Central Oregon is no stranger to growth. Since the Council on Aging of Central Oregon’s founding almost 50 years ago, Central Oregon has experienced a 428% population increase and undergone significant demographic shifts. This rapid growth has created a dynamic and evolving community, but also poses challenges and opportunities for our organization to address the…
Read MoreAlternatives to Walking Your Dog when You’re Disabled
Our furry friends bring joy to our households, but they are also a big responsibility. In general, adult dogs need to be walked for 20-30 minutes each day depending on their age, breed, and health. But that’s not always possible for some pet owners, especially those who face mobility challenges. As a dog owner with…
Read More10 Products or Services Seniors Can Get for Free
*Updated March 4, 2024 Why spend money if you can get products and services for free? Whether through the federal, state, or local government or churches and non-profits in your area, there are many options. Do your research and start saving money and enjoying retirement. Another way to find free services specifically is through the Eldercare Locator website. This program…
Read MoreArtificial Intelligence: How to Spot AI in Images and Videos
As technology has grown in complexity, it has become hard to tell if images and videos are real or computer generated. These new computer systems, called artificial intelligence (AI), are able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as mimicking movement, recognizing speech patterns, making decisions, and translating languages. With society’s newfound ability…
Read MoreOur 2023 Recap: Nourishing Hearts and Communities
Dear friends, donors, volunteers, and supporters, As we approach the end of the year, I wanted to share with you our 2023 recap and the tremendous impact and progress we have made at the Council on Aging of Central Oregon thanks to your unwavering support and dedication to our mission. From January through October 2023,…
Read MoreWatch Out for the Latest Scams!
In the digital age, hacking and fraud are increasing, and seniors are especially vulnerable to the latest scams. Protect yourself by being aware of the newest ways scammers will try to trick you. Medicare Medicare scams are rampant during open enrollment. Here are signs to be aware of: If you are unsure if the person who…
Read MoreHow to Avoid Home Health Care Fraud
Home health care fraud involves home health agencies and individual fraudsters billing for services that were not provided or not medically necessary, which negatively impacts seniors and our health care system. According to Social Science & Medicine, home health care fraud has been rapidly increasing since the early 2000s. Medicare Parts A and B cover…
Read MoreAging Good … Ageism Bad
By Barbara Croyle “There are six myths about old age: 1. That it’s a disease, a disaster. 2. That we are mindless. 3.That we are sexless. 4. That we are useless. 5. That we are powerless. 6. That we are all alike.” Maggie Kuhn, Founder of the Gray Panthers “It is not true that people…
Read MoreWe Believe in Food Fur All
For someone who is homebound, their pets can be the most important companion in their life. These furry friends ensure that people have something that brings them delight and love. As animal lovers, we are committed to helping homebound people and their pets thrive in their homes. That’s why the Council on Aging has a…
Read MoreFresh and Local Produce Provided to Central Oregon Seniors through New Partnership
Summer is produce season, and the Council on Aging of Central Oregon (CoA) is celebrating the harvest bounty with a freshly established partnership with Seed to Table. Thanks to weekly vegetable donations direct from the four-acre farm in Sisters, OR, CoA will be enriching meals offered through Meals on Wheels and Community Dining programs with…
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