Health & Wellbeing

Intimacy, addiction and exercise are just a few of the topics at this year's Vital Aging Conference, which tackles what it means to Disrupt Aging.

I’m old enough to remember the vast wasteland before it was memorialized as the “vast wasteland.” (For those of you too young to remember, the “vast wasteland” was the sobriquet pronounced upon the fledgling soporific medium called TV by Newton Minnow, the man President John Kennedy appointed Chairman of the Federal Communication Commission -FCC.)

As we grow older most of us will need some form of assistance to maintain our desired quality of life, independence and dignity as we age. Dealing with declining health, loss of ability and accepting help from loved ones or paid caregivers is hard enough, for those in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, aging and receiving care has its unique challenges and complications.

Settling back in his ergonomic chair, Richard Loescher begins to talk about his most recent adventure, and how much he enjoyed it. His eyes twinkle mischievously, he wears a big smile. The sense of adventure and satisfaction is almost palpable as he recounts the story.

by Elaine Friesen-Strang

There are many reasons for walking - for health and wellness, to get to places and save gas, and of course, to connect with community! Join AARP Oregon and Rogue Valley Transportation District this September for two great NeighborWalks in the Rogue Valley. Get your steps in, meet new people, and explore Medford and Grantspass on foot. These walks are part of the Oregon Drive Less Challenge.

I wish these written letters could morph into the sounds they signify, then you’d get the genuine sound of . . . what to call it? It’s not really abuse – but it’s not really respect, either, and it shoots to hell the declaration of “dignity,” which many – all, really - LTC facilities claim as their “holy grail.” After all, we are “elders,” with all the sacrosanct connotations the word embraces.

Summer is here and millions of vacationers are packing their bags to visit a new locale and soak up some sunshine. You might be traveling quite a ways. You’re used to staying connected to important information like your bank accounts and social networks, especially on the go. Social Security is there in the same way — easily accessible when you’re away from your home or office.

AARP volunteers will kick off the first NeighborWalks program in

The Alzheimer’s Association Oregon Chapter will host its first Healthy Brain Symposium in Tualatin on Monday, June 26, from 5 to 9 p.m. The event aims to raise awareness of signs for early detection and to highlight the role of healthy lifestyles in reducing the risk of cognitive decline.