Author: sdsuCEAL

By Fernando Reyes, Manager of Workforce Development As we celebrate Labor Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the hard work and contributions of all workers, it’s crucial to acknowledge a workforce that often goes unnoticed: family caregivers. These individuals, who are usually juggling multiple roles, provide an astonishing $600 billion worth of unpaid care each…

By Fernando Reyes, Workforce Development Manager At San Diego State University (SDSU), being an age-friendly university means more than just a commitment to inclusivity; it’s about actively supporting caregivers at every stage of life. If you’re a student juggling academic demands with caregiving responsibilities, the challenges are real and often overwhelming.  In the U.S., approximately…

By Michelle Matter, Director of Aging On National Senior Citizens Day, I want to honor a “super-ager”, someone who has been a source of strength throughout my life—my grandmother, Peggy Olson. While everyone loves their grandmother, mine is special to so many people. Her impact reaches far beyond our family, touching the lives of those…

By Fernando Reyes, Peer Support Advisor As we commemorate the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is essential to reflect on the profound impact this landmark legislation has had on our society and consider how we can continue to evolve in supporting all individuals with disabilities, particularly older adults aging into disability.…

By: Fernando Reyes, Peer Support Advisor On this day in 1965, the Older Americans Act (OAA) was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson. This transformative piece of legislation has significantly improved the lives of countless older adults in our nation. The OAA was established to address the lack of community social services for older…

By: Fernando Reyes, Peer Support Advisor Designated as Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, June is a time to raise awareness, foster understanding, and rally support for those impacted by this debilitating condition. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, a group of disorders that impairs mental functioning. Alzheimer’s leads to memory loss, confusion,…

By Nancy Verdin, MSW Similar to an aging house that requires periodic renovations to stay liveable, Social Security requires significant updates to serve its purpose effectively. While it provides crucial income support to older adults, individuals with disabilities, and survivors of deceased workers, there are repairs needed to address the long standing program. Established in…

By Fernando Reyes, CEAL Peer Support Advisor Since its inception in 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) has been an annual celebration held every May, shining a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of older adults to our communities. Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), OAM serves as a poignant reminder to honor the wisdom,…

By Nancy Verdin, Graduate Assistant, SDSU Social Policy Institute Imagine going through a major shift in your life, perhaps you’ve lost your long time friend, you’ve become homebound due to limited mobility, or the people you once saw on a daily basis are just no longer part of your social circle. Now, picture being told, “that’s…

By Jocelyn Smith, Graduate Assistant, SDSU Social Policy Institute On the top shelf of my closet, there is a colorful box jam-packed with journals, chronicling the ups and downs of my life from my teens to my early 30s. Every ill-fated romance, academic pursuit, career shift, and “AH HA!” moment scrawled in sloppy cursive with more…