Prescription drug costs increase every year and have become unaffordable for many Americans. The United States Department of Health and Human Services monitors drug price increases and has some staggering findings from 2022: The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 aimed to address some of these price increases by requiring manufacturers to pay rebates, but many…
Read MoreEngaging Central Oregon Seniors During Loneliness Awareness Week
Loneliness can be a pervasive and deeply distressing emotion, particularly for older adults. As we observe Loneliness Awareness Week, we recognize the need to shed light on the issue and empower older adults to combat social isolation. Loneliness is not a personal failing but a societal problem that requires collective effort and understanding. U.S. Surgeon…
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know Before Buying Long-term Care Insurance
Long-term care insurance (LTCI) offers a range of services and support for those challenged by performing daily activities such as bathing or showering, dressing, getting in and out of bed or a chair, walking, using the toilet, and eating. According to the Administration for Community Living, nearly 70% of 65-year-old people will need long-term care…
Read MoreFood insecurity and skyrocketing inflation. It’s a recipe for disaster for fixed-income seniors.
Food prices have risen 10.4% from June 2021 to June 2022, according to the most recent Consumer Price Index report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, resulting in food insecurity for some of the most vulnerable in our community—older adults on fixed incomes. As stated by Nourish.org, food insecurity is “the state of being without reliable access…
Read MoreSeptember is Falls Prevention Awareness Month
Falls Prevention Awareness month is an excellent time to focus on one of older adults’ leading causes of injury-related death. Falling is common for older adults, especially those who live alone. Every year, one in four older adults experience a fall, and falls are the leading cause of severe and fatal injuries for adults over…
Read MoreCelebrate World Health Day: Supporting your mental health is key to healthy aging
Living in America, the notion of “health” is often deeply focused on nutrition and physical well-being, like how much time you spend at the gym. April 7 is World Health Day, a day to celebrate health and well-being, including mental health.
Read MoreWhat’s the difference between Medicare, Medicaid and the Oregon Health Plan?
Health insurance can be a very confusing topic no matter your age, and knowing the difference between Medicare, Medicaid and the Oregon Health Plan can help you make decisions about your health care. Medicare Medicare is a federal insurance program and offers the same coverage everywhere in the United States. It is available for most…
Read MoreThe Highs and Lows of Hypertension As We Get Older
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is deceiving. Sometimes called the silent killer because most people don’t feel it since often there are no noticeable symptoms. Many folks don’t know they have high blood pressure until they visit their physician. There is good news. Lifestyle changes can help lower blood pressure and keep it under…
Read MoreTen Ways to Prepare for a Natural Disaster
No matter where you live, it is always possible a disaster could occur without warning, so it’s best to get ready before the shake, rattle, and roll begin. That is the key to surviving a disaster – to anticipate “it” before “it” reaches you. 1. Identify your risk Due to strained financial resources, isolation, and…
Read MoreIntroduce yourself to the Oregon Talking Book and Braille Library
If you live in Oregon and have a print disability that may include visual, physical, and reading difficulties, the Oregon Talking Book and Braille Library are available for you. Located in Salem, Oregon, they lend throughout all of Oregon. Lending is accessible through the mail or via download. “Talking Books delivers a personalized connection to…
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