When asked about her secret to attaining membership in the elite centenarians’ club, Nell didn’t hesitate to answer “The Lord and a whole lot of exercise.”

When asked if she thought she would live to celebrate 100 years of life she stated “Yes, I believed it.” Perhaps her belief played a role in making it to five additional trips around the sun, but, if you ask Nancy, she’ll tell you the key is “to do right in life and live by the Lord”. Happy Birthday Nancy!

Mosezell Cannon, age 72, recently completed the three-week Ready to Work program at Shelton State Community College. Ms. Cannon is also a participant in the Senior Community Employment Service Program, coordinated locally by the Area Agency on Aging of West Alabama. She said at first, she was nervous about enrolling in Ready to Work but added that it is definitely worth giving it a try. Ms. Cannon found the program offered many strengths, as well as its own challenges.

Dementia may destroy one’s cognition but the heart and soul are still thriving. Look through their exterior and touch their spirit.

Gateway to Community Living is a program administered by the Area Agency on Aging with the goal being to help transition persons out of the nursing home, that are able, back into the community. While it is human nature to want to live independently, it is not always possible. However, this program has made the impossible, with careful care planning, become possible.

We asked two Alabama Cares clients to provide quotes that we could share with the public to show how they feel about their roles. As you will see, they wake up each day willing to “Make a Mark” on the lives of their aging loved ones. Please remember family caregivers and go out of your way to show them some empathy and support.

“The closest thing to being cared for is to care for someone else.” ― Carson McCullers.

Imagine a 24-hour day without seeing your very close loved ones. Imagine 30 days without receiving a hug from any of your family. Now imagine 60 days and counting without being able to spend time in person with those dearest to you. That is the life of all nursing home residents currently. If you put yourself in their “social distancing” shoes, how would you compare their experience to your current quarantine status woes?

If you truly want to be happy, be content where you are and find joy in what is right in front of you. You can have nothing and still have everything.

Continuing our celebration of Older Americans Month, Brittani Blackston, a Case Manager II with the Medicaid Waiver program at the Area Agency on Aging of West Alabama shares a story of one of her clients that has “Made a Mark” on her life.

I always smile at her and tell her she is an antique and not old, because antiques are priceless, and she is exactly that to me! And no matter her physical condition, her spirit and pure sole is as vibrant at this age as ever and she Makes a Mark on the hearts of all she encounters.

Many persons 60 and better attend Senior Activity Centers for connection, purpose and nutrition. Due to the world’s current situation with COVID 19, seniors are not able to interact on site at the 22 centers throughout West Alabama. But for those who take part in their local senior center, they have been able to stay in touch due to the dedication of the staff at their senior activity center.

In 2018, Gov. Kay Ivey signed into law Alabama House Bill 427 which includes the requirement “local law enforcement officers and other emergency personnel complete first responder training for missing persons with Alzheimer’s Disease or other forms of dementia…” The West Alabama Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging is offering Dementia Friendly Training to law enforcement agencies and first responders in the West Alabama area free of charge.

“Working is like exercising. When you stop, its hard to get back into it. It’s (SCSEP) a great re-entry point into work.” -Ronny Johnston, executive director of Easterseals of West Alabama

It’s been accused of causing tears, feelings of overwhelming anxiety and confusion. The silver-lining to all this dizzying information is that you don’t have to navigate it alone.
The West Alabama Area Agency on Aging provides a Medicare Counseling program through the State Health Insurance and Assistance Program (SHIP). 

Growing older doesn’t have to mean stopping your work. The National Council On Aging states that 88% of participants reported the same or even better physical health while they were employed and 72% reported a better outlook on life while working.

“Compared with their peers, senior center participants have higher levels of health, social interaction and life satisfaction…” according to the National Council on Aging who has named September “Senior Center Month”. In addition to a nutritious meal and friendly game of Bingo, participants at the center can partake in a variety of other interests including, but never limited to, educational programs, volunteer opportunities, field trips, crafting and more.

Rev. William Hughes enlisted in the Army after Pearl Harbor was attacked. He served in France and Africa with the 28th Quartermasters on a trucking convoy. He played Dominoes and card games during his deployment and continues to stay 100 years young playing Dominoes daily at the Southside Senior Center!

Truman Burkhalter volunteers at the Carrollton Senior Center. Each day, since retiring, he has set his alarm to wake at 6 a.m. to be able to be there for the other seniors attending the center. “I enjoy it because I love them so much. I’d do anything for them. I enjoy what I do” Burkhalter said.