In today’s digital age, we probably often ask ourselves, “What can I do to further protect myself and my family from fraud and scams?” While... Read More
We celebrate Financial Literacy Month every April to promote financial education and well-being in the United States. Financial Literacy Month also serves as a reminder... Read More
There are few constants in life but there is something that happens like clockwork every year. That’s right. Tax season is upon us. Fortunately, AARP... Read More
Financial education helps people learn about savings, credit, and loans. It also helps them prepare for life changes and the unexpected. When planning for retirement,... Read More
"Complete unpredictability” is the way Anthony Jones of Seattle describes his experience with lupus—an auto-immune condition he was diagnosed with at age 19. Now 41,... Read More
Financial security and planning are a growing challenge faced by people of all ages; however, older adults have specific challenges that make the topic of... Read More
Spend time with Herb “ConsumerMan” Weisbaum and it will always include a pearl of wisdom. Herb lives, eats, and breathes consumer news. After 22 years... Read More
Another year, another tax filing deadline approaching. Is it really time to think about taxes again?! Fortunately, here at United Way of King County’s Free... Read More
Economic security is fundamental to ensuring all people can thrive in their later years. Adequate financial resources help old adults continue living in the homes... Read More
Older adults are both consumers and workers. On the west coast, people age 65+ spend an average of $56,284 each year. Nationally, 18 percent of... Read More
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is currently taking appointments for its free tax preparation and e-filing services. Due to COVID-19 pandemic limitations, the traditional face-to-face meeting with... Read More
The Washington State Legislature has made major changes in the Senior Citizens Property Tax Relief program, and King County has made it easier to apply... Read More
COVID-19 has affected Seattle residents in many ways. Many people, including older adults and families, are facing tough times due to job loss. The City... Read More
It is my honor to now chair the Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging & Disability Services. I would also like to acknowledge and thank... Read More
Proposed COVID-19 budget cuts would devastate seniors and people with disabilities A Coalition of Long-Term Care advocates has assembled in response to recent budget reduction... Read More
The Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging & Disability Services wants to be sure that residents do not fall for coronavirus (COVID-19) scams. Fraudsters want... Read More
Debt is a growing feature of daily life and it shapes our access to vital basic needs, like housing, education, and transportation. Household, or consumer,... Read More
For many years, Washington state has provided a property tax reduction to older adults and veterans with disabilities to make it easier for those on... Read More
Each year, the Social Security Administration announces the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). By law, federal benefits increase when the cost of living rises, as measured... Read More
Tax season is just a couple months away, which means United Way of King County’s Free Tax Preparation Campaign is actively seeking volunteers to join... Read More
Aging in place, as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is "the ability to live in one's home and community safely,... Read More
Aging with Pride: The National Health, Aging and Sexuality/Gender study is generating exciting and crucial knowledge on health, aging, and caregiving among lesbian, gay, bisexual,... Read More
The state legislative session adjourned April 28 with several wins for the Seattle-King County Advisory Council for Aging & Disability Services (ADS) and other Area... Read More
Since 1979, the National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) has served older Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) residents with a variety of services... Read More
Imagine you're a 55-year-old single mom. You work in administrative support, making around $30,000 a year. Living paycheck to paycheck is the norm for you,... Read More
The popular Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) will open on Monday, April 8. This seasonal program allows older low-income residents to apply for $40... Read More
Caregivers are often the hidden heroes when providing care to their spouse or other family member. Veterans and/or veteran spouses are often placed in a... Read More
Everyone deserves the opportunity to find a home that meets their needs. That seems like a common-sense statement but, to people affected by many types... Read More
[caption id="attachment_1992" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Click above to watch “Mama Blue Gets Weatherized!”[/caption] Winter is upon us and we are turning the heat up for Mama... Read More
The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) is hosting the Seattle Home Fair in south Seattle on Saturday, February 23, that will be jam-packed... Read More
Seattle/King County's rapidly expanding growth rate is intensifying housing affordability and service accessibility. Although Seattle/King County has one of the largest LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual,... Read More
"When we bought our dream house in the Central District in 1956, the property tax was included in the mortgage payments. Thirty years later, we... Read More
In December, I was honored to be appointed director of the Seattle Human Services Department (HSD). I thank Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan for her continued... Read More
The Human Services Department is pleased to announce the results of the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Community Living Connections, a program that links older... Read More
Have you heard of the Free Tax Help service? Starting January 15, 2019, any household making under $66,000 can have their taxes prepared at absolutely... Read More
