Thriving Older Adults & Communities – Page 2

CHWs provide links between clients and health services

Community Health Workers (CHWs) are trained professionals who serve as a bridge between patients and health or social services agencies. Since they’re usually from the communities they serve, they understand and can represent the needs and interests of their clients, helping them to communicate better with health care providers and to self-manage their health conditions. […]

by Amy Strange

Local health departments urge parents to vaccinate children before school starts

Health departments around the metro area are urging parents to make sure their children are up-to-date on their childhood vaccines before school starts. New immunization requirements by the state of Kansas mean some students in the metro could be excluded from school if their vaccines are not up-to-date. “As you put together your back-to-school list, […]

by Laura Bogue

In-home food ordering app receives innovation award

“Alexa, I need carrots.” For nearly two years, the Mid-America Regional Council’s Area Agency on Aging has pilot-tested a smart speaker app that can be used by eligible clients to order food from the comfort of their own home. The app uses voice commands through an Amazon Echo smart speaker to open the “Show-Me Pantry” […]

by Laura Bogue

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15

Every year an estimated 5 million older Americans experience elder abuse, neglect or exploitation. In 2011, the United Nations declared June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), an international observance day each year to raise awareness about this growing problem. According to the Administration for Community Living, as many as 1 in 10 […]

by Laura Bogue

Age Positive Conference focuses on helping older adults “Thrive!”

Nearly 175 professionals and volunteers who work with older adults attended the fourth annual Age Positive: Ideas for an Age-Friendly Future conference at the Kauffman Foundation Conference Center on May 8. Attendees learned innovative ideas to enhance the programming at their organizations. This year’s theme was “Thrive!” Keynote speaker Dr. Marshall Stewart, vice chancellor for […]

by Laura Bogue

Two area cities recognized as Communities for All Ages

The latest cities to be recognized for their age-friendly efforts are Olathe, Kansas, which received a bronze level designation, and Roeland Park, Kansas, which received a gold level designation. The Mid-America Regional Council honored the two cities at the First Suburbs Coalition meeting on April 19. To advance to gold level recognition, the city of […]

by OntheMARCKC

Aging Mastery Program helps participants enjoy living longer

People are living longer these days, and getting older is something adults either dread or look forward to as a new stage of life. Whichever one they choose, more people have been given a gift of longevity not enjoyed by previous generations. The Aging Mastery Program® (AMP) helps them prepare for that future. The Aging […]

by OntheMARCKC

Silver-Haired Legislators attend annual Senior Advocacy Day at Missouri capitol

On March 12, 2019, 52 Silver Haired Legislature (SHL) delegates from all over the state traveled to the state capitol in Jefferson City for a regular meeting of the Board of Directors and to talk in person with their respective legislators. Delegates highlighted SHL’s past achievements, as well as its current priorities. Last fall, SHL […]