 Independence Doesn’t Mean Doing It Alone
Doing things for ourselves makes us proud. For our whole lives, we’re told to work hard, try new things, and stay busy. This is all part of how we demonstrate our personal independence. But as we age, our bodies (and budgets) change. Our understanding of independence must change along with them.
80% of Americans aged 65 or older have at least one chronic condition. A majority of us are worried about whether we’ll have enough money to last through retirement. These issues affect our wallets, our routines, and sometimes our ability to enjoy what makes us happy. In short, they threaten our independence.
It’s okay to admit that’s intimidating! Acknowledging these concerns to ourselves gives us clear goals. Expressing these concerns to our loved ones puts us on a path to preserving our independence with people we trust. Knowing we have help makes all of aging’s twists and turns easier to navigate.
Asking for help isn’t weakness...
Help comes in many forms. Maybe a friend recommends a benefits program that makes your budget bigger. Your grandchild might do your shopping when you’re unable to. Or perhaps your doctor proactively suggests a tai chi class to build your strength and balance. Each of these things would protect your independence, but be honest: would you react to each one the same way? It’s worth considering why.
Set yourself up for success by knowing who you’re comfortable asking for help. Encourage yourself to ask more often. Learn about things you’re dealing with now and things you might face later. All that work results in more independence down the road, even if it looks a little different than you might have imagined years ago.
Celebrate your age...
NCOA President and CEO James Firman once said:
You can have a great old age, but you need to work at it. Luck and genes are a contributing factor, but you can greatly increase your odds of living long and well by learning the art and science of longevity and by cultivating daily habits like mindfulness, regular exercise, watching what you eat, being kind to others, and constantly learning and growing.
Independence as we age is found in the new kinds of choices we can make each day. It’s in the differences we choose to make in our communities. It’s in the ways we use our life experience. It’s in the ways we use our time. That’s as exciting as any fireworks show.
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n4a Honors Innovative Programs that Promote Successful Aging in America- Louisville’s Fan Fair Wins Top Prize!
NEW ORLEANS—July 27, 2019 the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) honored 48 innovative programs that have successfully helped older adults in communities around the country continue living in their homes and communities for as long as possible. The programs were winners of the 2019 n4a Aging Innovations and Achievement Awards, which were distributed at n4a’s 44th Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA. The annual awards program, supported by WellCare Health Plans, recognizes Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and Title VI Native American aging programs that have implemented successful initiatives to support older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers. “n4a is thrilled to present the Aging Innovations and Achievement Awards to a diverse and talented group of Area Agencies on Aging. We are happy to say that every corner of the country is represented in the 2019 awards this year” said Sandy Markwood, Chief Executive Officer of n4a. “The work these AAAs have done to deliver innovative and successful programs in their communities is remarkable. From programs that focus on healthy aging or transportation to nutrition or social engagement, we truly commend them all and urge them to continue creating great programs like the ones highlighted in this year’s 2019 Aging Innovations and Achievements Awards.” Markwood said. Mark Henry, Director, LTC & HCBS Contracting at WellCare remarked, “WellCare is pleased to support n4a’s Aging Innovations and Achievement Awards program, which recognizes the work of Area Agencies on Aging and Title VI aging programs to serve older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers with innovative, successful programs designed to fill gaps in services and meet the critical needs of consumers in communities across the country. We salute this year’s winners for sharing their secrets to success with their peers, helping grow the AAA network’s capacity and responding to the incredible demographic changes ahead.” n4a presented 32 Aging Achievement Awards and 16 Aging Innovations Awards to programs in a variety of areas, including caregiving, healthy aging, nutrition, technology, intergenerational programs and transportation.
Descriptions of all 48 award-winning programs can be found in n4a’s awards book. The following three programs were the highest-scoring Innovations winners and received cash awards:
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First place: Mobile Farmers’ Market, Central Plains Area Agency on Aging, Wichita, KS Description: Central Plains Area Agency on Aging (CPAAA) has worked with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment since May 2011 to distribute to eligible older adults Kansas Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (KSFMNP) check booklets valued at $30. People age 60 and older in the tri-county area are encouraged to purchase fresh produce, honey or herbs at local farmers’ markets. Additionally, through an innovative partnership with a local farmer, a mobile food truck visits older adults and senior centers to bring the fresh food right to clients. CPAAA works with service coordinators, senior centers and local county departments on aging to distribute the booklets and raise awareness of the program.
