Dec 29, 2019 If you saw someone living with dementia, would you recognize the signs? Would you be uncomfortable? Would you avoid them? Would you be frustrated? Would you do nothing? Or, would you be a friend? A few weeks ago, I became a “Dementia Friend.” Dementia Friends is a global movement that is changing…
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Dec 13, 2019 For the first time in history, there are more people over 60 than under 18 in the United States. The Pew Research Center estimates that 10,000 people will turn 65 every day in the U.S. until the year 2030. That means that, on average, a person turns 65 in the U.S. every…
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Nov 25, 2019 Dementia Friendly Massachusetts (DFM) is a grassroots movement to make communities safe, inclusive, and respectful for persons living with Alzheimer’s Disease or a related dementia. DFM is an initiative of the Massachusetts Councils on Aging and Dementia Friendly America. The Cape Ann communities of Rockport, Essex, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Gloucester were formally recognized…
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Jul 5, 2019 In the past two weeks, the Senior Lookout column has reviewed the steps taken by the Age & Dementia Friendly Cape Ann (ADFCA) initiative. This week, I would like to discuss the resulting ADFCA Action Plan. The ADFCA Action Plan is broken into ten Areas of Focus, with an overall goal defined…
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Jun 28, 2019 In last week’s Senior Lookout column, I described the actions taken by the Age & Dementia Friendly Cape Ann (ADFCA) initiative. This week, I would like to discuss the community needs assessment findings. The population of Cape Ann in 2016 was approximately 46,000. Of the four communities, Gloucester is the largest with…
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Jun 21, 2019 A global shift has occurred. We are living longer—often healthier—lives. This exciting change creates both opportunities and new challenges. One response to this change has been the development of Age Friendly and Dementia Friendly movements throughout the U.S. and the world. These initiatives work to encourage communities to recognize older adults and…
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May 3, 2019 This Wednesday, May 1st, the Age & Dementia Friendly Cape Ann initiative held a community forum at the Elks at Bass Rocks. The goal of the event was to explore how Cape Ann can become a place where all residents–regardless of age or health status–can thrive. In last week’s article, I looked…
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Apr 26, 2019 Next Wednesday, May 1st, there will be a community forum at the Elks at Bass Rocks in Gloucester. “Aging Together: a Summit to Explore Building a Community for All Ages” will review the efforts of the Age & Dementia Friendly Cape Ann initiative—a project of the four communities of Cape Ann—and will…
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Feb 15, 2019 My Father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease several years ago. At the moment, he is doing okay. His medications seem to have slowed down the progression of the disease. He lives at home with my Mother and is able to help her around the house and play with the dogs. He has…
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