On March 19, 2024, Age Friendly Seattle collaborated with the Chinese Information and Service Center to present a Civic Coffee panel discussion on enhancing digital... Read More
Over the past couple of years, Seattle has seen the impact of climate change. In one year alone, we saw record-breaking temperatures in May and... Read More
Along with our coalition partners, we at MomsRising are spreading some good news! Over 400,000 Washington households are now eligible for the Working Families Tax Credit,... Read More
AARP Washington invites local eligible organizations and governments across the country to apply for the 2023 AARP Community Challenge grant program, now through March 15,... Read More
For over 25 years, Neighborhood House has offered wellness programs in multiple languages to support low-income, immigrant, and refugee older adults and their caregivers in... Read More
In 2016, Aging and Disability Services (ADS) joined the Northwest Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Center (NWGWEC)—a partnership with the University of Washington (UW) Department of Geriatrics... Read More
In Counting on Kindness: The Dilemmas of Dependency, author Wendy Lustbader takes a deep dive into the world of older adults who, through illness or... Read More
Imagine! An accessible, connected system where medical, mental health, community-based and social service organizations work together to coordinate care and support … that no matter... Read More
In 2021, Age Friendly Live is back with a full slate of virtual programming that aims to improve access to information about community resources and... Read More
AgeWise TV—a new series of programs produced for older adults—first aired on The Seattle Channel on June 25, 2020. AgeWise TV was the brainchild of... Read More
New state survey shows consumers are unable to spot the latest fraud tactics as scammers prove ‘fear sells’ The barrage of automated telephone solicitations or... Read More
July is a month of celebrations, or at least it should be! In July, we should celebrate the anniversaries of the Older Americans Act (July... Read More
Our public health approach to gun violence is a framework that we use to understand how and when firearms are used unsafely, raise public awareness... Read More
Have you noticed yourself forgetting names of acquaintances or common items? Or, maybe keeping track of complicated instructions or directions has become more difficult. If... 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
While many organizations try to be welcoming and inclusive, too often they lack the institutional knowledge needed to plan events and meetings that are accessible... 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
May is Older Americans Month. The national theme is Connect, Create, Contribute. I encourage you to reach out to an older person—a friend, family member,... Read More
April is National Social Security Month and this year we're highlighting some of the time-saving features of the mySocialSecurity account. Once you create an account,... 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
As spring evolves and summer approaches, the Pacific Northwest begins to come alive. After the long winter, people of all ages are itching to get... Read More
News about immunizations and vaccinations comes out daily, what with the recent measles outbreaks. It leaves a lot of older adults wondering whether or not... 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
On Monday, June 3, 2019 a day-long conference for caregivers called "Giving Care, Taking Care" will take place in Tukwila. The event is hosted by... Read More
Sidewalks are at the heart of walkable urban centers, offering a mode of travel that supports nearly all other travel options and community activities. Unfortunately,... Read More
A new evidence-based intervention for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults living with memory loss, including those with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias,... Read More
Over 110,000 persons live with Alzheimer's or other dementias in Washington state. Nationally, another person is diagnosed every 65 seconds. For many, and for too... 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
The snow events that took place throughout King and neighboring counties last month were unusual, to say the least. February 2019 was the snowiest month... 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
Chances are, when you welcomed the new year, you set some new goals and aspirations. And you may have looked back and wondered, "What happened?!"... Read More
[caption id="attachment_1970" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Telecoils deliver the audio signal from an assistive listening system simultaneously to every person with a telecoil-enabled hearing device.[/caption] Many people... 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
The Alzheimer's Association's Discovery regional conference for health and human services providers and family caregivers focuses on resilience this year. Resilience is a process through... 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
Ten o'clock in the evening on Friday, January 11, 2019—mark it on your calendars! This is when WSDOT will permanently close the Alaskan Way Viaduct,... Read More
A robust transportation network that includes community transportation options is essential to ensure that older adults have access to healthy food and that they can... 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
Redwolf Painter, a senior systems engineer relocating to Seattle from the San Francisco Bay Area, thought it would be easier to rent an apartment here.... Read More
The holidays are busy times, filled with activities, traditions, and visits with family and friends. It's often the time when those who live apart geographically... 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
In December, it is very tempting to write a cheery article about celebrating the holidays with families, food, friends, and fun. I don't want to... 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
