Lake County Council on Aging Blog

Depression is a medical illness in which a person has persistent feelings of sadness, often with discouragement and a lack of self-worth. Depression in the elderly is a widespread problem, but it is not a normal part of aging. In the elderly, it is often not recognized or treated.  A number of life changes can increase the risk for depression, or make existing depression worse, including a move from home; chronic illness or pain; spouse or close friends passing away; or loss of independence.   Read more...

The Sandy Hook tragedy has opened a dialogue in the US about the need for mental health services, treatment vs. punishment, and the prison system. As our population continues to age, increasingly the prison cells of the United States are filled with old, often sick men and women. The care these aging prisoners receive, while often grossly inadequate, is nonetheless cripplingly expensive. While 50 or 55 may not be old by conventional standards, people age faster behind bars than they do on the outside.   Read more...

If you are acting as a caregiver for a loved one, you are certainly not alone. Caregivers can be either gender, any age, and come from cities, suburbs, or rural areas. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, 29% of American adults served as family caregivers in 2011—that is about 66 million people. Most caregivers are female, although the number of male caregivers seems to be on the rise.   Read more...

The Lake County Council on Aging’s Health Equipment Lending Program (HELP) provides donated durable medical equipment and incontinence supplies to Lake County seniors and younger disabled people who need them.   Read more...

Each year, millions of elderly Americans are assaulted, demeaned, intimidated, left without adequate food or robbed of their life savings, often by the people they trust most. These are our parents, grandparents, siblings, spouses, neighbors and friends. They are victims of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.   Read more...

The Vial of Life (VOL) can help during an emergency! The Vial of Life is a magnetized pouch, placed on your refrigerator, that contains emergency medical information.  Read more...

According to a report released February 2012 by the National Council on Aging and the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, millions of Americans are missing out on over $20 billion in free and low-cost support that is available to help pay for health care, prescriptions, food, and utilities.   Read more...

It is important to stay active in the community.  The Congregate Cafe program is available to help older adults stay involved.  Read more...