Sedgwick County and the city of Thornton are the newest Colorado members of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. They join 20 other Colorado counties or localities that are also members, including places like Carbondale. The city’s age-friendly efforts have included repairing sidewalks and placing benches around the city to provide rest stops for walkers.
With the holiday season behind us, it isn’t surprising that family members start to recognize the first signs of developing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia in a loved one.
The idea of “Wise Elder” suddenly occurred to me. While standing at the counter at a full service car wash, I observed the discounts available. “Are you: Military, Student, or a Wise Elder?” Typically, I avoided the senior, senior citizen, or above X age options in so many other places. However, this time I swallowed and even said out loud, “I am a wise elder” to the young person behind the counter! It was the first time, at ‘my age’, I took the discount and the moment of reflection continued.
Who is your family? Who can you count on at 3:00 a.m. to respond to your beck and call? And, who will you companion - without question - through the trials and tribulations of life? Your answers obviously depend on your age, your lifestyle (married, single, divorced, widowed, partnered, etc.), AND your relationship with critters - animals of all shapes and sizes! In our home, four-legged, furry critters are essential family members. So, critter care is an important aspect of our every day existence.
AARP announced the launch of an effort to raise awareness of the daily challenges faced by many U.S. Latino family caregivers, anchored by the release of a Spanish-language documentary, titled Cada Paso del Camino ( Every Step of the Way). The film showcases the powerful and emotional stories of four Latino family caregivers, including popular Spanish-language television personality and outspoken caregiver, Marco Antonio Regil. Ultimately, the documentary aims to start a conversation among Latinos on how to best plan for and manage the family caregiver role.
AARP Colorado would like to inform you of an opportunity to learn about eating disorders. *The Eating Disorder Foundation in Denver is presenting a Lunch and Learn on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. and again from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1901 E. 20th Ave., Denver, CO 80205. Register for one class. A light meal will be served. Seating is limited; reserve your spot now for this free event by calling 303-322-3373.