We are so proud to announce that our Mature Edge job readiness program has contributed to the research and development of AdvantAGE L.A. Plan, created to provide a comprehensive blueprint to support the employment, retention, and advancement of Older Workers across Los Angeles.

In an era characterized by rapid change and evolving

job markets, the marginalization of older workers frequently sidelines individuals who possess invaluable experience and expertise. Ageism stands as a significant barrier to workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion, undermining the principles of equality and fairness while also stifling innovation and economic growth. The AdvantAGE LA plan emphasizes the urgent need to rectify this situation by acknowledging and actively supporting the inclusion and advancement of older workers in our workplaces. 

On World Mental Health Day, let’s all come together to talk about mental health and show everyone that mental health matters. Talking about our mental health can help us cope better with life’s ups and downs. So, on World Mental Health Day and beyond it, let's check in with your friends, family, peers, or colleagues.

Peers play an essential role in helping the most isolated members of our communities develop the social connections that are a crucial part of overall health. Having other people to relate to, especially about mental health experiences, often validates our feelings and gives us hope.

Without these interpersonal relationships, we all feel varying levels of loneliness. This often sparks a cycle of withdrawing, straining the relationships we do have, and then withdrawing even more. Studies have shown that people who feel more connected to others have lower levels of stress and anxiety and are less likely to experience depression.

They also tend to trust others more easily, which leads to others trusting them – and thus more connections are formed. Those who spend little time socializing are more likely to show antisocial behavior, leading to further isolation.

Our physical health suffers in the presence of loneliness too. A lack of social connection causes more harm to your health than obesity and high blood pressure and is a strong predictor of vulnerability to disease. Generally, being lonely causes the same amount of damage to your lifespan as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

Take a Mental Health Test

Online screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. After your mental health test, you will see information, resources, and tools to help you understand and improve your mental health.

Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible.

Feeling down every once in a while is a normal part of life, but if these feelings last a few weeks or months, you may have depression. Read this article to find common signs and symptoms of depression, treatment options, and if you or your loved one may be at risk for depression.

Depression is a serious mood disorder. It can affect the way you feel, act, and think.

Depression is a common problem among older adults, but clinical depression is not a normal part of aging. In fact, studies show that most older adults feel satisfied with their lives, despite having more illnesses or physical problems than younger people. However, if you’ve experienced depression as a younger person, you may be more likely to have depression as an older adult.

What is Ageism?

Ageism refers to stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel), and discrimination (how we act) toward others or ourselves based on age. It negatively impacts our health and well-being, our financial security, and the economy. It exists in many forms, influencing everything from personal interactions to public policy, and impacts us at every age.

The good news is that we can do something about it, and we begin by spreading the word on Ageism Awareness Day Oct. 9, 2024.

On October 9th, take action!

This day of activism is an opportunity to draw attention to the impact of ageism in our society and how we can reframe aging in our communities. Be a role model for aging by having meaningful conversations about age to help spark change and combat age stereotypes.

• Let's talk about ageism! Have conversations with your family and friends about ageism and how it may have affected you now or in the past.
• Be active on social media and like, comment and share posts about Ageism Awareness Day.

Medicare health and drug plans can make changes each year—things like cost, coverage, and what providers and pharmacies are in their networks.

October 15 to December 7 is when all people with Medicare can change their Medicare health plans and prescription drug coverage for the following year to better meet their needs.

• Join, drop, or switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan (or add or drop drug coverage).
• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan or from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare.
• Join, drop, or switch to another Medicare drug plan if you’re in Original Medicare.

Benefit changes go into effect: January 1 of the next year.

Find Medicare plan information or compare plans by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or by visiting Medicare.gov.  

For other languages like Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Arabic, Khmer, Polish, Russian, Arabic, or Chinese, click here.

#UCDavisHealth is looking for people 60+ for a clinical research study to assess the effectiveness and safety of an investigational vaccine in the prevention of bloodstream infection.

You may be eligible to participate if you:

• Are 60 years of age or older  

• Have had a UTI in the past 2 years

• Feel comfortable, or have a caregiver who is comfortable, using an application on a smartphone

The commitment for the study is approximately 3 years. Learn more by clicking below or by contacting #UCDavisHealth Infectious Diseases Research at hs-embrace@ucdavis.edu or (916) 734-6940. 

We’ve selected a variety of online fall prevention courses for you through GetSetUp, an organization created by older adults, to help people 55+ learn new skills, connect with others, and unlock new life experiences. 

All those 60+ are welcome and workshops are free when using passcode "area4-ca". 

Food prices have increased significantly in recent years. It makes it difficult for many of us—especially older adults—to keep eating well.

Fortunately, CalFresh has allocated funds specifically for adults aged 60+. We simplify the application process for them.

Learn more and start your application today. 

Click button below or call us at 

1-800-211-4545

This material was funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - SNAP. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. The materials or product were a result of a project funded by a contract with the California Department of Aging.