-
Reflecting on the Anniversary of the ADA
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.…
-
Celebrating the Legacy of the Older Americans Act
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…
-
Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month: A Time to Educate, Advocate, and Support
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,…
-
What is the Future of Social Security?
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…
-
Celebrating Older Americans Month: Embracing the Power of Connection
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,…
-
In the Shadows: Understanding and Overcoming Depression in Older Adults
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…
-
Leveraging Lifelong Learning: It’s Never Too Late to Learn Something New!
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…
-
Honoring Women’s Contributions to Gerontology and Healthy Aging
By Afrah Shah, Graduate Intern, SPI Social Policy Institute In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Center for Excellence in Aging and Longevity (CEAL) pays tribute to the remarkable contributions made by women in the fields of gerontology and healthy aging. Their contributions have not only enriched the field of gerontology but have also significantly…
-
Let’s Talk about Sex… Maybe?
By Jocelyn Smith, Graduate Assistant, SDSU Social Policy Institute When we think about sex education, most of us can conjure up the stereotyped, yet widely suffered (and terribly mortifying) high school encounter involving a health teacher, a banana, and a condom. And… that might be it. Getting proper sexual health education and support across the lifespan…
-
Home Care Aid Part 3: Initiatives in Addressing the Landscape
Conclusion of the 3-part series by Nancy Verdin, Graduate Assistant, SDSU Social Policy Institute The existing home care service cycle is riddled with numerous vulnerabilities that leave many individuals overlooked and underserved. Addressing the gaps will require a collaborative effort involving diverse stakeholders from various sectors. Currently, proactive measures are already underway to overcome the challenges.…
