During Suicide Prevention Month, We Want You to Know That It Is Ok To Not Be Ok

This blog post contains sensitive topics that may be difficult for some people to discuss. Reader discretion is advised. One of the reasons people who are depressed don’t ask for help is the fear of the unknown. What will happen if I say I’m thinking of suicide? Will I be locked up? Will the hospital…

3 Reasons to Make or Revisit Your Will

Guest post by Community Foundation for Muskegon County We are happy to celebrate August as National Make-A-Will Month at the Community Foundation for Muskegon County as it brings end of life planning to the forefront. Many of our donors find the process not as tedious as they thought and gives them and their loved ones peace…

Meeting the Needs of an Aging Workforce

Is your business ready for an increase in wage earners over the age of 55? By 2031, more than 25% of all American workers will be over the age of 55, according to a report from global consultants Bain & Co. That’s a nearly 10% jump from 2011. Seniors are working longer – many by…

Benefits of Going to the Farmer’s Market for Older Adults

Rows of colorful fruits and vegetables lining the pathways. Green and yellow squash. Red tomatoes in every size. Fragrant green and red peppers. Blueberries, cherries, and apples. The farmer’s market can be a wonderful experience and it has many benefits for patrons. Eat Local at the Farmer’s Market Local farmers sell their produce at area…

3 Benefits of Regular Physical Activity

A recent Harvard University study showed a strong link between regular physical activity and feeling a greater sense of purpose in life. This focus can help with longevity and a lower risk of heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease. 1. Happiness Regular exercise makes you happier. Studies have shown a consistent connection between happiness and physical…

Helping Seniors Keep Their Cool

High temperatures with high humidity can affect adults over the age of 60 more quickly and more intensely. Conditions like obesity, heart disease and some diuretic medications can make it harder to stay cool when the thermometer soars. Here are some simple things you can do to keep your cool. 1. Drink Water Avoid beverages…

Zeke Johnson – Everyday Hero

Zeke Johnson, a volunteer driver for the Senior Medical Transportation Program, was honored as an “Everyday Hero” at the 2023 United Way of the Lakeshore Heroes Celebration on May 4. He was among more than 40 volunteers at community organizations nominated for the award. Zeke, who attended the evening event with his wife Theresa, wore…

Donor-Advised and QCD Funds for Charitable Giving Making an Impact

A growing number of donations to AgeWell Services of West Michigan and other nonprofit organizations come directly from donors’ investment accounts. Changes in tax laws in recent years have given some donors considerable tax advantages using donor-advised funds and gifts made directly from some investment accounts. Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) In 2021, donors gave $45.7 billion…

Senior Symposium 2023

Stronger Together: Staying Connected! This year’s Senior Symposium builds on last year’s “Together Again” theme by celebrating that we are stronger together and when we are staying connected! The day starts with a continental breakfast and a morning filled with informative presentations including Dementia Friends: Turn Understanding into Action; Palliative Care: A Team Approach to…

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! Heels for Meals & More was Outstanding!

To say the 8th Heels for Meals & More fundraising event was amazing would be an understatement. It was an absolute blast and definitely knocked our socks and shoes off! On Saturday, April 22, over 260 guests joined AgeWell Services of West Michigan to raise critical funds to support adults 60 and older in Muskegon,…

Thank You, Volunteers!

When you volunteer, you are making a commitment to share that most precious of resources – your time – to make life better for those who are in need. The fruits of your labors make a tangible impact, of course, but perhaps it is the fact that you are willing to share your time and…

Brand Recognition Opportunities at Heels for Meals & More Fundraising Event

The annual Heels for Meals & More fundraising event with 250+ expected attendees is a great way to build brand recognition and reach a potentially wider audience base. Sponsorships range between $300 to $3,500, with varying benefits and recognition. And guess what?! There’s still time to learn more about and maybe even purchase sponsorships! In…

Food Safety at Home and Dining Out

Preventing food borne illness is extremely important both when cooking at home and while dining out. Millions of people each year get ill from food borne illnesses. Often the symptoms feel like a stomach virus but can also cause serious illnesses and even death. Here are some tips to keep you healthy. 4 Food Safety…

Brand Recognition Opportunities at Heels for Meals & More Fundraising Event

Caregiver Insights

I became a caregiver for my husband Dixon in 2005 when he was diagnosed with a rare lymphoma. Here is my story. We had arrived at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota and I was anxious. We had no friends or family in the area. We were to be there for six weeks for Dixon’s…

New Auction and Checkout Platform for Annual Heels for Meals & More

AgeWell Services of West Michigan is hosting its annual Heels for Meals & More event at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Trillium Event Center (17246 VanWagoner Rd, Spring Lake, MI 49456). This festive fundraising event helps raise funds critical to support older adults to redefine their age. Throughout the fundraising event, guests…

Identifying the Winter Blues vs. Seasonal Depression

The winter blues and seasonal depression (also known as seasonal affective disorder or SAD) are two different conditions. Knowing the difference can help a person feel better sooner. When the excitement of the holiday season is over, it is normal to feel a little sad. Decorations have been taken down, the house looks ordinary, fun…

Ways and Opportunities to Honor Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Fifteen years after Dr. King’s assassination in 1968, the King Holiday Bill signed into law in 1983 designated the third Monday annually in January a federal holiday in observance of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As shared by The…

Ways to Make Cooking Easier

We all face our own challenges. For some, cooking may be difficult. While some people may need a program like Meals on Wheels to help them get the nutrition they need, others may just need to make some adjustments to make cooking easier and safer in your home. There are many helpful ideas to make…

DTE Energy Holiday Meal: An Extra Special Year!

This was an EXCITING year for the annual DTE Energy Holiday Meal! The event took place on Thursday, December 15. After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic during which the utmost caution was used, we were able to host a more traditional holiday meal at nine Lunch & Activity Centers in Muskegon and…