"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
Sound Generations, Hunger Intervention Program, Seattle Parks and Recreation, and Horn of Africa Services have teamed up to bring healthy meals, fitness programs, recreational activities,... 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
Did you know that Breast Cancer Awareness Month was first observed in the United States in October 1985? This is an international campaign that seeks... Read More
Love is the quintessential driving force in African American families. Love has provided a strong foundation for us in the face of 400 years and... Read More
We live in a world full of risks and hazards. There have always been weather-related and other natural disaster events, but these days it seems... Read More
You may not be surprised to hear me give a shout-out to the professionals at Aging and Disability Services—the Area Agency on Aging for Seattle-King... 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
People need public places to gather—indoors and out. Age Friendly Seattle supports parks and other green spaces, safe streets, sidewalks, outdoor seating, and accessible buildings... Read More
Every 10 years, the White House hosts a conference on aging. Regional forums were held around the country to gather public input on issues of... Read More
I know I date myself when I share a quote from "The A-Team," an action-adventure television series in the 1980s. As Colonel Hannibal Smith, a... 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
Summer is finally here! Especially in sunny weather, the days are long and many of us enjoy more time outdoors with family, friends, and neighbors.... 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
"Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves—and the only way they could do that is... Read More
Aging and Disability Services' largest community partner, Sound Generations, has named Jim Wigfall as its new Chief Executive Officer. A long-standing Boeing executive leader, Wigfall... Read More
I grew up in a small Midwest town in the 60s and enjoyed daily interaction with older adults—relatives, neighbors, church members, shopkeepers. My paternal grandparents... 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
Innovation—the action or process of innovating, synonymous with change, alteration, revolution, upheaval, transformation, metamorphosis, breakthrough, and more. The term "innovation" is largely positive, and a... Read More
Help us welcome the Age Friendly Seattle team, now on board at the Seattle Human Services Department's Aging and Disability Services division. As you may... Read More
Alzheimer's disease is a devastating degenerative disease that causes memory loss, challenging behavior problems, and severe functional limitations. Across the nation, 13.8 percent of older... Read More
Members of the Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging & Disability Services are very engaged. All of our members are active in Aging Network advocacy,... 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
We still have a long way to go to fully understand Alzheimer's and related dementias. While research confirms that staying socially engaged, intellectually challenged, creatively... 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
When there is an emergency, often the first community request is for blood donations; however, blood donations are always needed to save lives and donation... 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
The first week of April is National Public Health Week. To mark the occasion, we wanted to share how Public Health—Seattle & King County (Public... 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
When you see an advertisement that includes an older person, what are the messages you receive? Are they messages of strength or weakness? Messages of... 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
At the center of our circulatory system is an organ responsible for pumping blood to all the cells in our body—the heart. The blood vessels,... Read More
On February 19, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066, resulting in the forced removal and incarceration of 120,000 Japanese and Japanese Americans.... 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
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
At a recent conference (Elder Friendly Futures 2017—The Essential Work of Caregiving Across Communities), one of the speakers asked, "Who is a caregiver in this... Read More
A dynamic new non-profit provides relief for caregivers while helping those with dementia to live full, active lives at their daytime memory care locations on... Read More
With more benefits, better choices and lower costs now available, the Social Security Administration is encouraging people with Medicare and their families to start reviewing... Read More
November is National Family Caregivers Month. This year's theme is "Caregiving Around the Clock." November is also National Alzheimer's Awareness Month. As anyone who has... 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
Over the weekend of September 22–24, 2017, more than 100 people came together to create tools that could help Seattle become a more age-friendly community... Read More
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. When breast cancer facts or statistics are reported from institutions such as the Washington State Department of Public Health... 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
The 10th annual Falls Prevention Awareness Day will be observed on September 22, 2017—the first day of fall. In honor of this notable milestone, this... 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
Most of us don't like to think about aging. Speaking broadly for my Generation X, Millennials, and those coming up behind us, we are aware... 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
The 10th annual Falls Prevention Awareness Day will be observed on September 22, 2017—the first day of fall. In honor of this notable milestone, this... Read More
