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Fall is in full swing and with that comes cooler weather. As the seasons change, you are more inclined to stay indoors and pass on events you used to enjoy in the warmer months--it happens to the best of us. Yet this lack of socialization, movement, and engagement in the winter can have a negative impact on your health and well-being. Winter can be an especially difficult season for older adults. You may not have the means to drive or keep up with home maintenance and repairs, and you could start feeling a bit defeated during this time. Trying to combat these things can be overwhelming, but just because you aren’t able to get out as much doesn’t mean there aren’t a variety of things you can do to have a winter of wellness.
Read the Article
November is also National Caregiver Support Month, bringing awareness of the best ways to assist caregivers and show appreciation. Sarah Sobel joined The WGVU Morning Show to discuss the caregiving journey and how to avoid burnout. You can give the interview a listen below:
Listen to the WGVU Interview
November is Indigenous/Native American Heritage Month, where we pay tribute to the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans and Indigenous peoples. This is also an opportunity to bring awareness to the unique challenges Indigenous people have faced historically and in the present. It is important to recognize the lands we are on today were first inhabited by Native American tribes before being colonized by European settlers and to recognize the poor treatment of Indigenous peoples thereafter. Below are a few tools to help you engage and learn from this meaningful history and how you can be a supporter in the present.
Learn About Resources

Avoid Getting Scammed This Holiday Season 

Scammers do not take time off during the holidays, instead they are ramping up their efforts to steal our personal information. Be aware of some common scams and protect yourself from falling victim. Research shows that if you know about a scam, you are 80% less likely to interact with it. Share this knowledge with your family, friends, and neighbors.

Trending Holiday Scams
  • Charity call: impersonator calls with information on donating to a charity and pressures you to make a donation over the phone. Never give out your financial information to someone you don’t know. Hang up and do your own research. Real charities will have a secure way to donate.
  • Online Shopping: scammers create fake websites hoping you will input your financial information for them to steal. Instead, go to a secure app or website beginning with “https”. “S” means it’s a secure and trusted website. Also, use a credit card instead of a debit card when making online purchases for extra security.
  • Shipping/Tracking: scammers send emails or texts with a link asking you to sign into your account to track your package. Never click a link from someone you do not know. Go to your original confirmation email or secure account for tracking information.
It’s important to report scams to stop or prevent scammers from preying on other victims:
  • Report a scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
  • File a complaint with the Michigan Attorney General Consumer Protection team at 877-765-8388 or Michigan.gov
  • If you suspect Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation call the Adult Protective Services hotline at 855-444-3911
For more information on scam alerts and resources available visit ProtectKentSeniors.org or call the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan at 616-456-5664. 
SOURCE: AARP 
Join our 24-year holiday tradition of supporting program participants! Our Supports Coordinators have nominated those who are most in need of receiving a gift this holiday season. AAAWM staff and partners are coming together to provide support for the 2022 Giving Tree and we wanted to give community members the chance to contribute as well.

Donations are tax-deductible and due by Monday, December 5 so we are able to deliver gifts to participants before the holidays. If you have any questions about this annual program, you can reach out to the program coordinator at (616) 988-5093.

Save the Date: Upcoming Events


Engaging Wellness Classes
In-person classes have returned!
Visit the website here!

Kent County Veterans Event
Wednesday, November 30, 2022 | 9:00 am - 11:00 am
See the flyer here!

Upcoming Dementia Friends Sessions
Thursday, December 15, 2022 | 10:30 am - 12:00 pm *In Person*
Thursday, January 19, 2022 | 10:30 am - 12:00 pm "Zoom*
Learn more and register!

Advocates for Senior Issues
Friday, January 20, 2022 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Salvation Army Kroc Center
Visit the website here!

Virtual Family Caregiver Support Group
Tuesdays | 10:00 - 11:00 am via Zoom
See the flyer here!

18th Annual Art & Science of Aging Conference
Fashion a New Image of Aging
Friday, February 24, 2023 | 8:15 am - 3:00 pm
In-Person & Streaming
See the flyer here!
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Copyright © Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
3215 Eaglecrest NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Phone: 616-456-5664
 






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Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan · 3215 Eaglecrest Dr. NE · Grand Rapids, Mi 49525 · USA

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