Who is a long-distance caregiver? According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), a long-distance caregiver is anyone, anywhere, no matter your gender, income, age,... Read More
On the second Monday in January, the 66th Washington State Legislature convenes its 2019 session in Olympia. Throughout the session—which meets for 105 days in... Read More
After 21 years living on the street and with a multitude of health issues, Larry Stuvland was referred to Aging and Disability Services for assistance... Read More
They didn't know what they would do. Their fixed income was barely covering shelter and food. The escalating rent to live in the modest apartment... Read More
Many middle-income households will face the same challenges that my siblings and I do in providing care for an aging parent. What we learned along... Read More
On the corner of 24th & Union, east of downtown Seattle, once stood Liberty Bank, the first Black-owned bank in the Pacific Northwest. The bank... Read More
"Remember, we all stumble, every one of us. That's why it's a comfort to go hand in hand."—Emily Kimbrough As many family caregivers can attest,... Read More
Some of the things that I enjoy most about AgeWise King County is the ability to provide food for thought, resources for healthy aging and... Read More
In August and September, both King County and the City of Seattle made major investments in community-based services for older people, recognizing significant growth of... Read More
Aging Options knows that efforts to provide quality of life and asset protection for 41.4 million Americans age 65 or older are plagued with difficulties.... Read More
Aging and Disability Services (ADS)—the Area Agency on Aging for Seattle & King County—is planning for an upcoming funding process for our network of information,... Read More
[caption id="attachment_1724" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Greg Francis serves on the Planning Council for Health Care for the Homeless Network of PHSKC: “I had unmet health needs... Read More
The Northwest Universal Design Council (NWUDC) invites you to attend a forum on "Designing for Special Populations" on Tuesday, July 24, 2018 (9:30–11:30 a.m.) in... Read More
As the summer months bring warmer weather, many residents look forward to adding a stop to their morning routine. They get a fresh taste of... Read More
As part of the regional Age-Friendly Discussion Groups initiated this spring by AARP Washington, King County Library System, and Aging and Disability Services, Age Friendly... Read More
Not long after Medicare was created, organizations were hired by the agency to provide consumer protections and other services to Medicare patients and their families.... Read More
The causes of and solutions to King County's housing crisis continue to be researched, discussed, and debated. As only one example, a new report produced... Read More
"Joe" is a lonely, friendly, and trusting 78-year-old man with a soft spot for those with hard-luck stories. He was befriended by "Sally," a much... Read More
Every May we celebrate National Nurses Week. It begins May 6 and ends May 12—on Florence Nightingale's birthday. The nursing profession has seen many changes... Read More
When Tilth Alliance was awarded a Seattle Human Services Department 2017 Innovation Fund award for its Community Good Food Project, it had two primary tasks:... Read More
The Seattle Human Services Department (HSD) is on a mission to connect people with resources and solutions during times of need so we can all... Read More
"My grandma is my mommy who chose me." So says Ms. Shirley's seven-year-old granddaughter who came to live with her six years ago when her... Read More
Spring is in the air, and we’ve got some refreshing news about the aging network to share! Age-friendly communities I hope you’ve noticed the exciting... Read More
It's been quite a year for Age Friendly Seattle! We launched last March, with passage of a joint resolution from the Mayor and Seattle City... Read More
The City of Seattle Office of Housing and the Northwest ADA Center are seeking participants to complete surveys to inform their work on LGBTQ housing... Read More
On February 22, ADS Advisory Council members will participate in Senior Lobby Day. Organized by the Washington State Senior Citizens' Lobby in partnership with the... Read More
Disability is something many people don't expect to face. In reality, a 20-year-old worker currently has a one in four chance of experiencing a disability... Read More
Have you heard of this free service? Through April 19, any household making $66,000 or less can have their taxes prepared for FREE by United... Read More
As highlighted in an article in the November edition of AgeWise King County, AARP recently conducted a survey of adults over the age of 45... Read More
At Social Security, protecting your personal information is more important than ever. We continue to evaluate and improve our robust cyber-security program to safeguard your... Read More
With green holidays, it's time to take the gloves off—the winter gloves. And the Santa wrapping paper too! "Green holidays" programs and campaigns are all... Read More
Age Friendly Seattle, the City’s initiative to make Seattle a great place to grow up AND grow old, hosted 200 people—mostly women, all ages—at "Engaging... Read More
It's been my honor and humble privilege to chair the Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging & Disability Services in 2017. We've had a fantastic... Read More
In July 2016, the City of Seattle furthered their commitment to being a city for all ages by joining the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities.... Read More
Many of us help out family members and friends who are older, sick, or have a disability but don't think of ourselves as caregivers—when in... Read More
What do you know about women and aging? Are there differences between how older men and older women live? Age Friendly Seattle—a new City of... Read More
Access to housing and services for older adults and those with different capacities are critical to the success of our communities. We have new tools... Read More
