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Insight Newsletter 1st Quarter 2025

Hello friend!

I’m so happy to introduce the New Quarterly Aging Well Insights Newsletter! It’s a long time coming and I hope you find it helpful as you prepare for your future, whether as a caregiver or for your own later years. In this newsletter you’ll get updates on seminars, information on important topics and resources to help you on your journey.

2024 Recap

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making 2024 such a memorable year. We’re excited for what’s to come in 2025 and can’t wait to continue this journey with you!

2024 was an incredible year filled with connection, learning, and growth! It marked the first year of a very successful Aging Well Educational Series at Foundation Community Church in Citrus Heights. Every two months, we gathered to hear from experts in the senior services field, covering essential topics like estate planning, home safety, and health insights from medical professionals. The sessions were packed with valuable information and meaningful discussions.The highlight of the year was our Annual Symposium — a truly inspiring event. The energy and support from senior service professionals, along with the heartfelt feedback from attendees, reaffirm why we do this work. Hearing your stories and knowing the impact these events have on you is what drives us forward.

13 New Year's Resolutions for Caregivers

by Carol Bradley Bursack, CDSGF

Given the challenges of the caregiving role, I felt it was important to share these “resolutions” at the start of the new year. Not because I believe resolutions are the answer, but because I understand how tough caregiving can be. Grant yourself grace—lots of it. It’s okay to take a deep breath, step away when you need to, and start fresh. I’m here cheering you on, and I know there are so many others doing the same! When you feel like you’re struggling, we see your courage!

  1. I give myself permission to not keep the following resolutions or to keep them only partway.
  2. When I feel I am imperfect, I will remember that guilt is not an option as long as I know I did the best I could, given the circumstances.
  3. I will find time alone for myself, even though that seems impossible. That may mean asking for help from people and resources I’ve never considered before.
  4. Regardless of how deserving the source, Iwill say no to requests for my time when I know I can’t add any more to my plate.
  5. I will remember that family members and friends who are not care receivers deserve some of my time. This may mean a little less of my attention will go to my care receiver, and that is okay.
  6. I will follow through with my own medical appointments and screenings, including dental cleanings and eye exams.
  7. I will find a way to monitor my own energy levels so I can recharge my batteries before I hit the point of exhaustion and burnout.
  8. I will remember that seeking advice from professionals, organizations and fellow caregivers is a sign of strength, not weakness. 
  9. I will remember that my care receiver didn’t choose the illness or disability that he or she is living with.
  10. I will remember that I didn’t choose this life for my care receiver either, so I won’t be a martyr to their illness.
  11. I will remember that taking care of my own needs isn’t selfish. Taking care of myself benefits everyone I love.
  12. I will get appropriate help for myself if depression, anxiety or other mental health issues become apparent to me, my friends or my family.
  13. I will be open to alternative ways of caring for myself. This can include massage, aroma therapy, some form of meditation exercise, attending a caregiver support group, participating in an online caregiver forum, seeking out respite care, or meeting with a therapist.

To read the full article, click here.

It’s the New Year, is exercise on your list of resolutions?

Seventy-nine percent of people who make New Year Resolutions involve fitness. It’s important to make sure you stay safe if it’s part of yours.

Find the Right Fitness Shoes and Clothes

Choosing the right clothing and shoes for the exercise and physical activity you plan todo is important. Make sure your clothes and footwear are both comfortable and safe for you to be active. Try items on to make sure you have the proper fit. Keep these things in mind as you shop.

Finding the right fitness shoes

  • Choose shoes that are made for the type of physical activity you want to do.
  • Look for shoes with flat, non-skid soles, good heel support, enough room for your toes, and a cushioned arch that’s not too high or too thick.
  • Make sure the shoes fit well and provide proper support for your feet.
  • Check your shoes regularly and replace them when they’re worn out. Youneed new shoes when the tread is worn out; your feet feel tired after activity; or your shins, knees, or hips hurt after activity.

Finding the right activewear

  • The right clothes and shoes can fit your individual style. Wearing workout clothes you like can be a great motivator!
  • Choosing the right activewear
  • Choose clothes that work with your activity. Loose shorts are perfect for basketball, but maybe not for yoga.
  • Make sure your exercise clothes are comfortable and let you move easily. In cold weather, wear layers, such as a jacket or top over a t-shirt, so you can take off layers as you warm up.
  • Wear clothes that let air circulate and moisture evaporate.

Article found on the National Institute on Aging.

 Support Groups/Services
Del Oro Caregiver Resource Center
Alzheimer’s Association
Senior Care Solutions, Men’s Support Group
ALS Association
Parkinson’s

We understand that in-person meetings offer a valuable learning experience, and I truly enjoy connecting with all of you, sharing my knowledge, and answering your questions. To reach even more people who can’t attend our in-person seminars, we’re excited to introduce webinars! These online sessions allow us to extend our support to a wider audience, providing essential resources and guidance that people need now — or may need in the future.

Learn
RSVP to info@agingwellca.com
Webinar Series visit the events page

Connect We’re going virtual (too)!