Category: Blog

By Afrah Shah, Graduate Intern, SPI Social Policy Institute In honor of Black History Month, we recognize and celebrate the contributions of Black individuals who dedicated their lives to improving the well-being of older adults. Here, we highlight five remarkable people in American history and modern-day who made significant strides in advocating for the needs of…

By: Nancy Verdin, Graduate Assistant, SDSU Social Policy Institute Think about your circle of friends—they likely share similar life experiences to you, given their similar ages. But when was the last time you engaged in a conversation with someone significantly younger or older than you? A conversation that leaves you with a fresh insight into another…

By: Nancy Verdin, Graduate Assistant, SDSU Social Policy Institute Between the months of October and January, the air is electrified with a blend of celebration and anticipation. It’s a season where homes twinkle with the warmth of Christmas lights, where we gather with cherished loved ones to share moments of grace, and where we plan promises…

By: Nancy Verdin, Graduate Assistant, SDSU Social Policy Institute When you think of going home, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? It’s probably the warmth of those familiar pictures on the walls, the comfort of your own bed, and the reassuring presence of your cherished belongings. Home is where the heart is, but more…

By Etta Thordarson, MSW Intern, SDSU Social Policy Institute Do you know a direct care worker? Thank them for their hard work today! Direct care workers are a crucial facet of the United States Healthcare system. They are the home care health workers, residential care aides, and nursing assistants that many of us rely on to…

By Barbara Croyle and Nancy Verdin  “There are six myths about old age: 1. That it’s a disease, a disaster. 2. That we are mindless. 3.That we are sexless. 4. That we are useless. 5. That we are powerless. 6. That we are all alike.” Maggie Kuhn, Founder of the Gray Panthers “It is not…

By Nancy Verdin, Graduate Assistant, SDSU Social Policy Institute Have you ever encountered a challenge that you just can’t shake off, sparking the need for a solution? The kind of challenge that triggers the thought, “If only [insert brilliant idea] existed, it could create a significant positive impact.” If you’re a visionary, eager to bring your…

By: Emily Allison, Graduate Assistant, SDSU Social Policy Institute Over 16.5 million older adults 65 and older are financially insecure—either living at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL) ($25,760 for a single person in 2021). With rising health care and housing costs, millions of older adults are continuously placed at a greater risk for…

By: Nancy Verdin, Graduate Assistant, SDSU Social Policy Institute As the hands of time tick steadily forward, we embark on a journey that unites us all – the journey of aging. It’s a transformative experience that shapes our lives in profound ways, ushering us through the passages of time with each passing day. Whether it was…

By: Emily Allison, Graduate Assistant, SDSU Social Policy Institute CalAIM, a five-year plan to transform and strengthen Medi-Cal, is now progressing into its second year. With the goals of transitioning to a Whole Person Care Approach while addressing social determinants of health, CalAIM aspires to create more consistency, less complexity, and more flexibility within Medi-Cal services.…