Developmentally delayed and suffering from diabetes, dementia and several mental health diagnoses, Hazel began to fall repeatedly while in the care of her aging sister.... 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
Who among us hasn't known someone who, as they grew older, became increasingly withdrawn? She or he may have said they liked living alone. He... Read More
Does end-of-life education belong in an age-friendly community's effort? Most people don't use the words "friendly" next to "death" or "dying." Although, if we agree... 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
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
Regardless if we are young or old, we all need connections to live purposeful and healthy lives—connections to family and friends, services, and resources. Who... 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 historic Supreme Court decision in June 2015 legalizing marriage equality in all 50 states enables LGBTQ life partners and those in long-term relationships to... Read More
As part of Mayor Ed Murray's Age-Friendly Seattle initiative, the Mayor's Office and other City of Seattle staff and community members are planning "Aging the... 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
Hearing loss is often misunderstood or ignored, and as a result is often not treated. Yet without hearing assistance, people can experience poor communication and... Read More
Climate change has changed. As we commemorate Earth Day (April 22nd) this month, it's the perfect time to consider why that matters, and what we... Read More
Seattle continues to grow, and with that growth comes a greater demand on our transportation system and a need for more options for everyone. To... 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
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
Safely disposing of unwanted medicines protects public health by reducing the amount of medicines available for misuse and keeping waste medicines out of the environment.... 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
Have you noticed the new food safety rating window signs in local restaurants? Starting in mid-January, inspectors from Public Health—Seattle & King County began issuing... 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
Family caregivers and in-home care providers are invited to attend "Giving Care, Taking Care," a day-long conference on Monday, June 5, 2017 in Tukwila, Washington.... Read More
Marthalee Galeota, access and disability program manager for the Starbucks Coffee Company, is the featured speaker at a special event hosted by the Northwest Universal... Read More
The Northwest Universal Design Council (NWUDC) invites you to attend a special presentation by Marthalee Galeota, access and disability program manager for the Starbucks Coffee... Read More
During the winter months, heaters and candles contribute to an increased fire risk. Fortunately, there are simple steps to take to reduce the risk of... Read More
Lake City is a vibrant and growing multi-cultural neighborhood in northeast Seattle. Historically underserved, Lake City's population and diversity of the neighborhood has increased in... 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
According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, a family caregiver is "someone who is responsible for attending to the daily needs of another person. Family... 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
The 9th annual Falls Prevention Awareness Day will be observed on September 22, 2016—the first day of fall. Washington Governor Jay Inslee has declared September... Read More
A health forum scheduled next month is dedicated to the exchange of innovative ideas, best practices, and advancement of la vida buena y sana—a good... 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 Monday, August 15, 2016, the Northwest Universal Design Council steps into a new realm of good design with a special presentation on accessible travel... Read More
Last month, the ADS Advisory Council sent a message to Senator Patty Murray—the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should be amended to require hearing loop... Read More
I often reflect on the relationships I've developed in my twenty-plus years working in the aging field. The most honest and real are those I've... Read More
For seniors and persons with disabilities struggling to stay in their homes, real help to pay property taxes is available. As I traveled around King... Read More
For the fifth year in a row, Aging and Disability Services (ADS)—the Area Agency on Aging for King County—is coordinating a conference that brings health... Read More
Aging and Disability Services, the Area Agency on Aging of Seattle-King County, is excited to announce a partnership with the Northwest Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Center.... 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
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
Pike Market Senior Center is fortunate to partner with The Carlson Center at the University of Washington and with the Service-Learning Program at Seattle Central... 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
Have you ever walked down a street and run into overgrowth; construction closure; no sidewalk, path, or ramp; no place to rest; so much traffic... 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
Did you know that immunizations aren't just for kids? It's true! Vaccines are recommended from birth through adulthood to provide a lifetime of protection against... Read More
[caption id="attachment_156" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Just some of the many tools available to help our patrons use Library resources. Pictured here: Library Equal Access Program (LEAP)... Read More
Many of us remember Dr. Seuss (Theodore Geisel) from our own childhood or our children's and grandchildren's. Remember that sense of wonder? Retirement is a... 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
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