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Second place: Fan Fair, KIPDA Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living, Louisville, KY Description: Recognizing the need for cooling devices in Louisville, an urban heat island where the temperatures are 10 degrees higher than in other parts of the county, KIPDA Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living worked with the Louisville Metro Office of Aging and Disabled Citizens to create a Fan Fair that has since become an annual event. Partnering with local media, businesses and citizens, fans are donated and distributed throughout the KIPDA region to individuals who have a disability or individuals older than 60.
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Third place: Juniper—Your Health. Your Community., Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging, Arden Hills, MN Description: Juniper, a network of all seven Minnesota Area Agencies on Aging, community organizations, health care organizations and class leaders (volunteers and staff), is expanding the reach and effectiveness of evidence-based health promotion classes through the creation of a powerful technology platform and a nimble management services infrastructure that ensures scale and sustainability. Through Juniper’s statewide reach, Minnesota AAAs have become hubs for community health and wellness and have a new way to fund health promotion and disease prevention activities.
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) is a 501c(3) membership association representing America’s national network of 622 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and providing a voice in the nation’s capital for the more than 250 Title VI Native American aging programs. The mission of n4a is to build the capacity of its members so they can better help older adults and people with disabilities live with dignity and choices in their homes and communities for as long as possible. n4a.org
Copyright © 2019 National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a)
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Louisville's Metro Council Fully Sponsors New Commission for Persons With Disabilites with Unanimous Vote
 July 29, 2019 marked the 29th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act signed by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990.
The bi-partisan supported Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) give civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities like those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. The ADA and ADAAA also assure equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities for access to businesses, employment, transportation, state and local government programs and services, and telecommunications.
About 57 million people in our country have a disability and over 33% of Kentucky’s adult population have some type of disability. It is estimated that 25% of our nation’s current 20-year-olds will experience a disability in their lifetime.
Louisville Metro Councilman Brandon Coan (District 8) has been working with metro departments and disability advocates to create a formal Commission for Persons with Disabilities. In recognition of this great effort, Councilman Coan stated, "I am proud that Metro Council unanimously passed an ordinance on July 25, 2019 - the anniversary eve of the Americans with Disabilities Act being signed into law -creating a Louisville Metro Commission for Persons with Disabilities. All people should be able to live freely and move safely through our community and I hope the Commission will improve equitable access to every opportunity our city has to offer."
In celebration of the anniversary of the ADA's anniversary and in recognition of this newly created Commission, a press conference was held at TARC’s Union Station. The Commission was established to advise the Mayor and the Council on issues of access, representation, employment, housing and quality of life affecting citizens with disabilities and their families. If you are interested in applying for the Commission for Persons with Disabilities, please go online or CLICK HERE for more information.
In honor of the 29th anniversary of this historic civil rights legislation, Louisville Metro Office for Aging & Disabled Citizens (OADC) and partner agencies challenge residents, organizations, government entities, and faith communities to recommit to the full implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by signing the PLEDGE ON! to ADA. Currently, there are 102 signatures for the state of Kentucky. By signing this pledge, Louisvillians can celebrate and recognize the progress that has been made and reaffirm the principles of equality and inclusion by recommitting to the efforts of reaching full ADA compliance.
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 New Data Profile: Examining Family Caregiver Characteristics
ACL has released a data profile using data from the Caregiver Outcome Evaluation Study of the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP). This data profile, “Family Caregivers: Examining caregiver characteristics, caregiving support, and other caregiving dynamics that differ between short term and long term caregivers,” compares caregivers who have been providing care for two or fewer years, and caregivers providing care for longer than two years. This data profile examines characteristics of caregivers including age, relationship to care recipient, level of caregiving intensity, and use of NFCSP services.
Download the new profile
The Administration for Community Living (ACL) conducted an outcome evaluation of the Older Americans Act Title III-E National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP).The NFCSP provides grants to states and territories to fund various supports that help family and informal caregivers care for older adults in their homes for as long as possible. The Caregiver Outcome Evaluation Study of the NFCSP was released in 2018.
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