USAging is celebrating 50 years as the national organization that represents Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and Title VI Native American Aging Programs. As part of the 50th anniversary, USAging has launched a new public awareness campaign— Area Agencies on Aging: Helping You Live Long and Stay Strong . The goal of this campaign is to make the public aware of AAAs as a vital community resource and to educate consumers about the range of important services that AAAs offer to older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers. There are more than 600 AAAs serving every community across the country ready to help them to age well where most want—at home and in their community. All people hope to enjoy a long and healthy life—but many find that they need a little help as they go through the aging journey. “Research has shown that two-thirds of older adults will need some support to age well at home,” said USAging CEO Sandy Markwood. “But people often don’t know about AAA services or seek them out until they are in crisis—thereby missing the opportunity to connect to the range of services that are available to help them age well.” Services Provided by AAAs For Older Adults: Home-delivered and congregate meals: Nutritious meals at home or in group settings. In-home support: Assistance with daily tasks like bathing, cleaning and dressing. Transportation: Rides to medical appointments, stores and community activities. Health and wellness programs: Fall prevention, chronic disease management fitness classes. Benefits counseling: Help understanding and enrolling in Medicare, Medicaid and more. For Caregivers: Respite care: Short-term relief to prevent burnout. Training and support: Educational tools and support groups for caregivers. Information and referral : Guidance to local programs, services and community resources. “By 2035, older adults are expected to outnumber children under age 18 for the first time in the history of this country,” said Markwood. “By 2040, a full 22 percent of the American population will be 65 years or older. Currently, there are more than 53 million unpaid family caregivers in the United States. There has never been a more crucial time for people to learn about AAAs and the services that are available to them to help them live long and stay strong.” For more information, visit www.usaging.org/livelongstaystrong or connect with your local AAA by contacting the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or eldercare.acl.gov .

Throughout May, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) will join organizations nationwide in celebrating Older Americans Month (OAM). This month-long observance honors the contributions of seniors in our communities. To mark the occasion, AAA will host and collaborate with local organizations for four special celebration events across East Texas, held at senior centers and community hubs. These events will highlight the importance of connection and the role strong relationships play in maintaining a vibrant, healthy senior population. OAM is a national initiative led by the Administration for Community Living. This year’s theme, “Flip the Script on Aging,” challenges outdated perceptions and encourages a fresh perspective on aging. It promotes a shift in how society talks about, understands, and supports older adults, empowering communities to embrace aging in a more positive and inclusive way. Join Us for These Community Celebrations! The following OAM events are open to the public and will feature food, entertainment, door prizes, and valuable information about services available to East Texas seniors: 📅 May 7 – Henderson Community Building, 302 Fair Park, Henderson | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM 📅 May 15 – First United Methodist Church, 225 Lovers Ln, Athens | 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM 📅 May 16 – Jefferson Senior Center, 111 W. Broadway, Jefferson | 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM 📅 May 21 – Harrison County Agrilife Extension Office, 2005 Warren Drive, Marshall | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM The AAA advocates for seniors and provides essential services, including benefits counseling, case management, health education, nutrition programs, referrals, and Ombudsman support for those in assisted living. These services promote independence and dignity, helping seniors remain in their communities. For event inquiries, call (903) 218-6500.

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We can't wait to host hundreds of area nursing facility administrators, practitioners, caregivers, and others who work with seniors at our 33rd annual REACH Conference (Regional Education on Aging, Caregiving, and Healthcare) next month! The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) hosts the annual conference to provide educational workshops, plenary sessions, and networking opportunities. This year's conference will be held at Maude Cobb in Longview on October 2-3 and is ideal for professionals or caregivers serving older adults and persons with disabilities.

We are excited to announce that sponsorship opportunities are now available for the upcoming Regional Education on Aging, Caregiving, and Healthcare (REACH) Conference. This annual event is dedicated to providing the most current information on aging trends, disability, and caregiving services.

ETCOG’s Area Agency on Aging program has an immediate need for warm-hearted volunteers to help residents of nursing and assisted living facilities throughout East Texas to serve as Ombudsmen volunteers. Ombudsmen advocate for residents’ rights including, but not limited to, dependable and consistent care and an environment that promotes the residents’ dignity, self-determination, and communication.

June marks Elder Abuse Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the abuse, neglect, and exploitation faced by older adults. As the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA), we are committed to protecting and empowering our senior community. This month, we aim to educate, advocate, and inspire action to prevent elder abuse in all its forms. We partner with Texas Adult Protective Services (APS) and work in conjunction with community partners to help prevent abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of those who are elderly or have disabilities. Texans have a duty to protect people of all ages from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Elderly and disabled Texans are susceptible to becoming victims of these crimes. The Lone Star State is home to more than 3.3 million residents over the age of 65 and more than 1.7 million disabled adults, and we must work diligently to protect these vulnerable populations.  Join us this June in raising awareness and taking action against elder abuse. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched on June 15, 2006, to raise awareness worldwide about elder abuse. On this day, the world is encouraged to wear purple. For information on how to help prevent or report elder abuse, visit www.dfps.texas.gov .

The Area Agency on Aging of East Texas' senior nutrition center in Emory Center has garnered national recognition from the National Association of Nutrition and Agency Services Programs for its community garden program. With a daily attendance of approximately 65 seniors, the Emory Senior Center is more than a meal site; it's a thriving hub of connection, engagement, and community. Participants are drawn to the center's welcoming atmosphere, where activities ranging from dominoes and cards to puzzles and bingo create an environment of fun and social interaction. In addition, the center serves as a group where friends share recipes, crafting endeavors, and dances. Despite the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Emory Senior Center's resilience pushed through. Determined to maintain a positive atmosphere, participants initiated a project to establish a community garden within the senior center. With the support of the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA), raised planters were constructed and donated. The flourishing flowers and harvest of fresh vegetables stand as a testament to the hard work, dedication, and excitement of the center's participants. In addition to the recognition, the Emory Senior Center received a special gift in honor of National Nutrition Month, which is celebrated in March to promote healthy practices among seniors. Furthermore, the nutrition program's approach extends beyond meal sites to encompass comprehensive wellness initiatives offered by the AAA. Participants benefit from nutrition education, home-delivered meal services, and evidence-based health and wellness classes. These programs are accompanied by wellness checks and an opportunity for social interaction, combating isolation, and promoting overall well-being. With a commitment to promoting health, fostering connections, and enriching lives, the AAA 's Senior Nutrition Program aims to empower and uplift older individuals throughout East Texas.

“Power in Community” Conference Will Cover Medicare Basics, Savings Programs, Preventing Fraud, Health and Wellness, and Community Resources