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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

Throughout May, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) is joining organizations across the nation to celebrate the seniors in our communities for Older Americans Month (OAM). The AAA will host and partner with organizations for six celebration events across East Texas at area senior centers and community centers focusing on connection – how communities can build relationships to maintain a healthy senior population. OAM is a national initiative led by the Administration for Community Living. This year’s theme, Powered by Connection , recognizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being. The following OAM celebration events are open to the public and will include food, fun, door prizes, and information on services available to East Texas seniors: May 8th at the Forever Young Activity Center, located at 404 S. Main St. in Quitman, from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM May 9th at the Harrison County Extension Office, located at 2005 Warren Dr. in Marshall, from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM May 14th at the Douglas Alumni Association Inc., located at 408 Terry St. in Pittsburg, from 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM May 16th at the First United Methodist Church, located at 225 Lovers Ln in Athens, from 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM May 30th at Central Baptist Church, located at 220 W. Sabine St. in Carthage, from 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM The AAA serves as the region's leader in advocating and providing various services, such as information and referral, benefits counseling, case management, health education classes, senior nutrition, housing repair, and support through the Ombudsman program for people in nursing and assisted living facilities. These services help older individuals live independent, meaningful, and dignified lives in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Contact the AAA for questions about the events by calling (903) 218-6500.

As Spring approaches, we are thrilled to announce the 2024 Older Americans Month (OAM) theme – "Powered by Connection." Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), this annual observance aims to recognize and honor the valuable contributions of older Americans. The chosen theme emphasizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on the health and well-being of our elderly population. This year, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) is proud to join the nationwide celebration by hosting a series of events throughout May in our 14-county region. In the spirit of collaboration, we invite local organizations to partner with us in hosting events that foster connections, share experiences, and promote the well-being of older Americans. The AAA is at the forefront of this effort, seeking host organizations to make a meaningful impact. If you or your organization is interested in being part of this initiative, we encourage you to reach out to Nellie Henry at nellie.henry@etcog.org . By coming together and creating a network of support, we can ensure that the celebration of Older Americans Month goes beyond the confines of May. These events are not just about a month-long celebration; they are about building lasting connections, understanding the needs of our older community members, and empowering them to lead fulfilling lives. Join us in making May a month of joy, shared experiences, and strengthened connections. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the well-being of older Americans in our community.