Category: Blog

By Claire Grimes, MSW Intern, Social Policy Institute I was a young teen when I had my first experience with caregiving. My grandmother had been fighting cancer for the second time in her life when the chemo stopped working. I watched as her frail body withered and shrunk as it gave in to the cancer…

By Fernando Reyes As we recognize World Mental Health Day, it’s crucial to shine a light on the often-overlooked mental health needs of older adults. With the number of older adults steadily increasing worldwide, addressing their mental health is not just a matter of individual well-being but also a societal imperative. Older adults frequently face…

By Michelle Matter, Director of Aging Ageism Awareness Day is an opportunity to reflect on the biases and stereotypes that society holds about older adults and to promote a more inclusive and respectful view of aging. At the SDSU Center for Excellence in Aging & Longevity (CEAL), we are committed to combating ageism by fostering…

By Claire Grimes, MSW Intern, SDSU Social Policy Institute The California Department of Aging (CDA) just released a new Emergency Preparedness Guide tailored for older adults and people with disabilities. This comprehensive guide outlines essential steps to prepare for emergencies, including what to pack in a go bag or a stay box. The guide emphasizes five key Readiness…

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,…