The Link - May 2018

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Week of May 7, 2018

News & Resources
  • May is Older Americans Month, and the Administration for Community Living has created a microsite filled with materials, activity ideas and resources to help promote and celebrate this year's theme, "Engage at Every Age": https://oam.acl.gov/index.html

  • Each year, the Administration on Aging (AoA) compiles the latest statistics on the older population sourced primarily from U.S. Census data into a Profile of Older Americans:  2017 Profile of Older Americans

  • Financial Literacy Month encourages older adults to review their finances. EconomicCheckUp® gives tips on money management, scams, and more so seniors can reach their goals. https://www.ncoa.org/blog/financial-counseling-can-help/
  • How livable is your community?  The AARP Livability Index scores neighborhoods and communities across the U.S. for the services and amenities that impact your life the most:  https://livabilityindex.aarp.org/
Nutrition Services
  • Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) Senior Hunger Marketing Project in collaboration with the AAA nutrition programs and LifeLong Links:
    - Radio: The campaign will include a 30-second radio spot featuring a senior woman sharing her experience with food insecurity, and encouragement to call 2-1-1 to find additional food resources. Radio spots will begin playing statewide May 21 and continue for 5 weeks. 
    -Print: ​IDPH ordered posters (8.5 x 11" and 11 x 17") and rack cards, which will be shipped to AAA Nutrition Directors and other key partners mid-May, just prior to launch. ​The campaign has been primarily funded by a CDC Block Grant, though SNAP-Ed has helped with printing costs.
    -Virtual Training: ​To prepare for the roll-out of the campaign, 2-1-1, LifeLong Links and the Food Assistance hotline have all contributed to a joint virtual training to explain what they do and who they serve. A link for all three partners to use with their call center staff will be sent out by mid-May. 
Disease Prevention Healh Promotion
  • The Iowa Department of Public Health recognized leaders in nutrition and physical activity at the 2018 Iowa Governor's Conference on Public Health. Congratulations to Sonita Oldfield-Carlson, Milestones Area Agency on Aging, who was awarded "Seasoned Physical Activity Leader," and Jo Ellen Haddad of Whitver Healthy Aging in Cedar Rapids, who was awarded "Seasoned Nutrition and Physical Activity Leader."

  • May is National Stroke Awareness Month.  Each year, almost 800,000 people in the United States have a stroke. Nearly 1 in 3 adults has high blood pressure, a primary risk factor for stroke:  https://millionhearts.hhs.gov/news-media/events/stroke-bp-month.html 

  • Chronic disease self-management education (CDSME) programs developed by Stanford University have been proven to help seniors improve their quality of life and lower health care costs. 80% of older adults have at least one chronic condition: https://www.ncoa.org/healthy-aging/chronic-disease/chronic-disease-self-management-programs/

  • Ample evidence now exists that regular physical activity is key to preventing and managing major chronic diseases common to older people. Physical activity is also important for preserving physical function and mobility, which can then delay the onset of major disability. Despite the known benefits of physical activity to health and physical function in aging, the proportion of older adults meeting recommended physical activity guidelines remains low (27%), based on data from the 2011-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey: data. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes/index.htm
  • Strong evidence demonstrates that participation by community-dwelling older adults in multi-component group or home-based fall prevention physical activity and exercise programs can significantly reduce the risk of injury from falls:  https://health.gov/paguidelines/second-edition/report.aspx

 

Legal Protections
  • Durable Medical Equipment (DME) describes the equipment and supports an individual needs to help with health issues. Unfortunately, people commonly face complications in accessing DME, especially if they are dual eligible individuals.  From the National Center on Law and Elder Rights, a webcast is available on May 16.  https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2380698150994709250

  • The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released the “Making Affordable Housing Work Act,” a  proposal that would impose rent increases on many individuals and families across HUD affordable housing programs—including millions of low-income seniors.  The National Low Income Housing Coalition has issued a press release and fact sheet.

  • Frauds and scams target everyone.  Guardians personally may become victims while having the responsibility to protect their clients from scams.  This webinar provides tips on stopping scams from reaching clients and resources to use if they (or you) get trapped. May 15 at noon.  $55 NGA members; $80 non-members  https://www.guardianship.org/education/webinars/

 

Upcoming Events


Webinar from the Iowa Department on Aging:

Webinars from the American Society on Aging:

Webinars from the National Council on Aging:

Webinars from the National Guardianship Association: