Aging with Altitude

Support groups and system changes are just two ways discussed to minimize elder abuse. We also continue our discussion of sex. June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and the Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging can link you to, or help you organize, a small group conversation about this topic during the week of June 11. Lori McGinnis, regional director of the ombudsman program for the agency, shares insights with host Cynthia Margiotta. The ombudsman helps make sure elders are aware of their rights. If there are issues with an assisted living or long term care facility, an ombudsman is the one to call for help.

To contact the ombudsman: Lori McGinnis: 719-471-7080 ext. 132 [email protected]

Aging with Altitude is recorded in the Pikes Peak region with a focus on topics of aging interest across the country.  We talk about both the everyday and novel needs and approaches to age with altitude whether you’re in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida or Leadville, Colorado.  The Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging is the producer.  Cynthia Margiotta with PEARLS Program of Colorado is our moderator.  Learn more at Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging http://www.ppacg.org/aging/  and PEARLS Program of Colorado  https://pearlsprogram.net/

A father-daughter team share their breathtaking tale of overcoming barriers and aging stereotypes that embody Aging Unbound, the theme for Older Americans Month 2023. 

Dr. Tom Kilroy is the father of Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging staff and podcast sponsor Melissa Marts. These two adventurers and aquaholics (that’s right, not alcoholics) tell the story of how they became self-supporting, multi-day stand up paddleboard pros and lived through the Moab storm of the century on the Green River.

Aging Unbound challenges all of us to question the stereotypes of age and share stories of how we push past our own barriers and boundaries to live a rich, rewarding life.  As you listen, think about the labels and stereotypes you have experienced and what barriers you are pushing past.

Share your story: [email protected]

Aging with Altitude is recorded in the Pikes Peak region with a focus on topics of aging interest across the country.  We talk about both the everyday and novel needs and approaches to age with altitude whether you’re in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida or Leadville, Colorado.  The Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging is the producer.  Cynthia Margiotta with PEARLS Program of Colorado is our moderator.  Learn more at Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging http://www.ppacg.org/aging/  and PEARLS Program of Colorado  https://pearlsprogram.net/

What are the ways our elders can be subject to abuse and how can we guard against them? Abuse can be subtle and so not blatantly obvious to the victim. Abusers can also be adept at putting on a good show when others are around. June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and the Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging can link you to, or help you organize, a small group conversation about this topic during the week of June 11. Lori McGinnis, regional director of the ombudsman program for the agency, shares insights with host Cynthia Margiotta. The ombudsman helps make sure elders are aware of their rights. If there are issues with an assisted living or long term care facility, an ombudsman is the one to call for help.

Aging with Altitude is recorded in the Pikes Peak region with a focus on topics of aging interest across the country.  We talk about both the everyday and novel needs and approaches to age with altitude whether you’re in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida or Leadville, Colorado.  The Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging is the producer.  Cynthia Margiotta with PEARLS Program of Colorado is our moderator.  Learn more at Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging http://www.ppacg.org/aging/  and PEARLS Program of Colorado  https://pearlsprogram.net/

Medicare CAN be expensive, but there are ways to minimize the costs. Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging’s Roma Costanza shares information about the costs and ways to shrink them. Medicare Savings Programs can help you cover the cost of Medicare Part B. A Low-Income Subsidy can help cover the cost of Medicare Part D. Over 50% of the people in our area who qualify for these programs are not taking advantage. Determining eligibility and applying for these programs can be quite easy if you invite a SHIP counselor to help you.

This episode is hosted by Cynthia Margiotta, CEO of Pearls program of Colorado. Roma Costanza is Medicare Specialist and State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Coordinator at the Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging.

For more information:(719) 635-4891[email protected]

Aging with Altitude is recorded in the Pikes Peak region with a focus on topics of aging interest across the country.  We talk about both the everyday and novel needs and approaches to age with altitude whether you’re in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida or Leadville, Colorado.  The Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging is the producer.  Cynthia Margiotta with PEARLS Program of Colorado is our moderator.  Learn more at Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging http://www.ppacg.org/aging/  and PEARLS Program of Colorado  https://pearlsprogram.net/

State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Medicare Counselors are the best kept secret for seniors looking for non-biased Medicare support.  SHIP counselors can be identified through their Area Agency on Aging.  These counselors walk seniors through many healthcare options and are not associated with any health insurance company.  They receive extensive training in order to best support seniors in selecting plans that make sense for them.  Listen in for more and check your SHIP office out today.

This episode was recorded in June for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

El Paso County Colorado has one of the busiest Adult Protective Services (APS) offices in the State if not the Nation.  With over 3300 cases this past year, it is hard to believe that this number is actually lower than previous years.  APS notes this number is concerning because they believe the number should be higher and that COVID has led to a decline in recognizing and reporting abuse.  This episode explores the work of APS, who are mandatory reporters and how to connect to resources.

Aging with Altitude is recorded in the Pikes Peak region with a focus on topics of aging interest across the country.  We talk about both the everyday and novel needs and approaches to age with altitude whether you’re in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida or Leadville, Colorado.  The Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging is the producer Ms. Cynthia Margiotta with PEARLS Program of Colorado is our moderator.  Learn more at Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging   and PEARLS Program of Colorado

State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Counselor Roma Costanza discusses how to avoid being a victim of Medicare fraud.  One message, Protect Your Card.  Learn about Senior Medicare Patrol and SHIP.  Taxpayers want to see tax dollars working for us, unfortunately Medicare fraud hurts with increased costs to the program if criminals get away with it.  Learn how to be proactive and protect the value Medicare provides for us.

Aging with Altitude is recorded in the Pikes Peak region with a focus on topics of aging interest across the country.  We talk about both the everyday and novel needs and approaches to age with altitude whether you’re in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida or Leadville, Colorado.  The Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging is the producer Ms. Cynthia Margiotta with PEARLS Program of Colorado is our moderator.  Learn more at Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging   and PEARLS Program of Colorado

Families continue to learn daily how to live with a family member or friend who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's.  Last year 5 million Americans were diagnosed, this year over 6 million.  The disease is devastating but we can learn to live better.  RoseMary Jaramillo, Regional Director for the Central and Southern Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association shares insight about the differences of dementia and Alzheimer's.  Exploring the confounding findings of earlier onset Alzheimer's and how the brain and central nervous system operate.  There are ways to live with Alzheimer's with education, understanding and new ways of communication that can provide hope.

A special day for seniors with a complimentary lunch and live music.  The Westside Community Center knows how to host a fun time.  Andrea Fuller, Marketing Coordinator with the Center, highlights the types of resources and experiences for older adults that also includes a flea market and other unique activities.

Many older adults find purpose in volunteering, and then some need the support of volunteers to help them age with dignity.  Cory Smith, Project Manager with COS I Love You is responsible for rallying congregations in the region to provide priceless volunteer services to residents.  From helping new moms, to shoveling snow to prepping older adults for downsizing and moving, COS I Love You is looking for the special projects to serve and also giving opportunities to vibrant older adults looking to continue to give back.