In this heartfelt episode of Seniors and the People Who Love Them, hosts Cookie and Wendy are joined by special guest Brad Brown to explore the experiences of LGBTQIA+ seniors. Together, they discuss the unique challenges faced by older adults in the LGBTQIA+ community, from overcoming isolation and discrimination to ensuring access to affirming care and support. Brad shares his expertise and personal insights on how to create inclusive environments for LGBTQIA+ seniors, and how those who love and care for them can make a difference in their lives.

Throughout the episode, the hosts and Brad highlight the importance of fostering understanding, compassion, and advocacy in order to ensure that seniors of all identities are seen, heard, and valued. Listeners will also learn about valuable resources for LGBTQIA+ seniors, including:

• The L.E.I. (LGBTQ+ Elder Initiative): https://thelei.org/
• The Goldsen Institute's National Health and Aging Study: https://goldseninstitute.org/health/nhas/
• The National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging: https://lgbtagingcenter.org/

Tune in for an inspiring and enlightening conversation on how we can all work together to create a more inclusive and supportive world for seniors of every identity.

Welcome to Seniors and the People Who Love Them, the podcast where we dive into the issues that matter most to seniors and those who care for them. In today’s episode, we’re exploring a powerful force in American politics—the senior vote. With millions of seniors across the country heading to the polls, their voices have the potential to shape elections, influence policies, and advocate for the issues that directly impact their lives. Join the ladies today as we discuss the importance of the senior vote, how to get reliable information in this age of AI and social media and what to do to ensure your vote counts.

Don't let November 5th go bye without having your vote counted!

Here are some additional resources about voting:

AARP:

https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/government-elections/

How to Vote in Maryland’s 2024 Elections:

https://states.aarp.org/maryland/election-voting-guide

American Bar Association: Making it Easier for Seniors to Register and Vote:

https://www.americanbar.org/groups/senior_lawyers/resources/voice-of-experience/2024-february/making-it-easier-for-seniors-to-register-and-vote/

Administration for Community Living puts out a great resource called Voting Resources for Older Adults and People with Disabilities. This resource covers all of the very important bills both Federal and by State that pertain to Seniors and people with Disabilities.

https://acl.gov/news-and-events/announcements/voting-resources-older-americans-and-people-disabilities

Today, we're excited to welcome Fred Trenkle as our guest host. Fred is a dedicated volunteer with the Baltimore County Department of Aging's State Health Insurance Program, also known as SHIP. He's here to help us navigate the often confusing world of Medicare Advantage and break down its complexities.

If you or a loved one is approaching Medicare age or has questions about Medicare and Medicare Advantage, reach out to your local SHIP agency. SHIP agencies are available nationwide to provide support. For those in Maryland, here’s a list of where you can find assistance in your area.

https://aging.maryland.gov/Pages/state-health-insurance-program.aspx

Counselors Throughout Maryland

Call for FREE and Confidential Assistance

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• Allegany County:
• 301-783-1710
• Anne Arundel County:
• 410-222-4077
• Baltimore City:
• 410-396-2273
• Baltimore County:
• 410-887-2059
• Calvert County:
• 410-535-4606
• Caroline County:
• 410-479-2535
• Carroll County:
• 410-386-3800
• Cecil County:
• 410-996-8174
• Charles County:
• 301-934-9305
• Dorchester County:
• 410-376-3662
• Frederick County:
• 301-600-1234
• Garrett County:
• 301-334-9431
• Harford County:
• 410-638-3025
• Howard County:
• 410-313-7392
• Kent County:
• 410-778-2564
• Montgomery County:
• 301-255-4250
• Prince George's County: 301-265-8471
• Queen Anne's County:
• 410-758-0848 Option 3
• Somerset County:
• 410-742-0505
• St. Mary's County:
• 301-475-4200 ext. 1064
• Talbot County:
• 410-822-2869 ext. 231
• Washington County:
• 301-790-0275
• Wicomico County:
• 410-742-0505
• Worcester County:
• 410-742-0505

In this episode of "Seniors and the People Who Love Them," the ladies explore the fascinating world of virtual reality (VR) and its transformative impact on the lives of older adults. Join us as we dive into the innovative work of Thrive Pavilion, a pioneering community that leverages VR to create immersive social experiences for seniors. Discover how VR is breaking down barriers of isolation, fostering connections, and enhancing the well-being of seniors in surprising ways. Listen in as we are joined by Robert Signore from Thrive Pavilion.

Thrive is a community for older adults located in the Metaverse that provides group-based activities and events designed to improve all aspects of wellness and overcome social isolation.

Thrive is located in Horizon Worlds. You can find Thrive on your Oculus Quest using this link https://oculus.com/vr/4747479848684024/, or by searching for "Thrive" in Horizon Worlds

Please join this group and be part of their active community of older adults, and the people that care about them.

Thrive has many activities every week that focuses on physical, social, spiritual, intellectual, and emotional wellness.

Today, the ladies are discussing brain health for seniors. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of cognitive well-being as we age. Get tips and stories aimed at helping seniors optimize their mental fitness and live their best lives.

A couple of the resources we discuss:

National Institute on aging

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/cognitive-health-and-older-adults

Maintaining a Healthy Mind as You Age

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/maintaining-a-healthy-mind-as-you-age

This week, the ladies welcome very special guest Tracy Jacobs, Director of the Osher Institute at Towson University in Maryland. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Towson University provides learning opportunities to expand knowledge, gain insights into current events, and access social and cultural activities in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. There are no entrance requirements, just bring your curiosity and love of learning.

If you or a Senior you love are interested in this program please see additional information here:

https://www.towson.edu/campus/partnerships-research/osher/

Today, Cookie, Pinky and Wendy talk about hearing loss. About 1/3 of older adults will face hearing loss, a staggering number that is under discussed. For follow up please see these resources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20373072

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hearing-and-hearing-loss/hearing-loss-common-problem-older-adults#:~:text=About%20one%2Dthird%20of%20older,and%20hearing%20doorbells%20and%20alarms.

https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/hearing-aids/hearing-loss-america/

Wendy, Pinky & Cookie have a repeat guest on this week. Alison Vogrin returns with guest Michael Grafton both with the Baltimore County Department of Aging in Maryland. They are here to discuss volunteerism within and for the Senior community. Please let us know what you think,

For more information, please contact:

https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/volunteers/

410-887-2715

volunteers@baltimorecountymd.gov