In the early '80s, a revolution in Washington state began with a simple notion—people who need long-term support want to stay at home for as... Read More
The City of Seattle's Human Services Department (HSD) has announced recipients of its initial set of Innovation Fund awards. The Innovation Fund was established in... Read More
Learn about your retirement benefits as we answer some basic questions that seem to frequently come up during our educational presentations. Social Security is part... Read More
"There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers,... Read More
As the aging population grows across the United States, Swedish is developing services that make it easier for older adults to stay in charge of... Read More
There's an exciting do-it-yourself movement across the country driven by older people creating supportive communities, called villages. They provide choices for people to stay independent,... Read More
Adult day services are community-based daytime programs that have existed for nearly 70 years and consist of adult day care and adult day health. Yale... Read More
It's noon on a drizzly spring Sunday when Diane arrives at the farmers market. Diane has been using SNAP (formerly known as "food stamps") and... Read More
For older adults in the Seattle area, new changes are on the horizon. The City of Seattle is changing the eligibility requirements for the Utility... Read More
The City of Seattle's Human Services Department (HSD) is piloting an Innovation Fund of $225,000 to test new ideas that focus on results and racial... Read More
The 2017 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which allows older low-income resident to apply for $40 "checks" that can be exchanged for fresh produce at... Read More
While homelessness has not traditionally been thought of as a "senior issue," older adults are not immune to the impacts of the homelessness crisis. In... Read More
The House leadership's decision to withdraw the American Health Care Act from consideration in late March proves that the voices of Americans are very powerful.... Read More
On March 22, 2017, Mayor Ed Murray launched Age-Friendly Seattle—a new initiative for the City of Seattle to address environmental, economic, and social factors influencing... Read More
Have you heard of United Way's free tax prep service? Now through April 20, any household making $64,000 or less can have their taxes prepared... Read More
If you work with older adults—as a service provider, caregiver, health care professional, or advocate—mark your calendar for this year's care transitions conference—Care Transitions: We're... Read More
When Aging and Disability Services (ADS) first announced our clinical-community partnership with the Northwest Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Center (NWGWEC), we could not know how successful... Read More
Our state and region thrive when people of all ages actively participate in their communities, have equitable access to opportunities, and everyone is treated with... Read More
In my final month as chair of the Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging & Disability Services, I reflect on the success of the past... Read More
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is called "Basic Food" in Washington state. The program helps low-income people make ends meet... Read More
When most people begin their career, retirement is the farthest thing from their mind. Instead, they focus on trying to purchase a home, start a... Read More
In the beginning, there was the promise of "new beginnings" for seniors and technology. There would be connectivity. There would be access. But where was... Read More
Is your home cold and uncomfortable in the winter time? Are your heating bills too high? Do you need critical home repairs, but don't know... Read More
In January 2017, we will see a cast of new legislators in Olympia—State Senators and Representatives who will descend on Olympia into a sea of... Read More
Philip Culbertson tells of his journey to the diagnosis of dementia and of how his life has changed since accepting his children's help. I'd moved... Read More
AARP member benefits: Everybody likes to joke about the day their AARP card arrived in the mail, but have you looked at their member discounts... Read More
On June 13, 2016, members of the Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging & Disability Services joined Puget Sound Advocates for Retirement Action (PSARA) and... Read More
It's important to have an estate plan in place—regardless of your wealth and the size of your estate. Many folks believe they don't need an... Read More
Updated July 2021 Synergy occurs when increased effectiveness results from two or more people or organizations working together. In 2015, Aging and Disability Services (the... Read More
Governor Inslee shares the importance of the plan to address the overwhelming impact of Alzheimer's in Washington state. My family has a long history of... Read More
The inequalities of gender, race and income that plague U.S. society directly impact the lives of King County's older residents. Income in retirement is based... Read More
Are you an older adult who needs transportation? Have you signed up for utility assistance? Are you helping someone with a disability find suitable housing?... Read More
Help for millions of family caregivers across Washington state is on its way with the introduction of House Bill 2424—the Caregiver Advise, Record and Enable... Read More
More than 18,000 Seattle utility customers are enrolled in a Utility Discount Program that cuts their Seattle City Light and Public Utilities payments in half... Read More
On October 15, 2015, the Funeral Consumers Alliance (FCA) and Consumer Federation of America (CFA) released a report based on a national survey of the... Read More
Tick-tock-tick-tock! The first day of the Washington State Legislature's 2016 session is January 11. Since it is a short session ending on March 10, the... Read More
You've probably heard about King County's housing affordability problem. Median home prices in King County recently shot past their bubble-era peak to land at over... Read More
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