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The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM) will accept Letters of Intent for 2024 Kent County Senior Millage (KCSM) funds. The Kent County Senior Millage Letter of Intent was released on February 1st, 2023, and the submission deadline is March 1st, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.
Letters of Intent are required for all new agencies, as well as for current millage-funded agencies who wish to add a new service in 2024.
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We have recently released the 2023 Kent County Senior Millage directory where you can find the services available through the millage this year. You can follow the link below to view the PDF or call (616) 456-5664 to get started!
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Romance Is in the Air...And Online?
People often turn to the internet to make connections and during the pandemic, we saw romance scams become more prevalent, especially for seniors. The rise in scams led to an increase in financial loss for seniors at $139 million in 2020 compared to a loss of $84 million in 2019 (Federal Trade Commission). Isolation and loneliness are major risk factors for falling for a romance scam. It’s important to know how to use the internet safely and identify if someone may be trying to take advantage of you.
Signs it’s a scam:
- “Love bomb”: a tactic where the scammer expresses intense flattery, admiration, and praise early on to manipulate your emotions.
- Request to use another app or website to speak privately.
- Say they live in your same country but are traveling for work, military, vacation, etc.
- They refuse to talk on a video claiming to not have a cell phone or a broken camera.
- Give vague excuses for why they cannot meet in person.
- They ask you to send money for an emergency, travel expenses to see you, or because they lost a job.
Protect yourself:
- If something doesn’t sound/feel right, stop talking to them.
- Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person.
- Do your research if someone connects with you on social media. Do you have friends in common? Check their photos and information-is it brief or blank?
- Do an online search by typing their name + “scam” or reverse image search to see if they stole a photo from the internet.
- Never give out your personal information such as your photo, address, or phone number until you’ve met them in person and feel confident it’s not a scam.
- If you meet up in person, always meet in a public setting until you feel comfortable.
For more information on scams visit ProtectKentSeniors.org or call the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan at 616-456-5664.
SOURCE: National Council on Aging (ncoa.org) |
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February is Black History Month, where we honor and shine a light on the contributions and accomplishments of Black individuals throughout history. Black history month is an opportunity for us to learn about the rich heritage and culture of the Black community, as well as to reflect on the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.
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Oral Health is an integral component of overall health. Diseases of the mouth are closely linked to other serious health conditions in the body. Yet access to dental services can be a serious barrier for older adults to maintain their oral health. Dental coverage is a benefit often linked to an employer so coverage can change significantly after retirement. Advocacy at the national, state, and local levels are working to reform oral health and increase access for older adults.
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Save the Date: Upcoming Events
Engaging Wellness Classes
In-person and Zoom classes have returned!
Visit the website here!
Upcoming Dementia Friends Sessions
Thursday, March 16, 2023 | 10:30 am - 12:00 pm In-Person*
Learn more and register!
Advocates for Senior Issues
Friday, March 17, 2023 | 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!
Matter of Balance Coach Training
Engaging Wellness is looking for volunteer coaches,
the training session will take place:
Thursday, April 20, and Friday, April 21 | 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
In-Person at AAAWM
See the flyer here!
AARP Shred Event
Friday, April 28 | 12:00 to 2:00 pm
In-Person at AAAWM
Learn more here!
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