior or community centers.

While physical health is important, I’d like to focus on another aspect of health. Mental health is an area that is sometimes overlooked in our discussions, but is just as important. Oct. 5-11 is Mental Health Awareness week. October is also National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month, two important reminders to take note of how we feel and think about ourselves. The National Council on Older Adults (NCOA) reports that feelings of depression or severe anxiety are not typical as we grow older. They can be signs of a treatable medical condition. Older adults often have a higher risk for mental health issues due to several life events, such as loss of a loved one, changes brought about by retirement, stress of caregiving, medications, or chronic illnesses (ncoa.org). Nearly 15% of adults aged 50 and older have some type of mental health challenge, and this is expected to double by 2030. (National Institute of Mental Health.) 

There are sometimes barriers to getting help: social stigma about mental health, lack of transportation to get to a counselor, living in a rural area where resources are scarce, or economic issues if you can’t find a provider who accepts Medicare or other insurance plans. So, what can we do when we are feeling very stressed or depressed? Some resources in the Seattle/King County area are available:

• Community Living Connections: Community Living Connections can connect you with help when and where you need it. You can get objective, confidential information about resources and service options. Visit their website or call toll-free at 1-844-348-5464.  
• Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives (PEARLS): This program, offered through Sound Generations, is proven to reduce symptoms of depression and improve the quality of life for older adults who are experiencing sadness, loneliness, or isolation by providing 1-1 sessions with a trained health coach over the course of six months. If you want to be referred to PEARLS, dial 211 and ask to be connected with PEARLS through Long-Term Care Services.
• Geriatric Regional Assessment Team (GRAT): This program, also offered at Sound Generations, provides support to adults 55 and older residing in King County who are experiencing cognitive, mental health and/or substance use issues and can receive services in their homes. You can refer an older adult to GRAT by calling 206-448-3110 or emailing info@soundgenerations.org.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: To reach a national mental health crisis hotline, you can call or text 988. This three-digit number is a nationwide resource available 24/7 to provide free, confidential support and help you connect with a trained crisis counselor. 
• Check out your local senior or community center which could offer ways for you to get social support and improve your health and well-being with support groups, counseling, exercise programs, nursing, and foot care.

The main thing to remember is that feelings of depression, anxiety or loneliness are not a regular part of getting older. Getting the right support could make a huge difference.

Best wishes for finding ways to reduce your stress and have a peaceful month—and life!

Contributor Alex O’Reilly chairs the Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging & Disability Services. She welcomes input from readers via email (advisorychair@agewisekingcounty.org).

Mark Your Calendars

The following are upcoming events of interest:

• Virtual Fall Senior Lobby Conference: Thursday Oct. 15 (9 a.m.–4 p.m.); virtual meeting. The focus of the conference will cover topics such as: legislative priorities for 2026 legislative session, report by Washington State League of Women Voters on care giving, health care and Medicare, Long Term Care, senior demographics, budget update, and other timely issues. Register by Oct. 10 by sending name, organization, email and registration fee via check to Senior Citizens’ Foundation, 1501 S. Capitol Way, Ste. 103, Olympia, WA  98501-2200
• Collaborating for a Dementia-Friendly Washington: Building Momentum: Monday, Oct. 27 (10 a.m.–4:30 pm) at Tukwila Community Center, 12424 42nd Ave S. Tukwila, WA. Register online. Join us for Washington’s premiere conference on building dementia-friendly communities!
• Civic Coffee: Grief and Loss: Tuesday, Oct. 30 (2 p.m.–3 p.m.) at Providence Elizabeth House, 3201 Graham St. SW, Seattle, WA, 98126. Contact agefriendly@seattle.gov for more information.

The Advisory Council on Aging & Disability Services is a group of community volunteers who advocate for older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers in King County. Council members advise on policies, programs, and services that support independence, health, and quality of life. We want to hear from you. Please share which issues are most important so we can focus our legislative efforts next year.