Scammers are getting craftier, and it's up to us to stay ahead. In this episode, we interview a local older adult who fell victim to a scam by a fake residential repair contractor. Hear her recount her experience and learn how AgeGuide’s funded partners and other community helpers stepped in to help. Plus, get essential tips to protect yourself from fraud.

If you think you have been a victim of a scam, visit our website for more information: https://ageguide.org/fraud-assistance/

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In this episode, we interview community dining participants at Weits Cafe in Morris, Illinois. Participants shared heartwarming stories of friendship and well-being. Discover how these programs are transforming lives, one meal at a time! AgeGuide has a variety of innovative community dining and restaurant programs for older adults, where meals become moments of joy and connection.  

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Podcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcast
Website: ageguide.org

In this episode, we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month as we explore the impact AgeGuide and its funded partners are making on mental wellness for older adults and caregivers and uncover the benefits of investing in our own mental health.

Our guest this month is Nathan Underhile, the Clinical Program Supervisor at Metropolitan Family Services. Nathan brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise in aging mental health, caregiver stress, and an evidence-based strategy called Stressbusting for Family Caregivers.

Throughout our discussion, Nathan delves into the challenges faced by caregivers and the transformative power of reconnecting with what matters most in our lives. The Great Re-Connection, as we discover, has a lot to do with getting outside of our own heads, finding support, and nurturing our own well-being.

Contact Information:
Nathan Underhile
[email protected]

Meditation Videos:
https://youtu.be/GZhtUMrqNSU
https://youtu.be/zTvSESrziFs
https://youtu.be/WvlTYzcp4o4

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Welcome to another episode of AgeGuide’s 50th Anniversary theme, ‘The Great Re-Connection.’ Join us as we explore the tangible ways that AgeGuide and it’s funded partners help older adults reconnect with what they love and the people they care about. 

In this episode, retired high school teacher, Christopher, reveals his source of joy and connection through volunteering for the Friendly Phone Calls program and participating in an intergenerational program offering tablets and tech support to older adults. Christopher shares insights and rewards from personally advancing 'The Great Reconnection' in his community. 

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In this episode, we sit down with Gregory Lind, a dedicated AgeGuide Board Member, and a volunteer for Home Delivered Meals at Kane Senior Council. Greg shares his unique perspective on the transformative power of volunteering and recounts personal experiences with homebound older adults. His efforts resonate with the overarching mission to propel 'The Great Re-Connection' in his community. At the end we take you on a ride along to experience what it feels to volunteer with Meals on Wheels. 

For more information about volunteering, visit www.ageguide.org

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Although people are living longer than ever, how long we live is significantly impacted by demographic factors like where we live, our race, and our socio-economic status. In this episode, we highlight one of the panels from AgeGuide’s 2nd Annual Aging Summit. Together with thought leaders in the Aging field, participants delved into the question, “How can we make longevity equitable for all?” 

The Equity in Action panel featured Ian Hartman-O’Connell, Director of Policy Integration at AARP; Professor Brian Kaskie from the University of Iowa; Paula Basta, former Director of IDoA, and AgeGuide CEO, Marla Fronczak. The panel candid conversation about how we can all impact equity in longevity. 

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In this episode, we continue our celebration of our 50th-anniversary theme, The Great Reconnection. We're discussing the importance of building connections and supporting older adults who are caring for children. We interviewed Sheree Stillwell, a grandparent raising a grandson and also a co-facilitator of a local support group for grandparents raising children. Additionally, she participates in State Representative Natalie Manley's Legislative Committee on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. Sheree provided us with a firsthand look at the experience of grandparents who are stepping in and parenting again.

The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren support group meets in-person on the Third Tuesday of the Month September-May in Will County.
For more information and the meeting location contact Mary White at [email protected] or Sheree Stilwell at [email protected]

http://ageguide.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Grandparents-Flyer-1-4.10.23-scaled.jpg

http://ageguide.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Rep-Manley-Senior-Flyer.png

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"When I presented my bill, I said to people, grandparents will would die for their grandchildren and in many cases they are, because in order to afford things for a little person, you will you will forego your own medicines, you will forego your own nourishment. You will forego an awful lot, your own doctor's appointments so that you can provide for these little people." - Natalie Manley

In this episode, Part 2 of our series - Supporting Older Adults Who are Parenting Again, we continue our celebration of our 50th Anniversary theme, ‘The Great Re-Connection.’ We’re talking about helping build connections and supports for a very special group of older adults – those caring for children. Some are grandparents, some are aunts, uncles, or even unrelated friends, but they are all caregivers who have found themselves parenting children in their 60’s and beyond.  

A group of these dedicated kinship caregivers found a champion in Deputy majority leader, Natalie Manley, who represents District 98 in the Illinois General Assembly. In this interview, Leader Manley explains how her passion for supporting older adults raising children inspired a legislative Advisory Council to help elevate the voices of these kinship families in Springfield. 

• House Bill 0780 (The full text can be found here) established the Illinois Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Pilot Program to provide outreach and services to older adults raising a child/children in Will County.
• State Rep Natalie Manley encourages grandparents or others in her community to join her for a Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Legislative Committee to share their unique viewpoints and make their voices heard.
• To RSVP for the next meeting, please contact Manley’s district office at [email protected] or call 815-725-2741. Those who wish to participate via Zoom will receive the link after sending their RSVP.
• The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Pilot Program will be administered by Senior Services of Will County: 815-723-9713  https://willcountyseniors.org/.

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In this episode, we recognize National Family Caregivers Month and continue our celebration of our 50th Anniversary theme of ‘The Great Re-Connection’ by talking about the unique needs of a very special group of older adults – those caring for children. Some are grandparents, some are aunts, uncles, or even unrelated friends, but they are all caregivers who have found themselves parenting children in their 60’s and beyond. Both the older adults and the children benefit from being raised by a loved one. The children benefit from learning from another generation, experience more stability and the older adults report feeling a sense of purpose and social connection than other older adults.

These dedicated kinship caregivers are in need of connections to resources, support, and information. We interview Brianne Hetman about her work to support a comprehensive program that addresses the often complex and multi-faceted challenges of Relatives Raising Children.

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Website: ageguide.org

This year marks AgeGuide’s 50th anniversary since being established in 1973 as part of the Older Americans Act. All year long, the Age Guide podcast will highlight the impact of various Older Americans Act funded services and the people who benefit from them. Across the region and the nation we’re seeing a movement toward “The Great Reconnection.” This emphasis on reconnecting with others in this post pandemic time positively impacts older adults, caregivers and all of us who are aging. It is about rekindling relationships and a renewed focus on building community. In this episode we sit down with Marla Fronczak, CEO of AgeGuide, to kick off our 50th anniversary series with a look back at where it all started and a look forward to where aging services are headed. 

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Website: ageguide.org