News
August 15, 2022 —
As a child of the 1960s, plus a few years on either side of that decade, I was only exposed to American history in school that supported the supremacy of white men of European descent—the conquerors, explorers, colonists, founders, inventors, presidents, and other men favored by historians of yore. I remember passing reference to the... Read More
August 8, 2022 —
If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that we all need a buddy in life—someone who gets you, who doesn’t judge, who supports and uplifts and maybe even makes you see a different perspective. I find those people every day at my local library. All the authors, performers, directors, characters—it’s truly a cocoon of lifelong... Read More
August 4, 2022 —
Eighty-seven years ago this August, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law, establishing a permanent fund that has provided retirement, disability, and survivor benefits for generations of Americans. The Social Security Act was part of a series of programs and reforms enacted to help pull the U.S. out of the Great... Read More
August 1, 2022 —
In 1992, Denise and Mushroom Montoya received the call no parent ever wants to get. Their 22-year-old son Jeremy had been in a terrible motorcycle accident. The hospital called to let them know and ask permission to treat him. Within the week, Jeremy had been declared brain dead. Even though it was one of the... Read More
July 31, 2022 —
The number of grandparents caring for grandchildren is significant and continues to grow. In general, the reasons include the opioid crisis, increasing gas prices and rising inflation. Many grandparents will tell you that their lives have been enhanced by providing full-time care to their grandchildren. But caring for a child is expensive. Just like parents,... Read More
July 28, 2022 —
Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) have existed everywhere in the United States since 1972. In King County, our AAA is the Aging and Disability Services division of the Seattle Human Services Department. As chair of the Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging & Disability Services, I have the honor of learning about the work of... Read More
July 25, 2022 —
As we celebrate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law 32 years ago, it is a good time for us to reflect on how this law’s comprehensive set of civil rights and protections guarantee equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and... Read More
July 15, 2022 —
At least 90 percent of Washingtonians over age 65 don’t have savings to pay for long-term care. They could be forced to sell everything they have to qualify for taxpayer-funded Medicaid home care or be left alone when they need help the most. Most injured, ill, or elderly people want to stay in their own... Read More
July 12, 2022 —
Seven years ago, my colleague Karen Winston and I wrote an AgeWise article about MINDRAMP and their Six CogWheels of Brain Health: Physical activity/exercise—Move more; our bodies are built to move. Mental stimulation—Stay mentally active. Open your mind to learning and creativity. Healthy diet/nutrition—Eat a plant-based diet and avoid processed foods. Quality sleep—Quality sleep promotes learning and... Read More
July 7, 2022 —
You’ve probably heard of Meals on Wheels, whether you’ve taken advantage of the service or not. It is one of two home-delivered meals programs that receive funding through Aging and Disability Services. In Seattle-King County, Meals on Wheels (MOW) is administered by Sound Generations. The other home-delivered meal program is Chicken Soup Brigade, a program administered... Read More