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Talbot County Commission on Aging - 9/1/2026  |
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Welcome to the very first edition of Aging in Action, your new community newsletter from the Talbot County Commission on Aging.
This newsletter was created with you in mind. Whether you are an older adult, a caregiver, a family member, a friend, or someone who simply wants to help make Talbot County a great place to grow older, we hope Aging in Action becomes a trusted resource that keeps you informed, connected, and inspired.
Our goal is to provide practical information, local resources, upcoming events, healthy aging tips, and opportunities to stay active, engaged, and independent. We also want to celebrate the people, organizations, and programs that make our community stronger and help older adults thrive.
Most importantly, this is your newsletter.
Aging is not something we do alone—it takes a community. As our needs, interests, and experiences change, so should the information and resources available to support us. That's why we want to hear from you.
What topics would you like us to cover? What questions do you have about aging? Are there local services, programs, or businesses that have made a difference in your life? Do you have a story, tip, or experience you'd like to share with others?
Your ideas and feedback will help shape future editions so that Aging in Action reflects what matters most to the people who live, work, and care in Talbot County.
Each issue will feature local events, wellness and safety information, caregiving resources, volunteer opportunities, community highlights, and practical tools to help you live well at every stage of aging.
Thank you for joining us as we launch this new resource. Together, we can build a more informed, connected, and age-friendly Talbot County—where everyone has the opportunity to age with confidence, purpose, and dignity.
We'd love to hear from you!
Please share your questions, comments, ideas, or stories here:
https://talbotcounty.jotform.com/262284226802051
We encourage you to share this newsletter with family, friends, neighbors, and anyone who may benefit from the information inside. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected community where every older adult has the opportunity to thrive.
Welcome—we're glad you're here!
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Helping Talbot County Families Navigate Long-Term Care
Choosing long-term care for yourself or a loved one is one of the most important decisions a family can make. The Talbot County Commission on Aging's Nursing Home Subcommittee was established to provide clear, unbiased information that helps older adults, caregivers, and families understand their options and connect with trusted resources.
The subcommittee develops educational materials, shares publicly available information about nursing homes and senior services, and works with community partners to improve awareness of long-term care resources throughout Talbot County. While the Commission does not regulate nursing homes or recommend specific facilities, we are committed to helping residents make informed decisions.
Learn More: Nursing Homes in Talbot County
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Talbot County Health Department Offers: SOAR Supporting Older Adults with Resources
The SOAR program provides case management and funds services for people 62 or older who may be at risk of nursing home placement.
SOAR supports healthy aging, caregiving, housing stability, and social connections. Research has shown that care coordination reduces emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and premature nursing home placement—some of the most expensive outcomes for public systems to absorb. By helping older adults remain healthy, independent, and engaged, communities lower health care and long-term care costs while strengthening local economies and reducing strain on families and public resources.
Learn more: https://talbothealth.org/senior-services/
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Did you know The Talbot County Health Department has an Amazon Wish List? This is not just a wish, this is a true need. Talbot County seniors deserve the opportunity to age with dignity, independence, and access to the basic supports they need to remain safely in their homes and connected to their community. An urgent need exists to ensure that seniors have access to essential resources—including incontinence supplies such as Depends—so that financial barriers do not compromise their health, dignity, or quality of life. https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/8K00UO37YSRM/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex
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Why volunteer? You won't believe how much we gain by giving back!
Volunteering promotes longevity by lowering stress, boosting physical movement, and building social ties that reduce isolation. Giving your time creates a clear sense of purpose and triggers positive brain chemistry, which protects your physical and mental health over time. Here are just a few ways to volunteer in Talbot County:
The Neighborhood Service Center is looking for volunteers for the food pantry (contact Yvette Robinson 410-822-5015), and for The Neighborhood Exchange (contact Susan Langfitt 410-924-6508). What a meaningful way to give back!
The Talbot Historical Society depends on dedicated volunteers to bring our community’s history to life. Volunteers play a crutial role in all aspects of our work – supporting public programs, special events, and daily operations throughout the year. They act as docents and tour guides, leading walking tours of Easton and assisting with collections and exhibitions. There are many ways to get involved and participate in various projects, discovering new interests and friendships along the way. https://talbothistory.org/volunteer/
Talbot County Public Schools is launching a reading program where they connect seniors to students at all age levels to connect and read. Read, Share and Connect is a way for all of us to help the youngest generation to learn to love to read. Please contact Katie Fox for more information kfox@talbotschools.org, or call 410-822-0686.
Society of Saint Vincent De Paul SVdP is a community organization whose volunteers give hope and help to families and individuals: Your skills are needed! Thrift Store Volunteer Opportunities are available in our Boutique, Clothing, Housewares, & Furniture as sales staff, drivers, truck helpers, and donation sorters. Food Pantry, Neighbor Assistance Advisors, and Friendly Neighbors volunteers work directly with clients. Support for Marketing, Graphic Design, Communications, Grant writing, and Fundraising allow us to help more neighbors-in-need, while our volunteers 'work' from home. https://svdpeastonmd.org/volunteer
Talbot Hospice When you become a Talbot Hospice volunteer, you join a wonderful group of dedicated individuals who support patients and families in our care. Talbot Hospice volunteers are the most important and visible providers of our supportive services. Our volunteers have many and diverse gifts that they contribute in their own way, and we welcome your skills and talents! Contact Megan Murray at mmurray@talbothospice.org or 410-822-6681 for more information.
