Caregiving

As Brain Health Awareness Month comes to a close, many of us are eager to learn how to maintain a healthy brain. But what truly matters for brain health? Do brain games and puzzles make a difference? How do learning, social interactions, and music contribute?

It Takes More than Love to Care for a Loved One.Every day more than 820,000 Washingtonians perform a great labor of love: caring for older parents, spouses, and other loved ones so they can remain at home—where they want to be.

We’re giving Congress 100+ reasons to prioritize a tax credit for family caregivers in the first 100 days of the new presidency. Add your reason to the list. We’ll share your reasons with Congress so that they understand what family caregivers experience day-in and day-out as they care for their loved ones.

Many of us probably already know that eating right and exercising can help us live healthier as we age. But we may know less about how isolation, purpose, and one’s perceptions of aging can impact our health and longevity. In her new book, “The Second Fifty: Answers to the 7 Big Questions of Midlife and Beyond,” author Debra Whitman explores the surprising factors that determine life expectancy, revealing that those who view aging positively live 7.5 years longer than those with negative attitudes.

AARP Washington's "Caring for Caregivers" video podcast series features discussions with local experts, community leaders, and caregivers just like you on a range of topics to help you along your caregiving journey.

With the general election only weeks away, data from AARP shows that voters 50+ decide elections. During the 2020 elections, a powerful 60% of the electorate in Washington state was age 50+. And when we ask them, they tell us they want to elect candidates who will address their day-to-day challenges like caring for their parents, siblings and loved ones.

No matter where you are in the caregiver journey, these local agencies and organizations can help make the process easier

Washington state is a leader in providing long-term care

Rural settings are often seen as good places to grow old because of the abundance of friendly social support. For people on limited budgets, lower costs in rural areas can also be attractive.

During Older Americans Month, Governor Jay Inslee proudly announced that Washington state has joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities and USAging’s Dementia-Friendly America networks. This significant step is a testament to our state's commitment to helping our residents age gracefully and thrive in their communities. These designations are the result of a continuous and dedicated collaboration between Washington State’s Department of Health, the Department of Social and Health Services, and the Health Care Authority.