The Link E-Newsletter - Jan. 13, 2017

WEEK OF JANUARY 13, 2017

• The Iowa Department on Aging is pleased to welcome its new director, Linda Miller: https://www.iowaaging.gov/press-release/2017/01/iowa-department-aging-welcomes-new-director

• A new report by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau shows that the number of consumers age 60 and older with student loan debt has quadrupled over the last decade: http://www.consumerfinance.gov/data-research/research-reports/snapshot-older-consumers-and-student-loan-debt/

• A report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released in late 2016 found that many older Americans on Social Security retirement, survivors and disability benefits are receiving income below the federal poverty line because their benefits are being garnished to pay off old student loan debt: http://www.consumerreports.org/student-debt/solutions-for-seniors-who-are-in-default-on-student-loans/

• The U.S. Department of Labor has released a report that focuses specifically on the challenges facing the millions of working people who provide unpaid and often informal care to elderly friends and family and policies that can be enacted to support them: https://www.dol.gov/sites/default/files/NavigatingTheDemandsOfWorkAndEldercare.pdf 

• The National Council for Behavioral Health recently released an interactive infographic with suggestions for mental health self-care resolutions for the New Year: https://www.thinglink.com/scene/871073382035095554

• The opportunity exists to improve the immunization rate in older adults and protect them against pneumonia and shingles - illnesses that can negatively impact quality of life and result in hospitalization or death. The Immunization Action Coalition has created a number of handouts and information sheets on the diseases and vaccines: http://www.immunize.org/

Webinar: "Advocacy Priorities for Seniors in Early 2017"

Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017 (2 p.m. CT)

With the convening of a new Congress and Administration, many challenges and opportunities lie ahead for aging services. Join the National Council on Aging for this webinar to learn more about the proposals pending in Congress; next steps in the debate; which members of Congress could be the most influential; the importance of seniors’ voices in protecting aging services and benefits; and what you can do to help make a difference.

More Information | Register

Webinar: "Helping Connect Individuals to Benefits: Approaches, Tools and Promising Practices"

Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017 (2 p.m. CT)

Despite the availability of public benefits programs that can help meet basic needs and improve economic security, many low-income older adults and younger adults with disabilities are under-enrolled. In this webinar, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) will present findings from a recent study on how stigma affects perceptions of these programs, and results from a national survey of what messages can effectively counter stigma.

More Information | Register

Dialogue on Aging - "Leadership in Aging: Inspiring Tomorrow's Leaders Today"

Friday, March 3, 2017 (9 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.)
Hilton Garden Inn | 8600 Northpark Dr. | Johnston, IA 50131

Join the Iowa Department on Aging on March 3 for the first session in its 2017 Dialogue on Aging Series. The topic for this event is "Leadership in Aging: Inspiring Tomorrow's Leaders Today" and will begin with a public meeting of the Iowa Commission on Aging, followed by thought-provoking presentations by three of Iowa’s most prominent speakers in the field of aging:

• Mercedes Bern-Klug, PhD, MSW, MA
  Associate Professor, University of Iowa School of Social Work
  Director, University of Iowa Aging Studies Program
• Peter Martin, PhD
  Professor, Iowa State University
• Joel Olah, PhD, LNHA
  Executive Director, Aging Resources of Central Iowa

Lunch is included and will feature the presentation of the 2016 Betty Grandquist Lifetime Achievement Award to two Iowans who have dedicated their personal and professional lives to improving the quality of life and care for older Iowans and persons with disabilities.

Registration fee is $25 per person and covers the cost of lunch. Space is limited; a block of hotel rooms has been reserved. Please register by Friday, Feb. 10.

More Information | Register

The mission of the Iowa Department on Aging is to develop a comprehensive, coordinated and

cost-effective system of long-term living and community support services that helps older Iowans maintain

health and independence in their homes and communities.