As I age, I find that my life experiences have provided greater wisdom, deeper empathy, and more confidence as Secretary of the Maryland Department of Aging.

When I joined the Moore-Miller Administration, my overarching goal was to improve the well-being of older people, their families, and caregivers across the state. I quickly realized that to effect change, modernize systems, implement policies, and improve programs that support older adults, we must address ageism.

We live in an ageist society that affects everyone, not just older adults. If we want to improve the future of aging services, we must move away from stereotypes based on ageist ideas and recognize the undeniable benefits the older population provides to our economy, culture, and community.

To raise awareness about the impact of ageism, the American Society on Aging has dedicated October 9th as Ageism Awareness Day. In addition, the World Health Organization and the United Nations have made combating ageism a priority in their Decade of Healthy Ageing global initiative to improve the health and well-being of older people.

As part of Longevity Ready Maryland, the Department of Aging has partnered with the National Center to Reframe Aging to educate professionals across Maryland on ways to communicate more effectively about older Marylanders and positively impact the services we need as we age. Through workshops, training, and technical support, more than 500 communicators, leaders, and policymakers across Maryland have learned those principles and are carrying that information back to their organizations.

We invite you to keep the momentum going by attending a free Introduction to Reframing Aging virtual webinar on Ageism Awareness Day. You can also visit aging.maryland.gov/reframeaging to take our Reframe Aging Milestone Survey. All ages are encouraged to participate! To learn more about Longevity Ready Maryland activities, visit LRM.maryland.gov.

Addressing Ageism:
An Introduction to Reframing Aging

Ageism Awareness Day Webinar
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
12:00-1:00pm
Register for free at: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fyhulRmaSX6Em6jvEJl0zg

Medicare Open Enrollment starts on October 15th and runs through December 7th. State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselors are available in every county and Baltimore City to provide free, unbiased assistance as you compare your current plans with new options.

Open Enrollment is your time to review your Medicare health and drug coverage and decide if you want to make changes. Because Medicare costs and benefits can change each year, comparing your options could help you find better coverage or save money.

Medicare can be confusing, so don't hesitate to reach out to a trained SHIP counselor for help or guidance. Learn more at aging.maryland.gov/SHIP.

Don't Fall for Medicare Open Enrollment Scams

During Medicare Open Enrollment, scammers may call or text claiming to be from Medicare and say they're conducting a survey, want to help you get the best coverage, or will send you a new Medicare card. They may pressure you to buy a plan quickly or offer gifts or cash to enroll in a plan. 

If you suspect Medicare fraud, errors, or abuse, reach out to your local Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) office for free, confidential assistance. Find your local SMP office at aging.maryland.gov/SMP or visit aging.maryland.gov for more helpful resources on preventing scams and fraud.

The Maryland Department of Aging provides free durable medical equipment (DME) to Marylanders with any illness, injury, or disability, regardless of age, at no cost. Maryland DME Re-Use improves the quality of life for many Maryland residents by providing the opportunity to avoid costlier levels of care.

In this podcast from Upstream, hear the inspiring story of Maryland resident Patrick O'Malley who received free DME from Maryland DME Re-Use after a spinal cord injury. Maryland DME Re-Use Program Dirctor Ian Edwards also shares the recipe for success in reusing wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds and more in Maryland—and how other states can follow suit to improve lives while saving money, carbon, and landfill waste. Learn how you can donate or receive DME at dme.maryland.gov.

Every U.S. household can now order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests, including more accessible tests for people with low vision or low manual dexterity. The tests will detect the currently circulating COVID-19 variants and are intended for use through the end of 2024.

To order standard tests, fill out a form at https://special.usps.com/testkits. To order InteliSwab accessible tests, visit https://special.usps.com/testkits/accessible. You may also order by phone at 1-800-232-0233. 

For additional information, including ordering instructions and information about the features that make the InteliSwab test more accessible, visit ACL.gov/AccessibleTests. Go to aging.maryland.gov to learn more about Maryland Department of Aging health promotion and disease prevention efforts.

Walk Maryland Day, sponsored by the Maryland Department of Health, is celebrated statewide on the first Wednesday in October to kick off "Walktober," a month-long promotion of walking and how this simple physical activity provides health benefits to all ages and abilities.

Walking for 30 minutes every day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance. It can also reduce your risk of developing conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and some cancers.

Maryland Department of Aging employees are excited to join other state employees on Walk Maryland Day and encourage you to go for a walk where you live, work, or play.  Click here to join a Walk Maryland Day organized walking group.

Guardianship Awareness Month

Guardianship, sometimes called conservatorship, is a legal relationship created when a court gives one person (the guardian) the power to make personal and financial decisions for another person who is seen to be at risk of harm or unable to handle their own affairs. However, guardianship should be used as a last resort after less restrictive decision-making options have been considered.

For more information on guardianships and alternatives, defense against guardianship and restoration of rights, or improving guardianship systems, visit the National Center on Law and Elder Rights (NCLER). Visit aging.maryland.gov for an overview of the Maryland Department of Aging's Public Guardianship Program.

National Residents' Rights Month

Governor Moore has proclaimed October National Long-Term Care Residents’ Rights Month in Maryland. This year's theme, "The Power of My Voice," aims to empower residents to be vocal about their interests, personal growth, and right to live full, enriching lives.

Residents' Rights Month reminds us that residents are protected by law and do not give up their rights as citizens when they enter a long-term care facility. If you are concerned about the care of a resident in a nursing home or assisted living facility or believe their rights have been compromised, contact your local Ombudsman office, where trained Ombudsmen can offer free and confidential assistance. Find your local Ombudsman at aging.maryland.gov/Pages/state-long-term-care-ombudsman.aspx. Click here to read the full proclamation.

National RX Drug Take Back Day: Oct. 26th

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible method for disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the public about the potential for medication abuse. Prescription drugs thrown in the trash can be retrieved to be abused or illegally sold, while drugs flushed down toilets can contaminate the water supply.

You can prevent medication misuse and improper disposal by cleaning out your medicine cabinet and taking unused or expired medications to a local prescription drug drop-off site during the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) National Prescription Take Back Day. Click here to learn more and find an authorized collection site near you.