A new survey conducted by The Harris Poll looked at the impact the loss of hearing has on older adults. The study revealed that hearing loss negatively impacts the ability to enjoy entertainment, their social life, personal relationships, mental health, and the ability to conduct day-to-day activities.

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A National Institutes of Health study indicates that hearing aids can slow cognitive decline in older adults.

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Beth Squires, Resident Services Coordinator at the John Evans Supportive Living community in Pekin, was presented with the Dorene Award by the Illinois Activity Professionals Association at its annual convention held earlier this month. The award honors an outstanding activity professional.

Kim Mead of Gardant was re-elected Secretary of the Association’s Board.

A University of Michigan national poll on health indicates that most older adults in the U.S. object to cutoffs to cancer screenings based on a person’s age.

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Stephen Woods, Regional Director of Operations for Gardant, recently completed the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living’s Future Leaders Program and Kara Luca, Executive Director of Cambridge House of Maryville, was accepted into the program. The year-long program covers the latest theories and practical applications about quality, customer satisfaction, and leadership.

A moderate increase in daily walking can have significant health benefits for older adults, a study by the University of Connecticut found. For instance, an additional 3,000 extra steps a day can lower blood pressure.

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Julie Simpkins of Gardant was elected to the Board of Directors of the National Center for Assisted Living.

The most common advice from their doctors that is ignored by older adults is revealed in a story posted in the New York Post.

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Two Gardant-managed affordable assisted living communities recently celebrated 20 years of service.

During the past 20 years, Heritage Woods of Batavia has served more than 1,150 older adults of all financial means. Residents Mary Bradley, who has lived at the community since 2008, and Bonnie Western, who has lived at the community since 2011, were honored. Also honored were staff members Elidia Lopez, Housekeeper, and Kim Ayala, Marketing Director, for 17 years of service and Mike Betts, Dietary Manager; Jennifer Kline, Dietary Aide; and Arturo Elizarraras-Garduno, Cook, for 16 years of service; and Ashley Finnberg, Dietary Aide, for 15 years of service.

Cambridge House of O’Fallon has benefitted 900 older adults. During the celebration, the community recognized Jackie Gilmore, who has lived at Cambridge House for the past 15 years, and honored Mary Chamberlain, Resident Services Coordinator, Karen Blackburn, Dietary Cook, and Marilyn Kollmann, Dietary Cook, for 15 years of service.

This is an important time of year for those on Medicare. The annual Medicare Open Enrollment period began on Oct. 15 and continues through Dec. 7. There may be changes as of next year to the health and drug plans you currently have. There may be changes to costs and benefits; to the network of doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers; and to preferred pharmacies and the drugs that are covered. The plans you currently have may no longer be available. There may be plans that provide better benefits and plans that can save you money in the coming year.

To learn more and compare health and drug plans that will be available in 2024, you can go to Medicare.gov/plan-compare. Or you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4277).