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NEWS AFFECTING YOU!!

If you have news that would be of interest to older adults, aging service providers, or caregivers please forward the information to Monica Cissell

You can find these and other interesting articles in Active Aging, a publication for older adult 55 and over. If you would like to receive this publication free of charge please contact Active Aging at 316-942-5385.

For Medicare Updates www.medicarerights.org

April 2008

Sedgwick County Department on Aging/Central Plains Area Agency on Aging Celebrate Older Americans Month 2008

The United States is nearing the start of a tremendous demographic shift. Beginning in 2011, the first of 78 million baby boomers (people born between 1946 and 1964) will start transitioning into retirement, kicking off an expansion in the number of older people that will continue for decades. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, one out of every nine baby boomers will live to be at least age 90.

Our Nation will benefit in many ways from a larger population of older adults, a group that constitutes one of our greatest resources. Older adults support our society and enhance our communities by providing millions of hours of volunteer work and through sharing and transferring knowledge of cultures, values, and life experiences among generations.

Thankfully, the contributions of older adults will continue to flourish in the coming years, since older citizens of today and tomorrow promise to be among the most active and engaged older adult populations in our Nation’s history.

An expanding older adult population also spotlights our responsibility to ensure the well-being of our older citizens. May is Older Americans Month, at this time Sedgwick County Department on Aging/Central Plains Area Agency on Aging (SCDOA/CPAAA) promotes this celebration to bring attention to the issues that affect older adults. This year’s theme is “Working Together for Strong, Healthy, and Supportive Communities,” which speaks to the opportunities we have to create better care and reinforce healthier societies for all ages. Working together, our communities, governments, and public and private health and social service organizations can improve older adults’ overall quality of life by helping them:

  • Make behavioral changes in their lifestyles that can reduce risk of disease, disability, and injury.
  • Obtain the tools they need to make informed decisions about, and gain better access to, existing health and long-term care options in their communities.
  • Have more options to maintain their independence and remain in the housing of their choice.

To help promote Older Americans Month the SCDOA/CPAAA and the Sedgwick County Aging and Wellness Coalition will host the third annual Wellness in the Park at Linwood Park on May 9th from 9am-11:30am. Wellness in the Park will provide Tai Chi and fitness demonstrations geared toward older adults, body mass index screenings; demonstrations including pressure point massage, pickle ball, and Wii; nutrition tips; Mind Aerobics and much more. Promoting overall health and wellbeing is the focus of this morning event. Adults 55 and older are encouraged to attend (a complete list of activities is available upon request).

For more information about Older Americans Month or for Answers on Aging contact Sedgwick County Department on Aging/Central Plains Area Agency on Aging at 660-5120 or visit the Sedgwick County website at www.sedgwickcounty.org/aging.

January 2007

Free Smoke Detectors for Senior

Sedgwick County Department on Aging/Central Plains Area Agency on Aging Awarded Kansas Injury and Fire Prevention Program Grant (Sedgwick County, Kansas) – The Sedgwick County Department on Aging/Central Plains Area Agency on Aging (SCDOA/CPAAA) Minor Home Repair Program has been awarded the Kansas Injury and Fire Prevention Program Grant. This Grant will allow for 10-year lithium battery-operated Smoke Alarms, and hard wired hearing impaired smoke alarms to be provided and installed for free in homes of adults who are 65 years and older and residing in Wichita. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, fire death risk among seniors over 65 is more than double; over age 75 triple; and over age 85, 3 and one half times the average population. SCDOA has partnered with the City of Wichita and volunteers to provide installation of smoke detectors, to educate seniors of potential fire hazards in the homes and to provide them with adequate smoke alarm coverage. “We are pleased the Department on Aging has been awarded this grant,” said Sedgwick County Commission Chairman Dave Unruh. “Working smoke alarms are a necessity for everyone.” If you or someone you know has smoke alarms that are 10 years and older, or the home is not adequately covered (having a working smoke alarm on every level of their home and outside each sleeping area) contact Sedgwick County Department on Aging to inquire about the availability of the smoke detectors. If you are interested in a smoke detector, or know of individuals that may benefit please visit your local Neighborhood City Hall (Evergreen, Atwater, Colvin, or Stanley/Aley) or contact the Sedgwick County Department on Aging, Minor Home Program at 660-5128 for an application to be mailed to you. For other answers on aging, contact Sedgwick County Department on Aging at 660-5120 or visit the Sedgwick County website at Sedgwick County.