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September 19, 2026
10 AM Ceremony and Walk
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Join Us in the fight to end Alzheimers. All money raised through the Walk to End Alzheimer's benefits the care, support, and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association.
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Held annually, the Senior Resource Fair connects seniors and their families with valuable services, resources, and information available throughout the community.
Attendees can take advantage of services such as balance checks, A1C testing, Hepatitis C and HIV testing, and medication disposal, while also enjoying raffle prizes and giveaways. Representatives from local organizations and members of the Commission on Aging will be available to answer questions and share information about programs and support services available in Talbot County.
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Did you know that falls are not a normal part of aging—and many falls can be prevented? That's the message behind National Falls Prevention Awareness Week, observed September 21–25, 2026, and led by the National Council on Aging (NCOA). This annual campaign encourages older adults, caregivers, families, and healthcare providers to take simple, proactive steps to reduce the risk of falls and help older adults remain active, independent, and confident.
One of the easiest ways to get started is by taking the Falls Free CheckUp, a free online falls risk assessment from the National Council on Aging. In just a few minutes, you'll answer a series of questions about your health, balance, medications, vision, and home environment. Based on your answers, you'll receive personalized recommendations to help reduce your risk of falling.
Remember, preventing falls begins with awareness. Talk with your healthcare provider about your risk, stay physically active, have your vision and medications reviewed regularly, and make your home safer by removing tripping hazards and improving lighting. Small changes today can help you stay healthy, independent, and on your feet for years to come.
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Have an event to share?
We highlight programs, events, and resources that help older adults stay active, informed, and connected throughout Talbot County. If you would like to submit an event, please email commissiononaging@talbotcountymd.gov.
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 Member Spotlight: Childlene Brooks, Manager at Brookletts Place Talbot County Senior Center
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Super Seniors at the YMCA: Living Life to the Fullest
At the YMCA, age is just a number. Our “Super Seniors” prove every day that staying active, social, and curious can transform not just the body, but the mind and spirit.
Meet Doris- 93 Years Young
At 93, Doris starts each day early. “I get up, take care of my dog, relax for an hour or so, and then I get busy,” she says. “I do my housework, and when the weather is nice I love to be outside walking or working in my garden.” Three days a week, Doris comes to the YMCA for Enhance Fitness, a class that combines cardio, balance, stretching, and strength training. “Sometimes I think, should I go or shouldn’t I? But then I tell myself — I better go. I have no excuse.”
And she’s always glad she did.
The Enhance Fitness program is a free evidence based program recognized by the CDC. This 16 week commitment class 3 days a week provides great benefits: It improves physical strength, boosts mental health, enhances balance to prevent falls, and fosters vital social connections within a supportive community. Plus, it's just great fun!
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 Healthy Aging Tip: Stay Active at Home
Staying active doesn't always require a gym! Regular movement helps improve strength, balance, flexibility, heart health, and overall well-being. Just 30 minutes of activity most days can make a big difference.
Easy Ways to Stay Active at Home
Take Movement Breaks
- Get up and walk around your home every hour
- Walk while talking on the phone.
- March in place during television commercials.
Build Strength
- Perform chair sit-to-stands.
- Use light hand weights or resistance bands.
- Lift household items like soup cans or water bottles.
Practice Balance
- Stand on one foot while holding onto a sturdy chair.
- Walk heel-to-toe down a hallway.
- Practice gentle weight shifts from side to side.
Stretch Daily
- Stretch your shoulders, neck, back, and legs.
- Gentle stretching helps reduce stiffness and improve flexibility.
Turn on the Music
- Dance to your favorite songs.
- Movement can improve both mood and cardiovascular health.
Make Chores Count
Household activities like vacuuming, gardening, dusting, and sweeping are great ways to stay active while accomplishing daily tasks.
Stay Hydrated
Drink water before, during, and after activity—even if you don't feel thirsty.
Wear Supportive Shoes
Proper footwear helps reduce the risk of slips and falls while exercising or doing chores.
Remember:
Before beginning a new exercise routine, talk with your healthcare provider if you have chronic health conditions, recent surgery, or concerns about your balance.
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Our Mission
The Commission on Aging will advise the Talbot County Council on issues affecting seniors and will advocate for change as needed; The Commission will do all things necessary or proper to promote the interests, well-being, and quality of life for senior citizens in Talbot County.
Our Vision
Enhance the Quality of Life for ALL seniors in Talbot County.
Meeting Times
The Commission on Aging meets monthly on the second Wednesday of each month at 8:30 AM. Meetings are open to the public and usually held at Brookletts Place, Talbot County Senior Center at 400 Brookletts Ave, Easton, MD.
Interested in attending our open meetings or the meeting notes from previous meetings:
Learn More
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